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Though, you get what you paid for. Best Features What makes the Haige heavy duty crate so much better than any other dog crate is the frame. Young Golden Retriever puppies, in the midst of teething, will certainly try to chew up the crate. So, this feature provides a great dog-safe enclosure for your pup. However, the only negative for some people is the one-door option. It makes it slightly more difficult to access whatever you put into the crate bowls, pads, etc. Because the second door is on top, it provides a clever way of getting things in dog crate without the chance of your dog escaping. The degree rotated locking caster are 4 wheels that can lock in place for better mobility. All quality dog crate should have removable plastic trays, including the Haige heavy duty. Unlike other dog crates, this brand comes with a 3-year warranty. Check out the current price and more reviews on the Haige Heavy Duty here. I must have forgot that this crate included a bowl, water, and mat for the cage. I was so happy and for the price. Such a deal! My dog has separation anxiety and destroyed a standard wire crate and a plastic crate, injuring himself while doing so. But so far no damage or injuries. Plenty of room, our dog is 65 lbs and he can turn and move easily. It provides freedom for him with an added security to me that I still have control. He is a larger dog pounds but this is strong and durable. The sling pack makes it an easy addition to our walks. I highly recommend this product! This also does not come with a divider sold separately , which I think is such an awesome feature for dog crates. Security is always important with crates, which is why the New World crate comes with slide-bolt latches to ensure your dog is safe in the cage. In fact, Golden Retrievers much prefer to chew on socks! Like the first two options, this dog crate is foldable and can collapse in a few seconds. Easily slide out the tray and hose it down or wipe it clean with ease. As mentioned, there is no divider. So, I would only recommend this for adult-sized Golden Retrievers. If you were to purchase a divider separately, it would probably cost you more. To check out the current price of the New World dog crate, click here. Extremely secure, plenty of room for our golden retriever pup plus plenty of room for her to grow into , and the thick plastic floor is very easy to clean. This crate, however, is great value. I had one downstairs but it was too troublesome to move every time I went upstairs. Now, Max can sleep upstairs too. This is super awesome, and super neat! At 7 weeks, your pup may weigh a whopping 3 pounds. Many training crates feature a divider system. And then remove the divider when your Golden reaches her full adult size. You are aiming for a snug, comforting fit that mimics the den a wolf might find for himself in the wild. He will need a few spare inches of head and side room, but no more than that. The entranceway itself is about 18 inches across. These dimensions are mirrored in the recommended crate size for an adult Golden Retriever dog. Best Dog Crate For Golden Retriever Puppy Each of these awesome crates features that key essential you need during puppyhood: the divider. Each also offers a slide-out under-tray for easy cleaning, and all will fold down for storage or travel. This affordable, versatile, and functional metal dog crate features a side door and a front door. Along with a removable divider for use during puppyhood. The slide-out under-tray is easy to clean and replace. It comes with a removable divider for use during puppyhood and a slide-out dog tray for easy cleaning. There is a top handle for carrying, and the crate folds down flat for travel or storage. The doors have two bolts per door for safety. One neat feature about this crate is the rolling feet to help protect your flooring. It comes in single- and double-door models. Each features a double latch system with two latches per door. The slide-out, leak-proof under-tray makes cleaning easy and fast. It comes with a removable divider and slide-out tray for easy cleaning. The crate has rounded, smooth corners for safety, and the whole crate is coated with a rust-resistant finish. The entire unit collapses to a width of two inches, making it easy to store or use for travel. This heavy duty, high-end dog crate comes in silver or black models and will also take spray paint, if you desire. It is rust resistant and comes on heavy-duty locking casters to rotate it degrees or move it outside or from room to room as you desire. The door is actually a door-within-a-door to give you more interaction flexibility. The plastic under-tray is easy to slide out, clean, and replace. The locks have an extra feature: safety buckles to prevent escape. The tray slides out and back in for easy cleaning. The cage is coated with a durable anti-rust black epoxy. It folds down easily for storage or travel. It also offers a handy top carry handle. You want the same close, cozy fit, where your dog has just enough room to stand up to full height and turn around fully. This is for safety as well as comfort. But you may want a different crate for car travel, specifically one that is soft-sided or plastic and lighter weight. For air travel, you will need a crate that is approved for use on the carrier you are flying with. This can differ from one carrier to the next, so be sure to call the carrier ahead of time for guidance! The sides roll up with Velcro hinges to offer ventilation. This 3-door, soft-sided travel crate features a strong steel crate frame covered in durable, washable fabric. The sides can be rolled up and secured with Velcro for ventilation. The frame is spring-loaded and collapsible for storage or travel, and it comes with a handy, adjustable handle. A sheepskin bed is included. This affordable, functional travel crate features soft sides with a collapsible steel frame. The fabric is durable polyester. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Consider the age of your Golden Retriever when selecting a crate. Different types of crates offer different advantages and disadvantages. Using the wrong crate size can lead to discomfort, restricted movement, and anxiety. Make sure you understand the role of a crate, not just for training but also transportation. Crate training for Golden Retrievers requires proper timing and practice. Where to place the crate and what to put in it will help make the most of your crate. Golden Retrievers will typically grow to by 20 to 24 inches tall and up to 75 lbs, so you need to make sure to get them the right size crate. Follow these steps to determine the size of your dog: Measure the height of your Golden Retriever: Have your dog stand up straight, Measure from the floor to the top of their shoulder blades. Add around inches to this measurement to determine the minimum height for the crate. Measure the length of your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Remember to add 2 to 4 inches to the measurement. Measure their width by having your Golden Retriever standing with their legs slightly apart. Focus your attention on the widest part of their body, which tends to be the chest area. Once again, always add up to 4 inches to the figure. Finally, you want to consider the age of your Golden Retriever. For example, if you have a puppy, keep in mind that they will grow rapidly. You may want to choose a crate that will work for their adult size or opt for an adjustable crate with dividers, so you can gradually increase the space as they grow. Your Golden Retriever puppy will rapidly outgrow a nice crate that is not suited for an adult size. Now that you have all the measurements, you can refer to this Crate Size Calculator to find out the right and best dog crate size for your golden retriever. Types of Crates For Golden Retrievers Crates come not only in different sizes, but also with different structural elements. Below, we explain the pros and cons of each type of crate. Wire Crates Wire crates are popular due to their durability and visibility, They provide excellent ventilation and are easy to clean. However, bear in mind that some Golden Retrievers tend to find them less cozy than other options. Plastic Crates Plastic crates are a popular choice for travel. They offer more privacy and create a den-like environment for your Golden Retriever. Being lightweight, they are easy to transport and provide a sense of security. However, they may not offer as much airflow as wire crates. They are perfectly suitable for strong and aggressive chewers , which is a frequent issue among puppies! Bear in mind that steel crates can be heavy and less budget-friendly than other crate types. Soft Crates Lightweight and collapsible, soft crates are convenient for temporary use, such as short transportation needs. They are not suitable for dogs that like to chew or scratch as they are easily damaged. These crates come in various materials, including wood or wicker, and provide a stylish alternative to traditional crates. Yet, they may be less durable, and some favor design over ventilation. Recommendations for Best Golden Retriever Crates We suggest discussing crate recommendations with your veterinarian and your Golden Retriever breeder for tips and favorite brands. It has a removable plastic tray for easy cleaning and folds down for storage. Having double doors on the crate is a practical feature as it offers convenient access and flexibility in terms of crate placement. The secure locking mechanism adds an extra layer of safety. Cons: While the crate is generally considered of decent quality, there could be durability concerns for dogs with a history of trying to escape crates. This means it might not be the most suitable option for such dogs. This plastic crate is airline-approved in the USA and provides a secure and comfortable space for your Golden Retriever during air travel. It features ventilation on all sides and a durable, heavy-duty construction. Withstood mile flight. Arrived on time. Easy to set up. Met all airline guidelines for flying pets. The dog had ample room for a mat. Adding that this is also rust resistant! Spacious and roomy: The crate offered plenty of space for dogs to stand up and move around comfortably. Cons: Durability concerns: Considering the price paid for these crates, it was mentioned by previous buyers that they were not as sturdy as expected. This raised doubts about their long-term durability. Potential safety issues: The crate had plastic edges and lips that protruded, which proved problematic for dogs with severe separation anxiety. If you have a strong and powerful Golden Retriever, this steel crate is an excellent choice. It has reinforced steel tubing and multiple locks for maximum security. I used to worry while I was out, and would come home to a 45 min cleanup, not anymore! Thanks for the great product that is, as advertised. It effectively prevents the dog from escaping and causing damage to the surroundings, giving peace of mind when leaving my dog alone. Durability and strength: The crate is built to be indestructible, and it lives up to its claim. The sturdy construction and quality materials used make it resistant to escape attempts and capable of withstanding the efforts of even the most determined dogs. Cons: Inconvenient assembly and weight: The crate can be challenging to assemble due to the use of hex screws, which may not be the most user-friendly option. Additionally, it is quite heavy, making it less portable and difficult to move around. Grated bottom design: The grated floor of the crate, although intended for easy cleaning in case of accidents, may not be comfortable for dogs to lie on or move around. Some dogs may find it less appealing, and additional padding or a flat surface may be necessary to ensure their comfort. This soft crate is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for temporary use. It features three mesh doors for easy access and ventilation. I used it for a weekend dog show and plan on using it often. I may need to purchase another for my other pup! It provides ample room for your golden retriever puppy to stand up and stretch out, allowing for comfort and mobility. Lots of ventilation: The 4-door model offers excellent cross-ventilation options, making it suitable for hot weather conditions. Sturdiness and portability: The crate feels sturdy and durable, giving you confidence in its ability to contain my dog. Lightweight: Despite its strength, it is relatively lightweight, making it easy to transport and handle. The included storage bag with various handle options adds to its portability. Cons: Limited instructions and assembly complexity: The provided instructions were not comprehensive, and there was a lack of guidance on disassembling the crate. Assembly can be straightforward, but taking it down and folding it back may require some trial and error. It may not be suitable for dogs with such behaviors, and additional caution is necessary. Additionally, the larger windows and netting material can pose risks for puppies, as they may get caught or try to escape through them. This aesthetic crate combines the functionality of a wire crate with a stylish cover. It blends well with home decor and provides a cozy den-like environment for your Golden Retriever. No more stuck paws. After my puppy got her paw stuck twice in the kennel bars and woke me up screaming, I knew I needed to find a way to make her kennel safer. This is a great solution. Not only does it keep her from accidently getting caught in the bars, it looks great and is high quality and well made. My huge kennel looks so much nicer in my room now and the crate pad is pretty nice. I love the option for side or front entry too as my kennel has both. The fabric is described as plush and the bumper and pad offer protection from the wires of the crate, making it more den-like and cozy. The set created a more appealing and inviting space for the dog. Cons: Inadequate size and ties: There were issues with the sizing and ties of the bumper set. The side panels were reported to be slightly short for the cage, which could affect the overall fit and coverage. Additionally, the ties on the bumper set were not sturdy enough and ripped easily, particularly during playful interactions inside the crate. Misleading washing instructions: While the packaging stated that the set was completely machine washable, the bumper was later found to be spot clean only, resulting in twisting and seams starting to rip after washing. One user felt that the packaging and description were misleading, and that clearer instructions should have been provided. Advantages of Choosing the Right Crate Size Comfort A properly sized crate ensures your Golden Retriever has enough space to lie down, stand, turn around, and stretch comfortably. Safety The right crate size prevents your Golden Retriever from getting stuck or injured while inside. It reduces the risk of accidents or escape attempts. Effective House Training A correctly sized crate aids in house training by discouraging your Golden Retriever from soiling their sleeping area. It helps establish a routine and promotes bladder control. If the crate you choose is too small, your dog will be uncomfortable. And if the crate you choose is too big, they may feel comfortable pottying inside of it. Downsides of Choosing the Wrong Crate Size Beware of some of the most common issues when picking the wrong crate size. A crate that is too small can cause discomfort, stiffness, and limited mobility for your dog. Insufficient space in the crate may prevent your dog from stretching, changing positions, or engaging in natural behaviors. Finally, a cramped or confining crate can lead to anxiety and stress for your Golden Retriever , resulting in behavioral issues or reluctance to enter the crate. A crate offers several benefits for both you and your Golden Retriever. Crates provide a secure and private space where your Golden Retriever can retreat when they need rest or alone time. The crate helps build a routine and provides a designated area for your dog. Crating your Golden Retriever when unsupervised can prevent them from