feeding my german shepherd puppy

United States .To create value and make a difference by inspiring moments of optimism, inspiration and responsibility by providing the incredible privilege of having a German Shepherd Dog in the lives of the chosen few. With the power of the internet, you are not limited to breeders that are just local to your home. Call us today and allow us to help you find your German Shepherd dream puppy! Vertrauen German Shepherds believe that deterrence is better than confrontation any day, so we keep this in mind when choosing a pairing for our German Shepherds stud dogs and mothers. Many of our Vertrauen German Shepherd puppies have grown to become wonderful assets to the needs of humans as Autism Service dogs, PTSD service dogs, Cancer detection dogs, and explosive detection dogs. Vertrauen German Shepherd breeder Kansas City make the perfect home companion or can go on to a service career. Whatever you are looking for, we will match you with the perfect German Shepherd. We feel as though you are not only adding a new puppy to your family, you are gaining a friend with Vertrauen. Please feel free to contact us throughout the life of your puppy with milestones of growth, training accomplishments, or just share the love you have for your German Shepherd puppy. German shepherd breeder kansas city. All of these amazing GSD's arrived at MOGS with some rough edges, but have worked really hard and are ready to take the next steps in the rehab process - landing in their forever home! If you have a love for GSD's, strong canine leadership skills, experience with handling lack of confidence and poor socialization levels, and have room in your heart and home, read on and find your hidden gem today! Baron and Brandi have lived in a home prior to MOGS, but were mainly outdoor dogs, so need an owner who can be patient and teach them good indoor dog manners. Prior owners report they lived safely with young children. Brandi is the more social of the pair, and loves everyone. Baron is somewhat more shy and requires measured intros to both people and other dogs. Once Alma knows and trusts a person, she is super-loving, attention-seeking, and wants to be with them every minute that she can. She is very food motivated, really smart, and wants to please [most of the time ]. She is working on basic obedience, but like a true GSD, can be stubborn. She is housebroken, crate-trained and can be left unsupervised for brief periods of time in the home, as long as her person is home as well. Alma is a true alpha, dominant female with other dogs, and can sometimes be very intense. She can be an only-pet, but has also done with in small play groups with submissive, younger males and females. She cannot be placed with other dominant dogs, and has a small-prey drive, so no cats. She can sometimes be kennel reactive when she is crated and hassled by another dog that she doesn't like in her current foster home [dominant temperament male]. Posie is typically a gentle girl with her handlers in boarding, with a soft mouth for treats, and an affectionate, cuddly personality. Posie does have a high small prey drive, and cannot be around either small dogs or cats. She does struggle with some issues of selective reactivity, and would prefer to be in an only pet home. If he knows you he will want your attention and he will bug you until you give it to him. He wants to be a lap dog as well. Colby is a happy boy, he just wants to enjoy his home and all the thing he loves, food, his ball, his Buffalo horns, and hanging with his people. Because he is tentative with new people and dogs, he would not be a good candidate for dog parks, doggy day care, Home Depot visits or camping. Colby needs a home with no cats, but he has been in a household with a small dog and did very well.

German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! Hopefully, we will have the answers to all of your questions in this guide. But, all that cuteness quickly disappears when the biting phase starts. Puppy biting is normal in all breeds, including the German Shepherd. And, luckily, we have some great tips and tricks to minimize the painful biting period. In fact, it could have a number of causes. Here are a few of the most common reasons, in a little more detail. Teething One reason why puppies of all breeds may bite is teething. This stage often starts at around 3 or 4 months of age — only a few weeks after your puppy will arrive at their new home. Luckily, it only takes a few months for your puppy to have their full set of adult teeth. So, biting from teething is not permanent. If your puppy is biting or chewing because of teething, you may notice other symptoms like drooling, irritability, and going off their food. Boredom or Getting Attention Bored puppies may learn that biting gets some fun responses from you! Just like barking can. If your puppy has learnt that they can get some attention from you when they bite, they may do it to alleviate boredom. This can explain why puppies concentrate most of their biting on one family member — the person who gives the most fun response. Natural Play Biting is a natural part of puppy play — as much as some owners might not want to hear it! German Shepherd puppies, just like any other breed, will bite whilst they are playing with you or with other dogs. If this behavior continues into adulthood, the biting can be more problematic. Responding to Rough Play Some people like to play with German Shepherd puppies in quite a rough manner. This can include pushing them, or rolling them over. Behaviors like this can make puppies very excitable, and encourage biting during play. Encourage calm play between your family members or friends and your puppy. Herding Instincts The German Shepherd breed has a history as a herding dog. The creator of the breed, Captain Max von Stephanitz, bred the German Shepherd in an attempt to create the ultimate all-round herding breed. This was all the way back in the late s. Although the history of the breed has changed over time, from herding to working dog, their origins remain the same. Many herding dogs are prone to natural chase instincts. They may chase small children or other animals — particularly those that are making lots of noise. And, these herding behaviors can include nipping at heels. Once again, your behavior can minimize biting from this cause. Exploration Another common explanation for young German Shepherd biting is their natural curiosity. And, they may do this partly with their mouths. What you really want to know is, when will it stop? However, you can minimize the period by making a few easy changes to your behavior when biting occurs. The best ways to stop puppy biting and minimize the biting period are training and prevention. This means training your puppy to be gentle with you and other people, and taking away opportunities for your excited puppy to bite humans. You may need to go as far as to completely separate your GSD puppy from small children and people who insist on rough play with puppies. We know that this can only encourage biting. Remove Yourself Calmly If your puppy starts to bite you, during play or any other time, the best solution is to calmly and quietly remove yourself. You can use tools like baby gates to keep your German Shepherd in a puppy-safe room. In fact — your puppy will learn that biting during play or cuddles only results in you leaving, and them ending up on their own! Not only will this help to show your puppy that biting is not an acceptable part of playtime, but it can also help your own sanity to remove yourself from those sharp teeth occasionally. Think About Clothing You should also think about the type of clothing you wear around your puppy. Loose, hanging clothing can be appealing to your puppy, and provide something easy to grip on with their sharp teeth. Wear tight fitting clothing to minimize the number of things your puppy can bite at. Use Distractions If you, or young children in your household, are keen to pet your puppy without being bitten, you should make the most of distractions like treats or toys. You can hold a chew for your puppy to keep their attention and mouth distracted whilst someone pets them! Often, puppy owners only think about biting whilst their puppy is actively gnawing on them. One method is to reward them with treats when you are petting them and they are not biting you. Another is to reward them for calm behavior around the house. This way they learn that acting calmly and letting you touch them without biting will earn them good things! One popular method to stop puppy biting is to squeal, squeak, growl, or make another loud noise. Some people claim that this method replicates natural puppy play and tells your GSD when they are being too rough. For some owners, this may work. If this is the case, making a noise when your puppy bites will act as a reward, and encourage your German Shepherd puppy to bite you even more. This is one reason why puppies biting children is so common. Many children will make lots of noise, especially if a puppy bites them, which can lead to further nipping. This is similar to the method above, if used alone. This is why training has to be done in small stages — first you must teach the puppy what action you want, and then you can give the action a name, or command. Punishment Methods The best methods to stop your puppy from biting involve positive rewards for the behaviors you want. Studies on dog training and behavior have shown that punishment based methods are often associated with an increase of problematic behaviors. Punishing your puppy for biting can lead to distrust and fear from your puppy. The causes of puppy biting that we looked at earlier in this guide apply to all GSD puppies. In fact, they apply to all puppies of any breed. Biting and chewing is a normal puppy behavior, and a normal part of play. As long as you react to this behavior in the right way, it is a period that will pass. The biggest fear for most German Shepherd puppy owners is that their puppy is aggressive when it bites. German Shepherd puppy biting can be accompanied by ferocious growls or snarls. It can even draw blood. So are behaviors like snarling and growling. And, if your puppy is biting hard enough to injure you, they may not have learnt proper bite inhibition yet. This is the process where your puppy learns to be gentle with his teeth on your skin. The positive reward methods we discussed earlier in this guide are the best way to teach your puppy bite inhibition. Remove yourself calmly and quietly whenever your puppy bites. And make sure to reward any calm behavior — including when your puppy lets you pet it without biting. Speak to a Behaviorist If you think your puppy is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, such as guarding their resources, you may want to speak to a behaviorist. They will be able to look at your puppy as an individual case, and analyse their behavior properly. Do Adult German Shepherds Bite? The German Shepherd breed is known for being aggressive in some circumstances — they make popular guard dogs, and are number one candidates for working dog roles in the police and military. Since puppies lack the dexterity that you and I have, they use their mouths to explore the world around them. By understanding the behavior of biting itself, you can begin to see just how normal biting is in German Shepherd puppies. Just because biting is a normal behavior in a puppy does not mean we should tolerate it or promote it. Since biting is a form of communication for German Shepherd puppies, there are many things our puppies could be trying to say! So why do Shepherd pups bite? Puppies often communicate with their siblings through biting and pawing, especially when they are trying to incite a play session. Your pup may gnaw on your hand as if it were a chew toy, especially when you are a moving target. Puppies play and bite their siblings from the moment they are old enough to do so. This is why the behavior is so common, and why our Shepherd pupswill need to learn how to transition to playing with appropriate chewing options. Not only are our hands and feet tempting enough, but even more so when a puppy has a high prey drive. A prey drive is an ingrained need to chase after moving objects, whether it is appropriate or not. A swinging hand as we walk by can be extremely tempting for a growing pup, causing them to jump up and nip. If it seems like your Shepherd puppy is always biting you when you are in motion, it may be due to their high prey drive! They Are Curious As we mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies use their mouth to explore the world around them. Biting can help them examine and understand an object, and our hands and feet can fall into that category as well! If you catch your puppy gnawing on everything around your home, it may be their curiosity getting the best of them! A dog quickly learns what behavior gets a reaction, causing them to do it over and over again. Even if their bites result in a negative reaction from you, it still counts as attention. They Are Teething Similar to teething babies, a German Shepherd puppy experiences teething pain as well. If your Shepherd pup seems to find relief when chewing on objects, they may be biting you due to teething discomfort. They Are Herding You If your German Shepherd puppy is constantly biting at your ankles, they may be displaying some herding behaviors. German Shepherds are ingrained with a need to work, especially in dogs with a working bloodline. If your German Shepherd is always nipping at your feet, running to your side when you are moving, or showing signs of anxiety or frustration when you are moving around your home; it may be herding behavior. So how can you stop this normal puppy behavior? Redirect The Behavior One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting is by redirecting the behavior. An effective distraction is a wonderful way to end the behavior without punishment, and show them how much fun the alternative to biting can be. The next time your Shepherd pup is displaying undesirable nipping, try to pull out their favorite toy. Since this will need to be a toy that your dog enjoys, be sure to offer them the option that they find most exciting. This can be a Kong toy , rope, bone, or any other chewing option that your dog loves. By doing this each time your Shepherd puppy begins to bite you, they will begin to understand that they would much rather play with an acceptable chew option. Having a variety of chew toys can alleviate their need to bite our hands and feet, and offer them the relief they seek in this uncomfortable transition. There are so many toys created for teething puppies, that it should be easy to fill your home with plenty of appropriate options. One of our favorite chew toys is the Kong Teething Binkie. Any attention can validate the behavior, causing them to make it a habit. This shows them that the behavior is unacceptable, and does not involve any harmful negative reinforcement. Our attention is important to a puppy, and they do not want to be ignored. By showing them that biting will only result in us pulling away, they will learn to ditch the undesirable behavior. Interrupt The Behavior Sometimes a Shepherd puppy needs a sharp and sudden sound to pull them out of a bad habit. By giving a quick interrupter cue ouch, yip, eek , you can pull your puppy away from the action and gain their attention. Because of this, it is so important to offer plenty of mental and physical activities throughout your home. For example, if your puppy nips at strangers each time they walk in the door, it may be best to limit their time around the guest and send them to a separate play area. Once they begin to understand that biting is unacceptable, you can refrain from using their separate play area as often. Similar to what we discussed above about being proactive, a separate play area can help them calm down and collect themselves. Once your German Shepherd puppy begins to mature and understand that biting is unacceptable, they should require less time away. Just as there are effective methods in canine training, there are counterproductive actions as well. Do Not Hit Or Yell Since biting is a normal behavior that puppies must learn to grow out of, it is not productive to hit or yell at your puppy when they bite. Doing this can show them from a young age that interaction with you results in something negative, and can hinder your training process. By using other distractions and training methods when they bite, you can turn every bite into a learning experience for your pup! This can seem like a fun game to your pup, and can actually encourage the behavior. Try your best to go limp when they bite you, and pull your attention away from the pup. By doing this, you show them that this behavior does not offer them any extra fun. Extra attention can validate their undesirable behavior, making it challenging to break. Try your best to refrain from reacting to a bite outside of your interrupter cue, and pull your attention away from your furry friend afterward. Biting is a normal behavior in puppies of all kinds. Puppies begin to bite their siblings from the moment they can move, and will continue this behavior until they learn otherwise. A biting German Shepherd puppy is to be expected, and should not result in any discouragement on your part. As long as you are following the tips we mentioned above, your puppy should shy away from this behavior in no time! Biting in puppies is not usually a sign of aggression. Mild biting is usually a form of play, and should be easily corrected. However, there are some rare cases where biting in German Shepherd puppies is a sign of something more. If your pup is displaying any snarling, growling, ears pinned back, stiff posture, or any other signs of canine aggression, your pup may be biting in reaction to fear or pain. If you are unable to make any progress within a month of implementing the tips we discussed above, it may be time to contact a dog trainer. A trainer can not only help your pup refrain from biting, but offer other obedience training as well. Final Thoughts As you can see, biting is a normal behavior for our beloved German Shepherd puppies. Be sure to review the tips we discussed above on proper canine training, and you can banish puppy biting for good!

