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The Cocker Spaniel may also experience hip and elbow dysplasia like the Golden Retriever. This breed has a life expectancy of 12 — 15 years. Keep in mind that the following information is based on its parent breeds. These are all predictions that vary from case to case depending on genetic makeup. In terms of physical appearance, the Cocker Spaniel comes in a variety of coat colors, so the forever puppy may not always be golden. It could be a mix of blue, black, brown, and white. The ideal attributes a Golden Cocker Retriever should have is a medium-length coat, floppy ears, and a smaller build than the Golden Retriever. We can predict the height of the Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel mix will range from 20 to 24 inches 51 — 61 cm. As we mentioned above its weight will range from 30 to 45 pounds 13 — 20 kg. The health concerns of a Golden Cocker Retriever are also based on its parents. Both the Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel are capable of experiencing seizures associated with epilepsy and hip and elbow dysplasia. On the Cocker Spaniel side, however, you have more serious illnesses to worry about like glaucoma and cancerous tumors. On the bright side, both parent breeds have a good life expectancy, so your Golden Cocker Retriever will live a long and happy life of at least 10 years! Want to see how this mix grows up? For owners who really want a teacup-sized Golden Cocker Retriever, there are some toy ones on the market. And then you mix it once again with Cocker Spaniel to get an even smaller dog. A dog with dwarfism may look cute and small but it causes them a lot of pain throughout their entire lives. The height of a standard Goldendoodle reaches 20 inches 50 cm. The weight ranges from 50 — 90 pounds 22 — 40 kg. Additionally, the coat of a Goldendoodle will be much curlier than the Golden Cocker Retriever thanks to its Poodle parent breed. Before buying one, consider if a Golden Cocker Retriever is your best match in the long run. How will this dog fit into your daily schedule and hobbies? Does This Mix Shed? Both parent breeds have long-haired coats that invite moderate to heavy shedding throughout the year. Do I Need A Backyard? Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES. Purebred Golden Retrievers sometimes need two sessions. A fenced backyard or a playpen is also essential to keep your Golden Cocker Retriever from wandering off. Both parent breeds have a long history of being hunting dogs with a strong prey-drive. If your Golden Cocker Retriever sees or smells a small animal in the distance, it will run as quickly as it can to track it down. Dogs are just fine. For example, any sign of stubbornness or independence can lead to harder training. Start training as early as possible as puppies are easier to handle than adults. The temperament of a Golden Cocker Retriever should be: Happy. Golden Cocker Retrievers borrow traits from both of their parents, normally with a medium length golden coat, floppy ears and a smaller stature than the Golden Retriever. Friendly, intelligent and energetic making a great family dog that will want to be involved in all your daily activities. They also go by the name Dakota Sport Retriever. Size: The Golden Cocker Retriever stands from 14 to 19 inches tall and can weigh anywhere between pounds, though the average weight is pounds. Coat: Considered a long haired breed but they do shed less than the average Golden Retriever. The most prominent colour is gold, but can come in all colours and patterns. Character: The Golden Cocker Retriever loves water and to play fetch. They are playful outdoors and calm while inside. This breed is very gentle and loving. Temperament: A soft-tempered breed, people-oriented and forms strong bonds with their owners. Care: Should be brushed on a weekly basis and bathed when needed. Their ears can be trimmed twice a year to avoid matting. Training: The Golden Cocker Retriever has a strong desire to please and is not difficult to train. Activity: Loves to play and should be exercised on a daily basis. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. They are not purebreds like their Golden Retriever or Cocker Spaniel parents. The mixed breed does shed, so aim to brush the coat daily if possible, being on the lookout for any potential mats. Golden Cocker Retrievers usually have no problems getting along with kids. This is a gentle and playful mixed breed that will happily become play buddies with your children This is not a dog who does well being left alone for long periods of the day. But digging into the background of their parent breeds can tell you a lot about where the dog comes from. Developed in Scotland, the Golden Retriever has always been renowned for their high intelligence and ability to take on agility and obedience-based tasks. When it comes to the Cocker Spaniel, this breed comes from Spain where they began as a hunting dog with a special expertise at tracking down and startling fowl. The Golden Cocker Retriever has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. As is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 30 to 45 pounds and range in height from 20 to 24 inches. A total family dog, the mixed breed will quickly form loving bonds with the humans in their life—and will also very much want to be in on the act with any day-to-day tasks and activities. This is not a dog who does well being left alone for long periods of the day. Even better, at the end of a long day of healthy outdoor action, the dog will love to cuddle up together as you relax and recuperate on the couch. Golden Cocker Retrievers usually do great around children. Golden Cocker Retriever Health Golden Cocker Retrievers are generally considered to be healthy dogs; although, the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel face. