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Our doodles live a 'dog's life'. Originally bred to be allergy friendly service dogs they are smart, calm and love to be with people. Whether it's laying by the pool in the summer or bounding along snow covered paths in the winter conveniently snow blown by their human dad , running through the woods or barking at the deer passing through the yard it's all about the fun! On any given day you can watch the doodle parade with at least 3 puffy tails wagging and noses to the ground as we wind our way through the neighborhood. Our dogs are allergy friendly, sweet with just the right amount of spunk and scrupulously health tested. Labradoodle puppies come with a 2 year genetic health guarantee and we will be available as a guide throughout the life of your puppy. Please visit our puppy page to learn about our current litter and plans for future puppies. You can also contact us today by using the button below. Our promise to raise healthy, happy puppies We take every step to ensure that your puppy has a great beginning. A high-quality diet, vet checks, daily exercise and a happy home life in our home or forever family give our parents a great head start. Prenatal checkups, ultrasounds and x-rays ensure that moms and puppies are safe and ready for the big day! Some experts believe that days are a period of rapid neurological growth and development. We stimulate the puppy's nervous system with position exercises ENS and jumpstart their sense of smell ESI by introducing distinct smells. Our play areas challenge the puppies physically and mentally to overcome fears and obstacles during problem solving playtime. There are wobble boards, climbing steps, boxes to explore, tunnels to run through, agility sections, toys and balls to chase. Sound desensitization begins at three weeks. Before puppies go home, they are exposed to our regular home environment. Most master the stairs. Outside, we wander our several fenced acres, encouraging them to be dogs while learning valuable skills. Follow the leader, coming when called, hiding in the woods and playing with mom are the most fun! Your puppy is carefully handled from birth to provide loving human contact while respecting the bond between momma and puppy. In the critical first 8 weeks we strive to help the puppies become well- adjusted little doodles who easily transition to their new homes. We take special pride in knowing each puppy individually. Before puppy selection we provide a detailed description of each puppy. We know who is frisky, who loves to play 'keep away' and who's the charmer. Your puppy is hugged and loved by grandchildren and selected visitors to begin their socialization. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our home-based, family-owned Australian Labradoodle breeding program is located about 50 miles northwest of Chicago. We are committed to breeding authentic, multigenerational Australian Labradoodles with bloodlines originating from the two breeding research centers in Australia, Rutland Manor and Teagan Park. Multigen Australian Labradoodles are consistently non-shedding, allergy and asthma friendly, loving, calm, intuitive and at times quite comical. All of these qualities make them wonderful family companions as well as excellent therapy and service dogs. Raising puppies is a lot of fun but it is also a lot of work!! As a breeder, it is our responsibility to make the most of our puppy's critical growth periods and introduce them to as many new sights, sounds, smells and situations as possible. At birth, days 3 to 16 with Bio Sensor Stimulation, and right through to the day you take your new fur baby home we are handling and socializing our puppies. Ultimately, it is our goal is to provide you with a healthy, well socialized, intelligent, lovable, easily trained doodle that will be a joyful addition to your family for many years to come. Top of Page Iowa Meadow's Labradoodles are wonderfully intelligent family dogs! With low to non-shedding and allergy friendly fur. Their lush silky fleece textured fur ranges from wavy to straight. Australian Labradoodles can range in size from Standard, Medium, or Miniature. Showing little difference in general appearance. Weight can range from 15 to 65 pounds. Check our photos of past litters to get an idea of what color or patterns you like the most. Any dog- owner can relate to this! The more I researched, I realized this breed in particular was perfect for our family and any family around. Not only are these dogs adorable and shed little to none, their wonderful temperaments and health guarantee sold us. We have never looked back and are so in love with our girls. Dogs from this cross typically were bred to each other over future generations, whereby the Australian dogs are also known as 'Multi-generational' Labradoodles. The resulting labradoodles subsequently have been bred to each other continuing the multi-generational tradition. I am also a momma of two girls and my sweet boy who keep me busy with their fun and crazy personalities. Aside from being an Australian Labradoodle Breeder, I also love painting, sewing, and running when I have free time. Iowa Meadow Family Brenna, my oldest is an old wise soul. Her passion and love have always been horses. She makes my heart burst with pride with the devotion she pours into a dream she has and lets nothing stop her. He loves exploring with the dogs, riding his bike, running everywhere and every sport there is. He can't wait to grow up to be a farmer. His best quality is spoiling his momma and telling her she is pretty. Bria is 14 years old and is our sassy spitfire who always keeps us on our toes. She is witty and smart too smart. She loves school which makes life pretty easy for us. Her passion is dancing!! She has been shaking and moving since she came out of the womb. She dances and sings all day long and puts the biggest smile on our faces. She set and reached her goals to join competition dance and continues to improve and impress me. Searching for forever homes.Social Media: Facebook Final Words Labradoodles are the cutest and most adorable furry friends you could have! It is always better to bring home Labradoodle puppies in the Midwest from a breeder instead of a pet store. The seven best Labradoodle breeders in the Midwest have ensured that your potential family member will like you! Moreover, Labradoodles adapt to apartment living and cold weather quite well. They are very affectionate and friendly towards strangers. Did we mention that they are very easy to train and have high energy levels? They are going to be the perfect exercise buddies for you. Now that you know where to find the best Labradoodle puppies in the Midwest do not waste your time waiting any longer. Go and bring that cute furball home to make your life whole! These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Limited Litters Reputable Labradoodle breeders typically breed their dogs a few times per year so they can focus on one litter at a time and give each Labradoodle mother plenty of rest after each puppy goes to a new home. Application Evaluations Responsible Labradoodle breeders should screen every applicant interested in a puppy. Most online applications have questions that help them determine the most eligible ones to bring home a puppy from one of their litters. Examples of questions include how long someone will leave the puppy alone throughout the day, whether or not they have a fenced yard, and their general home and work lifestyle. They Keep Their Dogs in Stable Living Conditions Many Labradoodle breeders raise their litters in their homes to protect them from outdoor diseases and natural elements. If they have a kennel, it should be sturdy and have temperature regulation when seasonal weather changes to keep their mothers and litters comfortable. Transparent Communication Many breeders should reach out to eligible applicants with updates about their puppy until the day they take them home. Breeders usually create puppy contracts that tell owners what to expect after taking a puppy home, from health guarantees and specific diet instructions to spay or neuter protocols. For example, health checks performed by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals test breedable sires and dams for genetic elbow, hip, eye, and knee issues. Breeders prioritize getting their Labradoodles vaccinated and dewormed every few weeks before letting their families take them home with their most up-to-date puppy shots. Please don't confuse us with another breeder from Racine, WI that goes by the name of "Midwest Labradoodles", we have very different programs.Since we've been refining the breed by holding back exceptional stock. We focus on loving and obedient temperament, the most sought-after coats non-shedding and allergy-friendly with an ultra plush look and feel all while maintaining exceptional health standards in our lineage. We are breeding our 17th and 18th generations deep of Australian Labradoodles. We are what is called a "multigenerational breeder". Our lineage can be directly traced back to Rutland Manor. Our Australian Multigen Labradoodles have the heart of a Labrador and the intelligence of a Poodle, the hunting instincts and love of swimming from the Irish Water Spaniel, and lastly, the need to snuggle and cuddle that the English Cocker Spaniel has to offer. At Australian Labradoodles Midwest Connection I will provide you with an adorable family addition, whose personality is so loving and sweet, yet so comical and amusing! Their silly, child-like antics will make you laugh out loud one minute and a gaze from their deep dark eyes will pull at your heartstrings the next! Their beautiful coats are allergy and asthma free and non-shedding, practically maintenance free! Owning one of these dogs of the future is a must for families that want the best of everything wrapped up in one big bundle of love! Accepting Applications Now! Taking applications and deposits for future puppies. Our puppies are very sought after due to their beautiful looks, great temperaments, allergy friendly, non-shedding coats and longevity due to proper health testing of parent dogs. I take my breeding program very seriously which allows me to provide you with a very healthy, loving, life long family companion! Exciting news!!! Oakley delivered her puppies a few weeks ago! You can see her newborn pups below. These beautiful puppies will go home in mid October. Ryder was breed and we are awaiting her pregnancy confirmation. We are excited to welcome her puppies into the family, in mid October as well. I will also be introducing Tucker, Reggie and Sully into to my breeding program in mid to late .Send your application and deposit in so I can add you to my waitlist.These areas are close enough for people to drive in a day or break it up with an overnight to bring their friend back to its forever home. Farther away? Consider a flight in and take your puppy back with you in coach or we could personally bring your puppy out to you. We will and have connected puppies to their forever homes and will work with you to make accomodations. Australian Labradoodle Puppies from Wisconsin to Anywhere While we find families in search of a puppy primarily in the Midwest, including Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Missouri, we are always open to find a good fit anywhere in the US. Contact us and let us know if your family is interested in a standard, small-medium, mini or micro labradoodle. Here is an excerpt from the Purchase Agreement: Seller guarantees that, at the time of delivery, the dog is in good health. Shipping fees will not be refunded. The following conditions apply to all sales: The Buyer has FIVE 5 days from the time of receipt of dog to have dog examined by a veterinarian. Any request to return the dog to the Seller for a full refund must be made within this time period and may only be requested should the dog prove to have a serious health issue upon arrival. Proof of examination must be provided to Seller. This guarantee will be terminated immediately if dog is not examined by a licensed veterinarian within the allotted time. You can always reach us through our breeder contact form or give us a call at .Schedule a pick-up or delivery of your adopted puppy by contacting the Wisconsin Australian Labradoodle breeders at Labradoodle Corral today. All Rights Reserved. The first step is to fill out the puppy application. Once I receive your application, I will contact you by phone with all the details. These litters are going to be exceptional. Super sweet temperaments with low to non shedding coats!! We are a professional family breeder of the highest quality Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle Puppies. Australian Labradoodles are intelligent, low to non shedding, hypoallergenic, and very family friendly and of course beautiful!! We have both Australian multi gen lines and new American multi gen lines which increases genetic diversity. All of our breeding dogs have gone through all the required health testing for breeding. Here at Midwest Labradoodle our mission is to educate prospective adoptive parents and to match those who qualify with the very best quality Australian Labradoodles available. The choice you make in your adoption is very important and we understand that. Education is the key to making an informed decision. Please feel free to Contact us and we will be happy to go over every step of our program with you. It is an amazing and fun journey that starts at conception! Click here to fill out our puppy application: P uppy Application The application is the very first step to this amazing journey! Once we receive your application, we will contact you by phone with details regarding our upcoming litters! What are our customers saying about us? Laddie with his new Mommy: Laddie as a puppy….

Do every chore you need to do before your pug arrives. This way, your pug would have all the attention it needs as it settles down for the first time. Avoid doing the following things. Allow it to settle and be familiar with its new home first before doing so. Start to crate-train your pug. Crate training is essential for pugs for many reasons. For instance, it will help them learn much quicker and have toilet training at the same time. You can do this by putting your pug into its crate the first thing after it arrives at home. You can add a nice treat for your pug to eat in the crate. Begin the house training. As soon as your pug starts to settle, try to make some schedule for house training. It would be best if you do it at the same time of the day. This way, your pet will learn to abide by a specific routine. You can also do this with potty training, mealtimes, playtimes, and other activities. Thus, you may find it overwhelming to choose which one would be best. Research to find out more about your chosen Pug breeder. Though we offer you a list of Pug breeders, you still need to get to know your chosen one. You can contact the phone number and visit their website to learn more about what kind of breeder they are. If you can, it would be better to visit their address. This way, you can avoid going into business with unreputable breeders. Ask the right questions. Once you have your breeder, reach out to him or her and ask the right questions. Visit your future pup in its current home. If you have connected with a breeder, chances are it will give you weeks to prepare your home. In those weeks, the breeder will also prepare the puppy. Between those weeks, you should get invited to meet and bond with your future pup. When you do, try to see and check the environment and how your puppy reacts. Such things will tell you a lot about how the breeder has been treating the puppy. Your breeder should ask more about you. A good breeder wants the puppies to be under good parents in the future. Other states. We here at Pug Place have the ultimate grumble, including a white pug, a chocolate pug, a few silver pugs and even a little reverse brindle pug. We have original black and fawn pugs too! We love sharing the love of pugs with new families and friends. Happy, Healthy Baby Pugs! Our baby pugs get regular vet visits and are raised in a happy loving home. We have some very excited pug puppies to share with you. We are SO happy with baby Penny. Thank you for everything Pug Place! Great place just looking to share Pug Love! Pugs Place Puppies All puppies come vet checked, with first immunizations and vaccination certificate. Pug love and light from our Oregon grumble!! Happy Homes Oregon Pug Puppy facilitator that has been providing puppies since to happy homes. Loving Home Our pug puppies raised in a happy home with regular vet visits to make sure our pugs are happy and healthy. Happy puppies full of energy looking for their new forever home, Contact us today! Follow our Pugs Place on social Follow our social and get exclusive updates on the Pugs! Contact Us.