You have done your research, and are ready to take the leap. It is no surprise that many people are adding Bernedoodles to their families. This large breed puppy has a friendly temperament and a fierce loyalty. We personally got a Bernedoodle last year, and she just turned one. I remember the day we brought her home trying to figure out how much to feed a Bernedoodle puppy. As a new puppy parent, the last thing you want to do is over or under feed your new pet, so hopefully this post serves as helpful for you with your new Bernedoodle puppy. This post may contain affiliate links All about Bernedoodles Bernedoodles are adaptable, making them a wonderful choice for novice or veteran owners. They are smart and protective dogs. This makes them great for young ages. If you are just doing your beginning research, the Bernedoodle breed is a combination of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They inherit their intelligence from the Poodle parent. It is obvious that the goofy traits are those of the Bernese Mountain Dog parent. These parent breeds create a perfect family dog. Their size is determined by the Poodle parent. They are broken down into size categories. Bernedoodles can be toy, mini or standard. One thing that is pretty surprising is that the different sizes do not typically affect their food choices during puppyhood. Bernedoodle puppies are known to love younger children. They are playful and gentle as a lifelong companion. Bernedoodles are smart but are also silly. This trait makes them a good choice for all ages. As a mom of four kids, this was very important to me. If you want to learn more about owning Bernedoodle — I have a whole blog post here with all the details on what is like to truly own a Bernedoodle puppy. How much to Feed a Bernedoodle Puppy As you prepare to become a bernedoodle parent, their growth and development are important to you. You are undoubtedly concerned about health issues or health problems that may arise. Did you know that there is a big difference between puppy food and adult dog food? It may be hard to know where to start, but I will break it down for you! In their full size, they are big dogs. At their full height, they are also very tall. Their looks can be deceiving. Even though they are larger dogs, they may not need more food than a typical dog. You want to be prepared with this knowledge before you decide if this dog is right for you. How do you ensure a healthy lifestyle for your pup? It is important to learn how much food is necessary in their different life stages. The Reasoning Behind the Puppy Food New dog owners have several choices to make when it comes to food. It can be overwhelming, but there are a few simple things to keep in mind for a balanced diet. Your main goal is a healthy, happy dog! Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. Puppy food is specifically designed for growing pups. As they grow, they are burning more calories. This means that they need more calories per pound of body weight to sustain their developing bodies. Bernedoodle puppies need more fatty acids and high protein diets. These puppies complete a majority of their growth within two or three years. In these first few years, they will need higher amounts of protein calories. Veterinarians will say that it is, however, not toxic for your puppy to eat adult dog food. They may suggest that you do your best to stick to these separate kinds of dog food for optimal health. This type of food is typically referred to as adult maintenance for day-to-day living. It should be clearly labeled on the packages. Once they have reached their adult weight, they can maintain the health benefits from their simpler diet. The transition from puppy food to adult dog food should be seamless. Bernedoodle dogs are laid back and not picky! Most of the time, they will eat what is put in front of them. Now that we have covered the difference between the types of dog food, we will get right to specific amounts for Bernedoodle puppies. Our Penny had a very sensitive stomach as a puppy, and we have stuck with this puppy food and been very happy with the choice. She seems to be happy and thriving on it. Specific amounts of Food for Bernedoodle Puppies Young puppies that are two to six months of age typically eat three different times a day. The daily amount of puppy food depends on weeks of age and how much they weigh. It will also depend on how much exercise they receive. I will break that down specifically. But, it is important to keep in mind that their food intake will increase as they grow. At around six months of age, Bernedoodle puppies can eat twice a day. This schedule may continue for adult Bernedoodles. They are growing very quickly. Setting your puppy up with proper nutrients will benefit growth, brain health and a long lifespan. It is helpful to stick to designated eating times for your puppy. Do not forget that It is a good choice to check the directions of the healthy dog food you purchase. On the back of each package, there should be a suggested serving size. As always, contact your veterinarian if you are concerned about how your Bernedoodle is developing. Interestingly enough, adult Bernedoodle dogs tend to only eat one serving a day. They can finish their larger amount of food in one sitting. When they reach an even older age it may be difficult for them to finish this serving in one feeding. It is helpful to spread these servings out for older dogs while it gets harder to finish a meal. At this point you will be in tune to what your Bernedoodle dog needs. Bernedoodles are known for their love of food! It is easy to over-feed your puppy. A general rule is to check their ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs easily but not be able to see them at a glance. This is a great way to check on your Bernedoodle dogs and their weight gain. It can be tempting to feed your pup food from the table. This seems innocent but can create poor eating habits down the road. It can also disrupt their digestive systems. You have worked hard to create a healthy diet and want to keep it that way. If a Bernedoodle puppy is hungry, they will eat from their designated spot and will not need anything extra. Do not forget that although the feeding schedule is important, we cannot forget about giving our dogs plenty of exercise! Long walks will encourage a healthy life for your Bernedoodle and for you. Overall health includes diet and exercise. This is another reason why Bernedoodle puppies are a wonderful family dog. They have plenty of energy to keep up with toddlers. It is also a helpful way to encourage your teens to get outside and away from their technology. Bernedoodle Puppy Food — Dog Food Options With a growing amount of dog food brands, it can be hard to pick the best food. As you browse the isles, it is obvious to note that wet food is more expensive than dry food. However, they are both great options! The standard Bernedoodle loves to eat and they are such large breeds that they can eat a lot. Fortunately for dog owners, many dogs love dry food. Wet or raw dog food has less carbohydrates than dry food and can be more hydrating. Many veterinarians suggest that either kind is a great choice! I would find a brand and type that fits into your grocery budget. Bernedoodles tend to eat what they are given. If only this trait would rub off on the human puppies we have. There is nothing wrong with the dry kibble choice! Each type of dog food has the nutrients it needs to help your dog grow. The biggest difference between dry and wet dog food may be the way it is digested. Keep in mind — that as with kids and yourself there may be adjusting to find what is best for your puppy. Start with a small bag the first time you purchase puppy food, and if you are changing them from what they were on at a breeder or in a shelter mix the new food with the previous food for a slower change on their gut. Now that you have been prepared with nutrition knowledge, you are ready to welcome that pup in to the family. Giving them proper puppy and adult dog food will help create a healthy dog. More than food, your Bernedoodle needs love and affection. This will not be difficult at all. Bernedoodles are easy to create a bond with. I know that you will love your Bernedoodle puppy as much as my family does! If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments below, and be sure to pin the photo below to find this post later. Related Posts:. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. How Much to Feed a Bernedoodle One of the most common questions we get is how much to feed their puppy, teenager and adult bernedoodle. Great question and unfortunately many do not understand the needs and requirements of an F1 standard bernedoodle bernese mountain dog x standard poodle that has Bernese mountain dogs in them. So to expect a bernedoodle to have a waist line like a Great Dane will put your bernedoodle into hunger mode and if young will lead to potential behavioral challenges and this is a time when they need calories due to them being a fast growing mixed breed. We shoot for always having a little bit of food left over and we let them have access to food for about minutes but this can be adjusted based on your schedule. We only do this for the breakfast. We will begin adding about tablespoons of different types of lightly cooked meats can go raw as well and sardines to the above topper along with a little bit of cut up or shredded carrots, blueberries and can add other dog friendly fruits and veggies but make sure you check before using. We would also add dog-based salmon oil according to the instructions about a tsp. Often in the morning we would do sweet potato, yogurt, and a meat and dinner some of the other ingredients. Lunch we keep plain. Be sure you are washing your food and water bowls once per day with hot soapy water. Lastly we recommend starting with TLC adult all life stages dog food for large growing breeds like bernedoodles and even for the puppies. The adult food exceeds AAFCO requirements for puppies and has glucosamine and chondroitin which is important for joint development. Many vets compare bernedoodles to what they consider a typical healthy dog build high thin waist line, etc but that is not the case for F1 standard bernedoodles as they will have a thicker build. Recent Posts. Bernedoodle Breed Comparisons From Tiny Size Bernedoodles to Standard Bernedoodles When looking for your next pet, you may want to consider the cuddly Bernedoodle breed with its sweet temperaments and loyal, goofy disposition. Depending on what type of lifestyle you live and what you look for in a dog, this crossbreed has several variations to consider. Within this blog, you will learn about the different Bernedoodle sizes and generation types. Allowing you to decide which type may be the best for you and your family. We will also briefly discuss Bernedoodle characteristics, traits, personality, and health. Bernedoodle Generation Types A Bernedoodle is a beautiful doodle crossbreed between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle. Bernedoodle generation types depend on the breed variation of their poodle parent, but they all share similar friendly, outgoing personalities and have loyal goofy temperments. Having one of the most balanced personalities of all the designer doodle breeds, the Bernedoodle breed is known to be generally calm but still playful and perfect for an active outgoing lifestyle. An F1 Bernedoodle is the first-generation breeding of a purebred poodle and a purebred Bernese mountain dog. F1 Bernedoodles tend to be the healthiest Bernedoodles, with an easy-to-predict adult size: generally an average of the two parents. F1B Bernedoodles are created by backcross breeding an F1 Bernedoodle to a purebred poodle. Due to the increased poodle genetics, this variety is considered non-shedding, making F1B doodles the most allergy friendly and the best choice for those with serve allergies. These highly desirable traits make them among the most costly Bernedoodle breed. The size of F2 Bernedoodles will depend entirely on the size of their parents, though breeders generally try to breed these dogs with partners of a similar size, so their height and weight are easier to predict. The F2 Bernedoodle is the least desired Bernedoodle generation. They can weigh anywhere from 10 to 24 pounds and are the smallest Bernedoodle size available. .Mini Bernedoodle Size Mini Bernedoodles are slightly smaller than standard Bernedoodles, typically stand 18 to 22 inches at shoulder height and weigh from 30 to 55 pounds. They can grow up to 2. Personality Differences Between Sizes Depending on the size of your Bernedoodle, you should be aware of some key differences in their personalities. Toy Bernedoodle Toy Bernedoodles feature one shining characteristic above the other size breeds: their larger-than-life personality. If you love dogs that enjoy being carried around and staring as the center of attention at all times, toy Bernedoodles might be perfect for you. As smaller dogs, they tend to be more anxious around larger breeds and other animals or small children. Mini Bernedoodle Size Mini or medium Bernedoodles tend to need less space than those of the standard size and could easily thrive in a studio or even a motorhome, but they still need at least an hour of vigorous exercise per day. They tend to have easygoing personalities and few health problems and generally love spending time socializing with other dogs at a dog park or doggy daycare. Standard Size Bernedoodle Characteristics Because the pairing to create a standard size Bernedoodle includes a standard poodle who tends to need more engagement, they do require more vigorous exercise and structured play to stay well-trained. A standard-sized male tends to be slightly larger than a female. Your lifestyle will be important in choosing the type and size of dog for your new pet. Another important aspect to consider is the type of affection you enjoy. These dogs are highly affectionate and want to be close to you and give you plenty of kisses. You can look forward to years of canine affection no matter what size you select. Smaller dogs also have less of a need for open space to roam, able to exercise by trotting around a small apartment just as easily as in a small dog-friendly park. While slightly larger dogs usually have no problem interacting with small, excited children, the size of a tiny Bernedoodle might not make it the best pet for little kids. Children also tend to be less careful than adults and could more easily hurt a tiny dog than a sturdier, larger breed. Mini and Standard Bernedoodles Need More Room To Play Having more energy and simply longer legs than their miniature counterparts, the larger sizes of the breed need more outdoor and indoor space to have the highest quality of life. These dogs need owners who lead more active lifestyles, take more trips to the dog park to socialize and run out their energy, or live in a home with a big yard or safe walking paths nearby. The calm and loyal personality of the Bernese mountain dog makes for an excellent pet, but make sure to keep them engaged in play or exercise because they can become destructive in their search for entertainment if your dog begins to get bored. Make sure you have plenty of time and toys to keep these active breeds occupied, and remember that they prefer to be around their owners for the majority of the day. Bernedoodles of All Sizes Have Few Health Issues While Bernedoodles and their wavy hair coat may require less intensive combing than some curly breeds like the poodle. Bernedoodle still needs frequent grooming to prevent mats and keep them looking and feeling great. The Bernedoodle is a relatively healthy breed but there is still a chance of certain diseases affecting these mixed breeds, such as: Progressive retinal atrophy Hip dysplasia Skin conditions such as hotspots or dermatitis The best way to ensure the long and healthy life of your new beloved pet is to work with a responsible Bernedoodle breeder who does the proper health testing prior to breeding. You will also want to practice preventive care with routine visits to the vet. Smaller breeds have a different physiology than their larger counterparts and are at risk of slightly different health issues. Training Is Important for a Berendoodle Bernedoodle tends to be fairly easy to train due to the intellegence of the poodle and the loyalty of the Bernese Mountain Dog choosing a breeder and dog trainer that has a well-established early life training program ensures the lifelong success of a Bernedoodle, as all dogs benefit greatly from a structured training program. Here at Central Illinois Doodles, we ensure your family pets are raised to be outstanding companions, guided by our puppy behavior handling who rear them up with compassion while focusing on proper socialization. When your dog has the energy, curiosity, and strength of a descendant of Bernese mountain dogs. Behaviors like chewing on your furniture, digging in your household areas and making messes or marking their territory can be trained out of Bernedoodle dogs, regardless of their size, by a reputable breeder and trainer. At Central Illinois Doodles, we breed and train our lovable Bernedoodle puppies to be excellent companions for you and your family. Reserve Your Bernedoodle Today! Now that you have a good understanding of the sizing character, traits, personality, and health of a Bernedoodle, would you like to reserve yours today?! When you take home one of our Bernedoodle puppies you will know that you are getting a healthy, well-socialized family companion. From our health-tested parents to our two-year health guarantee— Central Illinois Doodles is one of the most reputable breeders in Illinois. His area of expertise is in the responsible breeding of two popular doodle breeds, the Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle. Central Illinois Doodles has garnered significant recognition for their exceptional breeding practices, including being ranked among the Top 10 Bernedoodle breeders in the United States by respected industry authorities such as Bubbly Pet and Pupvine. Additionally, they have been distinguished as one of the best Goldendoodle breeders by Trending Breeds and Devoted to Dog. Related Posts. Goldendoodles for example are available in a variety of stunning coat shades and patterns ranging from solid apricot and beige to solid chocolate, phantoms, merle, partis, sables and combinations of these colors. In general, pups with dark features will have brown eyes, while champagne and chocolate will have hazel eyes. Did you know that the color variety seen in Doodles primarily comes from the Poodle side of the genetics? Most people do not realize that any color can be achieved among any of the breeds of doodles for example merle is not just limited to Aussiedoodles, but can be achieved in Goldendoodles , Labradoodles or Bernedoodles. Remember that when choosing a pup it is of critical importance to choose your breed FIRST not the color. Spend time researching which doodle breed is right for you based on their temperament characteristics, breed history, etc. For instance, many Black Doodles may become a beautiful silver hue in their adulthood. Not every Black Doodle will fade to silver but Silver Doodles will almost always start off black before fading. Meanwhile, your Red Goldendoodle will likely lighten to more of a copper tone over time. Sable is one of the more interesting colors and make for a truly exciting color-changing experience with your pup! Sable poodles are born black or brown before lightening with age. To help you understand what your dood will look like as an adult, you can ask your breeder for guidance. If the set of parents has had a litter before, this is the easiest way to gauge what your pup may look like as an adult. For most Doodle pups outside of the silver and sable colors , the fading will be subtle and overall your pup will look similar to how he did as a pup. Understanding that your Doodle pup can be a bit of a chameleon is important as color should be only one factor in the equation of selection your new family member. Since it is subject to change, selecting your new family member on more permanent qualities such as temperament and size can be important. Doodle body types differ quite dramatically as well. Take the Goldendoodle for example. The Golden Retriever has a thicker, blockier body type whereas the Standard Poodle as an elegant, tall, slender figure. The pups can take after either type of body structure. Adding the Miniature Poodle in for the smaller Doodle sizes can also play a role in structure. For example, two twenty lb. Returning to our previous example, Standard Poodles make excellent long distance running partners, whereas Golden Retrievers are fairly athletic, but their heavier build makes them less suitable for longer distances. Note that a full unclipped coat can make a Doodle appear larger. Find a breeder who is willing to take the time to explain these various factors to you. Even among the same breed i. Goldendoodle , there can be a huge variation in color, structure, and size. A reputable breeder should be willing to take the time to help pinpoint which specific litter will produce puppies that most closely align with your preferences as an owner. Learn more about Goldendoodles vs Sheepadoodles vs Bernedoodles. For more information about the look of young and adult doodles, and examples of each coat color and pattern, have a look at the Gallery on the FAQ page or our Instagram. A full size Bernedoodle size is 23 to 29 inches .Embark Vet offers a health test which will give you a predicted adult weight for your puppy. As they are the largest size of the breed they live for a slightly shorter time period than the smaller sizes. Unfortunately, larger dogs die younger because they have accelerated growth and age faster. Larger size Bernedoodles generally cost less more than smaller sizes as they are more common and easier to breed. Coat color can also affect the cost of a Bernedoodle. Specifically, tri-colored, parti, phantom or merle Bernedoodles cost much more as they are rare coat colours. Check out the adorable Bernedoodle puppies that are currently available here! PuppySpot is a dog adoption website that connects breeders with prospective pet owners. They have a zero tolerance policy for puppy mills which is why they screen every breeder annually! They have placed over , puppies in homes and offer various trusted, USDA-certified transportation options to deliver your puppy to your home safely! Standard Bernedoodle Male vs Female Bernedoodle Size As with most dog breeds, female Bernedoodles are smaller than males no matter their classification as a tiny, miniature, medium or standard size. Male Bernedoodles are slightly larger than Female Bernedoodles growing to a height of 25 to 29 inches .A Female Bernedoodle is smaller than a male. Females grow to a height of 23 to 27 inches .Bernedoodle walking in the snow How Generation Impacts Upon Bernedoodle Size Generation has a small impact upon Bernedoodle size, in most cases it is negligible. What is a better determiner of size is averaging the size of the parents of your Bernedoodle puppy. The size of a F1 Bernedoodle is the same as the Standard Size Bernedoodle size at 23 to 29 inches .F1b Bernedoodles are generally smaller than the F1 generation. This is because they are a backcross generation where they breed a F1 Bernedoodle with a purebred Poodle. Standard size Poodles are smaller than Bernese Mountain Dogs so when there is a higher percentage of Poodle genes in a Bernedoodle, the dog is more likely to be smaller. An adult sized dog raincoat to keep them dry during wet weather An adult sized dog life jacket to help with swimming in lakes and oceans An adult sized dog jacket for cold winter weather A dog cooling vest if you live in a hot climate High quality no-pull dog harness to reduce stress on their neck while walking And other similar products How Big Do F2 Bernedoodles Get? As they are half-half, their size is the same as the Standard Size Bernedoodle at 23 to 29 inches .A F2b is a backcross generation where a F1 Bernedoodle is bred with a F1b Bernedoodle resulting in a dog that is .There is a range for weights as each dog is different. Some Bernedoodles may have fast growth early on and slow down later or vice versa. Additionally, the size of their respective Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog parent effect the adult size of your Bernedoodle. Sunset Bernedoodle 4 Months At 4 months old, a Bernedoodle weighs between 25 and 49 pounds 11kg to .Fully grown Bernedoodle 7 Months At 7 months old, a Bernedoodle weighs between 40 and 78 pounds .Bernedoodle 10 Months At 10 months old, a Bernedoodle weighs between 55 and 82 pounds 25kg to .An adult sized dog raincoat to keep them dry during wet weather An adult sized dog life jacket to help with swimming in lakes and oceans An adult sized dog jacket for cold winter weather A dog cooling vest if you live in a hot climate High quality no-pull dog harness to reduce stress on their neck while walking And other similar products.