engaging in destructive behaviors, such as chewing furniture or household items. Finally, a crate will give your dog safety and prevent distractions while traveling in a car or an airplane. Benefits Of Crate Training Crate training can present many benefits, such as accelerating house training. The crate helps establish a routine and teach your Golden Retriever to hold their bladder and bowels until they are outside. For anxious dogs, crate training can provide the safety and secure space they need to rest and feel protected. Finally, crate training also reduces separation anxiety through a cozy environment. Of course, it is important to ensure the crate is well-ventilated and meets the necessary travel requirements and airline approvals. Ideally, you want to start crate training when your Golden Retriever is still a puppy. Puppies are more adaptable and open to learning. However, that being said, crate training can be successful at any age. Make it more comfortable by providing toys, blankets, and treats. Step 2: Once your pup is at ease, close the door and bring toys and treats inside. Keep an eye on them and let them out if they become distressed. Step 3: Increase the time your puppy spends in the crate with the door closed gradually, and step away from the crate while they are distracted. Step 4: Extend the time you are away from the crate. Remember, crate training requires patience , consistency, and positive reinforcement. Make it comfortable! Add a soft and washable bedding for your Golden Retriever to rest on inside the crate. Never rush the introduction phase. Always introduce the crate slowly, allowing your dog to explore and associate it with positive experience. They should always see the crate as a positive place to be. Clean the crate regularly. Opting for washable beddings makes it easy to maintain the crate. You should also wipe down any surface after use, especially for temporary or transportation crates. Remember to use safe and gentle cleaning products. Provide toys and chewable treats for your dog when they get in the crate. This will engage their mind and keep them entertained. Make sure you put the crate in a quiet, sheltered and well-ventilated spot inside your home. Poor placement of your crate may cause stress for your dog. Conclusion Choosing the right crate size for your Golden Retriever is crucial for their comfort, safety, and effective training. Measure your dog accurately and consider their age when selecting a crate. Bear in mind that crates can come in a variety of materials, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of each crate type. It may be worth having more than one crate if you suspect they will need to cover different purposes. Finally, crate training your Golden Retriever provides numerous benefits, both for your dog and for you. Generally, it is recommended not to exceed hours for adult dogs. Should I crate my Golden Retriever at night? Crate training your Golden Retriever at night can help with house training and provide a safe space for them. However, ensure the crate is appropriately sized, comfortable, and placed in a quiet area. Is it better for dogs to sleep in crate or bed? Some dogs feel more secure and comfortable in a crate, while others may prefer sleeping in a bed. What age can dogs stop sleeping in crate? The age at which dogs can stop sleeping in a crate varies. Some dogs may be ready to sleep outside the crate as early as months as they are fully house trained too. Others may benefit from longer crate usage as their house training progresses. Most pet carriers are designed with safety features that protect your dog from injury during travel, such as secure latches and ventilation. Additionally, many airlines require pets to be transported in an approved carrier that meets certain size and weight restrictions. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian or animal transportation specialist for advice on safe and comfortable ways to transport your dog. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Too large or too small and it will not be fit for purpose. You have to get this just right. This article will discuss all these factors so that by the end you will be highly informed and confident in making the correct buying decision. A crate should be just big enough for your dog to stand up without hitting their head, to turn around comfortably, and provide room to lay on their side with their paws stretched out before them. This is an unnecessary waste of money. Many brands of dog crates have dividers available that can be used to reduce the available space of a larger crate to suit a puppy. The divider is a removable panel you can place inside the crate to reduce the space to suit the size of your dog. So my advice is to buy a crate large enough to suit an adult Golden retriever, then use a divider to scale it down to a size that suits a puppy. This will save you money in the long run. However, the best way to know what size crate your Golden Retriever needs is to measure their size and buy the crate that best fits. Add 4 inches and this is the height of the crate you want to purchase so your Golden can comfortably sit or stand inside without hitting their head on the ceiling. Secondly, have your dog stand on all fours and referring to the picture, take measurement B, from the base of their tail to the tip of their nose. Again, add 4 inches and this is the perfect length of the crate for your Golden to be able to lay down comfortably without being cramped. So to summarise, your Golden needs a crate of height A plus 4 inches, and of length B plus 4 inches. So now you will be able to get exactly the right size crate for your adult Golden Retriever. But how about buying a crate for a puppy? As previously discussed, I recommend you purchase a crate for an adult Golden and use a divider to make it suit your puppy, thereby doing away with the need to upgrade to increasingly bigger crates 3 or 4 times during their first 18 months. But if you do wish to have crates just right for your puppy without the use of a divider, please take measurements as detailed in the previous section to guide you in your buying decision. And be prepared to upgrade and replace every 4 or so months as they grow. The sheer number of different styles of dog crates on the market is quite startling. There are crates made of wire, plastic, wood, cloth, and many more besides. As explained on www. There is still some variety of styles available within this one type: Some have a single door, some have two or three. Most have a removable plastic tray at the base…but not all. But with these choices aside, what are the pros and cons of a wire crate: The Advantages Of A Wire Dog Crate Very strong, durable and long-lasting Very easy to keep clean Most have a slide out tray as a base that makes cleaning after accidents very easy make sure to look for this feature when buying! Folding ones are available for easy storage or moving the crate They allow the maximum flow of air compared to other styles, making them most suitable to hotter climates. They allow maximum visibility of the surroundings to the dog inside. This can be important for some dogs. Dividers are readily available for most models so you can buy a large one and re-size it for a puppy instead of replacing it as they grow. Though you can of course cover them if necessary. They are one of the easiest types to escape from if your dog is a budding Houdini! They are noisy if placed on solid surfaces and you have a fidgety dog.

Check price on Chewy Do you have an active Pug puppy that loves various activities? Then you might get him this multifunctional Lambchop Plush dog toy. This dog toy is great for various plays, such as fetch, tug of war, and chewing. It also has an internal squeaker, so it will keep your dog engaged for a very long time. The toy comes in three sizes, and you might want to buy the smallest one for your Pug. However, as they are extremely soft, you might give your Pug puppy even a large-size one as a comfort toy. As such, you might want to monitor playtime, just in case the toy gets torn and the stuffing comes out. In fact, when buying dog toys, you might want to buy more than one type, as all have different purposes. Not to mention that some dogs might prefer a certain type of toy over others. With that being said, here are the most common types of best toys for Pugs: Chew Toys Chew toys are likely the most important type of toy you can get for your Pug. These toys help teething puppies but have various benefits for adult dogs, as well. Also, they help your dog deplete the destructive energy he might have by providing him with something to chew on — and that is not your shoe or a piece of wall. Plush Toys Plush toys are very similar to stuffed toys for humans, especially babies. In fact, they have the same purpose: They provide your pooch with companionship and comfort, easing their anxiety and providing them with companionship when you are away. In general, plush toys might be the best toys for Pugs and other small dogs. This is because small breeds tend to be frightened and overwhelmed by their surroundings, as everything is much larger than them. Plush toys give Pugs comfort and the feeling of security as if they are big siblings that will protect them from harm. At the same time, large dogs might destroy these toys, which is why not many manufacturers even bother to make them for large breeds. Instead, they focus on small sizes fit for dogs such as Pugs. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys provide dogs with mental stimulation, keeping them busy without making them be active. Puzzle toys typically use food as a reward. For your doggie to get it, he needs to solve a puzzle — whether that be turning the toy in a specific way or just playing with it long enough. Just keep in mind that these toys contain food — mostly treats. Sound Toys Sound toys, as their name would suggest, produce a specific sound when your pooch is playing with them. This is mostly squeaking sound, but clicking, bell sound, and other noises are common, as well. Active Toys Active dogs encourage exercise or other types of activity. They usually require your dog to participate in some type of game. Examples of these toys are tug toys, fetch balls, even tennis balls made for dogs! For example, you have balls that you can play fetch with. These toys need to be strong enough to withstand some chewing. Otherwise, he is risking his health. They are meant to be family pets — despite their big dog personalities. In fact, their bodies are not made to be active. These pups commonly have breathing issues, and they cannot regulate their temperature as well as many other breeds. This is why you should always buy from good breeders who will ensure the dog is as healthy as possible. As such, you need to find toys that can help them be active, but without any long and heavy exercise. This can be more challenging than you might think, but this is why you might want to stick to puzzle toys. Also, the toys need to be durable, but not too much. If you opt for a puzzle toy, you need to pick one that is interesting enough for your pup to spend hours playing with it, but not so hard that he gives up on it too quickly. It would be ideal if you could find a puzzle toy that will keep your dog active. Sure, you might get an active toy for this, but they can be risky as your pooch will have to run around, and this might not end well. Some dog toys are meant to be used in two, such as fetch balls or tug of war. In fact, dog toys are an essential item a dog needs for proper development. They are not a luxury, but rather something your pooch needs to be healthy and happy. They provide plenty of mental stimulation, ensuring they are calm and satisfied. Think about playing a crossword or a sudoku puzzle for a while. This is how your pooch is feeling after playing with his toy. They Build Independence Unlike cats, dogs are pack animals. They Help With Learning Some types of toys — most notably, enrichment toys, help dogs learn and develop new skills. They are designed by behavioral professionals that know how to help dogs learn new things. Even playing is a way the dog can connect with his nature! Not just that, but dog toys can help with dog training. They Reduce Stress As mentioned, small dog breeds are more prone to stress due to the environment around them. Certain toys — especially plush ones — can help them battle the effects of stress. This is likely because he feels as if he can control his surroundings, helping him feel relaxed. Some dogs can form an attachment to comfort toys that is so strong they can form separation anxiety. Others can help treat it. They Are Fun Last but not least, dogs love playing with toys because they are fun. Dog toys can help your dog have some quality fun time without going outside or doing some crazy stuff. You can play with your Pug in the same way you would play with any other dog, but with a few catches. Games such as fetch are not the best choice for a Pug, as they can tire him too quickly and increase his breathing and heart rate. You might play tug of war with him, as long as you know when to stop. You need to be the smart one here and learn how to recognize when your pooch is feeling tired. Also, large toys out of too thick material might not be the best option for such small doggies, as they might hurt their teeth. Not just that, but they might find these toys uninteresting. Puppy toys have a few differences compared to toys for adult dogs. This is because Pug puppies have smaller, more delicate teeth and they are not as strong as adult Pugs. These toys can also keep your Pug from developing some destructive behavior, as they will give your young dog something to chew on, instead of trying to get relief by chewing your shoes. Still, these are playful dogs that can easily get bored, so they need plenty of toys that can keep them entertained all day long. You can do this with interactive puzzle toys or by teaching them new tricks. At the same time, Pugs seem to enjoy new toys better than the ones they already have. They can easily get bored of the old ones, which might make you feel as if you constantly need to waste money to buy them a new form of entertainment. Post navigation. When you need your Pug to be able to soothe teething and chewing urges, when you want your Pug to have something interesting to keep himself busy or when your Pug has a really hard time being home alone and you need toys that will keep him focused on something other than missing you. One of the biggest mistakes that owners can make when picking out items for their Pug dogs is going for quantity over quality. Buying cheap Pug dog toys like those found in dollar stores may give your dog a lot of options, but none will really meet his needs. Most puppies and dogs will ignore these types of boring toys and those that are left on the floor aren't helping a dog with his chewing and independent-play needs. A dog has very few of his own belongings; Other than water and food dishes and bedding, his or her toy collection is really a dog's only real possessions. And to keep a Pug dog happy, it's important to make sure that those toys are quality ones that fit the needs of the puppy or dog. In this section we will go over the 5 types of Pug dog toys and exactly how these can help. With young puppies, teething toys will: a Soothe sore gums - Gums are very tender during this time and can have some inflammation. So, the last thing you want is for a teething toy to hurt when it's chewed on. The material must be soft enough to give way to pressure b Relieve itching - Along with discomfort, itching can be very intense during the teething phase as adult teeth begin to emerge. This can be so overwhelming that a Pug without proper toys may chew on just about anything. It is usually after a few household items have been destroyed that an owner realizes better toys need to be obtained. Pug dog toys for teething should have various textures and shapes so that a puppy can move it in and around teeth to scratch 'just the right spot'. These types will have a variety of options on each, so that a puppy can find multiple methods of chewing relief