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We are a small family operated kennel located in the Northern Piedmont area of North Carolina. I only have dogs with excellent temperaments, good minds, strong character and nerves, nice structure and willing to please attitudes. Puppies will all have plenty of drive for training and working, but not over the top prey-monster types. Some will have more drive than others and will be very suited to sport, police K9, and other working endeavors. While other puppies will be a bit more laid back and fit in well with families as companion dogs. Over these years Janette has evaluated many hundreds of puppies and has become very adept at pegging what an individual puppy will be like as an adult. Robert Oglesby and Janette Oglesby have been involved with German Shepherd Dogs, puppy care, and training for many years. In her previous life Janette was a veterinary practice manager, veterinary technician, and kennel manager. During the past 15 years she has been evaluating, working, training, titling, and breeding these fabulous dogs. Robert, now retired, has been in veterinary practice for over 32 years and maintains the successful website www. He is responsible for the veterinary care of the dogs. A Little About the German Shepherds Our male and females are often purchased titled or started prospects from Europe after a thorough evaluation. We also use quality outside males for genetic and color diversity. More recently we are breeding, raising, training, then titling our own dogs. Occasionally some of these older puppies or young green dogs are available. Our goal is to be able to offer your family the opportunity to welcome into your home your new best friend and family protector. Coldwater German Shepherds. Puppy pads Create a Schedule German Shepherd pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. Still, it would be best to prepare yourself for loud noises when your pet is asleep. Moderate Training German Shepherds are highly trainable. It simply means they respond well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. For the complete list please see our main page page. Why Use Dog Breeders? There are many reasons why people decide not to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue and instead go to a breeder. Other people may be looking for something more specific, such as a puppy that is bred with the intention of being trained to become a service animal for someone in need. Yet others may want to buy a dog from a breeder as a way of supporting the humane treatment of animals. When it comes to purebred dogs you should always expect to pay more than what you would pay for a mixed breed or rescue dog. A purebred dog will have a better chance of growing up to be healthy and may have fewer behavior problems than a dog who is mixed with unknown breeds. Some questions you might want to ask include: How long have you been breeding German Shepherds? Do you have any health guarantees for your puppies? What genetic tests have you had done on your dogs? What is the average price of your puppies, and what factors affect the price? When meeting with a breeder, be sure to ask lots of questions and inspect the facilities where the puppies are being raised. The puppies should be clean and well-socialized, and the parents should be friendly and healthy. Finding a reputable breeder is an important part of finding a healthy, well-adjusted German Shepherd puppy for your family. Visit Your North Carolina German Shepherd Breeder in Person Before you bring home a German Shepherd puppy, we highly recommend that you visit the breeder in person to see where and how the puppy was raised. This will give you a much better idea of what type of temperament to expect from your dog and whether or not it will be a good fit for your family. Also ask plenty of questions about the breeding process, genetic health tests performed on parents, and overall care provided to dogs involved in the breeding. Visiting your breeder in person will also give you a better idea of their personality which can help you determine if they are the right kind of breeder for your family. This will give you a better idea of the quality of puppies they produce and how well they take care of their dogs. References can be a valuable tool when determining whether or not a breeder is right for you and your family. References are a must when looking for a German Shepherd breeder in North Carolina. This will give you a clear indication of the quality of puppies that breeder provides and how satisfied their past customers have been. Meeting past customers is a valuable way to determine whether or not a breeder is right for you and your family. Make sure to ask your North Carolina German Shepherd Breeder plenty of questions about their policies, breeding practices, and overall care of dogs before purchasing a puppy from them. This is important because the breeder will need to get regular health checks on the parents and puppies. A good relationship with a veterinarian is an important part of being a responsible breeder. You should also ask your North Carolina German Shepherd Breeder for copies of all health certificates and genetic tests that have been performed on the parents. This will give you peace of mind that your puppy is healthy and has a clean bill of health. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Sadly, not all breeders care for their dogs and puppies the way they should be cared for. They will also be able to provide documentation that proves the puppies have been health checked by a veterinarian. Responsible breeders will always take the time to answer any questions you have about their puppies. The American Kennel Club AKC is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to upholding high standards in the breeding and showing of purebred dogs. If your breeder is registered with the AKC, it means they are committed to following these high standards. A good way to determine whether or not a breeder is responsible is by checking to see if they are registered with the AKC. Here are a few things you should do: Set up a crate and put a bed inside of it. Buy a few toys and treats to keep your puppy entertained. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They will need to get checked out and begin their vaccinations. Start training your puppy as soon as possible. It will make life much easier for both of you in the long run. Potty Training your New German Shepherd Puppy One of the most important things to do when you bring home a new puppy is to start potty training them. Here are a few tips: Take your puppy out every hour, on the hour. Reward them with treats and praise when they go potty in the right spot. Simply clean it up and continue to take them out regularly. By potty training your puppy, you will be saving yourself a lot of headaches down the road. Most of the time, a wire dog crate with a foldable metal frame will do just fine. However, keep in mind that every dog is different and some might require a plastic or wood kennel instead. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Images internally provided The majestic German Shepherd is renowned globally, not just for its striking appearance, but also for its intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. Among the diverse color variants of the German Shepherd, the black short-haired version is a captivating sight, a blend of power and elegance. Historical Roots Originating from Germany in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the German Shepherd stands out not only for its imposing stature but also for its unparalleled combination of intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. This breed has secured its spot as one of the most recognized and beloved dogs in the world. Physical Attributes Short haired German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs, showcasing a blend of strength, agility, and elegance. They have a dense double coat that can vary in length and color, from black and tan to sable or even all-black. Their almond-shaped eyes exhibit intelligence and curiosity, while their ears — often erect and forward-pointing — add to their alert demeanor. Temperament German Shepherd puppies are known for their intelligence, making them quick learners and highly trainable. Their loyalty to their handlers or family members is unmatched, often leading to strong protective instincts. This protective nature, coupled with their bravery, has made them indispensable in roles like police work, search and rescue, and military operations. Socialization from a young age is crucial to ensure that their protective instincts are well-balanced, preventing undue aggression or timidity. By visiting their website, potential adopters can gain insights into available litters, the health and pedigree of the puppies, and the meticulous care they receive. Complete with photographs, detailed descriptions, and contact information, the German Shepherd Puppies NC website simplifies the journey of finding and adopting a short-haired German Shepherd puppy, ensuring that residents of North Carolina are only a click away from their future four-legged family member. Their years of expertise have given them a unique understanding of the breed, allowing them to provide puppies that are both healthy and well-adjusted. Top-Rated Breeder: The accolades speak for themselves. Their meticulous care ensures that every puppy is healthy, well-socialized, and ready to be a part of a loving family. Passion for the Breed: Their undying love for the German Shepherd breed is palpable in every interaction. In Conclusion The journey to finding the perfect pet can often be filled with uncertainty and countless options. However, when it comes to black short-haired German Shepherd puppies in North Carolina, the path becomes straightforward. German Shepherd Puppies NC, with its impeccable reputation, decades of experience, and genuine love for the breed, is undeniably the best choice for families looking to adopt. Ambassador With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to the highest standards of journalism, Victor Williams brings his extensive experience and global expertise to his contributions for NY Weekly. His education in world history sparked his interest in traveling the globe and gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures and societies. Through his travels, Williams has gained a wealth of knowledge and experiences, which he draws upon in his reporting. With a commitment to journalistic excellence and a love of adventure, Williams continues to be a leading voice in the world of news reporting. Next Post. Go to the puppy page for more information and details. SchH 2 April 11, Score was shown for conformation on May 29, .SchH 3 July .We produce three to four litters of puppies a year. We only breed dogs from European and Czech working bloodlines. It is our belief that dogs bred from solid German Shepherd working bloodlines have solid nerves and temperament. These are qualities that most folks want in a dog for there family. A pup with good nerves and temperament is less likely to be sharp and aggressive to your friends and their children. Our dogs go thru Schutzhund training. All of our pups are covered by a written guarantee on the puppy's hip's and health. Your puppy will be tattooed in the right ear and have all vaccinations up to date when you pick it up. On occasions we have adult dogs for sale. German Shepherd puppies for sale and dogs for Schutzhund training, Police service, narcotics, bomb detection, therapy work, Search and Rescue. We have been German Shepherd breeders for over thirty years. Our dogs have proven themselves to do serious sport and service work from coast to coast. Dogs bred from good strong German Shepherd working bloodlines prove to be more self assured, have good even temperament and make wonderful family companion and guard dogs. I often have solid black German Shepherd pups from our breedings. We offer German Shepherd stud service to approved females. We often have solid black German Shepherd pups for sale. Our puppies are all registered with the AKC. As a breeder for over thirty years we solidly stand behind our guarantee and feel that we offer the best quality German Shepherd puppy for the price that you will find. Will give any assistance and advice on bringing up your pup. Our daughter Sgt. Army Dec. Phone: .Messages are NOT coming through to my email account right now. As a Graduated Vet tech, I have seen the misery of a poorly bred dog. Reviews: I can honestly say this is one of the best dog breeders I have ever talked to before. Billie and Mr. Pete are very knowledgeable about their animals and dedicated to providing them with the best care no matter the conditions. After a ton of e-mails, visits, phone calls, etc.I finally found Ravenhill. Before I get into the quality of dogs they have, let me start by saying how much I like Billie and Peter. They are honest, respectful, kind, and willing to help. The first time I called Billie we spoke for over an hour and she gave me so much useful information. She tells you what you need to hear! We visited Ravenhill in early December. We spent a couple hours with Billie, Peter, and their German Shepherds. She had all ages to look at, my favorite being Echo who was 9 weeks at the time. All her dogs are friendly. The quality of our puppy is amazing. This pup is beautiful, smart, and has a very good temperament. We are very happy we selected.Billie is very protective of her dogs. At first we thought it was kinda rude, but if you think about it, she is just a awesome dog breeder! She likes to keep her pups safe. Me and my family are very happy with the pups we got! If you are looking for a great breeder, with great dogs! Most of us read that book back in the 70's and know how this order takes problem dogs and uses very creative ways of correcting temperament issues, either created by breeding or the people that own the dogs. They also breed German Shepherds. I have had several people over the years that HAD dogs from that order, that have bought my dogs, because our philosophy was so similar. People that breed dogs should always try to put the highest quality on the ground with their breeding, not JUST because they have papers, but because they come from well bred dogs. Honor the breed, breed true to the standard, in both confirmation, temperament and health. Don't fall into the trap of "bigger is better" or "German Shepherds are always guard dogs". These are companion dogs, with herding and protective instincts, and should always be bred for balance, both in disposition and confirmation. Titled dogs have proven their ability to be trained to the highest level, they must pass a physical screening hips and elbows before they are trained, and trained before they are bred in the kennels of working and working showline dogs with the European breeders. Some can be "reserved", some lines are more friendly, both are acceptable. Always meet the parents, and siblings and ask lots of questions about your breeders experience, expertise and time they have put into the breed. So, I pass that quality on to my buyers, who want a well bred companion dog that can be trained, or carry the instincts of devotion to people. I had both import and American lines when I started, but focus on dogs from titled import show and working lines. Pups coming from titled dogs means that the dogs behind my dogs are bred by real GSD breeders, hips and elbows are checked before they are titled, and the imports all have their 1st title before they are ever bred. These dogs are sound, intelligent and are ideal companion dogs as well as personal protection and working dogs. I am very selective about the lines I have and the temperament associated with those lines. Dogs are either OFA'd through American testing or import testing, microchipped, at least 4 wormings and shots at appropriate ages. I became involved with the breed while in Vet Tech school in .I became involved with the Jack Russell terriers in .My dogs hailed from England, the country of origin. Most of what I had at the time were the smooth working lines but later became involved in showing in UKC. Puppies from my lines are clean breeding no inbreeding but I do line breed and genetically cleared breeding pairs out of English country of origin and Australia, often referred to as country of development lines. Actually both countries were developing dogs to suit their region and vermin problem, so there are several types, and in any given litter it is good to have all 3 coats represented. Shows more variation in the gene pool. They are born in the house and only let out side after 1st shots. They are family pets, Earthdogs, Barnhunt dogs, stable dogs, agility dogs.All coats should retain a "double coat". Ideally the ears tip, but occasionally they will be small enough and light enough that an ear will prick. This is fine for pets, not acceptable in the show ring however or as Earthdogs as dirt can enter the ear canal. Tails are NOT cut short like they were many years ago but left natural or "tipped" when the dew claws are removed to ensure that they are not too long and can be damaged if the dogs are used as "Earthdogs" and go underground. Pups can be held with a non-refundable deposit transferable to another litter with approved purchase. ALL the German Shepherds are bred to be family, personal companion and protection dogs. When placing a dog, I try to match temperament 1st, sex then color. My 4 Import showline males have good "drive" as well as great functional conformation for movement and athletic ability and breeding them to my working line females, makes the pups more manageable and easy to train, and not so hyper that they are harder to handle by older adults and children alike. Once brought into the family group, outsiders will be viewed with caution until they are cued otherwise. Ironically, her dam and granddam and sire all showed in the American venue quite successfully, one grandmother showed at Westminster several years back. But at home.Easy to handle, very focused, easy to train, all of my dogs exhibit trusting loyal temperaments, adaptable to a caring, loving, home. All want to please, but are NOT unmanageable!!! Good temperament is critical for training and socialization. A shy or overly aggressive dog is never a good fit for a family and is harder to train. They have to WANT to please you and will try to earn your praise. Fear biters are a liability and overly aggressive dogs have their own agenda. And although these dogs have a good strong bite and a good prey drive for training, they are not police or military hard. Review I was appreciative of getting, thank you. My wife wanted a German Shepherd for many many years. We began looking and came upon Ravenhill Russells and German Shepherds. .Without a shadow of a doubt we felt like this was the place to get our puppy. When we went to visit the potential mother, all dogs were well taken care of and very healthy. Billie was patient with our questions and guided us along the way. Our puppy is now almost 5 months old and we couldn't be happier. We have her in training and our instructor says she is one of the best puppies he has seen. He also can't get over how beautiful and well bred she is. We are always stopped on the street by people asking where we got her and without hesitation we recommend Ravenhill Kennel. Thank you Billie for a beautiful, loving and family friendly dog. This is what it's all about. Hi Billie, Thank you for taking the time and meeting with me and Woody Tuesday. We have named our little girl Sassafrass Sadie Belle Belle as a nod to her mother. We are calling her Sadie. Sweet, loving and playful and none of the skittishness behavior in my last Russell. Our Newfie is scared to death of her! He probably remembers Maggie and how she terrorized him. Once again, thank you! Deena M. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. I don't sell show dogs. But people deserve to have a quality pet as well. So my dogs are breed from some of the best and proven foundation lines proven sound and of quality generation after generation. .People often say, I'm not looking for a show dog, I get that. But I will NOT breed anything less than my standard and respect the standard of the breed. All dogs at some point had a function. NOT just to not shed,even lap dogs kept royalty safe tucked in their sleeves and hands warm.I am sure they have other attributes. Rendell Beatty.