Check them out on Amazon here. To learn more about what to feed your golden retriever puppy, check out this article here. Brush Golden retrievers are obviously very fluffy and need to be brushed often. Check this brush out on Amazon here. Check it out on Amazon here. Chew Toy Check it out on Chewy here he had the size small. Plush Toy This is a plush, squeaky toy that will keep your puppy busy for hours. Interactive Toy Interactive toys allow you to play and bond with your puppy, and are great for teaching or reinforcing commands like drop it, sit and stay. Bonus Items The above list is for the bare necessities of what your puppy will need to get started. Below are some extra things that, although are not necessary, have come in pretty handy. Food Storage Container This is great for keeping food fresh and in a convenient place. Since we get the pound bag of food, we get this container that holds 42 pounds of food. Note that this container does not come with a scooper, so we recommend one like this that has measurements on it. Check out the storage container on Amazon here. Exercise Pen Exercise pens are great for confining your puppy to a smaller area while giving them more space to run around in than a crate. Using a combination of baby gates, exercise pens, and the crate will help you keep them safe while also keeping them from chewing up the house. Get this baby gate from Amazon here. Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook Getting everything you need will help you physically prepare for your puppy, but you also need to mentally prepare for your puppy. This book will help you know exactly what to do before you bring your puppy home, how to handle the first month which is the toughest month! Get the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook here. That means get their crate set up, have their food and water bowls in their designated places, and have a few welcome home toys set out to help your new pup have a great experience in your home right away. Find a veterinarian. Locate the nearest emergency animal hospital. Find both the nearest hospital, and the nearest 24 hour hospital. Find a puppy kindergarten class. If you ask any trainer, breeder, or veterinarian how to have a well-behaved pup, nearly all of them will recommend joining a puppy kindergarten class. The socialization aspect alone is worth it. Puppy-proof your house and yard. Get down on your hands and knees to see what your puppy will be seeing remember this: whatever can be chewed will be chewed , and make sure there are no puppy-sized holes that they could escape through in your backyard. For more tips on how to raise your new golden retriever puppy, check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Life With Your Golden Retriever Puppy Although this might seem like a pretty big list, if you have it all when you bring your puppy home with you, it will make the transition time that much easier. Take lots of pictures and videos! Have a question about any of these items? Let us know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is getting a puppy and needs to see this list, please share this with them! Related articles:. Food bowl There are endless options of food and water bowls. In addition, the bowl can prevent gagging, choking, vomiting, indigestion, bloat, GDV, and malabsorption. If you already have a dog bowl, you can simply add a slow feeder insert. Water bowl Ellie has an 8-cup YETI water bow l to keep her water cold for more extended periods and a 4-cup bowl for food. YETI allows you to customize each bowl with a name, initials, or image. Great as a gift! They help prevent your puppy from getting tangled up in the leash and provide better control. Make sure you check out their sizing guide for the appropriate fit. We added a crate pad for noise reduction and comfort. Crate training can be a lifesaver, and most dogs fall in love with having their own space. It is essential that the dog crate is never used as punishment — the crate must always be regarded as a safe and special retreat. Gates Puppies are curious creatures that often need boundaries. Use a gate to limit access to certain areas of your home and reduce unwanted chewing or house soiling. Introduce your dog to small sections of the house at a time. We prefer the walk-through gate for easy mobility through the house. Toys and Chews All dogs have slightly different preferences in toys, so I would start with various items to see what interests your puppy most. However, the last inch of a bully stick can be a choking hazard if swallowed. This safety device allows your pup to enjoy the benefits of long-term chews while reducing the risks of choking. I typically give it to her for 20 minutes, rinse it off, and store it in the refrigerator until the next day, which prevents bacteria growth. Note you probably want to keep it separate from your food. By Susan B. Barnes Susan B. Barnes is a lifestyle, food and travel journalist who is as comfortable bicycling through Italian olive groves and sampling fermented shark in Iceland as she is taking her dog on miles-long walks and hanging out at the dog park. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on January 28, We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Though she's happy to snuggle and cuddle up with you, she's also an active dog who enjoys being outside, be that going on walks or hikes , to the dog park , or playing fetch in a fenced-in backyard. As a good dog parent, you want to be prepared for whatever adventures await the two of you, but taking a look at all of the products out there for dogs can be overwhelming. From the right collar, leash and harness setup to grooming needs, food bowls, road trip necessities, toys to burn off all that energy, plus a few goodies for the humans, this list has everything you need to take care of the most golden part of your life. Featuring a collar, leash, and waste bag dispenser, you'll be prepared for your walks and your golden will love all the compliments on how handsome she looks. This harness, with its padded chest and belly, is fully adjustable for a perfect fit with leash clips in the front and back. It comes in a variety of colors to coordinate with your dog's leash and collar, too. The adjustable height means the serving tray can grow with your golden, and the pads on the bottom prevent slipping while she eats and drinks. Place a mat under the bowls to catch any water droplets. The stainless steel bowls can be removed and popped into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Not only will she have to slow down to find the food, but she'll essentially work out a puzzle which keeps her mentally stimulated, too. Choose to purchase just the cover and fill it yourself with old pillows, towels, sheets, or clothes, or you can opt to purchase their eco-friendly fill made from plastic bottles or their memory foam insert. The extra-large size is recommended for full-grown goldens. Not only does the shampoo leave your pup fresh and clean, but it moisturizes and conditions so that after-bath brushings are tangle-free. It's terrific for dogs with sensitive skin, too. With a dense outer coat and thick undercoat, it can take some time to brush out all the layers, but this undercoat rake makes quick work of their luscious locks. One Chewy reviewer wrote that the medium-tooth rake was "so wonderful to get my two golden retrievers' undercoat combed out. Also, the gel grip is quite easy to hold on to. The non-slip handle works for both right- and left-handed users, and ensures you maintain control to avoid any mishaps. One reviewer says: "I stumbled across these supplements while trying to find some joint relief for my golden, Sandy. After only a week I already saw some improvement in her movement and she had an easier time getting up into and out of the car, which was becoming a struggle. Her coat is also looking healthier and she seems to be less itchy. Not only does this fleece-lined coat fit snugly for maximum warmth, but it's waterproof and has reflective strips to stay safe during nighttime walks and winter hikes. They can also help older dogs find traction on slippery floors. Tip: use the printable sizing guide to measure your dog's feet before ordering to ensure a perfect fit. And send us videos of your dog trying them for the first time! This seat cover is not only comfortable for your pup, but waterproof, too. When it's time to go, simply lay the cover over the seat, loop straps around the head rests, push the anchors in, and voila—you're ready to hit the road! One way to do that is to use a harness that doubles as a seat belt: simply attach the harness to the seatbelt using a carabiner, and you'll both be on your way safely and comfortably. Fill the bottle, twist on the top that doubles as a bowl, and when your golden's ready for a drink, squeeze the bottle and water will fill the bowl. Release, and the water disappears back into the bottle. Pop some treats in the holes, cover them up, and watch your pup work her magic to figure out the puzzle and find those tasty rewards. Just like a ball you use to play fetch , this one flies through the air but when she retrieves it, she'll spend some time figuring out how to get to her favorite treats inside. When your pup drops the ball into the top of the launcher, it'll throw it 10, 25, or 40 feet; choose the "random" setting to keep her guessing. Buy Now Change up your game of fetch with this fun Frisbee alternative. This flying squirrel is made of a double canvas material that is durable enough to withstand rough play, yet still agile to spin and tumble in the air, keeping your golden guessing and enticed in play. Shop now: Chuckit! The sturdy sole ensures you'll stay on your feet, and the bone-printed liner is a fun and unexpected treat. Embroidered on percent cotton canvas, and if it gets a little dirty, simply pop it into the washing machine, air dry, and it'll be back on your furniture in no time. The rubber backing prevents slipping when your guests wipe their paws before stepping inside. It's hilarious enough to be a favorite gift for any golden lover on your list, too! Perfect for the dog park, running errands, around the house, or really anywhere you please! The design can also be used on totes, hats, and more. However, avoid retractable leashes whenever possible: Although they seem easier during walks, retractable leashes are actually dangerous, especially for young puppies who are still getting the hang of walking on a leash. Keep your puppy on a regular leash with a maximum of six feet of space between you both. Snowy Pines recommends slip leads: Slip leads are what puppies are taught to walk on from a young age at Snowy Pines, since they give you as the walker more control over the puppy as he gets the hang of normal walks. You can also opt for an embroidered collar if your puppy seems bothered by the noise or extra weight of the dog tags. Many puppy owners choose embroidered collars since dog tags should be removed when the puppy is left alone as they can pose a hazard. You can stick with a small food and water bowl. Puppy Food Your puppy will need high-quality food to grow strong! In most cases, this means his own dog crate. A good dog crate should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. You can choose a crate that expands as it grows to save money in the long run. Most of our puppies at Snowy Pines will do well in a inch wire kennel with a divider that you can remove once he gets bigger. Be sure to check out our dog bed reviews too! Remember that most toys should not be left alone with your puppy since unsupervised playtime can lead to a choking or blockage incident. Image Source Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys keep your pup mentally stimulated while they also have fun. Additionally, these interactive toys provide help with weight management, satisfy natural hunting instincts, and even relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. These toys can easily become a comfort item and help curb any potential anxiety as well. Chase Toys Golden puppies need to have regular exercise. Chase toys are simple things you can buy at any pet store, like ropes and balls, but some interactive chew toys are designed to add a little zing to your daily play routines. So, for example, if your puppy just woke up from his nap and pottied, but you need to do laundry and load the dishwasher, the exercise pen is a perfect solution. It enables your pup to enjoy safe solo playtime. Training Treats Food is a powerful reinforcer , so treats are incredibly beneficial in the early stages of puppy training. Try offering him a treat when he potties outside or uses a chew toy. Quick Tip: The treat should be small and chewy so that he can eat it fast and keep his attention on you! With the proper carpet cleaner and enzyme spray, you can quickly combat any potty mistakes anywhere in the house. Dog Shampoo and Conditioner The Retriever family has a unique, double-layered coat designed to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. It also dries quickly after becoming wet. It is such an impressive coat that it is essentially self-cleaning when it comes to dirt and debris. Pooper Scooper and Poop Bags A pooper scooper is a handy tool that many homeowners with yards find essential. Instead of bending down every time your pup goes, you can use a pooper scooper to clutch onto the waste and quickly throw it in your outside garbage bin. They are also expected as a common courtesy to other people outside. So before your English Cream Golden puppy comes home, be sure that your home, backyard, and car are puppy-safe and puppy-proofed. In the Home: Image Source Keep the toilet lid closed. Believe it or not, open toilet lids have the potential to be drowning hazards. Secure medicine and cleaning products. Keep these products high up or use childproof locks and latches on lower cabinets. Garbage should be kept lidded and secure. Lidded, secured bins are the best type of garbage cans you can have with a young puppy. Not only do you want to avoid spilled garbage, but a locked lid will prevent your puppy from getting into any potential hazards. Hide electrical cords and blind cords. Exposed electrical cords and long blind cords can prove to be fatal for curious puppies. Keep electrical cords hidden away, buy cord wraps to keep them safely covered, and be sure that your blind cords are tied high and inaccessible. Invest in a pet or baby gate. Gates can be used for doorways or staircases to keep your puppy away from certain areas of the house. In the Backyard: Be careful of plants and landscaping that may be poisonous or dangerous. Many plants are toxic to dogs , so be sure to triple-check if any are growing in your yard. Secure your yard with fencing and add gates around bodies of water. If you plan to let your puppy roam freely in your backyard, you should have complete fencing with no puppy-sized gaps around the perimeter of the property. If you have any ponds or pools, block them off with appropriate fencing to avoid accidental drowning. Keep your yard landscaped and manicured. Long grass and brushy areas can invite ticks, which can be extremely dangerous if any potential bites are not discovered early on. Generally speaking, your grass should not be higher than a couple of inches and potentially even shorter while your puppy is still young. In the Car: Image Source Move any chewable items and lock loose items in the glovebox. Confine your puppy in one area of the vehicle, like the backseat. Keeping your puppy confined to one area of the car is safe for everyone. Many puppy parents choose harness seat belts and car seats for younger dogs, while older dogs are big enough to safely sit in the back seat or trunk with cargo barriers. As your Golden Retriever gets older, you may find yourself opting for different barrier methods that will better suit his size. Kennel your puppy while in the car. Crating your puppy is the safest mode of transportation while in the car. Deciding on a Daily Routine Like children, puppies thrive on a fixed routine because an orderly one instills structure and confidence. Sticking to a schedule can also help reinforce potty training and prevent behavioral issues , like separation anxiety and barking or whining. Think of a schedule that works best for your puppy, which should include: Feeding: Pick out regular meal times and stick to them as closely as possible. Golden Retriever puppies will need three daily feedings until they are six months old. After that, stick to feeding twice a day at the same time each day. Fixed meal times will help you predict when your puppy needs to potty each day, which better ensures easier potty training. Scheduled potty breaks: Take your puppy out to the yard or on a walk to potty immediately after a meal and after they wake up to enforce a schedule that will help with house training. Playtime and exercise: Playing and mental stimulation are key to a happy puppyhood. Even though they will mellow out in personality as they become adults, Retriever puppies are high energy! Place the dog crate in a quiet part of the house since we kennel train at Snowy Pines, and it helps ensure their safety and comfort. And now is the exciting part: Your puppy is finally home! But now what? Puppy Socialization Socialization is vital for young puppies, especially between 8 to 16 weeks of age: A well-socialized puppy will grow into a happy and confident adult that feels secure in various situations. You can also invite friends and family over to meet the puppy. In this case, more is always merrier! To help your puppy feel comfortable around humans in general, expose him to different types of people when he is still young. We also recommend holding off on public settings like dog parks until your puppy is settled into his new home and routine so as to not overwhelm him. Once your puppy is vaccinated, you can consider signing him up for puppy socialization classes. These classes, alongside training courses, can help prepare your pup for a long walk or a day at doggy day camp. Training Techniques Training is just as essential as early socialization. He may become disruptive and exhibit poor behaviors like jumping on visitors, chewing on furniture, and barking incessantly, among other frustrating challenges. Your puppy may also struggle with separation anxiety. They will comprehend basic commands and learn things such as his name, housebreaking, and early manners. They will be able to take on more advanced training and commands, and they should understand what good dog manners are. This age is essential when it comes to instilling how you want him to behave through adolescence. Puppies will begin teething at this point. Your new puppy might use anything possible to exercise his teeth, so you must start teaching him not to use your hand or furniture as chew toys. Anytime your puppy chews on something undesirable, have a toy nearby to put in his mouth instead. You can also try using bitter apple spray to deter biting and chewing on household items. Be firm but loving with clear, consistent commands and minute training sessions each day. Quick Tip: Keep in mind that at this age, this is when the key socialization period ends for your puppy: From this point forward, everything your puppy has learned will influence the way he behaves around people and other animals. While this is good, this age will also be a challenge because he will try to determine his ranking in the household, which can be frustrating when hormones play a role! Although spaying and neutering are standard for most breeds around six months old, studies have found that doing so for Golden Retrievers can actually increase the risk for joint disorders. Therefore, the standard for this breed has recently changed, and many vets suggest waiting to spay or neuter until 12 to 24 months. Training can be an overwhelming process, which is why many Golden puppy owners opt for working with a dog trainer or enrolling in training classes. Snowy Pines offers three levels of training when adopting one of their golden retrievers, which can save you tons of time and frustration in the long run. At your first checkup, you can also ask about getting your puppy microchipped! Read the full disclosure here. This comprehensive list covers all the essentials, plus some added extras. Food: Every dog needs food! See our puppy food guide for recommendations. Bowls: Your puppy is going to need something to eat that food from. Something to think about. Bedding: Your pup will need a comfortable bed to call their own. You can decide whether to choose a puppy-sized one or one that they can grown into. To avoid buying more than one crate, you can get one big enough to fit your adult golden and make it puppy-sized using dividers. Brushes: Get your puppy some brushes suitable for a longer-coated dog. The sooner you get pup used to being brushed, the easier it will be in the future. Toothbrush and toothpaste: These are daily essentials in your grooming routine. Be sure to choose a dog-specific toothpaste as the human stuff can be dangerous to canines. Treats: Essential for training. Pick high-value treats for when you really want to motivate your pup. Chew toys are essential to help direct chewing away from your belongings. Tug toys, balls to play fetch and treat-dispensing toys are also nice to have. Travel harness or dog guard: To keep your dog safe in the car. These are the main things you need to think about when puppy proofing your home. Put them up high or away in their proper place. Not only will it leave you out of pocket if your pup chews something expensive, many such items are also choking hazards. Be careful of plants: Make sure you remove any plants that are poisonous to dogs , both in your house and your garden. Common offenders include foxglove, wisteria and yew. Secure medicines and cleaning products: Both medicines and cleaning products can be highly toxic to dogs if ingested. Hide electrical cords: If a puppy sinks their teeth into an electrical cord, it can prove fatal. Try not to have electrical cords running across the room or out in the open where your puppy can get to them. If needs be, you can get cord concealers, cord wraps or even pvc pipes to secure them. Planning Appropriate Puppy Socialization Socialization, with both humans and other dogs plus other animals, if your new puppy is going to be around them , is one of the most important things to think about with your new puppy. A well-socialized puppy should turn into an adult dog who interacts well with all dogs and people, which makes your life so much easier as a dog-owner. It might sound a bit over the top, but it will stop your pup from getting confused or overstimulated and it sets some ground rules for the humans involved, too. Pick out regular meal times for your puppy and try to stick to them as closely as possible. Also take your puppy out into the garden on a schedule, as this will really help with toilet training. You can also schedule in training sessions, play sessions and, when your puppy is old enough, their daily walks. Learning How To Train Your Puppy You might think that training your new dog will be intuitive when you get them home, but dog training is a skill you learn, not one you just pick up as you go along. Once your puppy is old enough, group puppy training classes are an excellent idea. Not only will you learn more about training your pup, your dog will also get to socialize with other young canines. The ideal option is to have the puppy in the back seat in a car harness and have a passenger sit next to them, who can hold, pet and comfort them on the journey home. Some people forgo the harness altogether and have a passenger simply hold the puppy, wrapped in a blanket or towel. However, before you even get your puppy into the car, you should try to get them to relieve themself first , to avoid any toilet-based accidents on the journey home. Once you get your precious pup home, all that effort and preparation will have been worth it to give your new four-legged friend the best start in life. 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When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Is your French Bulldog about to pop? If you have a pregnant dog, it is essential to learn everything about the birthing process. However, this beautiful breed is more likely to suffer complications while giving birth than other dogs. Are you preparing to help your Frenchie during the birthing process? If yes, below is everything you need to know about Frenchies and giving birth. Yes, French Bulldogs can give birth naturally, but a natural birthing process is rare for this breed of dogs. Natural birth for pregnant Fnrechies is risky, with frequent complications like puppies getting stuck in the birth canal. Research by the Royal Veterinary College shows that female French Bulldogs are more likely to have a difficult birth and require cesarean surgery to have puppies. A few characteristics make a completely natural birth for Frenchies impossible. This term refers to dogs prone to difficult breathing because of their head shape, short muzzles, and throat. This trait makes a c-section the only safe and viable option for French Bulldogs when whelping. Pelvic Abnormalities The second reason Frenchies cannot give birth naturally is their pelvic abnormalities. Aside from their head shape being too big, Frenchies also have a small pelvis. Without the proper expansion, it is more painful and strenuous for a french bulldog to give birth naturally. The lack of canal expansion also increases the risk of fatalities while whelping. Breeding With plenty of breeding information about French Bulldogs, it is clear this breed came about primarily because of human interference. Not only is giving birth naturally for French Bulldogs difficult, so is getting pregnant. French Bulldog studs are mostly infertile due to low sperm count, which means female dogs need insemination to conceive. If you have a French Bulldog and are considering breeding, you should know that it is not easy, especially for amateur breeders. Breeding through insemination requires a lot of work and is expensive. Humans still breed Frenchies, knowing their bodies are too small to handle safe natural delivery. Possible Complications With Natural Births The chances of your Frenchie having a difficult birth is higher than other dogs. There are various conditions breeders, and dog owners should consider before delivering Frenchie puppies naturally. These include: Puppy Getting Stuck: the worst thing to happen when a Frenchie is whelping is for the puppy to get stuck on its way out into the world. Anasarca refers to extreme swelling right before giving birth and is common in Frenchies. Frenchies are more likely to suffer from Anasarca when giving birth due to their small body proportions. A belly full of puppies can cause breathing problems due to their small size. Dystocia: This condition is similar to when the puppy gets stuck, and a vet needs to help get it out. Dystocia is a complication that requires a vet or someone with experience whelping puppies to ensure safe delivery. It is much safer. Natural birth can endanger the lives of the mother and her puppies. When it comes to Frenchies giving birth, a C-section has many more benefits. If you are planning to go the c-section route, there is a lot you need to do, from scheduling the c-section to having your vet on speed dial in case of emergencies. Aside from assurance from the veterinarian of a safe birth, here are other reasons why you should consider a c-section for your Frenchie: Safe delivery: One thing you can be sure of is that your Frenchie will safely deliver her pups through a c-section. Despite some risks during surgery, this is a safer alternative for breeders to prevent stillbirths or abortions. With a vet checking up on your Frenchie, you can help prevent infections as well. Frenchies Uterus stays strong: Labour for French Bulldogs is stressful to their mind and body. Giving birth to a litter of puppies not only risks their health but can also prevent them from having a healthy pregnancy later on in her life. Less stress: Frenchies can undergo excessive stress while giving birth naturally. Pregnancy is already tricky for French Bulldogs because of their small body. If she naturally gives birth to two or more puppies, Her body and mind will be weak and exhausted after the delivery process. The stress on her body can mean longer after-care for the mum and possible health complications, not to mention caring for her newborn puppies. Risks With C-sections The C-section process for French Bulldogs involves prepping your Frenchie for surgery by putting her under anaesthesia because it is an invasive surgery. Although a c-section is a safer option for pregnant French Bulldogs, it also has its risks. Breathing Problems: Frenchies are prone to breathing problems because they are brachycephalic. Most dogs are put under anaesthesia while undergoing surgery which, combined with their flat face, can cause breathing issues. Breathing issues are why they need plenty of oxygen while under anaesthesia. Even experienced vets have a hard time knowing how much oxygen they are getting because they can no longer breathe on their own. Choking on Vomit: This is a common problem when a Frenchie gives birth. It is even worse with a brachycephalic dog breed like a French Bulldog that suffers from breathing problems. Unlike other dogs, Frenchies can choke on their vomit. A vet needs to step in to prevent choking, which can be fatal. First and foremost, make sure you have your vet on speed dial. Here are some telltale signs to look out for that could mean your French Bulldog is going into labour: Frenchies exhibit nesting behaviour by looking for a safe place to bring their pups into the world. It can start a week before the due date but occur more frequently on the day of or before delivery. Most pregnant dogs might stop eating days to the due date. Your Frenchie might also experience large bowel movements due to the pressure from the pups moving into position as they prepare for birth. Two consecutive drops in their body temperature most likely mean that labour will start within 24hours. Your Frenchie is shaking and trembling. Once the labour starts, your Frenchie will be trembling and lying down so that they can begin to push their pups out. After labour, you will need to clean the pups, cut their umbilical cords and clean the area where they gave birth. If the natural delivery is successful, you will have healthy French Bulldog puppies in your hands. With health risks like dystocia and the puppies getting stuck in the birth canal, it is usually much safer to schedule a c-section. Having a vet around for the whelping process ensures the safety of both your Frenchie and her pups, and while c-sections may expensive, they are often necessary to ensure the safety of your dog and her pups. Before the big day, take some time to familiarize yourself with the signs of labour, create a safe and comfortable environment, and gather necessary supplies. With the right preparation and understanding, you can ensure the health and safety of the puppies and their mother. What is French Bulldog Labour? French Bulldog labour is the process of giving birth to a litter of puppies. It is also a good idea to have the necessary supplies on hand and to understand the stages of labour and your role in the birthing process. In the early stages, the dog may display restlessness, panting, shivering, weakness, and loss of appetite. These signs may come and go in the days leading up to active labour. As the