Breeding Frenchies is a lot of work! It requires a lot of time, effort, and money to breed happy and healthy Frenchies. These breeders are what give French Bulldogs a bad rep. That certainly holds true when looking for a French Bulldog puppy. A high-quality, reputable breeder will conduct many tests to ensure your puppy is free of any preventable genetic health problems. A good breeder can minimize the risk of health issues Getting your French Bulldog from a reputable breeder can minimize the risk of your Frenchie having health issues such as deafness, hip dysplasia , respiratory problems, and more. Not to mention the heartache involved with dealing with a sick pup. Be wary of shady breeders All I know is that my worst nightmare is falling in love with my new Frenchie puppy only to come to find out he has a serious illness that the breeder failed to disclose to me. Consider Investing in Pet Insurance to save money If you are worried about the possibility of serious health issues , pet insurance is a great investment! French Bulldogs have been quickly rising in popularity — in fact, they just ranked 1 on the American Kennel Club rankings in .Why does everybody want a Frenchie?! I could go on all day. The French Bulldog can do it all Frenchies can lay on the couch all day with you or go out to explore the great outdoors! Frenchies are huge couch potatoes! Your Frenchie will be more than happy to travel where ever with you! However, that price can increase significantly, even into five figures, depending on the location and reputation of the breeder. Reproducing requires artificial insemination. These factors increase the investment for French bulldog breeders. The more investment a breeder makes into producing healthy high-quality dogs in good environments, the higher the price will be. The rarer the color is, such as blue, lilac or chocolate, the more you can expect to pay. Certain coat patterns, such as pied, merle or brindle, will also be more expensive. Female French bulldogs and those with blue eyes are pricier as well. Adopting through the French Bulldog Rescue Network is a more affordable way to acquire a new puppy or adult Frenchie. The French bulldog breed is exceptional with many rare characteristics that make them popular among dog owners. But there are also some challenges and things to watch out for. French Bulldog Size Fully grown French bulldogs average 12 inches tall. Adult females often weigh between 16 and 24 pounds, and males reach 20 to 24 pounds. Most French bulldogs will continue to gain weight until about 14 months old but stop gaining height between nine and 12 months. There are also mini Frenchies, also known as teacup French bulldogs. These are bred to be miniature versions of standard French bulldogs, weighing between five and 14 pounds. They typically shed in spring and fall, so you should increase coat brushing during that time to help reduce hair in your home. This can help you save on grooming costs. French Bulldog Appearance Along with breeds like English Bulldogs and pugs, French bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a shortened snout. Their faces are wrinkly and scrunched, giving them a distinct look, even as puppies. French Bulldog Colors French bulldogs come in many different coat colors. These include neutral colors — such as cream, gray, tan and black — as well as more rare colors like lilac, blue and chocolate. The rarer the color, the more expensive the price of a French bulldog will be. French Bulldog Temperament These pups are affectionate and playful, making them great companions. Training is recommended for French bulldogs since they can march to the beat of their own drum without guidance. Most Frenchies respond well to training, especially when treats are involved. Trainers believe French bulldogs understand commands but are moody and will respond as they feel like it. Frenchies are great family dogs, do well around other pets and prefer companionship. A companion will also allow you to leave them alone for longer periods of time without them getting frustrated. But, of course, another pet will come with its own costs. French Bulldog Activity Level Frenchies are not the best dog if you want a jogging companion. French Bulldog Life Expectancy French bulldogs have an average lifespan of 12 years if well taken care of. If they remain in great health, they can live as long as 15 years. Your veterinarian will periodically examine your Frenchie to ensure he or she is growing properly. Due to their flat faces and short necks, it can be difficult for French bulldogs to use standard feeding bowls. You can instead provide elevated dog food and water bowls to help your pet eat and drink more comfortably. Buying treats, toys or a comfortable dog bed can also help your Frenchie feel welcome in its new home. Less - The Frenchie shares many of the traits that made its bulldog ancestors so successful in the bull-baiting arena: low center of gravity, wide body, heavy bone, muscular build and large, square head. It has soft loose skin forming wrinkles about the head and shoulders. Unlike the bulldog, it has an alert, curious expression, which is aided by its bar ears. Also, unlike the bulldog, its movement is unrestrained and free, with reach and drive. It is a hardy, entertaining home companion and a solid lap dog. The French bulldog is a clown in a lap dog. It enjoys playing and entertaining its family, as well as cuddling and snoozing with its favorite person. It is amiable, sweet, companionable and willing to please. History The French Bulldog originated in 19th Century Nottingham, England, where lace makers decided to make a smaller, miniature, lap version of the English Bulldog that was referred to as a "toy" bulldog. In the s, when the Industrial Revolution drove the craftsmen to France, they took their dogs with them. The toy bulldogs became popular in France and were given the name the "French Bulldog. The Brits were not happy with the name "French" given to a dog that was originally from England, however the name "French Bulldog" stuck. Check out our French Bulldog Puppies What is included in our prices? We provide nanny service to all major US airports for an extra fee. Shipping to other countries is also possible, contact us for more info! PayPal and Stripe have payment insurance which means that they keep your money pending until you get the puppy. We get your money just after you have confirmed that your puppy has arrived in your arms safe and sound! Shots up-to-date worth USD Our pups receive all the necessary shots while they are with us: 1. Deworming worth 50 USD Our puppies are dewormed every two weeks from the age of 4 weeks old and they also get Simparica Trio against ticks, fleas and heartworms right before they leave. Anti-parasite treatment worth USD We give our puppies anti-parasite treatment against all parasites before they leave except for heart worms. Echocardiogram heart examination, worth 1, USD We do echocardiogram on our Frenchies and when we find the slightest chance of heart murmur in one of them, we rather cancel the adoption and find a loving home for them locally. Valer, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Membership and right to post in the TomKings Frenchie Family closed Facebook group We created a Facebook group for our adopters where we answer their questions and they share their experiences with each other. We are a Family because we are connected by the love towards Frenchies and we are always there to help and support each other, as well as share valuable experiences and advice! Only TomKings Frenchie parents are allowed to post and ask from us or any other member in the group. Participation in TomKings Frenchie Meetups We organize Frenchie Meetups in major cities throughout the States where you can talk with other TomKings Frenchie owners and exchange advice while your Frenchies are playing with each other. Frenchie Love eBook worth .Lifetime Health Guarantee We give you a lifetime health guarantee on all genetic disorders which cause death, which means that we send you another puppy if your Frenchie dies. We have never had that so far since the parent dogs go through a rigorous selection process before the breeding program and our vet checks the puppies often. We know that Frenchie owners have a bunch of questions about feeding, raising, training, etc. Our goal is to have only happy and healthy puppies so we will always be there to answer your questions! Lifetime vet assistance Frenchie owners have a lot of questions about the health of their puppies and most of the time they run to their vet right away and leave a fortune there for nothing. We even tell you whether you need to visit your vet at all! Health certification TomKings Frenchies are examined strictly before they leave for their new homes and we give you a health certificate which can be used if you want to have insurance for your puppy which we highly recommend. Exceptional care We treat every puppy as a family member from the moment they are born. We believe that the secret of having socialized and healthy Frenchie puppies is spending time with them all day long and letting them run and play in the backyard. Potty training It is crucial how puppies are trained at the beginning of their lives. At TomKings Puppies we are focusing not only on their health but their proper training as well. We start potty training for them so that you have a much easier job! Ultimate Guide. Depending on where you live sorry California, it is expensive where you are! This could indicate the dog is coming from a puppy mill. You can read why you should avoid buying dogs from puppy mills here. But the popularity of the dog means there can be a lot of competition for the Frenchies that do need a home. There are a lot of factors that can influence price, and if you are looking for a show dog or a dog for breeding, you should expect to pay a lot more. Certain colors, which are desirable but genetically quite rare, can also push up the price. A brindle or black puppy will usually be at the lower end of the scale, but a breeder might ask a lot more for a platinum or blue fawn puppy. This is Micro, a perfect body specimen for a Frenchie. He also has a blue coat and orange eyes, which are quite rare in dogs. What About Mini Frenchies? Mini Frenchies, also known as Teacup Frenchies, are the same fantastic dog, but they are quite a bit smaller than usual. You can expect them to weigh just 5 to 14 pounds on average. Due to their smaller size, though, their bodies can be fragile, so it is important not to engage in rough play with them. These dogs are even harder to breed see below than standard French bulldogs, so they are also quite a bit more expensive. Why are they so expensive, then? One factor is high demand since they are a very desirable dog breed. But that is not the whole story, since Labs are also one of the most popular dog breeds. Health Problems One of the biggest factors is these dogs have a lot of health problems. Most of their health issues are related to their flat, brachycephalic faces similar to Pugs and American bulldogs , which makes them particularly prone to breathing issues and allergies. This unique facial structure can also affect the formation of their jaw, and the health of their eyes, and can even affect their healing from certain illnesses and injuries. On top of this, they can also be prone to hip dysplasia, kneecap shifts, and heat stress. Fortunately, breeders try to control these breed-specific issues. It is essential that responsible breeders do their best to control these conditions, which means DNA scanning, genetic testing, multiple trips to the vet, and paying extra close attention to the developing puppies. Of course, all of this comes with a cost. Breeding Problems The other big problem is that Frenchies are extremely hard to breed. As well as the operation itself is expensive, the mother and pups need extra care afterward. Plus, breeders need to give their mother dogs significantly longer to recuperate before they can think about breeding them again. On top of that, French bulldogs have small litters—usually just three puppies. It is very unusual for a Frenchie to have five or more puppies in a single litter. So, if you are looking for a French bulldog puppy, you can expect to be on a waiting list for several months before a puppy is available. As well as being expensive to buy, French bulldogs can be pretty costly to care for, again mostly because of their health problems. They will probably need regular trips to the vet, and insuring them can be expensive because they are known to have health issues. But what are some of the main costs that you can expect to incur when bringing home a new puppy? Supplies It can surprise pet parents just how many things you need to care for a new dog. For starters, your new pup will need a bed, toys, bowls, a collar, and a leash. A crate can also be a big expense if you choose to crate train. However, because crate training is not so common among French bulldogs, first-time owners might also want to consider some professional training classes. Food Food is one of the biggest neverending expenses for any dog. Puppy food is also a bit more expensive than adult food because of its high protein content. Ideally, your dog should be eating puppy food until they are about 9 months old. French bulldogs should be eating around 25 to 30 calories per pound of their body weight each day. You can read more about pet insurance for puppies here. They will usually only bark when there is something wrong, so it is worth paying attention when they do vocalize. This is one of the reasons why they make excellent apartment dogs. While French bulldogs are adorable, they are specifically bred for their appearance, and this has led to a lot of genetic issues that affect their health and can leave them in a lot of pain in their later years. Many people object to putting the health of an animal second to appearance and therefore object to buying French bulldogs and supporting the purebred breeding industry. In theory, if there was no demand for these dogs, this kind of exploitative breeding would stop. In practice, this is difficult to imagine, considering how popular the breed is. Can French bulldogs stay home alone? French bulldogs actually tolerate being left alone relatively well. However, all dogs need a lot of love and companionship, and no dog responds well to being left on their own for 10 hours a day five days a week. Dogs become members of the family, and if they are going to thrive, they need to be treated with that kind of attention. Are Frenchies hard to potty train? However, they are little dogs with small bladders. They also tend to gobble down their food, which means they can be prone to smelly gas expulsions. How much exercise does my Frenchie need? French bulldogs do well on just a 15 to minute vigorous walk each day. They are also quite playful, so they burn off energy just playing around as well. Are French bulldogs aggressive? Despite the reputation of bulldogs, Frenchies are not aggressive. They are friendly and get on well with people and other animals. However, all animals are a combination of nature and nurture, so they can learn aggressive habits if they are not properly cared for. Are Frenchies high maintenance? They can also be left alone without expecting too much trouble. On the other hand, their tendency towards breed-specific health issues does mean they need regular visits to the vet. They may need special medications for things like breathing issues, and in later life, they may need things like a special bed. The Verdict French bulldogs are excellent dogs. They are great little companions who will find it easy to live in your apartment with you, but they are also fun-loving and curious. While they are great dogs, they are also quite expensive. This is due to high demand and some pretty serious difficulties when it comes to breeding them. They have small litters, almost always delivered by c-section, and health screenings and vet visits are a big burden for breeders. If you want something special, such as a rare color, you should expect to pay a lot more. You can also expect them to be relatively expensive dogs to own because they do need regular and close contact with a good vet to maintain their health. At a glance, the French bulldog is: Highly intelligent and trainable Small, meaning it does well in fairly small apartments Expensive due to demand and how difficult they are to breed Prone to breed-specific health issues So, are they worth all this expense and trouble? We think they are. French bulldogs can be the ideal pet for first-time owners with limited space and time but a lot of love to give. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Their dazzling striped effect is a super sweet addition to these charming little pups that can be appreciated by any dog lover. The different kinds of brindle So when you are looking to purchase a brindle french bulldog you need to know which brindle pattern is most desirable to you. There are seven variations of the brindle coat color in french bulldogs. Brindle This is the classic brindle color where you will see a darker striped effect covering a lighter base coat. Brindle french bulldogs will also look like tiny tigers with this coat coloring! Seal Brindle The only way to describe a seal brindle french bulldog is similar to a black french bulldog with little areas of white hairs. This color can be especially striking in french bulldogs. Blue Brindle These french bulldogs will have the standard brindle pattern only in a greyish or silver tone. The blue-brindle french bulldogs look like little silver tigers! Tiger Brindle This pattern looks just like a tiger! A tiger brindle french bulldog will have a very dark base coat with white tiger stripes all over its body. Chocolate Brindle The chocolate brindle french bulldog is a beautiful brown color with a milk chocolate colored stripes all over. These pups also have blue eyes and a brown nose area with brown claws. Reverse Brindle One of the most unusual brindle options, the reverse brindle french bulldog will look like a cream or white base coat with darker stripes. The reverse brindle is considered to be the rarest brindle color in french bulldogs. Pied Brindle The pied brindle french bulldog is very similar to the reverse brindle. The reverse brindle french bulldog will have a cream base coat with darker stripes that appear much less frequently than on a reverse brindle. Many pied brindle french bulldogs have a cute patch around their eye too! How does the brindle color occur? For a french bulldog to be brindle both of its parents must carry the recessive K gene. The K-locus gene is the gene that is responsible for the fawn, dominant black, and brindle colors. Health Problems These unfortunate pups are prone to many health conditions. Brindle french bulldogs are prone to thyroid issues, intervertebral disc disease, obstructive airway syndrome, and even deafness. Brindle french bulldogs are also more susceptible to allergies than other dogs. How much does a brindle french bulldog cost? Luckily brindle is a color in french bulldogs that is accepted by the AKC! This means you will be able to find a reputable breeder through the AKC when purchasing your brindle french bulldog. The price of a brindle french bulldog is quite a lot but not as much as some of the more unusual color options. If you are looking for more information on french bulldogs and their cost check out our article dedicated to the French Bulldog breed! Dog Pricing Welcome to Dog Pricing, your comprehensive source for all things canine! As the team behind this thriving hub, we're dedicated to researching and presenting the best and most reliable information to dog lovers everywhere. Our mission is simple: to help you become the best dog owner you can be. Surprisingly, this breed

We have answers. Instead of coming to a dead end at the end of a long day you can speak with an intelligent puppy raiser and begin your journey to meeting an adorable new German Shepherd. Begin by browsing some of the vetted breeders below. How do I avoid fraudulent puppy raisers? When you begin to search for reputable Albuquerque German Shepherd breeders you may find yourself coming across breeders who are operating out of their backyard or maybe even a spare room in their place of residence instead of spending the money for a top of line facility. The term for these businesses is backyard breeders. In order to empower more Americans to avoid these backyard breeders our network is set up with a thorough screening process to filter through the countless applications we receive each week. Can I find German Shepherd puppies in Albuquerque now? Of course you can. Instead of wasting time trying to find a reputable local breeder who may not even exist you can begin your process of finding a litter of German Shepherd puppies for sale in Albuquerque right now! Having a hard time finding German Shepherd breeders in Albuquerque? Are German Shepherds easy to train? Dogs that are intelligent and capable of accomplishing complex tasks like the German Shepherd are perfect for dog lovers who want to own an obedient pup. Just remember, when it comes to choosing a reputable breeder all you have to do browse the pre-screened businesses below. Yes, puppy mills are everywhere and they can be hard to recognize. A puppy mill is a factory like breeding facility where popular breeds are forced to reproduce more often than they naturally would which can cause stress and eventually health issues down the line. Do I have to choose from a local breeder? Before companies like Uptown Puppies existed, consumers were pretty limited when it came to finding qualified German Shepherd breeders. Luckily, the breeders with German Shepherds for sale in Albuquerque who have been accepted into the Uptown network have decades of experience arranging travel for their dogs to major airports around the US, which makes your search easier than ever! Can German Shepherds make for great family dogs? German Shepherds are fun-loving, loyal dogs that were bred to join and fit into a pack. Early on in your search for a new German Shepherd puppy you will realize just how coveted these dogs are and how quickly they will become attached to your family. Is it difficult to find a well bred German Shepherd for sale in Albuquerque? It can be difficult to find a properly bred litter of German Shepherd puppies mostly because these dogs are extremely popular among dog lovers across the country. At Uptown Puppies we are committed to making your shopping experience as easy as possible! Instead of wasting countless hours sitting at your desk searching for reputable breeders all you have to do to find your next companion is browse some of the pre-screened businesses below. Do you sell the cheapest puppies? Rather than offering cheap puppies the breeders who tend to get approved to join the Uptown Network offer a more boutique experience that involves exceptional breeding standards and even puppy transportation for out of state customers. Puppy pads Create a Schedule German Shepherd pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. Still, it would be best to prepare yourself for loud noises when your pet is asleep. Moderate Training German Shepherds are highly trainable. It simply means they respond well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. I also completed a small animal dietitian program and regularly attend seminars and clinics around the country to stay abreast of pet related topics. Several articles I wrote appeared in national dog magazines and books, and it has also been my pleasure to be a featured speaker on dog-related topics. Since , Hodenhof German Shepherds has maintained the highest standards of breeding top Schutzhund, Obedience, Tracking and Herding dogs. We have won numerous national titles and continue to be actively involved. Equally important to us, our dogs have won the hearts of the many families they have touched over the years. Many of our long-time clients are now enjoying their third generation Hodenhof GSD. They are such little characters, aren't they and make the very best lap dogs?! In , due to many requests, we made the decision to breed our beautiful female, Kimchi and now have two more exquisite young females in our family! We look forward to raising a limited number of litters from these three.We are enjoying showing Pugs again, on a limited basis, as we explore our new home state. Jana Mitchell.