Watch Us In Action! About BRLA Boxer Rescue Los Angeles, a c 3 non-profit founded in , is funded by donations, driven by volunteers and committed to helping Boxers in need find loving homes and to help people looking to provide homes, find the Boxer that fits them best. Our mission for every adoption is a responsible lifetime match. All Boxers available for adoption are cared for in one location. Adoptions are scheduled by appointment. When you see a candidate posted on our Available Dogs page that has profile information that matches you, an adoption application should then be submitted. If your profile is a potential match to the Boxer candidate we then set up a virtual face to face interview to discuss in more detail. If we have a good pre-match an appointment will be made to come to BRLA and meet your candidate. Our adoption team will do introductions and test for compatibility to hopefully make a responsible lifetime match. You can adopt to save a life. You can donate to help us save lives. We are funded solely by private donations which are desperately need to house, feed, take care of routine medical and to be able to take on any medical needed to give a Boxer the second chance they deserve. You can save a life. All visits to our kennel for adoption or volunteering are by appointment only. A Few of our Featured Boxers. A note to all those on the waiting list. We are so sorry the website was temporarily shut down. We were having technical difficulties, So happy its back on. But we were always here to continue breeding for your fur baby. Thankyou for being patient, always look forward to helping you. We are Sublime Boxers, a family orientated breeder. We love placing our boxers with loving homes. Show quality dog, or family pet, we got them! We do a lot for our dogs. Our adult dogs get wormed every three months and updated on their shots. Momma dogs get extra worming before and during their litters to ensure the pups get less-to-none of those nasty worms that are certain in every puppy dog or cat. Then, pups get their regiment of worming before they go home, as well as their 1st puppy shot. All adult dogs are on NuVet, which is a vitamin with antioxidants to ensure the puppies are at their best before they go home. We also give you a puppy pack to get you started with your new puppy. Contents include a bag of food to lessen the stress of a new environment. All our dogs are loved, have large pens, and run around our 1-acre yard. We spray throughout the year to keep the fleas and flys at bay, as everything can affect the dogs and puppies. We have had nothing but excellent comments from owners, telling us how fantastic their puppy is in looks, smarts, temperament, and loving nature. That is why we take great pride in our dogs. Through selective breeding, we have kept an excellent line of boxers with a lovable temperament that has been consistent throughout the years, including even out most recent litters of puppies. We also give a one-year health guarantee, that you can extend to 2 years if you keep your puppy on NuVet, which is a supplement that helps your puppy with the stress of growing up by building its immune system. We hope that we can help you with finding your next loved pet. We have answers. Can I only look for Boxer puppies in my local area? No, you can look anywhere! One of the main plus points of looking for Boxer puppies for sale Los Angeles on our network is that all the breeders and businesses we work with have experience of transporting Boxer puppies for sale in Los Angeles. How do you screen the breeders wh apply to your network? We make sure that no puppy mills or backyard Boxer breeders in Los Angeles are admitted to our network through applying a strict set of standards to all applicants. These standards are set out in our binding Breeder Pledge, and cover all aspects of breeding and caring for Boxer puppies in Los Angeles. Why is Uptown Puppies so different from other networks? What are they like? A puppy mill is something like a factory for producing dogs - and all they care about is making a quick buck. The conditions in puppy mills are terrible, and Boxer puppies Los Angeles bred in one of them are much more likely to to suffer from health and behavioural problems. If you think a Boxer puppy has been bred in a puppy mill - look elsewhere. What about backyard breeders? Are they as bad as puppy mills? Pretty much. Their Boxer puppies are brought up in squalid conditions, and often suffer from fleas, worms and other parasites. Are there any Boxer puppies available now for me to buy? You may already have envisaged your perfect Boxer for sale in Los Angeles - breed, eye color, coat type, gender, and so on. You can reach out to one of our recommended Boxer breeders Los Angeles today, and be able to choose from a whole host of options, giving you instant access to your ideal dog. Where do Boxer dogs come from originally? The origin of the breed lies in the s, when Bulldogs were bred with German Bullenbeisers. They were first introduced to the USA in the early s, quickly gaining popularity due to their courage, resilience, cleverness and fun-loving personality. Today, they are one of the nations most beloved breeds of dog. What can I expect from the average Boxer puppy? Remember though, Boxers also make steadfast and effective guard dogs. How big do Boxers grow? Females tend to be between 21 to 25 inches tall, and they usually weigh from 50 to 65 pounds.

Straight back and slight slope toward rump Have an undercoat Mostly reddish-brown and black, but can vary American German Shepherds are different in that they are usually bigger and longer, with smaller heads and a much more exaggerated slope to their rear end. As far as temperament, European German Shepherds were purposefully bred as working dogs, so can exhibit some protective behaviors, including herding and guarding. They are intelligent and should be attentive and eager to please. They can make good family pets if they are well trained and socialized, but a family looking for just a pet might have better luck with an American German Shepherd, which are known for being less intense and generally more relaxed. Exercise and Training Because of their work ethic, European German Shepherds need intense exercise every day to keep themselves from getting into trouble. Attention and interactive play will be crucial if you decide on this line as your next family pet. American German Shepherds are similar in that they need at least 60 minutes of exercise a day, as well as a basket of toys to keep them occupied during the rest of the day. One great attribute of European German Shepherds is their compliance with positive reward training. Because they are active and intelligent, they thrive on the mental stimulation training provides. Training is essential for keeping these dogs well-behaved, whether in a work environment or at home on the couch. American German Shepherds are also smart and easily trainable, they just may pick up on commands a little slower than their European cousins. Health and Lifespan European German Shepherds tend to live longer than American German Shepherds due to the way they are bred: the American dogs tend to live between 7 and 10 years, while the European lives between 10 and 12 years. This is because European shepherds are screened for health concerns more often, and because breeding practices are more regulated than they are in America. American GSDs are more prone to joint problems due to their sloped back and shorter back legs. European lines were bred to have longer hind legs and straighter backs, making that less of a concern. Where the breed as a whole suffers is in the form of hip and elbow dysplasia, but tests and screening have helped lessen this tendency. This can help you determine if your dog will be healthy or not down the line. Short-haired GSDs need to be brushed weekly, while long-haired dogs will need much more frequent brushing to remove shed hair. Socialization Getting a puppy used to meeting other dogs and strangers from a young age is vital for this breed. This will help your European German Shepherd grow up to be confident and social when approached by other people, as well as teach them how to behave. Picking a Reputable Breeder Knowing the conditions under which your puppy was bred is imperative to ensure you have picked a dog that will be healthy and happy. Puppy mills push out dogs with health conditions and other issues due to irresponsible and unscrupulous breeding practices. Do your research before selecting a breeder, and talk to others who have purchased dogs to hear their experiences. We sell trained dogs as well as puppies that have been primed for obedience training. Visit our website to learn more about our puppies for sale , or give us a call at .Learn about the differences between a protection dog and burglar alarm, and which one is better. Click to learn more! Follow Us. Thanks again for breeding such a magnificent dog! Ginger Facebook Our new pup is absolutely beautiful! Super smart and everything we were told he would be. The customer service was excellent! April was very responsive and took the time to answer all our questions. First rate experience! Melissa google So happy with my puppy. Almost 6 months old and he is growing into a phenomenal dog! He is my constant shadow and such a joy to have in our lives! So much thanks to this kennel for the wonderful dogs the are producing. Rebekah google We received Hans at 10 weeks. What a lovable, beautiful puppy. Easy to train! Hans is quite possibly the best dog we've ever owned. Stephanie google Couldn't be happier with my puppy. I will for sure buy every one of my future dogs from them. Such a pleasure to do business with. I love my dog so much, so healthy and beautiful! Nelson google We worked with April for a male and a female, great service and they did work with us on a payment plan which was unexpected but appreciated! Great experience and super dogs! Asa google Our puppy is absolutely gorgeous. He's brilliant and perfect in every way. Would highly recommend them. Wendy google We have two dogs from April. Male is 2 and female is 9 months, they are the best dogs! Our male is super obedient and full of energy, our female is protective and alert. They are both loyal and great family protectors. Solid and confident. We are regular people with extraordinary dogs. Heather google Amazing, my family and I love our female puppy! She is super easy to train, super gentle, and very lovable! Best dog ever! Thank you! Kaycee google We have purchased multiple puppies from April and have been completely satisfied with each and every one. Extremely intelligent, loving and courageous. Thank you again April. Video: Training an East European Shepherd Dog History Since the Soviet military and the police wanted a versatile, hardy dog for guarding and sniffing work in harsh weather, the East European Shepherd developed during the s. Temperament and Behavior The East European Shepherd is a confident and balanced dog bonding closely to its people, excelling as a loyal family companion. Although it remains calm indoors, it constantly monitors situations and fearlessly protects its family members from any aggressor that intrudes its territory. It is usually cautious around strangers but will not be aggressive unless provoked. It can learn to get along with kids and other pets in the household with early socialization. Care Exercise Being a working breed, the VEO needs regular activity including jogs, long, brisk walks, as well as lots of romps and play in the yard. Let it run beside you when riding a bicycle or take it into an open area if possible such as the countryside so that it can run freely. Grooming Its coat can be easily maintained by brushing on a regular basis using a firm bristle brush and an occasional bathing with a veterinarian-recommended dog shampoo. Health Problems It is a healthy, robust breed, and unlike its German Shepherd parent, it is immune to genetic disorders such as elbow and hip dysplasia. Training Because of its smart and devoted nature, the East European Shepherd is easy to train, though make sure to keep training sessions short. Socialization Take your East European Shepherd out and walk around in a public place so that it gets used to various sights, sounds, and experiences around it. Keep your VEO on a short leash, and allow it to meet new friends by taking different routes. Introduce it to a variety of people, as well as other pets. Obedience Train your VEO comprehensively in basic obedience because the need to control becomes essential especially if you want to improve its guarding and sniffing skills. You may also enroll it in a professional training program so that it can learn to be obedient in a fun environment. Feeding A diet rich in protein may be given to your East European Shepherd. While you can offer a quality commercial dry food, you may also add some cooked fish, raw meaty bones, eggs, or boiled meat into its daily feeding routine. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Amber is looking for a forever home. She can be sold as a family companion or a breeding female though She is Not spayed, so she's still young enough for your breeding program but she has not been OFA certified. Her owners just haven't had the time to stop and train or to follow their own plans of breedig. Hense, time gat away from them and she isn't hip certified. She does know basic commands but is not housetrained though I would think as smart and willing to learn as she is it would not be a tough job. Please give Al or Shelly a call for any further questions. So please consider this lovely girl. This GSD is in need of rehoming. This one is of working lines, a very good boy. Click here for more information on both!! We are a small family owned farm that is dedicated to breeding, raising and training our family of European German Shepherds. Mike and Terry Dirlam info windlaufergsd. For those who have given the greatest gift of all, we thank you and all of the families who were left here to carry on without you. No infringement rights are intended, these are pictures we have downloaded from the internet. My husband and I have had German Shepherds for over 30 years. Our love for this outstanding animal, is why we want to preserve and improve the qualities of today's German Shepherd. To achieve this, we chose to become breeders of the German Shepherds from European lineage. We are proud of our breeding standards. We strive to learn ever more and are always open to new knowledge. The German Shepherd Dog truly is the "total package". They are capable of doing herding work, protection, agility and several have become SAR dogs and wonderful therapy companions as well as being an absolute fantastic family dog. Strength, loyalty, working ability, soundness of mind and body, courage and their ready sense of trouble, are among the list of things that made us love the German Shepherd Dog growing up and keep us on our path now. They receive continuous socialization and bonding given by our family members, grandchildren, and close friends. With observation and interaction , we come to know each puppy quite well. Your new puppy has been loved and cared for from the moment of planning the conception to the day they go home with their new families. As we train and work with these wonderful dogs, it only reinforces what a special breed the German Shepherd Dog really is. We welcome any questions you may have and are proud to have you visit and get to know our family of dogs. Generally, European German Shepherd dogs are bred for work rather than show. They often have heavier set bodies and darker coats than American German Sherpherds. This strain of the breed is best suited for active families that can provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation. What is a European German Shepherd? The European German Shepherd is not actually a distinct breed. Instead, it comes from European breeding lines. However, European German Shepherds are bred to a slightly different standard. This was later taken on and accepted by the Federation Cynologique Internationale. This is a breed registry in Belgium that accepts registrations from wider Europe. When someone talks about the European German Shepherd, they are referring to a GSD bred from European lines to meet this breed standard. His goal was to create an all-purpose herding dog. The original birthplace of the breed was Germany, as their name suggests. But these dogs soon became popular across the world. European German Shepherds are medium sized with a generally muscular and powerful appearance. The breed standard highlights that height at withers can range from 55 to 65 cm .But, females are smaller than males. Their ears are medium and erect. They should have a straight back and only a slight slope towards their rump, unlike the more exaggerated American version. European GSDs can have either a double coat or a long and harsh outer coat. Both coat types have an undercoat. They most often have reddish-brown and black coats, but can have lighter markings. Major faults in this breed standard are generally things that would dramatically impair the working ability of the dog. This extends to certain desirable personality traits. European German Shepherd dogs should have a well-balanced character. These dogs are good-natured, eager to please, and attentive. This, paired with their intelligence makes them quick learners. However, the European breed standard states they must also have instinctive behavior. This strain suits a variety of roles, from family companion, to guard and protection dog, and working or herding dog. European GSDs get on well with humans and animals if they are socialized well. However, their natural instincts to herd and guard can lead to chasing and herding behaviors like nipping. They can also be very protective of their families and homes if not socialized well. Socialization Socialization is important for dogs like this that can have strong natural instincts. It helps puppies to grow up happy and confident when meeting new people and facing new situations. From 8 to 12 weeks you should introduce your new puppy to as many new experiences as possible. You can read more about this here. They take well to positive reward training. Training can offer much-needed mental stimulation, as well as some physical exercise. European GSDs are most often working dogs. So, they must take well to training. They are suitable as military dogs, police dogs, and service dogs. These dogs are muscular and athletic. They will benefit from energetic activity every day. But, the form of this can really vary. European German Shepherds will enjoy swimming, running, walks, and dog sports like agility, rally, and obedience. So, you can mix things up when exercising them each day. Exercise will keep your GSD entertained, and keep destructive behaviors at bay. They generally have a healthier conformation than the American strain, which often has a more curved back and shorter hind legs. This problem in American GSDs can cause joint problems. There are very few studies that look into the health issues affecting the European strain of this breed. But, we know there are some problems that affect the breed as a whole. It can cause pain, swelling, and even difficulty walking. Luckily, there are tests for this condition. So, make sure to learn about hip screening and hip scores if you are considering this breed. Other Problems A number of other health problems affect the German Shepherd dog breed.

I am a small breeder of beautiful red and black standard poodles located in Boise Idaho, an all-round nice place to be! I breed for health, temperament, structure and size. Everyone loves the larger poodles! I also focus on keeping those remarkable dark red and inky black colors that everyone loves! Boise, ID Large Standard Poodles: Parents An extensive amount of research, testing, assessment and time have gone into finding and testing my poodles. Scarlet is a beautiful deep, dark holding red standard poodle. Both sire and dam are fully health tested, including Embark DNA, and evaluated for sound structure and solid temperament. I adhere to the highest quality breeding standards. My poodles are lovingly cared for. They are never kenneled and live inside with the family. I believe these are responsible protocols, and the best assurance that you will have - not only a nice poodle - but an exceptional poodle! In growing Large Standard Poodles my focus is to build the confidence of the puppies by exposing them to new people, noises, surfaces, and environments. At 6 weeks old, puppies will begin taking trips in their wagon to schools, malls, hardware stores, nursing homes, police and fire stations. This is how they get extensive socialization to become the best they can be. I welcome your questions with enthusiasm because I love the breed and want to ensure that every pup from Marvels develops as they should. They will be ideal companions you can be proud of; and that is the ultimate goal of what I do as a breeder. Please read more about my poodles and complete the Large Standard Poodles Contact Form if you are interested in reserving a puppy. Life Span Did You Know? Although the Poodle is the national dog of France, they actually originated in Germany over years ago where they were commonly used as a duck hunter. Their curly coat protected them from the elements and they were bred for their excellent swimming skills, high intelligence, and incredible retrieval skills. The Poodle comes in three sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Throughout history, this dog breed has served many purposes. From living in the lap of luxury as companions to nobility to working out in the field as a valuable hunting companion to entertaining people in circuses around the world, the Poodle is right at home. Although they are more popular as a companion dog, the Poodle still maintains their athleticism and working dog instincts. Poodles are known for their intelligence, cheerful disposition, and sensitive nature. They are versatile dogs that make great family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their sensitive nature, they tend to be a better fit for older children who understand how to approach and interact with a dog appropriately. These dogs prefer peace and harmony in the household, so very young children that are too loud or rough can stress them out. The Standard Poodle also tends to be quite energetic until they are about two years old and may be prone to knock over small children in their excitement. Standard Poodles also tend to make great watchdogs and have some protective instincts. Without proper socialization, they can become skittish, nervous, and wary of strangers. Making sure any puppy is socialized early and often helps them grow into a confident, well-rounded dog. Standard Poodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their energy level tends to make them better-suited for larger homes with room for them to run. But, they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive the exercise, mental stimulation, and affection that they need. They tend to do well in most climates. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to very hot and very cold weather. These dogs are in-tune with their owners and thrive on human companionship and affection, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Poodles are a relatively healthy dog breed, but there are some potential health concerns to be aware of. Because of their larger, barrel-chested body type, the Standard Poodle is also at risk for bloat. Responsible breeders will screen and test their stock to ensure the genetic propensity for breed-related conditions is not passed along to the puppies. Poodles are highly intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please their owners. They are highly trainable, pick up things quickly, and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Because they are sensitive and in-tune with their owners, they respond best to consistent, positive training techniques focused on rewards and praise. Poodle coats are curly or corded and come in a wide variety of colors. Although Poodles are known for their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats, their coats still require a lot of maintenance. Keeping your Poodle in a short clip can help reduce daily maintenance, but still requires regular professional grooming every four to six weeks to maintain it. A longer coat requires daily brushing in order to prevent matting in addition to professional grooming every four to six weeks. Regular professional grooming often helps with this as nail trimming should be done monthly, at least, to keep nails from growing too long. Dental care for dogs , like brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, is essential to protecting them from painful dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You, your dog, and your groomer will thank you for it! Who knows? If you ensure these experiences stay positive, they could even become a bonding time that your dog enjoys. These are high energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation every day in order to be happy and healthy. They love to stay busy and may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, taking trips to the dog park , hiking with you, and more. They also tend to be a good fit for several dog sports, such as agility, dock diving, obedience, flyball, tracking, and more. A fully-grown Standard Poodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. They can be slightly smaller than the usual as the Standard size is denoted by being more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder. A Standard Poodle generally lives years. Featured Standard Poodle Article.

