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Black and White Boxer puppies There are quite a number of myths about the color of the black and white boxer puppies. The genetic combination of a black boxer puppy will play a huge role in determining its overall color. White boxer puppies lack melanin, the hormone responsible for the black pigmentation that ideally black boxer puppies ought to have. Mostly, white boxer puppies are associated with some deformities like deafness and are more prone to sunburns due to the lack of melanin. Black Boxer puppies Many dog lovers search for the pure black boxer puppy. It can be a bit hard to judge from photos of dogs that breeders claim to be pure black boxer puppies. Black boxer puppies have a very dark coat naturally that is also very thick. In the case of getting pure black boxer puppies, you need to look very carefully because the color can deceive your eyes. Never judge the color of the boxer in the first look. There are some black boxer puppies who are black in color and some just have a dark brindle. Image Source 3. Health of the black boxer dog Just like any other dog breed, the black boxer dog breed is also prone to some health issues. Some of the leading health issues that affect this breed is that they are likely to suffer from cancer, heart conditions like boxer cardiomyopathy, hyperthyroidism, hip dysplasia and even epilepsy. The main cause of death being stillbirth and infection. Remember, the original black boxer puppy was a hybrid of the English bulldog and the Bullenbeisser , which is now an extinct breed. The sole cause of infections among the current black boxer dog is as a result of inbreeding with other dog breeds. About .The lifespan of the black boxer dogs was therefore estimated to be an average of 10 years. Before you make your purchase from any breeder, make sure that you screen the black boxer dog to find out if he is likely to have any of these health conditions. This will greatly determine the lifespan of the black boxer puppy. Diet and nutrition of the black boxer dog The black boxer dog is a very energetic breed. This essentially means that you have to be very keen on the quality of dog food that you feed your furry friend. High quality wet dog food is recommended for the black boxer dog. Their diet should generally contain high amounts of calories because of their energy expenditure. You should mostly feed your black boxer dog meals which contain lean animal protein like lean chicken or fish which is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. You also need to be aware of the fact that black boxers may be vulnerable to dental issues hence have a high likelihood of developing bad breath. This is one of the reasons why you need to avoid dry dog food, especially cheap and low quality food. Always give your dog plenty of clean and fresh water to help maintain good oral hygiene and to keep him well hydrated. Weight and height of the black boxer dog The black boxer dog is generally a medium-sized dog. The male dog weighs approximately between kgs and the female counterpart too. The only difference between the male and female black boxer dogs is the height. The male can grow to a height of between cm and the female between cm. Image Source 7. The black boxer dog is quite a harmless one when it comes to family and has a very warm and social personality. However, this dog can be distrustful to strangers. The black boxer dog is the perfect family dog because of their patience and protective nature, especially around children. This dog breed is a very playful and energetic one hence a favorite of many children. Boxers can also be quite headstrong so you need to take them through thorough obedience training. Naturally, boxers are not an aggressive breed and they have natural guardian instincts too. Socialization The black boxer is a very friendly dog, which makes it easy for you to socialize your puppy. The dog gets along well with both humans and other animals. They generally love companionship and will immediately get along fine with strangers once their natural instinct assures them it is okay to do so. However, you need to know that black boxer dogs may not be very patient when it comes to larger adult dogs, especially those of the same sex. Boxers are generally patient with smaller dog breeds. In case you take your boxer out the dog park, one that is frequented by smaller dog breeds will be a good place to begin socialization. Recommended: Check the brain training for dogs program here 9. What is the price of a black boxer puppy? The price of the black boxer puppy is expected to be relatively higher than the price of other dog breeds. This is because of the fact that the black boxer is a rare breed and they are not very easy to get. Breeders who sell black boxer puppies sell them a bit expensive because this dog has a really beautiful black coat that is very thick and dark hence making him a very attractive breed. You need to be prepared to dig deep in your pockets to get one of these lavish black boxer puppies. Are black boxers rare? Getting a pure bred black boxer dog can prove to be quite difficult due to the extinction of one of the parent species, the Bullenbeiser. However, you can get black and white boxer puppies as well as crossbreeds of the black boxer dog. Real black boxers do not exist anymore. The gene that is responsible for the rich dark color is extinct and not available in the existing breeds. Never be misguided by some greedy breeders who claim to have the pure black boxer dog breed. Conclusion In conclusion, the black boxer dog was one of a kind. The current breeds are a crossbreed between the black boxer dog and another breed. This existing breed may have a fur coat that is a mixture of black and white, hence a black and white boxer dog or brown. The boxer is a great family dog and has a warm temperament too. The breed is also a friendly one hence very easy to socialize with both humans and other canines. Always give your boxer plenty of physical exercise because this dog is very energetic and needs the exercise to develop healthy and strong bones. Good nutrition is also very important to lower the risk of your boxer suffering from illnesses that can be avoided. Featured Image Credit: Source. There is a lot of talk about black Boxers dogs; some potential puppy buyers will actively seek out this colored puppy, but their searching is in vain. It may be hard to believe it when you see photos, but black boxers do not exist — the color gene responsible for black coat color does not exist within the breed. Brindle is a pattern of color, it is a striping effect. With most brindle Boxers, the dark stripes are clearly over a fawn background. However, with Boxer dogs that appear to have a black coat, this is due to super heavy reserve brindling. In fact, it can be so dark and so thick, that you cannot see any fawn beneath it. This gives the dog a very dark coat that does indeed appear to be black. Here, we'll go into the facts a bit more to talk about why black cannot exist with the breed and some myths are swirl about regarding this perceived coat color. Why Colors are Misinterpreted It is very easy to see a dog and immediately assume that he is a certain color, based on what your eyes are telling you. However, with some breeds, the Boxer included, you must take a second look. It is sometimes only when you realize how brindle can cause an effect of sorts, that makes a first impression of black, that it starts to make sense. In addition, some Boxers are given the term of black; however, in many cases, this is a shortened term that comes from longer 'black brindle'. The base color of all purebred Boxers is fawn. Brindles are actually fawn with a brindle marking. Those markings are made of a pattern for fur consisting of black striping which covers the fawn… Sometimes just a bit lightly brindled and sometimes a lot a heavily brindled dog. A black Boxer with white flash? Your eyes are playing tricks on you. This pup is super dark reverse brindle with white markings. Cassandra, 5 months old Photo couresty of Christopher Many wonder if perhaps there were black Boxers that were mostly bred out of the lines and that perhaps now and again a dog with a black coat shows up somewhere. However, if we look to the record keeping of the past century, we can see that this is not the case. In this year time period, a black Boxer appeared once, however there is a catch to this. In the Germany, in the late 's a Boxer was paired with a mixed dog that was part Bulldog and part Schnauzer. The resulting litter had puppies that had black coats. Since another breed was introduced into the bloodline, they were not purebreds. These dogs were not used for any further breeding and therefore did not have any influence on genetics going forward. Once in a while there will be a breeder that claims to have black Boxers and will point to this one incident long ago as evidence that black does indeed run in the bloodline. However, since those mixed dogs with black coats were never used for any sort of develop program this simply does not hold true. Another element that shows that this coloring does not exist in the Boxer line is the rule that the Munich Boxer Club created in .This group had stringent control over breeding and development of Boxers in Germany and set the guidelines for the standard, conformation and all elements regarding appearance including coloring. This group did not wish for any experimenting to be done that would introduce the color black and for this reason they made a clear rule that black Boxers would not be accepted. Some make the argument that programs may have ignored this ruling and still attempted to breed black Boxers. However it would have not been in their best interest to do so and additionally, any resulting dogs would have not been part of the Munich Boxer Club since they couldn't have been registered there. This means that any such hypothetical dogs could not have genetically been included in the Boxer's bloodline since they would have been barred from any programs that were developing and perfecting the breed. So, now that we know: This color does not exist in the line The only record of any black Boxer in the last century was a mixed dog and not a purebred Guidelines and strict rules of of the club in Munich that was the foundation of today's Boxers clearly excluded black Boxers.And it is also fair to say: The chance of there being some odd, rare gene mutation that brings black into the coat is extraordinarily rare; mathematically the odds are so low that this can be ruled out Black Boxer puppies cannot be born due to a hidden gene; this is because black is dominant over all other colors. It cannot be recessive, it always comes out over others Why are some people still adamant that this coloring exists? Diesel, at 2 years old Photo courtesy of Brittany Calvert This leads us to the conclusion of only two possibilities in this regard: A 'true' black Boxer simply cannot be a purebred. It is assumed that in this case, it would be done to sell the pups at a higher cost. Some elements to ponder.Their registration papers do not have that color code as an option. Therefore, even if someone verbally dubs a Boxer to have a black coat, the dog - if registered with a recognized club - would officially be another color; and that would most likely be brindle. Since the pup would be handed over to new owners with papers stating he was not black, how can they simultaneously claim to have black Boxer dogs? And this of course, is very unethical. In Summary Every being whether it is a mammal, like a dog, human, etc. These genes determine everything about the being, from skin color to the number legs to where the eyes are.Genes control coat color in dogs, too. In order for a dog to be black, that breed of dog must contain the gene for having a black coat. Boxer dogs do not have that gene. So, there cannot be any black Boxer dogs. It is genetically impossible. A Boxer that is black, or true black with brown points, for example, MUST be a mixed breed or a heavily brindled dog. Many people have made claims to owning black boxer dogs. In the boxer community, this can be a cause for argument, but the fact remains that it is genetically impossible for a boxer to be black in color. The color gene responsible for a dog being black does not exist within the breed. If you own a boxer that appears to be black in color, there are two possible explanations for this: Your boxer is not purebred It has been known to happen that somewhere down the line a boxer was bred with a mixed-breed dog and her puppies still have that boxer look. When breeds are mixed, certain genes can be inherited, like the gene that causes the black color. Your boxer is a very heavy brindle reverse brindle Brindle boxers are basically fawn colored with black stripes. In some dogs, the brindle is so dominant it gives the appearance of being black. It is the base color and is dominant in the majority of boxer dogs, as well as other dogs such as Great Danes and Pugs. Brindle Photo by Gunnshots Brindle boxers are basically fawn colored boxers with black stripes. These black stripes can vary in intensity, but they are never so thick that the dog is considered black in color. What About White Boxers? Although it is true that white boxer dogs are indeed a recognized group of boxers, they are technically not white in color. Sincerly on June 26, at am stephanie I have a very fine AKc black male boxer. He has no brindle in him at all. He makes most fawn boxers look like a mixed breed!! Two pure breed brindle sisters were breed with a pure breed brindle male. The pups were born a week apart. Grew up with boxers and this is the only breed I have ever had. In the sun you can see some brown stripping sometimes but only in the sun. In the house he looks totally black and white. Denny Still You seem to contradict yourself. How can something become extinct if it is genetically impossible to have been here in the first place? It is possible to have the black striping completly cover the fawn. You state that yourself. Jennifer The line of black Boxers that became extinct is the cross between the Schnauzer and the Bulldog. Of course in every country there are those who ignore the standard, and those who are careless about keeping other dogs from breeding their bitches. Black is a dominant color, so in order for a puppy to be black, a parent must be black. As well, you cannot get three coat colors from two brindle dogs — a dog can only carry two genes for coat color, and if a brindle produces a fawn you know it is carrying brindle and fawn. It is, however, entirely possible for a litter to have more than one sire. Sooty ground colour. Mingled colours. If the German breeding system is so superior to the US, how can they allow such a thing? Moneek As stated on Boxerworld. Technically speaking, there are only two colours — brindle and fawn. OR its a reverse, most boxers born do lighten up as they grow, so it may appear black as a pup and than change to show brindle patterns as they grow. It happens all the time. Thanks for reading, any questions please dont hessitate to ask. There are people in Oregon and vancouver WA breeding them. People from America started producing so called Boxers with pure black coats. These dogs are not purebred Boxers and breeders sucker in buyers and are charging them outrageous prices for something that does not exist. Even .And you can knock it if you want, but he is beautiful and people love black boxers…. .I, too, have a black boxer with white markings. She is smaller than most boxers and I have had two other boxers before. One fawn and one brindle. She does have skin problems or allergy problems. Many people have thought that the dog was a boston terrior because she is smaller. Her ears are up and she has the greatest disposition. So BlackBoxer, your dog is registered as a brindle. You can register a white boxer with the AKC, therefore there is not white listing. Bow wow!!! So your telling me no black dogs survived? No fawn or brindle boxer could compete with my classic black and white sugar ray. AKC is afraid of the dark! Once you could not show un cropped boxers. That has changed! To much demand for black boxers, for history. Since black is dominant, any black puppy must have a black parent — the color cannot have lain dormant for almost a century until suddenly resurfacing in the US. The American Boxer Club has issued a position statement on the so-called black Boxers. The American Boxer Club condemns this practice because the Boxer breed does not carry a gene for a black coat….