Being a wonderful companion, it always wants to be close to its people, pleasing the owner with its playful antics. These courageous dogs can also be stubborn, often exhibiting independent behavior. Since it has a hunting ancestry, it may chase small household pets, including cats, squirrels, and birds. Always wary of strangers, it will not hesitate to alert you of any suspicious activity, making for an excellent watchdog. Care Exercise Tiring it out with an hour of daily activity will keep your pet dog mellow and happy. Aside from jogging, walking, or running, your Golden Doxie will enjoy a game of retrieving the ball in the yard. Make sure you have your backyard properly fenced and also stop your dog from jumping on or off high places to avoid back injuries. Grooming It requires a fair amount of grooming, including brushing once a month to keep its hairs from tangling, and bathing when its coat becomes dirty. If it has the smooth coat-type, you should wipe your dog using a damp cloth to keep its fur clean. Brush its teeth on a daily basis to prevent bacterial infections. Health Problems Some Golden Weiners may be prone to some health conditions including intervertebral disc disease, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, diabetes, bloating, and allergies. Training It can often be mischievous, and because of this, you need to be firm and consistent in your approach. Owing to its intelligence, the Golden Dox can learn to respond to commands quickly if motivated. Socialization Introduce your dog to a variety of unknown people and pets, and make sure it has positive experiences with them during its puppyhood. Puppies love exploring new things and form bonds until they are three to four months old. Invite your friends or relatives to come to your place frequently and tell them to offer treats. It will help your Golden Dox feel confident in the presence of friendly visitors. Be sure to keep it on the leash when in public. Let your Golden Doxie take part in dog sports like agility, flyball, and treibball since they provide a physical outlet for indulging in its favorite pastime. Feeding Give your Golden Dox one to two cups of quality dry food on a regular basis. You may also keep it on the BARF diet, which includes raw foods like fruits, vegetables, meat, and bones. Home » Breed » Golden Dox what you need to know before getting one Golden Dox what you need to know before getting one This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. The lifespan of the Golden Dox is around 10 to 14 years. In this article, I will be talking more about these adorable puppies and what to consider before taking them home. What is a Golden Dox? Both the Golden Retriever and the Dachshund have been household pet favorites for years. With its parentage, it seems like the Golden Dachshund is made for dog superstardom. Golden Weiner dogs are true people lovers; they love cuddles and just being around their human family. They are good around children, making them ideal house pets. Their friendly nature, however, does not make them ideal guard dogs. Golden Weiners are more likely to welcome strangers than scare them off. They are fine with other dogs, but not with other pets such as rabbits or cats. The Dachshund in them has the tendency to look at smaller animals as prey. Golden Dachshunds are not nuisance barkers and would only bark when they sense that something feels wrong. The Golden Dox loves playtime Golden Weiner dogs are a smart and highly energetic bunch that loves to play outdoors, something that they inherited from their parent breeds. Golden Retriever Dachshund mix need at least 60 minutes of play a day to release all their pent-up energy, or they may turn to chewing and digging. Training the Golden Dox Golden Dachshunds are quick to pick up on commands and learn tricks, but, just like any other breed, it is best to train them young. Starting training as early as 8 weeks old curbs their Dachshund tendency to be stubborn. The eager-to-please Golden Retriever side craves human affirmation so he will seek opportunities to make you happy. But this does not mean that the Golden Dox will obey all the time. Training for the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix has to be both positive and firm. They love positive reinforcement such as praise and treats for a job well done. What do they look like? How Golden Weiner puppies turn out will be largely dependent on which parent breed their genetic makeup is leaning towards. Some of these puppies have the head of a Golden Retriever and the body of a Dachshund, while others take on a different appearance. These hybrids are also described as little Golden Retrievers or bigger Dachshunds. How big do Golden Retriever Dachshund mixes get? As mentioned above the average size of a full-grown Golden Dox is 10 to 23 inches 25 to 58 cm in height and around 30 to 60 pounds 13 to 27 kg. There are also breeders who can give you miniature Golden Dox puppies, which are bred from Golden Retrievers and Mini Dachshunds. However, not much information is given on how tiny Mini Golden Dox puppies can get. The Golden Weiner inherited its muscular build from its Golden Retriever parent and got the long body and short legs of its Dachshund side of the family. You can expect moderate shedding from the Golden Dox all throughout the year. Their double coat can vary from short, medium, or long depending on what they inherit from their parent breeds. The hair can also be smooth or wavy. Grooming the Golden Weiner dog is simple. Daily brushing should keep their coat shiny and tangle- free. Visits to a groomer every other month is also recommended to ensure their coats remain healthy and attractive. Golden Dox ears need to be checked and cleaned once a week to avoid ear infection and his nails should be clipped every two to three weeks. Teeth should be brushed daily or at least three times a week. How can I keep my Golden Dox healthy and happy? As mentioned on the first paragraph the average lifespan of a Golden Dox is 10 to 14 years. Some common health issues are the same as what its parents have. These may be ear infections, intervertebral disc disease, and hip dysplasia. Where can I buy a Golden Dachshund? You can get them from breeders, but, sometimes, you can find a Golden Dox for adoption at rescues and shelters. Breeders who focus on the Golden Retriever-Dachshund mix may not be common, but you may check breeders of the Golden Retriever and the Dachshund. Conclusion Overall, the Golden Dox is ideal for an owner who can take the time to go out and play with it. They are active dogs that want you to be with him in their daily activities for them to be healthy and happy. These crossbreeds can be high-maintenance when it comes to your time and in affirmation. If you have the stamina, the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix is perfect for you. If you want to share your experience with the breed, feel free to submit a comment below. About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. Are the dams and sires of Golden Dox puppies always a Golden sire and Dachshund dam or does it go both ways? If so, is having a Golden dam or a Golden sire better? Take a guess! We think all of these names are extremely cute, but the one that caught our attention the most is the Golden Dox. Like with most mixed dog breeds , people get very creative with dog names and nicknames, so can you with the Golden Dox puppy! Although it may seem like an unusual combination, Golden Retrievers can indeed breed with Dachshunds. The breeding process requires that the Golden Retriever female carries the Golden Dox puppies. Wondering why? Both the Dachshund and the Golden Retriever parent must undergo a health examination prior to mating. Dog owners have to be aware that the mating process comes with its risks, especially when you have two dogs that are very different from one another in size. Male Dachshunds are outgoing and energetic little dogs that can become even more energetic during heat periods in female dogs. When a male Doxie shows signs that it wants to mate , he will be determined to do so — no matter what! Obviously, there is a massive difference in size. When it comes to their personality traits, the Golden Retrievers are known to be the best family dogs and companions for practically everyone. On the other hand, Doxies are known to be needy and even a bit aggressive! There is lots of information about our beloved sausage dogs being the most aggressive dog breeds in the world. Say whaaat? It seems like there is nothing similar between the purebred Golden Retriever and the purebred Dachshund. Or is it? The Dachshund Parent The wonderful sausage doggy we all know and love very much. The Dachshund originates from Germany and it was bred primarily to be a fierce hunter. Back in the 17th century when serious Dachshund breed development took place, this small dog was used to hunt badgers and other small animals. With its short legs, the Dachshund showed incredible digging skills. Its long snout could get inside the holes it dug, so it was pretty easy for it to retrieve any small animal from the ground. Clever, active, courageous, and a bit stubborn are the words that best describe the Dachshund breed. Perhaps the reason why both male and female Dachshunds are so energetic, loud, and needy might just lay in the way they were bred. These doggies were always on the mission to hunt and thrived when they had a job to do. Plus, they were very attached to their owners, just like modern Doxies are. Its smiling face and loyalty towards its family members made the Goldie one of the most popular breeds in the world. The Golden Retriever is a large Scottish dog whose origin dates back to the s. It was primarily bred to, you guessed it — retrieve game such as waterfowl from bodies of water and bushes. Its hunting skills were passed down from Water Spaniels that were used to create this purebred dog. Many Golden Retriever dog lovers may not be aware of it, but this golden pup is one of the best bird hunting dog breeds. Not only that, but the cuddly Goldie has also earned its spot on the smartest dog breeds list. Besides their affectionate nature, both Golden Retriever genders are real smarty pants! But, we might just have an answer to it! As with most dogs, male and female Golden Doxies are going to be different in height and weight. Its size will also depend on whether or not the Dachshund parent is a miniature or standard type. Due to the fact that there is a size difference between the American and English Golden Retriever , this factor is also something to keep in mind. Height Despite its large and tall Golden Retriever parent, the Golden Dox is going to be a short dog. It usually inherits the dwarfism gene from its Dachshund parent that makes its legs short. Having said that, the Golden Dox height ranges from 10 to 23 inches. We can say that the Golden Dox is going to be a small to medium-sized dog. In case you are not sure how big a purebred Dachshund will get, we got you covered with our detailed Dachshund growth chart. Weight The weight of a Golden Dox pup can vary depending on which parent side it leans more towards. With both dog parents looking and weighing so different, the weight range of a Golden Doxie can be quite broad. However, in most cases the Golden Dox weighs between 30 and 60 pounds. The Golden Retriever growth chart shows how big this purebred dog gets, so you can figure out its maximum weight. Both Goldie and Dachshund growth charts can help in predicting the size of your Golden Dox puppy. Photo from: frejalolathehotdogs Oh, these are splendid little sausage dogs that inherit very unique looks! When you take a good look at the Golden Dox puppy, you see that it clearly resembles both the Golden Retriever and the Dachshund parent. Most of the time, the Golden Dox inherits equal appearance and personality traits from its Golden Retriever and Dachshund parents. However, the way the Golden Dox looks depends on whether or not both parent dogs are purebred or not. If a purebred Goldie is bred with a Dachshund mix puppy, then the outcome will be something different. To achieve the unique Golden Dox look, both the Dachshund and the Golden Retriever parents must be purebred dogs. For Goldies we have a field and show Golden Retrievers , while Dachshunds can be miniature or standard sized. So, the body structure of a Golden Dox will depend on these factors. Oh and, if a blockhead Golden Retriever is in the mix, then the Golden Dox has a higher chance of inheriting a larger and sturdier skull along with almost identical facial features as the Goldie parent. Unique Appearance The Golden Dox puppy inherits short legs and elongated sausage body like most Dachshund mixes do. The long muzzle is still present, as well as floppy ears. Strong and sturdy bones are inherited from the Golden Retriever parent. For the most part, the Golden Dox has a wider skull than its purebred Dachshund parent. How a Golden Dox coat type will turn out depends solely on what types of Dachshund and Golden Retriever were crossed. Yes, both dog breeds come in different types, and all types have different coat lengths and densities. Canadian Golden Retriever — short and thin coat 3. American Golden Retriever — flat or wavy with feathering and a ruff around the neck The Dachshund parent comes in three coat types as well: 1. Smooth Doxie — short and shiny coat 2. Long-haired Doxie — soft and dense coat 3. Wire-haired Doxie — short and wiry Golden Retrievers of all types inherit a double coat, while the wire-haired Dachshund is known to be the only Doxie type to inherit this coat. However, long-haired Dachshunds usually inherit double coats. All of this should be taken into consideration when estimating what kind of coat type a Golden Dox will have. But, the funky sausage dog is here with over twenty different coat colors and patterns. I mean, the official Dachshund breed standard states that there are twelve Dachshund coat colors. So, this means that the Golden Dox is bound to inherit a whole pinwheel of interesting coat colors. Golden, cream, white, black and tan, wheaten, red, black and cream, and so on — almost any color you can imagine! Take a look at the dapple Dachshund dog, a very unique pup that could pass its color genes to the Golden Dox puppy. Do Golden Dox Shed? Photo from: cookiegoldendoxie The shedding amount of a Golden Dox puppy will depend on previously mentioned coat types of both parent breeds. The Golden Retriever has a thicker and denser coat than the small Dachshund parent. Goldies shed normally moderately the year, but fall and spring are when they shed the most. On the other hand, Dachshunds shed very little. Due to the fact that the Golden Dox is a combination of both worlds, the shedding amounts seem to be divided evenly, making the Golden Dox a relatively low-shedder. But, this can vary. If a long-haired Dachshund mixes with a Golden Retriever, chances are that it will shed moderately. Quick answer — no. The Golden Dox is not a hypoallergenic crossbreed because both parents are not hypoallergenic pooches. Although they make great family pets, Golden Retrievers may cause health issues to allergy sufferers. Same goes for Dachshunds. Even though they can inherit short coats, Dachshunds are still non-hypoallergenic dogs. On the other side: extremely energetic, playful, loyal, affectionate, and unbelievably cuddly. The Golden Retriever Dachshund mix puppy is all of that! Actually, the Golden Dox personality is quite difficult to put in words. The Golden Dox has two incredible dog breeds for parents. It inherits the lovely and affectionate side from both of them. Willingness to play and please is definitely something that the Golden Dox inherits from the Golden Retriever parent. Devotion and high energy levels are passed onto the Golden Dox from its Dachshund parent. Personality traits of the Golden Dox puppy that aspiring dog owners may find challenging include stubbornness and free-will. Even though the Golden Dox can be extremely obedient and loyal, there are times when it wants to have things its own way. Golden Retrievers are among the most loved family pets in the U. But, most dog lovers are not aware that Golden Retrievers may have an aggressive side to them. As for Dachshunds, these small sausage dogs are known to be needy and loud, but extremely affectionate! However, Dachshunds are also labeled as aggressive dogs. What gives? Does this mean that the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix puppy is going to be an aggressive dog? No way! Both Golden Retrievers and Dachshunds parent breeds are fun, outgoing, loyal and affectionate family pets. If trained and socialized on time, both make wonderful pets that will do anything to please their loved ones. So does their little hybrid offspring, the Golden Dox. I mean, any dog can become aggressive if not trained and socialized properly. Photo from: brianbsantacruz Even though it gets attached to one person in particular, the Golden Dox gets along with everyone in the house. It can be very good with children and with the elderly. Besides being an affectionate cuddle buddy, the Golden Dox is actually a small guard dog. Golden Doxies can get really loud and bark at nothing , just enough to alarm their owners. This particular trait makes them great guard dogs. There might be an issue if you own a cat or other small animals because the Golden Dox may inherit a high prey drive. Both parent breeds are known for their hunting skills, so the Golden Dox may see the small animal as prey. Photo from: frejalolathehotdogs Children will love the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix, not only for its size and cute looks, but for its high energy levels and willingness to play. Children must know how to play nicely with Golden Dox puppies, while puppies must go through early socialization and get used to being around children. There are times when kids become too much even for the highly energetic Golden Dox, so it will want to be alone if it feels like it. I would advise parents to never leave their small children unsupervised with a Golden Dox, or any other dog. Besides running around and chasing stuff, Golden Doxies enjoy mental games that get their clever brains going! You can expect a Golden Dox puppy to be a very smart little dog with lots of energy and zoomies that are difficult to calm down! But, you will love the energy that this mixed breed passes onto everyone. Are Golden Dachshunds Healthy? However, several congenital health problems from purebred parents can still be passed onto the hybrid Golden Dox puppy. Golden Doxies are generally healthy pups, but there are some health risks lurking in their genetic code. There are actually lots of different names out there for this mix breed. So much so that it can get a little confusing when searching for a Golden weiner dog or Golden Dox for sale. Either term is fine, although Golden Dox is more common. You are probably more likely to find breeders and keen owners talking about Dox crosses than Weiner Dogs. Just make sure to see the parents when buying a puppy, to make sure you and the breeder really are on the same page. Want to train your dog without spending hundreds of dollars? Click Here to check out the brain training for Dogs course now! Why some people are concerned about this extreme hybrid and question the ethics in breeding it? There are some people that will dislike the idea of this cross because it is so extreme. There are fears over the health of the parents and litter, and the practices involved in creating the pups. Clearly, the most important issue on the minds of owners is the size of the dog. Golden retrievers are medium sized gun dogs with a good build. Dachshunds are tiny little hounds with long bodies and short legs. There are many short Golden Doxie dogs with longer bodies and the ears and color of the Golden. These factors will all depend on the leaning towards a certain parent. Some take after the Golden a lot, while others are much more like the Dachshund. Gender will also play its part here. The opposite would put a female Dachshund at risk because of the size of the puppies. Clearly, this safer method requires artificial insemination. Many breeders will go about this the correct way, and breed for healthier litters with fewer health concerns. Others wont think about the risks and could put the pups and mother at risk. Ideally, these pups wont have as many spinal issues, but there are still joint risks due to the heritage of the Golden Retriever. Other risks include epilepsy , bloating and some eye problems. Some Golden Doxes may live longer with proper care. Others will not live that long due to physical issues. Conclusion Each Golden Dox has its flair, depending on how much each parent they inherit. You can find all the information you need about these Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix puppies in our comprehensive guide so that you can decide if the Golden Dox puppy is the right one for you. Here's what you need to know. Because the Golden Retriever and Dachshund parent breeds are so dissimilar, it's difficult to predict how a Golden Retriever Dachshund hybrid would appear. There are tremendous differences in size, coat, and body shape, so it is no wonder that this is the case. The Golden Dox dog looks very much like a Golden Retriever, and it is a very cute dog. All of us know that Golden Retrievers have been the most popular breed of dog for many years among dog lovers; after all, no one is surprised by this fact. In addition to being adored for their endearing and innocent looks, they are also well-known and in high demand. Furthermore, they are highly sociable with others. They can also have markings. They are usually golden, although they may also be red, blonde, black, or brown. Spotted and merle colors are more uncommon, as they are generally a recessive feature that Golden Retrievers lack. Size Golden Doxes have short legs, large torsos, and floppy ears. They are tiny to medium-sized canines. The average Golden Doxie weighs 30 to 60 pounds and stands 10 to 23 inches tall. The size difference between these dogs and their dachshund or golden retriever parents is frequently noticeable. Coat The Golden Dox will most likely inherit the head shape and facial traits of a Golden, but it will indeed have the longer, low-slung physique of a Dachshund with a coat that can represent either breed. The Golden Retriever typically has a wavy, medium-length double coat with a golden or white hue that resembles that of the Golden Retriever. Nature Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix puppies are real people lovers who like cuddling and simply being around their humans. This breed is good with children, and makes an excellent pet for a family. On the other hand, their loving attitude makes them poor guard dogs. Strangers are more likely to be welcomed than frightened by Golden Dox. They get along with other dogs but not with other animals. Golden Dachshunds mix pups are not annoying barkers and will only bark if something is wrong with them. Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix - Things to Know Temperament Golden Doxes are gentle canines with some of the most appealing characteristics among lap dogs. These puppies are inquisitive, lively, and prone to social engagement. However, these puppies become fatigued rapidly due to their small size and may need to be removed from the situation if they become upset. These dog breeds are highly loving and excellent to have around the house if you can respect their boundaries. These puppies may begin to indulge in destructive habits, including chewing and scratching, if they take too much after their golden retriever parent. You may solve this problem by providing more toys and a clean, free room for them to run about in. Grooming A Golden Dox's fur is fluffy and has to be groomed regularly to keep it in excellent shape. Brush your dog's fur at least once every few days, if not on a regular basis, for optimal benefits. You should also bathe them twice a month, wash their teeth , and keep their nails trimmed. Golden doxes all have different coats, so they'll need to go to the groomer on a frequent basis to keep in good form. Remember to get your dog's fur cut to save them from overheating in the summer. Training The Golden Dox are clever creatures who respond swiftly to commands if adequately motivated. Positive reinforcement works on Golden Retrievers and Dachshunds, making training a Golden Dox easier for owners. Going on fast runs and catches with your dog might also be part of the training strategy. Positive reinforcement strategies include sweets, praise, and presents. Golden doxes are tough to teach since they are picky creatures. Although they like spending time with their owners, they are not fond of being told what to do. You should start with to minute training sessions, and then stop when you notice your dog isn't paying attention anymore. Remember to conduct refresher activities at least once or twice a week after your dog has been taught. Extra training is also an excellent reason to spend spare time with your dog. Exercise Golden Retrievers require a lot of activity, but dachshunds are pretty inactive. Therefore, Golden Doxes need a yard so that they can roam freely. These dogs are very small, so unless you're willing to take them to the restroom every few hours, they might not be a suitable choice for apartment life. Otherwise, make sure your low-riding dog has lots of toys and a clear roaming area on the floor, so he doesn't get lost, confused, or hurt when exploring the home. Food Golden Doxes' stomachs are tiny and delicate; therefore, they don't require a lot of food. Make sure your dog receives small amounts of high-quality kibble every day, and choose a kibble that's made specifically for small dogs. You could expect your dog to be energetic all day if you feed them too much. Please do not give these dogs scraps since they are more likely to develop stomach or liver disorders, resulting in a shorter lifetime. Average life expectancy The Golden Dox will require frequent exercise, food tailored to his size and age, and regular vet visits to live a happy and healthy life. The lifespan of Golden Retrievers is generally the same as their parents. The life expectancy of a medium-sized dog is between 12 and 14 years, which is reasonable for a dog of his size. Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix-Health Guidelines It's common for Designer Dogs to be physically healthier than their purebred parents; however, you should always do some research if you are interested in learning what your new puppy may inherit from his parents. One of the most common reasons against purebred dogs is that they have more health problems than mixed-breed dogs due to a lack of genetic variety. While this is often true, it does not mean that mixes like the Golden Dox are immune to their parents' health problems. While proper breeding can help prevent the spread of these illnesses, you must regularly manage them. This devastating spine condition may affect dogs in a variety of ways, with some canines experiencing just minor discomfort and others being paralyzed permanently. Long-backed dogs should be maintained trim, walked on a leash, and jumped on as little as possible. Epilepsy A type of epilepsy that appears for no apparent reason is called idiopathic epilepsy. Recurrent seizures can occur in patients with this condition because of abnormal brain activity. Many types of epilepsy exist, including facial twitching and generalized seizures. You should seek treatment for your Dachshund Golden Retriever's epilepsy by consulting a veterinarian. Ear infection Throughout their lives, the Golden Dox is prone to ear infections. Because of the ear's structure, dirt and debris become trapped inside, and the atmosphere within the canal tends to be damp and wet, allowing bacteria and yeast to thrive. Regular ear washing and avoiding getting ears wet during bathing and swimming can help prevent ear infections. Allergies Your dog may have an allergy if it's itching in a specific area or all over the body, and it's having difficulties breathing. Allergies can also cause skin issues, coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. Determine the allergen that the Golden Dox was exposed to in order to prevent them from developing allergies. You will be able to prolong the life of your Golden Retriever Dachshund hybrid if you take proper care of him. You will also be able to help him become healthy and robust. Conclusion Overall, the Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix is best suited to an owner who has the leisure to play with it. They are energetic dogs who require your presence in their everyday activities in order for them to be healthy and happy. The Golden Dox is the classic pet dog, intelligent, friendly, and lively, and is an excellent choice for first-time owners and families with children. They do, however, demand a lot of care and may be stubborn during training sessions, so they may not be the best option for everyone. When it comes to your attention and affirmation, these crossbreeds may be high-maintenance. The Golden Retriever Dachshund breed is ideal for those who have the stamina. If, however, you are looking for a dog with a distinct look, then the Golden Dox is an excellent option. More Dog's World. The two dog breeds also love to spend their lives outside of their homes. Families who like to go on trips and spend time outside the house are perfect for the hybrid dog. Spend about thirty to sixty minutes a day to exercise with your dog. Take the Dachshund Golden Retriever on a walk in the morning and the evening. During the day, play fetch with the Golden dox leaning to the Golden Retriever side. If it is leaning to the dachshund side, the fetch game may not work as well. Make sure that your house has proper fences to avoid losing the hybrid dog. It is also ideal to avoid letting the Dachshund Golden Retriever from jumping off of high places to prevent leg and back injuries. Puppies love exploring things in their early days, which makes a trip to the woods an ideal exercise for your baby Golden Dox. Invite your friends to your house to give the dog the chance to form bonds with strangers at a young age. Make your friends offer treats to the Golden Dox to make it feel comfortable with friendly visitors. While in public, make sure that you keep your Golden dox on a leash to avoid losing your adventurous pet. It is also ideal for the hybrid dog to participate in dog sports like flyball, treibball, and agility exercises. Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Training When training the Golden Retriever and dachshund mix, you need to be consistent with your technique. The Golden Dox are intelligent creatures and will react to orders quickly with proper motivation. Positive reinforcement can work on Golden Retrievers and dachshund, which makes it easier for owners to train a Golden Dox. The training method can also include having fun with your dog by going on quick runs and catches. Use treats, praise, and gifts as your positive reinforcement techniques. Golden retrievers are one of the most natural dog breeds to teach, which is why training will not be an issue if the hybrid puppy is leaning more on the Golden Retriever side. The retrievers dedicate themselves to exercise until they get the command right. Dachshunds are more challenging to train because of their stubborn personalities. They can quickly learn commands but feel less inclined to obey them. They mostly decide on what they want to do rather than listen to order if they are not in the mood. To understand better the Sausage pup personality, skim through Dachshund training and Dachshund potty training articles, as well as our Dachshund breed guide. If the pup is leaning to the Golden Retriever side, training will be a breeze. It is advisable for the whole family to use similar command gestures to avoid confusing the dachshund mixed with the Golden Retriever. It is also recommendable to start building a connection with the Golden Dox and let it calm itself before undergoing training. The Golden Dox love to chase and hunt smaller animals, which makes it vital to teach it how to obey commands. If you own a Golden Dox puppy, go through the best ways to train your puppy article, you will find lots of useful info there. Make sure to avoid the most common mistakes in dog training. It is also important to socialize the Golden Dox with other animals in its first months. The dogs leaning to the Dachshund side will chase after other pets, sometimes animals bigger than it, because of lack of training. Its energy levels are suitable for people who love to go outside and participate in activities. Dachshund Golden Retriever is also loyal when owners take the time and patience to raise them properly. The alert level of the Golden Dox is exceptionally high, making them great guards for a safe house. A Golden Dox is a welcome addition to a loving family. When owners dedicate their time to the dog, it will repay them with loyalty and affection. The price of a Golden Dox may be expensive, but it will be worth it when it starts to form bonds with each of the family members. If you are interested in more Dachshund mixes , take a look at our list of these mix cuties. However, Golden Doxes usually take from the best of both parent breeds, making them great pets. The Golden Dox has a strong prey drive, and they tend to be both intelligent and stubborn, which can be a difficult combination. All in all, though, these are great dogs for families of any size. However, their failures as guard dogs go beyond their little legs. However, their zoomies stop just as quickly as they start. These dogs love to cuddle up next to you on the couch, and they can spend hours watching TV at your side. If you have small children in the house, be sure to supervise them as they play, and educate them on the correct way to handle the puppies. This can also cause them to treat you as a resource to be guarded, which can cause issues if left unchecked in a multi-dog home. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They have a strong prey drive, so when they see these animals, they tend to go into hunting mode. They love to play, so games of fetch, tug-of-war , and tag will go over well with them. They also take well to agility training, and basic obedience work is necessary as well. If they do take to water, then swimming is a fantastic, low-impact way to tucker them out. They tend to love going to the dog park, and they usually behave themselves while there. A post shared by Golden Mollie mollie. Positive reinforcement is the way to go with these dogs, as criticism usually only causes them to retreat into their shells. They love to please you, so a few words of praise and a pat on the head will go a long way. Group training classes are a good idea as well, as they offer a double whammy of socialization and obedience work. Expect a little bit of shedding every day, all year round. You should clean their ears out regularly— at least once a week and every time after they go swimming. We recommend brushing their teeth daily, and nails should be trimmed as needed , but these dogs are often so active that they file their claws down on their own. However, they do tend to be more delicate than other dogs, so be careful about playing rough with them. Minor Conditions. Brown, tan, black, gold suitable Suitable for: Active families, guard duty, children Temperament: Playful, loving, loyal The appearance of your Golden Dox can vary dramatically depending on what parent it takes after. However, it usually has a long muscular build with short legs and floppy ears. Its color can be any combination of the parents, and the fur is very dense but does not shed too heavily. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. This means you will be dealing with a breeder if you want to welcome a Golden Dox into your home, so you should be sure to ask all of the right questions before you begin the adoption process with anyone. Most of the better breeders will run genetic tests on the parents to make sure they are not passing on genes that can lead to a health problem later on, and while these tests can raise the price of your dog, they tend to be worth it in the long run. Golden Dox puppies are adorable, cuddly, and full of energy. They are friendly, they love people, and they love to play. This breed typically has plenty of energy to spare and is welcoming to strangers but is also alert and will let you know if someone unexpected is in the yard, so they make fantastic guard dogs. It likes to be the center of attention and will require plenty of positive reinforcement. Early socialization will help it enjoy being around other pets, but they usually make friends quickly with most other dogs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Its high activity level makes it well suited to large families because each person can help the dog gets the exercise it needs to stay healthy and happy. It likes to make friends and will usually play games a few minutes after meeting a new dog. In most cases, the two will get along fine, but your Golden Dox may chase cats and other small animals in the yard.

Updated: Feb 1, 23 Though dog hiccups can be cute and even comical at times, for many pet owners they can also be cause for concern. After all, are hiccups normal in dogs? How long should they last? Can they be a sign of something more serious? This article aims to answer all of your frequently asked questions about hiccups in dogs, including what to do if your dog and when to seek veterinary attention. Table of Contents Do dogs get hiccups? Just like us humans, all mammals, including dogs, get the hiccups! Hiccups are caused by a spasm or contraction of the diaphragm, the large dome-shaped sheet of muscle between the chest and the abdomen. Dogs that eat and drink too quickly tend to be more prone to hiccups, as they swallow air while inhaling their meal. Why does my dog hiccup? No one knows for sure why dogs, humans, or any animal hiccups, though there are multiple theories. Hiccups have been linked to brain development in babies and may play a role in regulating their breathing. And just like human babies, puppies also experience hiccups much more frequently than adult dogs. Another theory is that hiccups help to remove air from the stomach , especially when newborn mammals suckle milk. Dogs that eat and drink too quickly also tend to be more prone to hiccups, as they swallow air while inhaling their meal. Stress, overexcitement, and vigorous play have also been suggested as causes for hiccups in dogs, possibly due to changes in breathing patterns, leading to an increased amount of air in the stomach. This also fits with why hiccups may be seen in dogs with breathing problems, as well as tummy upsets and other gastrointestinal issues. How to relieve hiccups in dogs? If your dog is a little too enthusiastic at mealtimes and inhales their food instead of chewing it, you might want to make some changes to help prevent hiccups. Slow-feeder bowls or interactive food puzzle toys are great ways to slow your pup down and are also a fantastic source of mental stimulation. You can also try feeding multiple small meals a day rather than one or two large meals. Most cases of hiccups last only a few minutes but up to minutes can be normal. Medical problems that may cause hiccups in dogs include respiratory diseases, like pneumonia or bronchitis, or gastrointestinal problems, like an upset tummy. So if your dog is showing other signs of illness like coughing , wheezing, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea, make sure to get them checked out by a vet as soon as possible. If your dog is showing other signs of illness like coughing, wheezing, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea, make sure to get them checked out by a vet as soon as possible. Conclusion In most cases, hiccups are considered normal in dogs and will resolve on their own within minutes or less. Puppies, in particular, will experience hiccups more frequently than adult dogs — similar to human babies! Signs that your dog needs to see a vet include prolonged hiccups that last for over an hour or hiccups accompanied by other signs of illness such as difficulty breathing, coughing or vomiting. FAQ Are hiccups in dogs bad? In most cases no. Just like in humans, most cases of hiccups are considered normal in dogs and will resolve on their own within minutes. However, if your dog is experiencing a prolonged period of hiccups over 1 hour or showing other signs of illness they should be seen by a vet. Key Takeaways Pro Tip: In rare cases, hiccups can be an indication of a serious underlying condition, and the longer you wait to see the vet, the more damage that can occur. With pet insurance, owners may feel empowered to get the fast answers they need for peace of mind about their pet's health, with protection against the financial risk of incurred vet costs. Can dogs get hiccups? Yes, dogs can get hiccups. In fact, they're quite common, and in most cases, nothing to worry about. Dog hiccups are very similar to human hiccups. They occur when the diaphragm the muscle between the abdomen and the chest cavity contracts involuntarily. When your canine companion gets the hiccups, their inhaling breathe is followed by abrupt stops, which might shake their belly and chest, causing them to make a "hic" sound. As a dog ages, the frequency of hiccup bouts usually decreases. Why do dogs get hiccups? Dogs get hiccups when their diaphragm is irritated, causing it to contract then relax in involuntary spasms. The most common cause of dog hiccups is eating or drinking too quickly because it forces them to swallow air along with the food or water. Food intolerance is another possible cause of hiccups in dogs. The stomach is close to the diaphragm, which can potentially cause spasms if their tummy is uncomfortable. Other explanations for why dogs get hiccups include stress, excitement, and energetic play. In some cases, the cause of dog hiccups may be due to an upset stomach or gas. Do puppies get hiccups? Puppies of all ages — from newborns to 6-month-olds — can get hiccups. Hiccups are far more common in small puppies than in grown-up dogs, with almost all puppies exhibiting hiccups at some point during their development. In fact, puppies experience hiccups even before they're born, while they're still in their mother's womb. Fun Fact: This also occurs in humans and other mammals, and although the reason is still unknown, the theory is that hiccups are a result of the body testing the muscles associated with breathing. Why do puppies get hiccups? There are several reasons why puppies get hiccups far more often than older dogs, including: Puppies tend to be more excitable and more energetic than adult dogs. Rapid bursts of energy can easily impact their breathing causing hiccups. Puppies are also more likely to eat or drink too fast. Puppies have weaker organs, and their digestive system is less mature than those of adult dogs. Being too tired or cold can also trigger puppy hiccups. That's why sleeping pups are much more prone to bouts of hiccups than awake ones. How to get rid of dog hiccups If your dog has hiccups, there are several methods you can try to get rid of them. Many of the same cures used by humans also work well for dogs. A sip of water might help, just make sure they drink it slowly. Otherwise, they might gulp down air and end up with another bout of hiccups. You can try to give them something sweet preferably in a liquid form , such as water mixed with a little bit of sugar. The sweetness might help distract them and hopefully relax their breathing pattern. These can coat the throat to soothe the irritation and slow down the breathing process. Just be sure that anything you give your pet doesn't contain Xylitol. This artificial sweetener is used in many human products, but it is toxic to dogs. Light exercise, like a mellow walk, may also do the trick by changing your pet's breathing patterns Keep in mind, the chest contractions can be somewhat violent, so avoid giving your pet foods that require a lot of chewing, as this might present a choking hazard. Prevention is always better than reaction. If your furry friend is prone to hiccups, try to figure out what causes them. If your dog is very eager to gobble up his food or water, consider getting them a slow dog feeder. Another option is to feed your pup several smaller portions throughout the day instead of two large meals. You should also consider the size of their water bowl. There are bowls with different heights or levels that can help the water go down slower and with less air intake. When should you be concerned about your dog's hiccups? Occasional hiccups are a perfectly normal occurrence in dogs and should not be a cause for concern. However, if your pup's hiccups occur very often, if they last for longer than a couple of hours at a time, or they begin to interfere with their daily activities, you should get in touch with your veterinarian. Here are a few potentially serious causes of dog hiccups: Respiratory issues. If hiccups are accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, discharge from the nose, or wheezing, it could be a sign of respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Heatstroke in dogs can also trigger hiccups. Any dog can experience this life-threatening condition, but brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs are especially susceptible due to their restricted airways and short muzzles. The list of potentially serious causes of dog hiccups also includes pericarditis inflammation of the heart sac, the pericardium, which causes fluid to accumulate between the layers and hypothermia extreme lowering of the body temperature resulting from exposure to frigid temperatures for too long. Gastric issues. If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, and bloody stools on top of prolonged hiccups, it might be an indication of a gastrointestinal GI problem. The same symptoms, along with overall lethargy and exercise intolerance, can be a sign of a parasitic infection. Parasites such as roundworms and hookworms can also attack your pet's respiratory system. If your dog is still a puppy, make sure to have them on a de-worming schedule. They should be de-wormed at two, four, six, eight, and weeks as a puppy, and then every three months. When you take your pup to the vet, the vet will likely start with a physical exam, bloodwork, and urinalysis. Depending on the initial results and the clinical signs your furry friend is showing, an abdominal ultrasound, chest X-rays, CT scan, and an MRI might be recommended in order to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal hiccups. Key Takeaways Dog hiccups occur when the diaphragm involuntarily contracts and might result from eating or drinking too fast, over-excitement, or stress. Puppy hiccups are quite common, and these hiccups typically become less frequent as your pet gets older. Feeding smaller meals and slow-feeding dog bowls can help prevent hiccups in dogs. Occasional hiccups in dogs are normal and are nothing to worry about. However, if hiccups last more than a couple of hours, if they're accompanied by other symptoms, or if they start affecting your pet's life, it is best to speak to your vet. 