When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Well-bred Labradors are relatively low maintenance, fit and healthy dogs. But your Labradors continuing health and well-being does depend entirely on you. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, grooming, preventive measures and regular visits to the vet are the real key to maintaining a high level of wellness and good health. All these actions are your responsibility and solely under your control. Daily routines will be diet control, exercise and physical inspections. Weekly routines will be grooming, ears, eyes, teeth and nail care. Quarterly routines could be shared between visits to the vet, a canine dentist and bathing. And the annual routine will be vaccinations. Just remember that prevention is always better than cure, so doing your best to prevent any illness and catching problems at the earliest possible stage is the goal to aim for. The following are all areas where you only need a little knowledge to effectively take care of your Labrador well. And if you cannot dedicate this time and effort, then in the nicest possible way, you might be better suited to a pet with less demanding care requirements such as goldfish. Making Safe Your Home and Garden Labradors are a lively and inquisitive breed, especially during their first three years so you need to keep dangerous household items out of their reach. Conceal electrical wiring…we all know of their infamous love for chewing. Sharp teeth and electricity do not mix! A Labrador can easily choke on wrappings or trash that may be swallowed along with edible scraps. Labs are smart and opening cupboards and drawers soon becomes easy for them. Be mindful of the toxicity of certain plants — Over plants have been identified as toxic to dogs , so be sure to research any plant before bringing it into your home. Fence of any ponds or pools in your yard. These are just a few points to consider around your home and garden, there are many more. Just try to put yourself in your Labradors shoes and take a good look at his environment as he would see it. Try to see how he could get into trouble and take measures to prevent it. Click here for a more detailed guide on puppy-proofing your home and garden. Brushing also helps to shake loose dirt out of and spread the natural oils throughout their coat for that desirable, healthy glossy look we know and love. Related article: The Best vacuums for removing pet hair from your home. Frequent baths will strip their oils, leaving them prone to wet and cold in winter, causing dry skin and making their coat look dull and not shiny. Keeping Nails Trim Most Labradors will need a nail trim every 2 to 3 months, although some may never need it. Regularly walking your dog on hard ground, especially sidewalks and roads, will have a natural filing effect and keep your dogs claws in order. This can make them sore and bleed. Ear Care What with a Labradors slightly drooping ears and their love of water, the inside of their ears can sometimes retain too much moisture, causing bacteria to build up and infections to form. I shall be writing an article on this very soon. Just some of the problems a Labrador may have with its teeth are gum disease, loose teeth, cracked or broken teeth, root abscesses and a build up of tartar. These can be very uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to further problems if neglected. Therefore, you need to inspect their teeth regularly, take measures to clean their teeth and even visit a professional canine dentist every 6 months or annually for a thorough check up and any necessary treatments. Treat their teeth like you would your own. Dealing with Parasites Controlling fleas, ticks and other parasites is essential for keeping your Labrador healthy. Immediate problems include extreme irritation and skin sores, but extreme infestations can lead to more dangerous problems including Lyme disease and tape worms. If you stick to a regular grooming schedule as you should! Simply brush your hand against the lie of your Labradors fur and watch for any small moving dots and check for any clearly visible ticks. There are many safe and effective over-the-counter flea control products , many of which contain formulations to prevent ticks at the same time. Finally, depending on where you live in the world, you may need to put your Labrador on medication for heartworm. Where mosquitoes are a problem, they can pass on heartworm and this can be fatal. Even the medicine for heartworm makes your dog very ill so prevention is definitely better than cure! Diseases such as distemper, rabies, hepatitis and parvoviros to name just a few. Your puppy will have had his first shots at five or six weeks before you got to take him home, and he will need a few further shots over a period of up to 18 weeks. A rabies shot usually follows at 6 months of age or so. After this, your adult Labrador will need just a single booster each year to stay protected. For many facts on vaccinations and the schedule you should follow when vaccinating your puppy, please click here. Dogs need a balance of vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins different to that of a human and feeding them on human leftovers can lead to malnutrition, as can a diet based on cheap filler packed dog food. You should perform a little research to find and use a recognized healthy brand of dog food that will cater to your Labradors needs. To help with this, please see our articles that list 4 of the best foods for Labrador puppies opens in new window or the best dog foods for adult Labradors opens in new window …yours really will thrive on these handpicked, quality foods! Additionally, the best thing you can do is set up a feeding schedule for your dog, twice per day being the recommended, and be mindful of any extra treats. Your Lab should always be well fed but not over-fed. I shall discuss this more in a later article. An Important Note On Drastic Changes In Eating And Drinking Habits If your dog is off their food, drinks way too much or way too little for a period of time more than 36 hours, you should call your vet as this is almost surely a sign of an underlying problem. They are voracious eaters and will eat just because they can, not because they need it. Excess weight can lead to all sorts of issues including arthritis and heart problems. To prevent this, control their diet and give them plenty of exercise for them to burn off those calories. They really do need very little exercise of just a few short minutes a couple of times per day. Too much exercise for a puppy can cause skeletal formation issues and plays a large part in joint problems. Take it easy until your puppy is at least a year old. Bedding and Shelter A Labrador should always have a soft surface to lay upon. To prevent this you should get your Lab a large sized dog bed or line a crate to offer a soft and comfortable place to rest. If your Lab spends any amount of time outside, you must provide shelter to offer an escape from the sun in summer, and preferably the shelter should have a raised floor so the wet and cold is kept away in winter. If your Lab puppy gets used to sleeping in a bed of yours or your children, it will be a hard habit to break and will more than likely end in separation anxiety and night-time whining. You want your Labrador to be comfortable alone for periods of time and should start forming this habit ASAP. Training The importance of training your Labrador cannot be overstated. A dog is a dog and not a human. You need to teach your dog how to behave and what your instructions are asking them to do. Before a puppy can become a trusted, well-behaved dog they have a lot of learning to do…and you a lot of teaching! To learn from the written word, I am part way through building the ultimate resource in the form of this site. Routines for feeding, exercise, grooming and visits to the vet are all easily managed with a little knowledge and by planning a schedule in advance and sticking to it. Spending quality time with your Lab is also key, especially regular grooming sessions. You should also attempt to learn your dogs normal living habits, how much he eats, drinks and sleeps. Anything To Add? As always, if you have any questions, would like to offer feedback, suggestions or further advice on the subject, please do so in the comments section below. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. Check Price on Amazon 6. Make Commands Only Once When it comes to training, what you give is what you get. This is known as command nagging. Teach your pup to heed a command at its first mention. If an order is not executed the first time, show your Lab what you want them to do and make the command again. Repeat that until they learn to obey the first time the command is made. Discipline at the Precise Moment of the Unwanted Behavior Timing is crucial when disciplining your 8-week-old Labrador pup. Dogs will typically forget an experience in 2 minutes. However, they can recall your training commands through associative memory. Once your pup has corrected his unwanted behavior with the desired behavior, reward him with a tasty treat and lots of praise. To learn more about how to discipline your dog, check out my top article, How to Discipline a Labrador: What Not to Do! It can also cause aggression in dogs , as found in this year-long study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania. Using physical punishment such as hitting, kicking, or grabbing the jowls and shaking, is simply animal abuse. Other unacceptable methods are physically forcing the dog down onto its side or back, growling at your dog, withdrawing food, using a shock collar, or tying it for hours. Wean Your Puppy off Training Treats Your Labrador needs to learn that skills and commands are not learned or obeyed for the sole motive of a treat. For this reason, it is important to wean your puppy off treats when he has repeatedly performed the behavior and completely mastered it in different locations and with various distractions. Nonetheless, your Labrador puppy is still a dog in training, and you still need to tell him that he has done the right thing. The rule of thumb is that they are trained young when it comes to dog training. You should train Labrador puppies as soon as you bring them home, typically around 8 weeks of age. The American Kennel Club AKC indicates that the first key milestone when training a Lab pup is 8 weeks, as soon as they have left their mother. It is a crucial time to lay the foundation for your Labrador puppy to integrate into the family. When you bring your Labrador Retriever puppy home at two months, it has most likely interacted with a few situations and is eager enough to learn and follow the rules of a new home. A recent study scientifically proved that 8-week-old puppies are quite capable of learning at this young age as they quickly learned to open a puzzle box baited with food and remembered the skill an hour later. Interestingly, these puppies learned the skill better from a human rather than their mother. Other studies have also proven that it is effective for future behavior to teach puppies socialization and other skills rather than adults. In this study, puppies who attended a command and socialization training class for one hour a day for six months responded better to strangers than adult dogs who attended the same classes. Are Lab Puppies Easy to Train? Lab puppies are easy to train. They are a working breed that enjoys physical and mental stimulation and have many positive traits. They are intelligent, devoted, friendly, highly social, and love to please. They are often used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, or search and rescue due to their easy trainability. Apart from the age factor, other breed-specific reasons make training a Labrador puppy easy. Here are three examples: Labradors are among the most intelligent dog breeds. In his book, The Intelligence of Dogs, canine psychologist Stanley Coren lists Labradors in the top tier of the smartest dogs. So, even at just two months, your puppy has it in his blood to learn and carry out commands. To perform their original working job of retrieving fish that came off the trawl, Labradors had to be watchful and enthusiastic. These are essential learning characteristics. As game and waterfowl retrievers for hunters, Labradors have to be obedient. Another core training requirement makes your Lab puppy easy to train. With these ten principles on exactly how to train an 8-week-old Labrador, you can now apply them to the key areas your young puppy needs to be trained in. Labrador Puppy Training: Key Areas There are five critical areas in which you must appropriately train your 8-week-old Lab puppy. In the next section, I will tell you what the training entails. How to Socialize a Labrador They say humans are social beings, but that is also true about dogs. Socialization begins with the breeder and continues with you. To socialize a Labrador, expose him to many different places and situations. Include sounds, smells, other adults, children, animals, cars, objects, etc. Dogs who are well socialized in the first 12 weeks will be set up for life. Socializing and training your puppy young plays a significant role in the development of adult dogs, as evidenced in this important study. Here are two key findings: Dogs that are well socialized as pups will behave more positively with humans and are less likely to display unwanted behavioral problems such as fear and aggression. Socialized dogs are more likely to engage in positive social behaviors with humans. They also learn better how to play games with humans, helping them establish a true bond with their owners. As a puppy, you can teach your Labrador social skills and confidence through intentional training moments in the family. Once he has completed his vaccinations, take him to public places such as parks or puppy socialization classes. Put him outside hourly and learn to anticipate when he needs to go. Reward and praise him when he does go outside. Usually, puppies will need to relieve themselves early in the morning and after meals. Use their natural rhythm for daily pee or poop walks. Dogs hate messing in the area they sleep in and usually hold it. Nonetheless, very young puppies might be unable to do so. Walk your Labrador after his morning meal and hang around for 15 minutes or so to allow him to do his thing. Repeat the same in the evening. Puppies will need to be allowed to relieve themselves every hour, and for vaccinated dogs, a short walk every hours is an ideal routine to prevent them from peeing around the house. If you crate your puppy because you need to go out, get someone to help you stick to the routine. Repeating this routine for the first few days will give your new furry friend a good idea of his expectations. Check out my guide to Labrador potty training here. To crate train an 8-week-old Labrador puppy, start as soon as you bring him home. Slowly introduce him to the crate by throwing a treat inside and let him explore the crate voluntarily. When you first leave him with the door closed, make sure he is tired as he will sleep and not be afraid. Check out my Best Dog Crates for Labradors and Playpens recommendations, including soft crates, travel crates, and furniture styles. Here are six key things you should practice when crate-training your Labrador: Keep your puppy in the crate at night. Initiate crate training from the very first day you bring your puppy home. It will be harder to succeed in crate training if your puppy gets used to other sleeping arrangements. My puppy cried during the first night, but she was just fine after that. Lab puppies can be left alone in a crate for 1 hour for each month of age for up to 4 hours. Keep your dog in the crate when you are out of the house. This is also for his safety, such as when you are cooking. Do not let your Lab out of the cage when barking or giving you those puppy eyes. Instead, reward good behavior in the crate, i. He will quickly learn that being quiet leads to nice things. He will quickly learn that this special place is just for him. Various toys and bedding will offer some comfort for your Labrador. When purchasing a crate for your puppy, the best ones will give your Lab enough room to stand, sit, turn, and lie down comfortably on his side with paws outstretched. Instead, buy a crate with an adjustable divider that allows him to grow into and choose a standard metal model with either a single or double door. Travel kennels like this Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel , also from Amazon, are also hardy when you are on the move with your dog. This one is even airline adaptable and meets most airline cargo specifications. Older dogs may refrain from biting because they have been trained not to hurt as they have learned their bite inhibition. This simply means that the dog has learned to control the strength of his bite. This sends the message that the bite hurts. Persist by leaving your hand in his mouth until he lets go, then use lots of praise. All puppies need to master this technique that they initially learned from their mother and littermates. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Training your Lab puppy to soft bite must be done in puppyhood as an adolescent dog will not know how to adjust the force of his jaws when he has adult teeth and adult jaw muscles. This can be devastating for you both, should your Labrador go on to bite someone! Have realistic expectations — as it can take your puppy weeks to learn his soft bite. How to Train a Labrador Puppy to Walk on a Leash Walking on a leash is not a natural skill in dogs — they need to learn it! Teach a leash cue, then introduce the pup to very short walks. If the dog pulls, stand fast and wait for him to return to you before continuing. Do this by letting him wear them for short periods inside the house and yard. I find the best no-pull harness to be those that are not rear-attached, such as the Walk Your Dog With Love harness. They give you more control and are ideal for medium-large breeds. Give a treat when the command is obeyed. Introduce your Lab to short walks outside on a leash. When it appears he is about to lunge toward another dog or object, quickly distract him with a treat. Timing is crucial. Reward him every time commands are obeyed and gradually reduce the rewards as the art of leash walking is perfected. You can start steps 1 and 2 when the puppy is young, but you can only commence step 3 once the dog has been vaccinated. Final Thoughts Eight weeks old is the perfect time to train a Labrador puppy in key areas such as socialization, crate training, potty training, not biting, and leash training. To successfully train your Lab puppy in these areas, you must follow good training principles such as using reward-based training, being consistent in your commands, and disciplining at the precise moment of poor behavior. Begin with basic commands before introducing more complex or trick commands. Related Posts You May Like:. Print Early obedience first step to better hunting dog Labrador puppies start out sweet and innocent. All you want to do is cuddle up with your pup and love them! And you should! But rest assured the innocence will not last. As your pup gains confidence and courage, they will begin to test you in many ways. That is why you must obedience train your Labrador puppy. Early obedience training is key to establishing borders and boundaries that will help your puppy grow, learn, and adjust with a good attitude. There is no shortcut to doing this, just use the name often when you talk to your puppy. Over time, the pup will start to respond to the name. Socialization, while not technically obedience training, is the single most important thing you can teach your puppy during the first few months of life. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to this post. Tools needed to obedience train Labrador puppy You will need a few tools to teach your puppy obedience. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Collar — You should purchase a size appropriate collar for your new puppy. You may have to buy new ones as your dog grows, but it is important for your puppy to get used to wearing a collar early on. A simple nylon adjustable collar works great. Chain collar — If your puppy is more than a few months old, a chain or prong collar is extremely helpful in teaching obedience, but they must be used correctly. For more information on how to put a chain collar on your dog correctly refer to this video. A longer lead, called a check cord, is also useful for teaching HERE and retrieving. You can learn more about that here. Heeling stick optional — While optional, a heeling stick can be especially helpful in teaching basic obedience. Treats — Treats are good for teaching very young puppies. I use treats for pups under 12 weeks of age, but treats should be discontinued rather quickly. When to start basic puppy obedience training Obedience training can and should start within the first couple weeks of having your puppy home. Young puppies are ready and willing to learn and teaching obedience to a young puppy is much easier than teaching it to an older dog. How long should obedience sessions be? Most labs do not enjoy obedience training. For this reason, we aim to keep obedience sessions short, especially if your dog is under 4-months of age. Five to ten minutes of obedience a day can work wonders. Especially if you are consistent. Using rewards or praise to teach obedience Many people like to use treats or rewards for obedience training. And this can work, especially with very young dogs. But for hunting dogs, over the long-term treats can become a problem. We do not want our dogs, or the dogs we train to be obedient only because they are getting a food reward. We want them to be obedient because they understand their place in the family and respect the owners. To get these lasting results, we use praise words and petting and a reward that retrievers live for — retrieves! Well-timed praise is a particularly important part of dog training. A message that it is okay to ignore me the first 9 times! This simply means that after a few minutes of formal obedience training, we release the dog with an OKAY command and that means they can run around and be a dog. We then throw a bumper or plug a for the dog to retriever. We do this a few times with a lot of excitement and allow the dog to retrieve the bumper. For retriever breeds, this is often more effective than a food reward. Be careful that you are not letting your puppy get into bad habits with retrieving. For instance, if your puppy often goes out to retrieve the bumper but then runs away with it, or picks it up and drops it, do not continue doing retrieves. While retrieving is a reward for many Labs, it is not an excuse to engage in behaviors that are not going to be acceptable in the field. If you want to learn more about how to properly teach your Lab to retrieve, check out How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Introduction to leash and nylon collar The very first step for any puppy obedience is to introduce your puppy to a regular collar and leash. This should be done in two separate steps, first the collar and then the leash. Introduce the collar by putting a nylon type collar on your puppy. This is normal and you should not react to it. Introducing the leash is a little different. We like to do this outside. After a few sessions of this introduction, you can start holding the leash by the end and walking with the puppy. When the puppy tries to run or walk away, hold tight to the leash, and just let the puppy get used to the resistance. Some puppies have a hard time with this and will growl or whine and whip themselves around at the pressure, but most will not. Remain calm and after a few sessions the puppy should get used to the resistance of the leash. Do not allow the puppy to pull you around. That will make for some bad behaviors that you will need to correct later. If you cannot control your puppy with just a regular collar and leash, you may need to move to a chain or prong collar to keep control. What commands to teach Lab puppy There are only four basic obedience commands that you need to teach your young puppy. Remember when it comes to commands, less is more. OKAY — this is a release command, basically tells your dog were done training, go be a dog. As your puppy grows and learns more, there are some other commands that may be needed, but for puppies I like to start with just the four above. Dog training requires consistency Before you start with obedience training, I want to make a note about the importance of consistency. Obedience training only works if you are consistent. This means that when you say a command, you expect the puppy to perform the command, and are willing to take steps to make the puppy perform the command. If you do not remain consistent in this expectation, you will confuse your dog and get poor results from your training. You and your family must be consistent! How to start obedience training Lab puppy The first command you want to start teaching your puppy is SIT. This is quite easy to teach with a small puppy but gets a little tougher as they get bigger. Then release the puppy with the OKAY command. Repeat this process several times, then stop. If your puppy is weeks old, you can repeat this training several times a day for only a couple minutes at a time. This will be a two-person job for a little while. The other person will put the food down a few feet from the puppy. Then release the puppy to eat saying OKAY. As the pup learns and understands the command better, you will no longer need a second person to hold the puppy. You must be a little careful here because young puppies do not have great bladder control and making them wait, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between an accident and them doing their business outside. But this is a great way to teach impulse control and manners to your puppy. I do not want to have to fight for a position by the door. You can usually start working on this within a week or two of teaching SIT. A great way to teach this command to young puppies is to use two people and sit in a long hallway, one at each end. Take turns calling your puppy with a HERE command. A toy or treat can often help the process. Let your puppy run around a bit but hold onto the end of the cord. Occasionally, call you puppy with a HERE command. It can be helpful at first to crouch down to encourage the puppy to run towards you. Then release the puppy with an OKAY command. Do this a few more times and repeat daily until the puppy is coming to you without you needing to pull the cord. It is also the command most of our clients struggle with the most. Mostly because they are using the wrong tool for the job. For heeling work, it is important that you work with a chain or prong collar. This will give you more control and stop the pulling and surging that many people struggle with. Using a chain or prong collar and a six-foot leash, start walking your puppy at your side. If your puppy is young, be sure to use a puppy chain collar which is smaller than chain collars for adult dogs. And make sure that you are putting it on correctly! An alternate tool to a chain collar and leash is the Wonder or Command Lead. These work great for teaching HEEL. As you start walking use gently tugs on the chain collar with the command HERE to keep your puppy at your side. If your puppy surges or pulls ahead, simply make a degree turn and start walking the other direction giving a sharp, upward tug on the chain collar and saying HEEL several times until the dog is back in a heeling position. Many of our clients have told us they never left their driveway the first few days! But if you are patient and consistent, your dog will quickly learn that if they want to go for a walk, they need to stay at your side. If you want to learn and progress in more obedience work, check out these obedience drills for retrievers. Final thoughts on how to teach your lab puppy obedience Teaching your puppy obedience may take a lot of patience, time and work, but it is such an important thing to do. You will never regret the time! A well-mannered dog is such a joy to be around both in the home and in the field. How to obedience train Labrador puppy.