When it comes to Labrador puppies, there are a lot of things to think about. Let us discuss the best Lab puppy food for pup as young as 1 month old, and provide tips on how to choose the right one for your pet. Remember that Labradors are notoriously aggressive eaters that easily become overweight What to feed a Labrador puppy? Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the world. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and trainability. But like all puppies, they need the right nutrition to grow into healthy adults. There are a lot of different opinions on what is the best food for Labrador puppies. Some people believe that raw food is best while others think that high-quality kibble ground meal shaped into pellets is the way to go. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what you think is best for your puppy. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when making your decision. What to keep in mind when choosing puppy food Puppies have small stomachs and need to eat more often than adult Labradors. They should eat small meals several times a day until they are about six months old. After that, they can start eating two or three larger meals per day. This is because they are growing and need extra energy. You can find puppy-specific foods at your local pet store or online. It is important to choose food that is high quality and made with good ingredients. This will help your puppy grow into a healthy adult dog. Avoid foods that contain fillers, artificial colors or flavors, and preservatives. You may need to experiment with a few different types of food before you find one that your puppy likes and does well on. Some puppies are picky eaters, so it may take some trial and error to find the right food. When it comes to feeding your Labrador puppy, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best food for your puppy will depend on their individual needs and preferences. However, following these guidelines will help you make the best decision for your Lab. How to choose the right food for your puppy? When it comes to choosing the best food for your Labrador puppy, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. The age of your puppy Puppies need different types of food than adult dogs. They require a diet that is higher in calories and nutrients to support their rapid growth and development. Look for a food that is specifically formulated for puppies of the age of your puppy or consult with your veterinarian for recommendations. The size of your puppy Labradors come in two sizes — standard and miniature. Be sure to choose a food that is appropriate for the size of your pup. Smaller size pups will need a smaller kibble size and vice versa. If your pup is particularly active, you may want to consider food that is higher in protein to help meet its energy needs. Any health concerns Some Labradors may be predisposed to certain health conditions such as allergies or joint problems. If your pup has any existing or potential health concerns, be sure to choose a food that is formulated to address those needs. When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian for recommendations. No matter what type of food you choose for your Labrador puppy, be sure to start with a small amount and gradually increase it as needed. Puppies typically need to eat times per day, so be sure to have a regular feeding schedule. When it comes to food, not all options are created equal — some may even do more harm than good. So, what is the best food for Labrador puppies? Here are five great options to consider: Nutro Large breed Puppy Recipe with farm-raised chicken This formula from Nutro is designed specifically for small breeds and is packed with all the nutrients your pup needs for healthy development. It features real deboned meat as the base ingredient, with rains, vegetables and fruits. There are also no artificial flavors, coloring, or preservatives in this puppy food. Best of all, it contains no fillers, artificial flavoring, or preservatives. It features real chicken as the base ingredient, along with whole grains garden veggies, and fruits. It does not contain artificial flavoring or preservatives. It provides highly digestible energy for growing puppies. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy Recipe This food from Merrick is designed to give your pup all the nutrients they need for healthy development. It contains real deboned meat as the first ingredient, along with high-quality whole grains, vegetables, and fruit nutrients to support the overall health of your puppy. There are also no artificial flavors or preservatives in the food. It also contains a unique blend of ancient grains like quinoa, to support optimal digestion while being free from potato, corn, and soy. And, of course, always provide plenty of fresh water for your puppy to stay hydrated. Puppy food safety tips There are some things to keep in mind when it comes to feeding your pup. Here are some tips on what to feed your Labrador puppy and how to keep them safe. Choose a high-quality puppy food When it comes to choosing the best food for your Labrador puppy, you want to make sure you select a high-quality option. Look for a food that is made specifically for puppies and has been formulated to meet their nutritional needs. Avoid foods that are high in fillers or contain artificial ingredients. Feed them small meals often Puppies have tiny stomachs and need to eat small meals throughout the day. Avoid overfeeding them by portioning out their meals and feeding them several times daily. This will also help prevent them from getting sick or developing an upset stomach. This will help prevent them from choking on their food or swallowing large pieces that could cause an obstruction. Stick to their regular puppy food and save the human food for yourself. Be cautious with bones Bones can be dangerous for puppies if they are not properly supervised. Avoid giving your puppy bones to chew on as they could choke on it or break a tooth. If you do give them a bone, make sure it is a raw, unseasoned bone that is small enough for them to handle safely without swallowing it or choking. By following these tips, you can ensure that your puppy is getting the best nutrition possible and staying safe while they eat. Choose high-quality food, feed them small meals often, and always supervise while they eat. Avoid giving them table scraps or bones to chew on, and be cautious with any treats you give them. With a little care, you can keep your Labrador puppy healthy and happy. Puppies have tiny stomachs and as a result, they need to eat little and often. A good rule of thumb is to feed your puppy three to four times per day. The best way to determine how much food your puppy needs is by monitoring its weight. You should aim to keep your puppy at a healthy weight — not too skinny and not too chubby. If you are unsure if your puppy is the right weight, ask your veterinarian for guidance. Puppies are full of energy and need plenty of exercise. As a result, they may need more to maintain their weight. If your puppy is very active, you may need to feed them a little more food than the average pup. And, if your puppy is on the smaller side, you may need to feed them a little less. They can help you create a feeding plan that will ensure your puppy grows up healthy and happy. Q: When to feed a Labrador puppy? A: The best time to feed a Labrador puppy is in the morning and evening. Puppies need small, frequent meals throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is to feed them twice as often as an adult dog. For example, if you normally feed your dog once a day, you would feed your puppy twice a day. If you normally feed your dog twice a day, you would feed your puppy four times a day. Q: What not to feed a Labrador puppy? Puppies should not eat anything high in fat or sugar, as this can cause problems with their digestive system. Q: How often must I feed a Labrador puppy? A: It is generally recommended that you feed your Labrador puppy three to four times a day. This will help them to get all the nutrition they need and prevent them from overheating. You should start with small meals and increase the amount as they grow. Once they are adult dogs, you can switch to feeding them twice a day with adult dog food. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. Although I am not a veterinarian myself, I have been a lab owner for 11 years and been in the pet food industry for the last 6 years. However, if this is not the case for your pupper, no need to worry. Be sure not to feed normal cerelac or cow milk as that will result in loose motion as well as stunted growth. At this tender age, you need to feed your lab pup via feeding bottle like you would feed a human baby of age 2 months. Milk is the only food apart from purified water which your dog is gonna need till 1. After this age, till 3 months you have two options. You can either continue with milk or look at starter food options like Royal Canin Maxi starter , Drools starter, Farmina Puppy Starter, Canine Creek Starter , Orijen puppy and plenty of other brands which are available in the market. The kibble for starter food is small and most probably, your puppy will be able to chew it. Certain dry food can be extremely hard to chew, so depending on the toughness of the kibble you might have to break i. Puppies of age 1. You should be following this diet of starter food till 3 months age at least. Also, make sure you are vaccinating as well as deworming your pup at the right intervals. So, a proper nutritious diet is essential to achieve good growth. You can either go for Royal Canin Maxi Junior or Royal Canin Labrador Junior or puppy variants of other brands like drools, canine creek, Orijen Puppy and Junior Recommended , Acana large breed puppy, pedigree not recommended at this age. If you are giving a good diet like Royal Canin, farmina or even home-made food, growth should be good. For those who can extend their budget, you can go for something even more premium like Acana, Orijen, Arden Grange and the likes. No need to add additional supplements. If you are feeding home-made food like boiled chicken which itself is a very good food option, consider adding some fish oils like Beaphar Salmon Oil. However, a good diet is recommended to ensure a good life span above 12 years and muscle development. Homemade food can be a healthy option as well. Feeding guide amount to feed in grams depends on dog weight and varies from brand to brand. You will find the recommended portion for your brand based on the calories it carries on the packet you will buy. At other times, you can give chews or treats but whole meal should be fed not more than twice a day. Do not keep food available in front of the dog except during his eating time. However, you can keep water available in a bowl all the time. Sticking to schedule regularly is recommended. Wait, till now we have been speaking about commercial dry food. Yes, this happens to many dogs. While some dogs like pugs are voracious eaters, labs or goldens can be extremely choosy. They will eat whatever liquid you put in the feeding bottle at this age. However, once puppies mature and learn to eat themselves, they may not like dry food, rarely touch it. In these cases, the best option is to first add a home-made additive with the dry food. You may add many things dog like in small quantities of chicken stalk, chicken pieces boneless for puppies , curd, egg and others to the dry food. Changing or trying out another brand helps as well. I have seen many dogs who hate Drools but like Canine Creek although they are manufactured by same company. Every dog has a mind of his own. Most common diseases of Indian bred dogs like canine hyp dysplasia, ear infections, bent hind legs can happen to any dog. Take your dog to a registered veterinary practitioner in case such situations arise. Lack of appetite is also observed during this age at times. For not-so-severe cases, you may administer Himalaya Liv52 syrup or tabs or other appetite stimulants of various brands twice a day for days. In case, your dog has gastrointestinal disorders, referring to a prescription diet under the guidance of a veterinarian can be immensely helpful. This entry was posted in Pet Blog. Bookmark the permalink. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Rapid City South Dakota? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Rapid City for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. The population was 74, as of the Census. We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery. Questions about puppies for sale in South Dakota? We have answers. How much do puppies for sale in South Dakota cost? How much you may pay for your puppy depends on the puppy you pick and the breeder you buy it from. You may also want to pay a little more for a breeder that has a longstanding reputation and is highly recommended. Or you may get more of a bargain price from a newer breeder, but either way, if they are listed on Uptown Puppy, they meet all of our standards for experience and care of the animals. Does your breeder network offer South Dakota puppies out of state? How do you screen those who breed puppies in SD? We have a very demanding, 47 point checklist. Our checklist includes standards for experience and veterinary care, and also for the lifestyle and living conditions of the dogs under the care of breeders in our network. How is Uptown different from other places where I can get SD pups? We only show you puppies from dog breeders that meet our exacting standards. Because we believe dog breeding should be ethical and the breeders should to their utmost to be kind to the animals. Where can I find dogs for sale in South Dakota? Or Sioux Falls Craigslist. Or Great Falls Craigslist. You can find dogs for sale near you through Uptown Puppies that come from reputable breeders who know how to care for dogs, and put the time and resources into making sure their puppies are high quality animals with the soundest, most loving living conditions possible. What is a puppy mill? Beware of using South Dakota Craigslist to find a new pup for your family. SD Craigslist and other places offering cheap puppies for sale might be getting them from a puppy mill. What are some of the best breeds for apartments? If you have an apartment, small dogs for sale may be ideal for you. A small living space will get cramped with a bigger dog breed. What are some of the most intelligent and easy to train breeds? Lately designer breeds have become very popular. Many of these are hybrid breeds of two different classic thoroughbreds mixed together into a unique, interesting, and fun combination. Not to mention super cute! Which kinds of breeds are best for families? Do you sell puppies in South Dakota? Do you really only list the very best dog breeders? Uptown Puppies Puppy Finder.

They are friendly, intelligent, people-oriented and are loyal to their families. The Doxie is comfortable to be around children and pets, but supervision is recommended. Though, these dogs often pick up the bad traits of its parents, like the stubborn behavior of the Dachshund. The Doxiepoo is mischievous and funny that would love to dig and play around or get cuddled. They would often develop excessive barking behaviors, which might at times be obnoxious, but adds to its quality of being a good watchdog. Care Exercise These little dogs do not need heavy exercise schedules because of their little size. Only a fair amount of exercise and play session keeps them fit. Take your doxie out for a walk every day, since they stay happy walking and running outdoors. Grooming Shedding mainly depends on the nature of the coat your pet doxie was born. General grooming is essential for the dog, though. Brush their coat few times a week, or even daily, to avoid matting and retain the natural sheen. But if you decide to keep it long, grooming them occasional by professional hands is recommended. For curlier poodle-like coats, clip them once in every 1 to 2 months. Health Problems Crossbreed dogs are generally healthy, and so is the doxiepoo. The only health concern might be genetically transmitted or hereditary diseases. Skin and nasal allergies can also be a concern to your doxiepoo. Those with longer or denser hair types might be even more susceptible to these conditions. Training By virtue of its inherited intelligence, training your doxiepoo is not at all tough. They would pick up training very quickly, though, at times might display obstinate behavior. This can easily be resolved by means of rewards and positive reinforcements. Begin your obedience training at its puppy-age and allowing them socialize frequently. This should keep a check on possible behavioral issues like barking habits and stubbornness, as they grow up. Insist on a raw meat diet. At that, a chicken meal can be the first choice, especially for the pups. There is also liver, lamb meal, salmon meal, and other mineral-enriched dog foods that we generally serve to the dogs of its size, with the same health history. If you feed your dog with dry kibble, be sure they are of high quality. Interesting Facts The doxiepoo breed is popular in the Southern states. Doxiepoo has been immortalized in a kitschy pin on web site eBay. Since they differ so much from each other by appearance, identifying a doxiepoo puppy is tough. While this mixed breed can have famously endless combinations of traits, they are known for being affectionate, intelligent, and playful. The list of names the Doxiepoo is known by is as long as the parent Dachshund: Doodle, Dachdoodle, Doxiedoodle, Doxiepoodle, Dachshunddoodle, and Dachshundpoo. This is one of the most unpredictable pairings among mixed breeds, even within a single litter. This means they often end up in shelters. However, with such winning traits, they are wonderfully adoptable dogs. They do well with children, but they do best in single-pet homes. Doxiepoos are energetic but adapt well to both apartments and houses , provided they are given enough exercise time. See below for all Doxiepoo facts and mixed dog breed characteristics! Contrary to popular belief, the suitability of dogs who adapt well to apartment living goes beyond its size. Apartment dwellers have a myriad of dog breeds to choose from as potential companions, with various factors to consider. Some large breeds can adapt well to apartment living and have lower activity levels. Others may require more space and possess higher energy levels. On the other hand, certain small dog breeds with abundant energy can still find contentment with indoor playtime or brisk walks. However, when selecting a dog that adapts well apartments, it is essential to prioritize your neighbors. This makes them less suitable for apartment living. Therefore, desirable qualities in an apartment dog encompass being quiet, low-energy, and displaying polite behavior towards