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. If you jog, bring the dog along! If you have access to a safe off-leash park, even better. If you have a safe fenced-in yard, add some interactive toys to the environment and let the breed explore and investigate. As with any dog who loves the outdoors, check that their nails are trimmed and in good shape, and examine the paw pads for any signs of damage. Doing this every two weeks should suffice. The coat is straight, medium in length, and usually described as being dense to the touch. The Golden Cocker Retriever does best in slightly warmer than usual weather. This is a gentle and playful mixed breed that will happily become play buddies with your children—just remember to make sure both parties are socialized correctly during the early days. In general, Golden Cocker Retrievers are fine around other household pets. But be sure the boundaries between the dog and existing household pets are laid down early. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Golden Cocker Retriever for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family. However, you may want to try Golden Retriever or Cocker Spaniel breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. This lovable and playful dog is the perfect family dog and brings joy to any home with their cute looks and adorable nature. Because the Golden Cocker Retriever is a crossbreed, it can be difficult to know exactly what kind of dog you are going to get — you never know what they will look like or what their temperament will really be. However, based on Golden Cocker Retrievers as we know them and taking a look at their parent breeds, we can make assumptions about this wonderful breed. Read on below to find out more about Golden Cocker Retrievers are whether they could be the right dog for you. Perfect for first time pet owners, the Golden Cocker Retriever is an active and intelligent dog, with both parents belonging to the sporting dog group classification. They are also known for being loyal and they love to play outside, too. Golden Retrievers originate from Scotland and were used as gun dogs to retrieve game that was shot down both on land and in water. Cocker Spaniels first came to the US on the Mayflower in the 17th century. They were registered in and the popularity of the Cocker Spaniel grew significantly during the s and s. The American Cocker Spaniel has a smaller prey-drive than the English Cocker Spaniel, which makes them better family pets. The origin of the Golden Cocker Retriever was not widely documented and it is thought that this breed could be a designer breed that was created in the later s and the early s. Characteristics Of The Golden Cocker Retriever As we mentioned above, because the Golden Cocker Retriever is a crossbreed, it can be difficult to know exactly what your pup might look like and what their temperament might be. However, we can guess based on past litters. Both of the parents — either a Golden Retriever or a Cocker Spaniel — can be the sire or the dam in this cross breed. This contributes to the varying size and appearance of many Golden Cocker Retrievers. Regardless of some of the finer details, this breed is known for being an intelligent and friendly breed. The litter size for a Golden Retriever mix can be anywhere between 4 to 12 puppies. This means that they are said to maintain the look of a puppy, even as they grow up. It can be difficult to know exactly when they reach their adult life, but it is estimated anywhere between months. Mental maturity can take up to three years. A Golden Cocker Retriever is normally smaller than a Golden Retriever and usually weighs around pounds and measures between inches. They are a medium sized breed and are broader than a Cocker Spaniel with a long, smooth coat, floppy ears and a head which is slightly bigger than a Spaniels. Coat The Golden Cocker Retriever coat is normally medium in length and is smooth. It will have some featured fringes around the legs, ears and stomach which will need to be brushed daily to prevent any matting. Some puppies inherit more genes from the Golden and therefore have a double coat, meaning the fur may be denser and require more thorough grooming. We will go into more detail about grooming your Golden Cocker Retriever dog later on. If the Cocker Spaniel parent is brown, black, white or merle, then this can be passed to the pup. Temperament The Golden Cocker Retriever is a loyal and loving dog and is the perfect companion. They have a natural playful instinct that makes them fun to be around, and they love to chase and run around. Both parents have a sporting background which means your Retriever will love to be outside playing with you. Because they are so friendly they can make the perfect playmate for older children, but know to gentle around younger children too. They will want to be with you at all times, so they are not the right pet to have if you are going to be out for hours at a time. They will do best in a busier household where they have people around for most of the day. Luckily, these dogs are easy to train and, most of the time, undesirable behaviors can be trained out of them. This can include barking as well as behaviors brought on by anxiety if they are left alone for too long. Lifespan The typical life expectancy of a Golden Cocker Retriever is normally between 11 to 14 years. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. Cataracts — you might suspect your dog has cataracts if they are constantly bumping into furniture. Cataracts can be cured with surgery. Hypothyroidism — this can be caused by a deficiency of the thyroid hormone and may produce signs that include infertility, obesity, mental dullness and lack of energy. It can be treated with medication. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable. Daily Life We have covered what the temperament and the characteristics of the Golden Cocker Retriever are and how many of their traits depend on what they inherit from their parents. Now, we can take a look at what living with this dog is like. Luckily, no matter what features your Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel hybrid inherits from their parents, daily life with them is pretty much the same. Of course, you should always check the back of the dog food packet to confirm how much you should be feeding them based on their exact weight. Try to feed your Golden Cocker Retriever high-quality dog food two times a day. If possible, you should try to put them on food that is formulated for medium to large dog breeds, again based on their weight. It is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Cocker Spaniel. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. We got him from some people who didn't take very good care of him. This dog is an amazing athlete and can run non stop for a long time and has powerful hind legs for jumping. He does not have the swimming ability like our 8 year old Golden Retriever, Rosie. He is the nicest dog you can ask for, he's always up to play , never bites , loves playing with other dogs , and always wants to get outside the house. Great family dog! She loves to go fishing and swimming. When I put her out in her run to play she will call me when she's ready to come in by saying 'mama. She does have some English Cocker Spaniel in her too. She is a very sweet, smart, playful puppy. She loves to carry around sticks when she is playing outside and enjoys going on a walk. She is content to sleep in her indoor doggy kennel-bed at night. I couldn't imagine a better family pet! Bred by Dakota Winds Ranch. However, they may have as much as .He's got the gentle disposition of his Golden Retriever friend and the up-beatness of a Cocker Spaniel. Her favorite food is bar-b-q and will jump off the walls until midnight! I got Tucker from a breeder. He was the only shorthaired puppy in the litter. The breeder did not know why he came out shorthaired, so a DNA test was done. His sire was, in fact, his sire. There is no reasonable explanation why he has short hair, other than he just does! He is a great little dog and a very sweet puppy. He is very gentle, loving and sweet. Goldadors are very social, intelligent, easy to train and are an excellent family companion. Our Goldadors can be anywhere from lbs. Country Retrievers With the many requests for Country Retrievers also known as Comfort Retrievers or Golden Cockers , we spent time researching the cross over the past 2 years. This year, in , we are excited to introduce our first Country Retriever puppies! Country Retrievers are a smaller version of the Golden Retriever, with the combined friendliness, loyalty, and sweet temperaments of both breeds. Throw in a dash of the comical, playful spirit of the Cocker Spaniel, and the Comfort Retriever is lovingly referred to as the Forever Puppy. Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family pets. They are playful but gentle with children. They get along well with other pets, and are friendly to family and strangers alike. The intelligent Golden Retriever is very versatile. They excel in obedience training. Our Golden Retrievers can weigh between 55 — 75 pounds. Cocker Spaniel The Cocker Spaniel is a very gentle, easy-going, yet lively companion. Cocker Spaniels love their people families, love to snuggle, play together, and give a good laugh with their antics. They repay the loving they receive in multiples of loyalty and affection. Our Cocker Spaniels come in a variety of colours and can weigh from pounds. Genetics play an important role in the health and longevity of your puppy, but environmental factors play a greater role. Things like over and under stimulation, exercise, quality of food, home environment, etc… greatly affect the health and lifespan of your puppy. The quality of the nutrition your puppy receives directly affects his health, so we strongly recommend that your pup is fed top quality dog food. To protect each dog from negative breeding experiences and puppy mill conditions, the signing of a non-breeding contract is required. Our entire business is made to ensure that no dog is kept in unethical, inhumane conditions, and we are careful in screening potential puppy families to ensure each puppy goes to the best possible home. Follow Us.