Come visit our facebook page!! Welcome to Dare to Dream Labradoodles! Our labradoodles are just outstanding! We pride ourselves in producing the BEST family pets. I have been dedicated to this breed for over 20 years now. With our labradoodles, our main emphasis is on health, temperament, and overall conformation. Being associated with these organizations is extremely important to us because it means that we hold our program to a very high standard. All of our Australian Labradoodles that are born and bred here at Dare to Dream Labradoodles come from the best breeding stock, which have all been health tested to the highest level. Our breeding program produces medium and standard size labradoodles. Since , all of our breeding dogs and pets have been hand-picked by me from the finest Australian and American lines. Our foundation dogs include Rutland Manor and Tegan Park lines. We are located on 4 acres of property in Southern Ontario. We are surrounded on all sides by farmer's fields. We are a family that absolutely loves what we do. Both my husband and I are actively involved with our dogs and our breeding program. We have a very young and growing family, which allows for the best puppy socialization available! Read more about our family in the About us link. Thank you for your interest in an Australian Labradoodle. Email: [email protected] Location: Grimsby, Ontario These three stylish Labradoodles help to demonstrate the curly coat type. They still have furnishings and could be trimmed to Teddy bear like Wavy coat but notice the loose Poodle curls on the chest of the middle dog. Extremely low shedding. All its dogs are raised in her home. Can Labradoodles smile? That ensures they know how chaotic family life can be. It also helps socialize the puppies and exposes them to everything from visitors to vacuum cleaners. That makes for a more adaptable, accepting Labradoodle puppy. Halton Hills screens its dogs carefully for their genetic health. Their breeding dogs are thoroughly vet-tested before embarking on a litter. Before leaving for their new homes, all puppies get dewormed and receive their first round of vaccines and a microchip. Because their parents are so thoroughly tested, they also come with a one-year health guarantee. However, once rehomed, Halton Hills remains available to offer you and your family advice on everything from training to grooming. Contact Details:. To ensure the safety of our readers and the right fit for a new pet, we work hard to make sure only the most trusted breeders are featured on the site. We have a dedicated team that works hard and has done extensive research that involves checking both the breeder and their dogs, to verify that the breeders featured on our site are highly reputable and trustworthy. Feedback on Google and Facebook is also taken into consideration before they are listed as a breeder to have the highest standards possible. We hope that this gives you a little more information about how we list breeders on our site. Labradoodle Puppies for Sale in Ontario: If you are looking for a companion dog that has a calm personality and loves children, getting a Labradoodle might be the ideal option for you. As we know, Labradoodles is a designer dog breed that becoming one of the most loveable designer breeds in Ontario, Canada. In fact, these friendly and intelligent pups are being adopted by more families at an increasing rate than other purebreds. After you decide to get a Labradoodle, the next and most important step is to find out a reputable and ethical breeder who values the breed as much as you do. You have probably heard about puppy mills and how they produce dogs with indiscriminate breeding practices as their puppies are usually unhealthy and not well-tempered. When looking to add a new member to your family, you should always buy from a good and reliable breeder. A good responsible breeder will always be there for their puppies and ensure that all of their needs are met for as long as possible. Check out this list and do your own research first about the breeder and then decide which breeder you want to go with. The Best Labradoodle Breeders in Ontario: 1. Who raises happy and healthy F1B Labradoodles with wavy fleece coats in medium to standard sizes. The purpose of this breeder is to provide the best of the best Labradoodle puppies to families so that they can live with it happily. They understand the importance of this thing, how difficult it is to find the perfect dog that suits you and your family. All Labradoodle puppies in Ontario come with a two-year Genetic Health Guarantee that you can count on, As well as they also guarantee you the incredible personalities you will receive in their puppies. If you are looking for a dog that has always been happy and can live a long life with its family and has been wonderfully cared for and well socialized, then you can buy such a dog from this breeder. If you want to know more about this breeder, we have given the link below. You can learn more about them and find out more about Labradoodles, by visiting their website. Australian Labradoodles in Windsor, Ontario! At pm on July 17th, , Cozy gave birth to her very first puppy. Just over an hour later, there were 5 more puppies in the world and by that evening, we had NINE healthy, happy puppies from Cozy by the fire. These Australian Labradoodles are medium-sized and will be between lbs full grown. They can go home as early as September 11th. In the wee hours of the morning, Tully gave birth to here very first litter and the puppies are adorable. We had 4 boys and 2 girls! We are so excited for this new litter and the best part is for the first time in 3 years, we have availabilities that are ready to go home NOW! They are medium sized Australian Labradoodles and will be lbs full grown with a going-home date of August 21st, .First bred as a non-shedding Guide Dog - this particular breed of Labradoodles has been in existence for over 30 years. Originally bred in Australia, their genealogy consists of not only Labrador Retriever and Poodle, but also the Cocker Spaniel. They are a non-shedding, hypo-allergenic, medium-sized breed that behave amazingly and are easily trained to suit your needs and your family. We love our life's work! And know You will Too! Arrowhead, Established in .We are the only family that breed our particular line of Cobberdogs, and are happy to announce we are now offering top quality MDBA registered Australian Cobberdog breeding dogs for sale. When you purchase a puppy from Arrowhead you are getting fresh and exciting genetics, creating the best temperaments and therapy Labradoodles and Cobberdogs ever. We have researched for years, traveled far and worked long hours to build our program to be one of the finest and most complete Labradoodle breeding programs in the world! We value the health and temperament of each of our Labradoodles , and provide clean, spacious living conditions for our family of companion Labradoodles. We provide an all natural, locally made food for our dogs and also an environment that contributes to each Cobberdog being a cherished member of our lives. Many of them are in caring foster homes and receive a life of continual support and love from two families, the foster family and us at Arrowhead. Please browse through our site, learn more about what we do and why. We are grateful for all the wonderful families who give our puppies great homes, because without them the magnificent Australian Cobberdog would not be a reality! Available Labradoodle and Cobberdog Puppies Loading

Benefits of a French Bulldog Raw Diet While a raw diet might not be right for every French Bulldog , there are a number of reasons many Frenchie owners prefer to feed dogs raw rather than turning to traditional commercial dog foods. Joint health — French Bulldogs are prone to conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, which can especially happen as they get older. Some Frenchies that eat raw will experience fewer joint issues and a reduced risk of developing degenerative bone and joint conditions. Allergy relief — Some French Bulldog s are prone to allergies, particularly skin allergies which cause itching and inflammation. Dental health — Many older French Bulldog s will experience dental disease, especially if they are eating dog food high in starch and carbohydrates. We Feed Raw also features two very important ingredients, especially for the French Bulldog: calcium iodate and niacin. We Feed Raw carries six varieties of high-quality raw pet food, including beef, chicken, venison, and duck. Take a look at some of the most common queries from dog lovers like you. Can I make my own raw food diet for my dog? It is possible to make homemade raw dog food , but it can be quite difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. Can dogs eat raw eggs? Just be sure to remove the eggs from their shells to make sure your Frenchie is getting the full benefit of their eggs. What is the best raw meat for French Bulldog? French Bulldog can thrive on a wide range of animal proteins including beef , chicken, turkey , pork, salmon, venison , duck , lamb, and so on. Is a raw diet suitable for French Bulldogs? Yes, a raw diet can be suitable for French Bulldogs. Many French Bulldog owners choose to feed their pets a raw diet, which consists of uncooked meat, bones, organs, and sometimes fruits and vegetables. Proponents of raw diets claim that they can lead to healthier skin and coat, improved digestion, increased energy, and better dental health. Additionally, some French Bulldogs with allergies or food sensitivities might find relief on a raw diet. Can I prepare a raw diet at home for my French Bulldog? Yes, you can prepare a raw diet at home for your French Bulldog. This can be challenging, so consulting a veterinary nutritionist is recommended to create a well-balanced meal plan. Are there any risks associated with a raw diet for French Bulldogs? While raw diets can offer benefits, there are potential risks involved. These include bacterial contamination, nutritional imbalances, and the possibility of broken teeth or choking on bones. Proper handling, hygiene, and supervision are essential when feeding raw. Should I feed my French Bulldog only raw meat and bones? A balanced raw diet for French Bulldogs should consist of more than just meat and bones. It should include a variety of proteins, organs, and, if desired, small amounts of fruits and vegetables to provide essential vitamins and minerals. Can I mix raw and commercial dog food for my French Bulldog? Are there any special considerations when feeding a raw diet to French Bulldog puppies? Yes, puppies have specific dietary requirements for proper growth and development. Feeding a raw diet to French Bulldog puppies requires extra attention to ensure they receive the right balance of nutrients. Working closely with a veterinarian is crucial during this stage to provide adequate nutrition for healthy development. Are you planning to bring home a French Bulldog puppy soon? Nutritional requirements of a French Bulldog What exactly should the diet of a French Bulldog consist of for optimal health? Protein from quality meat sources 2. Essential Fatty acids and omegas 3. Natural vitamins and minerals from bone and plant sources 5. Hydration — high moisture foods and drinking water 1. Protein When selecting what to feed your French Bulldog, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish. As such, protein impacts canine health in many ways, including: Providing consistent energy Forms new skin, hair, nails, and other tissue. Keeps the immune system healthy. Makes hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Properly balanced fats are essential for optimal health, and also provide energy. Dietary fat we generally refer to as a triglyceride. There are two types of triglyceride, saturated and unsaturated fat. In balance, they promote a healthy coat, skin, eyes, nervous system, control hormones, fuel brain and learning, and reduce inflammation. Carbohydrates, such as vegetables and some fruits, provide fibre, prebiotics food for beneficial bacteria , and antioxidants that are lacking in meat alone. Dogs are carnivores, but they can benefit from some vegetation in their diets for optimal health. Natural vitamins and minerals A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a French Bulldog, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to meal times. Incorporating ground bone in meals or providing recreational bones for enrichment add nutrients that will support digestion, skin and bone health, and mobility. As such, water is a vital nutrient for all cells, systems and functions, including: The regulation of body temperature Maintaining healthy organ function. The digestion and absorption of nutrients. Detoxification; water helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Preventing dehydration which can lead to serious health problems, including kidney damage and heat stroke. Lubrication and cushioning of joints, thereby supporting ease of movement. Discover more about a raw food diet for dogs in our complete. French Bulldog raw feeding guide Whilst you could create homemade raw food meals for your French Bulldog, dog owners new to raw feeding can often find making their own raw dog food meals complicated. Formulating meals with the appropriate ratios of key ingredients is essential to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrients, so going it alone can seem daunting. The good news is there is a much simpler approach. By choosing a reputable supplier of pre-prepared raw dog food supplier, you can stock your freezer with quality raw food meals at the click of a button. French Bulldog Feeding Chart. Elimination of tear stains in French Bulldogs. Elimination of bloat and gas in Frenchies and other brachy breeds. You can introduce fresh and healthy ingredients to your pets kibble slowly: add egg and organic coconut oil. You can feed the shell unbleached for extra calcium as well. Remember to feed a little less kibble than usual since you're adding to your dog's meal. If your dog has allergies, quail and duck eggs are best. Introduce coconut oil 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of dog weight. Introduce raw food slowly each day, you should not make the raw food switch all at once. Primal Pooch Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian, talks about her favorite topic: raw food diet for pets. Raw food for your French Bulldog meal idea 1 Turkey neck, ground beef lung, green tripe, egg and shell, turmeric paste, local honey, salmon oil, , vit E, and special k-cube. Dog raw food for your Frenchie suggestion 2 Thread herring, duck wings, green tripe, ground beef lung, ground beef organs, coconut oil, salmon oil, apple cider vinegar, vit e, and special k-cube. How much raw should I feed my Frenchie dog? Make adjustments according to your dog's age and activity. Each dog is different and it is important to consult with a dog nutritionist. Does your French Bulldog hate turmeric paste? A small amount of natural peanut butter will mask the taste and become more palatable. Any dog on kibble, wet food, or any form of raw food can benefit from turmeric paste, especially those with joint issues. Raw dog food meal idea 3 Thread herring, duck neck, beef heart, green tripe, turmeric paste, bone broth cube, acv, coconut oil, vit E, and super cube. Quail eggs have almost 3 times as much Vitamin B1 as chicken eggs, 5 times more potassium and iron, and have over twice the amount of Vitamin A and B2. Quail eggs also decrease inflammation in a dogs body whereas chicken eggs increase inflammation. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian, talks about the biggest myths and truths in raw food diet for pets. Raw French Bulldog meal idea 5 Salmon, turkey neck, green tripe, pork, super Cube, turmeric paste, vit e, and krill oil. Raw food for your Frenchie 6 Green tripe, duck neck, pork, monster mash organ blend , turmeric paste, raw goat milk cube, green lipped mussel, quail egg, vit e, d, and sardine oil. Should I give my dog Raw Goats Milk? Raw Goats Milk is a digestive aid filled with probiotics that can help with the following: malnutrition, pets on antibiotics, transitioning from kibble to raw, digestion Irritable Bowel Disease and diarrhea , allergies, and other forms of inflammation in the body. You can feed this to pets that eat kibble, canned, or raw food for digestive benefits. Pro tip: Freeze in ice cube for the perfect healthy treat for your dog. Raw food for your dog idea 7 Local duck grinds, monster mash organ blend , whitefish, quail eggs, turmeric paste, raw goats milk cube, bone broth, Super Cube, green lipped mussel, sardine oil, and vitamin E and D supplement. French Bulldog raw Food 8 Rabbit, duck neck, salmon, liver cube, and supplements Raw Food for your French Bulldog Meal Idea 9 Monster mash, thread herring, duck neck, raw goats milk, turmeric paste, green lipped mussel, vitamin E supplement Raw Food for your French Bulldog Meal Idea 10 Rabbit with bone, pork, beef liver cube, turmeric paste, raw goats milk, and vitamin E Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian, discusses why raw pet foods get a bad rap nowadays. Idea 12 Raw feeding your Frenchie Pork, green tripe, beef heart, duck neck, heirloom blue egg, turmeric paste, coconut oil, glucosamine and controiten supplement, and primalpetfoods raw goats milk Raw meal 13 Sardines, duck neck, beef heart, green tripe, organ cube, quail egg, coconut oil, and vitamin E supplement Raw dog food 14 green tripe, beef heart, emu neck, beef kidney, quail eggs, and raw goats milk. How can I include Spirulina in my Frenchies diet? Spirulina is an ingredient with many health benefits and that is why it is referred to as "superfood". Mix Spirulina with coconut oil and freeze. Benefits of coconut oil and spirulina: - Boosts the immune system. Steve has a very interesting background that led to his passion for creating raw diets for dogs. Raw feeding your bulldog meal suggestion 17 Sardines, green tripe, beef heart, beef kidney, duck head, organic coconut oil with spirulina Raw dog meal 18 Thread herring, green tripe, beef heart, beef liver cube, duck neck and quail egg DIY Bone Broth cubes for your Frenchie dog Dogs benefit from bone broth the most if they are: kibble fed, malnourished, have a leaky gut, dehydrated, picky eaters, have poor joint health, and dogs with a loss of appetite. Raw feed your frenchie 19 Rabbit with bone, boneless pork shoulder, duck feet, quail eggs, and beef kidney 20 raw feeding meal idea for your French Bulldog Rabbit, beef heart, green tripe, duck feet, beef kidney cube, and turmeric paste. Feeding your Bulldog raw food 23 Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Ideas for supplements and benefits: -Spirulina Powder: Improves digestion, removes toxins from the body, helps alleviate inflammation and allergies, reduces the chances of diseases such as cancer, and strengthens the immune system. Both of these vitamins improve cognitive function in senior dogs. Spinach also contains Vitamin E. These also replenish red blood cells for anemic dogs. Raspberries should be fed in minimal amounts as shown here. This also helps fight off viruses, harmful bacteria, and parasites. A lot of dogs lack Vitamin E in their diets whether kibble or raw fed. Raw feeding your dog meal 25 Rabbit with bone, mackerel, beef kidney, quail eggs, turmeric paste, bone broth, coconut oil with spirulina powder Raw dog food meal 26 Sardine, green tripe, beef heart, duck head, beef liver, and coconut oil with spirulina, and vitamin E Anneka explains what the BARF RAW FOOD diet is and why it is so beneficial to both dogs and wolfdogs - Follow Anneka's handy guide and demonstration of several recipes you can make at home as she makes some dishes for her Czechoslovakian wolfdog Kumi to enjoy. Feeding your dog raw meal 31 Goat chunks, rabbit with bone, green tripe, beef kidney, turmeric paste, raw goats milk, and bone broth. Raw dog feeding meal 32 Ground lamb, smelt, duck feet, beef liver, vitamin e, turmeric paste, and green lipped mussel powder Raw Dog Food Recipe, K9 Nutrition, Barf Diet Following natures plan for a species specific and biologically appropriate diet for your dog. What are the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids? Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, and arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for cognitive function, brain memory and performance according to the University of Maryland. Fish, or properly sourced fish oils, contain omega-3 fatty acids. Flax, chia, and hemp seeds also contain fatty acids. Dogs need DHA to balance the abundance of omega-6 fatty acids in pet food , which reduces inflammation. Turkey and duck meat raw dog food meal idea 35 Turkey and duck meat with bone included. Raw dog meal idea 36 Quail, green tripe, smelt, duck feet, beef kidney, turmeric paste, spirulina and wheatgrass supplement, and Vitamin E Raw turkey hearts meal for your Frenchie idea 37 Turkey hearts, pork shoulder boneless, duck feet, beef kidney, quail eggs, bone broth cube, and VitaBoost supplement. Raw dog meal turkey hearts idea 38 Pork shoulder, turkey hearts, duck feet, duck egg, beef kidney, turmeric paste, and kefir. Raw bulldog food plate 39 Ground beef, pork shoulder, duck feet, rabbit foot, duck egg, VitaBoost, and bone broth cube. Raw food for your Frenchie dog idea 41 Ground rabbit with bone, sardines, duck neck, ground beef liver with ACV and blueberries , turmeric paste, spirulina wheatgrass supplement, and Vitamin E. Dog raw food meal 45 Ground beef, beef heart, turkey neck, quail eggs, bone broth, green lipped mussel powder, and super cube. Raw food for your Bulldog 46 Rabbit with bone, pork kidney, turmeric paste, kefir, blueberry and cranberry supplement and the Super Cube herbs and vegetables. Adding fish to your French Bulldog's diet Fish can be fed to both kibble and raw fed dogs. The fish listed are some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids and are the cleanest to feed because: 1. They are small and less likely to have mercury contamination and other toxins compared to larger fish. Examples of fish to avoid are flounder, eels, haddock, bass, grouper, snapper, and some catfish. Also that is when bones splinter, causing a choking hazard to your Frenchie. Sourcing wild caught fish is preferred. However, avoid feeding salmon from the Pacific Ocean between California and Alaska because there is a parasite found in some salmon along that region. Recipe for raw dog food 49 Ground beef, beef heart, ground rabbit with bone, duck feet, Super Cube, green lipped mussel, and myoglobin. Do it yourself Myoglobin Cubes Myoglobin carries and stores oxygen in muscle cells. Myoglobin is deeply pigmented, which is why the more myoglobin a meat contains, the darker or redder the meat will be. Myoglobin is a great source of dietary iron so feeding myoglobin to your Frenchie is very beneficial to them. Raw dog food for dogs 56 Raw meat, bone, and organ: Duck frame, ground beef, beef lung, and beef spleen. Raw dog food feeding guide 57 Frozen turkey neck, pork shoulder, smelt, duck egg, Super Cube, Vitamin E supplement, and myoglobin cube. How to feed raw dog food to puppies get meat and bone grinds that are found locally. Add organ and supplements to the grinds. Grinds are much easier to feed a puppy. Raw puppy dog meal ingredients: Ground beef, raw goats milk, puppy gold supplement, and water. Feed 2 ounces per 20lbs of pet weight. Benefits: Helps digestion and decreases inflammation throughout the body. Cinnamon is antibacterial, anti fungal, and helps with joint inflammation. Turmeric is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifier. Turmeric in larger amounts also helps with joint health. Ginger aids in digestion and is an antioxidant as well. Goats milk contains less lactose than cows milk, therefore making it a better option for any pets with lactose sensitivities. Raw goats milk is digested at a faster rate as well. Pasteurized milk kills the live enzymes and nutrients needed to help digestion. Raw goats milk is a better alternative to pumpkin when aiding in digestion. How to make raw dog food at home recipe 61 Turkey hearts, ground beef, pork shoulder, duck neck, duck feet, beef kidney, and Vitaboost supplement. This supplement can help with yeasty ears and skin, digestion and leaky gut, inflammation of the joints and other areas of the body. Another benefit is boosted energy. Pin15 15 Shares Raw feeding is growing in popularity as a lifestyle plan many people have chosen for their dogs. It involves giving your French Bulldog raw meat and fish instead of processed dog food or leftovers. But not just meat… also fruit and vegetables. If you are interested in finding out the pros and cons of feeding your Frenchie a raw diet, read on. I go into some depth about whether raw food is good for a French Bulldog, how much to feed them, a plan, and some basic recipes. To date there has not been any scientific study on the risks or benefits, so I prefer to be on the safe side. However, I wanted to give you as much of an overview as I possibly can, so please read on. Is raw dog food good for French Bulldogs? There can be many benefits to a raw food diet. However, there are also some risks, including food poisoning, unbalanced diets and even difficulties in chewing and digesting certain raw foods. Is raw feeding better for dogs? Raw feeding is often lauded as the best option for your dog, but there seem to be just as many drawbacks as there are benefits, with you having to weigh them up depending on your individual dog and your own lifestyle. Plus… your own research! What a raw diet actually means Raw feeding often requires more care and attention given to the meal than simply opening a can, and raw diets can easily become unbalanced, lacking the nutrients found in shop-bought food if they do not contain the right amount of vegetables, supplements and organ meat. Handy Hint: I published a guide explaining what vegetables Frenchies can eat. It contains a huge list of veggies, some of which are safe, some of which could be potentially poisonous. Because of this, raw diets are best recommended to pet owners who are properly able to spend the time to properly figure out a balanced diet for their French Bulldog. Many people think it just means feeding your French Bulldog raw meat. You will need to get the 37 essential nutrients your Frenchie needs into the food, plus be able to balance out how much iron and zinc they need in their system to stay healthy. Proponents for raw feeding often cite raw feeding as the natural way, being that dogs were domesticated from wolves. However, dogs and wolves are not the same animal as they were thousands of years ago, with dogs having evolved through their domestication to adapt to what humans were feeding them. French Bulldogs, much like people, need a balanced diet to properly function. Handy Hint: If you are considering starting to put your Frenchie on a raw diet, please speak to your vet for more information. They will be able to properly recommend a raw diet plan and talk you through the pros and cons of the diet specific to your own pet. Do French bulldogs eat raw meat? Yes, French Bulldogs can eat raw meat. As many pet owners are aware, French Bulldogs will eat pretty much anything they can get their paws on. Like all dogs, you could put your French Bulldog on a raw meat diet and might even see benefits due to the lack of allergens that can arise from commercial food. But like all dogs on a raw meat diet, French Bulldogs need an equally balanced diet of meat, vegetables and other plant-based material to properly get the full range of nutrients needed for their body to healthily function. We occasionally let Claude eat a raw food diet, but most of the time his basic daily food will be kibble weighed out. French Bulldog raw diet plan So, what kind of food should you feed your French Bulldog on a raw diet? What are the benefits? And are there any drawbacks or dangers with cutting out ready-made dog food entirely? Unfortunately nobody is yet to create a French Bulldog raw diet calculator… so, as with all dogs, to ensure that your Frenchie is eating well on a raw diet you will need to make sure that you are feeding them the correct amount and with the correct ratio of meats to grains and vegetables. If your Frenchie has particular allergies to common dog food ingredients or additives, feeding them a raw diet can skirt around the worry of them eating a processed meal that contains allergens. Additionally, certain health issues can also benefit from having a raw diet read more on WebMD. You need to understand your dog and nutrition When putting your French Bulldog on a raw diet, setting out a diet plan can be very important. Different dog breeds all come in different shapes and sizes, meaning that different sizes and types of meat need to be chosen so that your Frenchie is able to eat well without any issues. French Bulldogs, because of their unfortunate history of overbreeding, can suffer from breathing and joint problems, and also are known for having numerous gastrointestinal issues and allergies. For a full list of all their health problems, click here. Because of this, extra care may have to be taken when feeding your Frenchie, catering to any allergies that they may have. Raw feeding, therefore, can actually be quite beneficial as it cuts out any additives or extra ingredients added to the recipe during manufacture that may cause an allergic reaction in your Frenchie. Raw meat, grains, vegetables and supplements are a great combination to create a fully balanced diet that provides them with all of the nutrients that they need. When feeding your French Bulldog a raw meat diet, most recommend feeding them out of a stainless-steel bowl. Stainless steel is a sterile material, meaning that bacteria cannot be easily transferred, and they are very easy to clean between meals. Your French Bulldog raw diet plan should also include elements such as fruit and vegetables. Many raw diet recipes are available online, but what is most important is that you get the right ratio of meat to grains, vegetables and other supplements. Meat: dogs can happily eat any kind of raw meat, as long as you remove the fat, the larger bones and the skin from any poultry, which can be unhealthy and even pose a choking hazard to your dog. The heart, lungs, stomach, muscle meat and intestines can all be fed to your dog. Organ meat is classified as the liver, kidneys, spleen, brain and pancreas. Vegetables: dogs are actually omnivorous, and a pure meat diet alone can cause negatives effects on their health. Vegetables that are raw to feed to your dog raw include carrots, broccoli, pumpkin, green beans and asparagus. Celery and spinach can also be included but in smaller amounts. While some dogs do suffer from grain allergies, most can eat them without a problem. Add cooked rice, pasta or other grains to their meal. Never feed your dog uncooked rice, and while some dogs do enjoy chewing on uncooked pasta be sure to keep an eye on them in case they start choking. Fruit: as well as vegetables, fruit can provide a great source of vitamins and also taste great. Fruits French Bulldogs can eat include blueberries, cranberries, goji berries, oranges , mangos, melon, bananas and apricots. Your dogs can eat apple but be sure to remove the core first as this can be toxic to dogs click here for the full list. Raw food to avoid While everyone knows that chocolate is toxic to dogs , there are in fact many different human-friendly foods that can be majorly harmful to dogs, especially when given to them raw. Fruit and veg such as avocados, grapes , onions, garlic, chives and raw potatoes are all toxic to dogs potatoes can be fed to them, but they must be baked or boiled first. Also, while dogs do love chewing on bones, they can post a choking hazard and sharp shards can cause internal injuries when swallowed. This is why I suggest you never you let your Frenchie chew on rawhide. This percentage of meat depends heavily on the age, size and energy level of your dog. It includes an easy to understand feeding chart. To figure out the portion size for your dog, speak to your vet for a good recommendation, as they will also be able to provide a good estimate for how much raw meat to feed them and inform you about the benefits and negatives of a raw food diet. What do you feed a puppy on a raw diet? Have you recently got a new French Bulldog puppy and want to get them on the same raw diet as your other dogs? Or do you simply want to see whether they will be happier and healthier on that kind of diet? Feeding a puppy a raw diet can be trickier than for adult dogs, as they have different eating habits. French bulldog raw diet benefits have still not been scientifically studied. Frenchie puppies typically need to be fed around three to four times a day, while an adult dog only needs to have two meals a day. These meals are smaller, adjusting the amount fed as they grow larger and need more energy for the amount they are burning off. If your puppy has previously been eating processed, shop-bought dog food, it is important that you transition them slowly, replacing one of their meals with a raw alternative over the course of a few days, until all of the meals they are eating are raw. This is because their digestive system needs to adapt to the new kind of food. When they are fully introduced to a raw diet, Frenchie puppies can begin to be given small, softer chews to begin to strengthen their jaw muscles to help them eat tougher meat and bones. However, as with all dogs, care should be taken as bones can pose a choking hazard. If you are interested in introducing your French Bulldog puppy to a raw diet, please speak to your vet who will be able to properly guide you through the transitioning process and suggest a tailored diet plan to your particular dog. The pros and cons of a raw food diet Health benefits of a raw diet 1. You know exactly what is in the food Commercial and processed pet food can contain additional sugars, filler ingredients, preservatives, colours and flavours that may either pose a risk to your dog or simply offer no additional benefits. Also, a French Bulldog raw diet of freshly sourced ingredients may be better in quality to that used in commercial dog food, as will not contain any additional additives to extend its shelf-life. Possible additional benefits Whilst there is no scientific evidence, fans of raw dog food diets say it can lead to healthier coats, cleaner teeth, better skin, higher levels of energy, and even smaller stools. Risks of a raw diet 1. Bacterial infections for your dog and you Untreated and raw meat can be infected with salmonella and other bacteria that can cause food poisoning in both humans and animals. Harmful bacteria from the raw meat can be released into their faeces, and people with weak immune systems can get infections even with microscopic trace contact. Choking hazards Bones can cause dogs to choke, break teeth or cause internal injuries from sharp shards inside the intestines. Unbalanced diet When people say that dogs are carnivores, many assume this means that they live off meat alone. It is important that you feed your French Bulldog a balance of meat, grains and vegetables, with an overly meat-based diet causing dogs to even get gout and uric acid stones. While a French Bulldog raw diet does consist of meat, it also needs to include fruit and vegetables, with some dairy such as raw eggs and yoghurt added in. Yes, we do let him have some raw food occasionally, but honestly, I would rather cook it first. There are pathogens in raw food that can lead to vomiting. Frenchies are renowned for being sick a lot anyway, and have very delicate stomachs. Whilst many owners will say that raw feeding is the more natural option and lauded as superior to feeding your dog human-manufactured pet foods, I am not in that camp. Unless you completely understand the basics of nutrition and understand what supplements your Frenchie needs, only feed raw food in moderation. Faster nutrient absorption Weight management A BARF diet ensures dogs eat fresh, wholesome, and allergen-free foods, as no chemicals, additives, or fillers are used in raw diets. Raw Dog Diet Research Increased lifespan. Generally, raw-fed dogs are so much healthier. The changes are profound. A study on feeding practices in the United States and Australia indicated that .Lisa M. Freeman Freeman, a nutrition professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, tells WebMD many benefits attributed to a raw food diet for dogs, such as a shinier coat, are the result of the high-fat composition of the typical raw diet. Ingredient contamination. Raw ingredients pose a higher risk of contamination with potentially harmful pathogens i. Coli that can sicken your pet and possibly be transmitted to humans. Feeding whole bones to dogs presents a risk of choking, broken teeth, intestinal obstruction, or internal punctures. Nutritionally unbalanced. Raw allergies. Dogs might be allergic to raw ingredients. Wash all meats, organs, and other raw ingredients. Buy raw products from reputable grocery stores or butchers with high sanitary standards. Raw bones. Avoid big bones and feed only raw bones that are small or ground bones. Never feed cooked bones. They become softer after cooking and are more likely to splinter when chewed. Speak with a vet nutritionist. They can provide nutritional guidance to formulate the best Frenchy raw diet or recommend a raw food delivery service. However, after two weeks of storage, most samples declined compared to salmonellae. We also analyzed the price for the most popular meats. According to the U. It might be cheaper. Conversely, buying commercial raw-meat food over traditional kibble is a tad more expensive, but we think the health benefits and convenience are worth the price. Read our feeding raw dog food on a budget guide for tips on how to feed raw for cheap. Choose lean cuts. Raw meat is the main source of protein. Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more. Ground bones are the safest choice. Avoid heavy or big bones - They can break teeth or get stuck in the digestive tract. Provide essential calcium, phosphorous, and other essential nutrients. Great source of high-quality protein; vitamins A, B12, B6; folic acid; iron; zinc; and essential amino acids. Organs are a great source of vitamins and minerals. The more organs you add to the diet of your dog, the better the mix of nutrients your dog will receive. Fruit such as apples, cranberries, and blueberries. Fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and oregano. Never feed toxic fruits or veggies Fruit provide antioxidants while vegetables have carotenoids, flavonoids, antioxidants, and many other phytochemicals that are beneficial to immune function and health dogs. It states every dog meal should have six indispensable nutrients to create a balanced meal that supports life and proper function in dogs. These include protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. No fruits or veggies. Always consult with your vet. Adding a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews ensures your French Bulldog gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals. Do you have a busy lifestyle with little cooking time for your pup? This company is the pioneer of raw dog food. They deliver Biologically Appropriate Raw Food straight to your door. Their formula is a balanced blend of raw meat, fruits, vegetables, organs, and bones. All of their ingredients are USDA-sourced. Their formulas are developed with the input of a veterinary nutritionist to meet the nutritional guidelines AAFCO sets. The body weight percentage method is the most straightforward alternative to many raw feeders new and experienced. Please consider his metabolism, activity level, lifestyle, health, and other factors to determine the perfect amount. French Bulldogs Raw Feeding Chart You have four scenarios to choose from to determine how much to feed your dog. Senior, less active, or overweight dogs weight loss : Feed 1. For a French Bulldog that weighs 25 pounds, here is how much raw food you would need to feed him daily. F diet for French Bulldogs As part of our commitment to always giving the best quality food to the TomKings puppies, we regularly review the available options and test the most modern trends. Talking to a panel of experts and the experienced puppy parents in the Tomkings Frenchie Family, we have revised our food policy. Read about the details below and our recommendations about the B. Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods diet. This has an optimal mix of premium ingredients to make sure our babies get the highest quality nutrition and vitamins after breastfeeding and are not likely to develop food allergies. When our puppies find their forever loving families, we always tell the parents what we have fed them with and what we recommend. Currently, our recommendations are Orijen and Acana, both are biologically appropriate premium-quality dog food with high meat inclusions from superior quality meat, poultry, and produce. The same applies to adding fresh food into their diets: change one meal first, and see how they react, and then slowly change the rest of the meals. An overview of the B. F diet and why we recommend it B. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email Why is B. They are anatomically carnivores, so they are basically flesh-eaters with powerful digestive juices which kill bacteria in raw food. From their short intestines to their teeth designed to rip and eat flesh, this is the best way to keep them healthy and well-fed. What the daily B. It can include a mixture of muscle meat, saturated fat, and muscular organs such as heart muscle meat. This provides them with the protein, energy, amino acids, and water-soluble vitamins they need. Despite some common misbeliefs, Frenchies do need raw meaty bones. Other organs, like kidney, give your puppy the essential water-soluble vitamins. The benefits of the B. What they said was in line with the benefits generally associated with raw meat diet: Cleaner teeth and fresh breath Better weight control Shinier, healthier skin and coat Reduction of allergy symptoms Harder, smaller, less smelly stools Increased mobility in older animals More energy and stamina. Raw food is served to a dog by considering its age, weight, and health condition. Keeping all the BART diet ingredients appropriate will help your dog maintain a healthy weight. If your dog is more active and energetic, can you adjust the diet portion accordingly? It is a misconception that French Bulldogs cannot have a raw diet. Always serve raw meat and raw edible bones to your Frenchie and avoid cooked bones at any cost. Again, it is important that your dog has a healthy and nutritious diet. How to introduce a BARF diet to your dog? Most dog owners are afraid of introducing a BARF diet to their dogs. When deciding to implement a BARF diet, always begin with gradual steps. Carefully note how your French Bulldog reacts to this raw food diet. If your dog is doing well with this BARF diet, gradually increase the amounts until you achieve the recommended diet ratio. You can grind both the raw meat and the meaty bones when preparing the meal. Make sure to steam or slightly cook raw vegetables, including carrots, cucumbers, celery, green beans, pumpkin, etc. Otherwise, they will cause choking hazards. You can also add pasta, raw eggs, lentils, or rice to supplement the BARF diet. Carefully mix the appropriate percentage of all the BARF ingredients for your dog. Remember that a raw diet has little shelf life, so always prepare the food fresh and avoid storing it for a long time. It is free from preservatives providing more health benefits to your dog. It maintains oral hygiene and removes plaque and tartar. It helps to keep your dog stronger and maintain a healthy weight. It boosts immunity and energy levels in dogs. The variety of ingredients in this diet keeps your dog pleased. Your dogs will have smaller stools after using this diet. Drawbacks of a BARF diet for dogs: A raw diet has a greater risk of food poisoning in dogs due to harmful bacteria. Your dog may suffer from diarrhea when you switch to a barf diet. Dogs may experience nutritional deficiencies when feeding on a barf diet. Whole meat bones can cause choking hazards in dogs. Preparing raw food diet is expensive and time-consuming. Dogs with a weak immune system have a greater risk of getting a bacterial infection. Final thought: The barf diet has lots of benefits for your French bulldog. When you introduce a BAFF diet to your Frenchie, always remember to begin with a small amount and monitor your dog. Raw food diets are full of nutritions when it is fresh. Keep in mind that your dog may experience an upset stomach and allergies when served a BAFF diet.