without needing to switch toys. With Pugs of all ages, chew toys should be: a Beneficial for cleaning the teeth and making jaws strong - While it is very much recommended to manually clean your Pug's teeth on a regular basis with a quality toothbrush and canine paste as part of at-home dental care , the right toys will indeed also play a role in keeping teeth clean. In addition, chewing on the right consistencies will keep teeth strong. Dogs also need to work their jaws to maintain proper jaw muscles. When the right toys are given to a Pug dog, he can direct his chewing to those, which helps avoid destructive chewing on non-toy items. Recommended Teething Toys: Nylabones are some of the best; these draw pups in with flavor and keep them busy with helpful chewing textures. Recommended Chew Toys: For older Pugs with chewing urges, you're going to want toys that are sized a bit larger and can withstand stronger jaws and teeth. Below are some great options, and the Kong Extreme is for the most aggressive chewers. Note: On mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4 items. While we have TV shows to watch, hobbies to get into, and can stay busy working, cleaning the house, and doing other things, dogs have very little to rely on to stay occupied. And when a puppy or dog has too much accumulated time without actually doing anything, he can get super restless. Boredom for dogs is not just an acute problem; it is one that can build up until a dog gets extremely antsy. We recommend bringing your Pug with you to as many places as possible so that he can be exposed to the outside world. It's great for dogs to meet other animals, learn to encounter unknown people when with you, and to be socialized to new situations such as outside markets or even walking through a downtown area with you. However, there will always be times when your Pug is in the house and needs the right toys to keep him busy. What makes a toy the best one for Pug dogs in regard to entertainment and to encourage independent play, is that it will have an element that draws the dog's attention in and will continue to offer something to keep a dog focused. Some great choices for independent play are those that speak; just about every Pug will perk up and be super interested in a toy that calls out to him in a funny voice and continues to do so as he moves it around. These can keep a dog entertained for quite a while. Look for very durable ones that will stand up to tons of play and those that are appropriately sized. Recommended toys: Below you'll see both Babble balls that emit funny phrases and Look Who's Talking stuffed animals that talk are two great choices. If you have a blocker, images will not show. On mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4. This includes the set up you have for him, leaving on a light, having appropriate background noise… and even window vs non-window views make a difference. Another huge factor will be the toys that your Pug has available to him; as this collection will be his only real form of entertainment. One of the best toys you can ever get your Pug, should he have a hard time being by himself, is one that offers a sense of companionship. And the toy that we recommend for this, the Smart Pet Love Puppy, is fantastic. It emits a comforting heartbeat and, optionally, a soothing warmth. With this companion toy, a dog will feel that he is with another living creature and this can bring about a huge sense of relief. These are also very well made and are a good size for snuggling. If your Pug likes the low-level warmth option, you can obtain heating pack refills. Pugs will often cuddle up to these when wanting to rest and others will simply press their head to it every now and then to receive acknowledgment that they have a 'friend'. Note: If you have a blocker, images below will not show. It's gets an otherwise sedentary dog moving around even in the winter when this is done indoors with a soft toy thrown down a hallway and most Pug dogs really look forward to this one-on-one time when an owner is focused on them. These can be tremendously fun and rewarding for both owner and dog. When you take the time to teach your Pug something new, this can give him a tremendous feeling of accomplishment that can make the dog more self-assured and confident. Recommended toys are below. You'll want the treat dispensing toys to be properly sized and durable. Recommended treat release toys are below. Tips for Toy Cleanliness and Safety 1 Be sure to choose toys that are sized appropriately for your Pug. While they will vary, most puppies need a size small and adults will need a small or medium. Sizing is important; if it is too small it can present a choking hazard and if it is too large it will be too difficult for a Pug to chew it, carry it or otherwise engage with it. Keep in mind that as your dog grows, he will need larger toys. It can be really disheartening for both a dog and an owner when a favorite toy is so worn out that it's not safe anymore, but it can't be replaced since it's either out of stock or no longer manufactured. Pet supply companies are always coming out with new ideas, so if your Pug has a favorite toy, even if it's super durable you may want to get 2 or even 3; keep the extras hidden away and that way, if the original one ever needs replacing, you'll have it right at hand. Not only will these be too generic to really do much or satisfy any needs, many are made with unsafe dyes and have pieces that can break off. Due to small food particles, drool and slobber that makes everything wet and having been on floor surfaces, toys need to be cleaned on a regular basis. It's a good idea to keep the packaging since that is where the cleaning instructions will be placed. Many can be simply cleaned with hot water and dish soap in the kitchen sink. For stuffed animals or those with batteries such as speaking or heartbeat toys be sure to read the directions as many can be washed but must then be air dried. A Pug will keep on playing with a toy until it is a pile of crumpled bits, so it will be up to you to regularly check them for signs of damage and a wearing down that tell you it's time to replace them. Look for any small pieces that may have become loosened and any rips since these can often become much larger when you're not there to supervise. As mentioned above, if you have a second one stashed away, you won't have to worry about hunting down a favorite that is no longer found in stores or online. When you have the right ones, most Pugs do okay with 6 to 8 toys. This usually consists of 5 to 6 chewing toys and 1 or 2 companion toys if the dog has separation anxiety. Many owners find it helpful to have a second collection that is tucked away somewhere and these collections are switched out every so often to make a Pug feel as if he is getting new toys. Do be sure, however, to let a Pug keep favorites since taking those away can cause a lot of stress. Summary The right toys are an essential part of caring for a Pug and keeping him happy; please take the time to choose fun, interesting and helpful ones for your Pug that will meet his needs. With this said, while toys have their place and can help with everything from chewing needs to loneliness, do not depend too much on toys. These cannot be a replacement for quality time spent with your puppy or dog. Pugs thrive on human companionship and simply love being included in things. A Pug would much rather be by your side as you wash your car or go along with you to the hardware store then be inside with a toy. Finding the right balance of time spent doing things together, times of simply relaxing side-by-side and times of your Pug having independent play are crucial to giving a Pug a rewarding, happy life. Did you find this article helpful? Become a Member - Receive reminders when we add new pages of information. You'll also be able to suggest a topic for us to write about; we always look to Member suggestions. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Well, actually according to your pug the most important is mealtime. It turns out that every pug needs a way to shake off those calories! Pug toys are the best solution for your bored pug. It also turns out that pug toys can be a great solution to kick your obedience training gain up a notch. From old pugs to pug puppies, all pugs would love a toy gift from their favorite owner. Plush squeekie toys, No Stuffing toys, we even talk about the benefits of using the cat toy for your pug puppy. So if your looking for a gift to give that special pug in your life friend in your life then here are some must have pug toys for a pampered pugs collection! From frisbees to tennis balls, to rawhides to kongs. There are tons of toys on the market, but which is right for your little pug. It may come as no surprise that your little pug has a squished face and will like some toys more than other. All dogs will have a food preference and pugs are no exception. A toy like a frisbee might not be as good for a pug with breathing problems, while a nice pull toy will do a better job keeping your pug busy. Try IQ puzzles and kongs that you can add a delicious snack to the play time toy. This is important when playing with plastic toys like kongs or squeaky toys. If your pug destroys the toy they can swallow some dangerous bits! SIZE: Buy toys of appropriate size. What do pugs love more than playing with dog toys? Thats right, if a pugs favorite thing is food, then why not get them a toy that reflects their appetite! These fun and cute pug food toys are super charming and super squeeky! Your pug will have fun chewing on toy sushi, grumbling over a toy plush taco, or just pugging it up with a pizza toy! Make your pug smarter through playtime toys! These puzzles are great for a bored pug, and a bored pug can quickly lead to a pug with obedience trouble! There are lots of dog IQ toys out there, our second favorite is this one from Trixie. Its a fun and colorful toy and there are lots of little chambers with different ways to open each one. Your Pug will have hours of fun trying to figure out where the treats have gone. Plus it has the best reviews for any Seek A Treat style toy on amazon! There is nothing better than a good pull toy. If your pug is known as a "destroyer of toys" then you might look into a toy without stuffing. Well these no stuffing squeeky friends are ideal for the pug who likes to play ruff! They last from the puppy pulling stage to the teenage dog rough play to the older pug slurping play fest. If you are a first-time Pug parent, you may not yet know much about the dog breed or what they like to do for fun. How exciting — you have so many things to learn about your new fur sidekick! Of course, not every Pug will have the same favorite toys. This means finding the Pug toys may take a few rounds of trial and error. But that is also part of the fun of getting to know each other! We hope this curated selection of some of the best dog toys for Pugs will give you a great starting point in your toys for Pugs search! What Do Pugs Like to Do? Most of all, Pugs love to be with their people. This is what the Pug dog is best at and what this breed loves most. Pugs have such a long and noble history. This dog was first bred to sit on laps in the royal palaces of China! Find that your Pug companion wants to be wherever you are and even sitting or lying down on you while you do it? Your Pug is doing exactly what this dog breed has been carefully bred to do — be your companion! Pugs are also quite adventurous, outgoing, friendly, and eager to try new things. As long as you are there, your Pug will be up for pretty much anything, including trying out new toys together. If you hold any toy, it is highly likely your Pug dog will want to check it out and play with you. However, finding good toys for Pugs for solo play when you are otherwise occupied can be a little more challenging… unless there is food involved. Many Pug owners say it is unclear whether their Pug loves them or food more, and we may never know for sure! Brachycephaly Impacts Toy Choice Pugs are one of the dog breeds that are brachycephalic flat-faced. A flat-faced dog breed has a shorter muzzle and smaller mouth. With a smaller mouth comes more crowded teeth, which can make grasping toys or food difficult. And because brachycephalic dog breeds have shorter respiratory pathways, they can overheat quickly and are best kept inside for exercise and playtime. Best Toys for Pugs to Chew Pugs love their food! This means that any kind of chew toy that smells or tastes good and is easy for your Pug to grip in her small jaw is likely to be a hit! This chew toy is a great choice for a teething Pug puppy choose size small. There are three flavors peanut butter, bacon, chicken to keep chew sessions interesting. The pack includes a chicken-flavor chew, a bacon-flavor chew, and a dental dinosaur, along with two pacifiers you can freeze for pain relief. This toy comes in a hedgehog, a lion, or a dinosaur. The toy has three layers of soft yet durable gauze and is non-toxic. It is easy for small dogs to grip and carry and is designed to withstand daily chewing. Pugs are just known for wanting to be with their people all the time. These interactive toys for Pugs can be great fun for you both! It is designed to be high-visibility in orange and bright blue. This incredibly popular interactive game toy comes in four versions squirrel, bee, hedgehog, or bird. The small creatures are housed inside a hiding spot, and your dog has to find them and drag them out. These small, lightweight, bouncy rubber tennis balls are a hit with Pugs and their owners. They come in a pack of three vibrantly-colored balls that are made of non-toxic all-natural FDA-approved rubber. Many Pugs also like soft toys that are cuddly and lightweight for snuggling and carrying around. This stuffing-free squeaky yet soft toy earns top marks from dog owners and their pups. The toy includes six noisemakers to keep play fun. Many Pugs also like carrying this toy around and napping with it. These soft, squeaky plush toys can make a great game of indoor fetch or simply offer comfort while you are away. This is a great toy for solo play when you have to be gone! Pugs are sometimes said to lead with their stomach! This durable, dog-safe polymer rubber toy features an inside hiding spot for treats. This durable yet slim puzzle toy comes in three bright colors. The material is guaranteed against dog damage. You can place treats inside to make treat time and solo play fun. We recommend the small size for Pugs. You can adjust the size of the middle opening where the treats come out to change the difficulty level for your pup. Best Toys for Pugs Puzzles Because your Pug has the brachycephalic face and muzzle shape, indoor play that is not too strenuous is typically your safest choice. But even during indoor play, Pugs can sometimes have trouble gripping toys in their overly crowded, shortened mouths. Puzzle games are especially great for Pugs because they provide plenty of healthy exercise for the mind without being too challenging to the body. Providing them with toys to toss around diverts their attention so they can gnaw on something other than your belongings. Having a toy helps channel their energy and satisfy their mind. Which Are Safe Toys for Pugs? A lot of these factors will depend on the age of your pug. When Sid was very small, he chewed a lot! For Puppy Pugs Nylabones and teething toys work wonders. Steer clear of toys that are too soft or have stuffing, as they can rip it apart and swallow the contents. Try to avoid toys with small pieces or sharp bits, too. Puppies will eat anything they can get their little chompers on. For Young Adult Pugs For young adults who are moderately active, no-stuffing chew toys, durable rubber balls and cones, and well-stitched plush toys are excellent choices. I like to stay clear of rope toys for Sid because he tends to shred them and that could lead to bowel obstructions or choking. For Older Pugs Older pugs may prefer to cuddle over play, so getting them a soft, squishy toy may serve as a great cuddle buddy at nap and bedtime. When you buy a toy, beware of: Sharp edges.