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. While dog or puppy hiccups can be endearing to us, they can be annoying for your dog. What Are Dog and Puppy Hiccups? Hiccups in dogs and puppies are caused by rapid contraction of the diaphragm. When a dog breathes in, their diaphragm contracts and moves downward, making space in the chest cavity for their lungs to expand. When a dog breathes out, their diaphragm relaxes and moves up into their chest cavity as their lungs contract. Diaphragm movements are usually smooth and regular, but when the diaphragm suddenly spasms, the result is a hiccup. Hiccups are involuntary, and once triggered, this reflex causes a contraction of the diaphragm followed quickly by closure of the vocal cords specifically the glottis , which results in the "hic" sound. This contraction or myoclonic jerk of the diaphragm may repeat several times per minute. Do Hiccups Hurt Dogs? They can be annoying when they last for long periods, but dogs tend to remain calm during these contractions, with no signs of stress, anxiety , or pain. Hiccups can last for only a few seconds to hours in rare instances, but they normally do not require any treatment. Why Do Dogs Get Hiccups? One theory is that hiccups are leftover mechanisms from when we were developing in the uterus. Fetal hiccups have been documented in many species. Some scientists believe that hiccuping in the womb could be a passive test of breathing muscles. Dog hiccups are thought to be caused when a dog swallows too much air. Why Do Puppies Get Hiccups? Puppies are much more prone to hiccups than adult dogs. This is because they tend to ingest more air due to their higher levels of exertion and excitement. Puppies can also start hiccuping when they are tired, cold , or excited. Sometimes the swallowing reflex can interrupt the hiccups. If your dog likes tummy rubs, you can place them on their back and give a loving belly rub to try to stop the hiccups. Do not offer your dog food or water when they are lying on their back, as this can lead to aspiration of unwanted material into the lungs. Do not give your dog large meals or solid meals during violent hiccups, as this can lead to choking and aspiration pneumonia. Offer small amounts of water in frequent sessions. Also, offer small amounts of food and then wait a couple of minutes before offering more food so they swallow less air while eating. You can also try one of the many slow feeder options that are designed to slow down fast eaters. Dog hiccups usually go away on their own. In rare cases, they can be a sign of a more serious medical problem such as:. Here's what to know and do when your new puppy gets the hiccups. By Karen Weir-Jimerson Karen is a non-partisan pet lover, having raised dogs, cats, canaries, horses, donkeys, chickens, and tropical fish. She writes about gardening, rural life, and, of course, her two precocious Jack Russell terriers Pez and Dash , Labrador Retriever Pilot , and her year-old quarter horse Yukon. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on August 24, Hiccups are a funny sound, except when they're coming from your new puppy. Watching his little body jump with every "hic" may be enough to worry any new pet parent. Here's what you should know about puppy hiccups. Hiccups are a mammal thing: You get them, and so can your puppy. Hiccups are sharp little intakes of breath that are caused by repetitive contractions of the diaphragm muscle , which is located under the lungs. If your diaphragm is irritated by something— like eating or drinking too much—it contracts involuntarily. Each contraction forces the vocal cords to close, creating the characteristic "hic! It works the same way for puppies. What Causes Puppy Hiccups? So what can be irritating your puppy's diaphragm? These uncontrollable contractions may be simply caused by your puppy's excitement. He may have eaten his food too fast. Or consumed water too fast. Puppies are exuberant little beings, and it's hard for them to control their enthusiasm. Or your puppy simply may have gas, and hiccups are the result. Puppies of all ages—from tiny newborns to galloping 4-month-olds—may get hiccups. In fact, dogs of all ages can get hiccups. Just like in humans, finding a remedy for hiccups is difficult. There are a wide range of home remedies for ridding humans of hiccups holding your breath, breathing into a paper bag, or gargling , but none of these remedies is scientifically proven to work in humans, much less in dogs imagine trying to teach a dog to gargle! Ultimately, your puppy's hiccups will go away on their own. Do Hiccups Hurt Your Puppy? They are more surprising than painful. Keep in mind that nothing bad is happening inside your puppy when he is hiccuping. When Are Hiccups a Concern? A bout of hiccups might be a concern to the owner of a new puppy, especially if they are adopting their first puppy. Martin suggests that any time a new puppy owner feels concerned about their puppy's reaction even over something as common as hiccups , that they should reach out to their veterinarian with questions. Was this page helpful? Why Do Puppies Get Hiccups? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. While it can be cute at first when your little puppy gets hiccups, many new pet parents worry that it could be distressing for them or a sign of something more serious. Fortunately, just like for humans, hiccups are a normal occurrence like sneezing or coughing. Occasional or even frequent bouts of hiccups are nothing to worry about, especially in puppies. Read on as we explain more about doggy hiccups and what the causes in puppies are likely to be. We will also look at some ways that you can help your pup stop their hiccups, though they should stop naturally on their own. What Are Hiccups? Hiccups are a mammal phenomenon, so they are common for humans and dogs. Hiccups occur when the nerve endings connected to the diaphragm get irritated. The diaphragm is the muscle that sits between the lungs and the stomach, and usually, it contracts and relaxes as we breathe in and out so that the air can flow easily. Sometimes, though, our diaphragm can contract repeatedly and involuntarily. This causes the vocal cords to contract as well, which causes that distinctive sound of hiccups. In humans, swallowing air while eating or drinking too quickly is the most common cause of hiccups, but it can also be caused by sudden changes in temperature or stress. Common Causes Of Hiccups In Puppies The causes of hiccups in dogs tend to be the same as the causes of hiccups in people. If your dog eats or drinks too quickly, they can swallow air which can cause hiccups. If they get over-excited and start panting or yapping, this can also cause them to bring air in the wrong way and result in hiccups. Stress and sudden changes in temperature can also affect your dog in the same way as you. Hiccups are more common in puppies than adult dogs because puppies are still learning how to eat properly and they tend to be excitable little balls of energy. This is why it can seem like your puppy gets hiccups on a daily basis. Hiccups can be an early warning sign for asthma, pneumonia, heart problems, heatstroke, foreign body ingestion, nausea, or an upset stomach, but in these cases, they will almost always be accompanied by other symptoms. Of course, if your puppy does display this combination of symptoms, you should speak to your vet immediately. There are many different remedies for curing hiccups in humans, such as holding your breath and swallowing three times or drinking water upside down. Most human methods would be hard to teach to pups, though. Their bodies will regularize themselves naturally when left to their own devices, but there are a few things that you can do to speed up the process. Giving them water to drink is an obvious remedy, but make sure that the water is room temperature rather than cold. Giving them very cold water to drink can actually be one of the causes of hiccups as it can cause sudden changes in their temperature. Adding a small amount of honey or maple syrup to the water to soothe the throat and vocal cords can also help your puppy to feel a bit better sooner. Light exercise can also help get rid of the hiccups, as the light exertion will force them to stabilize their breathing. If your dog likes a nice belly rub, you can also try that. This can relax the diaphragm and stop the involuntary contractions that are causing the hiccups. How To Prevent Puppy Hiccups? If your puppy does get hiccups on a regular basis, there are some things you can consider that might help reduce the frequency. If your dog regularly gets hiccups after eating, the cause is probably that they are eating too fast. If they are gobbling down their food, they are probably also swallowing a lot of air. To help solve this particular problem, you can try a slow feeder bowl. These bowls have you place the food in a small gap that your dog needs to get into in order to eat. Find slow feeder bowls here on Chewy. If they tend to get hiccups at night, consider whether the change in temperature after dark might be affecting them. If temperatures suddenly drop, it can cause a rapid change in their body heat that could cause their hiccups. It may be that you need to set the central heating to come on a bit earlier, let your dog in the house earlier in the evening, or make some changes to their bed to make it a warmer place. Look out for other signs of stress such as pacing, licking their lips or yawning excessively, holding their head below their back, an increase in shedding, or excess panting. Hiccups will not usually be the only sign of stress. But if they happen often, they can alert you to look for other signs. Puppies are much more likely to develop these conditions than adult dogs since they usually occur in puppies before they have been vaccinated. Symptoms: Lethargy, Weight Loss, And Vomiting Lethargy, weight loss, and vomiting are some of the most common symptoms associated with Parvo. Parvo is a very common disease among puppies because it is highly contagious. Your pup can pick it up through direct contact with an infected dog, or indirect contact with something an infected dog has touched. Puppies often pick it up when sniffing, licking, or consuming the feces of an infected dog, but they can also get it if they drink the same water as a contaminated dog or use their play toy. Parvo is most common among puppies between six weeks and six months old while they are still being vaccinated. There is no cure for Parvo, and it can be fatal, but if your dog survives the vomiting, diarrhea, and fever for three to four days, they will probably make a complete recovery. Symptoms: Strong Cough And Runny Nose Sadly, a strong cough and a runny nose might be a symptom of more than just a cold. These are some of the principal symptoms associated with Kennel Cough, another highly contagious disease. It spreads from infected dogs to healthy dogs through airborne droplets. If your dog picks up a mild case of Kennel Cough, they may need a couple of weeks not days of rest. In more serious cases they may need a two-week round of antibiotics and lots of rest to return to their happy and healthy selves. Symptoms: Clear Discharge Around The Nose And Eyes Clear discharge around the nose and purulent eye discharge are some of the first symptoms of distemper, a contagious and fatal doggy disease. Dogs can pick it up through direct or indirect contact with infected dogs. It is particularly common in puppies that have not yet been vaccinated. Distemper is another condition for which there is no treatment. Symptoms: Diarrhea And Weight Loss Diarrhea and weight loss are some of the principal symptoms associated with parasites such as worms. It is more common in puppies than adult dogs as they have not yet learned to leave feces alone. This is why most vets will recommend the use of preventative medication for parasites. You can read more about dogs and parasites here. Symptoms: Lethargy And Accidents If your dog seems lazy and more accident-prone than usual, they may have developed Leptospirosis. This is a bacterial disease that is transmitted through contaminated water and infected urine. It affects the kidneys and liver and can result in serious vomiting and diarrhea. Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics, but it can take pups up to a month to recover. These especially affect puppies and dogs with floppy ears that cover the ear canal. These leave dark, moist spaces that bacteria love. Regular cleaning can help prevent ear infections, but if they have already developed one you will need to take them to the vet for medication. This could be changes in their digestive routine or just changes in behavior. If they are less energetic than usual or lose interest in something, this can be a sign that something is wrong. They could, for example, lose energy or coordination. FAQs Do dogs get hiccups? Yes, most mammals can be prone to the occasional bout of hiccups. They are simply an involuntary twitch in the diaphragm that constrict the vocal cords so you make the hic sound. Most mammals, including dogs, can develop a case of the hiccups. What causes dog hiccups? Sudden changes in temperature and stress can also cause hiccups. Is it bad if my dog gets hiccups a lot? It can be a sign that they are eating too fast or they are stressed, though, so you might want to deal with these problems which will also help them get hiccups less frequently. How long do dog hiccups last? A bout of hiccups could last two minutes or 15 minutes. Generally speaking, you should only really be worried if your dog keeps hiccuping for more than an hour. Why do dogs get hiccups at night? If you live somewhere where temperatures drop significantly when the sun goes down, this could cause your dog to get hiccups at night. The drop in temperature can affect their bodies and cause irritation in the diaphragm. Can you tell if a dog has a fever by touch? When dogs have a fever their temperature will likely be up around degrees, so they should feel hot to the touch, but dogs generally run hotter than humans so you may find it difficult to tell if they have a fever. Fever will often be accompanied by other symptoms such as panting to cool down, shivering, and lethargy. Small things like changes in their eating and pooping habits can tell you a lot. What does it mean when your puppy starts hiccuping? In the vast majority of cases, getting the hiccups for a dog is just like getting hiccups for a human. Some air has come in the wrong way and you are now having some frustrating but innocent spasms. Hiccups are only a concerning symptom when combined with other symptoms such as lethargy and vomiting. In fact, excitable puppies tend to get hiccups pretty frequently. Do you have any tips for helping pups get over the hiccups? Share them with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. Rest assured, hiccups can occur in dogs and puppies as well. In this post, our Fairfield, NJ vets will explain dog hiccups and if, or when you should be worried. Can Dogs Get Hiccups? Yes, dogs can get hiccups, but they are usually nothing to be alarmed about. Hiccups are caused by an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm the muscle that connects the abdomen to the chest cavity. They are comparable to human hiccups in that they occur when the muscles in the body contract involuntarily — just like breathing. As a dog ages, the frequency of hiccup bouts usually decreases, as well as the severity of the coughing fits. This is why, if you're wondering why your dog gets hiccups a lot, it might be because they are still very young. Can Puppies Get Hiccups? Hiccups are more common in small puppies than in adult dogs, with nearly all puppies experiencing them at some point throughout their growth. Puppies can have hiccups before they are born, while still in their mother's womb. As a fun side note, hiccuping in the womb also happens in humans and other mammals, and while the cause is unknown, the assumption is that it is caused by the body testing the muscles connected with breathing. There are a number of reasons dogs and puppies can get hiccups, including the following: Eating or Drinking too Quickly When your dog eats or drinks too quickly, he or she may swallow more air and begin to hiccup. Aerophagia, or abrupt air intake, causes stomach distention and irritates the muscle diaphragm, forcing it to tighten. You should also avoid giving your dog overly hot or cold foods, as these might irritate their esophagus and perhaps cause hiccups. Spicy Food Capsaicin, a prevalent element in spicy foods containing chile, stimulates neuron activity in the diaphragm, resulting in contractions that cause hiccuping. Spicy foods always cause stomach gas, which may force individuals to drink water too soon. Stress or Overexcitement Stress and excitement can also cause hiccups in dogs, when their heart rate and cortisol levels rise, irritating the diaphragm. Due to tension and excitement, they will also take shorter and shallower breaths. When this happens, they will begin breathing via their chest rather than their lungs. Stomach Gas Dog hiccups might be beneficial in some situations. Hiccups are a means for the body to expel extra gas from the stomach. How to Get Rid of Dog Hiccups There are numerous methods for treating human hiccups, such as holding your breath or pulling on your tongue, but no one knows if they are effective. Hiccups aren't usually that serious, and they generally resolve themselves. It's pointless to try to terrify your dog or pull his tongue to get his hiccups to stop. Scaring or tongue pulling or whatever other treatment you take will most likely irritate him more than the hiccup itself. But if you do want to try, these methods can help: Slow Down Eating: Try feeding your dog smaller portions so they are not eating so fast. If your puppy hiccups often, it could be because they are eating too fast. During mealtimes, space the food out so your dog isn't scarfing it down in one fell swoop. Calm Irregular Breathing: Assist your dog's breathing pattern to become more consistent and rhythmic. Getting him to lie on his back and giving him a good stomach rub usually helps the hiccups go away. Drink Water: Like humans, drinking water can help with hiccups. Just make sure they drink it calmly and slowly. Hiccups are completely natural in dogs and should not be taken too seriously. You should take your dog to the vet if he gets hiccups for more than a few hours, or if they shift to a wheezing sound that causes irregular or difficult breathing. Hiccups that last an hour or more can indicate a variety of health problems. Consult your veterinarian if the hiccup does not cease or fade to avoid further health issues. Does your dog's hiccups have you concerned. We'll assess your dog and determine a course of action. The cure for dog hiccups Dog hiccups are especially common in puppies, and may be a reflex that mammals develop in the womb. Mild dog hiccup cases can be helped by changing your feeding routine or helping them drink water slowly. But if your dog gets hiccups on a regular basis, has hiccups that last for a long time then give your veterinarian a ring. While dog hiccups are probably harmless, they can signify deeper problems and it is worth getting your dog checked out if you are worried. What Are Dog Hiccups? Strangely, human and dog hiccups are one of those medical mysteries that modern science does not fully understand. Scientists have proposed many interesting theories, but have no definite answers. To look at the phenomenon, we need delve into the depths of time and the theory of evolution. Dog Hiccups Through Evolution Hiccups occur in all mammals, and scientists have speculated that they might be leftover from an earlier stage of evolution. Of course, this is only one answer, although it is built upon some scientific evidence. Another theory is that hiccups happen when mammals are in the womb. The fetus is simply trying out its breathing muscles ready to face the outside world when it takes its first breath. Dog hiccups occur when the diaphragm spasms. These spasms are involuntary and cause the glottis — the opening between your vocal cords — to close. The spasms are usually the result of irritation to