Do Father dogs know their puppies? By two weeks of age, they should be alert and trying to stand. By three weeks, they should be trying to climb out of their nest or whelping box. By four weeks, all the puppies should be able to walk, run, and play. How long do puppies stay in whelping box? During the first 3 weeks most dams like to be in a warm secluded area, not in the family living area. Pups remain contently in their whelping box for the first 20 days of their life. How do you transition a puppy from a whelping box? By the time the puppies are weeks old, the mother should have an area near the whelping box, but separate from the puppies to allow her time to rest. At about this time, the puppies will start trying to leave the box to explore. They should be well supervised and have safe toys available. Can I move the whelping box? We have found that moving the whelping box or puppy pen set-up on a weekly basis exposes the puppies to new scents and air currents and increases their adaptability and development by about two weeks, especially compared to puppies who are raised in the same corner until they go to their new homes. Is whelping box necessary? As the last week of pregnancy approaches, your female dog will often begin looking for a secure and comfortable place to have her litter of puppies. Before this time comes, it is essential to create a whelping box so she becomes comfortable with it and knows this is the preferred place to have her puppies. Do 4 week old puppies need a heat lamp? Young puppies cannot maintain their own body temperature for a week or two after birth. Heating the area over the whelping box with the aid of a heat lamp is usually all that is necessary. When should I remove the whelping box? I usually take them out at about 3 — 4weeks. This is what I have in My box they just stay there all the time. When can puppies go all night without nursing? A six or seven week old puppy can go through the night without needing to feed as long as they have had enough food during the day. Should newborn puppies sleep with Mom? A newborn puppy is completely helpless and dependent upon her mother. Puppies should remain with the mother and littermates until about age eight to 12 weeks. How do you keep a puppy whelping box clean? Clean the bottom with a chemical-free disinfectant cleanser. Spray a bit of chemical-free disinfectant cleanser on the bottom and sides of your whelping box, and use a paper towel to wipe this up. When can I leave my dog alone with her puppies? Can you leave newborn puppies alone with their mom overnight? Should I leave my dog alone while she is in labor? Should I be present during the whelping? Some dogs like the owner to be with them the whole time they are in labor. Others prefer to have their puppies in seclusion. If your pet chooses to be left alone, try to avoid intruding any more than necessary. What is the best bedding for a whelping box? Many breeders use shredded newspaper to line whelping boxes, but others prefer towels and blankets, wood shavings, or even sand. Should I keep my dog in the whelping box? A whelping box is designed to keep the newborn puppies safe, warm, and comfortable. Whelping means the process where a female dog gives birth to puppies. And a whelping box is a container or box designed to keep the puppies safe and warm. Having a whelping box makes it convenient for the mother to give birth comfortably. Female dogs are very protective of their puppies. Hence the nesting box offers a sense of security. Female dogs need assistance and a safe place to give birth. Hence, a whelping pen would be of great help. If your dog is about to give birth, it would be better to get a box or make it yourself. For a small dog like Pomeranian, you can convert a large card box into a whelping pen. You can put your creativity into the process and make a nesting box for your dog. If your dog is big, she might probably give birth to a large number of puppies. Hence, the size of the box should be large enough to fit the puppies and the mother. Furthermore, you can get the box from a pet store if creativity and DIY are not your forte. Here are some of the factors that you need to consider: The sides of the pen should be high enough that can keep the puppies safe for three weeks. Also, make sure that the mother can move to and fro freely. The size of the pen should be spacious enough for your dog and puppies. It should have enough space where the mother can feed her pups comfortably. In addition, it should allow them to move freely. It will help to keep the pups warm when the mom is not around. These are the factors that you need to consider while getting a nesting box. It helps the mother and the pups in the long run. You would notice the growth within the first few weeks. They can move and stand up over the sides of the whelping pen. By three weeks, they become mobile and able to move towards the edge of the nesting box. However, before it reaches that stage, you should take care of it diligently. Some pups would go astray and get lost. Hence, getting a box with proper height is essential. Sometimes the mother has to go out of the box for a nature call or food. The box offers a sense of security both to the dog owner and the mother. When the puppies are born, they have no control over their body temperature. So, while the mom is out, the box will keep them warm. However, you have to make sure that the bottom of the box is covered with a soft blanket. By three weeks, they will start moving, and some puppies might even get out of the box. So, the real chaos begins when they reach three weeks. It would be best if you were more careful than ever. How to Keep the Nesting Box Clean? Taking care of puppies can be quite tiring. Once the puppies are born safely in the box, it would be better to change the sheet or the beddings. The mother will take care of it. However, from the second to the third week, the real work starts. It will help if you make sure that the box is clean. While cleaning the box, you can keep the pups temporarily in a warm blanket. You need to replace the sheet or newspaper at least twice or thrice per day. However, keeping the box clean prevents the puppies from possible bacterial infections. It also helps to keep the puppies clean. You should see that the nesting box is clean and dry. So, like a responsible dog owner , make sure that the box is clean and warm. Changing the Whelping Box to Other Areas Once the puppies have passed the first week, you place the box in other areas. It will help them to get used to the new smell and sounds. However, make sure that the place is quiet and warm. Some kids would like to hold the pups, which would be too early and maybe dangerous. During the first two weeks, puppies are pretty delicate. So, it would be best to keep far away from children. The first three weeks are a crucial moment for you and the pups. The puppies are in their developing stage, and they need a quiet and calm environment to grow. So, you should make sure that puppies are kept safe and warm. They would be too young to take the regular food and would cause indigestion. But you can keep water for the mother. They get very thirsty while taking care of the puppies. She requires good protein and energy to keep the pups fed through her milk. You can place the food in the water once they can move or walk. However, make sure that the food is easily digestible. Also, puppies tend to eat food without a limit. So, you should give the food moderately. Overeating can cause indigestion and vomiting. Hence, it would help if you were careful not to overfeed them. It offers a sense of security to the mother and the dog owners as well. Having a nesting box helps to keep the puppies from going astray. The first three weeks are crucial for the puppies to grow and develop healthily. Having the right size of the whelping box can help both the puppies and the mother move freely. It allows the mother to breastfeed the puppies comfortably. If your dog is about to give birth, it would be better to arrange a whelping box. It offers safety and assurance to both the mother and puppies. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. A whelping box is an important item to have when puppies are about to be born. You can construct something yourself or buy a specifically designed boxes from pet stores. When can puppies leave the whelping box? Puppies can often leave the whelping box at 3 weeks old. At this age, puppies can move out of the whelping box as they become more mobile. Puppies can stand up and even climb out of the whelping box nest. At this age, puppies start to explore outside of their nest, to find out more about the wide and exciting world around them. Well, I can tell you that a whelping box will help you and the mother cope better with a horde of tiny puppies in their first few weeks. What is a whelping box? Also known as a nest or whelping pen, the whelping box is a container designed to keep the newborn litter in one safe and cozy place. The mother also likes to have a place where she can give birth to her puppies in comfort while having a sense of security. Whelping means to give birth hence the name of the box. It should be placed in a quiet part of the house and set up a couple of weeks before your dog gives birth. This gives her time to get familiar with the box. Image via Pixabay. What can I use as a whelping box? If your dog is a little girl, you could convert a large, sturdy cardboard box into a nesting box. You can make your own if carpentry is your hobby or you could go to the local pet store and buy a whelping box. What to look out for when picking a whelping box You need to make sure you pick a whelping box that takes into consideration the following factors: The sides are high enough to keep the puppies safely contained in their first 3 weeks but low enough for the mother to move in and out freely. The size is big enough to accommodate all the puppies being born. The bottom of the box may come with whelping pads or you can simply line it with newspapers and a soft blanket. Some breeders will use wood shavings to cover the floor of the box. Some whelping boxes come with an extension which is great for more active puppies who are still too young to leave the pen but are moving around quite a bit. Picking the right whelping box goes a long way to keeping mum and pups comfortable and secure. When is the right age for puppies to leave the whelping box? Puppies develop and mature very quickly in their first few weeks. A whelping box is designed to keep the newborn puppies safe, warm, and comfortable. Keeping the puppies in one place and even using a heat lamp will help keep them warm. And, when the mother needs time out, she can leave the box and get some space knowing her pups are all safe in one spot. A whelping box gives you peace of mind your puppies are well-protected, staying warm, and not disappearing once they start crawling. But be ready for the exodus once they reach 3 weeks old and might start walking! How do I keep the whelping box clean? If your dog gave birth to the puppies in the whelping box, you would need to change the bedding once all the puppies are safely delivered. Keep them warm with a blanket. Use a non-chemical cleaning detergent and warm water to wash out the box. Remove any dirty bedding and replace with clean blankets, newspapers or wood shavings. Some breeders do put in a litter box for puppies once they start crawling. This could be the first step to house training your pups. Do regular inspections throughout the day to make sure the whelping box is always dry and clean. Can I move the whelping box to other areas? Once your puppies have passed their first week, you could consider moving them to different areas in the house. But remember, you need to keep them warm so make sure there are no draughts and the puppies are not too intimidated by the new environment. Be careful also with handling newborn puppies when moving them. For the first 3 weeks, the puppies are small, developing, and can be easily disturbed by too much activity around them. Do I need to put food and water in the whelping box? The puppies will be drinking milk from their mother for the first 3 to 4 weeks, before moving onto water. For the first 3 weeks, you could keep a bowl of water in the box for the mother. She will be very thirsty while nurturing her puppies. However, once the puppies start becoming mobile keep both the water and food outside the box. Conclusion Get ready for a whole lot of fun, but also stress. She will take them no doubt but being able to help just a little with whelping boxes, nesting, and more will make it so much easier for you. You might also like…. During that first three weeks we weigh the puppies daily, trim their toenails every days, and put new collars on them every days as their growth is so rapid. The standard puppies are weighed on a regular digital scale and should gain an ounce a day at first and then up to ounces daily, whereas miniature puppies gain in a tenth of an ounce to start with and then an ounce or two a day. Jenny with litter at birth in 4' x 4' whelping box with lots of absorbent padding. Tasy in her "birthing bed" with the first three pups of the TS5 litter "Tasy" moves into her "doll crib" after the puppies are born - shown here at 3 weeks of age. We find it essential that the dam have food and water inside her whelping box the first week, however once she is willing to leave the box for short periods of time it can be set just outside the box, otherwise she will not eat and drink enough to provide all the milk needed for the puppies well being, and if you are not supplementing with goats milk, your puppies can suffer from dehydration. The standard dam has to produce almost two gallons of milk a day by the time a litter of puppies is two weeks of age. That's twice the amount a good dairy goat gives, who is at least double the dam's body weight. We find that goat milk, canned or fresh, is a much better supplement than the commercial formulas, as we have better weight gains and hardly ever have diarrhea in our puppies. If you have more than 8 puppies it is also essential that the dam's tail area and vulva be washed each time she goes out to go, as since there are not enough teats to go around there will always be a puppy trying to latch onto the vulva. The puppies can pick up bacteria and worm eggs, and a one celled organism called coccidiosis in this way which can lead to diarrhea. Mandy with AM3 Litter x Sterling at 1 week old. We practice what we call "giving the puppies an opportunity to learn" as a puppy raising method. We whelp the puppies in one corner of the living room where we have easy access to the box. We have found that moving the whelping box or puppy pen set-up on a weekly basis exposes the puppies to new scents and air currents and increases their adaptability and development by about two weeks, especially compared to puppies who are raised in the same corner until they go to their new homes. This is the first stage of their house breaking. Within hours the smartest puppies of the litter, barely able to crawl, will crawl out to use the paper and then crawl back into the whelping box. Within a few days the entire litter will usually be using the paper. Supplementing the puppies these first weeks gives us a good chance to play with the puppies feet, and get them used to their faces being handled for grooming, however even when we don't supplement we take time daily to handle every puppy and get them used to different textures, smells, and having their feet, faces, ears and tails handled. At three weeks of age when the ears open we start their cereal feeding, and use a soft clap with a "come, babies" command each time they are fed. This leads to the next step in the transition of removing the second box and the addition of a paper lined exercise pen to the whelping box at four weeks of age. At this time we start walking the puppies outside about every two hours from AM to PM. During this time ,the 4th-5th week, we teach them some basic commands - "in", "out", "potty outside", "walk", "watch", and continuing with their "come" command. Once they have understanding of these basic commands we then take them out to an outside play yard, regardless of the weather. It's really important to have this set-up close to an outside door if possible, or to use sections of an exercise pen to make an aisleway directly outdoors. Puppies can be carried outdoors, however their "potty outside" is learned much faster if they walk out the door in tune to the "out" command and the "potty outside" command at the same time. Usually within two days my standard puppies have quit having messes on the paper and are actually asking to go "out" - often at AM at this stage, and I do get up to accommodate them as this speeds their training amazingly, and I have a lot less mess to deal with - and less dirty crates when that time comes along. You can see that I do sleep within hearing of the puppies - usually until those we are continuing training with for their new families are weeks old. TS5 Miniature Litter - 2nd day of cereal feeding and 1st trip outside to the "big" world. We also start the grooming training at 4 weeks of age - starting with a bath with a soft water spray in a utility tub, and using a soft flow warm air dryer and a slicker brush - brushing the coat up the body toward the head, and up the legs toward the back as it dries. We always groom on a table, or the washer or dryer, or a counter - this is essential in getting the puppies used to being groomed on a grooming table and getting over any tendency toward the fear of heights. We cuddle them in our arms on the table to help them feel loved and secure, and to build their confidence level. We try to take pictures at birth, day old individual