When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. Quiet nights and crate training. This article will take you through everything you need to know, from what to buy, to how to help your pup settle in on his first day and night. Bringing a Puppy Home Bringing home a new 8 or 9 week old puppy is a potentially stressful experience for you and the pup. Of course, it will be better if you have been able to visit your puppy regularly before collecting him. But for most people, time and distance make this an unlikely option. Everything he sees, smells and hears, in your home will seem very strange to him at first. Fortunately, most puppies leave their mother and siblings at an age when they will readily accept their new friends and family. In a few days time, he will have settled in and accepted your home as his, and your family as his own. Holding Your Puppy The first thing to master when bringing home a new puppy is holding them the right way. This is the most comfortable position for puppies. But if you have had a long car journey, the first thing your puppy will need is to pee! Carry him in your arms to the area you want him to use for toilet purposes, and put him down there. Your first steps in potty training have begun. Maintaining Regular Bathroom Breaks Puppies vary widely in how often they need to empty their bladder. Some may last an hour or more from day one, whilst others seem to need to go every 15 minutes or so. During the course of the day, take the puppy to the toilet area at regular intervals half hourly at least to begin with. In addition, take him there every time he finishes a meal or wakes from a sleep. Set an alarm on your cell phone to remind you. Many Labrador puppies are very greedy and will eat astonishing quantities of food. New puppies are especially prone to upset tummies. The new environment and the stress of leaving home all add to the risk. You can reduce that risk by feeding little and often. If you want to change diets, do this gradually once the puppy has settled in. How often to feed Four times a day is the minimum number of feeds for an 8 week old puppy. Five or even six portions are better for a puppy with an upset tummy. Remember that the daily quantity is the same. More portions means smaller portions. If you get this right, there will be little or nothing left to put in the bowl when mealtimes come around You can find out more about using puppy food in training games by joining our Puppy Parenting course Meeting the Kids Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for all the family. For much of the first day, your puppy will probably be cuddled and admired. Kids should also be aware of safety precautions, such as learning to let the pup be if he seems uncomfortable. Some older dogs will play too roughly with a puppy. Others will growl and appear to reject the puppy at first. These are normal reactions but they do indicate that you are going to need to keep a close eye on things for a while. A baby gate or other barrier is a perfect way to keep a puppy from annoying the resident dog or cat while they adjust to the newcomer. As the day draws to a close, your thoughts will turn to night time, and getting your puppy to sleep! Or he howls the house down either constantly or intermittently throughout the night. There are two approaches to choosing where a puppy sleeps for those first few nights. One is to get him used to his permanent sleeping quarters right from the start. The other is to have him next to your bed until he has got over his homesickness usually three or four days. And if you keep going back, the howling may well increase. Leaving a puppy to cry alone in a strange house is also probably very distressing for the puppy and not a great way to start their new life. But we recommend having the puppy next to your bed for the first three nights. This reduces the risk of getting into an increasing spiral of night howling or having your puppy miserable for the first week. Just pop his blankets in there and put the box right next to where you sleep. Night waking Most 8 week old puppies wake in the night to pee for the first week or so. But the first few days is a time for settling your puppy in, building their confidence and avoiding bad habits such as whining or howling, getting started The best way to meet all those goals, is to keep your puppy very close to you until their homesickness has passed. Bonding with your puppy Your main objective now is to bond with your puppy. Spend lots of time with your puppy. Make him feel at home. Pay him a lot of attention when he is quiet, fuss and praise him when he pees outside. Once he has settled in, there will be plenty of time to think about crate training and learning manners, but for now just enjoy his Labrador puppy loveliness, and that scrummy new puppy smell. It will be gone all too soon, replaced by a bouncing, boisterous, and joyful friend who all too often smells of pond water. What you are doing is establishing good habits, which will last a lifetime. What About Crate Training? A quality dog crate is an excellent source of help with potty-training. But a puppy should not be left inside a crate for longer than his immature bladder can hold its contents. For some puppies, this is not very long at all. Socialization is a big part of bringing home a new puppy. This is the process we take puppies through, to make sure they are comfortable with all aspects of living in human society. For instance, dogs need to be confident around things like vehicles and machines. They should be happy to meet people of all different shapes and sizes and to go boldly wherever people want to take them. A confident dog is not just a happy dog; he is a safe dog. Socializing also means taking your puppy out and about. Naturally, many worry about exposing a not-yet-fully vaccinated puppy to the risk of infection. Yes you can! If you use modern dog training methods, you can get going right after bringing home a new puppy! In the first week puppy training is based on a series of fun games. So that your puppy will be learning without even realising. The games you play should lay foundations for future good behavior, teaching your puppy not snatch, to say please, to focus on you, to love their crate, to wear a harness or collar and to run towards you rather than away from you. A lot of people worry about whether or not to take a puppy to classes, and some are unable to do so. But there is a great deal you can do at home by yourself. You can avoid this by getting off to a great start with recall training in the very first week. The video below will help you. And never chase after a puppy. Puppy recall training starts right after bringing home a new puppy. Build an association between the act of running towards you and the sound of the recall word or whistle. If you call the puppy and he does not come, you will have begun to teach him that the recall command is optional. Check out our puppy recall training video to give you an idea of how easy it is to build this a good association if you start off in the right way. You can find out more about building a great recall from the beginning in Total Recall. But for now, in these first few days at home together, make sure no one calls the puppy to them. When they want him, they can simply pick him up. If he runs away, all they need to do is run in the opposite direction and he will come chasing after them. For the first few days after bringing home a new puppy, focus on bonding and helping him to feel safe. Consider having your puppy next to your bed for the first few nights. This will comfort him while he is feeling homesick and missing his mom and playmates. Expect to get up in the night to take your puppy out to pee for at least the first couple of weeks. Set a reminder to avoid teaching your puppy to cry for your attention. During his daytime naps, dive into the feeding, potty training, and obedience training guides mentioned in this article, and head over to the forum for support from our other readers, many of whom have been where you are now, and come safely out the other side! If you want help choosing an adorable puppy name, make sure you take a look at this article too! Print We recently brought home Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to train her and raise her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. That means Bubba will be with for almost a year and a half. We train one or two of these puppies each year, and over the years we have gotten pretty good at it. We also train adult dogs for hunting and competition, so we see a lot of dogs come into our program. Dogs that have each been raised differently. There are some definite training tips that can help you help your lab grow up to be the best version of himself. Training and socialization for very young Labrador puppies — week one The first week of a puppy being away from its litter is very stressful for the puppy. Most often, the first two days, the puppy will sleep a lot! The pup is adjusting to all the changes, and they need time to do that. After the first couple days you may notice a spike of energy. This is your sign that the puppy is adjusting well and is ready to be exposed to a few more things. Labrador puppy training that first week home Here are the things we work on during week one. A nylon adjustable one is usually best since puppies grow quickly. It often takes the puppy a few days to adjust to having a collar on. Intro crate We introduce our puppies to a crate on day one. Literally the day we bring them home. Most puppies will cry, bark or howl while in the crate the first few or many times. Ignore it, it does not hurt the puppy at all. Always wait until the puppy settles down and is quiet, even if that quiet only lasts for just a minute or two. Learn more about crate training. Intro to housebreaking Another day one lesson and one that will last for a few weeks or months. We introduce housebreaking day one by allowing the puppy to run around an enclosed area under close supervision. If your puppy then goes potty outside, great! The thing to remember about housebreaking, is that your puppy should never be allowed to roam the house or a room without supervision. The only way to housebreak a dog is for them to get caught in the middle of an accident. That is how they learn that what they are doing is not right. Learn more about housebreaking. Intro leash We introduce a leash to our puppies around day three of being home. But once they start getting more energy and get more inquisitive, we use a Flexi-lead attached to the nylon collar to take the puppy outside. This accomplishes two goals. The gentle tugs on the leash and pressure when the puppy strains against the leash are great training for handling pressure as they get older. Intro to pressure and correction The last thing we introduce to our new puppy during the first week home is pressure and correction. This is an often-missing element to training that can severely handicap a dog that you want to be a hunting companion or competition dog. The kind of pressure I am talking about is very mild such as saying NO to the puppy when they are chewing up your shoes or scratching through the carpet. This is the way mama dogs carry their puppies and it does not hurt them at all. This does not hurt the puppy; it is exactly what a mama dog does to teach her puppies. Learn more about introducing pressure and correction. Commands to start using that first week home The first week there are some commands we start using so that the puppy will associate the words we use with actions. Puppies play and explore with their mouths, and often they will think it is great fun to bite your hands and feet. If this does not curb the behavior, I grab her lower jaw, wrapping her gums around her teeth and squeeze. I have found this to be very effective, especially if you start this the first week you have the puppy home. The longer you wait to start, the harder it becomes to stop this behavior. It takes very little pressure to stop a 7-week-old puppy from biting. Learn more about how to stop your Lab puppy from biting you. Off command The OFF command is also started day one. The OFF command is used to stop a puppy or dog from jumping on you. It can also be used to keep a dog off a sofa or other furniture. Starting day one, I gently use my knee to push down the puppy each time they jump on me. I say OFF when I do this. Usually, a gentle push with the knee is all it takes with a very small puppy. They learn this command very quickly. If your puppy is a bit more energetic or stubborn and tries to jump on you despite your gentle pushes, then you may need to use a little more force. Even if you were to knock your puppy backwards onto her back, that is not going to hurt her seriously. But it will likely make a good impression and cause her to think twice before jumping on you again. With jumping, consistency is important. You must knock your puppy off every time she jumps on you. Learn more about how to stop your Lab from jumping on you. We use this as a que when we are taking the puppy outside to go potty. We use this while the puppy is on a leash, and we are pulling them toward us. I only use this command for very young dogs. Your goal is to get the puppy to rest in your arms and not move. But if you keep at it, you will see your dog settle for longer and longer periods of time. Introduction to retrieving Lastly, since all our puppies are retrievers, we start introducing the puppy to retrieving. The first few times are simply throwing a toy a few feet and if the puppy runs out and gets it and comes back to you, great. Then take the item and throw it again. If the puppy does not come back or does not even run out to get the item, then stop for the day. Just let the retrieving develop naturally. Next week we will start more formal retrieving training. Final thoughts on what you should do that first week with your new Labrador puppy As you can see, there is a lot of training that you can do with your seven- or eight-week-old puppy. And while you can wait for training, your puppy is ready and able to learn quickly right now. I will be posting weekly on the training we are doing with Bubba, so you can get a week-by-week snapshot of how we raise and train a puppy up to be a excellent, responsive hunting or competition dog as well as a well-mannered family dog. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Lab Puppy proof the house. Things like dangerous chemicals, solvents, cleaning solutions, paint and other dangerous substances need to be secured. As well you will need to look at cords hanging and things falling on the puppy if they accidentally pull something down. Stairs need to be gated off until your puppy is older and learns how to walk down them without trying to jump off. Purchase a quality dog food. It never ceases to amaze me how some people end up feeding a low quality food to their dog, or something experimental like a vegan food, or even feed them a so called raw diet and not balance their nutrition requirements. The single biggest thing you can do for your dog is feed them a proven diet with nutrients delivered in the proper ratios. A second thing to consider is where your food is made and how you can be notified if there is a recall. At the time of writing this there is a popular food under recall for toxic levels of vitamin D. There have been numerous cases of deaths related to this and yet the company claims they independently test their ingredients. The food we recommend is such because we have years and years of experience over 13 years with it using it ourselves and recommending it to those who adopt our puppies. We have actually had so few health issues with our puppies and aging adults eating this food that we have increased our warranty to 4 years and include all major organs. Bottom line, feed a high quality proven food from the day you bring your puppy home, not necessarily one with the most protein. We will provide you with feeding suggestions once you place your reservation for a puppy and a proven puppy food to feed them. Visit the pet store for the required equipment. You are going to need a large dog crate with a divider so in the beginning your puppy will have just enough room to sleep. Crate training is the best way to protect your puppy while making them safe when unsupervised. As your dog grows you can remove the divider so it has room to lay down and not touch the walls. We stock the most popular toys and cover all the different types you will need so that you can get them when you pick up your puppy. They come with explanations of how the different types are used to both stimulate, calm and play with your puppy, how to cycle them, teething, and more. A stainless steel water and food bowl is also another good choice. I would wait on getting a collar so that you can fit them properly. We have inexpensive training leashes that adjust to any size for you to purchase when you are here. Have a family meeting to establish expectations. Every human in the home will need to follow the same rules consistently so that your puppy understands what is expected of them. Schedule an appointment with a good Veterinarian. Not all Veterinarians are of equal experience. We have heard some pretty crazy stories, so we suggest you get some referrals of some long term relationships of people you trust for a Vet. You should take your puppy to the vet a couple of days after you get home so it has time to get use to its new surroundings before being taken somewhere. Prepare fore the Drive Home 1. Your puppy can last about 2 or 3 hours without a potty break. We normally feed your puppy early in the morning on the day of pick up so that it has time to go potty before the drive home. Our recommendation is to give your puppy some water every 3 hours and then let them have a pee. This could also go along with letting them play or explore outside a bit. When you stop, find an unused grassy space to potty on. Arriving at home with your puppy 1. First quickly bring them to the spot you want them to potty. This is the beginning of your dog being house trained. They will likely have to go right after you get out of the car. So when you stop, give them a drink in the area you want them to relieve themselves in. Wait until they go and then you can take them into the home. Treat your puppy like a puppy. It is breakable and will be a puppy for about a year. Things like playing with larger dogs and such should be carefully supervised. Constant supervision. Your new puppy needs to be constantly supervised until they can be trusted and you know that they understand the rules. Constant supervision means either you or someone watching them, they are in their crate the crate is the supervisor , or that they are in a section of the home baby-gated off or also an outside run with a kennel and a cement floor so they cannot dig under the fence yes they will dig. After a potty bring your puppy to the room with their crate. Introducing them to their crate perhaps with a few pieces of kibble in it will show them where their safe space is. This is also where they need to be comfortable enough to self-calm and fall asleep. If you have another dog, first introduce them outside on neutral territory. Bringing a new puppy and simply coming straight into the home could have one of three effects. The first being that both dogs might be ok with it. Second is that the older dog has an issue with a new strange animal in its territory. This would result in your older dog being defensive, maybe even protective or possibly anxious and scared and once this has happened it is out there. Undoing this type of trauma could take days or weeks. Relax and let them get to know each other and all will be good. After some get familiar time begin training your puppy without distractions using Positive Reinforcement training methods. We suggest that everyone participates in some training classes either in a group format or private. The important thing to understand is that you are training you to train your puppy. Your puppy will also lose any training it has done if it is not reinforced by everyone in the home. Other resources are 80 Puppy Training tips that you can learn as well as an excellent site with video called Puppy Trained Right. We have a discount code available for those who are taking home one of our puppies. This will allow them time to eliminate most of their food and urine and will give a better chance of sleeping the night without having to go potty. Prepare their crate in a quiet, dark spot. Make it a sleepy place, place a blanket over the top and down 3 sides to block draft and to make it den-like. Some mild exercise or training just before bed. Just like a human, you want them to be tired before bed. So for example if you let them sleep from 9 to 11 pm they may not need to go down at 11 to sleep. The last while before bed try to stimulate them mentally and physically so that they are ready to turn in. This can be training sessions, a walk, a play session or even fetch in the house. One final potty around 11 pm. After you prepare them for sleep take them out one more time and give them ample time to relieve themselves. Bring them back in, let them settle in the crate, put an item of clothing in there that smells like you for them to snuggle on. The quicker they learn the new pack and learn to settle in the crate the better and that happens by not reminding them of their old litter. If they smell their old litter they will whine for them to find them. Settling in their crate. Once your puppy goes down you will want to be teaching your puppy that the time in their crate is for sleep, they are safe in there, and that if they bark or whine they cannot summon you to save them. So, what if they really have to go? This is something you will have to figure out. It may be possible that they must go outside to relieve themselves, but, they may also just want you to hold or feed them. If they go, just put them back in their crate to settle and go back to sleep. You will know within reason that next time they are just lonely. This normally stops after about 2 or 3 days. Whoosh them out to their pee spot. Pick them up and carry them quickly to their pee spot. When they go reward them with praise and say the potty word that you use. Feed, and then woosh them out again to their pee spot. Puppies often need to poop right after they eat, or sometimes while they are eating. Some exercise, training and mental stimulation. After waking up and eating they will be ready for a walk and some training. Setting them up for their first full day in the home. Plan their day out so that there is a balance of play, training, napping, eating, and potty. In the beginning your puppy will need about 20 hours or so of sleep a day so be sure it is getting enough. If your puppy gets nippy they may be trying to tell you they are tired and want to be left alone in their crate. Every opportunity that your puppy presents in the form of nipping is a training opportunity to teach bite inhibition. Coming home to your puppy after work. Learning how to greet them. If you work full time it is important to understand that a young puppy cannot hold their bladders for more than 3 or 4 hours. If you work full time you will need someone to watch them or at least visit them once or twice during the shift to let them out, drink and play. When you arrive home this is the time to teach them manners. Most dogs will be excited and will jump on you to greet you. Be sure you teach them how you want them to greet people. We will teach a dog to sit in front of us before it gets any attention. No attention means no talking, no eye contact and no touching. Will they need to relieve themselves? If they have been in a crate you will likely need to let them go potty, a walk or some fetching would also be good at this time because they likely have some energy to expend. Training pre or post feeding? There are also some Labs who are not food motivated. So if your Lab is not responding well to training after they are fed, you may want to train them before eating so the hunger is on your side. Socialization with people other than your family, and animals other than those in the home. While socializing you want to expose them to many people while not overwhelming them. To start we recommend 1 new person each morning and one new place each night. After you can see that your puppy is not overwhelmed you may decide to increase the frequency of exposure to new places, animals and things. Prepare for night time routine. Get your new furball ready for bed time as outlined above. Setting your puppy up for success. Avoiding dog parks and strange dogs. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated around 14 weeks old they are vulnerable to other diseases by unknown dogs. By all means, if you know someone who has a dog and you can verify that their dog is up to date on all shots such as Parvo, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough, Distemper, Hepatitis, Corona and Para Influenza, 2. Get into a reputable training class or private training with a reputable trainer. Training classes are mainly to train you. Ask around in your area for a recommendation of a good trainer at a reasonable price. Gentle, regular exposure to everyone and everything. For example, while you are exposing them to people you will need to expose them to female babies, toddlers, pre teens, teenagers, young adult women, middle aged women and older women. You will need to include women with glasses, hats, soft voices, loud voices, etc…. Adjust their food as they grow and as their activity level increases or decreases. If for example your dog is much more active or much less active then the recommended feeding amount will not be correct. Instead use your eyes. You might have to adjust the food amounts up or down as your Labrador gets more or less activity. Positive Reinforcement training by everyone in the pack. When you get into your car and you to go somewhere, you tell your gps where you want to go. Dogs are the same way. Instead teach your dog what you want it to do. Instead of scolding, simply withdraw your attention. This is enough punishment. Then, get back to showing your dog what you want it to do. If your puppy is not eating or has a loose bowel movement. Not eating much is pretty common when a puppy goes to its new home, however if it stops drinking then that would be cause for an immediate vet visit. In a new home your puppy might not be comfortable for a couple of days and eating might be just grazing. This is ok as long as it is drinking and seems to be playful. Loose bowel movements in the beginning could be due to nerves or your puppy could also have a parasite. At this young age puppies put everything, and I mean everything into their mouths. It is quite common for puppies to get loose stool from a parasite. This can be addressed easily if you take a stool sample into your Vet for analysis. What is a puppy emergency that requires a visit to the vet? Our rules for an emergency trip to the vet are: Uncontrollable bleeding, puppy not breathing properly, broken bone, puppy is not drinking and appears lethargic. If any of these present themselves you may want to consider getting help right away. Other things can normally wait until the next morning to be addressed because they are not critical. Depending on where you live however you may have a vet that is open 24 hours and even on the weekends. So this is a start for you to think about when you take a Labrador Puppy home. Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. 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Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. German Shepherds are considered healthy dogs that can live many years. You must be able to pay for these dogs every month of their lives. For the most part, providing your dog with a lot of exercise and high-quality food will prevent the dog from developing unforeseen health issues. You will need to buy a dog-safe toothpaste, dog-safe shampoo, and certain medications, such as heartworm prevention, to keep your dog healthy its entire life. Not only do you have to feed your German Shepherd a lot of food, but you want to feed your dog food that is high quality and healthy. As long as your dog does not have any known illnesses or issues, you should not have to pay monthly prices. At the minimum, you should take your German Shepherd for an annual visit, assuming it is healthy. You also need to pay for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Most of these medications last for 1 to 3 months at a time. It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to get pet insurance. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. If you do not want to pay for pet insurance, you can simply set up a savings account instead. So long as you have a house and a yard for your dog to play, the home environment is generally suitable for dogs. Some environmental maintenance things you will need to buy include doggie bags. You need these if you take your dog for a walk or if you have a yard that you have to maintain. You may also need to pay for carpet cleaner, deodorizer, and other items to keep the house clean, despite your heavy shedding German Shepherd. This means that your German Shepherd can help you out when you are in a pinch, but it also means that you need to provide your German Shepherd ample entertainment, or else your dog could become destructive. At the very minimum, you need to buy heavy-duty toys for your German Shepherd. German Shepherds can be really rough with their toys. So, we recommend some sort of brand specific for rough-playing dogs, such as Kong. These boxes will offer toys, treats, and more for your dog, but these boxes can be pretty expensive too. Additional Costs to Factor In In addition to initial costs and monthly payments, there are some other additional factors you need to think about. For starters, obedience training is really important for dogs of this size. Obedience training can be a bit expensive at first, but it will be worth it in the long run. You need to pay for a pet sitter or kennel whenever you go on vacations and your dog does not come with you. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, you may also have to pay to replace or fix items the puppy damages. Think about accidents or unforeseen illnesses too. These can cost a whole lot in vet visits. Owning a German Shepherd on a Budget If you want a German Shepherd but are worried about destroying your budget, there are ways that you can own one of these wonderful dogs without spending a fortune either. Unfortunately, there is little you can change about the price of these dogs up front, but you can save on the monthly expenses. The most important tip for taking care of a German Shepherd on a budget is to know when to splurge. When it comes to dog food, make sure to select high-quality food. This will be more expensive upfront, but it will ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible, resulting in fewer bills. Splurging on heavy-duty toys is another great idea. These toys will cost more at first, but they should last much longer than cheap ones. For instance, there are a lot of coupons and promo codes you can use when purchasing toys, food, and other items for your German Shepherd. Even if you find coupons, only spend money on the essentials. Not to mention, buy crates and beds that are suitable for the dog as it grows. Many people make the mistake of buying crates and beds suitable for the puppy, but the puppy soon outgrows them. The initial cost primarily accounts for the dog itself and any other items required when bringing the dog home for the first time. Even after the German Shepherd has made your home its home, you will still have to pay some pretty hefty bills for the remainder of its life. Although the initial and monthly costs for this dog are a bit high, they are required for this dog to live a happy life. If you cannot afford to provide a German Shepherd the sort of life it needs and deserves, simply do not get a German Shepherd. Less - The German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs , well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault. History Less - The German Shepherd Dog is a relatively young breed, developed almost single-handedly in the first half of the twentieth century by a German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, president of the Verein far Deutsche Schaferhunde S. Using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock, von Stephanitz developed a distinctive breed in a very short period of time, due in large part to the authoritarian practices of the German dog fancy at that time. Von Stephanitz emphasized utility and intelligence in his breeding program, enabling the German Shepherd Dog to switch easily from herding duties to other fields of work, particularly military and police work. All things German were shunned and popularity slumped. After the war, however, movie star Rin-tin-tin stimulated interest in the breed again. The striking good looks of this breed, combined with its remarkable intelligence and loyalty, have made it a favorite working and companion dog. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. If you are looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy, then you should find one from a reputable breeder. While these puppies are more expensive, a reputable breeder can guarantee the health and behavior of the puppy. These dogs are prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These health issues can be avoided by genetically testing the parents, which is something reputable breeders usually do. When improperly raised puppies might have behavioral issues and can cause a lot of damage if they bite someone. A good breeder will have their dogs pass a temperament test. German Shepherd Dog Price While most dogs in shelters are adults, adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to find a dog without supporting unethical breeding. Sometimes these hardworking shepherd dogs are given up because they are very energetic. Not everyone is able to take care of a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. Some people buy a German Shepherd puppy without understanding the work involved in caring for this breed. Why Are They So Expensive? Breeding a healthy and well-behaved German Shepherd puppy is not easy! It is not as simple as crossing German Shepherds together. However, if you want a puppy of good temperament that is genetically healthy, there are other costs involved in the breeding and raising. This is especially important for a German Shepherd. You do not want a puppy that grows up to be aggressive or that suffers from mobility issues due to hip and elbow dysplasia. Papers A paperless German Shepherd puppy will be the cheapest. Typically breeders invest as little as possible in these pups. You get a puppy just how it is, without knowing its pedigree or background. A puppy with health certifications, temperament test results, and registration papers costs more than this. However, those papers will be beneficial not just for you, but also the puppy. This means your puppy meets the breed standard and is a purebred dog. The last thing you want is to buy a German Shepherd wolf-mix thinking it is purebred. Veterinarian Visits Reputable breeders not only genetically health test the parents, but they will also take the puppy to see a vet before 8 weeks for a basic health check. During these visits breeders will also have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and placed on preventatives. When you buy a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, they will offer you a health guarantee. Most will also be able to provide you proof that the puppy has passed a temperament test. Training Some breeders also take the time to socialize and train their puppies. Many experienced breeders have a specialized training program that begins the process of potty training and basic obedience. This will mean you have an easier time housetraining your puppy, but you will have to pay for their efforts! These are all good signs that the puppy you are buying is of good quality. This will mean you are more likely to avoid any temperament issues or having to pay for vet visits to diagnose and treat hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloodlines Breeders who focus on breeding championship bloodlines will charge more for their puppies. A family might not need such a high-quality German Shepherd. All they need is a healthy and well-behaved puppy that will bring them years of happiness. However, there are many people who need a working dog or show dog. The most expensive dogs are those that are bred to be champions or protective and hard-working. Some breeders spend thousands of dollars just training a world class service dog. A family friendly guard dog with a protective temperament is not easy to breed consistently. Breeders have to factor in not just the genetics, but also the temperament and training. Origin The most expensive types of German Shepherds are those that are imported directly from Germany. Breeders must pay to stud and import these dogs which is not cheap. Since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, breeders in the US import dogs from Germany to breed puppies with a purebred lineage. Breeding in Europe is more regulated so the bloodlines are better protected. These puppies are known as European German Shepherds and are slightly different. They are smaller, have straighter backs and brighter coat colors. Some people think they look similar to a belgian malinois. Most European dogs are bred to be working dogs, while American dogs are more frequently bred for companionship. This is the same for American and German Rottweilers and American vs. European Dobermans. All of these breeder will be able to provide: Pedigree and kennel club registration. Documents that certify the puppy is free of any disease and has been checked by a veterinarian. A health warranty. Health records that guarantee the parents are genetically healthy and will not pass on elbow or hip dysplasia. These German Shepherd breeders all breed their puppies in accordance with the breed standard. None of them will sell puppies that are not registered with the American Kennel Club. Another good place to start looking for breeders is the American Kennel Club marketplace. Many of these puppies are bred to be family dogs and come with their papers. As you start looking into more well-known breeders or those that produce dogs of championship or working bloodlines, then the price of a German Shepherd starts to increase. Julia was a German Shepherd bred by the Harrison K-9 facility, highly trained in protection. She could also understand commands in three different languages. Her intelligence, as well as her ability to protect, were why she was priced so highly. Julia was bought by a billionaire businessman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rarest coat color is panda, which is why it is also the most expensive. These German Shepherds are black and white. It is a piebald pattern where the black coat is splotched with large patches of white. Some puppies can have other colors like tan, instead of white. Panda dogs are purebred, but the rarity of this mutation makes them very hard to find. There are very few breeders that sell the panda color. And he actually cost nothing! By the end of his life, Rin Tin Tin had appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Rin Tin Tin most notably helped Warner Bros. But these dogs come in more than just this classic color! There are 11 colors that are recognized by the breed standard. Check out the table below for some German Shepherd prices based on coat color. The tan color covers the chest, belly and legs. White A white puppy has a furry coat that is entirely white, allowing it to blend in with the snow. Its eyes and nose are black as coal. Black A black German Shepherd has a coat that is entirely black. Any other color would classify them as a bi-color. Blue A blue German Shepherd is not literally blue, but has a gray color with a bluish hue. Sable The sable color is one of the most common colors, but is a bit more interesting than the black and tan. The hairs of these dogs have bands of tan and black, giving them a very unique coloring. Some of the factors that contribute to this cost are: Food. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

Anyone on the internet could throw prices around, and knowing what you should pay can be challenging. Read on to learn all about German Shepherd puppy sales. Where to find a German Shepherd puppy? There are a ton of options when looking for a German Shepherd puppy. Your second choice is to find a rescue that might have a German Shepherd puppy. Depending on your area, there are various reputable rescues with guarantees and warranties on the puppy that will be joining your family. A third option is to go through Mission K9 , which has retired military German Shepherds available for adoption. Your last option is to ask for a referral from a few different sources. Your vet, dog clubs, boarding kennels, or groomers can all have advice on great options for a puppy. They will know reputable breeders around town and send you to a trustworthy source. What is a reasonable German Shepherd puppy prize? Different factors like age, color, location, and breeder cost will apply. These fees also differ depending on the rescue and organization you find your puppy through. Now, if your friend or neighbor has a German Shepherd puppy for sale, you will probably still have to pay for the puppy. What affects the price of a German Shepherd puppy? As puppies get older, the price begins to decrease. Other factors that can contribute to the price of your German Shepherd puppy are the following: Coat color: a rare white German Shepherd will cost more than your standard black and tan. Lineage and bloodlines: puppies that come for a line of show dogs and pedigrees will cost more money. Location: Populated cities will have a higher price for puppies than smaller communities. Certificates and warranty: Reputable breeders will have a lifetime warranty on their dogs and provide adequate documentation. Why should you buy a German Shepherd from a reputable breeder? When buying a German Shepherd puppy, a reputable breeder is one of the most important things to look for. There are several reasons why it is important to buy a German Shepherd from a reputable breeder: Health: Reputable breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic health problems and only breed the healthiest animals. This can help reduce the likelihood of your puppy developing certain health issues later on. Temperament: Reputable breeders strive to breed for good temperament and work to socialize and expose their puppies to a variety of people, sights, and sounds. This can help ensure that your puppy grows up to be well-adjusted and confident. Ethical breeding practices: Reputable breeders follow ethical breeding practices and have the best interests of the breed at heart. They do not overbreed their dogs or breed animals that are too closely related. Matching a dog with the owner: Good breeders know their breed and know their puppies. They will help match you with the best puppy for your lifestyle. Lifetime support: Reputable breeders are a good resource for information and support throughout the life of your dog. They can answer questions about training, nutrition, and general care and are often willing to help with any problems or concerns you may have. How do I choose a reputable German Shepherd breeder? A reputable breeder will make it known they care about the puppy. They will want multiple visits from you and your family to see how you interact with the breed. You want to choose a breeder that offers information on genetic testing of the parents and certificates for their hips, elbows, eyes, and knees. Unless otherwise discussed, responsible breeders will have you sign a contract for spaying or neutering your dog. Here are a couple of places to stay away from: Online classified websites Websites such as Craigslist and eBay Classifieds often have listings for German Shepherd puppies. However, be aware that these websites can also be used by scammers and unethical breeders, so you will need to be careful when considering a puppy from one of these sources. Pet stores Some pet stores may have German Shepherd puppies for sale. However, be aware that pet store puppies may come from puppy mills and may not have been raised in the best conditions. Backyard breeders are popular online and try to sell their dogs for a steal of a price. Things to avoid when buying a puppy Another thing to be aware of is puppy mills. This includes veterinary care, vaccination, spaying or neutering, food, and other expenses. This does not include emergency vet visits. Before buying a German Shepherd: Consider this There is no denying that the German Shepherd Dog is one of the most wonderful dog in the world. Hands down. German Shepherd puppies are the cuttiest and one of the most mouthiest thing you can expect. Mind you there is a lot of work in owning a big and energetic dog like the German Shepherd. Here are some of the questions you may want to ask yourself just to make sure you are well-prepared: Are you willing to spend most of your time with your GSD for the next 10 years or so? Will you give your love and care to a child that never grows? Do you have an active lifestyle? Are you willing to train your dogs from an early age? This can give gives you the opportunity to experience firsthand what it is like to have a GSD in your home and to see if you are ready for the commitment of dog ownership. This can help you determine if the breed or size of the dog is a good fit for your lifestyle. The good news is, we already have a list where you can find a German Shepherd rescue and adoption list in your area. Papers will also show your puppy comes from a reputable breeder. Can I adopt a German Shepherd puppy for free? Even through a shelter or rescue, getting the dog comes with a fee. What is the cost of a rescue German Shepherd? More posts on German Shepherd Puppies Recommended post. Degenerative Myelopathy Von Willebrand Disease Perhaps the most well-known is hip dysplasia, a condition that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally. This can lead to pain and lameness, and eventually requiring surgery. German Shepherds are also at risk for elbow dysplasia, a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Other common health problems include allergies, intestinal issues, and eye problems. With proper care and diet, however, German Shepherds can live long and healthy lives. Finding a German Shepherd puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. While German Shepherds are often considered to be low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, their coats do require some care and attention. The most important thing to know about German Shepherd coat care is that the breed does not shed uniformly throughout the year. After the shedding period has ended, you can reduce the frequency of brushing to once or twice a week. In addition to regular brushing, German Shepherds also need to be bathed on occasion. How often you need to bathe your German Shepherd will depend on factors such as how often they play outside and whether they have any allergies or skin sensitivities. Generally speaking, however, a once-monthly bath is sufficient for most dogs. German Shepherd Puppies For Sale. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.