specific nerves. In people, the most common suspected causes are gastric distention, consuming alcohol, and swallowing irritating substances or hot foods and liquids. Gastric distension occurs when your stomach is full and actually presses on the diaphragm, irritating it and causing it to contract, just like when you breathe in. Dog hiccups of course are unlikely to be caused by consuming alcohol. But many of our canine companions have a tendency to swallow things that might have been better off left on the ground — or table. Regardless of why mammals get the hiccups, we can all agree that having them is sometimes amusing and sometimes very irritating. Hiccups, those annoying little spasms, are just one more thing we share with our dogs. Can Dogs Get Hiccups? Dogs can and often do get hiccups. Dog hiccups are much more common in small puppies, but all ages can get them, usually for the same reasons as humans. As with humans, they are usually perfectly harmless and very cute. That way, you can avoid them in the first place. Dog hiccup causes are as elusive as the causes of hiccups in people, however, puppies seem to experience hiccups more frequently than adult dogs. Scientists have recorded fetal hiccups in many mammalian animals and in human babies. These hiccups typically appear prior to breathing movements, and as the infants grow and develop, the hiccups usually go away. Dog hiccups usually happen because they eat their food too fast, or they eat something that irritates their stomach. On other occasions, there are simply no apparent reasons for puppy hiccups — they just happen. Canine hiccups can be brought on by stress or excitement. Dog hiccup symptoms include this sound and spasm combination, and are occasionally accompanied by a burp. Or, you may just see the spasm and not hear anything. Sometimes, hiccups are not actually hiccups at all. Retching and seizures can sound and appear like hiccups, and are far more serious symptoms. A reverse sneeze can sound like a hiccup, too, especially if it is your first time hearing it. If your dogs does have hiccups, how do you know if they are a sign of something much more serious? Are Dog Hiccups Ever Serious? Dog hiccups generally go away on their own, but occasionally hiccups can be a symptom of a more serious problem. In humans, hiccups that last for a long time can be a symptom of other conditions, and it is exactly the same with dogs. My Dog has Hiccups If your dog has hiccups that last longer than a few hours, contact your veterinarian to rule out other conditions. Dog hiccups that come with other symptoms like fever, lethargy, coughing, or loss of appetite are a medical concern. Call your veterinarian and make an appointment to get your dog checked out right away. If any of these happen, contact a vet as soon as possible. Puppy hiccups generally go away on their own, and if they persist for more than a few hours, you should call your veterinarian. People swear that you can startle a person out of the hiccups, or that eating a spoonful of sugar or dry toast will cure it. While there is no guarantee that any of these strategies will work for your dog, there are a few that you should steer clear of. Feeding your dog a spoonful of sugar or other human foods is problematic and can lead to stomach upset and obesity if you do it on a regular basis. The exception to this, of course, is if you administer human food under the direction of a veterinarian. In humans, giving someone a sudden shock or fright really can put a stop to hiccups. Startling your dog intentionally is not a good idea. It can lead to distrust and behavioral issues, and surprising a dog on a hard or slippery surface can lead to injury. Dog Hiccup Prevention These three useful tips can help: Dog hiccups lessen when they relax. You want to help them breathe more slowly, with a regular and even breathing pattern. Stroke them gently and talk to them in a soothing voice. For humans, sipping water can often help the bout of hiccups subside. Doggy hiccups can start when your dog tries to eat their food too quickly. One of my rescue dogs used to eat her food in no time at all and often succumbed to belching and hiccups. We gave her less food more often, and that soon sorted the problem One other tip is special bowls that contain plastic barriers inside to stop your dog from eating too quickly. These can be a great solution for dogs that gulp down their food like there is no tomorrow. Your vet might be able to recommend special, low grain foods that suppress hiccups. Most of the time, especially for adult dogs, these cures work perfectly and he will soon stop hiccuping.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Puppies are so cute! Just the thought of a little pup romping around the room and playing with his many toys makes people smile. And puppy kisses are the best! But it takes a lot of planning and work to have a successful relationship with the new addition. Remaining with them until then helps him learn how to appropriately play and interact with others. It also teaches him bite inhibition, so that he learns not to bite down too hard on our skin. So what exactly should we expect from our 8 week old puppy? Puppy Proof Your House Puppies are curious about everything. Choose the room your puppy will be in the most and make sure that electrical cords, hazardous chemicals, medications, and small items that can be ingested are out of his reach. When you get him, try to obtain a blanket or toy with the scent of his mother and littermates if possible. That will help him feel more at ease in a new environment. The breeder of my Lhasa apso Ralphie gave us a toy with those scents to help him make the transition, as he had a familiar scent with him which I placed in his pen at home. She was born in rescue but was the last of a litter of nine to be adopted when I saw her. But she made the transition fine. These include the following: Crates and exercise pens. But make sure you buy one with a divider included so that you can adjust the size of the crate as he grows. Collar and leash. Some breeders and rescues provide these. You may also want a harness to walk him. Clean-up tools. Chew deterrent. They make chew deterrents for various surfaces, such as for cloth or for wood such as furniture or baseboards. Toys and chew items. There are so many toys on the market today. Purchase a variety of safe types—some squeak, others rattle. And safe chews like Kong toys and Nylabones are important, because the puppy will explore the world with his mouth. Food and treats. You may want to change the puppy to a food you prefer. Many breeders and rescues will provide you with starter food. Then, if you change it, do so over at least a week or two. Other Preparations In addition to puppy-proofing your home and getting the above-listed items, there are other appointments you should have lined up prior to getting your pup, if possible. Have a veterinarian appointment set for your new puppy to be checked within the first few days after you get him. So, if you can, book the appointment in advance. When you meet with the vet, ask about what vaccinations your puppy will need. Puppies who are eight-weeks old generally have already had their distemper, adenovirus II, parvovirus, and parainfluenza vaccines. Discuss with your vet the appropriate heartworm preventative and flea and tick products for your puppy. Also ask about your puppy being microchipped. A microchip is really important should your puppy get lost. If you have the time, also look into puppy kindergarten and socialization classes. Make sure that the trainer is a positive reinforcement trainer who has experience in training puppies. And the facility should be clean and well-run. All puppies admitted to any classes should also be required to have age-appropriate vaccinations. Post Arrival After your new furry bundle of joy has arrived, the fun starts! And play with him and train him. Some breeders and rescues may have already started to house train him. Scheduling Puppies need consistency. So have a schedule for his feeding, pottying, training, exercise, and socialization. At eight weeks old, he may be getting three to four feedings per day. So feed him each meal at the same time each day. And have a basic schedule for his other needs. You may need other people to help out with some of his needs, such as house training. Socialization Socialization means exposing your new puppy, in a positive manner, to all the things that he will have to face in the real world. So he should be trained to walk over various surfaces, hear everyday noises, and meet friendly people and pets. But you can still have friends and family members over to meet him. And give them tidbits of treats to give the puppy to make any encounter such as petting a positive one. Of course, first give your new puppy a few days to settle in at your home before you expose him to even more new experiences. At home, too, get him used to the sounds of water running, the dishwasher and other appliances running, and the vacuum. You get the idea. Make each a positive experience, giving him a piece of kibble or a small treat. And do this slowly not to overwhelm him. And get him used to car rides. A very young puppy will have to go to the bathroom after he eats, sleeps, and has any excitement including play. He has very little bladder control at eight weeks old. A young puppy can hold his urine about one hour more than his age. So he can hold it about three hours at two months old. You may want to have an exercise pen set up as a safe area. You can place a potty pad at one end and a bed or towel as his bed at the other end. And place a few safe toys, including a puppy Kong. I just make sure to take the puppy out at the right times. Handling Your puppy has to get used to handling and grooming. You can have him chew a safe chew or lick moist food or Kong stuffing out of a Kong to occupy his mouth and make the training exercise positive. Get him used to gently massaging his whole body, including feet and touching his nails. Get him used to gently opening his mouth. Calmly praise any calm behavior. Keep the sessions very short—a few minutes at most. You should do only a part of his body during each session or it will probably be too much for him. If he struggles, calmly wait until he settles before releasing him. Obedience Training Your new puppy is basically a blank slate. He has to learn all the commands to live with us successfully. Training also helps the puppy bond with you. Of course, give him a day or two to settle in for most commands. But you can still help him learn his identity. So, first, teach him his name. You can show him a piece of his kibble or a tiny treat and hold it near your face when you say his name. Do this a few times. Then try to just say his name, not holding the food near your face. When he looks at you, again praise and reward. Remember to never use his name in a negative manner, such as for a correction. Always start any training session without any distractions. Your puppy has to be able to focus on you to learn. One of the first commands we teach our puppies is to sit. You can hold a treat just above his nose and slowly move it back towards his forehead. Calmly praise and reward when he sits. Another command I teach puppies in the first week is to come to me. I make it a lot of fun. Some puppies adapt easily, whereas others buck against the leash. Other Normal Puppy Behaviors Puppies explore the world with their mouths. So the little land sharks will try to chew on you and whatever they can reach. This is where your safe toys and chews come in. Always redirect him to the safe items and praise when he chews them. Puppy zoomies are normal. All of a sudden, your puppy may run around the room bouncing off the furniture. This is normal. Final Thoughts New puppies are so much fun! Do you have a puppy or have you had one? Please tell us about it in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Commencing Marker Training your chocolate labrador pup Start Marker Training at 8 weeks of age When you take your 8 week old labrador pup to their new home, you should commence their obedience training immediately. Just repetitively say yes and give your pup a treat immediately. Then familiarise your labrador pup with a leash. Clip the leash to their collar and allow the pup to roam a little. This way they will adjust to its weight and the sensation around their neck. If you try to walk your pup straight away, they will simply resist. Don't pull and command, but rather cultivate a positive experience with a leash. Secondly, I recommend that you feed your new labrador pup with a leash attached until they learn to sit. This will establish you as the master and immediately teach the pup restraint. Do not give the food bowl to your dog without firstly bringing him under your control. Even with my mature dogs, I will not let them feed except on command. Feeding should never be random. Hold the leash close to the labrador pup's neck and push their rear end down to the seated position. When they are sitting, enthusiastically praise your pup and, only then, reward their obedience with food. Remember, food should always represent a reward for good behaviour. They hear tones and frequencies. When we train them, we are conditioning them to associate a particular sound with a response so that it means something to them. Labrador puppies like all dogs learn contextually and by consistent repetition. In this way, a labrador pup learns to associate sounds with responses and rewards. This is why you should reward your pup immediately when they have performed a command correctly, even if they did not intend to do so. In the early stages, I prefer to teach a dog to 'sit,' then move on to 'staying' before teaching them to 'come'. This is especially so while they are still a puppy. Remember that a 12 month old dog is still a pup. They are regularly hyperactive and overstimulated. The goal is to get your labrador puppy into a calm and submissive state as often as you can. Ensure you are demonstrating a calm and composed, yet assertive demeanor. When you are in charge, your labrador pup will willingly sit and look to you for direction. Exercise patience and be repetitive but don't overdo it. Remember that the time you put in now will help you bond with your young dog, even if they do not appear to be advancing quickly. It will be a very worthwhile investment in a long term relationship for years to come. Of these three basic commands, the 'stay' command will take more time to teach. When this is mastered and entrenched in your dog's obedience, it can save your dog from danger. You are teaching them associations, not English words. Sit Teaching your new labrador pup to sit should begin immediately when you take it home. Begin by feeding them on a leash. Hold the leash close to the pup's neck. Give the pup the 'sit' command, but don't reward them with food until they are sitting. In this way you have begun to condition the pup to the 'sit' command. This requires patience at meal time. Remember that a labrador pup requires 4 feeds a day for the first phase of their life. This gives you ample opportunity for repetition and reward. When the dog sits, reward them with a treat and a lot of enthusiastic praise. Each time they repeat the behaviour, reward them with a treat again. You can train your labrador pup for short intervals at any time. Carry a few small pieces of food. Call your pup, then reward them with lots of affirmation and a piece of food when they comply. Teach them to sit by offering a small treat. Say 'sit', then let them smell the food as you move your hand over their head. A labrador pup will automatically lift the nose in the air to follow the food. As the head moves up and back, the pup will tend to sit. Give lots of praise and gradually increase repetition as they associate the word 'sit' with the food. Stay Your Labrador pup will need to understand the 'sit' command before you advance to 'stay'. Before you give the 'stay' command, make sure that the dog is seated. To keep the dog in the sitting position, you will use your hand with the fingers pointing up and the palm in front of their face. To begin with, position yourself about half a metre away from your pup's face. Direct the 'stay' command calmly, with your hand up. Slowly take half a step back and remain there for 3 seconds to begin with. Then step back towards to the dog. Wait for another 3 sec and then reward your dog with a treat. Repeat this 5 times. Reward them at the end of each 'stay' routine by praising them enthusiastically and giving them a treat. Don't praise or reward the dog until they have remained seated in front of you for a minimum of 3 seconds when you return. Your puppy should not move a millimetre until you give the reward. If your dog breaks early, you have gone too far. Simply return to your dog, reset them in the seated position and begin the routine again. Come It is important to make sure your Labrador understands the 'stay' command before you begin the recall or 'come' command. Make sure you pup is seated before you give the 'come' command. As your walk away from your pup, maintain eye contact. Don't back away too far too soon. If the pup breaks early, give the 'come' command to establish association. When you call your dog to 'come', do not let them jump up on you. If the dog wants to stand on its back legs and reach up, place the palm of your hand on their head and hold it away from you. I suggest that you don't say 'no! The down command should be used as a more constructive training command. If your pup jumps up, make your disapproval known by using a 'dog' sound; 'Ahhh! If you find yourself becoming frustrated, then put the pup away and start again tomorrow. Don't take it personally and don't blame the dog. Corrections are necessary, but not out of frustration or anger. If it's not working, then look at your consistency and your communication. If the training is a positive experience then you will strengthen the bonding and learning process. Develop consistent communication and trust with your dog in the process of the training. Labrador pups love to please and they will be very proud of themselves when they accomplish the command and gain your approval. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Check Price on Amazon 6. Make Commands Only Once When it comes to training, what you give is what you get. This is known as command nagging. Teach your pup to heed a command at its first mention. If an order is not executed the first time, show your Lab what you want them to do and make the command again. Repeat that until they learn to obey the first time the command is made. Discipline at the Precise Moment of the Unwanted Behavior Timing is crucial when disciplining your 8-week-old Labrador pup. Dogs will typically forget an experience in 2 minutes. However, they can recall your training commands through associative memory. Once your pup has corrected his unwanted behavior with the desired behavior, reward him with a tasty treat and lots of praise. To learn more about how to discipline your dog, check out my top article, How to Discipline a Labrador: What Not to Do! It can also cause aggression in dogs , as found in this year-long study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania. Using physical punishment such as hitting, kicking, or grabbing the jowls and shaking, is simply animal abuse. Other unacceptable methods are physically forcing the dog down onto its side or back, growling at your dog, withdrawing food, using a shock collar, or tying it for hours. Wean Your Puppy off Training Treats Your Labrador needs to learn that skills and commands are not learned or obeyed for the sole motive of a treat. For this reason, it is important to wean your puppy off treats when he has repeatedly performed the behavior and completely mastered it in different locations and with various distractions. Nonetheless, your Labrador puppy is still a dog in training, and you still need to tell him that he has done the right thing. The rule of thumb is that they are trained young when it comes to dog training. You should train Labrador puppies as soon as you bring them home, typically around 8 weeks of age. The American Kennel Club AKC indicates that the first key milestone when training a Lab pup is 8 weeks, as soon as they have left their mother. It is a crucial time to lay the foundation for your Labrador puppy to integrate into the family. When you bring your Labrador Retriever puppy home at two months, it has most likely interacted with a few situations and is eager enough to learn and follow the rules of a new home. A recent study scientifically proved that 8-week-old puppies are quite capable of learning at this young age as they quickly learned to open a puzzle box baited with food and remembered the skill an hour later. Interestingly, these puppies learned the skill better from a human rather than their mother. Other studies have also proven that it is effective for future behavior to teach puppies socialization and other skills rather than adults. In this study, puppies who attended a command and socialization training class for one hour a day for six months responded better to strangers than adult dogs who attended the same classes. Are Lab Puppies Easy to Train? Lab puppies are easy to train. They are a working breed that enjoys physical and mental stimulation and have many positive traits. They are intelligent, devoted, friendly, highly social, and love to please. They are often used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, or search and rescue due to their easy trainability. Apart from the age factor, other breed-specific reasons make training a Labrador puppy easy. Here are three examples: Labradors are among the most intelligent dog breeds. In his book, The Intelligence of Dogs, canine psychologist Stanley Coren lists Labradors in the top tier of the smartest dogs. So, even at just two months, your puppy has it in his blood to learn and carry out commands. To perform their original working job of retrieving fish that came off the trawl, Labradors had to be watchful and enthusiastic. These are essential learning characteristics. As game and waterfowl retrievers for hunters, Labradors have to be obedient. Another core training requirement makes your Lab puppy easy to train. With these ten principles on exactly how to train an 8-week-old Labrador, you can now apply them to the key areas your young puppy needs to be trained in. Labrador Puppy Training: Key Areas There are five critical areas in which you must