With 17 years of experience in breeding Australian Labradoodles, we pride ourselves on selecting only the best dogs for our breeding program, which in turn ensures that we are producing the best puppies imaginable. We work closely with our licensed vet to perform health testing, including hip and elbow testing; eyes, heart, skin, and patella testing; and a series of genetic tests, on all of our breeding dogs. We provide a temperature controlled, in home my master bedroom environment, with sound therapy to expose your puppy to lifes sounds from an early age. This helps desensitize your puppy to the sounds of life traffic, fireworks, outdoor machinery, crying baby, misc appliances, automobiles, etc. We start crate training at 5 weeks with a soothing heartbeat snuggle puppy to comfort them as they transition to sleeping alone and all the puppies love it and sleep better with minimal crying. We add nutrients and special additives for puppies to their drinking water. We add probiotics to their food for a healthy GI tract and immune system. We make special liver water, gruel, with puppy supplements, dog milk formula to their nutritionally dense food to support eyes, ear, bone, joint, coat and heart health. We expose your puppy to sunlight daily on the deck right outside the puppy nursery area. There is always a plush bedding for their cozy comfort in their play areas for those impromptu naps puppies love. Our puppies are held and played with while being bathed and exposed to water, in our walk-in shower, which builds a positive experience, with water, for their lifetime. Bath time is with a human sitting in this large shower allowing plenty of space for your puppy too roam around and enjoy water in a nurturing experience. The puppies love it instead of being in a sink with a dry human just washing them. Water is actual playtime while they get clean and build positive experiences with being wet. Instead we utilize Puppy Culture, Badass Breeder protocols and tons of love from humans that are passionate and dedicated to what they do. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We look forward to providing you with your fury best friend! When full grown, these health tested, Australian Labradoodle puppies will be approximately pounds with wavy fleece coats, curly fleece coats or the occasional straighter hair fleece coats. Our puppies can go home as early as 8 weeks old. We can also hold back a puppy if you are interested in training services. Sugar Pine Doodles on Facebook. Would you like to be a guardian for one of our breeding doodles? Please click for our Guardian Home Program to learn more. Find the Next Member of Your Family. We are an Australian Labradoodle breeder, breeding only the finest Australian Labradoodle puppies. Our Australian Labradoodles are outstanding in every way. They not only have regal beauty but soulful natures and outstanding temperaments that are consistent within our pooches. Read More Our years of dedication to breeding selection with an emphasis on conformation, health, temperament, and overall regal beauty are evident in all our Australian Labradoodles. Since , all our breeding dogs were handpicked by me from the finest Australian and American lines. The following colors of Australian Labradoodle puppies with beautiful non-shedding coats can be found here: Red, Apricot, Cream, Carmel, Chocolate, and Black; other colors and patterns available on occasion. It was an honor to serve as President for our breed an organization from to .Prior to that from to I served in various committees as well as the Vice President. We are proud to go to such great lengths to health test ALL our breeding stock! We are honored to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau and offer their seal of approval. You are truly getting the cream of the crop when you purchase one of our precious pampered pooches. Enjoy our website and if at any time you have any additional questions feel free to contact us through our Contact Us page. Be sure to follow us and keep up on the latest news! We started with Bulldogs which is still a great love of ours. Unfortunately in my husband and our son Grant developed terrible allergies, it left us looking and researching a new breed. We started researching other dog breeds that were hypoallergenic or allergy-friendly. We fell in love with the majestic beauty and regal elegance of the Labradoodle and purchased our first breeding Labradoodle in .The minute we saw them it was love at first sight. Here you will find general information on the Australian Labradoodle breed including size, coat, and coat types. Australian Labradoodles are very loving, social, highly trainable and excellent companion dogs with majestic beauty that compares to no other. Their eagerness to please and smart, soulful nature makes them perfect for therapy work or a perfect family pet. Testimonials As a veterinarian I work with multiple breeders. Charl and Jerry Beauchat have been clients of mine for several years. Their dogs are always kept in great condition. Every puppy is health checked and micro-chipped prior to going to its new home. Providing healthy family members remains a priority of mine as well as theirs Jonathan CortezDVM We can not say enough about the integrity of your program. Pete and Jiffy …head and shoulders above the pack when it comes to a quality breeder…. Do yourself a favor and visit Charl and Shadow Mountain Labradoodles if you are considering a new puppy. We have made a full time commitment to our program. Three of us work full time with our dogs, puppies and families. Charl and Jerry are in Southern California, our daughter Jena, has branched out and is now carrying on our work in Oklahoma! We are also currently training 10 new Australian Labradoodle Breeders in California, Oklahoma, Washington, Texas, Utah, Colorado, Missouri and Ohio to bless families and to protect this wonderful breed! Shadow Mountain Australian Labradoodles are bred with love and care in a home environment. We work hard to place our puppies in an environment where both the families and the puppies are set up for success. Quick Links. A Serious Case of Puppy Love. From Our Home to Yours. Welcome Australian Labradoodle Lovers! As Australian Labradoodle breeders in California, we specialize in allergy-friendly Australian Labradoodles. We choose to breed just a few, select mini and medium labradoodle puppy litters each year. We have a whimsical, silly outlook on life and we like to think that our Labradoodle puppies are the same. We are located in between Northern and Southern California, however we do have a Puppy Nanny who will ensure that your Moo Cow puppy arrives to you safely, regardless of your location. Instead, we love that we can personally deliver these adorable California Labradoodle puppies when we have Labradoodle puppies for sale. Email us at moocowlabradoodles gmail. As premier Australian Labradoodle breeders in California, we take our Labradoodle puppies seriously! Our dogs are a part of our family and live indoors. Every Australian Labradoodle has completed health testing and we strive for proper temperament, ability and conformation. Learn more about our Multigen Labradoodle breeding practices and state-of-the-art puppy nursery on our About Us page. Even if you are outside California and want a labradoodle puppy we have for sale, we can personally deliver it via our labradoodle puppy nanny service!