pictures, then every week thereafter for their new families, and for our albums. We also try to take litter shots as well at the various stages. I find that special touches add a lot of enjoyment, both for us raising the puppies, and for our families who are kept in the "link" of their puppy growing from infancy to toddler weeks. A Tasy x Promise Puppy before his first grooming and after his first grooming. My, oh my, what a difference!! We also start the worming program at four weeks of age - and this is really essential if you occasionally have a puppy that coughs after feeding, or vomits back up milk or cereal. Round worms are the one type of worm that the puppies can get in utero, and they grow as fast as the puppies. A heavy case of worms can often mimic other serious conditions in young puppies. It is also essential to use a low dosage of wormer in cases of heavy infestation, and at times give the puppy a few drops of oil by mouth, and possibly even an enema with a few drops of oil to help pass the worms. We use pyrantel pamoate for our first series of wormings. It is essential to worm every days until no worms are seen - these worms look like spaghetti - and once you see a litter of puppies pass them you never forget them. The wormer works in about six hours and is very effective. We have a computer generated health record that we complete on each puppy, and note all the worming's on it and on the litter weight records as well. Once the worming has been done, and if the teeth are coming in on the entire litter we start adding softened and mashed with potato masher kibble to the puppies cereal mixture - gradually reducing the rice baby cereal. During the next two weeks we gradually start adding cooked rice, cooked oatmeal, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, ground apple and carrot, and a supplement Green Vibrance which has microbials in it to their soft feed. As soon as the puppies are able to eat dry kibble well and not just play with it we gradually reduce the soft feedings to AM and PM. The puppies often prefer dry kibble during times of heavy teething, however dry kibble no matter how well promoted does not meet all of their nutritional needs. Also the more organically chemical, steroid, and low grade antibiotic free a puppy can be fed, the better for its health and longevity. We keep our puppies on microbials their whole life as this keeps their intestinal system in optimal health - they absorb more nutrients, they produce less fecal material, they are less prone to other bacterial infections, they don't have smelly gas, they are less prone to bloat typical in a number of large breeds , they have better pigmentation as a result of absorbing more nutrients. We have also found that since taking this approach to diet that puppy and show coats on adults are more luxurious. As you can see their fourth week involves a lot of changes for the puppies. At six weeks of age we start the weaning process - although most "mothers" have already started it. A poodle "mom" is the most devoted creature ever the first week or two, but after that usually reclaims part of her own life to be with her human family. She will return to the whelping box every few hours to take care of her puppies needs, but other than that spends her time on a blanket or pad outside the box. Using a higher powered water spray, a higher powered table dryer, and if the coat is still thin enough a palm pro clipper again to clip the face, feet, tummy and tail. At this time Mishelle also adds standing the puppy properly on the table and does the first scissoring around the tail head and up the rump - as much to get the puppy used to the sound and feel of the scissors as because there is that much coat to scissor off. This is also when we try to take the first pictures of the puppies in a nice stance to send to everyone. This also helps to train the puppy for standing on the table which benefits when we do the conformation evaluations at 8 weeks of age. Puppies fearful on the table are very difficult to assess. This is also essential for miniature puppies that are going to be shown. It's very sad when a miniature is put on a table in the show ring for the judges inspection, and is fearful. Just minutes a day on a table, being encouraged to stand and be touched, can make a remarkable difference in just a week. A Maddy x Calvin puppy at 6 weeks of age after her 2nd grooming Six weeks is also when we remove the whelping box, as the mother now just gets in with the puppies about 4 times a day and either sits or stands to nurse them. She also starts to regurgitate her feedings for the puppies at this stage. The teeth are starting to come all the way in at this time, and the puppies will start sparring, and at times will really yelp. They learn at this stage not to bite each other too hard, and this is the first step to them learning not to bite humans too hard. We often have families who want to get their poodle puppies at this age, especially if they are going to training in agility. We do not allow any puppies to go to their new homes until they are weeks of age, as we feel that they need the "sibling rivalry" stage to learn aggressive and defensive behavior - which is learned by their interplay with each other. Many of our poodles go to homes with runners, and I can't tell you how many times they have had to defend their owners from aggressive dogs of other breeds, and always successfully. You never know when your poodle may have to come to your defense, and the maneuvers they learn as puppies at this age are the foundation for their defensive techniques, increase their alertness, and the speed of their thinking and their reactivity time. I love watching the puppies develop their skills during playtime at this stage. It is their transition from infancy to toddlers. It is also at six weeks that we remove the whelping box replacing it with two small crates without the gates on. Our favorite crates are the Furrari's, as they just snap together, and the gates can be opened from either side and simply lifted off for this stage of training. The first night all the puppies will crowd into one small crate - then I will hear them in the middle of the night groaning and grumbling, and in the morning the puppies will be divided between the two crates. That day we add a third small crate, and go through the same process - which we repeat until there are two puppies per crate. We never put the gates on at this stage, just allow the puppies the freedom to sleep in or out of the crates, and to play with them. We estimate that a poodle puppy develops 21 years in it's first year. From infancy to toddler, to preschool, to kindergarten, to pre-adolescent, to adolescent, to pre-teen, to teenager, to post teen, and early twenties. Their intelligence is equivalent to that of many humans, and the learning of human vocabulary in a standard poodle is amazing. They are a joy to work with and to train, many almost training themselves. At this point we start giving the puppies rawhide chew bones to help with their teeth cutting, the cardboard rolls from toilet paper, paper towels, tape rolls, and small boxes that they can pack around, tear up and destroy. Much like a toddler builds a stack of bricks and then knocks it down destructive stage so also does a puppy need to go through this stage. So we give them things that don't cost anything, that are light weight, and the right size around for a puppy jaw to pick up. They love it. We also start giving the puppies soft and hard toys to play with, and also try to observe which puppies in the litter are water lovers - they play in the water and empty the container almost as fast as we can fill it. We often get asked for puppies that like water by families that boat, or live on rivers or lakes, or on house boats. We start watching closely for the different types of personalities that the puppies have, how they relate to each other, to new situations, to new people, to other animals they come in contact with. Those that are more adventuresome, more curious, more courageous, etc. We are also watching for activity levels and how they move. It is also at weeks that we take the puppies to the back yard to play - as they are then big enough to be taught to go up and down steps. We have closed back steps, and open backed steps like condos and the steps at the air cargo depots for them to learn on. This can be quite a challenge to some, and we usually have to delay this training with the miniatures for a couple of more weeks when they are a bit bigger. They are so proud of themselves when they achieve success in going up and down the steps, even though it is just three steps - and will run up and down just for the joy of it. In the back yard they also learn to drink from an automatic waterer, so that they don't fear the hissing sound as it refills. Having nice clean feet, faces, and tail head and rump helps us to evaluate the puppies much better, and they will score better when all can be seen and evaluated. We do not give the puppies any treats prior to testing, nor do we do any actual crate training in closed crates. At this age the puppies get their first bath in the grooming tub with a harder spray of water instead of in the utility tub. The Force dryer is used for the first time, and the Andis or Oster clippers. This is also the clipping that helps us to determine the color that the puppies might end up as - blues and silvers are born black, silver beige and cafe-au-lait can be born very dark brown, light apricots that are going to cream out - we study the nose, feet, heels, and under the tail and neck for signs of color change. Tasy x Promise Pup - Black - at 8 weeks! A Mandy x Sterling Pup - Silver - at 8 weeks. Silvers and blues are born black and change gradually - starting with the muzzle and feet We try to schedule temperament testing 16 tests and conformation evaluations a three page form using AKC breed requirements, International breed requirements, and Puppy Puzzle testing at 8 weeks minus or plus three days, as this is the most accurate time for assessing conformation before the puppy starts its rapid growth spurts. This is at times a little early for temperament testing, however as so many families want their puppies at 8 weeks of age, it is necessary to do this before the litter starts to go to new homes. Often our entire litters are reserved before they are even born, or at least by the time they are 6 weeks of age, and this helps us to match puppies and their capabilities and personalities and temperament to the homes they are going into, especially the puppies that are shipped across the United States. This also means asking our prospective families for lots of details about their home style, their activities, other pets or animals in or around their homes, and what they want to do with their puppy as an adult. We also help families at this point to decide the best age of puppy to suit their lifestyle, as many families in todays age have difficulty getting the time those first weeks to house train a young puppy. The weekly cost covers food, treats, training, vaccinations and wormings. Temperament testing is beneficial, although there are those that disagree. It is done in a strange place by a strange person. It's purpose is to note the natural instincts and adaptability of the young puppies, and our families have found our assessments to be pretty accurate as their puppies have developed. The disadvantage of testing at 8 weeks versus 12 weeks, is that puppies can be conceived over a ten day period. The gestation period is days, with all of the body development being in the first 50 days, and the weight gain being in the last days. If the bitch whelps according to the first puppy conceived, then the last puppy or puppies conceived may not have had much weight gain - however due to genetics it will not always be the smallest puppies. When we do temperament testing we also try to be aware of which puppies opened eyes first and last, which had teeth coming in first and last - as these can be indicative of which puppies in the litter are the oldest and the youngest - as the psychological development can also be different, with the thinking processes of the youngest not being quite as developed as the thinking processes of the gestationally oldest puppies. In temperament testing we are looking at social skills, inanimate object retrieving instincts, sensitivity testing, chase response, bird retrieving instincts, perseverance and motivation. These help to determine which puppies might be best suited as companions, service and therapy candidates, agility and obedience prospects, those with "bird" instincts, and very important today those with good search and rescue and tracking instincts. Conformation evaluations are where we literally take a puppies body structure apart and put it back together again - all on paper. We are looking for the few puppies in a litter that are the most correct by breed specifications in bone structure. As companions for runners, horse back riders, hikers, bikers, etc. Most of our standard puppies, after 10 years of breeding are quite structurally correct - however we try to match structural correctness, temperament and personality to the needs of a family. To be a pick of the litter puppy it must score high in all three areas. At times a structurally correct puppy may not have the best temperament for competitive events, and a senior family doesn't need a puppy with a high working drive. When we complete the testing we vaccinate each of the puppies and tattoo them with their individual identification number - that designates their dam, her litter number, and the number of puppy within the litter - in their left ear. This tattoo must be read and entered in the medical records of the puppy by the families veterinarian at the time of the "well puppy check" within 10 days of receiving the puppy for our 2 year from date of birth guarantee to go into effect. As soon as the testing is completed we start crate training the puppies. The first night two puppies are put into a crate with the gate on, and given 3 small treats. They are cuddled before being put into the crate, and we use the "in" command which they are used to. When they are taken out in the morning they are hugged and cuddled again, and given their "go potty outside" command as we take them "out" the front door. The second night they are crated individually, and are also crated during the day for short periods of time, to get them used to taking "naps" in their crates. They are always given three tiny biscuits when we want them in their crates, and usually within three days they compete to see who can get in the crates first and turn around for their treats. Usually at this age the puppies will crate from approximately PM to about AM without having accidents in their crates, however I do get up in the middle of the night and let them out if someone gets really fussy. In hot summer weather they at times need out during the night to get a drink just as much as they need out to go potty. We always make their last soft feeding of the day by PM, so that they have plenty of time to evacuate before bedtime. Remember poodle puppies are very smart, and if they get me up several nights in a row - I watch very carefully to see if they really needed to go - and if not they have just decided to get me out of bed for some extra attention and playtime - remember the pre-adolescent who wants another drink of water, etc. They will test their new families in the same way, and if they win they are ruling the family instead of the family ruling them. At this point the puppies are ready to go to their new homes to families living locally, or those driving from other states to get their puppies. If they are flying we keep them for two more weeks - and ship when they are approximately 10 - 12 weeks old. This allows us to start travel training and leash training of the puppies, and allow them to develop better holding capacity for daytime crating before shipping. Also it gives us time to receive family t-shirts worn until sweaty and placed in ziploc bags to give to the puppies in their crates three days before shipping. Having items of clothing which we tie into knots for a pillow or toy allows the puppy to get used to it's new families scents, and helps it to adapt and bond much more quickly. It also gives us time to ship their puppy pack to them, before the puppy is shipped. We follow up on our puppies for years, and encourage our families to keep in touch with us and contact us with any questions regarding nutrition, training problems or needs. We also board our own puppies back, which is wonderful as then we get to assess their development and personalities as adults. We have families now who purposefully plan their vacations for the Oregon Coast just so they can leave their much loved poodles with us - they come from as far away as Montana, Idaho, north eastern Washington, California, Utah, and of course the closer regions of Oregon and Washington. Unless we are expecting a litter imminently they get to come back and live in the house with us, and always enjoy playing with so many other poodles in our huge back yard, and side yard play areas. We also continue any training that is in progress on the younger puppies. A Mandy boy at 15 weeks! A Lucy daughter at 1 year - sent by her family in Idaho Many of our families also return with their puppies to take the one-on-one grooming classes with us - with Mishelle now being the primary instructor. Many of our families are now doing all of their own grooming, and even if they aren't have found the class very beneficial as they have learned what to expect from a good groomer. Many have returned for second and even third classes to learn advanced scissoring techniques, and several are now learning show grooming and handling from us as well. It's biblical that the older are to teach the younger - and we feel very strongly about this after not finding anyone willing to assist us when we first started out. We want those who have a true desire to become breeders of the poodles to start in the right way, learning to do the proper testing and research, taking part in genetic research projects, learn to groom their poodles properly, and to breed properly, caring for their whelping bitches and puppies correctly. Mishelle should have been in the picture with "Eve" but was in the Show Ring with her instead. She groomed 14 standards and 2 miniatures for this show. The poodle is a wonderful and unique breed - sharing life with it's family. Stages of Puppy Development Birth to 3 weeks The first 20 days of a pups life it is not capable of much learning. The mental capacity is about nil. The pup will react when it is in need of food, sleep, warmth and its mother. During the first 3 weeks it is VERY important to look after the dam as well. She will in turn, look after the puppies. Once or twice a day the puppies should be handled by a human and they should be weighed daily. During the first 3 weeks most dams like to be in a warm secluded area, not in the family living area. Pups remain contently in their whelping box for the first 20 days of their life. Newborn puppies sleep most of the day away. No matter what the breed, this is the time when the dormant senses wake up. From day 21 to 28 puppies are in need of their mom more than any other time as their brains and nervous systems begin to develop and they become aware of their surroundings. As mom jumps out of the box, they suddenly watch her wondering where she went. Pups may start climbing out of the whelping box at this age, so it is time to expand their home. At this stage we add a small potty area beside the whelp box. If a puppy were to loose his mom at this stage it would greatly affect his emotional wellbeing. Emotional growth is just blossoming as the puppy realizes it is alive. It is also at this age that characteristics can develop like shyness and fear. Any negative characteristics that develop at this stage in life are often permanent personality traits. The puppies sleep 20 or more hours a day. They will not go far, but they will begin to explore. At this time we expand their area to add a play and eating area in the daytime. This is the time to move them out to the kitchen and family room area, where life is happening in the home. This is not the age to be in the back bedroom, garage or barn. During this time, a puppy will learn to respond to voices, sounds and recognize different people. The puppies in their group will establish a 'pecking order', some will want to lead and some will want to follow. The dominant ones will eat first and the omega ones will wait. The dominant ones can become bullies and hog all the toys. This is an important stage to watch to learn the temperaments of each puppy and should be used for placing puppies into the proper homes. Some scientific studies prove that if there is a bully in a litter