appropriately train your 8-week-old Lab puppy. In the next section, I will tell you what the training entails. How to Socialize a Labrador They say humans are social beings, but that is also true about dogs. Socialization begins with the breeder and continues with you. To socialize a Labrador, expose him to many different places and situations. Include sounds, smells, other adults, children, animals, cars, objects, etc. Dogs who are well socialized in the first 12 weeks will be set up for life. Socializing and training your puppy young plays a significant role in the development of adult dogs, as evidenced in this important study. Here are two key findings: Dogs that are well socialized as pups will behave more positively with humans and are less likely to display unwanted behavioral problems such as fear and aggression. Socialized dogs are more likely to engage in positive social behaviors with humans. They also learn better how to play games with humans, helping them establish a true bond with their owners. As a puppy, you can teach your Labrador social skills and confidence through intentional training moments in the family. Once he has completed his vaccinations, take him to public places such as parks or puppy socialization classes. Put him outside hourly and learn to anticipate when he needs to go. Reward and praise him when he does go outside. Usually, puppies will need to relieve themselves early in the morning and after meals. Use their natural rhythm for daily pee or poop walks. Dogs hate messing in the area they sleep in and usually hold it. Nonetheless, very young puppies might be unable to do so. Walk your Labrador after his morning meal and hang around for 15 minutes or so to allow him to do his thing. Repeat the same in the evening. Puppies will need to be allowed to relieve themselves every hour, and for vaccinated dogs, a short walk every hours is an ideal routine to prevent them from peeing around the house. If you crate your puppy because you need to go out, get someone to help you stick to the routine. Repeating this routine for the first few days will give your new furry friend a good idea of his expectations. Check out my guide to Labrador potty training here. To crate train an 8-week-old Labrador puppy, start as soon as you bring him home. Slowly introduce him to the crate by throwing a treat inside and let him explore the crate voluntarily. When you first leave him with the door closed, make sure he is tired as he will sleep and not be afraid. Check out my Best Dog Crates for Labradors and Playpens recommendations, including soft crates, travel crates, and furniture styles. Here are six key things you should practice when crate-training your Labrador: Keep your puppy in the crate at night. Initiate crate training from the very first day you bring your puppy home. It will be harder to succeed in crate training if your puppy gets used to other sleeping arrangements. My puppy cried during the first night, but she was just fine after that. Lab puppies can be left alone in a crate for 1 hour for each month of age for up to 4 hours. Keep your dog in the crate when you are out of the house. This is also for his safety, such as when you are cooking. Do not let your Lab out of the cage when barking or giving you those puppy eyes. Instead, reward good behavior in the crate, i. He will quickly learn that being quiet leads to nice things. He will quickly learn that this special place is just for him. Various toys and bedding will offer some comfort for your Labrador. When purchasing a crate for your puppy, the best ones will give your Lab enough room to stand, sit, turn, and lie down comfortably on his side with paws outstretched. Instead, buy a crate with an adjustable divider that allows him to grow into and choose a standard metal model with either a single or double door. Travel kennels like this Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel , also from Amazon, are also hardy when you are on the move with your dog. This one is even airline adaptable and meets most airline cargo specifications. Older dogs may refrain from biting because they have been trained not to hurt as they have learned their bite inhibition. This simply means that the dog has learned to control the strength of his bite. This sends the message that the bite hurts. Persist by leaving your hand in his mouth until he lets go, then use lots of praise. All puppies need to master this technique that they initially learned from their mother and littermates. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Training your Lab puppy to soft bite must be done in puppyhood as an adolescent dog will not know how to adjust the force of his jaws when he has adult teeth and adult jaw muscles. This can be devastating for you both, should your Labrador go on to bite someone! Have realistic expectations — as it can take your puppy weeks to learn his soft bite. How to Train a Labrador Puppy to Walk on a Leash Walking on a leash is not a natural skill in dogs — they need to learn it! Teach a leash cue, then introduce the pup to very short walks. If the dog pulls, stand fast and wait for him to return to you before continuing. Do this by letting him wear them for short periods inside the house and yard. I find the best no-pull harness to be those that are not rear-attached, such as the Walk Your Dog With Love harness. They give you more control and are ideal for medium-large breeds. Give a treat when the command is obeyed. Introduce your Lab to short walks outside on a leash. When it appears he is about to lunge toward another dog or object, quickly distract him with a treat. Timing is crucial. Reward him every time commands are obeyed and gradually reduce the rewards as the art of leash walking is perfected. You can start steps 1 and 2 when the puppy is young, but you can only commence step 3 once the dog has been vaccinated. Final Thoughts Eight weeks old is the perfect time to train a Labrador puppy in key areas such as socialization, crate training, potty training, not biting, and leash training. To successfully train your Lab puppy in these areas, you must follow good training principles such as using reward-based training, being consistent in your commands, and disciplining at the precise moment of poor behavior. Begin with basic commands before introducing more complex or trick commands. Related Posts You May Like:. Fourth meal 5 pm You should follow this type of feeding schedule until your Lab puppy is 14 weeks old, after which you can adopt a two meal per day plan. However, keep in mind that Labs are especially prone to overeating and obesity, so if you use treats, ensure you give them sparingly. In fact, a study in the UK listed Labrador Retrievers among the eight breeds most prone to being overweight. So your food-loving Lab puppy requires a bit of control. One way to keep them from overeating treats is to portion out their food for the day and use that as their reward. In most cases, the puppy will respond just as enthusiastically to kibble. Place a bowl of water in a location accessible to your puppy and supervise him to ensure he drinks enough but not too much. Puppies at this age should drink between half and one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. So if your eight-week-old Lab is 12 lbs 5. This is an essential part of puppy care. As mentioned, if you get your puppy from a reliable breeder which should always be the case , the pup should have already started with his vaccinations, and the breeder should provide the vaccination records. Then, make an appointment with the vet for any vaccination follow-up. Also, ensure your pup stays on worm preventative medication as puppies are more prone than adult dogs to worm infection. Sometimes puppies are also born with certain types of worms from an infected mother, especially roundworms and hookworms, where mother-to-puppy transmission is a significant mode of spreading. Be especially sure that your Lab puppy gets the heartworm vaccination. Heartworm is a dangerous and potentially fatal disease, and once your dog is infected, the cure is expensive and extremely harsh on your dog. A trained dog will learn how to behave in and outside the home and around other humans and pets. I have a full beginner guide on how to train an 8 week old Labrador puppy , but in a nutshell, there are three training areas you should focus on in terms of pet training: housebreaking, obedience, and socialization. Housebreak Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Housebreaking means training your puppy to eliminate outdoors or at a designated location inside the home instead of doing it anywhere and at any time. Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks because their system is not yet mature enough to hold it for long. Luckily you can take advantage of that to teach your dog to always use the same spot. Pay attention to the signs your puppy gives when they need to ease themselves, like circling, whining, or sniffing their groin. Puppies naturally need to eliminate at these times: First thing after waking up in the morning. Last thing before retiring at night. After every meal. After drinking plenty of water. Upon waking up from a nap. During or after play or exercise. When they wake up during the night. Their brain, at this point, is like a sponge that will easily absorb new info. Also, teaching these commands early will make living with you easier for your dog as he will know what is expected of him. Teach your Lab puppy to sit, lay down, stay, leave, and other basic commands that are foundational for more advanced training later. Remember to use only positive reinforcement training approaches and reward your puppy with verbal praise, positive gesture cues, and treats. Exposure to these realities will help your Lab puppy adjust fast and nurture proper social behavior. In addition, exposure will preempt signs of poor puppy socialization, like aggression and fear around people and other animals. In general, your eight-week-old Labrador puppy should have two minute sessions of exercise daily. In addition, keep the following in mind: Keep exercise sessions short in the beginning and allow your puppy to adapt gradually. Playtime counts as exercise, so be careful not to over-exercise your Lab puppy. This is the harness I use. Allow your pup spontaneous rest moments between play. When exercising your puppy , avoid taking him for walks during the coldest or hottest times of the day. There are several ways to ensure your eight-week-old Labrador puppy is always safe, including ample supervision and choosing the right kind of toy. They might also try to get away on an exploratory walk if the door is left open. To avoid these dangers, puppy-proofing your home before getting your eight-week-old Lab puppy is vital. Read more here, What Foods are Poisonous to Labradors? Unplug power cords and put them away when not in use, as your puppy could try chewing on them. Remember that your puppy is young and still learning. It is also a legal requirement in some countries, such as the UK, and it may be required when traveling. While name tags are an excellent way to identify a dog, they can be easily removed or get lost, which means you are better off microchipping your Lab puppy, or even better, do both. Choose Safe Play Toys for Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Like us, eight-week-old puppies still have their baby teeth which they gradually lose to make room for their adult teeth. So, expect a lot of chewing and nipping during this time. Like humans, teething can be uncomfortable, and chewing is their only way to relieve some of that pain. To that end, ensure your Lab puppy has the right chewing toys to avoid damaging teeth or accidentally swallowing toy pieces. This toy is great for teething pups, doubles as a fetch toy, and is also a treat-dispensing toy where you can stuff it with peanut butter or other goodies. If proper toys are not provided, your Lab puppy will chew any available object in the house, such as table legs, shoes, remotes, or your hands. As such, they need proper resources for resting and sleeping. That includes the time to do so and a place where they will feel safe in. This synthetic dog bed has an ultra-soft feel and provides maximum comfort for your Lab. You can use it in the crate or as a stand-alone bed, and it comes in a few different styles and sizes. I like this bed due to its 3. Ensure the bed is in a location with no draft and where your puppy does not get any disturbance when resting. If you put your puppy straight into the crate without helping them adjust, it may react poorly. When buying a kennel, the best approach is to buy one that your pup can use as an adult dog, which for a Lab would be around 42 inches .Just be sure to get a crate with dividers so you can make the space smaller for your puppy. An 8-week-old Lab puppy can only walk for approximately minutes at a time. In most cases, young puppies will not walk but rather jump around and play. Still, keep in mind that they do not need long exercise sessions. Instead, keep playtimes short and allow for lots of rest. Remember that puppies should only walk about five minutes for every month of age, twice a day. At three months, you can stretch it to 15 minutes. Overwalking your Lab puppy can cause joint and bone issues and should be avoided. As such, a dog from a larger breed will need more food as a puppy than a smaller breed. An 8-week-old Lab puppy should be fed three to four meals of no more than cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy will depend on his size and weight. For example, if your puppy is between lbs 4. These measurements can vary with each dog food product, as different manufacturers have varying ingredients, so ensure you check the packaging first. Eight week old Lab puppies sleep for approximately 18 to 20 hours a day. An 8 week old Lab should pee as soon as they wake up, after eating and drinking, after waking up from a nap, during or after a session of play or exercise, just before going to bed at night, and when they awake during the night. Crate training , potty training , and learning to settle at night and will all begin in earnest at 8 weeks. Is your 8 week old puppy driving you crazy? Puppies, like babies, can be hard work. Not to mention annoying, and frustrating! But hang on in there. Chances are, you are sleep deprived, and your life has been turned upside down too. Many of the problems that arise with a new baby puppy, are easily resolved with just a little help. And looking after your puppy with diarrhea is no fun. Which he will, because Labrador puppies are always hungry! You have to ration out his food for him. You need to know how much your puppy needs to eat in a 24 hour period, and then divide that amount between at least 4 meals. First night with puppy Your 8 week old puppy should not sleep in or on your bed. Bed sharing with new puppies is too dangerous. He might fall off, and is likely to leave little puddles on your mattress and carpet. Later on you can bed share with your dog if you want to, but not right now, at least not unless you puppy proof the room and sleep on the floor. Your 8 week old puppy should not be free to roam the house at night. There is so much potential for harm. Even if you only sleep for six hours or so, there is a great deal of mischief your puppy can get up to in that time. So, the three main options that work well for 8 week old puppies are described next First night options for an 8 week old puppy Here are those three alternative sleeping arrangement for the first few nights Safe sleeping area Sturdy box or crate next to your bed 1 The puppy safe sleeping area Just before you go to bed and after taking your outside to empty himself, you can put the puppy to bed in a puppy proof room with a washable floor. Or you can put his bed inside a large puppy playpen. Put plenty of newspaper or puppy pads down to cover most of the floor. On the other hand you WILL have to get up in the night. Which option is best? It may also result in vomiting and diarrhea for your pup, and a lot of clearing up for you. It might seem irrational to you, but there are good reasons for your puppy to be scared. If asked to sleep alone on the first night in their new home, they usually cry. For a surprisingly long time. Unless you live in a mansion, you will be able to hear him. And so will your neighbors. The best way around this, is to have the puppy sleep next to you for the first few nights as described in Option 3 above. New puppies learn very quickly. Whilst initial crying is the result of fear or loneliness, puppies they soon discover that crying gets them attention. How much do puppies sleep? Your 8 week old puppy will spend around 18 to 20 hours asleep out of every .But dogs continue to sleep for long periods throughout their lives. Sleeping often and deeply is normal for an 8 week old puppy. This is nothing to worry about if your puppy is energetic and playful when awake, eating and growing well, and seems healthy in every other respect Potty training your 8 week old puppy. Potty training your 8 week old Labrador puppy can start on the very first day. A few new puppies can last six or seven hours at night without a wee. But many cannot do this until they are around ten weeks old. If you crate your puppy at night, expect to get up in the middle night and take your puppy outside for a wee, for up to two weeks. If you opt to leave your puppy at night with puppy pads or newspaper, expect it to take a little longer than this before you come down to a nice clean floor each morning. Getting up earlier for a while is a given with an 8 week old puppy. Puppies pee much more frequently often the day. Some new puppies can last an hour or so between wees, but again, many cannot. If you are going back to work, or want to leave your puppy for three to four hours before he is five or six months old, and you want to crate train, you need to arrange for someone else to take care of him during the day. Even for this short period of time. An 8 week old puppy should not be left in a crate for hours at a time during the day. The secret to success in crate training a new puppy lies in getting good habits established from the start. And this means getting that puppy outside to his toilet area, whenever his little bladder is getting full. Your puppy will quickly become comfortable with you disappearing for a few minutes if you reliably return. But too much isolation is a common cause of noisy or destructive behavior. Puppies need company. Older puppies may cope happily with being left for up to four hours, but even an adult Labrador may become distressed or destructive if left alone for a full working day on a regular basis. Labradors are very sociable dogs and they need to have people around them. No matter how many walks he gets at the weekend. Puppies biting Most people know that puppies nip when teething. Despite learning early bite inhibition from their mother and littermates, puppies continue this spikey behavior when you bring them home. Destructive puppy behavior Your 8 week old puppy will chew, gnaw and dig around the home. It can be quite a shock to discover just how destructive a Labrador can be, both indoors and out, especially if left unsupervised for long periods of time. Expect your puppy to destroy anything he can get in his mouth. Indoors and out. Some even chew the skirting boards, rip plaster from the walls, and tear up carpets in their homes. Supervision, playpens and puppy crates will help keep your home in tact during the destructive phase. Puppies running off 8 week old puppies need time off leash. Tiny puppies have an automatic response with means that they follow people around. This response disappears by the time the puppy is around four or five months old. Labradors are retrieving dogs. They love to hunt and follow scent trails. Expect that an older puppy will want to explore away from you and get that off lead recall established well before he is six months old. Expect that an older puppy will stray further and further away on walks if you are too predictable and just traipse along behind him. Teach him to follow you and not the other way around. What we expect from an 8 week old puppy We expect an awful lot from our tiny puppies. Both when they are still very small, and then as they grow bigger. Some of our expectations are simply not in line with the way puppies think and behave. Cuddles We expect that puppies will enjoy being cuddled. Sometimes they do, mostly they are just being polite. TIP: Wait for your puppy to stop wriggling before you place him on the floor or he will wriggle harder next time! A fun friend for children We expect that our children will be able to play with a new puppy, but small puppies often bite and wriggle too much for little ones to enjoy them. Those pleasures tend to come later TIP: Use baby gates to give toddlers and puppies space apart from one another Success and quick results We expect that the efforts we put in to housetraining will be rewarded, that the puppy will listen to what we say. But potty training and obedience training take time. Your 8 week old puppy will have accidents in the house to begin with and needs your help to understand what you want him to do next. As he grows, we expect our puppy to return our love and affection, to respect us, be loyal, and obedient. And he will be, in time. Nor had we anticipated just how depressing it would be to clear up puppy pee and poop every time we get up in the morning, or return home from a quick shopping trip. But they are common reasons for people to become disenchanted with their furry companion. One of our aims here on The Labrador Site is to help close this gap between expectations and reality. So that puppies go into their new homes, and stay there for the rest of their lives. And most of the problems described above can be avoided or passed through without too much pain, if you have the right information! And a little preparation. You can do this if you are ready. Much puppy naughtiness is linked to over-excitement. Focus on being calm around your puppy, and read up on how to train your puppy effectively. The considered and appropriate use of a crate and baby gates, is a great way to prevent conflict between puppies and their families. Confinement is not a substitute for companionship and training though, and of course it is very important to be sure you have enough time in your life for a Labrador, before going ahead and getting that lovely puppy. Do check out our article: are you ready for a Labrador , before you take the plunge.