other residents. Apartment dwellers have a wealth of dog breeds to choose from as potential furry companions. While some larger breeds can adapt well to apartment living, with lower, others may require more space and have higher energy levels, making them less suitable for smaller apartments. Conversely, certain small dog breeds with higher energy levels can still thrive in apartments, finding contentment through indoor playtime or brisk walks. By considering these factors, you can find a dog that will adapt well to apartment living and create a harmonious living environment for everyone involved. The Doxiepoo, sometimes spelled Doxipoo, is a crossbreed. Although their looks vary a great deal, the Doxiepoo as advertised should combine the long, low-slung body of the Dachshund and the curly coat of the Poodle, but even more than most "designer dogs," the Doxiepoo's looks are unpredictable. Even littermates can vary a great deal in size, color and coat type. Doxiepoos are also very diverse in temperament, activity level and health risks, depending on which traits are inherited from his parents. Both Dachshunds and Poodles come in a variety of sizes, and the Doxiepoo can weigh anywhere from under 10 pounds to 30 or more. His coat might be the curly Poodle coat, or it might be fluffy, scruffy, long, short, or pretty much anything you can imagine other than hairless, thanks to the influence of a variety of coat types from the Dachshund side. At his best, he should be friendly, people-oriented and easy to train. Ideally, the sense of humor and trainability of the Poodle will temper the Dachshund's stubborn streak, without compromising his boldness. Of course, Doxiepoos can also be a combination of the worst traits — and health issues — of both the Poodle and the Dachshund. And don't take that lightly: both Poodles and the Dachshunds suffer from a number of serious genetic problems, and the Doxiepoo could be at risk for all of them. Whether that risk may be slightly less in a mixed breed dog than in a purebred is a matter for discussion and conjecture. It can be extremely difficult to find an ethical breeder who is dedicated to producing healthy, temperamentally sound pets from genetically tested backgrounds. If you are interested in a Doxiepoo, start your search at your local shelter or on Petfinder. This type of cross-breed is sometimes available for adoption. Buying from a breeder who is smart and caring enough to do health certifications, even for a cross-breed, is the best way to do that. Different organizations have varied names for this crossbreed, including Doodle and Doxie Poo. Because both Poodles and Dachshunds come in various sizes, the Doxiepoo can be very small or a mid-size dog. More on Vetstreet. Unfortunately, Doxiepoos can turn out to be a combination of the worst traits of both the Poodle and the Dachshund. At his best, though, the Doxiepoo should be friendly, people-oriented and easy to train. The Doxiepoo is likely to be an active and mischievous dog with a sense of humor. Doxiepoos are companion dogs. They love their people and need to live in the house, never outdoors. Any dog, no matter how nice, can develop obnoxious levels of barking, digging, countersurfing and other undesirable behaviors if he is bored, untrained or unsupervised. And any dog can be a trial to live with during adolescence. Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines like kennel cough to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines including rabies, distemper and parvovirus have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know something about your lifestyle and personality. Whatever you want from a Doxiepoo, look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood. What You Need to Know about Doxiepoo Health All dogs, whether purebreds, crossbreeds, or mixes, have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the mixed breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. The very nature of genetic variation makes this difficult to predict for a mixed breed dog. Please refer to the breed guides on Dachshunds and Poodles for an overview of some of the inherited diseases reported in these two breeds. Not all inherited conditions are detectable in a growing puppy, and it can be hard to predict whether an animal will be free of these maladies, which is why you must find a reputable breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible. They should be able to produce independent certification that the parents of the dog and grandparents, etc. Breeders must agree to have all test results, positive or negative, published in the CHIC database. If the breeder tells you she doesn't need to do those tests because she's never had problems in her lines and her dogs have been "vet checked," then you should go find a breeder who is more rigorous about genetic testing. Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy develops one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dogs can still live a good life. Keeping a Doxiepoo at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life. The Basics of Doxiepoo Grooming The Doxiepoo's grooming needs will vary depending on his coat, but all Doxiepoos need regular, even daily, brushing. Those with the curlier Poodle coat must be clipped every four to six weeks. Some owners learn to use the clippers and do the job themselves, but most rely on professional groomers. Either way, it's essential to take proper care of the coat, because without regular grooming it will quickly become a matted mess that can cause painful skin infections at the roots of the hair. The Doxiepoo's ears need to be kept clean and dry, so clean the ears regularly with a gentle ar cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian. The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as needed, usually every week or two. Small dogs are prone to periodontal disease, so brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for overall good health and fresh breath. Cute puppies sell, and that makes the Doxiepoo a favorite of puppy mills and greedy, irresponsible breeders. You may find a wonderful example of this crossbred dog at your local shelter or through adoption organizations such as Petfinder. Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind. Choosing a Doxiepoo Breeder Finding a good breeder is a greatr way to find the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy, and will without question have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as is possible. He or she is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than in making big bucks. A good breeder can tell you about the history of the crossbreed, and discuss what health problems affect them and the steps she takes to avoid those problems. Avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will go through. Put at least as much effort into researching your puppy as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money in the long run. Red flags include puppies always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any puppy, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. The puppy you buy should have been raised in a clean home environment, from parents with health clearances. Puppies should be temperament tested, vetted, dewormed, and socialized to give them a healthy, confident start in life. Before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Doxiepoo might better suit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort before they grow up to become the dog of your dreams. An adult may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive and demanding than a puppy. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home. If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below on how to do that. Adopting a Dog From a Doxiepoo Rescue or Shelter There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organization. Here is how to get started. Use the Web Sites like Petfinder. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests housetraining status, for example or very general all the Doxiepoos available on Petfinder across the country. AnimalShelter can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears. Reach Out to Local Experts Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Doxiepoo. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations. Talk to Rescue Groups Networking can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. Most people who love Doxiepoos love all Doxiepoos. A reputable Doxiepoo breeder's network can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. You can also search online for other Doxiepoo rescues in your area. The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice. They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a Doxiepoo home with you to see what the experience is like. Key Questions to Ask You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a pup. These include: What is his energy level? How is he around other animals? How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors, and children? What is his personality like? What is his age? Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone that they know of? Are there any known health issues? Wherever you acquire your Doxiepoo, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter. Puppy or adult, take your Doxiepoo to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems, and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues. Doxiepoos are intelligent, self-confident, and spirited little pups. Little is known about how the mixed breed came to be, but dachshund and poodle mixes have become a favorite thanks to their cute appearance and affectionate personalities. Doxiepoos have moderate energy levels and a high need for mental stimulation, and these mixed breed dogs are big barkers that aren't afraid to sound the alarm, says Jennifer Gregory, vice president of Doxie by Proxy Rescue. Appearance The doxiepoo is not a pure breed and, with no breed standard for how these mixed breed dogs should look, there are an infinite number of factors influencing their appearance. Depending on the traits inherited from his parent breed, your doxiepoo can be short and long like a dachshund but covered in curly poodle hair. Or, he might have longer legs and a more petite build like his poodle parent with the straight hair and long noses that define dachshunds. He can also come in a range of colors, including black, brown, grey, cream, white, and numerous color patterns. Though no dog is completely hypoallergenic , poodles' curly, low-shedding hair is often well-suited for people who tend to be sneezy around dogs. A doxiepoo's size can also be hard to pin down. Poodles can be toy , miniature , and standard sizes while dachshunds are either miniature or standard. Doxiepoos are a cross between either dachshund variety and a toy or miniature poodle. This means full-grown doxiepoos can stand anywhere between 5—15 inches tall and weigh 5—30 pounds. Both dachshunds and poodles are known for being self-confident, playful, affectionate with their families, and good with other dogs. Gregory often describes doxiepoos as, " small dogs with big dog personalities. A lot. Doxiepoos tend to be big barkers , too, and want to sound the alarm every time the doorbell rings, a squirrel runs past, and the mail is delivered, which makes most ill-suited to apartment living. Courtesy of dox-atlas. He'll love spending time with his family and will happily accept the role of lap dog. Even strangers can quickly win over a doxiepoo, making fast friends with the pint-sized pooches—especially if treats are involved. Living Needs As small dogs, doxiepoos don't need wide open spaces to thrive. With regular walks or backyard playtime, the breed can live happily in cities, suburbs, or rural areas—but think twice before bringing a doxiepoo into an apartment or townhouse. Not only may their frequent barking rack up noise complaints from the neighbors, doxiepoos with short legs and long, dachshund-like backs may struggle climbing up the stairs, especially as they get older. Doxiepoos can get along well with family members of all ages, but Gregory recommends homes with older children or no children for small breed dogs—they can be more easily injured if a child drops them or trips over them. But if you teach your kids how to properly interact with pets , a doxiepoo could be the perfect buddy for your family. Both dachshunds and poodles are known to get along well with other dogs, but their historic hunting instincts could cause them to see other small animals as something to chase. Introductions to cats and other small animals should be done slowly, with caution and supervision. Care Most doxiepoos require minimal grooming; all it takes is regular brushing and the occasional bath to keep most doxiepoo coats looking their best. But Gregory says those who inherit a coat similar to their poodle parent, or those who have wiry hair or long locks, will need extra grooming and an occasional trip to a professional to prevent matting. Regardless of their coat type, doxiepoos need regular nail trims , ear cleanings , and routine dental care. Doxiepoos hail from athletic stock; poodles and dachshunds were both bred to hunt. The poodle is known as a "duck dog" in France because the breed started out as a retrieving water dog, and the dachshund was bred to burrow into holes in search of badgers. Doxiepoos aren't known as great hunting dogs, but they often retain the energy levels of their athletic working ancestors. Courtesy of the. Choose activities that challenge their intelligent poodle side and appeal to their independent dachshund natures. Training with treats is always a hit! Poodles are super smart and dachshunds are known for being curious—traits that could get doxiepoos into trouble. Regular physical and mental stimulation hello, puzzle toys will help your doxiepoo burn off some energy and alleviate boredom. Health Doxiepoos have a long lifespan , living anywhere between 10—18 years. While mixed breed dogs are generally believed to have fewer health issues than purebred dogs, doxiepoos are prone to some of the same health problems as their parent breeds. Dachshunds, with their long backs, are prone to the disease and doxiepoos that share a similar stature might be affected, too. IVDD causes severe pain, impairs movement, and, in severe cases, can lead to partial paralysis. Medication can be used to treat IVDD, but surgery may also be required. Gregory suggests helping doxiepoos maintain a healthy weight and prohibiting them from jumping on or off the furniture to minimize the risk of back injuries and IVDD. Small breeds like the dachshund and poodle are also at higher risk of luxating patella , a condition triggered when the kneecap patella moves out of its normal location luxates and makes it hard for dogs to put weight on the affected leg. While it's often not painful, more severe causes can cause chronic dislocation, which puts doxiepoos at higher risk of other injuries such as torn cruciate ligaments. History While not much is known about how doxiepoos came to be, their parent breeds both have long and strikingly similar histories. Both dachshunds and poodles hail from Germany, and both were bred as hunting dogs. Dachshunds were bred with long, lean bodies that allowed them to burrow into holes in pursuit of badgers. Poodles, on the other hand, had the waterproof coats and strong swimming abilities needed to retrieve ducks from the water. The dachshund and poodle mix first appeared around , and their playful natures, small stature, and sometimes-hypoallergenic coats have made them a beloved designer breed. Fun Facts You might sometimes hear doxiepoos called by a different name: "doxiedoodles. Doxiepoos aren't the only popular poodle mixes out there. There's also the adorable Yorkie-poo , shih-poo , Cavapoo , and so many others. For a daily dose of doxiepoo cuteness, follow Nutella , Teddie , and Atlas on Instagram. Was this page helpful? Lifespan Sociability The Doxiepoo is a fairly new breed of dog, so puppies can be difficult to find. As always, we recommend that you find a reputable breeder with a history of breeding healthy animals. These puppies have dark, expressive eyes that can easily convince you to take one home. They have the soft and shaggy coat of their poodle parent, and their body is usually short and stocky, inheriting more Dachshund than Poodle. They are high-energy little pooches with strong prey drives, as both the parent breeds were used for hunting. This abundant energy should be a strong consideration if you are thinking about bringing a Doxiepoo home, as they require a great deal of exercise. Doxiepoos love to bark. Dachshunds are naturally prone to barking, and unlike some other small breeds, they have a loud and large voice. They are known to bark at almost anything, and it can be almost impossible to stop them once they get started. Proper training will help reduce this propensity for incessant barking, but it is unlikely to halt it. Toy Poodles are also prone to frequent barking; however, they can be easily trained to reduce this habit, especially if started early. Thus, your Doxiepoo is likely to be an incessant barker, unless you get them into obedience training as soon as possible. Doxiepoos are notoriously difficult to potty train. Even though they are a highly intelligent breed, Doxiepoos are well-known for being a huge challenge to house train. This trait comes mostly from their Dachshund heritage. Any Dachshund owner will tell you how difficult it is to get these dogs potty trained, with many owners never succeeding. The best bet is to start them early as possible, as it is their stubborn streak that prevents them from learning this essential activity, so they are more likely to take to it as puppies. They come in sizes to suit any owner. Standard Poodles are fairly large dogs, but they also come in three other sizes that were selected from breeding smaller and smaller Poodles. They also come in medium, miniature, and toy sizes, and although the Doxiepoo is a Toy Poodle cross, these size variations can still crop up in the genetics. Dachshunds are clever dogs too, and the combination of these two smart pooches ensures a highly intelligent breed. They are generally friendly and lively dogs that love to be around their owners but are also content to go sniffing around in the yard after a rogue scent. They can be shy around strangers but warm up quickly and will soon be cuddled in their lap. Both the parent breeds of these dogs have a stubborn streak, and this can be a challenge when it comes to obedience. These dogs need a great deal of mental stimulation due to their high intelligence, and without it, they will quickly become bored. This boredom will inevitably lead to behavioral problems and possibly even aggression. In general, they are loving and affectionate dogs that are eager to please and love nothing more than playing, running, and dozing with their owners. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Their small size and big personalities make them perfect playmates for children with almost inexhaustible reserves of energy. They have a big personality that will often cause them to boss other dogs around, but all in the name of fun. One issue is that Doxiepoos have a deep hunting heritage with a powerful prey drive, which may cause them to go after small family pets. With the correct training and socialization, this can be largely mitigated, though. Here are three reasons not to get a Dachshund Poodle mix: Your Guinea Pig will live in constant fear. Your neighbors will hate you. Your Daffodils will feel the consequences of your choices. Doxiepoos inherit the prey drive from both sides of the family, so all small animals you keep as pets will seem like potential prey to them. Early socialization can reduce this tendency to some degree, but you can never altogether remove a part of their nature. If you like keeping small animals and birds as pets, or you have children who love them, you should consider finding a dog with a lesser prey drive to avoid broken hearts. A lot. Their Dachshund part is loyal and easily bored, and their Poodle part is clingy and suffers from separation anxiety. The Dachshund part loves to bark, and the Poodle part is a bit melodramatic. Like drama queen kind of dramatic. If you live alone and have to be away from home a lot, a Doxiepoo might not be a great choice. Your Daffodils Will Feel the Consequences of Your Choices The Dachshund heritage of the breed makes your new pooch likely to enjoy digging in your garden. Poodles can be enthusiastic diggers as well although not to the same degree as Doxies , so your garden will never be safe. Here are three reasons to introduce a Doxiepoo into your family. They are exceptionally intelligent. They are great with people. They Are Exceptionally Intelligent Poodles are widely accepted as the second most intelligent dog, preceded only by the Border Collie. The intelligence from the Poodle side of the family allows Doxiepoos to be trained relatively easily. The Dachshund genes, however, will provide your Doodle with a strong stubborn streak. This trait usually sticks with Doxiepoos as well. Dachshunds have a way to communicate as well—their tendency to bark is not an accident. They needed to be able to communicate their underground location to their human hunting partners. This makes them genuinely remarkable companion dogs. They Are Great with People Both parent breeds love the company of people. They will adore you and your entire family and be hopelessly devoted to you. Dachshunds are suspicious of strangers, however, and Poodles can be shy around them. The size stays pretty consistent. If you use a standard Doxie and a Toy Poodle, the mix will be small to medium. Everything else is a matter of chance. You can get the sausage body of a Dachshund and the coat of a Poodle, or vice versa. The shape and the coat could resemble one breed and the face the other. You can even get a tall Dachshund! Every mixed breed carries an element of surprise, but this mix is entirely unpredictable. Even the puppies in the same litter can differ significantly. When it comes to their temper, things are a bit more predictable. They are loyal and affectionate. Due to their barking tendencies, they make excellent watchdogs, but they hate to be left alone. Their gifted little minds are easy to train, but they can get quite stubborn from time to time. Their eagerness to please is likely to win over that stubbornness, though, which makes them great dogs for first-time owners. All in all, a Doxiepoo is an easy-going, friendly cross-breed, and they can make superb watchdogs, companion dogs, and family pets. They are delicate, and can display watchdog instincts. They might be quite noisy to share a home with and have some health issues you need to consider. The Doxiepoo is a relatively recent cross, growing in popularity. Twenty years ago this mix would be very rare and hard to find, but today they are more prevalent. To learn more about the background of the Doxiepoo, we need to get to know their parent breeds. The Dachshund originated in Germany and can be traced back at least years. This is due to the fact they were bred specifically to hunt badgers, with their low-to-the-ground bodies and long back proving to be perfect for navigating badger dens. Once introduced into America, this breed found immediate love and popularity among the masses. The Poodle was used as water retrievers. A useful companion to duck hunters because of their incredible swimming ability and intelligence. The Toy Poodle variation was first bred in America in the 20th century, to serve as a city-dwelling companion. Doxiepoo Appearance The first generation Doxiepoo will have short legs. In generations after that they could either have long or short legs, depending on which parent they take after. They are likely to have an elongated body, narrow muzzle and floppy ears. The Dachshund sits on short stout legs, leaving them low to the ground. They have a long body, large floppy ears, and a very keen nose. Their coat can come in three main variations—short and smooth, long, or rough and wiry. The Poodle, on the other hand, stands on much taller legs and is higher up off the ground. They are graceful, elegant dogs with short floppy ears. The coat of the Poodle is iconic. It is curly, dense, and naturally corded. It can either be kept long or regularly clipped to a short trim. They will fall anywhere from 10 to 22 inches and 4 to 32lbs depending on the type of parents used. Coats, Colors, Grooming and Shedding There can be a lot of different coat variations in Doxiepoos, due to the many variations naturally present in the Dachshund. Dachshund dogs have short, long or wirehaired varieties. The Doxiepoo could have a curly, corded coat like the Poodle, or they could take after the characteristics of the Dachshund coat, whichever variation that may be. However, the odds are the your Doxiepoo will have a medium length, wavy coat. Grooming requirements depends on what kind of coat the Doxiepoo has inherited. If your dog takes after the Poodle, it may be fairly high maintenance. Daily thorough brushing will be necessary or clipping the hair to a shorter trim to make it more manageable. On the other hand, if they take after a Dachshund coat, weekly brushing may suffice. Are Doxiepoos Hypoallergenic? The Doxiepoo might be a low shedding dog, if their coat is very curly like their Toy Poodle parents is. However, they produce allergen carrying saliva and dander, like any dog breed. This means that there is always the potential for a dog allergy to be triggered in an allergic owner, regardless of coat type. Doxiepoo Behavior and Temperament The Doxiepoo is a curious, intelligent dog. However, they can be stubborn and independent too. They have a tendency to be wary around people they do not know, which can result in tension or perhaps even aggression towards strangers if they are not socialized properly from a young age. However, they do make good watch dogs because of this. If they take after the Dachshund they may prove to be guarded around strangers. They might have more of a stubborn, independent nature than if they take after the Poodle. The Doxiepoo is likely to be very intelligent due to having two intelligent parent breeds, though how easy to train they are can vary. Doxiepoo Exercise The Doxiepoo should have similar exercise requirements to its parents. Despite their small stature, both the Dachshund and the Poodle are active dogs that require a good amount of daily exercise. A moderate length walk for each dog twice a day suits them nicely. Training Doxiepoo dogs take well to positive, reward-based training. However, the Dachshund sometimes proves to be more of a handful to train than the eager Poodles have a sometimes stubborn and easily distracted nature. Depending on if the Doxiepoo takes after the Dachshund in temperament, you may find them to be more of a challenge to train. It may require a lot of patience. High value rewards and lots of positivity are the way forward. Socialisation is also very important, as the guarded nature of the Dachshund can sometimes present itself in the Doxiepoo as aggression to strangers or other dogs. Designer Dog Health Advocates of pedigree dogs express concerns about the health of these mixed breeds and suggest many of these dogs come from inexperienced greedy breeders hoping to capitalize on a fad. However, a study performed in analyzed over 27 dogs of both purebred and crossbred backgrounds and found that purebred dogs were more at risk of certain genetic disorders. According to another study that took place in , Mixed breeds also seem to live 1. Dachshund and Toy Poodle Health Unfortunately, both parent breeds are known to suffer from some health issues that could present themselves in your Doxiepoo. The Dachshund has a type of dwarfism known as achondroplasia. Intervertebral disc disease is a serious issue that can stem from achondroplasia. In severe cases, this can lead to paralysis. Both the Dachshund and the Poodle are known to suffer from a patellar luxation. This is where the kneecap can slide out of place and become dislocated, causing sudden lameness. Another health risk that is prevalent in both breeds is hip dysplasia. This is where the dogs hip joint does not develop correctly, causing painful arthritis. Poodles are known to suffer from many eye problems. Cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy PRA , lens sclerosis, and corneal degeneration are all potential issues. These conditions can cause vision loss and in severe cases lead to blindness. The Dachshund is also at risk of developing some of these conditions but to a lesser degree. Doxiepoo Health A Doxiepoo can be at risk of these issues, especially for conditions that are prevalent in both breeds such as patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. This may lead to a significantly higher risk of serious issues like intervertebral disc disease. Not allowing them to jump on and off furniture, or run up and down stairs can help reduce damage. It is incredibly important you check the health of the parent breeds before purchasing a Doxiepoo puppy. Feeding Your Doxiepoo Doxiepoos should be fed high-quality dog food. However, caution must be taken to never overfeed them. Are Doxiepoos Good Pets? The Doxiepoo is a friendly and loyal dog and will quickly become attached to members of the family provided they have been raised well. They would do best within a medium-sized family where they are able to fulfill their daily exercise requirements. This is doubly important if the Doxiepoo has inherited the Dachshunds long back and short legs, as the exercise can strengthen their potentially weak back. They are able to get along with other family dogs provided they have been socialized with them since early life. The hybrid dog looks like a teddy bear with a long body! Thanks to the Poodle parent influence, most Doxiepoos are hypoallergenic making them ideal for people with pet allergies. Are you looking for more information about the Doxiepoo? Want to know more about its appearance, temperament, and cost? Then this guide is for you! What is a Doxiepoo? Like all hybrid dogs, the appearance of a Doxiepoo is not predictable. However, some people believe that it might have first been created around the s. The craze for designer dogs began a few decades ago when the first Doodle mix a hybrid dog having one Poodle parent was created. The resulting cross was hypoallergenic and also smart — which enhanced its trainability. Soon, more and more dog fanciers were demanding small-sized Doodles. One such small Doodle mix was the Doxiepoo. Doxiepoos are cute, cuddly, and compact dogs, having Poodle genes that make them fairly easy to train. This can be advantageous given the fact that the Dachshund breed is known for its stubborn streak. Being a hybrid dog, the Doxiepoo is not registered with the Australian Kennel Club. However, in the USA the American Canine Hybrid Club keeps a track of the parentage and heritage of such hybrid dog breeds and Australia has similar associations. How Big will a Doxiepoo Puppy Get? As stated earlier, it can be difficult to predict the exact height, weight, and appearance of Doxiepoos. Most Doxiepoos weigh between 5 and 30 lb. The delightful little dogs could inherit the curly, tight coat of a Poodle or they could acquire a coat like that of its Dachshund parent. Dachshunds are themselves available in three coat varieties: long, smooth, or wiry. Accordingly, your Doxiepoo could have a short, curly, medium, long, wavy, or smooth coat. As such, no two Doxiedoodles will look the same. After all; canine genetics can be quite complex and the puppies could take after either parent. Doxiepoo puppies are available in various coat colours including red, tan, cream, white, black, beige, liver, brown, chocolate, merle, pied, parti, phantom and combinations thereof. Do Doxiepoo Dogs Shed? The Poodle breed is non-shedding but Dachshunds could shed depending on their coat type. The long-haired Dachshund variety sheds significantly. So, you might want to check with the breeder about which Dachshund type was used in the breeding program. The best breeders of poodle mix breeds, use DNA testing to check for coat traits in their breeding dogs. Traits such as furnishings and shedding genes are particularly important to consider in any breeding program aiming to produce hypoallergenic family pets. However, if it inherits more of the Dachshund genes, then you should expect some shedding. Likewise, a Doxiepoo bred back to a Dachshund especially the long-haired type will have a longer coat that is also prone to shedding. Do Doxiepoos Need Grooming? All Doodle breeds need regular grooming as they have sensitive skin. You can choose to keep your Doxiepoo looking like a Poodle or keep it uniformly clipped in a puppy cut throughout. You can also groom your Doxiedoodle at home- just make sure to brush it daily to remove the trapped debris in its coat. Failure to do so could lead to mats and tangles which can be painful for your dog. Is Doxiepoo a Good Dog? Doxiepoos make excellent family pets provided they get proper training and socialisation at the right age. They mostly get along with kids and since they are inherently playful, they love their company. However, as with any dog, it is important to socialise your Doxiepoo with children from puppyhood. It is equally important to teach children to be respectful to and gentle with the small dog. Doxiepoos generally fare well with elderly or mobility-impaired people. However, they need daily exercise so there should be someone around to train and walk them. A larger Doxiepoo will need more exercise although the smaller Doodles should not be made into couch potatoes. Smaller Doodles are fine with one short walk a day followed by indoor play sessions. Without exercise, these small dogs tend to get bored and restless. Younger Doxiepoos are extremely energetic so you need to make sure to stimulate their bodies as well as their minds on a daily basis. Environmental enrichment activities such as stuffed Kongs , food puzzles, licky mats and snuffle mats will be very helpful in keeping your Doxiepoo puppy stimulated and occupied. Do Doxiepoos Bark a Lot? Doxiepoos are generally happy, affectionate, and cheerful dogs. They are also playful and energetic. However, like all Doodles, they have a tendency to jump and bark. Therefore, your Doxiepoo puppy and you! Untrained Doxiepoos will jump on or bark at every person that enters your home or at anybody they meet on the street. It is just one of the traits of a Doxiepoo. Not everybody appreciates this behaviour. So, you need to train your Doodle to do a behaviour such as sitting quietly for attention. You will also have to be very consistent and patient with training and always use positive reinforcement. Doxiepoos even tend to jump on other dogs. Some dogs can be patient with them but not all. Pay careful attention to how your Doodle greets other dogs. You might also want to enrol your puppy in obedience school, puppy preschool or group training classes so they can learn to interact appropriately with other dogs. The good news is that Doxiepoos are highly trainable. However, training should start from an early age. Can Doxiepoos Be Left Alone? Doodles are known to suffer from extreme separation anxiety. After all; they love their humans and consider them their pack. When separated from you, Doxiepoos tend to feel despondent and insecure. Some bark and whine while others get destructive. Some might even chew their paws raw. If you have to leave your young Doxiepoo alone for long periods of time, consider enrolling it in doggy daycare. That way, your puppy can play with other dogs, get exercise, and also be around people. Adult Doxiepoos might do well being left alone but you may want to have a dog walker come in at least once a day to take them out. Good breeders spend time and money on health testing the parent dogs. The Dachshund dog breed is known to suffer from several health issues and genetic problems more about this later in the guide. Therefore, testing is a must. The best, responsible dog breeders only use healthy dogs in their breeding programs. They react to certain foods especially dairy, grains like wheat or corn, fillers, and other artificial ingredients. The Poodle dog breed is prone to skin issues and eating certain foods causes them to break into rashes, hives, itching, and hair loss. This is often passed on to the Doxiepoo offspring. It is best to consult a vet nutritionist about the right food for your Doxiepoo. These days, there are several types of foods specially formulated for sensitive dogs. You can choose from a hypoallergenic and grain-free diet, homemade food, raw dog food , or special vet-prescribed foods. In general, a diet rich in protein with meats like chicken, turkey, fish, lamb, etc. Most Doxiepoos live a healthy life but any dog can fall prey to ill-health. The Dachshund breed is known to be chondrodystrophic which causes various back issues in them. It is important that you are aware of these issues so you can watch out for the warning signs. The parent dogs should be tested for joint issues and genetic problems in the breed and only dogs that demonstrate excellent health should be used. Poodles also carry the genes for a number of eye problems so good breeders should make it a point to test them through DNA testing and CERF eye exams. Healthy Doxiepoos are known to live for years depending on their size. Smaller dogs generally live longer. The Doxiepoo is a fairly rare designer dog breed in Australia. Subscribe for poodle mix breed information and exclusive offers on the best products for your pup! Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this.