that is making others cower and be shy it can set in traits that are very hard to turn around, but it is also important to leave puppies in a social group long enough to be adventurous and for the puppy to acquire some social competitive skills. On the same note, a puppy should never be allowed to get too pushy. While shyer puppies have to learn to handle themselves in social groups, a dominant puppy needs to learn it is not acceptable to be a bully. Different breeds need to be separated at different ages. Often if the bully is adopted out first the remaining puppies will loose some of their shyness. Puppies at this age sleep 18 to 20 hours a day. By 7 weeks, a pup is considered emotionally developed and ready to learn, but the pup does not possess an adult brain yet. At 7 weeks old the breeder of the pups can start crate training for an hour or two a day with 2 pups in a crate. This helps with separation anxiety. By 8 weeks of age a puppy should be able to go in a crate alone for a nap, and it is almost ready for its new home. A puppy should never be taken away from it's mother before weeks of age. The mother dog teaches the puppies in the litter manners, respect, social skills, and proper etiquette, along with many other valuable lessons. When a puppy misses this stage it can cause the pup to have future behavior issues as most humans do not understand natural dog behavior enough to teach the pup these things. What a puppy learns now will be retained and become part of who the dog becomes and his personality. Most dams stop caring for their pups by 7 weeks, as they have teeth and she pushes them away. If a pup is left with the dam during this period it's emotional development can be altered, as it remains dependent on her. The same can happen if littermates are placed together. They rely on each other instead of the new owner and they often do not find adequate security in their mom or littermate. They need their new owner to take over the role and it is important that the humans understand natural dog behavior in order to fulfill the puppies instincts and needs. First shots should be done at 7. When a puppy stays with his litter after 8 to 9 weeks of age without adequate human contact it doesn't adjust as well to a human social life. The optimum time to take a new puppy is from 8 to 9 weeks of age. It is always best to have a pup do his learning from his new owner and in his new home. Puppies are often adopted out at 8, 9, 10 or 11 weeks. Older puppies can do just fine if the breeder has spent a lot of time socializing them away from their littermates. Ideally 9 weeks seems to be the perfect age for most breeds to go to new homes. What the dog learns from 8 to 12 weeks will be with him forever. At this time the puppy must be introduced to other people and go for walks on the pavement street avoiding dirt or grass until it has had its 2nd shots. If the first shots are done at 8 weeks and second are done at 12 weeks it is a good idea to enroll in puppy kindergarten that starts right at 12 weeks. At this age on up to several months old, puppies will sleep 16 to 20 hours a day, give or take depending on the puppies energy level and the activity around them. Sleeping more during rapid growth sprurts. The sleep is broken up between night time sleep and naps during the day. It is common for a puppy to play hard, running around with bounds of energy, then suddenly crashing into a deep sleep. It is important to keep in mind that all puppies by this time have formed a general personality. Some are natural born leaders, some are middle of the road and could go either way and some are very submissive and really prefer not to lead anything. All puppies have an instinct to have a leader who can provide structure, because in their minds without it the pack cannot survive. Therefore even the most naturally born submissive dog may feel the need to take over as an alpha should they feel everyone else around them is too weak to care for the pack. These dogs are often very stressed out about their role because they really do not want it, but feel the need to lead just the same. After all, to them it's a matter of life or death. One of the biggest questions new owners call about is that the pup is an angel for the first couple weeks and then it starts to nip in an attempt to control things around it. This happens when a puppy does not see the humans as natural born leaders to which it can respect and it attempts to get the pack in order. If this happens it does not necessarily mean you got a bad puppy, but often means you are not being a good canine owner. Owners must be calm but firm and follow through. Set the rules of the home and stick to them. Teach basic obedience and how to heel on a leash. Do not let the puppy bolt out the door. Stay calm and confident and remember that dogs can feel your emotions. If you have emotional problems your dog knows and will see you as a weak being. Always remember to a dog anger is a weakness, so take a deep breath and control yourself. Should the puppy feel it is stronger minded than the humans it will not want to be at the bottom. Puppy owners should be prepared that the pup may attempt to establish itself as the dominant one in the family. This is where you need to understand a dog's natural instincts and learn their language so you can read them. It may see whether it can physically strike out at his owner like some teens and could nip or growl. Should this happen be prepared to stop the behavior immediately. It is kind of like kids wanting dessert before dinner or to stay up later. You just have to say NO. Each dog is different, just as kids are, therefore you need to figure out what works for you and your situation. If it is being aggressive one method is to pin it on its back and hold him there with a firm NO. If a pup is allowed to get away with bad behavior it will lose respect for the owner and learn that rebelling gets him his own way. The key is for the humans to be calm, confident and firm all at the same time. If you find yourself yelling or angry you as the human are out of control and need to learn how to portray yourself as someone your dog can look up to and respect. Dogs do not listen to unstable humans and anything but calm, confident and firm, to them is unstable. There should be zero tolerance for aggressiveness. Heaps of love and understanding will not stop bad behavior. A pup must be shown fast and firmly that you are the one in charge. If you have a good breeder who understands the dog even returning him for a few days can help as the breeder gets the dog back under control and you assess your own behavior and understanding of this animal you are trying to live with. Sending a dog away to be trained without training yourself never works, as the way your dog is acting often has more to do with the humans it is living with. This goes for any dog of any age. Learn how to groom your dog. Teach it to lie still for grooming and nail trimming. If you are having trouble call the breeder or a behaviorist for help. It is best to have earned a dog's respect and trust in regards to grooming by 16 weeks of age. A pups natural instinct will be to periodically try to test the order in the pack. Especially if there are children. If the owner is submissive, quiet and week, thus making the dog feel the need to lead the home, its respect for its owner will weaken and the owner will become inferior in the dogs eyes. In these cases the owner is destined to be owned by the dog and you will surely see behavior problems emerge. A puppy should have a good start on crate training when it leaves a breeder's home. Help your puppy feel secure by giving it its own bed and crate in a place where it can be alone when it needs some quiet time. It should be crated for one or two naps per day, especially when making and eating dinner and crated at night. It should not ever have the run of the house till after 6 months of age or housebreaking and training can become very difficult. A puppy should start formal obedience by 6 months of age, preferably sooner. Remember when you choose to adopt a dog you are choosing to take an animal into your home. The animal is not a human baby and humans are not born with canine instincts. Take some time to learn about the canine and be prepared to change your way of life to accommodate the new member of the family. The puppies have arrived. They have been weighed and identified; they have nursed and are now sleeping quietly except for the normal twitching. Now what? Your job is not over yet, in fact, it's really just beginning. Nutrition and Feeding The mother will be ready for some food and water. Bring the dishes to the whelping box, as she will not want to leave the newborn puppies. Do not leave the dishes on the floor in the whelping box, as the puppies could crawl into them. Hang the dishes from the side of the whelping box or offer her food and water at least every hours to start. She should be taken outside on a frequent and regular basis to relieve herself. Within days, the mother's appetite will dramatically increase to times her pre-pregnancy intake. She will need a near constant supply of a high quality puppy food do NOT use large breed puppy formulas, which are generally lower in protein, fat, and minerals and water to maintain her weight and health while feeding the puppies. She should not look gaunt or thin if her weight is maintained. Ideally, she should weigh the same at the time of weaning, as she did when she was bred. A healthy puppy is firm, plump, and vigorous. Puppies should nurse every 2 hours or so. If they nurse until their stomachs appear round and they sleep quietly, they are eating enough. If they are crying and moving a lot, they are not eating enough. They may be swallowing air, which makes the stomach appear larger. As they become weaker, they will lay still and not cry. Their weight should double in the first days. Before, during, and after nursing, the mother will lick the stomach and perineal area to stimulate urination and defecation. She will continue to do this for weeks. Weigh the puppy daily for the first 2 weeks, then weigh at least weekly. A food scale typically works well for weighing the puppies. Failure to gain weight is often the first sign of illness in puppies. At about 3 weeks of age, the puppies will begin to imitate the mother's eating and drinking. A secure shallow water dish should now be available at least part of the day. Prepare the puppy mush by placing 2 cups of high quality dry puppy food in a blender with .This should be blended until the consistency of human infant cereal. This feeds puppies of a medium-sized breed. The puppies should receive meals a day of this to start. Once the puppies have checked it out, walked in it, and have eaten some, the mother can be allowed to finish it and clean the puppies off. Each week, increase the amount of food, decrease the amount of the milk replacer and water that is added and the time of blending, so by 7 weeks of age, the puppies are eating dry food. Once they are on dry food, it may be left in with the puppies when the mother is out of the box or the meal times can continue. As the puppies eat more solid food, the mother may be let away from the puppies for an ever longer period of time. If the weaning is not rushed, she will naturally start decreasing milk production, as the puppies increase their intake of solid food. As the puppies begin eating the puppy mush at 4 weeks of age, start changing the mother's diet back to adult food to also help her decrease milk production. Keep increasing the adult food and decreasing the puppy food until by the 7th week postpartum she is eating only adult food. Hopefully she has been fed well during pregnancy and lactation so she weighs the same at weaning as she did before pregnancy. Want to learn how to save on your dog's veterinary care? Click here Sanitation and Housebreaking During and after whelping, the mother should be allowed to go outside to urinate and defecate. Take her out on a leash bring a flashlight if it is dark , and watch her closely, as she could have another puppy. The whelping box needs to be changed at least once a day at this stage, and times a day as the puppies begin eating solids and the mother is not cleaning up after them. A large heavy paper may be laid on the bottom, several layers of newspaper over that, and a tightly stretched blanket over the newspaper. The blanket should be large enough to fit under all 4 sides of the box. If the box was made so the sides set into the floor, the sides are picked up, the blanket stretched, and the sides set down to hold the blanket in place. Puppies can become lost under blankets or under wrinkles in blankets. When cleaning, check the consistency and color of the puppy stool. It should be brown and formed, but not overly firm. Any deviations and the veterinarian should be contacted. To facilitate housebreaking, the puppies should be given definite feeding, playing, sleeping, and elimination areas. Once the puppies are mobile, they will use one area for elimination. Cover this area with a layer of newspapers with cedar or pine shavings on top. The new owners then place a small amount of cedar or pine shavings in the preferred location of their yard to aid in housebreaking. Keep the elimination area clean and dry. Puppies head toward the heat source to nurse so do not have the heat source warmer than the mother. Hanging a household thermometer on the inside of the whelping box will help you know the temperature in the box. Puppies typically lay side by side or on top of each other to share warmth. If the puppies are scattered throughout the whelping box and away from the heat lamp, the temperature is too warm. If they are all piled on top of each other, it may be too cold. Puppies need the extra heat, as they are unable to regulate their body temperature until several weeks old. Health of the Mother Each mammary gland and nipple should be checked at least once a day for redness, hardness, discharge, or streaking color. If mastitis develops, the veterinarian should be notified immediately. If caught early, milking out the affected gland and applying hot compresses will help prevent a spread of the problem. Sometimes, antibiotics are necessary. If she gets multiple glands with mastitis, the puppies will need to be bottle fed. The puppies' nails should be trimmed weekly starting within days of birth. This will help prevent some of the scratches on the mother's mammary glands. The deciduous teeth start coming in around day .Check the mammary glands of the mother daily for bite marks. The mother will have a bloody discharge from her vulva which may be quite heavy for several days. It should decrease in amount and become darker and be almost gone within weeks. The mother's hair may have become very thick and luxurious during the pregnancy. Around the time of weaning, the mother starts to shed. This extreme loss of hair coat is natural and it should be back to normal in about another months. This shedding is more extreme than a normal shed cycle and some mothers become quite bald. This is often called 'blowing a coat. Click here Puppy Healthcare Puppies who are not thriving should be examined as soon as possible by a veterinarian to check for birth defects. Some defects, such as a cleft palate are not compatible with life. These puppies should be humanely euthanized. Dewclaws are removed and tails docked at days of age. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for these procedures to be done. Check your breed's standard, as some breeds need to have dewclaws left intact in order to show. Tail length changes, so again, the current breed standard should be consulted. When the puppies are at the clinic and having these procedures done, the mother should be taken for a walk around the block until the puppies are done. She should not be close enough to the clinic to hear the puppies crying. Once they are put back with the mother, the puppies normally nurse and then sleep. Vaccinations are started at weeks of age. Some breeders give a parvo virus vaccine at 5 weeks of age, if the puppies are at a high-risk. Ask your veterinarian if your puppies should be vaccinated early for parvo virus. They recommend puppy deworming for roundworms and hookworms start at 2 weeks of age and be repeated at 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. Thereafter, use a heart worm preventive medication that is also effective against hookworms and roundworms. Foster and Smith suggest that owners of newly acquired puppies obtain the deworming history of their new pup and contact their veterinarian to determine if additional deworming is needed. The mother should be dewormed at the same time as the puppies. A health check done by a veterinarian at weeks of age before the puppies head for new homes should include checks for heart murmurs, hernias, cryptorchidism, demodectic mange, other parasites, eye disorders, etc. Normal puppy development The umbilical cord normally falls off within days of birth. Infections of the umbilicus are rare in clean, well-managed kennels. Puppies normally twitch and jerk while sleeping. This helps with the development of their nerves and muscles. The puppies crawl well by days, walk at 16 days, and have a normal gait at 21 days. They need to be on footing that offers traction. By 4 weeks of age, the puppies follow each other and carry toys in their mouths. They will play-fight with each other and learn how to inhibit their bites. If a puppy bites a littermate too hard, the littermate will yelp and stop playing with him. If the puppy is allowed to bite humans, he will not learn to inhibit his bite. It may be cute as a 7-week old, but it will not be as a 7-year old. Puppies are born without teeth. The deciduous baby teeth start to erupt at weeks of age. All of the deciduous teeth are usually present by 8 weeks of age. The puppies' eyes will open around days of age. The retina matures around 21 days of age. Puppies should see clearly by 4 weeks of age. Do not pry open the lids for any reason, as the immature eye is not yet ready to handle light. If the eyes appear swollen before they open, take the puppy to a veterinarian immediately as an eye infection may be present that needs to be treated to prevent loss of vision. Some puppies will take a day to open the eyes while others will take days. The eyes will have a bluish color to them at first and then change to their adult color over time. If the eyes appear white or solid blue, take the puppy to the veterinarian right away. The ears open at days of age. They should hear clearly by 4 weeks of age. Deafness may not be noticeable while the puppies are together and first noticed when the puppy is in her new home. Interactions Between the Mother and Puppies By the time the puppies are weeks old, the mother should have an area near the whelping box, but separate from the puppies to allow her time to rest. At about this time, the puppies will start trying to leave the box to explore. They should be well supervised and have safe toys available. The box at this point should be big enough to be divided between eating, sleeping, playing, and eliminating rooms. At this stage, a crate with the door removed and lined with sheepskin or a dog bed can be given to the puppies for sleeping quarters and to familiarize them with crates. Puppy Socialization Early socialization of the puppies will help them become confident and develop fewer behavior problems. The puppies should be exposed to everything possible from metal food dishes dropping, to vacuums, garage doors opening and closing, thunderstorms, sirens, garbage trucks going past, cats, and other pets, etc. Do not try to keep the area quiet during the day. The puppies need to get used to normal household noises. Children should be allowed to play outside the whelping box supervised so they do not enter the box or drop toys in , as children behave differently than adults. Everything the puppy is exposed to now, will help her become a well-socialized, unafraid adult. The puppies should be handled several times a day. They can be picked up, their teeth looked at, ears checked, toes played with nails will need a weekly trimming , and have anything that may be done as an adult started slowly now. Play helps to develop the puppy's mind, as he needs to find solutions to problems he encounters. If the puppies are not in new homes by 10 weeks of age, they should be separated from each other for a large part of the day and given one-on-one time with humans. They can have play times during the day, but they should eat, sleep, and be handled separately. Being in a kennel group situation beyond weeks of age decreases trainability. Ready to start saving money on pet wellness care? Then take a look at Mint Wellness, the pet wellness plan that provides fast reimbursement on routine pet care. Save on vaccinations, wellness exams, preventatives, dental, and more!