dog enters active labour, their breath becomes more laboured and they may vomit, shake and become more vocal. You may also notice that the dog is having contractions as their abdomen will become rock-hard with each contraction. If you stay calm and collected, your dog will be too. You can help the delivery progress by providing a warm and comfortable area for your dog to give birth, as well as have all the necessary supplies ready. Make sure to have a veterinarian on speed dial, in case of any medical emergencies. Preparing for the Big Day Preparing for the birthing of your French Bulldog can be a daunting process. It is important to remember that taking the right steps can make the experience go a lot smoother. First and foremost, create a safe and comfortable birthing area for the mother-to-be. This should be a quiet and private space that is both warm and easily accessible. It is also crucial to understand the process of labour so you can anticipate what is coming next. Gather all the necessary supplies ahead of time, such as blankets and towels, and have them close by. Be aware of all the signs of labour, such as decreased food and water intake and restlessness, so you can be prepared. When the big day arrives, it is important to stay calm and patient. Early labour signs may include contractions and a decrease in activity, so be on the lookout for these. Active labour signs will include an increase in panting and pushing. During the birthing process, you may need to assist the mother-to-be. This could include helping to position the puppies for delivery and clearing away any afterbirth. It is essential to prepare in advance and be aware of the process of labour. The more knowledge and understanding you have, the less stress and worry you will experience on the big day. With the right preparation, your French Bulldog will be in the best hands possible. Start by setting up a quiet, isolated area away from other pets and children. Place a blanket or bedding on the floor, as this will provide cushioning and extra comfort for your dog during her contractions. You should also make sure that the area is warm and well-ventilated. Keep the windows open slightly, as this will help your dog to feel more relaxed and help her to move around more easily. Make sure that the area is clean and free from any sharp objects, as this could cause injury to your dog during labour. If possible, have a few toys nearby to provide comfort and distraction during labour. Understanding the Process of Labour Having a basic understanding of the birthing process of a French Bulldog will help you prepare for the big day and make it a positive experience. Labour typically occurs in three stages: early labour, active labour and the final delivery. Active labour is when the contractions begin and the mother can start to push out the puppies. During the delivery stage, the puppies are born. It is important to make sure that your French Bulldog is comfortable and relaxed during the birthing process. Ensure the room is warm and quiet, and that the atmosphere is free from stress and loud noises that could startle the mother. Be prepared with a few supplies like towels and blankets to help keep the puppies warm and clean up any mess that may occur. Throughout the process it is best to be available for your pup and offer her reassurance and support. Talk to her in a soothing voice and pet her gently. You may need to help her deliver the puppies if she is having difficulty, as well as suctioning or rubbing the puppies to help them take their first breath. After the puppies have been born, clean them and assess their health. Preparing the Necessary Supplies Before your French Bulldog goes into labour, you should gather the necessary supplies, such as a whelping box or a warm, enclosed space, blankets, puppy pads, a bulb syringe, scissors, and a thermometer. Ensure that you have plenty of towels and that you have a heating pad to provide your pup with warmth. You may want to have some pet-safe cleaning products on hand, such as a pet-safe disinfectant, for post-labour clean up. It is also important to have a source of food and water available for your pup during labour. Have a bowl of clean, fresh water nearby, as well as food that is easy to digest and high in protein in case your pup needs a quick meal. It is a good idea to have some treats on hand to offer her after she gives birth. This will help her to stay calm and relaxed during the entire process. Before your pup goes into labour, it is important to call your vet and make sure they are available in case of an emergency. Having this information ready beforehand will ensure that you are prepared for any potential issues that may arise during the birthing process. Make sure you are well-educated on the birthing process and have all the necessary supplies on hand. Once in active labour, you will likely observe your French Bulldog pushing and straining, possibly even vocalising. Look out for your pup panting more than usual or being more clingy than normal, as these are both signs that labour is starting. The nipples may become slightly swollen and there may be slight discharge from them. Active Labour Signs Once active labour starts, it will become much more evident. The mother will start to pace and pant more heavily, and her cervix will dilate. The mother will also begin to push, which will be accompanied by grunts and loud breathing. Her contractions will become stronger and more frequent, and her water may break. Make sure to be prepared with supplies in case the mother needs help, such as lubricant, towels and a heating pad. Be sure to note the times when the mother begins active labour, as well as any other signs that you observe. This information can be helpful to your vet if they are needed. The Stages of Labour French Bulldog labour usually consists of three stages: early labour, active labour, and the delivery of puppies. During early labour, Frenchies may show signs of restlessness or become more clingy and vocal. They may also pant, pace, and shiver. As labour progresses, these signs will become more frequent and intense. During active labour, the French Bulldog will usually take on a nesting behavior and begin the process of pushing out the puppies. You may also notice visible contractions of the stomach and she will likely be very vocal and restless. It is important to stay calm and supportive during the labour process. You should provide a quiet, safe, and comfortable environment for the Frenchie and monitor her closely to make sure she is not in distress. If you are unsure as to what is happening, it is best to contact your vet for advice. Being too intrusive during the labour process can cause fear and anxiety in the dog, which can ultimately prolong the process. It is also important to have the necessary materials on hand before the labour process begins. This should include items such as a heating pad, clean towels, scissors, and veterinary contact information. Be prepared to act quickly if the mother has trouble delivering the puppies or if she is losing too much blood. You should also be sure to have a warm place for the puppies to rest after the delivery. All of these steps will help ensure that your French Bulldog and her puppies have a safe and successful birth. The Role of the Owner As the owner of a French Bulldog about to give birth, you play an important role in the birthing process. It is essential that you remain with your pup throughout the process. You should have a good understanding of what to expect and the signs of labour, as well as necessary supplies prepared for the big day. Be sure to provide a safe and comfortable environment for your pup and be prepared to intervene if necessary. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the stages of labour and to understand the role of the owner. Make sure you have a plan of action if there are any complications and be prepared to assist your pup through the birthing process. Ensure that you are prepared to clean, assess, and care for the puppies and mother post-labour. Immediately clean the puppies off with a warm, damp cloth and stimulate them if needed in order to help them breathe. Make sure to keep the litter away from any drafts and ensure that the mother dog has plenty of clean bedding. To monitor the health of the puppies, check their color, temperature and breathing rate. If any of the puppies appear to be struggling, contact your veterinarian immediately. Give her a warm bed away from any drafts and allow her plenty of time to rest. She may not be interested in eating or drinking, so you may have to syringe feed her during this time. Make sure to keep her area clean and watch for any signs of infection in the birthing area. If you have any concerns, again, contact your veterinarian immediately. Cleaning and Caring for the Puppies Once your French Bulldog has given birth, you should immediately tend to the puppies, ensuring they are all in good health. Start by cleaning and drying the puppies to remove any fluid or dirt left over from the birthing process. Make sure the puppies are warm and comfortable and that they have a safe place to sleep. You should also take care to feed them and provide them with plenty of fluids. You can feed them with bottle-feeding or by hand. If there are any issues, you can contact your veterinarian for advice. You should also pay close attention to the mother. Make sure she is comfortable, clean and relaxed. Give her plenty of food and water and provide her with a place to rest. Watch for any signs of infection or other health issues and contact your veterinarian if there are any concerns. As the puppies grow, make sure to provide them with plenty of social interaction and playtime to ensure they develop properly. The first step is to check their colour. Their colour should darken slightly over a few days, but if it changes to blue or yellow, this is a sign of poor health. You should also check their size; they should be the same size as each other, and you should check their breathing. Check their reflexes. If you tickle the soles of their paws, they should curl their toes in reflex. Make sure their eyes open and close properly and that they have enough energy to crawl around. All of these things indicate that the puppies are healthy and doing fine. Post-Labour Care for the Mother After the birth of her puppies, your French Bulldog mom needs some extra special care. Make sure she is still getting plenty of rest and nutrition to help her recover, and keep her in a quiet and calm environment. If mom does seem to be in distress or not attending to her puppies, she should be taken to the vet for a check-up. Post-labour care is an important step in ensuring your Frenchie and her puppies have a healthy transition into adulthood. Make sure to keep a close eye on both of them and provide any medical attention they may need. With some extra love and care, your Frenchie and her puppies will be happy and healthy in no time! Post Views: .The fascinating journey of French Bulldog pregnancy From conception to birth: The fascinating journey of French Bulldog pregnancy 24th July, Are you a proud owner of a French Bulldog who is expecting puppies? French Bulldog pregnancy is a fascinating journey that lasts for several weeks. In this article, we will take you through the various stages of French Bulldog pregnancy, signs of pregnancy, prenatal care, nutrition, common health issues, preparing for the birth of puppies, labour and delivery process, and caring for the puppies after birth. How long are French Bulldogs pregnant for? One of the most common questions that pet owners have is, "how many days are French Bulldogs pregnant for? However, the duration of the pregnancy may vary depending on the individual dog. It is important to keep track of the due date and consult a veterinarian if necessary. French Bulldog pregnancy test: what are the options? French Bulldog pregnancy test is an important aspect of breeding these adorable little pooches. There are different methods available to determine whether your French Bulldog is pregnant or not. Some of these options include: Ultrasound Ultrasound technology uses sound waves to create images of the developing puppies inside the mother's womb. This non-invasive procedure can be done as early as 28 days after mating and provides accurate results. During the ultrasound, the veterinarian will examine the uterus for the presence of gestational sacs, which indicates the pregnancy. They will also be able to count the number of puppies and assess their overall health. Relaxin Hormone Test A relaxin hormone test is designed to detect the presence of the hormone relaxin, which is only produced in pregnant female dogs. By analysing a blood or urine sample, a veterinarian can determine if your French Bulldog is indeed pregnant. The relaxin hormone test is highly accurate and can provide reliable results as early as three weeks after conception. X-Ray Scan An X-ray scan can detect any foetal skeletons in the mother's uterus, providing a clear indication of pregnancy. The radiography method is the most renowned choice. It's a reliable and straightforward way to find out the good news and even provides an accurate count of how many little ones your pet is carrying. Palpation Palpation is a process in which a veterinarian uses their hands to feel for the presence of developing puppies in the mother's uterus. This method is usually done around day after mating, and it is important to have it done by a professional to avoid causing harm to the mother or her puppies. During the procedure, the vet will gently press on the mother's abdomen and feel for the presence of small lumps or bumps, which are the developing puppies. Signs of pregnancy in French Bulldogs It can be challenging to detect pregnancy in French Bulldogs during the early stages. However, some pregnancy symptoms to look out for include: Decreased activity level If your French bulldog seems lethargic and spends most of the day sleeping, it's likely that there's an underlying health problem. It's crucial to take your furry friend to the vet for a check-up. It's not uncommon for X-rays to reveal that your French bulldog is pregnant, so brace yourself for that possibility. Remember, taking care of your pet's health is of utmost importance! An increase in appetite A clear indication of a pregnant dog is a noticeable shift in eating habits. A pregnant French Bulldog will consume two to three times more food than she typically would, guaranteeing that her body has the necessary fuel to sustain itself and nurture the pups until they are born healthy and strong. Nipple enlargement and darkening When it comes to identifying whether a Frenchie is pregnant, keep an eye out for some tell-tale signs such as enlarged nipples and heightened abdominal sensitivity. Seeking the advice of a veterinarian is highly recommended if you suspect pregnancy in your furry friend. An experienced vet can determine whether your Frenchie is indeed pregnant and help you plan for the arrival of the puppies. Vomiting or morning sickness Did you know that French bulldogs also experience morning sickness during pregnancy, just like us humans? It generally starts around three weeks after conception and can cause them to feel nauseous or even vomit. However, don't worry, as this usually only lasts for a brief period of time, usually just a few days. Coloured discharge It's worth noting that if your bulldog is experiencing a light pink discharge, it could be a sign of pregnancy! This discharge tends to occur during the second or third week of pregnancy. Stages of French Bulldog pregnancy French Bulldog pregnancy can be divided into three stages: Stage 1: Early Pregnancy During the first few weeks of pregnancy, there may not be any visible signs. However, the body starts to prepare for the growth and development of the puppies. The mother's uterus expands, and the puppies' organs begin to form. Stage 2: Mid-Pregnancy Around week 4 or 5, the puppies' skeletons start to form, and they become more active. The mother's appetite may increase, and her nipples may become more prominent. It is crucial to provide her with a balanced diet during this stage. Stage 3: Late Pregnancy During the final weeks of pregnancy, the puppies' fur grows, and they gain weight. The mother may start to show signs of nesting behaviour, such as seeking out a comfortable spot to give birth. It is essential to monitor her closely during this stage and prepare for the delivery. French Bulldog prenatal care Prenatal care is essential to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help detect any potential health issues early on. The vet may recommend vaccinations, deworming, and flea treatments to prevent any infections or parasites. French Bulldog nutrition during pregnancy A balanced diet is crucial during French Bulldog pregnancy. The mother's nutritional needs change as the puppies grow and develop. It is recommended to feed her a high-quality, protein-rich diet that is formulated for pregnant and nursing dogs. Always provide her with access to clean drinking water. Common health issues during French Bulldog pregnancy French Bulldogs may be prone to certain health issues during pregnancy, such as: Complications during delivery. In most cases, Frenchies will deliver by C-section, but there will be exceptions to that rule. Do French Bulldogs give birth naturally? There are risks with natural births including the puppies getting stuck in the birth canal. Consult with a veterinary professional for advice on natural births and labor. In this guide I am going to go into more detail on natural births, what the French Bulldog labor and delivery looks like, plus show you a video of a Frenchie delivering their puppies. This same physical trait is also one of the main reasons why natural births are so rare. French Bulldogs have narrow hips and large heads. This means puppies are at risk of getting stuck in the birth canal dystocia. This can lead to very difficult labor, with the possibility of death not just to the puppies, but also the mother. If you are thinking about breeding your Frenchie, please do consult with your vet. They will be able to give you advice on how likely it is that your French Bulldog can give breed and give birth naturally , and then create a pregnancy plan. It will be highly likely that they will recommend you get a C-section booked. Video of a French Bulldog giving birth naturally If you decide to opt for a natural labor you will find this video of a pregnant French bulldog giving birth really fascinating. The female Frenchie cleans the puppies straight after labor and then even plays with them after giving birth towards the end of the video. French bulldog labor signs Your Frenchie will act restless pacing around and digging Your Frenchie will want to start nesting. French bulldog labor temperature One of the most common signs of labor will be a drop in temperature. You can expect a drop of around one and a half degrees from .You will need a rectal thermometer to do this. Before labor you will see a lot of panting, walking around, and the restless behavior. Once labor starts, your Frenchie will shake and tremble, lie down, and then start to push. You will need to help clean the puppies, cut umbilical cords and then tie them up. You will also need to clean the area up with paper towels. After labor, your Frenchie will clean the puppies, and they should eventually start to feed from her. A healthy litter of Frenchies who are starting to feed from their mother a few weeks after labor. Do I recommend your French Bulldog giving birth naturally? I am not a breeder and I am not a vet. In fact, I have ethical questions myself over Frenchie breeding and how these dogs have developed over the years. According to the Royal Veterinary College view website Frenchies are almost 16 times likely to have a difficult pregnancy and natural birth than other dogs. As a result, French Bulldogs are 2. Many of these will have to be emergency operations when an owner opted for a natural French Bulldog birth. The potential health complications and risks are something that you should consider seriously. In addition to French Bulldogs, other pure breeds, such as Boston terriers , chihuahuas and pugs, are also at risk of suffering birthing problems. Compared to crossbred female dogs, Boston terriers are .All dogs are different and so the time it takes a Frenchie to give birth will vary drastically. Having spoken with our local vet, he said the majority of dogs will give birth from the point the puppies start to deliver between 20 minutes and a couple of hours. In the video of a French Bulldog birth I show on this page, the entire delivery took around 10 minutes. However, I would imagine this is quite a rare scenario given how difficult French Bulldog labor can be. Do I recommend you proceed with a natural birth? No, but then I am not a breeder myself, but can only go on the guidelines I have seen published by professional vets. You might also like… Now you know a little bit more about French Bulldog labor and birth, you might want to check out these other articles I wrote on similar topics. They are known for their friendly personality and playful nature. However, breeding a French bulldog can be difficult. There are many different methods you can use to try and get a French bulldog pregnant. If you get your Frenchie pregnant the next step is how your pup will give birth. There are many complications related to this process. Here in this blog, we will discuss in detail can French bulldog give birth naturally and what are the complications related to it. A French bulldog can give birth by a natural process, but it is very rare to see one do so. There are many issues and complications related to their birth process. The most common complication is prolapse. Cesarean section is a common surgical procedure opted for these dogs. It is considered to be the best option for French bulldog owners who have a complicated delivery or who are pregnant for the first time. Cesarean section is safe and effective, and it can provide your dog with the best possible health. French bulldogs are known for their impressive looks and strong personality. But there is another reason why these dogs are called man-made dogs. These dogs were bred specifically for humans and they cannot continue their life without human preference. The reason behind this is because of their body structure and their sensitive nature. French bulldogs are also sensitive during their pregnancy because they are bred to be working dogs. They are known for being very protective of their puppies, and during their early stages of development, they are especially vulnerable to physical and emotional stress. This can lead to problems for the dog during their pregnancy, including contractions that are difficult to control, difficulty breathing, and even premature delivery. Frenchie puppies are born through a very narrow birth canal. This can lead to complications such as long and painful labor. While some Frenchie puppies do well during delivery, others may get stuck and require help from a vet. What Are the Signs of French bulldog getting into Labor? When a dog is giving birth, there are many things you should know about it. This includes understanding the process of childbirth, knowing what to do if your dog is having difficulties, and being prepared for any possible problems. French bulldogs are notorious for giving birth with difficulty, but this behavior is not always indicative of labor. Some common signs that a French bulldog is in labor include changes in breathing patterns and a heightened sense of urgency. If you notice any of these behaviors, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible! Different complications occur during the natural process and you must know about them. Here are some common problems that you should be prepared for Anasarca Anasarca is a term used in French bulldogs to describe the swelling in the body just before giving birth. When a French bulldog is with puppies his body is big in terms of proportion and swelling makes it even bigger. When puppies are about to be born, they are filled with air and fluid. Swelling can form in these fluids and air. Some of the problems that can occur during birth with swelling include an increase in heart rate, breathing, and tiredness. This makes it difficult for the dog to eat and drink. Dystocia Dystocia is a condition in French bulldogs that can occur during delivery. It is a medical emergency that often results in the dog being born prematurely or with major defects. Dystocia can be caused by problems such as contractions too strong to be allowed to pass through the birth canal, prior pregnancy, or puppies whose physique is too much weight for the mother to carry. When puppies get stuck they usually require external effort from a vet. French bulldogs can give birth naturally and a c-section is not necessary. However natural birth is very dangerous for them and often leads to the death of moms and puppies. C section has many advantages and keeps both pups and mom healthy. C-section readiness is a vital step in the life of any dog. If your pup has not gone through a c-section before, it is important to have them checked out by a veterinarian. When a French bulldog goes through a c-section she needs a lot of time to recover. A Frenchie can go through a maximum of two to three c-sections in her life. If you want to keep the mom Frenchie in good health it would be best to pass one cycle and gives time to mom to recover. If your French bulldog recovers well from this process she will behave well in the next pregnancy. It will be really helpful if you give your Frenchie a nice comfy bed like house for Frenchie to take rest. A Frenchie can give birth to a maximum of 4 puppies in a litter. The number of puppies also affects the size of all puppies. If the size of a few puppies is large it will affect the development of other puppies. Conclusion There is not enough scientific evidence to support the claims that French bulldogs can give birth naturally, but there is enough anecdotal evidence to suggest that this may be possible. If you are thinking of getting a French bulldog pregnant, please do your research before that. A vet can give you the best advice for your pup. All things considered, French Bulldogs do often have trouble giving birth naturally. Purebred French Bulldogs are very specific and carefully bred, making them — essentially — a manmade dog breed. This is not a dog breed that ever could have existed without human interference. A fairly sensitive breed, French Bulldogs are commonly thought to have a lot of difficulties throughout pregnancy as well as in delivering puppies. Due to the physical anatomy, French Bulldogs have a narrow birth canal. This means that delivering puppies through this birth canal is very challenging, to begin with. The labor process for French Bulldogs is often long and, well, laborious. If your Frenchie does have a natural labor, you can settle in for a long day. Signs of labor to watch for include a decrease in temperature as well as obvious discomfort. This includes scratching or digging her nest and panting and general restlessness as her body readies itself to deliver. Possible complications giving birth naturally There are quite a few possible complications to know about when it comes to your French Bulldog doing so naturally. These are listed below for you to know and prepare for. Anasarca swelling require c-section This is especially common in Frenchies, which are small dogs in terms of their body proportions with a belly full of puppies! This is when there is a serious and severe swelling directly before giving birth. This can cause all sorts of complications with breathing and heart rate and also can be fatal to both mom and puppies. The puppy gets stuck Even just the sound of that is terrifying! But, a puppy getting stuck in a narrow birth canal is actually very common with French Bulldogs. This is happening if you not that she has been actively pushing for minutes with no obvious signs of delivery. Dystocia Similarly to getting stuck, this means that the puppy requires external support to help it gain access to the living world. This is typically a vet or someone experienced in births to help guide the puppy into the world safely. You should have a vet on-call or, even better, on-site to make sure everything goes smoothly. Do Frenchies have to have C sections? They are physically capable of giving birth naturally. That being said, natural birth is often dangerous and potentially fatal to both mom and pups. When it comes to French Bulldogs giving birth, a c-section has many advantages. Even if you get an ultrasound that says she has only 1 puppy, you may actually find out that you have 2 puppies. You guessed it. She effectively aborts her last puppy and this can lead to her much later passing a stillborn puppy at best, and dealing with a nasty and heartbreaking infection at worst. If you are planning on having her deliver later litters of puppies, you may find that giving birth to a litter naturally prevents her from becoming safely pregnant or having a healthy pregnancy later. Less stress on Mom Again, labor is very challenging on her body. If she pushes out 2 or 3 puppies, she is well past exhausted and can be severely weakened for a long time after delivering her puppies. This means that you will need to care for her puppies and deal with a potentially sick and struggling mama, too! Mom is anesthetized The first thing after she is prepped for surgery shaved around her tummy is to put her under anaesthesia. Her uterus is cut open and the vet removes the puppies A vet makes an incision in her uterus and beings to remove the puppies in their gestational sacs, leaving them intact if at all possible just like they would be in case of natural birth. The puppies are cleaned and stimulated Vet assistants will remove the gestational sacs and clean the puppies off. They then have to imitate a momma by carefully stimulating a puppy. This stimulation is required to get them to breathe and officially join the world of the living! The goal of a c-section, particularly with a potentially at-risk Frenchie more on that later , is to keep it as short as possible to minimize the time that she needs to be under the anaesthesia. Possible complications in a c-section Just like giving birth naturally, a cesarean section can also have its own complications that you should be aware of. While they are, of course, much less than natural birth and they are watched over by an experienced vet and their supplies, they are something to be aware of. Lack of oxygen As you may already know, French Bulldogs are brachycephalic. This flat face can lead them to breathing issues and this is no better exemplified than in a surgery where she is put under anaesthesia. Since oxygen is crucial for making sure that she can breathe while under she is no longer able to voluntarily do so , it can be challenging for even experienced vets to make sure she is getting enough oxygen. Choking on vomit Vomit is a common problem when a dog is under anaesthesia and with a dog who has breathing issues, this can be especially dangerous. They will often suffocate on their vomit much faster than an average dog, so stepping in and clearing it completely, immediately, is crucial. Conclusion There is a lot to know about French Bulldogs and giving birth. Whether you opt for a natural birth or for the safer c-section, this will help guide you in making the right choice for your Frenchie and her short- and long-term health.