Female Health Guarantee We guarantee your new puppy for one 1 year against life-threatening congenital defects. If the puppy has a life threatening congenital defect, we will replace your puppy with the first available puppy of the same value from the seller, as soon as possible. We guarantee for 72 hours only that the puppy is free of contagious diseases. Since the seller no longer controls the environment, there is no guarantee beyond 72 hours for contagious diseases. Terms Replacement puppies will be mutually agreed upon by both parties. We will work with the buyer to ensure satisfaction, but reserve the right to offer the replacement puppy from different parents. Buyer understands that the puppy is susceptible to contagious diseases, including parvovirus, and agrees to keep all vaccinations and de-worming up to date. All puppies are at risk for coccidiosis and kennel cough and should be keep in a clean environment to ensure their safety. Kennel cough is self-limiting, like the common cold, and must run its course. Full recovery is expected, and on its own is not life threatening. Certain disorders may be caused by environmental factors, such as, but not limited to, allergies, demodectic mange, thyroid dysfunction, and other auto-immune disorders and will not be covered by this guarantee. Then the Toy Poodle is definitely for you. These adorable curly-coated puppies are super smart and make excellent therapy and companion dogs. Toy Poodle History Poodles originated in Germany, where they were bred and used as retrieving water dogs. With its elegance and intelligence, the poodle became a popular breed among the French nobles and in other parts of Europe. Because of their trainable, attention-loving nature and showy looks, poodles were often used in the circus. You Might Also Like.Life Span Did You Know? The Poodle is one of the oldest dog breeds and was originally developed in Germany to hunt waterfowl. The Poodle may have originated in Germany, but they are much-loved by the French. So much so that the Poodle is the national dog of France. The Miniature Poodle is slightly more recent. This Mini version likely originated in France. The Mini Poodle has all of the same characteristics as a Standard Poodle; they just come in a smaller package. The Miniature Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds. On top of their intelligence, they are also known to have a cheerful disposition and a sensitive nature. They get along great with children. Due to their small size, they can be easily injured by rough play or accidental falls that can happen with younger children. Because of this, they may be better suited to a home with older children. Younger children should be fine as long as they are taught how to properly interact with a small dog and interactions between young kids and puppies are closely supervised. Although they are considered part of the Non-Sporting Group, some facts about Miniature Poodles are that they are versatile and athletic dogs that are also quite playful. Provided they are well-socialized, they get along well with other dogs and tend to do well with strangers. They do tend to be protective of their home and can be suspicious of strangers coming up on the property. They are known to bark to alert you of strangers coming to the house. This makes them a good watchdog, but overall, they are more interested in making friends. This dog breed is highly adaptable. The Miniature Poodle does well in any type of home, including apartments, and fits in with just about any family type. They do well in most climates, but, as with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because Mini Poodles are people-oriented, they do not like being left alone and will not handle being left alone for long periods of time very well. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please, which makes them a good fit for owners of any experience level and one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are a people-oriented breed and are sensitive to moods and tones of voice. They do not respond well to harsh training methods or harsh tones as they take it personally, get their feelings hurt, and lose respect for you. A Mini Poodle tends to respond best to consistent training that is fun and focused on positive rewards. A Mini Poodle is one of the fluffiest dog breeds and will have a curly or corded coat that can come in just about any color. Although this dog breed has a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, their coat still needs a lot of grooming. They need to be brushed daily to prevent tangles and matting. They should also be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat healthy. Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise each day. Daily walks plus some playtime and other activities are usually enough for them. When puppies finish growing and developing, they often enjoy games of fetch and other activities like swimming, hiking, or jogging with their favorite human. Mini Poodles also tend to be great candidates for several dog sports, like agility, tracking, obedience, retriever hunt tests, and more. Just make sure to visit the vet and get your dog cleared for these activities before you jump in. Fully-grown Miniature Poodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Mini Poodles generally live for years on average. The Miniature Poodle was very popular among the French nobility. Featured Miniature Poodle Article. Life Span Did You Know? Breeders developed Toy Poodles in 18th century England as smaller versions of their German predecessors. The Toy Poodle began to represent social status, and nobles would decorate their dogs in high fashion of the time. They became so popular, in fact, that they were one of the first toy breeds recognized by the Kennel Club. Toy Poodles are smart cookies. Their intelligence is one of their predominant features, and is often showcased during obedience training. These dogs have tremendous problem-solving capabilities that make them ideal for competitions. On the other hand, this same intelligence makes for an easily bored pup. They need mental stimulation, like challenging games and toys , to keep their busy minds occupied. The Toy Poodle may also be suspicious of strangers and slow to warm up to new people. This dog breed can adapt to a wide range of living situations due to their small size. As a matter of fact, they have trouble dealing with any kind of alone time. As such, the Toy Poodle is an excellent companion animal for people who love a little company. There are a few health conditions that Toy Poodles are more susceptible to than other dog breeds. For example, they may suffer from eye disorders, like cataracts, or blood clotting disorders, like Hemophilia. Because of their size, they may also bear the risk of dental crowding, kneecap migration, or trachea instability. With regular visits to the veterinarian, many of these potential health concerns can be comfortably managed. Owners typically have an easy time during obedience training with Toy Poodles. Their intelligence often hastens the training process. However, they can present destructive tendencies when left to their own devices for too long. Toy Poodles have famously low-shedding coats. They lack undercoats, so their shedding is minimal. Their fur is hypoallergenic and mats rather than sheds. These pups will only need to be groomed to prevent matting and increase shine. Usually, brushing your Toy Poodle once or twice a week and grooming every six weeks is sufficient. As a small dog breed, they are more prone to developing dental disease so good dental care is important. Poodles are an active breed in general, and Toy Poodles in specific are just as active. After a few laps around the kitchen, the Toy Poodle will tire out and happily sit by their owners during daily activities. The Toy Poodle stands at a mighty inches at the shoulder. Their weight ranges from pounds and usually averages around 8 pounds. Toy Poodles usually live 12 — 15 years. The Poodle coat is built for the water and even the Toy Poodle tends to have excellent, practically innate, swimming abilities. Featured Toy Poodle Article.

Teach them to walk nicely on a leash for exploration and pack walks. Train them to basic and advanced obedience commands for a better relationship. Offer fair and consistent discipline to develop rules. Training your German Shepherd puppy involves teaching them how to be successful in your world and life. This means they need to understand what you expect of them and how you communicate your expectations. Use the Right Tools for the Job Use the right tools for your puppy or adult and follow the training steps below to begin basic training with your German Shepherd. Teaching obedience without these supplies makes the work harder on you. Buy the right tools. Here are some of the best examples of great tools for your training. Having the right tools makes all the difference. You also need some tasty treats. Use pea-sized pieces of cheese, small bits of cooked chicken, or one of these yummy German Shepherd healthy treats of your choosing. Follow this German Shepherd training guide to teach your dog the basics of obedience at home. How to Train a German Shepherd to Sit Teaching your dog sit is one of the easiest German Shepherd training commands for your puppy or dog. Your pup sits hundreds of times in a day. Now all you need to do is connect the motion to the command. Teach Sit Step-by-Step Start with your dog in a standing position. Have your reward treat in your hand. Show your pup the treat is in your hand. Move your hand over their head as you keep the treat near their nose. As their head raises to look at the treat, their bottom begins lowering to the ground. We want your dog to associate the correct motion with the reward first. After a few sessions, say sit when their entire bottom is on the floor. Remember to reward them only when their bottom is on the floor. Once you are sure they know the command, increase your distance from them when you give the sit command. Your goal is to say sit from a long distance and your puppy performs. Practice in different rooms inside your home and use a variety of distances while training indoors. Move to the outdoors with a secure long leash when your pup is ready for more distractions and distance. Start with the last success. Stay keeps your dog in one spot until you release them and is essential training. For advanced training, use stay to transition from one command to the next. Begin indoors in a quiet area free from distractions. Hold the leash in your left hand. Use the right hand to signal to stay while standing directly in front of your dog. Raise your hand and turn your palm toward your dog. When he stays with success, walk toward him and give him the treat. Now add in the word stay when your dog performs the stay behavior correctly. Increase the stay time your dog is in the stay position beginning with 5 seconds and working up to one minute or more. Next, work on extending the distance between you and your dog while in the stay. Take a few steps back each time you train. Your goal is to reach the end of your leash while your pup stays in place. This could take many sessions over weeks or months. Guide to Advanced Stay Techniques Once you are at the full distance of your leash, drop the leash and work on having your dog stay while you move into different rooms. Add in distractions, such as friends walking around while you train your GSD. For the final steps, have your dog on the long leash and train in your backyard. Extend the leash as far as it will reach and have your dog stay in place for 30 seconds or longer. Move to outdoor training at a quiet park and repeat the steps for increasing distractions. You can use this time to plan for the next command or simply to have them wait on you. Teach Down Step-by-Step Start with your dog or puppy in a sitting position. Have a tasty treat in your closed hand. Let them see you put that treat in your hand. Move your hand toward the floor in front of them. Your pup will follow the treat into a down position. Offer them the tasty treat and praise them immediately when they are in the down position. You want to make sure they know the motions first. Continue practicing this technique throughout the day. After a few sessions with your pup performing the correct motion, add in the word down. Give him his tasty reward when he is in the down position. Practice in different rooms to ensure your dog knows the command. Move to areas where there are distractions, such as a busy room in your house, and even outside while on a leash. Use the long leash for outdoor sessions and safety. Increase the time your dog is in the down position by taking a long time to offer the treat. A reliable recall come is part of your basic obedience training. When they come to you, reward them with a happy voice and a good boy. You may want to step a few feet backward while calling him. This lures him to follow you. Once your dog reliably moves toward you when you call them, add in the word come. Reward them and repeat the exercise using different distances and the word come now. Increase the distance you are away when you call him inside the house. If your German Shepherd performs the command reliably, add in farther distances. Reward them when they respond correctly. Practice many times with the word come while you are in the same room. Now, call him from farther and farther away in different rooms. Use distractions in the home while practicing. Call him while other people are in the room. Next, use both different rooms and a variety of distractions together. But only if he ignores multiple distractions. If he responds correctly during multiple training sessions, leash him with the long leash mentioned earlier as an essential tool and train him outside to work on concentrating with outdoor distractions. Repeat the process you used indoors practicing with varying distances and distractions outside. Use this guide for a fast recall and to save yourself some stress on this command. They familiarize your dog with the many ways in which they might get asked to perform their commands. These extra steps are invaluable to the quality of your German Shepherd obedience home training program. See how long you can have your dog stay while you move into different practice areas and work on increasing the time. Try to keep his attention on you during his training despite other distractions in your room, inside your house, or outdoors. If your GSD seems to have forgotten their command, take them back to the last place they were successful and begin training from there. Not all of your days are perfect, right? Adjust your training as needed. Instead, make sure you have a well-rounded training program apart from this German Shepherd training guide : Through exciting mental stimulation and boredom-busting activities. By regularly brushing their coats to give them healthy skin and decrease shedding. Offering them the right chew toys that are safe , non-toxic, and withstand heavy chewing while being fun. Use brief training sessions and practice frequently. End training with a command you know your pup will perform and reward them at the end. Keep up your training daily for quicker learning. And… Always look for ways to bond with your German Shepherd through everyday training opportunities. If you want to achieve the quickest results for training your GSD then use games and have fun with your dog! You can easily learn breakthrough techniques to help you feel confident training your German Shepherd at home by enrolling in this scientifically-based brain training program that guides you through advanced tricks and obedience. Great work! Visit ShepherdSense. Then, share it! Catherine Krasavin, BS Hons. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Although any German Shepherd dog is trainable, they are very strong and powerful animals. If you start out with a puppy, you have the opportunity to shape and mold its personality and develop your relationship early. German Shepherds can be very protective of their family members, so you want to socialize your puppy early in puppyhood. This will get them used to interacting well with a wide variety of people and animals, which is essential. This will be a big dog, and you want to prepare the dog when they are young and small for future grooming and veterinary visits. They may need nail trimming, ear cleaning, temperature taking and other procedures. These procedures will be difficult to accomplish should your full-sized adult German Shepherd dog object. You will need to train them to sit, stay, and heel, in addition to house training them. Your puppy will not understand your commands immediately. Have patience with your dog when they don't do exactly what you ask right away. German Shepherds love to learn and they are highly motivated to follow your commands if they are rewarded with treats. Pet your puppy while they're eating, as long as they do not stiffen and stop eating when you are petting the puppy. If the puppy stiffens, stops eating or growls, you have to deal with this aggressive response immediately. Do this by removing the food bowl and feeding the dog by hand. There is no bowl to guard. Make the bowl no big deal. If a piece of food is dropped inside, let the puppy take it and praise them. Then feed nearby again. The bowl will not always have food inside. Gradually increase the amount of food you drop in the bowl as you stand or sit there with the puppy. You can also add high value treats like roasted chicken breast into the bowl if your puppy seems to need more reassurance that you bring goodness to the food bowl. Resource guarding can be a very serious symptom of fear aggression and, if you are seeing this in a puppy, it needs to be addressed ASAP so it does not escalate. You can gradually ask the puppy to look at you to get more food, then sit and wait for more food, etc. .The humans controls the resource of food and rewards the puppy for good behavior. You still praise your dog, just not offer a treat each time. If you are working to modify a command to create a faster response, add in treats again to shape the behavior until they have it down. Then start using treats to reward truly outstanding performance. Do not yell at your pet. Learn to recognize when you are losing patience and stop the training session on a happy note. Your dog can sense your frustration in your body language and tone of voice. Try another day when you are both fresh. If you continue to have problems, get a professional trainer involved. Typically, as puppies are first learning commands, one adult family member will be responsible for training. Later, when the puppy is consistent and understands the basics, other members of the family can participate in formal training. It is important for the dog to understand that not only one person in the household is to be obeyed. Your puppy should be weeks old and started on their vaccine series for this first class. There are puppy preschools designed for puppies who have not yet finished receiving all of their vaccines. The school will have certain requirements for enrollment and you will likely have to provide proof of vaccination. Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialization, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the bar — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a leash, and lots of rewards. Leash walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialization checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialization checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping center or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favorite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviors like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favorite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. These first few weeks are a critical period in which dogs learn how to be dogs, and only mom and siblings can do that best! Actively socialize your GSD at home: the idea is to always make every new interaction positive with treats, play, attention, etc. For best results, throw at least 4 parties at your place and invite everyone from babies to kids to adults to seniors to come. Watch sports, grill, play board games, dance or sing Karaoke. Expose your pooch to as many things as possible: objects, sounds, sights, people and animals he is likely to encounter as an adult. Bite-inhibition is another top priority during a German Shepherd's puppyhood period. When correctly done it can prevent serious bites later on. Are you crazy about your dog? Training German Shepherd dogs: The basics German Shepherd training is easier than training many other breeds because these canines need fewer repetitions to learn something new and can learn to discriminate between a big number of different commands. Many of the tutorials in this website are written for the average dog, if you feel your GSD is learning faster, then keep up with his pace! Just say the word and follow it with a food treat - then repeat…repeat…repeat. After some time, you canine friend will associate the marker word with something good and now you can start using this word as a reward itself. This is called Classical Conditioning and is the most basic form or animal learning. Before you start training your German Shepherd commands, it is good to teach him his own name. This is another easy one, say his name and as soon as he looks at you mark and treat! Repeat a lot and in many different situations. Find out amazing GSD facts that will help you better care for your hound. If you would like to be even more fancy, you can train these commands using the actual German words!