Boxers in the News Welcome to PortCity Boxers, where we are passionate about raising the best quality Show Boxers and beloved family pets! During her debut into show life at the Tarheel and Concord Clusters, the week of her second birthday, she beautifully progressed from class seconds, to class firsts, onto achieving Two Reserve Winners Bitch placements under Judge Mr. Hiroshi Kamisato and under Judge Ms. Carolyn I. Gary L. Thankyou Ms. Alexander, Mr. Kamisato and Dr. Sparschu for your recognition and most of all… A huge thankyou to you Vicky East, for the Wonderful Care and Excellent Handling you gave to our girl!! Woohoo, we are so excited and proud of you sweetheart! Thanks for taking time to visit us! Our Boxers are bred for a genetically healthy disposition, intelligence, and companionship. With proper care, you will find your Boxer to be a wonderful friend to your family. We are located in the beautiful town of Wilmington, NC. As a small family oriented breeder, we focus on producing the perfect line family pets and show quality puppies. We believe in quality, not quantity. Each of our dogs were chosen for their bloodlines to ensure great dispositions and healthy pups. We offer a natural alternative for the care and nutrition of our dogs to promote a healthy Boxer. These loving dogs will make a wonderful addition to your family. A Boxer will love you and protect you for life. A Boxer is highly intelligent and can learn anything you're willing to teach. Boxers love children, and the two can help wear each other out. A Boxer will help keep you in shape because of all the exercise he requires. A Boxer is a multi-talented dog that excels in canine activities. When you want to go out, it's difficult to find a more desirable escort than a Boxer. A Boxer's short shiny coat comes in a handsome fawn or brindle, and is easy to care for. A Boxer combines strength and agility with elegance and style. Beneath that serious facade beats the heart of a clown. For the complete list please see our List of Boxer Breeders page. Purchasing a boxer puppy in North Carolina directly from a breeder can be expensive; however, it is also the best way to ensure that you are getting an animal that has been raised with proper care. Some breeders do not have the right facilities needed to raise healthy dogs and oftentimes these animals may be sickly or lack proper socialization skills due to improper care during development. What Are The Extra Costs? There are very few extra costs associated with owning a Boxer in North Carolina outside of routine vet visits, food, and other supplies that your new pet will need in order to live comfortably. A responsible breeder will typically keep all of their breeding dogs inside of their home and raise them with love and attention. They should also be able to tell you about their history; including any titles that either parent might have earned. A good breeder will give you health guarantees for your new pet as well as plenty of information on how to properly take care of your Boxer throughout its life. Responsible Boxer Breeders will typically not sell puppies to people who plan on leaving them outdoors or alone for long periods of time without supervision because it is important for them to receive plenty of attention while they are young in order for them to grow up healthy and happy. This will give you a chance to learn as much as possible about any sire and dam as well as the environment that they were raised in. Visiting your breeder will also give you a chance to see their home and how they keep their dogs. This will give you a better idea of what type of environment your puppy is coming from and if the breeder is someone that has invested time into raising healthy puppies. You should be able to tell if someone is being honest with you or not from how they answer your questions and whether or not they seem knowledgeable about the breed itself. A good breeder should be willing and able to help you decide what puppy would best suit your lifestyle and family needs, which can only be done if they know everything about you. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in North Carolina It is a good idea to always ask for references from your breeder or anyone who has purchased a puppy from them in the past. If they have any, you should be able to get in contact with at least one person who can tell you about how their experience was with the breeder and whether or not they were satisfied with the way that everything was handled. If you cannot find any references, then this is something that should raise a red flag and may cause you to reevaluate why there are no people willing and able to speak on their behalf. Not having references does not necessarily mean that someone is a bad breeder; however, it does mean that you should take the time to dig a little deeper. A responsible breeder will usually have plenty of satisfied buyers that are willing to share their information about the transaction with future potential owners because it helps ensure that the people they are selling their puppies to will be good homes. Meeting past customers will also give you an idea of how the breeder interacts with their buyers and if they are willing to allow them to ask questions before, during, and after the sale. A good breeder will not only have a veterinarian that they trust and depend on to take care of their dogs, but they will also be willing and able to share the information about them with you. It is extremely important to find out how often your breeder takes their dogs to see a vet because this can also give you an idea as to just how much attention they pay towards making sure that they stay healthy and happy. If someone cannot afford proper veterinary care then breeding these animals should be A Reputable North Carolina Boxer Breeder Will Ask About Your Living Situation Most breeders want to make sure that their puppies are going into a loving home where each one can thrive and receive all of the attention it