American Bulldogs are a popular and beloved breed, known for their strength, loyalty, and friendly nature. Think an American Bulldog is right for you? These puppies would probably be very in-line with the American Bulldog Breed Standard. They usually will also invest more into the dogs with stuff such as genetic testing, high quality food , and only breeding the best dogs. Location and availability — Depending on where you live, there might not be enough American Bulldog breeders for the local demand. Areas like this tend to be rural and you might find yourself paying more when there are only a few breeders near you. Age of the dog — Puppies generally cost more than older dogs. Not only will the puppy itself cost more, but the cost of ownership is generally more when you first get the dog with all the vet bills, shots, new puppy stuff, etc. Some of these rare colors are: Blue, Lilac, and Merle. Lineage and Pedigree The lineage and pedigree of an American Bulldog can greatly impact the price. Dogs with champion bloodlines or those from well-regarded breeding lines may come with a higher price tag. Breeder Reputation Reputable breeders who consistently produce healthy and well-tempered dogs often charge more for their puppies. This is because they invest time, money, and resources into ensuring the health and well-being of their breeding dogs and puppies. Location and Availability The cost of an American Bulldog can vary depending on where you live and the availability of puppies. In areas with a higher demand for the breed, prices may be higher. Age of the Dog Puppies are typically more expensive than adult dogs. Older dogs may have lower prices due to decreased demand or because they are retired from breeding or showing. Coat Color and Markings Some coat colors and markings are rarer and more sought after, which may increase the price of a puppy or adult dog. Rare American Bulldog Colors Blue: This coat color is a diluted form of black, resulting in a bluish-gray hue. Black: Although not officially recognized by some breed standards, pure black American Bulldogs are quite rare. Lilac: A combination of blue and chocolate, lilac American Bulldogs have a unique, pale, silvery-gray coat color. Chocolate: A rich, dark brown coat color, which is less common in American Bulldogs. Black and Tan: A combination of black and tan markings, similar to the pattern seen in Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers. Merle: A unique pattern with patches of diluted color against a darker background. Merle is uncommon in American Bulldogs and is often associated with potential health issues, such as deafness and vision problems. These rare colors usually will cost more than your average American Bulldog color. But for most American Bulldogs, you should expect to pay somewhere in that price range. Some of these costs include: Initial Expenses Supplies crate, bed, leash, collar, toys, etc. Tips for Finding a Reputable Breeder To ensure you are purchasing a healthy, well-bred American Bulldog, it is important to find a reputable breeder. Consider the following tips when searching for the right breeder: Research and referrals: Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or veterinarians. You can also search online forums or social media groups dedicated to American Bulldogs for breeder suggestions. Online resources: The American Bulldog Club of America ABCA and other breed-specific organizations may have breeder directories or listings to help you find a reputable breeder in your area. Checking breeder credentials: Look for breeders who are members of reputable breed clubs or organizations, have a history of producing healthy dogs, and adhere to ethical breeding practices. Reputable breeders will welcome such visits and be transparent about their breeding practices. Ensuring health and temperament: A responsible breeder will provide health clearances for both the puppy and its parents, as well as information on any genetic health issues common to the breed. Adopting an American Bulldog Adopting an American Bulldog from a rescue organization or shelter is an alternative to purchasing one from a breeder. There are several benefits to adoption: Lower cost: Adoption fees are generally much lower than purchasing a dog from a breeder. Saving a life: By adopting a dog, you are providing a loving home to an animal in need and making room for other dogs in the shelter or rescue organization. Adult dog benefits: Adopting an adult dog can be advantageous for those who prefer a dog with an established temperament and personality or who want to avoid the challenges of puppyhood. Contact your local animal shelters or rescue organizations to inquire about any American Bulldogs in their care. Reach out to breed-specific rescue organizations, which often focus on rescuing and rehoming American Bulldogs. Before adopting, be prepared for the adoption process, which may involve filling out an application, providing references, and participating in a home visit. How many dogs are living at the kennel? If the dogs have an outside area, is there a fence around it? Where are the dogs kept during the day? Where do the dogs sleep? Conclusion The cost of an American Bulldog can vary significantly based on factors such as lineage, breeder reputation, location, and coat color. In addition to considering the purchase price, potential owners should also take into account the ongoing costs of caring for their pet. By researching reputable breeders or considering adoption, you can ensure that you are bringing a healthy, well-tempered American Bulldog into your home. Remember that responsible pet ownership involves not only financial commitment but also dedication to providing a loving and nurturing environment for your new companion. Posted on. Nonetheless, routine vet care should be prioritized as your dog ages and becomes more vulnerable to certain diseases. Aside from this, pet insurance should be on your list if you want to prevent unplanned expenses from unexpected medical problems. To prevent going bankrupt, you must equip yourself with knowledge of what these expenses might be. For owners of American Bulldogs, here are the other potential expenses you should also anticipate: Pet Daycare: If you plan to have a trip without your American Bulldog, you can take your dog to pet daycare. This facility will give plenty of attention to your American Bulldog and provide your pup with activities based on their specific needs and temperament. Pet Sitter Fee: A pet sitter will greatly help you if you want to leave your American Bulldog at home rather than sending it to a pet daycare. Your American Bulldog may acquire mild to severe health conditions that might require immediate medical attention. Grooming Services: Although you can groom your American Bulldog at home, hiring a professional pet groomer will spare you the hassle of bathing and grooming it yourself. Kennel Club Registration: If you intend to participate in dog shows and competitions, you should have your purebred American Bulldog puppy registered. Take note that these costs are only optional except for emergency medical costs. Since emergencies and accidents are unpredictable, you should prepare and plan for such situations. Therefore, it is wise to get pet insurance to avoid high medical costs. Sadly, not all breeders are credible and trustworthy. You should stay away from breeders and puppy mills that sell unhealthy puppies. As you look for your American Bulldog puppy, read through our comprehensive puppy buying guide to prevent being scammed online. This breeder focuses on Bulldog-type dogs, often known as Johnson American Bulldogs. Even so, they occasionally breed outstanding American Bulldogs of the standard and hybrid varieties. Venomline — Venomline is one of the well-known breeders of American Bulldog puppies and dogs in the world. For additional options, you can also scan our recommended American Bulldog breeders. Rest assured that they can offer you the best deal you deserve! This organization has given homes to over a thousand rescued Bulldogs, including American Bulldogs. Peaches Bulldog Rescue — Peaches Bulldog Rescue is a foster-based organization located in Ohio that helps abandoned and surrendered Bulldog breed dogs. Aside from rescuing and adopting, this organization also dedicates its efforts to community education, microchipping, spaying and neutering, and encouraging responsible ownership of Bulldog breeds. If you want to ace your application in any of these rescues, you should read our ultimate guide to dog adoption for tips. Also, you might also want to read our article on how to find free pups in your neighborhood. Money-Saving Tips for American Bulldog Owners American Bulldogs will cost you more than you imagine, especially if you plan to spoil them. To reduce your overall expenses, you can always make some changes. All you have to do is start looking for alternatives with more diligence and creativity. Here are some money-saving tips for American Bulldog owners: Invest in high-quality items. Although high-quality items are initially more expensive, their sturdiness will prove worthy in the long run. Hence, if you are purchasing items for your American Bulldog, such as collars and food bowls, it is best to buy the quality ones. Purchase dog food in bulk. Buying dog foods in bulk is generally wiser because businesses nowadays often offer discounts on items bought in bulk. Purchasing in bulk is also more practical for pet owners since you save a few bucks from your transportation expenses with fewer visits to stores. Make DIY dog toys. Dog toys are often expensive and sometimes not sturdy enough. Fortunately, there are easy DIY dog toys you can make with whatever items you have at home. Making DIY toys is a good alternative if you want to save money from buying new toys. American Bulldogs are easy to train. So instead of spending money on training fees, you can train them yourself. With this money-saving tip, you get to save money and bond with your dog. Keep your dog healthy. Keeping your American Bulldog in good shape is the key to avoiding these unexpected expenses. The bulleted items are just a few of the many ways you can save money as an owner of an American Bulldog. Final Thoughts The American Bulldog is such a fantastic dog. But before getting one, it is important that you should assess yourself first if you are capable of providing this dog with all its needs. You should also keep in mind that these are large dogs that demand more maintenance and care. Although you can train them not to become spoiled, you should always provide them with great love, care, and attention. After discussing the cost of an American Bulldog and its related expenses, we hope that you learn something from us. If so, share your expense-budgeting strategy for your American Bulldog in the comment section 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. Farmers may have brought up American bulldogs in earlier times. As for now, it is not easy to maintain an American Bulldog protecting its uniqueness and health conditions. The truth is that American bulldogs are less expensive than those American Bullies. The above price range is for standard American bulldogs. Each difference makes variations in the price of the dog. Out of all the dogs, choosing an American Bulldog is a wise decision. It also depends on the requirements of the buyer. Health Guarantee The first thing you must confirm when buying an American Bulldog is its health. For a healthy American bulldog puppy, a genuine breeder gives a warranty regarding its fitness for at least two years. The health guarantee is one of the primary key factors that affect the price of an American Bulldog since it also includes the veterinarian bills while caring for the puppy from its birth. Well-Known Breeders In the current era, you can find many scammers, even the sellers of innocent pets. Knowing that an American Bulldog is expensive and in high demand among dog lovers, some people breed American Bulldogs without proper knowledge and without providing good care to the parent dogs. It is always wise to buy an American Bulldog from a well-reputed breeder. Having high demand for the puppies and earning a good name, a well-known breeder rates the puppy a little more. Anyways an American Bulldog is expensive, as you know. But approaching a well-known breeder to buy one reduces cruelty on pet dogs. Bloodline An American Bulldog with a superior bloodline costs more than a standard one. The American Bulldogs are descendants of English Dogs. Before being recognized as American Bulldogs, the breed had different names in different parts of the continent. A purebred American Bulldog has the exact qualities of its ancestors, acting as a guardian against invaders. An American Bulldog with pure bloodline costs more for its unique attributes. The price of each type of American Bulldog varies. So what are the types of American Bulldogs available? These are larger dogs with 23 to 27 inches in height. Their distinctive Bulldog appearance results from their traditional underbite and boxy skulls. As home pets, these are exceedingly generous and protective. Due to their strength, Scott American Bulldogs are recognized as the standard type of American Bulldogs. This type of breed is 22 to 27 inches taller. These dogs are bred for working purposes. This breed was developed in the s, mainly by a person called Joe Painter. This type of American Bulldog is bulkier but trainable. Old Southern White American Bulldog White English The genetics that gave rise to the modern breed of American bulldogs is thought to have originated from the original southern white American Bulldogs. Hybrid American Bulldog Genuinely, the many available American bulldogs are thought to be hybrid lines. For different purposes, the breeders try to cross-breed the American Bulldogs to get the resultant puppy satisfying the expectations. This method only guarantees a partial percent result. As a dog lover, I would never recommend this method to process. Breed Information Before buying an American bulldog, you better know the information on the breed. I have simplified the information for you. Continue reading! Appearance and Size An American bulldog has a unique stiff look. It has round or almond-shaped eyes, dark brown, medium-sized ears that can be cropped, a wider nose, an average-sized tail, and a short coat. The American bulldogs can be found in white, black, gray, brindle, fawn, and red. A male American bulldog is commonly 20 to 28 inches taller, whereas a female American bulldog is 20 to 26 inches taller. Regarding weight, Female American Bulldogs weigh around 50 to lbs, whereas Male American Bulldogs usually weigh within the 70 to lbs range. Life Span The average lifespan of an American bulldog is 10 to 16 years. Additionally, health concerns and genetic issues can affect the lifespan of an American Bulldog. The good news regarding American bulldogs is that the breed kind is recognized to have a high lifetime compared to other dog types. They challenge premature death by maintaining their body weight by doing physical workouts. Temper American Bulldogs are affectionate, smart, and protective. They are alert, active, and stiff. As mentioned earlier, different types of American Bulldogs show different levels of aggressiveness toward strangers. You heard me right! American Bulldogs are aggressive to strangers. That is why they are protective of their own family members. As the American Bulldogs are very active, they love to play. They are very loyal to the owners and tend to stand up for them no matter what. Known to be rough and stiff, they are really friendly and silly sometimes. You have to see an American Bulldog when it gets happy. American Bulldogs are great companions that act as clowns to make their owners happier. Commonly, American Bulldogs are family dogs lovable with a confident attitude. Health American Bulldogs are usually healthier and do not get sick that easily. The owners should follow a plan for check-ups and immunizations on a scheduled basis. As active players, American Bulldogs tend to have issues with their hips and joints. The owner of the dog should be informed of this issue and do the required check-ups regularly. An American bulldog with a good bloodline is fine. Hence they can show genetic health problems related to their parent dogs. This is why it is crucial to approach a reputed breeder when buying an American Bulldog. The elbow and hip joints may get misplaced during some physical activities. Dysplasia-related rubbing can eventually lead to problems, including pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis NCL This genetic condition of the neurological system impairs how the body breaks down particular kinds of fats or proteins in the cells. Hence, getting a puppy from a good place is highly advisable. Back then, ancestors of American Bulldogs were brought up by farmers to help them with farming and protect the chickens and pigs from the wild. The genetic influence is still being printed in every American Bulldog. This makes American Bulldogs train excessively for their well-being. If you bring up an American Bulldog with a protection sense, you will have to approach a relative training method. There are people who bring up American Bulldogs just to let them fight and participate in such competitions for money and fame. For this, a different training method should be followed. Socializing training should be provided at the very young age of an American Bulldog. Training in Obedience is one of the essential training methods for an American Bulldog. Messing with this step can make the owner regret it a little later. Train the puppy with voice and hand commands. Use positive reinforcement training methods to get good results in training an American Bulldog. Consulting a professional trainer before training an American Bulldog is much advisable. Training tools dog owners must have for their dogs:. Their personalities are easy to love; they have a confident demeanor and are known for their almost clown-like antics when excited, making them an excellent family companion. This breed is quite family-oriented but may be distant with strangers at first. Their characteristic aloofness to outsiders helps make them great guard dogs. With consistent training and established rules and boundaries, this powerful pup can learn with the best of them. As a working breed, they were known for their wild pig and cattle catching abilities, making them indispensable on southern ranches in the US. Grooming Hurray for easy care! Make sure your vet gives your pup a professional cleaning every year, too. Be sure to put nail trimming every couple of weeks and ear cleaning monthly is usually enough on the grooming menu, too. And as for baths, plan on a bath about once a month or so. You may be able to just use your nose. If you detect an unpleasant odor eww! Training When it comes to training, an American Bulldog puppy needs a confident pup parent who uses positive reinforcement to teach various skills, such as how to walk nicely on a leash and come when called. Start training your American Bulldog puppy early to get them used to the ropes. Once you understand what works for them, training becomes easy. Remember: American Bulldogs are smart. These social interactions give your dog a chance to explore a variety of environments and social situations. Feed your puppy large-breed puppy kibble for their first 14 months to support slow but consistent growth. Skip food or supplements with calcium until your pooch is fully grown and eating an adult diet. The added calcium could disrupt healthy bone development. Treats are an essential part of training and a great way to show your pup you love them. However, too many treats can lead to a tubby pup, so check with your vet if you need help figuring out a proper treat-to-mealtime ratio. Exercise Even though they have a moderate energy level, an American Bulldog needs a lot of exercise. And exercise is important to keep your dog out of trouble. If they have unused energy, an American Bulldog will resort to destructive behaviors to release that energy, like chewing on your favorite pair of shoes. This athletic dog benefits greatly from structured walks and play to work the mind and their muscular build. As a puppy parent, strive to offer non-impact movement such as hiding balls in the yard or offering a puzzle toy, as these games lower the risk of joint and bone damage early on. Get out of the house twice a day or more if your young dog is up for it for playtime and walks that last between 20 and 30 minutes. Trainers often suggest skipping the dog park because structured play is more difficult in this setting. Instead, get creative with activities. Think: fetch, tug-of-war with a rope toy or a chewy option filled with something delicious. You may even try lower-impact dog sports like agility or nose work. Both are an excellent way to keep your pup mentally and physically engaged. Remember, a happy dog is a tired dog! Ideal Environment Both city and country homes will suit the American Bulldog as long as you can offer lots of exercise and playtime. Still, families with kids are a good match for this protective and intelligent breed. A structured day with regular walks and chances to play with a variety of toys is the best environment for the American Bulldog. Staving off boredom is paramount, and, of course, no animal likes to be home alone for a long time. When considering the American Bulldog as a pet, bear in mind that training is the key to their success, especially when adding this breed to a home with kids or other dogs. Pup parents need to be aware of some of these issues so they can help their dog live the healthiest life possible. Joint Dysplasia: This joint abnormality is seen in the hips and elbows, and a dog with dysplasia may run, jump and climb less than usual. Most often, the issue is a rupture or partial tear. Cherry Eye: Did you know dogs have a third eyelid? Bone Cancer: Often found in the long bones arms, legs , the cause for this condition is unknown, though vets feel it may have a genetic or environmental component. Deafness: Deafness, which can occur in one or both ears, may be acquired via drug exposure or infection. But deafness could also be hereditary and is linked to dogs with light coats and eyes. Acquired deafness is usually permanent but may improve over time without intervention. A special diet may be the treatment or medications, depending on the cause. Spinal Issues: Degenerative myelopathy DM is often genetic in nature and affects the spinal cord, leading to weakness and hind limb paralysis. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: NCL is an inherited, progressive and rare neurological disorder that starts showing up between 1 and 2 years of age. The most obvious symptom is behavioral changes in the dog, and the pup will usually lose coordination and eyesight. It can be discovered through a DNA test, and at this time, there are no treatments. This proud pup carries an imported pedigree, having been brought over from across the pond as a descendant of the English Bulldog, which was originally bred for bull baiting. Thankfully, this horrific sport was outlawed in England in .Back in the 17th century, early settlers packed these working dogs with them for service on farms and ranches. The American Bulldog became a utility player, stepping in to accomplish many tasks, such as guarding livestock and catching cattle and feral pigs. In fact, were it not for their success as an excellent catch dog in the southern states, we might not know the breed today. John D. Johnson and Alan Scott were able to breed the last few native American Bulldogs in the southern US, resulting in two types the Scott type and the Johnson type that thrive today. These breeds differ in appearance; the Johnson American Bulldog sports a bigger, stronger build, a larger head and short muzzle, and the Scott American Bulldog has more lithe features, such as an athletic, small-boned frame and a longer muzzle. Are you looking to add an American Bulldog as a family member? Check out the AKC puppy finder to find a reputable breeder. You can also seek out local American Bulldog rescues to find a worthy, loving dog to call your own, or keep an eye out for the breed at your local shelter. FAQs Do American bulldogs shed? Yes, American Bulldogs shed, albeit lightly and seasonally. Are American Bulldogs Pitbulls? Are American Bulldogs aggressive? American Bulldogs may be aggressive toward other dogs, particularly unfamiliar ones of the same sex, in part because of their protective and somewhat dominant nature. But with consistent training and early socialization, this breed is considered a loving family dog that does well with kids and other pets. How long do American Bulldogs live? American Bulldogs can have a generous life span, often living between 10 and 12 years. Providing your dog with the proper diet and exercise can help your pup live a full life. What are the most popular American Bulldog names? Get more dog names here. What are the most common American Bulldog mixes? Families of all kinds admire this agile, athletic breed and count themselves lucky to own such a loving, loyal pet. Female Names. Less - The American Bulldog is a powerful, athletic short-coated dog, strongly muscled, and well boned. The body is just slightly longer than tall. The head is large and broad, with a wide muzzle. Ears are small to medium in size, high set, and may be drop, semi-prick, rose, or cropped. The tail may be docked or natural. The American Bulldog comes in solid colors, white with colored patches, and brindle. Gender differences are well expressed in this breed, with males typically larger and more muscular than females. Honorable scars resulting from field work are not to be penalized. The essential characteristics of the American Bulldog are those which enable it to work as a hog and cattle catching dog, and a protector of personal property. These tasks require a powerful, agile, confident dog with a large head and powerful jaws. The American Bulldog is a gentle, loving family companion who is fearless enough to face an angry bull or a human intruder. Note: It is common for young American Bulldogs to be somewhat standoffish with strangers, and judges should not penalize this. All over the world, they are used variously as "hog dogs" catching escaped pigs or hunting razorbacks , as cattle drovers and as working or sport K-9s. American Bulldogs also successfully compete in several dog sports such as dog obedience, Schutzhund, French Ring, Mondio Ring, Iron Dog competition and weight pulling. American Bulldogs are widely considered to be the closest living relative to the Old English Bulldog brought to the United States in the s. They were originally used in England for bull-baiting but took on new opponents such as bears and buffaloes when introduced to the American frontier. While the original Old English Bulldog bloodline was being heavily mixed with other breeds back in England during this time, the breed that was imported to the New World was mostly kept preserved in the deep South. Bulldogs were trained to catch wild boar and cattle and were excellent hunters of vermin that destroyed farms and crops. They do well as loyal and confident guard dogs. If you have a soft spot in your heart for these wonderful dogs and would like to rescue one, the American Bulldog Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding homes for lost Bulldogs. American Bulldogs are top picks for several dog sports such as weight pulling, obedience, and the Iron Dog competition. In order to participate in these competitions, your Bulldog needs to be registered with a kennel club. A proper crate is also a necessity. Vaccines are necessary to counter the many strains of viruses that plague domesticated dogs such as Rabies, Canine Distemper, and Bordetella. Bulldogs love to explore, so make sure your yard has a fence high enough feet to prevent them from going on adventures outside. This breed is also prone to a variety of health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, skin and allergy problems, and inherited deafness. You must be financially secure if you expect to properly raise a Bulldog. It also tends to have a protein-heavy diet — so be prepared to stock up on kibble, canned food, and treats. Physical activities should be restricted to short walks, games, and playing. This is primarily because of their large size. They are simply more expensive to breed because they require more room and eat quite a bit. The purpose of an American Bulldog will determine its pricing. Table of Contents How much is an American Bulldog? These dogs range widely in price. Where you decide to adopt your dog makes a significant difference in the price. However, these dogs are rarely health tested and are more prone to health problems. On the other hand, purchasing from an AKC-registered breeder helps ensure that the proper health tests were run. However, they are also the most expensive option. In the end, it is typically better to purchase from a professional breeder. Both of these factors help ensure that the puppy is healthy. Getting a puppy from Craigslist Purchasing a puppy from craigslist is often cheap. However, there is no way to ensure the health of puppies sold solely through this medium. Often, these puppies are from unprofessional breeders who breed their pet dogs in their backyard. Some puppies may have underlying health problems that have not yet been diagnosed due to the lack of vet care. Backyard breeders often do not produce purebred dogs, but cross their American Bulldogs with e. Dogo Argentinos. Some backyard breeders have done their proper research and take good care of their puppies. Others end up with accidental litters and have no idea how to take care of puppies. It is impossible to tell if the puppy has health problems since many are not seen by a vet. You may end up with a puppy with genetic problems since health testing was likely not performed on the parents. Getting a puppy from a rescue Most puppies in rescues were accidents. A professional breeder would never send their puppy to a rescue. After all, they breed their dogs partially for profit. Furthermore, professional breeders often have an adoption contract that states unwanted puppies should be returned to them — not taken to a shelter. Therefore, most puppies in rescues are not bred by professional breeders. For this reason, the parents do not undergo health testing before breeding. The puppies are already born when the rescue has them or the mother is already pregnant, at least. However, rescues do get their puppies properly health tested and vaccinated. This helps ensure that the puppy is healthy once you adopt it. Plus, adopting from a rescue is relatively cheap. These prices usually cover the veterinary care that your dog needs and any other care the puppy needs. Getting a puppy from a breeder This is the most expensive option. However, professional breeders know how to breed and care for puppies properly. They usually get the parents health-tested, take the puppies to multiple vet visits, and adequately socialize the puppies to be ready for their new home. Of course, not all breeders are made equal. Those registered with national breed organizations or the AKC usually have to follow strict guidelines for breeding, which means that no corners are cut when it comes to your new puppy. Cost of health tests The Bulldog Club of America recommends several health tests for dogs before they are bred. At the bare minimum, they require a genetic cardiac test, patellar luxation test, and tracheal hypoplasia test. This covers common genetic diseases in the breed and will help ensure that the resulting puppies are healthy. These dogs are prone to various hip and elbow problems, which do have a genetic component. By checking parents for these problems, you can prevent passing on problematic genes to the future population. Vet Expenses Most puppies will need significant care in their first year. They need more vaccinations and checkups because they are growing. After the first year, you will likely pay less unless your dog develops a serious health condition. Some health problems like hip dysplasia will require ongoing and considerable treatment. Food and Toy Costs The cost of the food depends mainly on what food you choose. We recommend high-quality food for your pup, as these can help prevent health problems. A varied diet is often best for your puppy, so you should switch between a few different foods. American Bulldogs grow rapidly in their first year of life and need a nutritious diet to support their growth! Puppies will usually eat less since they are smaller. You may spend less on their food. These dogs will need quite a few toys. Training Costs Training is essential for all dogs. Having professional work with your dog is likely less expensive than you would consider. Puppy classes are highly recommended. Factors influencing the price The most significant factor influencing the price of this breed is their bloodline. Show dogs are costly, but those that are pet-quality typically are not. Price considerations You should be very careful to budget for a dog before adopting them. Plan on having an emergency fund for the vet, just in case something serious happens. Often, affording the dog itself is the least of your worries. The best option is to adopt a puppy from a breeder after ensuring that it has undergone proper health testing. We recommend you avoid choosing the cheapest breeder out there, mainly if they do not perform the proper health testing on their breeding dogs and puppies. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

What our customers are saying Constance McKinley Brought this gift for my grandkids uncle. This one is the most adorable little fellow I met! Love this! Deb Tilbury Amy granddaughter loves it! Shel My girls see this at the Hallmark store they ask for one every time since COVID have not been able to get to the mall it's been closed. Now it's getting close to their birthday I was suprised to find them here. They will be very excited to get their breathing puppy! KR I like them dog it's cute. I was expecting it to be higher though, more lifelike and eyes open and close for my dog. Other than that it makes a good coffee table decoration. Ron Granddaughter love it. Came with it's own bed sound breathing great and it's belly mover. Richard Robinson Love the product!!! Brenda Atkins Was as listed. Given to mom for Christmas in nursing home. Hers was put to sleep years before admit to nursing home. She loved this and kept it close by her. She died the following month. But her dog was beside her the whole time. Staff and visitors thought was a real dog as it would breathe. Well worth the money. Marc Barrera Gave this puppy to my 5yo for her birthday and she loves it! Amazon Customer The most beautiful and life like my yorkie. Cayitaurbina It is super adorable! My daughter love it! Josh This set of pretend dog toys is cute! They were designed for Perfect Petzzz brand toys. Amazon Customer Super cute! We lost our 6yo King Charles to blur-green algae. He snored and so does this little guy. Laura Karaszewski. The original toy series was produced by Kenner in the early s. Hasbro, alongside various digital media developers, has produced video games for consoles such as the Nintendo DS , Wii and PlayStation 3. This series premiered in and concluded in after episodes. Hasbro has created virtual pets to 'adopt' and play with online. In , Hasbro released their version of Blythe as a part of this toy line. A wide variety of Littlest Pet Shop products have been produced. The first series was created in , the second release in , the third release in , the fourth release in , and the most recent release in .Around the world, they are known to have code toy numbers on either the side of them or the bottom, or otherwise have them on the box which it sometimes comes with the sticker. On November 15, , it was announced Hasbro made a deal with Basic Fun! Most included magnets or simple mechanisms, such as flapping wings. This line is also often known by collectors as "Generation 1", as it is the first iteration of the toyline to be released. The line includes: —[ edit ] Note: Sets produced in are depicted. The same set released in was also remade in with different colors. Other sets are also released in .Li'l Paw Prints Pets — Choice of a yellow cat or a grey and white dog. They came on a molded plastic base that would hide a rolling stamper built into the underside of the pet. Either of the stamp ink colors can come in red and purple. Ready to Go Pets[ edit ] Happy Puppy — A Dalmatian with a purple pet carrier, an ID tag, a newspaper, a food dish, and a magnetized red brush that, when moved in front of its stomach, causes its tail to wag a revision in contained a black dog with a green brush. Hurrying Hamsters — Two hamsters with a clear container yellow lid , an ID tag, a water bottle, a bag of paper litter, and a clear pink wheel. The curved hamster has a little weight in its belly—when placed in the wheel and the handle is turned, the hamster would move as if it were running in the wheel the revision contained two-tone hamsters. Ticklish Toucan — A magenta toucan with green feet, and a light turquoise cage with lavender bars, an ID tag, a perch, a newspaper, and a food dish. Touching the toucan's head would cause her wings to flap the revision had a red toucan. Color Change Chameleon — A green temperature-sensitive chameleon with a pink container blue lid , an ID tag, a water bottle, and a desert background the version had an orange chameleon. Bashful Bunny — A white rabbit with a light turquoise basket, an ID tag, a bunch of carrots, a bag of litter paper, and a food dish green food. If the user pressed down on the rabbit's tail, her ears would twitch the revision had a brown patched rabbit and a pink basket. Pet Presents[ edit ] Cutesy Kittens — Golden and gray-white kittens brown and calico respectively in the version. It contained a cat house with a built-in litter box on the base , a food dish, a scratching post, and a magnetized toy mouse on a string. The golden kitten's head had a magnet in it and would bobble its head when the mouse was dangled in front of it. Pressing the gray-white kitten's tail would cause the arms to move up and down in a scratching motion. Mice — Three mice two of which were magnetized, grey or white in the version, black-and-white with patches in the version. A terrarium with a landscape insert, a lid that could be flipped over to become a maze, magnetized cheese, a water bottle and a food dish. Turtles — Two turtles with a terrarium green with blue shells in 92, yellow with purple and pink shells in 93 , a water dispenser, a landscape with a palm tree, and a food dish. One turtle pulls head when moved and the other turtle walks when pushed along a flat surface. Playful Puppies — Two dogs a white fluffy dog, a brown and white mutt; a grey-white splotched fluffy dog and a pure brown mutt in the version. It contained a large basket, a newspaper, a dog bone, a fire hydrant, and a food dish. Fluffy dog wags tail when head is pushed forward and mutt has a magnet, so it chases bone. It came with a doghouse with a fenced-in green grass base, a food dish, with mailbox, and a magnetized newspaper. Pressing the poodle's tail would make her scratch her ear, pressing the collie's tail would make him shake his paw and the spaniel's bobble-head was magnetized to play tug of war with the paper and bone version had beige poodle, tricolor collie and brown and white spaniel. Gerbils — Four gerbils, containing two yellow transparent plastic enclosures, connecting pipes, an exercise wheel, a food dish, a water dispenser, and a magnetic wand to move the gerbils through pipes version had clear plastic enclosures. Fish — A tank with colorful floating fish and seahorse, with temperature, aqua coral, brown treasure chest with opening lid and yellow treasure inside and shell hand-pump attached to aquarium with transparent tube. When the tank is filled with water and the hand-pump is pressed, bubbles come out of the treasure chest version had goldfish. Monkeys — A trio of monkeys, one scratching, one crouching and one standing, with a tree, two platforms, a tire-swing, a food and water bowl, and two bunches of bananas. When the scratching monkey's head is pressed it scratches stomach, crouching monkey is magnetized, so it chases bananas and standing monkey can cling to the tree branches and tire-swing version had tan monkeys. Mommy and Babies[ edit ] Each set came with 5 babies and a mother. Two of the babies had magnets inside and would suckle the mother and play with toys. Each set seems to have used multiple variations in colour. Mommy and Baby Puppies — Sheepdog mother and pups, with a bed, newspaper, food and water bowl, bone and fire hydrant. Mommy and Baby Kitties — Grey-or-white mother, kittens come in yellow, grey and white, with a platform with litter box, scratching post, food and water bowl, basket, and yarn. Mommy and Baby Bunnies — White or brown mother, brown, white and grey babies, containing a cardboard vegetable garden, grassy terrain with a hole, a basket, a bunch of carrots, lettuce, and a food and water bowl. Playsets[ edit ] Pet Shop — It came with a variety of accessories and two caged lovebirds that would kiss when lever moved the version is aqua, while the version is coral. Care Center — A veterinarian play set with a dog, a kitten, and numerous veterinarian pieces. It came with a white bed with an adjustable pillow angle, a aqua weighing table with a removable meter and two drawers , a magenta x-ray machine with a blue "scanner" which was a handle that turns the battery 'on' and 'off' , a white cast for the dog's arm, yellow tweezers, an aqua tray, a white-and-aqua syringe, white scissors, a square aqua canister, a yellow thermometer, a round yellow canister, an aqua bottle, an aqua blanket, x-rays one for the cat, two for the dog that are illuminated by an x-ray machine, a check-up list, and 5 Band-Aid stickers cut out. When the kitten is placed in warm water, the fleas disappear. The dog's arm is moveable, and the cast can be put on it. Kennel Playcase — A re-purposed pet shop play set, this set uses the same overall mold, but comes with different accessories and a differently shaped counter. Beethoven's 2nd[ edit ] Based upon the movie series , there was a number of playsets featuring the infamous Saint Bernard dogs with Beethoven and Missy with Tchaikovsky, Chubby, Dolly and Mo. Tug 'n Play Beethoven — Beethoven with wagon and turkey leg. Beethoven is magnetized, so he plays with the turkey leg. Nuzzletime Nursery — Missy, Tchaikovsky, Chubby, Dolly and Mo, with a piano, crib, slipper and overflowing extended food dish. Chubby and Mo have magnets and play with slipper and nurse from Missy. Puppy Pool — Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Chubby, Dolly and Mo, with a yellow pool with a fish that squirts water, snorkel, starfish, two towels, dog shampoo, brush and inner tube. Beethoven squirts water when squeezed, Tchaikovsky shakes head when moved, Mo floats in inner tube and Chubby moves paws to splash when tail is pushed. Backyard Kennel — Beethoven and Mo, with a doghouse kennel, skateboard, frisbee with bite-mark, double food dish and green leash and collar. Beethoven wags tail when moved and pulls Mo on the skateboard and Mo can fit the leash in his mouth and can be pulled on the skateboard by Beethoven and can also fit the frisbee. Poodle shakes head when tail is pressed, Golden Retriever's mud spots disappear when in hot water and Pug squirts water when squeezed. Beagle lifts ear off its eye when tail is pressed, Shih Tzu wags tail when pushed forward and husky chases bone. Splashtime Pets[ edit ] Swimming Ducklings — A mother duck with two ducklings, all magnetized, a bowl of food, and a pond. The ducks could be made to move in the pond by a magnetized wand. Deepsea Divers — A small tank with two separated sides that both have coral, one side is blue and the other is red with yellow coral. Hot water is supposed to go in the red side and cold water on the blue side to make the seahorse turn colors. There is an octopus that squirts water, a snail that moves with the magnet wand, a seahorse that sticks to the coral, a magnet wand and a box of fish food. Jump 'n Splash Frogs — Three frogs on lily pads, a tank with a catapult, a jar of frog food, and a frog jumping contest mat. Chatter Pets[ edit ] Chirpy Tree Friends — A skunk, a raccoon, a squirrel, a tree, grass with butterflies, and a hanging food dish. Skunk has a sweet scent, squirrel has a posable tail, perches on food dish and squeaks by pressing the squeak button on tree base and raccoon bats paws when tail is pressed on. Chirpy Birds — Four birds yellow cockatoo, two pink cockatoos, and lavender cockatoo with a clear aviary with swing hanging from top and feeder. Mother cockatoo has a magnet so she "feeds" the baby, yellow cockatoo balances on swing and lavender cockatoo perches on feeder. There was also a button on the top of the aviary that would chirp when pressed. Purry Kittens — Three cats calico cat, yellow cat, and gray cat , mouse and a kitty condo, dish of spilled milk, and a box that squeaked. Calico cat chases mouse, yellow cat chases tail when spun around and gray cat climbs up condo. My Real Pets[ edit ] Playful Persian — Persian cat with a tunnel bed, purple food dish with food, aqua brush, pink yarn ball and gold trophy. Persian plays with yarn ball. Sleek Siamese — Siamese cat with a litter box, scratching post, bucket of spilled milk, pink lavender yarn ball and silver and blue trophy. Siamese chases tail when spun around. Clever Collie — Collie with a plaid cushion, glittery leash and collar, newspaper, pink food dish and green or aqua trophy. Collie shakes paw when tail is pressed. Poodle scratches ear when tail is pressed. Lively Shih Tzu — Shih Tzu with a bright pink basket with yellow cushion, glittery aqua leash and collar, gold fire hydrant, round food dish with food spilling and magenta trophy. When Shih Tzu is pushed forward, tail wags. German Shepherd has a