These dogs are known for their lively personality and cute, furry appearance. Toy Poodles are also intelligent and highly trainable. In addition, Toy Poodles are relatively small dogs, which makes them a good choice for people who live in apartments or other small spaces. If you live an active lifestyle and are seeking a fun-loving and intelligent furry friend, look no further than the Toy Poodle. Toy Poodle Puppies Health Considerations Though generally very healthy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around 14 to 16 years — our Toy Poodles for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Toy Poodle puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. This is caused by the soft palate becoming irritated, and can be triggered by excitement or allergies. While it may seem alarming, reverse sneezing is not harmful and will resolve on its own. Another common health concern in Toy Poodles is luxating patellas. This occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, and can cause pain and lameness. Luckily, luxating patellas can be effectively treated with surgery. Finding a Toy Poodle puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. The coat can be either curly or corded, and it comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, and apricot. Toy Poodles require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and free of mats. Daily brushing is necessary to prevent the hair from tangling, and the coat should be clipped every six to eight weeks. In addition to regular brushing and clipping, Toy Poodles also need to have their teeth brushed daily and their nails trimmed on a monthly basis. By taking care of their coats, Toy Poodles can stay healthy and happy for many years to come. Meet Toy Poodle Puppies for Sale. Life Span Did You Know? Breeders developed Toy Poodles in 18th century England as smaller versions of their German predecessors. The Toy Poodle began to represent social status, and nobles would decorate their dogs in high fashion of the time. They became so popular, in fact, that they were one of the first toy breeds recognized by the Kennel Club. Toy Poodles are smart cookies. Their intelligence is one of their predominant features, and is often showcased during obedience training. These dogs have tremendous problem-solving capabilities that make them ideal for competitions. On the other hand, this same intelligence makes for an easily bored pup. They need mental stimulation, like challenging games and toys , to keep their busy minds occupied. The Toy Poodle may also be suspicious of strangers and slow to warm up to new people. This dog breed can adapt to a wide range of living situations due to their small size. As a matter of fact, they have trouble dealing with any kind of alone time. As such, the Toy Poodle is an excellent companion animal for people who love a little company. There are a few health conditions that Toy Poodles are more susceptible to than other dog breeds. For example, they may suffer from eye disorders, like cataracts, or blood clotting disorders, like Hemophilia. Because of their size, they may also bear the risk of dental crowding, kneecap migration, or trachea instability. With regular visits to the veterinarian, many of these potential health concerns can be comfortably managed. Owners typically have an easy time during obedience training with Toy Poodles. Their intelligence often hastens the training process. However, they can present destructive tendencies when left to their own devices for too long. Toy Poodles have famously low-shedding coats. They lack undercoats, so their shedding is minimal. Their fur is hypoallergenic and mats rather than sheds. These pups will only need to be groomed to prevent matting and increase shine. Usually, brushing your Toy Poodle once or twice a week and grooming every six weeks is sufficient. As a small dog breed, they are more prone to developing dental disease so good dental care is important. Poodles are an active breed in general, and Toy Poodles in specific are just as active. After a few laps around the kitchen, the Toy Poodle will tire out and happily sit by their owners during daily activities. The Toy Poodle stands at a mighty inches at the shoulder. Their weight ranges from pounds and usually averages around 8 pounds. Toy Poodles usually live 12 — 15 years. The Poodle coat is built for the water and even the Toy Poodle tends to have excellent, practically innate, swimming abilities. Featured Toy Poodle Article. Its skull is somewhat round with a long, straight muzzle. All three varieties have the same build and proportions. This breed is nothing short of athletic, and they will want plenty of opportunities to show this off. Discover more about our Toy Poodle puppies for sale below! Poodles are notorious for learning tricks quickly and will love to take part in a wide range of canine hobbies. Keep them entertained with exercise, activities, games, and puzzles and you will have a very happy Poodle. Their elegant shape covered in a beautiful curly or corded coat gives them their distinct and famous look. It is this widely adored appearance, plus their intelligence, has earned this breed the status of the official dog of France. The Poodle is thought to have originated from Germany as a breed of water retriever. However, some argue that it is a descendant of the French Barbet dog. What we do know is that this is an old breed, with a history stretching back to the 15th century at least. Disposition Poodles are famous for being one of the most intelligent breeds, making them incredibly responsive and trainable. Meaning, they are very sweet, lively and cheerful puppies who like to be with people. If they are socialized properly, a Poodle will both charm your friends and also make a wonderful watchdog. It is important to give them the proper amount of exercise they need because, without it, they can become stressed and timid. The Poodle is great with children, making them an excellent family dog. Poodles are active, intelligent and proud dogs. They love to spend time with their family and are eager to play and please. They are remarkably agile and smart, which makes them wonderful to train. They enjoy learning and puzzles, so keep your Poodle stimulated to avoid them being bored or anxious. This breed is very people-oriented, which makes them both loyal and kind. They will respond to training routines that are fun and positive, just keep it consistent. Exercise Poodle puppies of any size are very active and require a good amount of exercise every day to suit their high energy level. They will thrive when they are kept busy and get to act on those inherent impulses such as retrieving, hunting, swimming, and learning. Poodles love to go for walks and jogs. Some even learn to do it themselves with clippers, while others take their dog to a professional dog groomer about every six weeks to have their hair and nails trimmed. Training As with most dogs, the Poodle will do best when they receive early socialization and leadership. This opportunity to learn manners will help that they grow up into a confident, happy adult dog. This is largely due to how cute they are as well as how trainable they are. The best approach to training is to make it both fun for you and the dog. They will respond best to positive reinforcement as they can be a bit sensitive. Despite their quiet nature, Poodles can be fans of their own voices. They tend to alert you to visitors, which is a trait you may appreciate. If you are not a fan of barking, make sure to not react to the barks. You may also want to try clicker training if the barking persists as an issue. See store for details on a particular puppy. American Canine Association, Inc.

Black Boxers Don't let anyone tell you that black boxers are "Rare", They aren't!! They have been around for a long, long time. Check out black boxers info website about black boxers. They just aren't as popular as the fawns or brindles. Sealed black boxers are actually reverse brindles where the black striping has blended together. They are classified as sealed brindles. They are registered with AKC as brindles. You can see that they are not rare by going into Google and type in black boxers then click on Images. You will find a lot of them, just as you would if you did it with Yahoo or any search engine. Also you can find a lot of ads for boxers and many have the black boxers. There are also a lot of boxer breeders who have litters of black boxers in many states: Alabama alone has at least 10 breeders having black boxers that I know of. As defined in the dictionary: Rare: 1. Be careful of people claiming that their dog or dogs are mahogany. Also watch for breeders claiming that their puppies are mahogany. In order to have mahogany puppies, one of the parents would have to be a true mahogany. To have a full litter of mahogany puppies would probably be unusual or "rare", both the sire and the dam would have to be true mahogany. Don't be confused with a mahogany and a deer red fawn. The deer red is just a bit lighter than the mahogany, both are still fawns White Boxers The white boxers are getting to be more popular. We do our best not to have them. Some white boxers can have just the normal or average healthy conditions like all the other boxers. This puppy that you choose should be part of your family. You will expect certain things from your pup, but he or she, of course needs to learn and be trained so both of you will grow together and be as one would say.Your pup is like a child, and needs to be train in the path you want him to go. Buyer Beware!! While you are looking for that puppy to fill that empty spot, there are a lot of people out there that will help you. Some breeders are just great about helping and there are some are there to sell you a puppy. There are people that will buy several puppies if not the entire litter from a small breeder and sell those puppies at much higher prices to people. They will advertise that the pups have champion bloodlines but don't. They can't produce or show the parents, or the "parents" are really not the parents, or they may give false information. Ask to see the pedigree papers and the registration papers on both parents. And these people can also be licensed.The scammers are out there trying to get your money too, so be careful. And thank you for looking at my website. Please come and visit us again. Beware of breeders who claim they have been breeding for 10, 15, 20, 30 or more years. If you don't see one, they could be hiding something that they don't really want you to know until they get your money. We are also licensed and inspected by the state and USDA. Our Boxers are bred for intelligence, conformation, health, and socialability. There many champions in the ancestry of our Boxers. Trojan is OFA certified for his hips, elbows, heart and, thyroid. Our males are OFA certified against hip displacia. Romeo and Romeo's sire are OFA certified. Zaccur is OFA certified. Harley was OFA certified, which is a sires of many of our females. Romeo's Grand sire was a champion. The older female are OFA certified for their heart and thyroid. The puppies come with a 1 year health guarantee for genetic defects. All are included in the price of your puppy. Puppies are ready to go to their new homes at 8 weeks of age. All puppies will have their tails cropped and dew claws removed. They will be current on shots and dewormings. If a deposit is being send in the mail, the puppy is marked as pending sale. When the deposit arrives the puppy is marked an sold. If the payment does not arrive in a week, the puppy will be placed back for sale. Paypal is available for payment. More pictures of the puppies are available on request. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.

Even in the heat, she still pesters to walk and we walk about two miles a day. She also loves to ride in the car and she just sits there and watches. She will sit on our front porch real nice and watch as well. As you can tell, not much goes on that doesn't interest her. She owns the yard and chases rabbits and birds out. She has an obsession with balls and we play catch nearly every day, which she loves. She watches the ball with such intensity. She often looks like the horse in the dean's office in 'Animal House' legs extended up. Even the tough young guy in the neighborhood coos, "Just the cutest little puppy in the world" as we walk by. At Petsmart, she was being groomed last week. We stuck around waiting in the wings as they were finishing up her haircut. It is a 3 to 4 hour event. It was incredible to see the amount of people who would stop by the window, grab their spouse or friend, and point and talk about our dog. Some even were brave and went in to ask about her or to pet her. I bet 30 people stopped and about a half dozen went in in the half hour we watched. Had it not been for your website, we would not have known that Goldendoodles existed! We are so happy with ours and thank you very much! The Golden Retriever-Poodle crossbreed is adorable, loyal, and a great option for allergy sufferers. Thinking about adding a Goldendoodle puppy to the family? Here is everything you need to know about the Goldendoodle puppy personality. Here are some facts to help you decide. Typically, they come in three sizes : standard, miniature, and toy. The standard Goldendoodle is the most common. They are usually taller than a Golden Retriever and weigh somewhere between pounds. Mini Goldendoodles are often the result of a Golden Retriever being bred with a smaller Poodle. A Mini Goldendoodle puppy will grow to be somewhere between 30 and 45 pounds. Toy Goldendoodles are roughly 15 — 20 pounds. While you may find a standard or mini Goldendoodle at your local rescue organization, toy Goldendoodles often require specific breeding standards and can only be acquired from a reputable breeder. Given that a puppy of this breed can grow to be anywhere from 15 to 70 pounds, it is no wonder that they can also be found in a variety of colors. Depending on the parents, the puppies can be tan, white, ream, red, black, tawny, or somewhere in between. A straighter coat can come from the Golden Retriever parent. A curly coat will likely be the most hypoallergenic, as it comes from the Poodle. They are not invincible and can get ill just like any other dog. Some Goldendoodles can be prone to Golden Retriever health issues , like hip and elbow disorders. If you are looking to rescue a Goldendoodle from your local shelter, chances are they will not have their entire lineage on file. They have a great desire to please and to learn. Both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle have very loyal personalities. They are both quick to bond with their humans and thrive on human affection. They are both also fairly tolerant of the occasional rough-housing regarding children. The Goldendoodle puppy is also a smart one, just like mom and dad. Canine psychologist Stanley Coren ranked the top ten smartest dog breeds. The Golden Retriever is placed at the fourth smartest breed. Coren ranked the Poodle the second smartest breed. The trend likely started thanks in large part to the creation of the Labradoodle , the Labrador Retriever and Poodle designer crossbreed. This is true in some capacity, but maybe not for what you think. Goldendoodles are often touted as a hypoallergenic dog breed. No dog breed is technically hypoallergenic. If you are allergic to dogs, there is a chance your Goldendoodle could set you off sneezing. Before you run out and bring home a Goldendoodle from your local rescue, though, be sure that the allergy sufferer in your home spends time with the dog before you take them home. Dogs, like people, are individuals, and while someone with allergies may be fine around one Goldendoodle, another one could potentially set off an allergic reaction. Since they are so popular, finding a Goldendoodle at your local shelter might take a while. You could always come across the perfect Goldendoodle for you at your local shelter or rescue group, as well. If you are really hoping to quickly add a Goldendoodle to your life, a breeder may take just as long. Many reputable breeders have waitlists for people who want a Goldendoodle puppy. Here at DogTime, we are strong believers in adopting your pets. If you really want get your own Goldendoodle, check at your local shelters and rescues before speaking with a breeder. Are you thinking of getting your family a Goldendoodle puppy? If you are a Goldendoodle owner, do you have any advice for folks who want one? Let us know in the comments below! They love bounding around our family room and kitchen, exploring every inch. They play hard and then find a safe place to crawl under for a rejuvenating siesta. While they continue to nurse some, the puppies are now eating meals each day. We fed them in crates for the first time, a skill on which we will continue to work. The puppies are also beginning to go outside more regularly crazy Ohio weather permitting! They are a lively, curious, and friendly bunch! They enjoy exploring the world around them and playing with the different toys in their pen. They also enjoy playing with each other. They continue to nurse but have now started eating food as well. The puppies continue listening to their habituation soundtrack, and we continue to introduce them to new objects. They have also gotten to explore the great outdoors for the first time! While still wobbly and unsteady, the puppies use walking rather than crawling as their primary means of getting around. They have started playing with each other. Their playful interactions look like slow motion! The puppies have moved out of our bedroom into the puppy pen, where they will stay the remainder of their time with us. Here, in the center of household activity, they will be exposed to everyday sounds and events. We also give them a new object or toy each day. Our goal is to expose the puppies to as much as we can during their time with us, so we provide them with toys made from a variety of materials and toys that make different sounds. We also provide them with different textures on which to walk. The puppies already amble over to you and climb onto your lap when you sit in the puppy pen! Their vision will continue to sharpen over the next few weeks. The puppies are also beginning to take their first wobbly steps. They still continue to spend the majority of their time eating, sleeping, and growing, but they are now able to make their way around their puppy area at a slightly higher rate of speed. The puppies have also had their nails clipped for the first time. They continue concentrating on eating, sleeping, and growing. There are four boys and two girls. Pink Girl and Green Boy appear to have curly coats. We will be able to tell more about their coats in the upcoming weeks. Puppies are born with their eyes and ears closed, but they still know how to make noise! They grunt and squeal as they feel their way to Junie, looking for a meal. Right now, the puppies spend all their time eating, sleeping, and growing.