deserves. You may find yourself at the receiving end of a lot of questions from your breeder which is perfectly normal. You can usually find this information on their website or by calling your local department of agriculture. Look out for red flags when dealing with an unethical breeder in North Carolina; these may include: Claiming that their lineage is rare or includes show-quality dogs without any proof. Lack of Health Certificates Provided. Constantly being asked to pay a higher price after you have already committed. This may also happen if your breeder tries to do business over the phone and refuses to provide any documentation at first. Refusing to provide their contact information, address, or name. Take the time necessary when looking at boxers in NC that will make sure that their lineage is healthy and well taken care of. If your breeder cannot provide you with any information pertaining to potential health problems then this is not someone you should do business with. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy There are a number of things you will want to consider preparing for before your boxer is set to arrive. First, make sure you stock up on all of the necessary supplies like food and water bowls, toys, treats, bedding, etc. Remember; puppies tend to chew on everything so make sure you keep important documents like remote controls and cell phones out of reach or else they might end up getting destroyed. Puppies also love leather; if given the opportunity they will start chewing away at your furniture corners which will make for a mess to clean up. Potty Training Your New Boxer Puppy Training your boxer to go potty outside will get easier with time; this is one of the most important things you can do when raising your new pup. Remember, patience is key when training any dog; it can be frustrating at times, but you should never hit or otherwise punish your puppy for having an accident. This will only make them more afraid of you and afraid to go near their potty areas in the future. 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.

Silver Labrador Puppies for Sale If you are looking for a pet for you and your family, consider silver lab puppies. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Labrador Retriever puppies Texas. At Silver Mist Labradors, we have silver lab puppies for sale that make great additions to families with or without kids. We keep a pristine environment to ensure our puppies are healthy. Breed: Labrador Retriever. Hunters Creek Retrievers Labs are bred with a gentle temperament perfect. Over the years our puppies became wonderful additions to families and individuals from Houston, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, San Antonio and all parts in between! Our Labrador puppies are the offspring of two Labs that really love each other. Just 25 miles north of San Antonio and 40 miles south of Austin! We are a former breeder of AKC Labrador Retrievers with over 20 years experience and a plethora of knowledge regarding Labradors! Please check out our Labrador Retriever puppies and Litter Page for more information on current and upcoming Hunting Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. With many years of experience bird dog training and breeding. The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. We care for a wide variety of breeds. Over the years our puppies became wonderful additions to families and individuals from Houston, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, San Antonio and all parts in between! With our professionalism and experience, we are considered to be one of the top resources for stud services and information on Labrador Retrievers! Please call us at .We have been breeding and raising dual purpose Labradors by breeding Show Bench English style and American lines since .About Labrador Retrievers. In addition to being highly intelligent, Labs have high energy levels and are extremely active. Silver and Charcoal Lab pups-. Silver Labrador Retriever Pups for Sale. We love our dogs and what we do. Charcoal Labradors are a very interesting part of the silver lab debate. These loyal, trusting, obedient and affectionate pooches embody all the values we look for in a companion and lifelong friend. Houston Labrador Retriever Rescue. We have been breeding and raising dual purpose Labradors by. Our dogs have the traditional English features with a strong thick bone, broad frame, square head, short snout, and otter tail. We strive to produce healthy, good-looking Labs which make loyal family pets or hunting companions. Labrador Retriever Puppies. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Discount on training if you bring your Labrador retriever puppy back to us for obedience training or gun dog training. Labrador Retriever Puppies for sale in Texas. Puppies for Sale. Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Houston, TX from trusted. Houston, TX .The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in America. We look to provide your family with Champion Quality English Labrador Retrievers that will add value to your life! Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale. Call or Email kedwardssilver gmail. You are welcome to call me at Most of my dogs are English and some are to. We hope you enjoy browsing through our website. Silver Lab Puppies for Sale. Silver Labrador pups for sale born June 15, .Puppies Black Labs. We guarantee the high quality of our puppies by selectively choosing our females and males based on their family history and genetic testing. America's 1 Favorite Breed! Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason. Our Girls Just Click on the picture to see our females along with their Pedigree and health certifications. Martin Labradors of Houston. Are you looking to adopt an AKC Labrador puppy? We do ship our pups all over the USA. Have a question or just looking for more information? Click to Call: .Click the Picture Above or Call .Pups are healthy, playful, lovable and will be well socialized with other pets and kids making them a great addition to your family. Contact us today to learn more about our puppies. German shepherd lab puppies. Make sure to do research on th MORE. Showing 1 - 19 of 24, results. Puppies Puppies Browse our selection of beautiful puppies for sale. Find Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. AKC silver and charcoal lab puppies now available for adoption. Clients throughout the United States, Mexico and Europe praise our Labs for their outstanding temperament, train-ability, desire and beautiful confirmation. Current — Martin Lake Labradors of Houston. With many years of experience bird dog training and breeding Labrador retriever, we want to provide you with your next hunting partner, hunt test competition dog, or family pet. Labrador Retriever Puppies For Sale. Even so, they are highly-trainable and eager to please their owners. Chocolate Lab Puppies for sale Houston Texas. Please contact us for current litter prices. Silver Lab Puppies Houston. If your looking for current puppies that are available please go to Available Puppy page. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Labrador Retriever Breeder Houston. Labrador Retrievers for Sale in Houston. We keep a pristine environment to. We give a 2 year guarantee on hips, elbows, eyes and life threatening genetic defects. We carefully plan any litter we may have; we breed the English type Labrador Retriever. Please feel free to call Jodie at or email at info Labs4Ever. Click Here For Available Puppies! Blackfork Labradors breeding quality English AKC registered fox red labs, including yellow, chocolate and black Labradors. Our lab puppies are bred for companions, hunting, showing and therapy. Blackfork Labrador Retrievers specializes in breeding the fox red shade. We have fox red lab puppies available through out the year, along with black, chocolate and yellow Labrador pups. Blackfork Labs takes great pride in striving to improve our fox red labs taking into consideration health, temperament, soundness and the Labrador Retriever Breed Standard. Fox red is not a separate color of the Labrador but a shade of yellow. In the early years of the breed development, fox red or dark yellow was the original yellow shade of the Labrador Retriever. Fox red is the darkest shade of yellow Labradors. Tap the photo below for Fox Red Labrador Information When looking for a breeder that produces fox reds in their breeding program, it is very important that the following questions be asked: Do you have an overall goal for your breeding program? This goal should be more than just producing wonderful pets for families. Ask to see copies of clearances. It is very important that your breeder is doing annual eye CERFs to be certain that eye issues have not developed over time. Here at Blackfork Labradors we are striving to improve the overall standard of the fox red. I do not breed solely for depth of color. I spend hours researching pedigrees and calling other breeders to ask questions. That means there will be times that my fox reds will be bred to black stud dogs and yellows of all shades.

He is beautiful, loving, funny, and smart, and comes from a strong and healthy lineage. Marcellus was wonderful and supportive throughout the whole process. We love Buckeye Golden Retrievers so much! Marcellus is very responsive and professional! The facility is very clean and cozy. I would recommend Buckeye a million times over! Our Charlie girl is smart, cute, and such a joy in our lives! He is a spirited, loving, and playful boy who has brought so much joy to us all. I knew we were going to get a great puppy from the first time I spoke with them. Thank you so much! The 1 year health guarantee covers any major genetic defects such as a heart murmur. It does not cover treatable health issues. The remaining balance is due at pickup. We find great satisfaction in raising healthy, happy Goldens and placing them in your loving home! One of the most popular breeds in the United States, Golden Retrievers are eager to please and are great with children and other dogs. Additionally, Goldens are intelligent and skilled in whatever they do, whether serving as a therapy dog, aiding search-and-rescue, or being a devoted companion. Max Max is our handsome boy, an imported Jr Champion from Ukraine. Top of the line genetics and champion bloodlines make him an incredible addition to our breeding program. Max is intelligent and friendly, complementing his incredible physique and beautiful white coat! Max is available for stud service to qualified females. Skye comes from a long line of champions and is genetic tested clear. Skye has a happy go lucky personality and is a wonderful mother to her beautiful little snow white babies! She is truly a stunning European Golden Retriever! This mama is really great with children and other dogs and has been a wonderful asset to our breeding program. We kept two of her girls Maple and Bella to continue her incredible bloodline. Zoey loves nothing more than exercising and getting belly scratches! Purebred Golden Retriever Puppies Buying a puppy is a big decision. We made that decision easy. Not knowing where your puppy has come from could lead to genetic health and socialization issues, and ultimately disappointment. There are even tons of puppy scams on the internet, some of which even try to imitate us! We believe dogs are not like family — they ARE family! Unlike other puppy adoption agencies in Ohio, we allow and actually encourage you to meet our Golden Retriever puppies for sale before you agree to take one home. Remember, too, that when it comes to getting a puppy, ultimately, you get what you pay for. You get a Golden Retriever you love, vetted for good health, from a breeder you trust. He has a very fun loving spirit and has made our family complete. Marcus and his family are very gracious and great to work with. We would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a Golden! She will be turning 9 