Consider Using Deodorizing Litter Cats have famously used litter boxes for a long time, so pet product manufacturers have developed many unique products that absorb pee effectively and suppress odor. By offering your old dog accessible litter boxes, you can almost eliminate the possibility of accidents, all while empowering your aging dog. By giving your dog a huge amount of praise and an immediate reward, you can override any other thoughts they may have, like a compulsion to mark. Watch for Digging or Coprophagia Dog owners encounter some of the most common issues when litter box training their dogs are digging and coprophagia. Unfortunately, the best way to address these issues is using a different potty training method. Buy a Litter Box With High Sides To avoid accidental spills, you should consider buying a litter box made of sturdy material with high sides. These prevent spills with male dogs since they can block any splashing. A flat litter box tray has drawbacks but is significantly better for large dogs. Generally, you will have an easier time litter box training a smaller dog, as a large dog will have difficulty containing their mess in a cat litter box that is entirely too small for their body. If you are set on litter box training a large dog, you will need to get creative with what you use as the litter box itself — using a large metal tray or a shallow plastic storage bin may be your best bet! A small dog can use a standard large litter box and keep the mess in the potty area. High sided litter box, intened for dog use 4. While litter box training a dog is not for everyone, you can teach your dog how to use one with persistence, treats, and positive reinforcement! How useful was this post? Click on a star to rate it! Submit Rating Please give us feedback on this post: Let us improve this post! Tell us how we can improve this post? Throughout the site, you will find a variety of helpful dog training articles, insightful dog behavior tips, and truthful product reviews from nationally-recognized canine trainers and professionals. Post navigation. We all know cats are typically the fur family members to use a litter box. But what about dogs? Are there any good arguments for litter box training your canine friend? A dog litter box? Or an artificial grass pad? So I rarely advise pet parents to skip this opportunity. That said, there are a few instances when using a dog litter box is preferable. Is it right for your dog? This is especially true if you have a small dog, or tiny tinkler as I call them, since they often have more difficulty holding their urine than bigger dogs. This leads to more accidents in the house and bigger frustrations, which puts a damper on your relationship. I wrote an entirely different article that goes into more detail about why your dog is peeing in the house. But if you live in an area that sees several feet of snow or is primarily paved and gets very hot, an indoor dog litter box might actually be safer for your pet. You or Your Dog Have Mobility Issues If you or your dog have mobility issues, dog litter box training might be a good idea. Some companies, like doggybathroom. All you need to do is change out the pads and keep the inside clean. This can be a good option for medium-sized dogs that raise their leg to pee. The downside is the cost. The pee pads are disposable and will need to be replaced frequently. If you want to use dog litter, the sides of the litter box should be low enough for your dog to easily step over but high enough to contain the litter. Now what about artificial grass pads? The initial investment for a grass pad like this one is minimal. Can Dogs Use Cat Litter? Yes, technically, dogs can use cat litter. However, cat litter can be harmful if ingested, which is a risk since our canine friends are known to eat strange things from time to time. Dog litter typically consists of larger, more absorbent pellets, which are safer if ingested. Some are also made with recycled material, like wood or paper. Pin me! Whether you choose a litter box or a grass pad, will your dog really use it? This is the million doggie bone question. Can pet parents actually get their pups to use a dog litter box? In many cases, the answer is yes, you can. Trying to contain a Bull Mastiff in a box while they do their business would be quite a feat! And large dogs tend to raise their leg to pee, so the sides of the dog litter box would have to be very high to avoid soaking surrounding objects. Step 1: Find the Right Spot When house training dogs, we usually bring them outside. Do this by getting a paper towel or pee pad containing a little of their urine and placing it where you want them to go. Step 3: Praise Them for Using the Right Spot Again, just as you would do if training a dog to go outside, be sure to give them lots of praise and some training treats when they do their business in the right spot. But with time, your dog will understand how to use their new pee spot. And of course, you want your home to be sanitary.

It is important for senior dogs to have a feeding routine, that the food bowl remain in the same area of the house so that they know where to find it, and that they have a rug or yoga mat to stand on while eating to avoid slipping or having trouble standing on hard floors. If your senior dog has gone longer than 24 hours without eating, they should see their veterinarian for a thorough physical examination and possible diagnostics to investigate the cause of their loss of appetite. Is Your Dog a Puppy? Small breed puppies, especially, are at a high risk of hypoglycemia low blood sugar and should be watched closely for signs of lethargy or collapse if they are not eating. If this happens, they should be treated on an emergency basis. Some puppies may not like larger kibble, as it can be hard for their puppy teeth to chew, especially if they are just transitioning to solid food. This can be remedied by mixing in water and letting it soak to create more of a porridge consistency, or the kibble can be mixed with canned food as well. If your puppy still will not eat, they should be seen right away by a veterinarian. If they are also lethargic, vomiting, or having diarrhea, they should be seen on an emergency basis. A newly adopted dog can take days or weeks to settle into their new home. It is important to ensure that they are given a quiet place to eat, away from other pets or children that may interrupt them. However, if they are lethargic, vomiting, or having diarrhea, or go more than 48 hours without eating anything, they should be examined by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Did Anything Change in Your Household? Some dogs may be sensitive enough that a change in their environment may cause inappetence. Examples include a new addition to the family whether a new pet or a new baby , construction, having people over, or even a change in the location of the food and water bowls. Some dogs with separation anxiety even expect their loved one to be in the room while they eat, and will stop eating if their human leaves the room. While this is not necessarily a health concern, it is a sign that your dog may have severe anxiety that needs to be addressed. Calming chews such as Composure or Solliquin may be helpful, and calming pheromone collars or diffusers such as Adaptil can be beneficial as well. However, if you are concerned that your dog may have severe separation anxiety, consider consulting with a board-certified veterinary behaviorist for help. Did You Switch Dog Foods? This also allows your dog to get used to the new food over time, rather than making a sudden switch. Is Your Dog Pregnant or in Heat? Early in pregnancy , your dog may have a reduced or absent appetite. If your dog is in the middle or late part of her gestation, she may eat less because her stomach has less room to expand due to the presence of puppies, but she should make up for this by eating a smaller amount more frequently. Regardless of what point of gestation your dog is in, if she has not eaten in over 24 hours, your veterinarian should be called right away to ensure that everything is okay. Dogs in heat may also have a decreased appetite, which is considered normal. However, if she goes longer than 48 hours without eating anything, she should be checked by her veterinarian. If she is lethargic, vomiting, having diarrhea, or drinking and urinating more than usual, she should be seen by her veterinarian right away, as this could indicate an infection in the uterus known as pyometra. Is Your Dog Diabetic? If your dog is diabetic and will not eat, this could be an indication that something is seriously wrong. If your veterinarian advised you to give a half dose of insulin if your dog skips one meal, do so, but alert your veterinarian immediately if your dog skips another meal. If your diabetic dog skips a meal, is lethargic, nonresponsive, or vomiting or having diarrhea, they should be seen by a veterinarian immediately, as this could be an indication of hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis, both of which are life-threatening if not treated right away. It is not unusual for your dog to skip a meal or two after a surgery. You may try tempting your dog to eat with a spoonful of canned food or boneless, skinless, boiled chicken on top of their kibble. Better yet, ask your veterinarian for a few cans of a prescription gastrointestinal diet to feed for the first few days after surgery. These foods are highly palatable, are easily digestible, and can help counteract some of the gastrointestinal upset that can happen after surgery and anesthesia. If your dog had oral or facial surgery, your veterinarian may recommend feeding only canned food for two or more weeks. This also means that your dog should not receive hard treats or chew on hard toys until they are declared healed at their recheck appointment. If your dog is refusing to eat the prescribed canned food, reach out to your veterinarian in case there are any post-operative complications. Heat canned food for a few seconds in the microwave make sure to take it out of the metal can and put it into a microwave-safe bowl. Canned food can become scorching hot quickly, so feel the food first to avoid any burned tongues. Try mixing some plain, boneless, skinless boiled chicken and rice with their kibble to encourage them to eat. Add a probiotic such as Purina Fortiflora or Advita on top of the food. Not only can this make the food more palatable, but it can also help any inflamed or irritated intestine heal by rebalancing a healthy gastrointestinal flora. If you have tried these tricks and your dog continues to refuse his food, he should be seen by his veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Unless explicitly prescribed by your veterinarian, your dog should not be given any over-the-counter gastrointestinal medications like Imodium or Pepto Bismol , as these could cause serious side effects or even interact with medications that your veterinarian may want to give. It is best to consult with your veterinarian before attempting to treat symptoms at home. Featured image: iStock. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? There are many reasons why a dog might not want to eat. Dental problems Dental issues can often cause appetite loss. Signs of a larger dental problem include a foul smell, any loose teeth or lots of tartar build- up; if you spot any of these, make sure to see the vet right away. And of course, prevention is the best cure! Environmental changes Changes in environment or routine can upset some dogs and put them off their food for a while. If your pup has experienced a stressful event recently, this may be the cause. Normally, once the initial anxiety has passed, dogs will return to their normal eating habits. Medication The same is also true for vaccinations or new medications — from time to time, they can cause dogs to lose their appetite temporarily, but this should fade within a day or so. Overfeeding Sometimes, there may not be a medical or behavioral problem causing your dog to refuse their dinner. They might just not be hungry! Giving dogs too many treats or overfeeding in general is surprisingly easy to do. Remember that the suggested amounts on food packaging typically overestimate the amount a normal dog needs. Try keeping a list of the number of treats your dog gets in a day and make sure no-one else in the house is sneaking them food! You may just have a picky eater on your hands. Puppies are notoriously fussy eaters. New puppies take in a lot at once — they may need time to adjust to their new lives, and you may need to experiment with their food. If dogs have become accustomed to getting human-food treats on a regular basis such as high-fat, tasty morsels of cheese or salami , they may turn their nose up at their blander kibble, in the hope that something better might come along later. If you think your dog is just being picky, check out our tips below for how to get your dog eating again. The ingredients could also have changed, so it may be worth trying a different flavor too. Dogs are pack animals by nature and may feel more comfortable eating when you are home. If this is the case, try to make sure you feed your dog at least 10 to 15 minutes before you have to leave so they have time to finish eating their meal before you part ways for the day. If dogs have become accustomed to getting human-food treats on a regular basis, they may turn their nose up at their kibble. Try rotating through several alternative dog foods Try a few different flavors, mix dry and wet food together, or switch between dry and wet to see if another food appeals more to your dog. Ensure you make any changes gradually, to not upset their stomach. Add a tasty topper or mix to their food Mix in a little human food to see if that does the trick. Warm up the food Even us humans tend to prefer a nice, warm meal. Add a little warm water, just a tablespoon or so, or pop the food in the microwave briefly. Go for a walk before meals Make sure your dog is well-exercised before you feed them, to help them build up an appetite. Feed at consistent times Divide the food into two or three meals and serve them at consistent times each day. This leaves your dog no choice but to eat their food and hopefully get used to it. If your dog stops eating for more than a couple of days or experiences any other concerning signs, you should contact your vet right away. We hope these tips are useful. We are here to help! Related articles. You could simply be dealing with a picky eater, or this could be a sign of a more serious health issue. If your puppy normally eats his food eagerly but has suddenly stopped, the first thing you should do is make sure he is healthy. A sudden disinterest in food may mean your puppy is sick, perhaps intestinal woes. If your puppy eats other kinds of food like wet food or snacks and refuses to touch his dry food, he may just be a picky eater. If your puppy is younger than that, he may be too young to eat regular dry food meals. In most cases, pet owners take ownership of the puppy when he is six to eight weeks old, after weaning. Is Your Puppy Teething? Feeding your puppy on a regular schedule, versus leaving food in his bowl all the time, can help him regulate his digestive system. As a general rule, puppies under six months of age should be fed three small meals a day and then switched to twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening. Once your puppy reaches maturity about a year old for most puppies, or two years for giant breed puppies , you can decide whether to feed him once or twice a day. After all, our taste, texture and smell preferences differ from person to person. You can also try moistening the dry food using three parts kibble and one part warm water. Want to learn more about how and what to feed your puppy? Click here to learn everything you need to know about feeding your puppy, from the nutrients he needs to promote healthy growth to how his breed and size can affect his diet. Related articles. But what can you do if your puppy is not eating, or isn't eating enough? Veterinarian Joanna Gale, BVetMed, a Mars Petcare expert, explains how much your puppy should eat and gives the lowdown on why young dogs sometimes skip meals, how to get them to eat, and what signs indicate something is seriously wrong. Exhaustion Puppies go-go-go until they suddenly crash into a sleeping pile of cuteness. Your little one may simply need a nap before he's ready to chow down. As long as your pup digs into his bowl at the next mealtime, it's OK for him to miss one feeding. Distraction If there's a party going on, a new person or pet in the house, or an opportunity to play, your puppy might be too excited to eat. Your four-legged friend should be ready to eat once things settle down again. Stress Has anything changed in your puppy's environment recently? For instance, a new home, pet, or person? If surroundings have changed, that can cause puppies to act differently. It may just be a matter of your puppy adjusting. But make sure feeding times are as calm for your pet as possible and consider placing your puppy's food bowl away from other pets' feeding areas. Vaccinations Just like in people, pets can feel a little blah after getting a shot. Fatigue and reduced appetite are normal side effects of puppy vaccinations , but they shouldn't last longer than a day. Finicky Eater Many pet parents assume that if puppies aren't eating, it's because they don't like the food. But, Gale says, "Most healthy puppies have a good appetite and aren't fussy about their kibble. If you add human food, you're unbalancing the meal that's been carefully formulated for puppies. And your puppy may end up picking out the bits that he likes and leaving the rest. Too Many Snacks It's important that puppies learn good manners with some basic positive reinforcement training. But teaching young pups the do's and don'ts usually requires lots of treats. If your puppy is filling up on treats, he may not be hungry for his normal meal. If that's the case, use pieces of his regular kibble or try buying specific training treats as incentives during training sessions so he gets proper nutrition throughout the day. Illness A complete loss of appetite could mean your puppy is sick, particularly if he is listless or quiet, Gale says. The problem could be anything from a virus to eating something that isn't food hello, little shoe chewer. It's essential for puppies to regularly refuel. Growing bodies need lots of nutrients. So if your puppy is