magnet, so it chases the bone. Littlest Pet Shop Zoo — [ edit ] Keep Me Safe Pets Jungle Bunch — An elephant, a panda, a leopard, and a parrot, with a zoo enclosure, a bowl of food, a coconut, and a branch of brown bamboo. The elephant squirts water out of its trunk when squeezed. The panda holds bamboo and raises it toward its head to "eat" when said head is pushed. The leopard bats the coconut when its head is pushed and the parrot flaps its wings when its head is pressed. Polar Pets — A polar bear, two penguins, and a seal, with an ice cave, a bucket of fish, and a fishing rod — the polar bear has a magnet in its head, and chases fish. Penguins have ball bearings on the bottom allowing them to "slide" down the iceberg and the seal flaps its flippers when the snowball on its nose is turned. Nursery Pets Baby Tiger — A baby tiger and a baby cockatoo, with a zoo enclosure, a food bowl, and a ball-on-string. The tiger shares a mold and gimmick with the Jungle Bunch leopard. Baby Chimp — A baby chimp, with a zoo enclosure with a hammock, a baby's bottle, nappies, a doll, a blanket and a bunch of bananas — the chimp wets itself. Baby Zebra — A baby zebra and a baby mouse, with a zoo enclosure, a brush, and a bale of hay — the zebra has a gear hidden in its mane, which when turned caused one hoof to kick. Comes with lavender fence pieces that attach together, bucket of hay, bale of hay, blue brush and comb, pink saddle blanket and brown saddle. Black Arabian can be posed on its hind legs and gray Arabian bobs tail when head is petted. Shy Shetlands — Shetland ponies, a mother and baby. Comes with four pale pink fence pieces that attach to each other, bucket of hay, bale of hay, brush, comb, bottle, and two saddle blankets. Mother and baby have magnets in their heads so they nuzzle each other. Indian Ponies — Two ponies, one palomino, one appaloosa. Comes with an apple, bale of hay, purple brush and comb, western saddle and red saddle blanket. Palomino has a magnet in its head so it eats the apple and appaloosa moves front leg when gear in mane is pressed. Wilderness Pets Baby Bobcat — A baby bobcat, a cave, a food bowl, and a toy mouse on a pink string — Same as pet shop standing kitties, the bobcat has a magnet in the head and will follow the mouse. Desert Parakeet — A parakeet, a purple bowl of grey food, desert terrain in enclosure with a blue lid — the parakeet flaps its wings. Fearless Falcon — A tan falcon, with the same accessories as the Desert Parakeet — like the parakeet, the falcon flaps its wings when head is pushed. Honey Bear — A bear, a cave, an orange bowl of purple food, and a mug of honey that the bear can hold — like the panda, the bear raises the honey mug to "eat". Playful Sea Lion — A sea lion with a starfish on its nose, with an ocean platform with an island and a palm tree and bucket of fish. When the starfish is turned, the sea lion 'claps'. Keep Me Safe Pets 94 release Lion Family — Father lion, mother lion, cub and macaw, with a cave and tree, yellow and magenta foliage, yellow fruit that hangs from tree and steak. Cub nuzzles mother and perches on tree, father lion opens mouth when tail is pressed and macaw perches on cave or tree. Play With Me Pets Mommy Hen — A hen with chicks in eggs with removable eggshell tops in her nest, that chirp when pressed. Baby Calf — A cow calf with red corral, bale of hay and bell. Its tail swishes when the head is petted. Baby Lamb — A lamb with yellow corral, feeder, removable woolly coat and flower wreath. Its woolly coat comes off and one part of the corral can be used a jumping fence. Zoo Playset Playset — A beige carrying case, that folds open with two internal trees, two bright green leaf canopies; one fits on top of each tree trunk, a purple chest, accessories in yellow, aqua, or bright pink: two sacks, a small bale of hay, a bag of peanuts, a bucket of fruit, a bamboo stick, a bunch of bananas, and two fish. Sparkling Ponies [ edit ] Pinto Pony — A black and white pinto pony, comes with light peach fence piece, blue star-shaped hair decoration, aqua saddle blanket, silver bucket of hay and pink brush. Rears up on its hind legs. Crystal Pony — A lavender pony, comes with green fence piece, blue hair decoration, blue and pink saddle blanket, silver bucket of green hay and pink comb. It has a gear hidden in its mane, which when turned its front leg moves. Sky Blaze Pony — An orange pony, comes with blue fence piece, glittery star-shaped hair decoration, purple saddle with silver trim, silver bucket of green hay and red apple. It is magnetized, so it reaches the apple. Mystic Pony — A black pony, comes with yellow fence piece, magenta hair decoration, white saddle, silver bucket of teal hay and teal brush. When head is petted, tail bobs. Lil' Saddle Filly — A baby black pony, comes with stall on green grassy base, pink hair decoration, saddle, with pink trim, purple brush and mint green bottle. Baby pony kicks front leg when back leg is pushed. Lil' Wash 'n Pretty Filly — A baby yellow pony, comes with corral on green grassy base, teal hair decoration, teal saddle blanket with pink trim, pink sponge brush, teal bottle, and teal bucket. Can be used with any soap and pony bobs when head is pushed. Lil' Brush 'n Grow Filly — A baby pink pony, comes with pink corral on green grassy base, yellow blanket with pink trim, fancy purple brush, fancy light blue bottle, two bright pink ribbons, and pink hair decoration. Hair grows. Lil' Magic Drinkin' Filly — A baby gray and pink pony, comes with blue house on yellow base, pink, teal and yellow blanket, fancy light blue brush, fancy light blue bottle, bottle with pink top with teal bow and purple bow. When head is lifted, milk disappears. When ponies are petted, their heads bob. Champion Ponies — One gray pony and one peach pony, comes with two jumping hurdles and other accessories. Peach pony can be posed on its hind legs and gray pony has a gear hidden in its mane, which when turned caused one hoof to kick. Sweetheart Ponies — One gray pony and one white pony with accessories. Ponies nuzzle. Royal Carriage Ponies — One black pony, one brown pony and a terrier, with a carriage, harness, saddle and accessories. Black pony bows when pressed, brown pony pulls carriage when harness is attached and terrier rides in carriage. Ice Palace Ponies — One gray pony, white pony and cardinal, with an ice castle and accessories. White pony kicks front hooves when tail is pressed down. Sparkling Pets [ edit ] Fluffy Persian Kitty — A persian cat that comes with a bed, a gold food dish and glittery pink brush and comb. Flips tail when head is turned. Royal Bombay — A bombay cat that comes with a throne, a gold tray, a food cup with food, and silver crown with red jewel. Licks lips when tail is moved. Proud Crested Cockatiel — A cockatiel that comes with a gold cage, pink food container and lavender perch. Raises crest when tail is pushed. Silly Yorkie — A Yorkshire Terrier that comes with a bed with green cushion, purple detachable mirror and glittery pink brush, comb and hair bow. Hair and tail can be pulled to be longer or shorter. Needin' Feedin' Puppies — A poodle and brown puppy that comes with green bed, box of food and treat dispenser. When the puppies are pushed against the treat center, the food drops down. Hungry Kitties — A white cat and yellow cat that comes with blue cushion, butterfly toy stand and pink food and water dish. When the cats are pressed against the food dish, the food disappears and lever can be pulled to reappear. Suppertime Guppies — A purple and blue fish, yellow and orange fish and orange and pink fish. Comes with fishbowl with yellow castle and box of fish food. Purple and blue fish is magnetic, so it goes for the fish food. Thirsty Guinea Pigs — A gray guinea pig and brown and white guinea pig. Comes with glittery terrarium with removable peach lid, water dispenser with gold hook that latches onto cage, glittery refill water bottle and carrots. When the guinea pigs are pressed against the water dispenser, the water level lowers. McDonald's Happy Meal — It included fantasy creatures, such as a unicorn and a dragon. Star Styles Pet Salon — Dog and mouse. Comes with salon and accessories. When the dog is placed on the runway and the magnetic wand is moved underneath the runway, the dog "walks". It also includes O. Pete and Penny are magnetized, so they attach to "kiss". Baby Shamu with Seashell Cradle — Baby Shamu and starfish, with sandy platform with blue wave, seashell cradle and bucket of fish. Baby Shamu flips tail when fin is pushed. Sir Winston Walrus bobs head when pushed forward. Dolly Dolphin on Her Dancing Wave — Dolly Dolphin and snail, with blue wave on top of pink platform with a pink handle and peg and carton of fish. Dolly Dolphin twirls when placed on the peg and pink handle is moved from left to right and squirts water when squeezed. The Shamu Family Playset — Mama Shamu, Papa Shamu, Baby Shamu and squid, with rocky base with flat transparent top, pool with diving wheel in back base with a light up base, transparent blue wave-slide and carton of fish. Mama Shamu squirts water when squeezed, Papa Shamu opens mouth when dorsal fin is pushed and Baby Shamu and family can be attached to the spinning wheel to "dive" into the water. Pets on the Move! Black and white rabbit's tail twitches when carrot is rubbed on its tummy, brown rabbit hops when back is pressed and white rabbit slides through tunnel and is pulled up on a platform when the attached carrot in the garden is pulled up. Garden Tag Pets — Sheepdog, cat and blue bird. Sheepdog chases cat and blue bird flies around on the birdbath, perches on top of birdbath and perches inside nest. Ride'n Slide Hamsters — Four hamsters two brown and two gray. The brown hamsters can slide on the teeter-totter and ride on merry-go-round while the gray hamsters run in the ball, slide on the teeter-totter and ride the merry-go-round. Pup 'n Kitty Clubs[ edit ] Clubhouse Kitties — A white cat, yellow and white cat, gray cat and two kittens. White cat climbs up a tree, yellow and white cat rides on skateboard, gray cat scratches when tail is pushed and kitten chases yarn. Fearless Friends Puppy Club — St. Bernard, Dalmatian, German Shepherd, white puppy and black and white puppy. Comes with blue awards stage, pink doghouse with purple roof, bone, red fire hydrant, plastic blue-ribbon collar, gold medal on string and purple raincoat with pockets and medical symbol which fits St. Bernard wags tail when pushed along ground, German Shepherd chases tail, Dalmatian raises one ear when tail is pressed on and white puppy chases bone. Dressed 'n Ready Pets[ edit ] Kitty Goes Camping — A cat with fuzzy bright pink teepee with teal, black, and pink geometric patterns on outside, dark blue dish of spilled milk, blue fish on purple fishing pole and pink bandana. Chases after fish. Tutu Fun Kitty — A gray and white cat with green grassy base, beige gazebo with roses attaches to base , glittery pink tutu, gold crown with red jewel and transparent red cup of gold food. Cat bows head when tail is pressed on. The mud on the puppy's feet disappears in warm water. Sweet Sleepy Puppy — A fuzzy puppy with pink bone-shaped sleeping bag, blanket, teal doll, lavender bottle, pink bucket and two newspapers. Puppy wets itself. Take Care Pup — Brown and white dog with teal bed and adjustable pillow with silver frame, white syringe with blue pusher, blue thermometer, transparent bottle with pink top and light pink pull-over hospital gown with pawprints. Liquid in the bottle disappears when flipped over. Country Fun Pets [ edit ] Mini Surprise Pets — These toys consist of carriers with a wheel that moves the pets when it is turned. Country Garden Nursery — Mother dog, puppy, mother rabbit, baby rabbit, and mother cat and kitten with floral scent. Comes with a swing, washtub, bucket and ball. When the mother dog's head is locked in the upright position and her tail is pushed forward, her head pops downward and nudges the yellow ball along a path toward the puppy, mother rabbit pushes baby rabbit on the swing and mother cat squirts water onto kitten through her paw when the washtub is filled with water poured from the bucket into the rain gutter and hole in gutter lets water drip into washtub. Perky Playful Bunnies — Yellow mother rabbit, pink, blue and purple babies. Comes with a flower garden and carrots. Mother rabbit is magnetized, so she cuddles the pink baby rabbit. When either of the puppies is placed in the mother dog's belly and her tail is pushed, the puppy pops out and the father dog plays tug of war with puppies. Comes with pink house and multiple accessories. When either of the kittens placed in the small lower compartment of the birthing cozy and the mother cat is pushed along a lever inside the cozy, the kitten pops out and the father cat's back legs move when he is pushed along the ground; he can carry the yellow kitten by placing the kitten's scruff in his mouth. Mommy Deer with Frisky Fawn — Mother deer, fawn and pink butterfly. Comes with grassy nest platform. When the mother deer's back leg is moved, she bobs her head to "nuzzle" her fawn, when fawn's tail is moved, it "nuzzles" its mother, and butterfly is magnetized so it attaches to the mother deer. Mommy Fox with Playful Pups — Mother fox, two baby foxes; one standing and one lying down and yellow glow-in-the-dark firefly. Comes with hollow log and accessories. When the mother fox's front leg is pressed backward, her head bobs and she "licks" her baby, standing baby fox's ears move when tail is moved, lying baby fox slides down and firefly is magnetized, so it attaches to the mother fox's tail. Mommy Swan with Snuggling Babies — Mother swan, two babies and dragonfly. Comes with blue pond platform and various accessories. The mother swan moves wings when head is pressed, the dragonfly is magnetized so it attaches to the mother swan's wing and when the magnetic wand is placed underneath the pond platform, the mother swan "swims". Country Home Carry Case Playset — A house carrying case, with two basket beds, two bones, two leashes, two collars, double food dish, double scratching post, and wheel barrow. Comes with pink chest, magenta crown and orange shell mirror. Mermaid rabbit blows a kiss. Swingin' Star Sea Monkey — Mermaid monkey and crab. Comes with transparent green star-shaped case, bunch of bananas with seaweed, pink shovel with yellow seashell-shaped handle and aqua coral. When coral is hanged from the top of the case; the mermaid monkey swings on it. Ocean Goin' Guppy Puppy — Mermaid puppy and fish. Comes with boat, life preserver and wooden box. Mermaid puppy nods when its tail is pressed. Mommy Mer Catfish — Mermaid cat and mermaid kitten. Comes with transparent magenta shell case, pink or white shell cradle with attached teal blanket inside and white or pink shell bottle. Mermaid cat and mermaid kitten hug. Splash 'n Play Cat and Puppy — Mermaid cat, mermaid puppy, hermit crab and lobster. When knob is turned on the back, the wheel spins and when the switch is pushed, the lobster comes out. Prance 'n Play Seahorses — Teal mermaid pony, white mermaid pony and clam. When knob is turned on the back, the wheel spins. Comes with brush, food dish and garden base with elevated pond and other features. Brown cat waves tail when head is pressed down, gray and white cat chases flowers and turtle slides down tunnel underneath pond. Twinkling Sledding Party — White husky, gray husky, brown husky and rabbit. Comes with sled, comb, food dish, igloo, pond and snow-covered ground. The set has several battery-operated lights. White husky pulls sled, gray husky spins around, brown husky chases snowflakes and rabbit rides in sled and slides down on the igloo. Dazzling Hair Pets [ edit ] Plush Dazzling Hair Pets — These plushes include a pink unicorn, pink cat, white dog, and white leopard that come with a brush. Tickled Pink Kitty — Magenta cat, comes with yellow lock of curly hair, aqua crown with pink jewel, fancy aqua comb, three blue plastic bows, purple plastic cushion with yellow tassels, mirror in yellow frame. Hair lock can be attached. The tail can be styled. Stickers can be stuck to its hair and can be styled. Fancy Curls Carousel — Bright yellow lion, comes with carousel with grassy base, pink carousel base with canopy, blue pole in center of carousel, blue pole-top, four purple seats hanging down on green rods from canopy, four purple fence pieces that attach to grassy base with four seats, purple combs, two with glittery heart stickers that can be attached to canopy, two circular purple hair decorations with hearts on them that can be attached to canopy, and two tiara-shaped purple hair decorations that can be attached to canopy. When blue knob on top of the carousel's canopy is twirled, the carousel spins around. Primpin' Guinea Pig Pals — Teal guinea pig and lavender guinea pig, comes with terrarium with green terrain inside, pink lid, gold hanging water dispenser with blue disappearing water, yellow comb and bunch of carrots. When the guinea pigs drink the water, it disappears. Fluffy Lil' Puppies — Yellow puppy and poodle, comes with purple basket with molded aqua cushion, pink bow that attaches to basket, fancy blue brush, and treat center. Silky Lil' Kitties — Purple cat and pink cat, comes with plastic aqua bed with yellow trim, mirror in yellow frame that attaches to bed, blue brush and magenta food and water dish. When the cats are pressed against the food dish, the food disappears. Royal Palace Ponies — Yellow pony, pink pony, pink dog and magenta bird, comes with a transparent glittery blue castle, front white carriage with purple canopy and wheels, two blue, iridescent, snowflake-shaped hair decorations one with rounded edges, one with sharp edges , iridescent white saddle blanket, aqua saddle, aqua harness with gold trim that attaches to carriage and fancy lime green brush. The yellow pony can pull the carriage when harness is attached and pink pony bows when pressed. Magic Waterfall Pets — Yellow deer, mermaid cat and fish, comes with a waterfall with pool on top and hidden room behind, fancy aqua comb, dark pink hair plug with pale pink curly hair, aqua hair plug with wavy magenta hair, magenta hair plug with curly green hair, along with pink and orange jewels with velcro on the back which changes color in warm water. The deer and mermaid cat's hair can be replaced and fish squirts water. Curly Tail Trio — Pink cat and two butterflies, comes with hair curler, comb and pearlized brown tree on green grassy base is that a panel of leaves folds down to reveal a room and a mirror in the trunk is revealed by turning a section of the bark. Cat and butterflies' hair can be curled. Puppy Dress-Up Palace — Orange dog and lavender puppy, comes with magenta palace with yellow top and bottom; two fold-out doors, fancy bright green comb, bright green barrette and gold cape. Lavender puppy's tail grows and shortens when crown is turned. Kenner Parker Toys was acquired by Tonka in .Under Tonka management, Kenner Products was reconstituted as a division. Tonka including Kenner was purchased by Hasbro in mid.Hasbro closed the Cincinnati offices of Kenner in , and Kenner's product lines were merged into Hasbro's. This incarnation is also known by collectors as "Generation 2", and is considered to be divided into three parts. Stuffed versions of Littlest Pet Shop toys [ edit ] The Littlest Pet Shop toy line had molds that looked more unrealistic compared to the s incarnation of the franchise, and had realistic colors that blended in. They had bobble-heads and they came with a round pink or blue magnet with a pawprint on it, this is located on the bottom of their feet — versions. Some pets were fuzzy. Later ones had a smaller blue magnet with no pawprint which didn't have a specified location on the bottom. This series of sets were released as single packages, in pairs, in packs of twenty, and with playsets. These pets have symbols in their eyes, such as a snowflake chilliest , a diamond fanciest , a cookie with a bite hungriest , a raindrop sportiest , a flower cuddliest , heart friendliest , mud splotch messiest , clover funniest , star sassiest and a wind symbol on some Comic Con-exclusive pets, although there were also glossy-eyed pets with no eye symbols. They also came in a more wide variety of colors, rather than just realistic colors. From onwards, the pets didn't have a magnet, but a circle with a shape of a hexagon inside the hole except for birds with a rectangular slot for them to perch on playsets. A C marking also showed up except for birds. The most recent releases did not have the eye symbols, and had a redesign of the LPS logo. This era of the toyline also introduced video games developed by Electronic Arts and licensed by Nintendo , one game for the Wii and four versions for the Nintendo DS : Garden, Jungle, Winter, and Spring. Some releases for the DS came with exclusive pets. This era also introduced collector stickers found in packs, and an even more variety of gimmicks, such as the Walkables, battery-powered figurines which can move at the push of a button, and the Blythe Loves Littlest Pet Shop line, which introduces Blythe as a smaller-scale doll which comes with a pet as part of a themed pack. Even more licensed Nintendo games were released in this era. Some of these releases also came with exclusive pets. Generation 3[ edit ] The line was revamped to coincide with the release of the TV series. The style and design of the toy pets was changed significantly, which garnered significant backlash from fans and collectors of the toys. Later on, they added the Sweetest Pets series pets themed after sweets , Rolleroos pet friends that are shaped like small balls , pets that came with Blythe , and the Fairies series. The pets now had different molds and a new eye style. Hasbro received many complaints about the G3 line. This iteration also introduced mobile games for the toyline, including one developed by Gameloft in , which included the use of tokens which came in purchased packs of the pets and scanned to win prizes, and another, Littlest Pet Shop: Your World, which included the use of "zap codes", codes similar to QR codes which are found in the pets themselves. Generation 4[ edit ] These pets have molds that more closely resemble the style of the TV series and were given names. Hasbro released the Pets Pawsabilities collection during this time, and in , the Pets in the City collection, which more closely resembles the pets released in G2. Due to popular demand and fan outcry over the G3 line, Hasbro brought the bobble-head pets back, which included pets from the TV show and used the same molds as the pets from the G1 and G2 lines. But it was also short-lived, as the bobble-head style was retired in mid.Generation 5[ edit ] The Littlest Pet Shop toys were revamped in , with new molds and rounded eyes similar to the second generation pets. Some of the toys released under this line include the Black and White Pop collection and the Rainbow collection. The pets in this line come in three sizes: teensie, mini, and classic the largest of the three.