Just a few months ago, your little ball of fluff was tumbling around, getting into mischief. This article will help you determine when to switch your puppy to adult dog food, how puppy and adult dog foods differ , how to select the best adult dog food, and how to transition foods smoothly to ensure that your pup is set up for a life of good health. According to AAFCO, puppy foods should be higher in protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorous than adult dog foods. These macronutrients and minerals help support lean muscle and bone growth. They also provide enough caloric density to enable the puppy to grow and perform basic bodily functions such as breathing, digestion, and movement. Many puppy food manufacturers also include higher amounts of compounds like omega-3 fatty acids to support proper brain and eye development as your puppy ages. Large-breed puppies need specially formulated puppy foods that contain less fat , calcium, and phosphorous to moderate their rate of growth. This helps prevent skeletal diseases such as elbow and hip dysplasia that can result from growing too quickly. You need to ensure that your puppy has the extra protein, fat, and minerals they need to support their growth and development and prevent various bone, joint, brain, and eye disorders. But aside from breed size, you also need to consider whether they are spayed or neutered or if they are a highly active dog that needs more calories. Breed Size Because of their faster growth rate, smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas , Yorkshire Terriers , and Pugs reach adult size sooner than larger breeds such as Golden Retrievers , German Shepherds, and Dalmatians. The guidelines below will help you to determine when to start feeding adult dog food: Small breeds under 25 pounds when fully grown reach adult size at months of age. These breeds will be ready for adult dog food at months of age. Medium-sized breeds such as English Springer Spaniels , Australian Shepherds , and Border Collies are pounds when fully grown, and they reach adult size at months of age. With growth rates between those of small breeds and large breeds, medium-sized dogs will be ready for adult dog food around months of age. Large breeds are over 50 pounds when fully grown. There are many large breed dogs, from the Boxer to the Great Dane , so the point at which these breeds reach mature size and weight can vary between 15 and 24 months of age. With the wide range of breeds under this category and a generally slower rate of growth, these dogs will need to stay on puppy food until they are months old to ensure they have enough protein and other nutrients during this stage. They also need to get those nutrients in the proper ratio to support the growth and proper development of their larger skeletons. Activity Level Athletic dogs may benefit from staying on puppy formulas longer, as the extra protein supports lean muscle growth and function, and the extra fat and higher caloric density can allow energy for high-intensity activities. Spaying or Neutering Breed size is not the only factor when determining when to transition your puppy to adult dog food. Because puppy foods contain a higher calorie density, feeding the correct amount during the remaining months of puppyhood is very important to prevent obesity as the puppy matures into an adult. Spaying or neutering does not usually slow the growth rate of your puppy, but it may affect the growth plates in the bones of large breed puppies, setting them up for joint problems later in life. In addition, unspayed female dogs who will be bred early in life may need to stay on puppy food longer to support gestation and lactation following whelping. Switching Too Early or Too Late Because the timing of switching your puppy to adult dog food is so important, there can be negative consequences from both switching too late and switching too early. Dogs that are taken off puppy food too late may be more predisposed to obesity and associated health problems later in life, given the fact that puppy formulas have more fat and calories per cup than adult dog formulas. The extra protein and calories in puppy foods can also increase the rate of growth in certain dog breeds if they are not fed a breed-specific puppy food formula. If these breeds are left on puppy formulas too long, they can be more predisposed to developing joint problems in the future. Similarly, if your puppy is taken off a puppy formula too early, they may suffer from nutritional deficiencies and growth abnormalities, failing to reach adult size around the expected time and increasing their risk of future bone, joint, brain, and eye issues. How to Pick the Right Adult Dog Food When it is time for your puppy to transition to adult dog food, how should you go about selecting the best adult formula for them as they become young adults? The young adult stage is typically considered years of age, as middle age starts by year in many dog breeds. While most dogs are generally quite healthy during this stage in their lives, feeding them appropriately during their young adult years can help lower the risk of obesity, arthritis , and dental disease as they age. Choosing a Brand The many adult dog food companies are not all equal in terms of quality. Dry Food vs. Wet Food The next step is to decide whether you would like to feed your dog dry food, wet food, or a mixture of the two. Both types of food have positive and negative aspects, and the choice to use one, the other, or both depends on the specific needs of your dog. For example, wet food: Has a higher moisture content than dry food and may be better for dogs that do not drink much water. Has a lower calorie density per volume than dry dog food, allowing dogs to feel fuller on fewer calories, which helps control their weight throughout their lives. Is often more palatable and appetizing than dry food, so it may be a great option for picky eaters or for stimulating the appetite of dogs that are less interested in food. Can be beneficial for dogs with oral abnormalities or dental disease, as it is easier for them to chew. By contrast, dry food: Can be a more economical option than wet food. Is a great option for easier portion control and for dogs that tend to graze throughout the day rather than consume a full meal in one sitting, as dry food will not spoil as rapidly if left out for long periods of time. Is beneficial for dental health, as the crunchy pieces act as an abrasive against the teeth during chewing and help prevent tartar buildup and thus tooth and gum disease. Can be easily used as a tool in puzzle toys for enrichment and mental stimulation. Is be used in slow feeders for reducing the rate at which dogs are able to consume their meals. When your pup eats more slowly, the risk is lower of them swallowing too much air and developing bloat, a potentially dangerous condition. Nutritional Requirements The final step in selecting the best adult dog food diet is to examine the Guaranteed Analysis panel on the bag or can of food and ensure that the formula meets a few major nutritional requirements. Other formulas have glucosamine for joint health or probiotics for gut health. Some dogs are sensitive to chicken and do better on beef- or salmon-based formulas. If you are unsure of the additional needs for your dog outside of the key ingredients and nutrients listed above, consult with your veterinarian. This will help ensure gut regularity with less physical activity. Remember that dog treats and other sources of calories in the diet need to be included when determining the appropriate amount of food for your young adult dog. How to Switch Your Puppy to Adult Dog Food Once you have selected the best adult dog food for your puppy, you are ready to transition them slowly onto their new diet. Because rapid diet changes can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, such as vomiting and diarrhea , it is recommended to introduce the new food slowly over a period of five days or so. Continue to feed your puppy as many times per day as they are used to throughout this process. If your puppy develops vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite, stop feeding the adult dog food and see your veterinarian. How Often to Feed Your Dog For large-breed puppies, it may be best for them to continue to eat three times per day. For medium-breed puppies, they should continue to be fed twice daily when they have been transitioned to adult dog food. For small-breed puppies, you may consider transitioning them to eating twice daily instead of three times per day after they are fully on adult dog food. This may involve providing more attention and playtime for your dog as they become accustomed to fewer feedings per day. Consider extra walks, extra playtime, or brushing to distract them from feelings of hunger. Some dogs may benefit from high-fiber adult dog food to increase feelings of fullness between meals. Your dog may also enjoy cleaned, raw fruits and vegetables such as sliced carrots, cucumbers, or apples without the core or seeds. If you have any questions about transitioning your puppy to adult dog food, contact your veterinarian. In addition, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist can be a great resource for any issues that come up, and they can help develop the best diet and feeding schedule for your new family member. Featured image: iStock. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Given that they are experts in the field of animal health and welfare, they will know the best meal schedule for your dog. This is one of the simplest methods to keep your Bulldog happy and healthy. Therefore, by choosing the best food for your beloved buddy to eat, you could extend its life span! Some examples of dry dog food are dog biscuits, kibble, and flaked cereals. Before serving dry dog foods to Bulldogs, warm water or broth is frequently added to this to improve the texture and enhance the flavor. Canned Wet Food: Canned wet food is sometimes preferable to dry food because it has a lot more moisture and thus will keep your dog hydrated. Moreover, wet dog food is also more likely to be appreciated by your English Bulldog puppy because it is usually more flavorful. However, wet food may increase the likelihood of dental issues. Homemade Diet: Homemade diets can help you save money. This diet also allows you to have more control over the macronutrients your dog consumes. As a result, with a homemade diet, you can rest assured that your dog is only consuming the best ingredients. Raw Diet: Raw dog food can be purchased as a frozen log, or it can simply be prepared at home. However, keep in mind that it should be prepared using quality meat and healthy fats. When it comes to choosing the right food for a Bulldog puppy, you need to be sure that it has high-quality protein to allow its body to function properly. If you accidentally drop something on the floor, these canines will gobble it up. However, some foods are incredibly toxic and dangerous for English Bulldogs to consume, even in small amounts. Here are some foods that you should avoid feeding your Bulldogs: Chocolate: This delectable human food includes theobromine , a poison that impairs the kidney, heart, and other important organ functions of a Bulldog puppy. If consumed in large amounts, xylitol can cause severe liver damage to your Bulldog. Raw Bread Dough: This is extremely poisonous. Milk and Other Dairy Products: Providing milk and other dairy products could lead to puppy diarrhea and other digestive system problems. These human foods may also set off food allergies, which may result in crusty scabs around the mouth of your dog. Grapes and Raisins: These may be enticing to dogs as treats or snacks, but they could also contain mold and fungus, which can result in gastrointestinal discomfort, seizures , lethargy, or kidney failure. Tomatoes: These contain tomatine , a poisonous alkaloid that can cause muscle weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures. Avocado: This tasty human food contains persin, which takes dogs some time to digest. It may cause severe stomach pain, breathing problems, and a buildup of fluid in the chest. Mushrooms: If your English Bulldog puppy consumes wild mushrooms, you should treat it as an emergency because it can result in neurological symptoms, kidney and liver failure, and even death. Macadamia Nuts and Walnuts: These delicious Hawaiian treats rank among the most hazardous human foods for dogs. These nuts can cause hind legs to become paralyzed for anywhere between 12 and 24 hours after consumption. Aside from the listed foods, there are other foods that your Bulldog puppy should stay away from. Therefore, when your dog transitions from a puppy to an adult dog and also when they get closer to seniority, it makes sense to switch to a different diet. It could take some trial and error to find the best food for them. You can use the following transition chart as a guide for your English Bulldog puppy: Day. While the feeding guide on the back of the bag of food is a good guideline on how much to feed, puppies will go through growth spurts where they will be hungrier and need to eat more. Feed your puppy so that they stay thin, but not emaciated. If you see ribs sticking out, then increase the amount you are feeding by 10 percent. If you have any questions about how much you should feed your puppy, talk with your veterinary care team. How long do I feed puppy food? Puppies should be fed puppy food until they are done growing. Puppies stop growing at different times based on their size: Small- and medium-sized puppies: These pups grow faster and are considered mature around 9 months of age. Large breed puppies: These pups take longer to be skeletally mature and are considered to be done growing around 15 months of age for large breeds, like Labrador Retrievers , and months of age for giant breeds, like Great Danes , Mastiffs and Newfoundlands. That means that you will need to feed large breed puppies a food specially formulated for their needs for longer than you will need to feed puppy food to small or medium breed puppies. Adults Photo: Chewy Studios Age 1 year to years Two of the most common questions puppy parents have are 1 how long to feed puppy food and 2 when to switch to an adult diet. What do adult dogs eat? Adult dogs need at least 18 percent of their daily calories to be protein, and at least 5. An adult dog can eat up to 50 percent of daily calories as carbohydrates, but 2. How to choose adult dog food With so many options available on the market today, it can be difficult to choose a food when you switch to adult dog food. The statement should say that the food has been found to be complete and balanced based on formulation or AAFCO feeding trials. The size of your dog: Another consideration when choosing a food for your dog is the size of your dog. If you have a large breed dog, feeding a food that has been formulated for large breed dogs, like Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food , can help support joint health. Is the haircoat full and glossy? What about stool quality and quantity? If everything checks out, then the food is likely good for your dog. How much food to feed an adult dog When it comes to how much to feed, start with the feeding recommendations on the back of the bag and see how your dog does. How to switch to adult dog food The most seamless way to do this is to purchase a bag of adult food when you purchase the last bag of puppy food, and gradually mix the two dry foods together, increasing the ratio of the new kibble over the course of about a week. The important thing to realize is that because puppies are still growing, they need more calories and nutrition than adults. In fact, feeding an adult diet to a puppy could lead to nutritional deficiencies. Likewise, feeding a puppy diet to an adult could cause excessive weight gain and its related issues. This is important to avoid, since obesity is the most common nutrition-related issue for canines. Knowing when to switch to adult dog food will help your puppy grow into a happy, healthy dog. Read on to learn how and when to switch to adult dog food. When to Switch Puppy to Adult Dog Food You should switch to adult dog food when your puppy is within the age range of months old. As you can see this is quite a big range, so this is just a general rule of thumb. Fully grown, these cute little canines generally weigh 12 pounds or less. Most tiny dogs should reach their adult weight, such as it is, around months old. Fully grown, they generally weigh between 12 and 25 pounds, and they will typically reach this adult weight at months of age. These dogs will reach a total of around 25 and 50 pounds at around months of age. At months of age, these dogs will reach their adult weight of 50 and pounds. These dogs will typically reach their adult weight between 12 and 24 months. Puppy foods have greater quantities of certain nutrients, including calories, because puppies require more macronutrients and minerals than an adult dog of the same size and weight. This important stage of growth and development requires a lot of energy, after all! This is why puppies are at risk for nutritional deficiencies and malnourishment if they are fed adult dog food. Adult dog foods have been designed to accommodate the decrease of energy levels and growth that comes with maturity. For starters, puppies need more protein and fat than an adult dog of the same size. They also require higher concentrations of certain minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. For this reason, puppy food is more calorie- and nutrient-dense. You will find essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and chloride all in greater concentrations in puppy food. Sometimes puppy foods are also supplemented with things such as extra omega-3 fatty acids. These can support healthy eye and brain development. Keep in mind that larger breeds can be at a greater risk of developmental diseases as a result of overly rapid growth. This is why large breed puppy foods have a little less fat, calcium, and phosphorus. They also have a very carefully balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus. This ensures that they develop and grow at an appropriate and healthy pace. With that in mind, the best way to transition is slowly. This can even potentially lead to your dog refusing or disliking that particular type of dog food, because they associate it with feeling sick. So ease into it. A few days later, increase the amount of adult dog food to 40 percent, and reduce the amount of puppy food to 60 percent. Follow this pattern of increasing the amount of adult dog food, and make sure that you are removing the same amount of puppy food that you are adding in adult food. And if you run into any difficulties getting your dog to eat the new food, make sure to check out our guide on how to get your dog to eat. It has some helpful tips that might make the transition easier. Bully Max: A Dog Food For All Ages Transitioning to adult dog food the right way is a simple but important step to ensure your furry best friend is healthy and happy. Just make sure you make the switch at the appropriate time based on the breed of your dog. One breeder I know takes theirs off puppy food at 6 months. Everyone has their own idea as to what to do, and you can ask several vets and get different answers. I just said what we do and it works well for my bullies, you do something different and it works well for you. Dobermans and other breed of dog need puppy food longer, because they grow different than bullies. Everyone has their own idea as to what to do. Click to expand.Debating dog food is always futile because each dog is unique even within the same breed. My vet recommends Science Diet which, to me, is crap food. I don't debate him because he has lots of healthy patients following his recommended diet regimen. I normally don't go by vet recommendations when it comes to dog food. I do my own analysis by matching all my research on dog food with all my research on the dog breed and coming up with the typical baseline and adjusting from there depending on my specific dog determined by parentage and day-to-day observation. And, the month standard is typical for english bulldogs according to their growth rate and body structure, matched with the puppy formula from everything I've read on the topic. Of course, we adopted our one and only bulldog at age 3, so we never had to apply it. If I was to get a puppy, I wouldn't bother with puppy formula and go straight to all stages food. But that doesn't answer the thread topic. A Doberman is completely different. A Doberman typically achieves most of his weight and height before the first heat cycle. So that's typically 60 pounds and 24 inches by 6 months of age - a very rapid growth spurt - and they usually don't grow much more than that in the next 6 months, usually just filling out muscle, with a maturity level achieved by 12 months. Doberman baseline is only 9 months on the puppy formula and I always opt for the puppy formula for dobies due to this growth spurt, although we had our dogs on puppy food until 12 months because they were from what many would consider a "warrior" line and did not achieve close to their expected weight until then. Doberman do not have a weight standard - you may see AKC dogs between 60 and pounds - which is different from english bulldogs who have a standard of lbs. So, all this spiel just to say - this is what's typical, then know your specific dog and adjust accordingly. They are very people-orientated and form a strong bond with their owners and family members, meaning that if left alone for long periods of time they can suffer from separation anxiety. As indoor dogs, English Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance and only require gentle daily exercising. Due to them being part of the Brachycephalic breeds short faced it is important to take extra precautions in the summer months, especially when exercising. They can overheat very easily so it is vital to keep them in cool and shaded areas within your household. A breed that loves their food but are at risk of becoming overweight easily if not given daily exercise. It has been known that English Bulldogs live longer if cared for correctly and fed a good, high quality diet to suit their individual needs. As they are a Brachycephalic breed they are more at risk of suffering from and developing allergies, so we would always recommend feeding them a grain free diet. This is due to the shape of their faces and the folds around their eyes and muzzle. Catching the problem early or preventing it from starting is important as skin allergies, especially an ear or eye infection, can be quite difficult to clear up once they have flared up or the longer you leave them. When you bring your new English Bulldog puppy home you should make setting up a routine a priority — this will help with the settling in period. You should stick to the food that the breeder has had the puppy on for the first week before gradually switching over, over a four-week period so your puppy does not experience digestive upset. Once your Bulldog reaches around eight to ten months old you can go onto the adult food and feed twice daily. It would also be beneficial to occasionally feed one of the other flavours from the sensitive range but we would recommend that the main part of the diet is the salmon. Grooming A low maintenance breed when it comes to grooming as they only require around three baths per year. They only shed a moderate amount of hair, but you should brush them weekly and you should clean in between their folds and wrinkles daily to prevent any bacteria causing infection. Thanks to its peaceful and loving nature, the popularity of the English Bulldog has soared in recent times. Through its displays of charm and affection, this is one breed of dog that is likely to bring love and warmth to any home. The potential benefits of raw Swapping Puppy Food Brands When you first bring your Bulldog puppy home you should feed him the same food that he was getting from the breeder or shelter for about three to four weeks. This will give him time to acclimate to his new surroundings and get used to being separated from his mom and siblings. Mix about three-quarters of the puppy food he eats now with one-quarter of the new food for the first two to three days. For the next two or three days give him equal portions of the old and new food. Finally, give him three-quarters of the new food and one-quarter of the old food for two to three days. Bulldog Puppy Diets The sheer number of different puppy foods to choose from can be overwhelming. Your breeder may be able to give you some guidance. Puppies need plenty of protein to promote strong bone, muscle, and joint growth. Guidelines on labels will give you an idea of the amount to feed your puppy, but ultimately each dog is an individual. Their body size, not what the label says, is a better indicator of a proper portion. A serving size can also vary depending on the type of food or brand as well. Special Requirements Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed. Chewing and swallowing can also be a problem. This is because the palate, teeth, tongue, and tissue are the same size as that of a dog with a much longer muzzle. Many Bulldogs also suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome which causes serious breathing issues that can also make eating difficult. You might also find combining dry food with a good quality wet food is easier for them to consume. From three to six months, you can reduce it to three times a day. At six to 12 months old, you can feed him twice a day. Bulldogs are highly at risk for hip dysplasia. In fact, this study of 20 English Bulldogs found that none of the hips showed normal development and .Feeding a Bulldog Puppy Kibble Dry kibble is probably the most popular all-round puppy food choice. Make sure you choose a dry formula designed specifically for puppies. However, not all brands are created equal. Stay away from ingredients like corn.