acting like his goofy, normal self but hasn't eaten for a full day, call your vet for advice. Is your puppy also refusing water? Then ring your vet after a half-day of no eating or drinking, Gale recommends. If your puppy becomes inactive or starts to vomit or have diarrhea, it's best to see your vet right away. Diarrhea and vomiting can quickly dehydrate a puppy and could indicate that something is seriously wrong. How to Get a Puppy to Eat Again If your puppy has other symptoms or has missed an entire day of eating, seek veterinary care. Otherwise, there are a few things you can do at home to encourage your pup to eat his next meal. And, make sure mealtimes are calm and relaxed. One other secret to enticing your pup to eat is to mix wet and dry puppy food. It's a change that's still nutritionally balanced and appropriate for puppies. Like human babies, puppies have tiny stomachs and need to eat several small meals a day. As your puppy grows, you can feed larger amounts less frequently. Your veterinarian can recommend a schedule, but Gale says these are the general guidelines: 4 meals a day: Recently weaned puppies of all sizes need four meals a day. This chart helps break down the feeding schedule by your puppy's breed size. Always discuss the best feeding schedule for your puppy with your vet. Puppies need varying amounts of food, depending on the dog's size and breed. For a starting point, check the feeding guides on puppy food packages. But remember, Gale says, that the feeding guides list the total daily amount—so split that amount equally into the number of meals that's right for your puppy's age. For example, if it says your 3-month-old puppy needs 1 cup of food a day, divide that by four. So you would feed your pup a quarter cup of kibble four times a day. Your veterinarian can also help determine if the amount of food needs to be adjusted based on your dog's growth and weight at each well-visit. Young dogs need the extra nutrients they get in puppy food for proper growth. So if your furry pal is refusing to eat, it's best to check in with your vet especially if your pup has skipped several meals. Once your adorable fur ball is chowing down again, you can relax knowing your spunky pup is getting everything a growing dog needs. Was this page helpful? Signs your puppy needs to see a vet Besides the long-term risks of puppies not eating as they should, there are some immediate risks to take into account when your puppy refuses to eat. This is particularly true for toy breeds that are prone to hypoglycemia a drop in blood sugar , which can lead to serious complications. Puppies are also more susceptible to dehydration than older dogs. This seems especially the case if their main diet is canned food, as pups eating the "wetter" canned food tend to drink less. Here is a list of the more common reasons. Finicky Eater Being a picky eater isn't all that common in puppies. After all, your puppy has two qualities that should make them happy to eat just about anything: they're 1 a dog and 2 a puppy! However, in some cases, puppies can become picky eaters and have certain preferences in their eating habits. To be on the safe side, you always want to have your puppy's veterinarian evaluate them to be sure they are healthy if they show signs of not wanting to eat. If your puppy is given a clean bill of health by their veterinarian, consider whether they are happy to eat other things besides their meals, such as healthy dog treats or dog-safe fruit. If they are happily eating those things, it may be that they are getting a bit picky with their regular food. You have a couple of options here: Change their food. You certainly wouldn't want to be forced to eat something you don't like, day after day. Sometimes it's as easy as switching to a different texture or hardness of food. I don't advise changing the protein source chicken, beef, etc. Changing protein sources for your dog can make it more challenging in the future should your pup develop food sensitivities or allergies. This is one reason when pets do develop food allergies, they have to be fed veterinary hypoallergenic diets which tend to be much more expensive instead of limited ingredient or new protein diets. Stick with the same protein even if you're switching or adding canned food to their meals. And be sure to change your puppy's food gradually to avoid stomach upset. Make their food more enticing. This may be a food topper, fish oil supplement although don't overdo it, and remember that it is a fish protein in case of allergy concerns , or some wet food. Even just wetting the food with warm water and letting it sit for a few minutes can make it more enticing read: smelly for your puppy. Do this before you offer the food to your puppy. You don't want to build a habit of them refusing dry food and learning that doing so means you'll add something yummy. They're always learning! The goal here is to just get calories in. See below for some options on food toppers to try. If a puppy is truly being picky — again, this is rare — the usual recommendations from canine behavior consultants are to put the food down for 15 to 30 minutes and then put it away if uneaten after that time. It doesn't reappear again until their next mealtime. HOWEVER, because it's extremely important for a puppy to get enough calories from a balanced diet, this isn't recommended for young puppies or toy breeds that are prone to hypoglycemia low blood sugar. Be sure to rule out other causes for their lack of appetite first, and then speak with your veterinarian about whether they are old enough to try this method. Maybe you brought them home very recently. If you have children, maybe they have just gone back to school, and the puppy is experiencing separation anxiety. Or maybe the kids are spending more time at home. Keep an eye open for potential sources of stress for your pup. Well, the same can hold true for puppies. If you think this might be the reason, check out some ways to help keep your pup cool. Teething or Pain Just like babies become fussy about eating when they are teething, so can puppies. The discomfort and soreness they experience in their mouth can make them reluctant to eat their food, especially if it is dry food. The pain could be from an injury — after all, puppies can be quite accident-prone! Pups can also experience inflammation of their pancreas pancreatitis or growing pains from their developing bones. They could even have something stuck in their mouth — like a splinter or piece of wood from chewing on a stick — or a broken tooth from a bad chew toy. Check for any external or obvious sources of pain. See below for some teething toy suggestions and alternatives to dry food. Some snacks and treats, whether stolen by your puppy or given freely by you, can cause digestive upset as well as obesity and begging later in life. They may even cause your puppy to reject the healthier and balanced dog foods they should be eating! You can greatly decrease the chance of your pup sneaking their own treats by puppy-proofing your home and teaching them not to counter surf. If your pup is having diarrhea for more than 12 hours, they are at risk for dehydration. The risk for dehydration increases if your puppy is also vomiting. For those that are severely dehydrated, the skin will remain tented. This is a critical situation for puppies, and medical attention is needed immediately. Connect now Rates may differ for those residing outside the U. You'll have access to a vet for 7 days. Many puppies have roundworms or other parasites in their gut before you get them home. This is a big part of the reason why we vets usually deworm puppies at their puppy visits, recommend fecal poop testing, and vaccinate to prevent Parvo and other devastating diseases. For example, puppies with liver shunts will have stunted growth, poor muscle development, abnormal behavior such as head pressing, seizures, circling, etc. They may also have vomiting, diarrhea, or abnormal appetites. Acute kidney failure due to a toxin or infection can cause decreased appetite, abnormal urination, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, etc. Respiratory Infection One of the more common respiratory infections, kennel cough, can be mild and self-resolving, but it can also spread and reach the lungs. For some, this can be another reason not to want to eat. The best way to protect your puppy from kennel cough and perhaps even canine influenza, a. Therefore missing a meal or two can be problematic and be a cause for concern. Always err on the side of caution and call your veterinarian for advice in these situations. Add about 1 part water to 3 parts dry food. You can even warm it in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds to enhance the smell. Be sure it is not too hot before giving it to your puppy. Add in a little bit of canned food. Some puppies like it cold, some room temperature, and some prefer it warmed. Note: Choosing canned food is best done with your veterinarian's recommendation, but you can start by looking to see if the dry food you feed your pup is available in canned form. And stick with the same protein source. If the kibble is chicken, find a chicken canned food. However, these diets and the options below all require a veterinary prescription. Veterinary-formulated diets are meant to treat, cure, or alleviate certain medical conditions and if they are used incorrectly or for the wrong condition, they could cause other health issues. These diets should always be used under veterinary supervision. When you need a truly smelly and appetite-stimulating canned food, Royal Canin's Recovery canned food is a good option. If you wanted to switch dry foods — normally you'd want to transition over time — but because it's critical for a puppy to eat, this food is safer to switch suddenly. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric dry canine formula provides complete and balanced nutrition for the growth of puppies and maintenance of adult dogs, including the growth of large breed dogs 70 lbs or more as an adult. You can try adding some peanut butter. If Feeding Canned Food: Try offering it cold, room temperature, or warm to find your pup's preference. Avoid broths containing onions, onion powder, chives, or garlic — as these can cause a breakdown of your pup's red blood cells. Mix Native Pet's Bone Broth powder with water as a pet-safe way to add broth to their food, or sprinkle this broth flavored food topper on their food. Some pups will perk up their appetite when you add a little bit of plain boiled white rice or pasta to their meals, or some boiled and shredded, boneless, skinless, spice-less chicken breast. Add some low-sodium green beans can encourage some puppies to eat. And the added benefit of green beans is they contain essential vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber. Add some room temperature or warmed chicken or turkey baby food the brands we linked to don't contain onions, which shouldn't be in any food you give your dog. Add some fruit, such as blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberries, etc. DO NOT give grapes, raisins, or currants since they are toxic. Check out our list of safe and unsafe fruits you can give your dog. You can also try a very small amount of canned pumpkin. While pumpkin has a lot of benefits, sometimes too much of a good thing can create issues. For example, excess fiber from the pumpkin could block the absorption of protein if the puppy consumes more of it than their normal diet. Additionally, too much can cause diarrhea, which would be an additional complication. If you normally feed your pup their food in a bowl, try a different type stainless steel instead of plastic or switch to a plate. Change where you feed your puppy. Feeding them in their crate or puppy playpen is the best idea, which provides some separation from other dogs, cats, and the hustle and bustle of your home. It also has the added bonus of creating a positive association with their crate an essential part of crate training and helping prevent resource guarding issues. You may need to stimulate their appetite by increasing activity before mealtime. Try taking them for a walk or have playtime before you plan to feed them. Try setting a fixed feeding schedule to see if they will eat once hungry. Providing puppy-safe teething toys can give them some relief. A cooling teething stick can help soothe gum irritation and feel good to gnaw on, and the softer rubber in puppy teething toys is gentler on your puppy's sore mouth. These pheromones mimic the scent of a mother nursing her puppies, encouraging a sense of safety and security. Adaptil Pheromone Diffuser Available at: Provide calming enrichment activities. Licking, chewing, and sniffing are excellent for not only providing mental enrichment but are also self-soothing. Spread some wet food on a licking mat you can even freeze it to make it longer-lasting or to use on hot days and give it to your puppy in their crate or playpen to work on. Make sure to supervise their licking mat session, as these aren't meant as chew toys. You can even blend up their dry food with some water or food topper and then smear it on the licking mat so they can get those much-needed food calories. Hyper Pet IQ Treat Lick Mat Available at: You can try spreading a bit of your dog's wet food, peanut butter, pureed pumpkin , or low-fat greek yogurt on this mat to provide a soothing enrichment activity. If you feel really desperate, you can attempt hand feeding. Just be warned, this could become a habit your puppy starts to rely on! Start by feeding from your hand and then work towards holding the bowl for them instead of feeding straight from your hand. From there you can build them up to eating from the bowl on the floor while you're further away Don't Over Treat: Be sure that you are not giving too many treats and spoiling meal time. A puppy that is full of yummy treats won't eat their regular meals because they just aren't hungry. There are a couple of options here to help mitigate extra treat calories and to ensure your puppy is getting a complete and balanced diet during intensive training. Use a portion of your dog's regular food as their training treats. Measure out their daily allotment and pull out a portion to use for training exercises. Use regular food treats indoors and for easy cues, saving the high-value training treats for puppy class or practice out and about. Rely on a different type of food as a training treat. For example, if your puppy eats dry food for meals, use air-dried dog food for treats, such as the Ziwi Peak Air-Dried food. The texture is different and many dogs find these types of food more valuable than dry food, but they are still formulated to provide a balanced diet. Speak with your veterinarian about how many calories your puppy should be consuming each day. This will help you balance out the calories they are getting from treats with the amount they are getting from food. Incorporate real-life rewards for your puppy's training. One of the best things you can do when training your puppy is to practice identifying what it is that they want in a particular moment and then using that as a reinforcer and reward for their behavior. It's not always about treats! For instance, they might want your attention, access to the yard, to go for a walk, or to play. By using these real-life rewards from the start with your puppy, only using treats to get better focus or to teach a brand new behavior, you'll be on the right track for fading out food treats later on in life. If your puppy has decreased energy. If your puppy is weak. If your puppy shows signs of hypoglycemia low blood sugar — abnormal gait walking , weakness, seizures, and even coma. If multiple dogs in your home or among your circle of friends are also experiencing decreased appetite. If you know your pup has recently gotten into the trash or dirty laundry. If your puppy got into cleaning agents mop water, freshly cleaned toilet, etc. If any toys are recently missing or destroyed. If they've recently been spending time at the dog park, doggy daycare, or any other group of dogs. If your puppy was just vaccinated. If the whites of their eyes, their gums, or the inside of their ears are yellow or even yellowish. See the photo below as an example of a dog's eye that is yellow. For a growing puppy, a good, well-balanced diet is extremely important. Puppies have unique nutritional requirements and therefore need diets specially formulated for their optimal health and growth. You are laying the foundation of a healthy adult when you properly feed your puppy. A well-balanced puppy diet will help: Achieve a healthy growth rate — not too rapid and not too slow. This is extra important for large and giant breed puppies. Support proper immune functions Prevent the possible occurrence of developing orthopedic issues in the legs and hips When you are looking for the right diet, you want to purchase food with the AAFCO American Association of Feed Control Official certification. This is the organization that supervises the entire pet food industry. An ideal diet will also have completed a feeding trial before it is marketed. You want to feed a diet formulated for puppies based on their size small breed versus large breed formulations are different. A good puppy diet should contain the proper levels of DHA. About the author Dr. Beth Turner Beth Turner is a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience. She graduated from North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine and following graduation, she began her career as an associate veterinarian and worked closely with the local shelter. In she accomplished her dream of practice ownership, designing and building her own clinic. Another meaningful role, while running her clinic, was serving as her county's shelter veterinarian. This gave her the opportunity to help improve the lives of many animals in her community as well as work with the rescue she loved. She sold her practice in to move across the country. A family member moving out Relationship break-up A change in your routine, such as working shifts or nights Moving his bowl to a different area All of these changes may upset your Labrador and cause him to be disinterested in food. Multiple changes should be done one at a time. If your dog has a stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea , you may need to contact your vet sooner. Your dog may have also eaten something toxic. Take care with foods like grapes or chocolate, and never leave