A well-trained poodle is better prepared to live in the admittedly unnatural urban environments we humans have long adjusted to. Training helps with anxiety, sociability, and general adaptability. That said, there are a few basic training tips that we can cover before running through our poodle training timeline. Then, you take your dog to the park. They rely on the context. A Tan Poodle sitting on an outdoor lounge. Poodle pups, like all puppies, have really short attention spans. Poodle Puppy Training At Home First 30 Days Poodle puppies in the first thirty days of their lives are not even technically puppies yet. We call them neonates as they are still quite underdeveloped puppies are born blind, for example. It is very unlikely that anyone reading this article will be in possession of neonates, as neonates must be around their mother for breastfeeding and socialization with the litter. Generally, puppies are given around eight weeks to their new owners, but there is a lot of things the breeder can do to prepare the neonates for their future lives. The breeder can, among other things , begin socializing the dog by exposing it to more than people, begin chew toy training, potty train, and teach basic commands like sit, down, and roll over. The above is, however, quite rare, which means all these things typically must be done by the new owner when he or she adopts the dog. Bring as many friends and strangers as you can to your house. Have them come in and give your dog a treat for sitting or lying down. Let them pet the dog and touch its ears gently. When training, be sure to train your puppy with the leash on. Puppies, at this point, should be meeting as many others as it possibly can. It should have contact with many, many different human beings from all walks of life. The puppy should be exposed to people in hats, men with mustaches, old men, and children. They all should interact with the dog, so it can begin to understand that humans, small and large, represent no threat to your poodle puppy. This is also the time in which you should be training your dog in bite inhibition. Bite inhibition is incredibly important and not to be overlooked. If a puppy is not trained how to bite, it can cause serious damage when it is an adult dog. Training your dog to chew on chew toys , for example, is a good way to train bite inhibition. Also, puppies will naturally want to nibble on your hand. Between eight weeks and three months, this is completely acceptable behavior. Your efforts in this now will allow your puppy to understand the strength of its own bite. Poodle Puppy Kindergarten Three Months To Six Months Between three months and six months, your poodle puppy should be going out into the great wide world! Extensive leash training is necessary in this stage. You want to get your poodle pup accustomed to the sights and sounds of the outside world. In particular, begin to notice what kinds of stimuli make your dog nervous. People on bicycles? Men with suspenders? Whatever these stimuli are, begin to classically condition your dog to like these things. Whenever one of these stimuli comes close to your dog, give it a treat or some praise. It will begin to associate the positive feelings of eating with the people on bikes or the cars, and its nervousness will be conditioned away. Never mind: this is natural. Simply double down with the training. Juvenility, with all its awkwardness and difficulties, is as real for poodle puppies as it is for humans. Male dogs, especially, will begin picking fights at the dog park. Training, meanwhile, will continue to regress. In this critical period, socialization remains as important as ever. Take your dog to the dog park weekly and continue leash training as well as house training. You can begin to experiment with some fun things, too, like agility training. Sweet Adulthood At a certain point after poodle high school, your poodle puppy grows up. Your poodle may calm down considerably at this stage and begin to feel more self-confident and self-contained, but you need to redouble training efforts. There is no day off for training, even in adulthood. Continue to reward good habits and address behavioral issues before they can creep into the status of habit. 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. A resounding yes! Poodles ARE easy to train. Whether they are of the standard, miniature, or toy variety, Poodles are one of the most trainable dog breeds with their keen intelligence and eagerness to please their masters. Almost any dog owner will be able to train an average Poodle to a very high standard. The American Kennel Club gives the Poodle breed their highest marks on trainability. With equally high marks in mental stimulation needs, your poodle will enjoy working for your approval. While no dog is perfect, Poodles are highly trainable. They come close! As dogs originally bred for hunting, Poodles are meant to work and are happier with tasks to perform. Training gives purpose to their roles as furry companions with opportunities to please their masters, something that they naturally strive to do. As such, they are very receptive to learning new tasks and behaviors. With their above-average intelligence, Poodles enjoy the mental stimulation the training process provides. They are smart enough to understand what you are trying to guide them to do, which makes training easier for both master and dog. Provide positive reinforcement, and your Poodle will be more than cooperative with your training efforts! Benefits of Training Your Poodle A guilty looking two color Poodle Properly training your Poodle ensures you get the behavior you expect from your pet so that you and your Poodle are happy living together. Remember, your Poodle is eager to please you, so you are fulfilling a need for your dog while making pet ownership a positive experience for all involved. Training also helps keep your Poodle focused on more desirable and constructive activities. Without proper stimulation, your Poodle may find her own entertainment, which may not be to your liking! Being a high-energy breed means your Poodle needs a good deal of exercise. Teaching your Poodle games such as fetch and other athletic feats can fill the need for physical activity while instilling discipline and providing an opportunity for following commands and practicing recall. A Miniature gray Poodle enjoying the outdoors. Generally speaking, after 2 solid weeks of intense Poodle housetraining , most Poodles begin to get the idea that they need to do their business outdoors. That being said, full house training for puppies may take from months. The number of accidents and time frame for completing training varies from dog to dog regardless of breed, but Poodles are smart cookies and catch on to the routine more quickly than average. There are several methods to housetrain a dog, and Poodles are no exception. Whatever method you decide to use, consistency and positive reinforcement are key. Your Poodle needs regular repetition to learn what is expected of her and help her develop the ability to control her bodily functions. A chocolate Toy Poodle eating from a ceramic bowl Your Poodle is highly capable of learning obedience commands that help her be social with humans and other dogs. Basic commands are easy to teach your Poodle with positive reinforcement and repetition. Some beginning commands for your Poodle to master are sit, stay, come, down, and stand. After your Poodle has mastered a few basics, you can continue adding additional commands you wish her to learn. See our timeline for Poodle training. Know at which age you should be teaching certain tricks and behavior. They can be frightened of waves though. Compare the Poodle vs Cockapoo in our guide. While as a breed Poodles are highly rated in terms of trainability, in some cases you may encounter challenges while training your Poodle. Poodles love attention and are not afraid to bark or resort to other unwanted behavior to get it. As hard as it may be, there will be times when ignoring certain behaviors may be the path for eliminating them. Once the unwanted behavior stops, you can give your Poodle some desired attention and a treat. Poodles are also a high-energy breed. For this reason, it may sometimes be frustrating to get your Poodle calm enough to pay attention during training sessions. Making sure your Poodle gets sufficient exercise can help her focus on the task at hand. Training when your Poodle is in a calm state with minimal distractions will produce better results. Some Poodles love water from puppyhood! Do Your Research — There are many ways to train a dog. Compare methods for teaching specific behaviors to evaluate which method you are most comfortable with and feel you can stick to. Programs for intelligent and high-energy dogs will be best suited for your Poodle. Have a Plan — Keep in mind the behavior you are working on and be familiar with the steps for your chosen teaching method. Keep it Simple — Stick to one method or habit at a time. Be Consistent — Apply the training method you are using for a specific desired behavior consistently over time for best results. Dogs are also motivated by affection, playtime, and special toys. Be mentally prepared to work through those moments and keep your eye on the prize! Remain Calm — Training takes time and effort. Many behaviors need a great deal of repetition to become habits for your Poodle. Your patience and positive attitude will be rewarded! Proper care for the Poodle will involve many aspects that will all work in combination to maintain excellent health and promote learning and good behavioral habits. It is important to establish a foundation of proper care during the puppy stage that will carry over throughout the Poodle's life. We will discuss: The items that you should have to care for a Poodle puppy Details on the 5 most important tips for proper care - Feeding, house training, offering the right amount of exercise, grooming and how to offer a healthy environment. Toy Poodles and Mini's will be puppies for the 1st year; standards mature at a somewhat slower rate and are considered to be puppies until the age of 2 years old. During this time, much care is needed for both physical growth and mental development. Bringing your new Poodle home is not as simple as just picking up your new family member from the breeder. Good care involves planning ahead. It helps to have all needed items well in advance so that you can focus on the puppy without having to rush out for a needed supply items. One of the most important elements to be aware of is that no matter what the puppy has been fed since he or she began eating solid food, you should have the exact same brand on hand. Quickly switching foods can cause upset stomach and other issues…and in the case of a puppy it can be the cause of hypoglycemia. A slow change must be made. If you opt to go with a different brand or to home cook, have enough of the 'old' food on hand for several weeks, as well as the 'new' so that that you can make gradual changeover. A quality dog bed — A new puppy will feel stress going to even the best of new homes. This is why making sure that you have a nice, soft, comfortable dog bed is important. You should show your Poodle that this is the area in which he can rest, sleep or just get away from noise when things seem to overwhelming. If you will be leaving your puppy home alone during the day, it is best to have the bed placed in the area where he will be staying. A gated off section of a room or inside a canine playpen works well. The entrance to this can be left open when you are home with your puppy can of course, closed off when you are away. In this way, the puppy will become accustomed to the area. If you will be home with your puppy, place this in the corner of room that is frequently used but not chaotic. Dogs like to have their own quiet spot, but not feel isolated. Walking and ID accessories — Along with a retractable leash and a collar for ID purposes, it is highly recommended to have a harness for your puppy. Toy Poodles no matter what the age and all Mini and Standard puppies should have on a harness and not a collar when they are on a leash. When a leash is connected to a dog collar, this can create too much tension on the neck, which can cause collapsed trachea. The trachea windpipe is protected by rings of cartilage…when this happens, those rings collapse in, causing pain and breathing problems. These can be purchased at a pet supply store and come in many unique and interesting designs so that your Poodle always looks stylish. If you are not sure which harness would be best for your Poodle puppy, you may wish to look to both 'Accessories' and 'Clothing- Harness' in the Poodle Specialty Shoppe. A Car Safety Seat - Long ago cars did not even have seat belts for humans. But now, of course, we all know how many lives they save. The very same is true for dogs. Even if you are a conscientious driver, you cannot be in control of those who are driving near you. Be sure to secure your Poodle into a canine car safety seat. All it takes is 1 second of you having to quickly brake for your Poodle to go sliding off of the seat, completely unprotected. These are also great for dogs that are prone to car sickness. A raised booster seat will assist a puppy in being able to look out of the window which reduces motion sickness. However, choosing high quality toys that can stand up to continual chewing and hold a puppy's interest is better. Puppies are full of energy and filled with curiosity; having a good supply of toys at all times will be very helpful. Puppies that are in the teething phase will be experiencing discomfort and teething toys will help to sooth sore gums and offer a chewing outlet See also: Poodle teething Grooming Supplies - Poodle care certainly involves proper grooming. This includes nails, dewclaws, bathes, drying, wrapping, trimming, clipping and topknots. See also: Bathing a Poodle Clothes - Particularly for tiny toy Poodles, protection against the elements should be implemented as needed. During cold, icy winters the use of canine shoes or paw wax helps protect paw pads from ice melt chemicals and aids with traction. A sweater or cute vest can keep a small Poodle puppy from becoming chilled. During hot months, shoes help protect sensitive paws from hot surfaces. Bowls - Plastic bowls often contain heavy dyes that can cause staining on a Poodle's coat. In addition, tiny scratches that easily develop in plastic bowls can also harbor dangerous bacteria. It is best to use stainless steel or ceramic bowls for both food and water. Dishes should shallow so that a puppy can easily reach both food and water without bumping their heads or straining to reach. Toys and Mini's may like raised bowls. However, Standards - who are prone to bloat- should only eat and drink from bowls that are at floor level. Free feed until 3 months old leaving food out at all times and then give your puppy 3 meals per day plus healthy snacks. Please choose your food wisely; cheaper foods with fillers will not offer the proper nutrition needed to aid with the rapid growth that is associated with the puppy phase. You will find that if you reserve snacks and treats as rewards for training, housebreaking and command training will go smoother. Read more: Feeding a Poodle 2- Start house training right away, keeping in mind that it is your commitment to the process that will bring about success. Generally, housebreaking takes 2 to 3 months. If your Poodle puppy will be expected to use an outdoor area, do not focus too much on indoor training when the pup is home along, since it is difficult for puppies to learn 2 different methods. Do keep in mind that young puppies should not be over-exercised since it can interfere with growth plate development; however a daily 20 to 30 minute per walk is perfect. Walks allow a puppy to release pent up energy, it expands their view of the world and is a good staring point for socialization techniques and learning proper heeling. Poodles are generally very active dogs. Aside from a walk each day, this breed loves to run , jump and show off their agility capabilities. Playing catch, Frisbee or training your Poodle to jump through hoops will keep them in good health, both physically and mentally. See also: Poodle Exercise Requirements 4- Begin a routine of grooming and care. While many puppies will balk at the idea of being brushed or having teeth cleaned, doing these tasks on a regular basis allows a puppy to become accustomed to being touched and taken care of. Taking care of the teeth during the puppy stage is important since dental hygiene will affect the adult teeth that have not yet erupted. Read more: Poodle dental care 5- Limit stress, focus on fun. One of the most important elements of Poodle care is to offer a loving, safe environment. Puppies and dogs are sensitive to their owner's moods and the atmosphere of the house in general. Puppies can become easily stressed in noisy, chaotic homes. Puppies should be given a designated area to retreat and rest if feeling overwhelmed. Often, a gated off area that is secured when a pup is home alone, but the entrance is open when owners are home works best. Speak to your pup in a pleasant voice and remember that positive reinforcement for good behavior works much better than scolding for bad behavior. Take time to puppy proof the home, clearing the floors of any small items and stowing away shoes and other objects to higher ground. This should be done before bringing a puppy home but also on a regular basis. See also: What it means when a Poodle puppy shakes - If a Poodle is suddenly shivering, you'll want to look to these top reasons. Poodle Winter Care - Everything you need to know about caring for your Poodle during the wintertime. Other Articles: Apricot Poodles - This is a super popular coat color. Details and photos. Black Poodles - Another gorgeous color. Poodle tear stains - Putting to rest the old myths on what works. A list of the most effective at-home treatments to remove stubborn stains. Poodle hair tangles - Due to the nature of the curly coat, tangles are not uncommon yet should be removed as soon as possible with a method that does not affect hair growth. Are You a Member Yet? When you sign up to become a Member of the site, this allows you to receive a friendly notice when new pages of information have been added. Always something to help keep your Poodle happy and healthy. 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. How to train your Poodle February 10, Poodle puppies are cute, energetic, and eager to please. Their higher intelligence may make training a challenge. Here are a few tips to help you train your Poodle puppy. Poodles are smart, headstrong, and full of energy—I should know; I share my life with a now-senior Poodle and a five-month-old puppy. According to a study , The Intelligence of Dogs, Poodles are the second smartest dog breed. Poodle puppies are cute, energetic, and eager to please; however, due to their higher intelligence, they may get bored quickly. The Poodle puppy will pay attention to everything that is going on around her and will be learning—both good and bad—from what happens within the household. Poodle Training Tips Teach your puppy his name. This should be a no-brainer. Teaching his name is the first thing you should do. Teach your Poodle puppy to sit. Her bum will naturally go to the ground. Continue practicing this until she sits without needing the treat moved above her head. Tip: Many Poodle parents use a hand signal along with the verbal cue. Next, teach your Poodle puppy to stay. Then, teach your Poodle puppy to lie down. You will get her to sit, then holding a treat in your fingers, move your hand toward the ground and out in front of the puppy. She will naturally move forward and her belly will touch the ground. Housetraining your Poodle puppy. Housetraining a puppy is best done as early as possible. A dog or puppy can be housetrained, but the older your Poodle is, the longer it may take. To begin to housetrain a Poodle puppy, you need to have a set schedule for going outdoors. This way he can do his business regularly. Use positive reinforcement when housetraining your Poodle. When she successfully goes to the bathroom outdoors, reward her with a treat and praise. Having accidents in the house is part of having a puppy in the house. When housebreaking your Poodle puppy, keep these things in mind: Take him out regularly and frequently: when he wakes up, before his meals, and after his meals. For example, a five-month old puppy should be able to go five hours without having to do his business. We urge you to take your puppy our more frequently though. A puppy class can be a great first step in training your Poodle. These classes are ideal for basic training and for introducing your puppy to others and helping socialize him. Training a Poodle puppy, or any puppy, takes patience, kindness and positive reinforcement. It is also a way to build your bond with your puppy—so enjoy the time you spend together, and your puppy will happily learn to do as you ask. Robbi Hess, award-winning author, is multi-petual: She shares her home with two Devon Rex kittens, three adult rescue cats, a mini poodle, a Goldendoodle, three lizards and two ferrets. When not caring for her pets, she is an editor, speaker, time management and productivity guru, content creator, social media manager and blogger. Your Pet's Type.