Several factors can make your toy poodle bark but some of the most relevant ones are discussed below. Separation Anxiety Many new owners do not realize that toy poodle suffers from severe separation anxiety. Poodle Report suggests that these pups begin to suffer from this feeling whenever they are left alone. Hence, they will bark loudly to express their feelings. Louder Noises Poodles are renowned for being sensitive to both loud noises and intense flashes of light. Therefore, whenever your poodle hears or sees something alarming, such as a rainstorm, you should expect him to start barking. Protection from Strangers Poodles want to alert their owners, whenever they see someone strange walking around. Barking is the way dogs communicate and they use this method to just inform their owner, rather than hurting someone. Attention Seeking Toy poodles are very sensitive and can show different mood swings. They can bark when excited or when they are feeling sad. Similarly, these pups can also bark when they have nothing to do, and want to seek the attention of their owner. The following training scenario can help you to stop your toy poodle from barking. For instance, has your pup heard a distant siren or did he detect the impending arrival of a thunderstorm? If this is the case, it may be necessary to redirect or console him. Provide Proper Exercise Poodles are high-energy dogs who require exercise to unwind. Socialize Your Pooch Being a small dog breed poodle can be afraid of large dogs or strange people. Hence, a poodle must be exposed to a variety of circumstances to learn how to stay calm and behave properly. This will allow your dog to feel more comfortable in different situations and around different people. It is very important to desensitize your poodle to triggers that can make him bark. For example, they should know how to behave in front of guests and strangers. Daily practice can help toy poodles not to bark. Poodles require a lot of physical as well as mental stimulation. Hence, entertainment is necessary for them. How to Stop a Toy Poodle from Barking? Various experts including The Nest agreed that the following methods are useful to solve the barking issues of a toy poodle. Train Your Dog Strict and persistent behavioral training will assist you in establishing healthy and effective control over your canine. Toy poodles are intelligent creatures, and your efforts will go a long way in reducing their barking behavior. This can be quite helpful in public as well as at home. Small children, other household pets, loud noises, and distractions can all cause your dog to start barking. A harness leash rather than a leash and collar works well for small breeds. Toy poodles can be kept quiet and collected with interactive toys that trickle kibble on the floor. In this case, you should visit your vet as soon as possible to determine the source of the problem. Your vet will examine your dog thoroughly and may prescribe some anti-anxiety medication. Therefore, you should allow enough light in the room. Many audios, such as rainfall or jungle sounds, can be found on YouTube that is helpful in this regard. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Alerting you to potential threats Loud noises Your dog may also bark if they are sick or injured, and you may notice behavioral issues in older dogs. If it seems like your Poodle is barking at random without triggers, keep an eye on them and take them to the vet if there are symptoms along with excessive barking. When they hear their owners yell, this will only make them feel more excited and motivated to continue barking. So, although it may feel tempting, avoid yelling at Poodles when they bark. Sometimes, Poodles will bark to alert their owners. As with all dogs, Poodles have a stronger sense of smell and hearing than humans. They may sense that someone is inside your home or that a storm is approaching. Be sure not to discourage your dog from barking in cases where it is beneficial. All dogs have barking triggers, and you may not ever be able to prevent them from barking completely. However, by examining their triggers, rewarding vs. We will cover many training methods you can use, but remember to be patient. Pay attention to what is going on when your dog starts barking. Do what you can to eliminate any triggers. For example, if your dog barks when they see someone outside, you may try blocking their view of the window. Make sure your Poodle has a safe place they can go to when they are anxious. Poodles may bark when they are left alone , during thunderstorms, or hear loud noises they cannot identify. Giving your dog access to a safe, quiet area allows them to feel more comfortable, which can help with barking out of fear. Dogs of varying sizes require a different level of physical activity each day. Usually, larger dogs will need more exercise than smaller dogs. Make sure they go on plenty of walks, have a chance to run around, and enjoy playtime regularly. Additionally, Poodles may bark out of boredom. Toys allow your Poodle both physical and mental exercise that can tire them out. Tired dogs are less likely to bark because they are either bored or have already released pent-up energy. Socialize Your Poodles Socialization is beneficial to all dog breeds. Exposing them to environments with other dogs and people allow your Poodle to feel comfortable with strange visitors or passersby. The more your Poodle can socialize, the more they will perceive unknown people and animals as friends rather than a threat. When your dog barks, ignore them by not looking at them or even exiting the room. Once your Poodle is quiet, give them lots of attention by playing with them and giving them their favorite treat. If they bark again, repeat the process. Ensure that everyone in your household is on board, or this strategy will not work. Eventually, your dog will realize that barking is unbeneficial, and being quiet results in attention and treats. It may take some time, but eventually, your dog will start to understand the difference. This method can be highly beneficial if you live in a noisy apartment complex that often triggers your dog to bark. Poodles are smart and social — and a prone to separation anxiety. This can lead to problem behavior like excessive barking. In fact, evidence and experience shows that there is no significant difference in the barking behavior of different types of poodles. Small dogs and big dogs can both have problem barking. So if you have a small or toy Poodle — expect a sometimes barking dog. And if you have a medium or standard Poodle — also expect a barking dog. Conclusion All dogs bark, but Poodles have a reputation for being talkative dogs. So, Poodles do bark a lot and are considered moderate barkers. Poodles bark when they are triggered by loud noise, excitement, separation anxiety, seeing people, lack of exercise, or to alert you of a threat. Poodles are highly intelligent dog breeds and make wonderful pets, even if they can be a little talkative. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Poodle Barking Overview While small dogs such as the Toy Poodle and Miniature Poodle have a "bad" reputation for being barkers, this is simply not true. All dogs bark and they all have a reason for doing so. The key to stop unwanted barking is to understand why your Poodle is barking and then to take steps to resolve that issue. Let's take a look at the reasons a Poodle will bark and what you can do to help both your dog and your ears! This simply means that something, whether it is a situation or a noise is causing your dog to bark. The most common reason for Triggered Barking are: Being left home alone Cars or people walking by Weather - especially thunder storms In these cases, training and socialization can resolve the issue. When a dog has a hard time coping with being left home alone, this is called Separation Anxiety. We have a separate section just for this and you can find much more information here regarding: Separation Anxiety. Socializing a dog is very necessary to help a dog gain self esteem and to behave properly in many situations.The method of socializing a dog to the above situations or other similar ones is to offer slow exposure to the triggers that causes the barking. However, it must be done in a particular way. Two important keys to remember is that in order for this training and socializing to work, an owner must: 1 Be committed to the goal - one must not give up after just a day or 2 and training must be consistent. It is human instinct to want to say "No" or to vocally reprimand a dog when they are behaving in a way that is not wanted.When a Poodle, or any other dog for that matter, is given attention, even negative attention, they will not fully understand what is expected. Dogs, particularly Poodles thrive on human companionship and interaction. When that is taken away, even briefly.The Poodle understands the message must faster than if you were to say "No". Barking in response to thunder and lightening storms is completely different than barking at cars or people. The majority of dogs have a heightened sense of awareness during storms. There are 5 very valid reasons why a dog barks in response to loud noises.Your dog, with heightened senses, feels this times stronger than you do! While you cannot control or train for all of the above reasons, a Poodle can do well with a slow and steady socialization to the noise and flashing lights. Obtaining a recording of thunder storms and exposing your Poodle to the noises, very softly and for short time periods at first, has shown promising results to help a Poodle cope. These tapes can be purchased at books stores and other locations, most often used to help humans sleep. Barking at guests, cars and passing people is actually your dog's way of protection you from what they perceive to be a threat. The important element to remember is that even though there is no threat.The key to stopping this type of barking is to show your dog that there is no threat. The best way to do this, is by your actions and your words. Poodles are very aware of their owners actions and words and will look to them to validate what they are doing.If an owner remains calm, this is the best method to show your Poodle that they also can be calm. Very often, when a dog barks in these situations, owners pay quite a bit of attention to their dog. They may make actions to try to stop their dog from jumping, they may raise their voice to say "No! These are cues that essentially tell a dog that they just may be right in barking "warnings". Self Protection: Poodles can be very territorial. .It is important for a dog to know that certain items are their belongings. However, over protecting those items can induce unwanted barking. The most common reason for self protection is when a Poodle feels the needs to "guard" their food and water dishes even if they are empty at the time and to protect their toys. Always keeping their dishes in a quiet corner of a room is important. When your Poodle eats, have all family members keep a distance. Owners are not even aware that they cause a Poodle to be protective of food dishes because this behavior is often mistakenly instilled when a Poodle is just a small puppy. New owners want to be close and take pleasure watching their puppy eat. Many take photographs. However, over time, this causes a puppy to feel as if they need to protect what is most important to them: their food. A dog can live without many things, but they know that they need food for survival. For this reason, all family members should be sure to allow a dog to eat in peace.Also be sure that even if their food dishes are in a corner of the kitchen, that their meals are not given when the kitchen is filled with people. This can be during dinner time when owners may not realize just how noisy the kitchen becomes or when an owner has arrived home after food shopping and the room is filled with bustling noise. A Poodle may also be very protective of their toys. Many dogs enter phases of nesting and this includes male dogs. They may become very attached to a certain toy or even a group of toys.This is a behavioral issue and is often resolved simply by time and by allowing your dog to nest with their toys if they wish. However, it is not acceptable if a Poodle nips at people in their protective state. Toys should be cleaned every 2 weeks and you may find it helpful to do so when another family member has taken your Poodle for a walk, or perhaps when your dog is sleeping. At other times, it works well to have a special area for your dog's toys, such as a canine toy box, basket or other. Family members, particularly children, should be taught that those toys belong to your Poodle. When you wish to implement certain toys such for playing fetch or playing games, it is suggested to keep those training toys separate from the "regular" toys. Boredom: Another reason why a Poodle barks is boredom. Dogs may bark incessantly if they are not socialized at a young age and if they are not supplied with a variety of dog toys. Giving your Poodle lots of different toys is not spoiling them.Toys are very important to dogs of all ages. It works well to have 2 groups of toys, although always keeping any dog toys that your Poodle has become very attached to. In this way, you can switch toy collections every week or every 2 weeks, this essentially offers your dog "new" toys, without having to constantly buy new ones. Toys should be colorful, have interesting textures and be interactive. Excitement: Many Poodles bark due to excitement. This is very common with puppies.This is not a house training issue, it is a behavioral issue and will ebb away as your puppy grows older. Older Poodles can become very excited when left home alone during the day.For both situations, of a puppy or older Poodle, the way in which you enter the home can make a big difference. The action of you opening the door and entering is the trigger. The best treatment for this is to expose your dog to the stimulus that excites them, over and over until it no longer excites them. This is achieved by ignoring your Poodle for a few minutes whenever you arrive home. While this is not easy and goes against the instinct you have to greet them, you will be doing your dog a great favor by helping them control their behavior. Arrive home and ignore your Poodle. Read your mail, check your messages, tidy up the living room.Keep doing this until you can see that your dog is not only unexcited, but is actually getting bored with the whole thing. Once your Poodle has calmed down, you can then give hugs, take them for a walk or whatever it is that fits your daily routine. Barking at Night One of the most frustrating barking issues is night time barking. You and the entire neighborhood wants to sleep and a barking dog can be very upsetting. A dog must learn, through the actions and words of their owner, that barking for attention does not work. If your Poodle was taken outside for bathroom duties before bedtime and you are sure that they do not need to go outside again, if they have access to water and have a few of their favorite toys.If barking is severe it is best to have your Poodle in the same room as you.A dog will eventually mimic their owners behavior. As you lie and rest just waiting for that barking to stop , your Poodle will eventually calm down as well. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us.