these where your Lab can reach them, as even a tiny amount can be highly poisonous. Medication or Vaccinations Some medications may cause a reduced appetite or nausea. If your Lab is taking a new course of medication and this occurs, you should inform your vet as there may be a more suitable alternative. If your Labrador Retriever has had his recent vaccinations, sometimes these can cause adverse reactions, including loss of appetite. The good news is this should only be brief. Ensure your Lab is drinking plenty of fresh water and keeping himself hydrated. If your Lab finds it difficult to keep hydrated, you can always try a pet water fountain such as the Petsafe Drinkwell from Amazon. The free-falling stream of water entices your dog to drink and keeps his water constantly clean. Dental Pain When your Labrador suddenly stops eating his kibble, it could be because the food is causing him some pain in his mouth. It might result from gum disease, an abscess, or a damaged tooth. Choose a more fragrant food. Try choosing a better quality food that has a powerful meaty smell. Add some warm water or unsalted chicken or beef broth. Add a topping. You can add wet food or other toppings such as plain yogurt, egg, chicken, other meats, or fish. I often do this to mix things up for my dog. Try hand-feeding, as your Lab might need a little TLC! Exercise your dog before feeding so that he works up an appetite. However, wait an hour before putting his bowl down which helps prevent bloat GDV. If you have been hand-feeding your Lab, try stopping for a while. Remove his bowl after 15 minutes and then only put it down again a few hours later. Limit treats to training times only. Try keeping his mealtimes separate from yours. Put him in another room at your mealtimes. Do not feed your dog table scraps. Try switching to a ceramic bowl instead. Give him lots of praise when he eats from his bowl. Make feeding time fun — try putting a lid on his food, so he must remove it first. They are good, especially if your dog is easily distracted by his environment. This bestseller has almost 75, positive reviews! If your dog senses that you are stressed and anxious about his loss of appetite, he may also become stressed and not eat at all. I know initial vet visits can be costly, but so are treatment methods if your Lab is diagnosed with a condition or disease! I would recommend having a decent pet insurance policy in place. This will always give you peace of mind and avoid unexpected vet costs. But if your dog has gone more than two days without eating you should call your vet. Labradors should eat at least twice a day at hour intervals to prevent bloat GDV. Puppies under 6 months of age should be fed more often as they need small meals throughout the day. Hopefully, these suggestions will fix the situation and return your Labrador to his everyday eating habits. Related Posts You May Like:. Picky dogs can have their appetite perked up by being offered another food or treat, but unwell dogs will refuse even their favorite meals. Partial anorexia is when a dog eats, but not enough to keep him healthy and fit. There are many reasons why a dog or puppy might go off their food. If a dog eats nothing for a few days or loses his appetite over a period of time this can be a sign of a serious illness. A mild illness, like a tummy upset, could cause him not to eat for a day or two. Problems with his teeth or pain can also cause him to eat less — just like you would. But there are other reasons for a dog to stop eating. Lack of appetite can be caused by changes in the environment or emotional upsets. Not eating can also be a learned response. But first things first. You could have a medical emergency on your hands. First try and see if you can figure out a reason. He tries to, picks at his food but then backs off. Check his body all over for signs of an injury, bloating or any unusual lumps at bumps. Are there any signs of problems with his teeth, mouth or throat. Check his stools and whether he is passing urine. Does he have a fever? If your dog looks really sick — withdrawn, lethargic or unusually quiet, he may be in trouble. He needs to see a vet without delay. Dogs with severe tummy pain may just take to their beds and not make a sound. Bloat or some kind of obstruction from eating trash are possibilities your vet might want to consider. You can also try and offer food again in a few hours. Dogs can go without food for a few days without any adverse effects on their health. There are many reasons why a dogs go off their food besides health problems. Or even if he seems just a little bit reserved. You dog might just not be hungry. Or bored with his food. Someone could have slipped him too many treats. Have you changed food brands? Some dogs are very suspicious of unknown tastes and smells. A new bag of kibble you just opened might be off — check and smell the food. When dogs have emotional upsets it often puts them off their food — just like our children. Have you moved house? Even a simple thing like a new food bowl or changing the place where you feed him can have him turning up his nose at food. Most dogs also stop eating for a day or two when their owners go off on holiday. Are there visitors who might be upsetting him? Or a new pet? But, if he normally has a healthy appetite, keep an eye on him, watch and wait. One of the things you need to watch for is that your dog drinks water. Right away. If your dog is drinking a lot more water than usual and refusing to eat this can also be a sign of an infection or a serious disease. Just like people, dogs get tummy bugs. These minor bugs are not usually serious and most dogs will carry on behaving normally throughout. And they will drink enough water to replace lost fluids. Veterinary advice is to not feed your dog for about 12 hours after a tummy upset. Then start by feeding small amounts of bland food every few hours on the first day. This allows the digestive tract to recover. Increase the amount of food gradually and if it seems that the problem is solved you can start reintroducing normal food. A lack of appetite accompanied by absence of bowel movements, or by straining, may indicate a bowel obstruction. Illness aside, the vast majority of dogs that go off their food are not in the throes of a medical emergency. Many dogs that gradually stop eating do it because they want you to feed them different food. If you ate the same old pellets every day, you might get bored too. Having said that, most kibble fed dogs consume their daily ration with gusto. So why do some dogs stop eating dry food? There may a perfectly good reasons. Older dogs, or those with dental problems or painful jaws may find them hard to chew. Or in winter the food might just be too cold. The solution here is simple — add a bit of warm water. But most often the reason is that someone added something tasty to the kibble at some point. And the dog has really appreciated that addition. It might have been some tasty gravy or some after dinner scraps. So the dog turns his nose up, and what happens next? Which he does! Job done. Or not. No — he is prepared to hold out for the tasty additions he has come to expect. So what do you do? Or paying a small mortgage for fancy food in a pretty pouch? The bad news is, your dog will make you feel like a bit of a heel whilst you go about teaching him not to be a fussy eater. He may also lose a bit of weight which could be a bonus. Which brand should you try? People often ask us which brand of dog food they should try, especially when their dog is refusing several brands. We simply cannot advise you on which brand of food you should feed your dog. That is a matter for you, and possibly your vet, to decide in consultation with your wallet. But be very wary of switching brands on more than one occasion. You can end up in a cycle of constantly switching from one food to another whilst your dog gets more and more picky. Your dog has learned to play you. How long can a dog go without eating Forget about hours. If he has access to water, a fit and well dog can last days without food. And most healthy, well balanced, dogs will give in and eat what is put in front of them within two or three days. So if you want to, you can safely refuse to feed a fit and well dog alternatives, until his hunger gets the better of him and he gives in and eats what you provide. That includes mentally well. Or a dog that has a health or emotional reason for not eating. A dog who has a chronic illness may need a special diet. And those recovering from a health problem could need some coaxing to recover their appetite. So do dogs who are recovering from a serious illness or have pain from recent surgery or conditions like hip dysplasia. This is only partly because they are less active and need less food. Various metabolic changes also take place when the body is under stress. Your vet will probably advise you on what to feed your sick, injured or recovering dog. He is likely to suggest that you tempt your dog with foods that he enjoys. Meals should be nourishing, easy to eat and to digest. You should offer smaller meals more frequently. Dogs find moist, warm food with a strong flavour more appetising. Canned dog foods, meat, fish, and eggs fit the bill. Sense of smell and taste can decline with age, and lower activity levels may mean that the dog simply needs less food. Most older dog gain weight because of inactivity. Those who keep losing weight usually have an underlying long term health problem, problems with their digestion or difficulty in swallowing. So if your older dog it not eating and keeps losing weight you should have him checked out by your vet. When older or chronically ill dogs eat too little over a long time they lose, not only body weight, but also lean mass muscle. Labrador puppies usually have voracious appetites, and will eat pretty much anything with relish. Even if your puppy seems otherwise well, talk to your vet if he stops eating altogether for more than a few hours. Moving home can be very stressful for a dog. He may need a little time to settle in first. His emotional health is the priority here, not your ability to control his diet. That can wait a week or two. But what happens when your dog eats everything besides the food they should? Fussy eaters Your dog that is happily settled in your homes, in great health, and refuses to eat the food allocated for him. He happily scoffs treats, or food of a different make? What about dogs that will only eat if you wet their food? Or pour gravy on it. These are the fussy or picky eaters of the dog world. These are often dogs that are having a great time making their adoring humans run around after them — providing their favorite delicacies — and generally giving their dogs what is very often a completely unbalanced diet. Just read on for the cure. How to cure a fussy eater The cure for a fussy eater is straightforward. Here are the steps: Decide what you want your dog to eat and offer him a small quantity in a bowl. Set a timer for five minutes. When the timer goes off, take the bowl away. Do not feed him any treats whatsoever until his next mealtime. At the next time, offer the dog a small quantity of exactly the same food again. For exactly five minutes. Do not feed him anything else. Make sure he has clean drinking water available at all times. Rinse and repeat Build up quantities as soon as he starts eating again. But you will win this battle.

Origins Of The Vizsla Poodle Mix There is no documented history of the vizsla poodle mix as an intentional hybrid breed. However the origins of deliberately bred poodle mix dogs like the labradoodle is more well known and was initially driven by the need to produce a service dog for a vision impaired woman with allergies in the s. So with high demand for non-shedding dogs, it is no surprise the vizsladoodle exists today. And while not particularly common, the crossbreed offers a unique combination of a more hypoallergenic and medium sized dog for active dog lovers. Vizslas have a long documented history in Europe. But they faced extinction in the early 20th century due to war, occupation and the subsequent disruption to breeding programs in modern day Hungary. Originally bred as a water dog to retrieve waterfowl, they are now one of the most popular dog breeds but rarely used for hunting. Poodles were recognised by the AKC in and are part of the non-sporting category. There are three official poodle sizes — Standard, Miniature and Toy poodles. Based on their parentage they are likely to be an elegant, medium to large sized dog ranging in size from 15 to 24 inches high. They will have large floppy ears, a long tail, and a lean and muscular frame. In terms of color there will be a range of possibilities. Vizslas come in just one solid color, golden rust. But poodles come in a wide range of solid colors from cream all the way through to black. Their coat will vary from curly to wavy. But it is likely you will need to groom your vizsladoodle more than you would a purebred vizsla as vizslas have such short easy to maintain coats. The best way to know the likely size and color of your vizslapoo is to see the parents as your pup will inherit a combination of their appearance traits. Both are both renowned as friendly, playful and affectionate dogs so there is a good chance your vizsladoodle will have all of these characteristics. Poodles and vizslas are also intelligent, eager to please and highly trainable so training your vizslapoo and teaching them tricks should be pretty easy. In terms of risks relating to temperament, both breeds dislike being left alone and are prone to separation anxiety. As a result your poodle cross vizsla will need plenty of attention and cuddles from you. Both these breeds need plenty of mental stimulation and can be prone to boredom so you will need to keep your mixed breed dog busy when you are out. In terms of what is different and therefore less predictable, the vizsla temperament is renowned as very emotionally needy and sensitive than the poodle. And while poodles can also experience separation anxiety, they are on the whole more independent dogs than vizslas. So the degree of clinginess will vary depending on the genetic makeup of each mixed dog. With any mixed breed dog, proactive socialization and training from an early age will help combat any negative traits. If you've always loved the idea of owning a beautiful Hungarian Vizsla but worried that they are "quite a lot of dog" and just a bit too big, then these pups could be just perfect for you. They are extremely affectionate and love human company more than anything else. The pups are the result of a carefully planned match between our beautiful Vizsla, Sansa and our amazingly clever and affectionate Miniature Poodle stud dog,Tyrion. When grown up the puppies will look like Vizslas but will be more the size of a spaniel and will hopefully inherit the soppy nature of their Mum combined with the brains of their Dad making them ideal pets for active families. Both parents are fully DNA health screened certificates available so the pups cannot suffer from any of the terrible hereditary diseases that are sadly becoming more prevalent through careless and indiscriminate breeding. These pups were born and raised in our busy family home with the utmost care and attention. We follow a comprehensive program of socialisation as recommended by the Kennel Club which means that they are developing into confident, outgoing little characters ready to take on the world. They will have met cats, sheep, ponies, children of varying ages and unrelated adult dogs and obviously lots of adult humans. They have been fully wormed up to date, microchipped and have had a fully vet check prior to their first vaccinations. They will come with 4 weeks health insurance from Pet Plan, a comprehensive puppy pack including food ,treats, lots of information and some bedding with scent from home to help them settle. All puppies are sold with a legal contract ensuring that both parties are fully aware of their obligations and ensuring that these precious puppies are protected for life. We take the responsibility of breeding puppies extremely seriously and as such offer to take back any puppy no matter what age if you can no longer take care of it. We will always offer help with rehoming and do not want any of our pups to end up swelling the ever growing numbers in shelters and rescue centres. Read more Age:. Life Span Did You Know? Also known as the Hungarian Pointer, this dog breed has a long history dating back to 10th century Hungary. The Vizsla was used in the development of other dog breeds, such as the Weimaraner and German Shorthaired Pointer. This dog breed is a great scenting dog and as strong and athletic a pointer breed as there is. The Vizsla makes a great family dog. They are mild-mannered and great with children and other dogs. Also, a key to good behavior in this breed is gentle but firm training, as they are a very intelligent and sensitive dog breed. The Vizsla will adapt to a lot of things, but living in an apartment is not one of them. This dog breed needs room to move and exercise. They can handle some alone time, but prefer a lot of human interaction. They are sensitive dogs, so if you will have a life full of visitors coming and going to your home, make sure your Vizsla is used to that early on. The Vizsla is a generally healthy dog breed. Some of the potential health issues that you may see with this breed include the skin condition known as Sebaceous Adenitis, which is an inflammatory skin issue. This dog breed is also at risk for epilepsy. Genetic testing of the parents can help reduce the risk of these illnesses appearing in future generations. This dog breed can be a good fit for novice dog owners because of their sweet and gentle personalities. The Vizsla will react great to positive and rewarding training, which should go well when paired with their intelligence. Heavy grooming is not a worry with this dog breed. The smooth coat will benefit from being wiped with a damp cloth as well. Pure energy — that is the Vizsla. These sporting dogs require an active lifestyle and will not be okay with being a couch potato. Keep in mind that an under-exercised dog can become misbehaved, destructive, and downright disobedient. The Vizsla should weigh between 40 and 65 pounds and be between 21 and 25 inches tall. This dog breed usually lives years. Vizslas are also sometimes referred to as Hungarian Pointers and began showing up in the United States in the s. Featured Vizsla Article.