months in a few weeks. I had a wonderful experience getting her through your company! So glad I got her. All Rights Reserved. We have answers. What are Golden Retriever puppies for sale near Dayton like? A Golden Retriever is a breed of large dog that is known for its intelligence and loyalty. It is often active and easy to train, and a popular breed for people who want an energetic and friendly companion. Historically bred as a hunting dog, Golden Retrievers were initially trained to help retrieve waterfowl such as ducks and geese. They have since become popular working dogs in many other settings, such as search and rescue or contraband detection. These intelligent animals are known for their thick, beautiful coats that come in shades of golden, red-gold, or cream. With Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Dayton, what is their coat like? The Golden Retriever is known for its luxurious golden coat, which is generally long and thick. It is composed of a water-resistant outer coat with a dense and thick undercoat. The coat often has feathering on the legs, chin, chest, and tail. The length of the coat varies between different lines of Golden Retrievers, though all should be evenly distributed. Grooming requirements can range from daily brushing to only occasional baths and brushing. Some owners prefer to give their Golden's coat a full trim at least twice a year. What's the best dog food for Dayton Golden Retriever puppies for sale? Finding the best dog food for your Golden Retriever depends on several factors like age, size, activity level, and individual tastes. Generally speaking, a high-quality dog food formulated for large breeds or those with high energy needs is ideal for a Golden Retriever. Look for foods that are high in animal protein such as fish, poultry, or lamb rather than plant proteins like corn or soy. You should also ensure the food is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals including calcium and phosphorous, which are important for strong teeth and bones. How can I become the best puppy parent for Golden Retriever puppies in Dayton? Waiting for a Golden Retriever puppy can feel like an eternity, but taking the time to prepare and become the best puppy parent you can be is an important step. Research what type of food, treats and toys are appropriate for a Golden Retriever and decide on a routine. Familiarizing yourself with common health and behavioral issues can also help you best determine how to provide your puppy with the care it needs. You can also begin the necessary training now by learning commands and understanding how to best reward your puppy and discourage undesirable behaviors. What sizes do Golden Retrievers for sale in Dayton come in? Golden Retrievers typically come in three different sizes: small, medium, and large. Small Golden Retrievers are usually about 20 inches in height and weigh between 30 and 50 pounds. Medium-sized Golden Retrievers typically range between 21 and 24 inches in height and weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. Large Golden Retrievers typically stand between 25 and 27 inches tall and weigh between 75 and 90 pounds. However, it is also important to note that some Golden Retrievers may naturally be larger or smaller than these sizes based on their individual traits. Are Golden Retriever puppies near Dayton active dogs? Yes, Golden Retrievers are quite active, which is why they make an excellent choice for those who regularly participate in outdoor activities. They generally require at least one long walk or two shorter walks every day, as well as ample time to play and explore in a secure environment. Even when indoors, they are prone to running and playing indoors, so they will need toys and other activities to keep them entertained. When given the opportunity, they enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming or running alongside their owners. Do Golden Retrievers in Dayton get along with kids? Yes, Golden Retrievers get along very well with children of all ages. They are incredibly loyal and love to play with their families, especially younger children! They are known for being incredibly gentle and patient, so they make great playmates for kids. Golden Retrievers also tend to pick up very quickly on the moods of those around them, giving them an extra sensitivity when interacting with children, making them excellent playmates and protectors. Overall, Golden Retrievers consistently get a high rating when it comes to being family dogs and getting along with kids. Are Dayton Golden Retrievers for sale smart? Golden Retrievers are often referred to as one of the smartest breeds of dogs. They are widely known for their intelligence, loyalty and trainability, making them excellent service dogs and companions. They've got an impressive memory, and are able to recall previously taught commands and tricks very quickly. Not only are they capable of learning complex concepts, but they're also willing to please, making them a great breed to train. They also have an insatiable curiosity that ensures they are constantly picking up new information.

You should wash your Golden Retriever once a month on average. You can, however, bathe him as often as every two weeks if your golden gets particularly dirty. Washing your Golden Retriever more frequently than this will strip his coat of natural oils and dry out his skin. After all, knowing how frequently you should be bathing your Golden is critical. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! Consider These Location Factors First Goldens are an active breed in nature so you could safely assume they may need to be bathed quite often. Sometimes these outdoor adventures include a spontaneous jump in a body of water that is filled with algae and mud. Having said that, Golden Retrievers do not need a sudsy bath as often as you may think! Depending on their environment, a Golden Retriever might do well getting a bath as little as every two months. There are many factors that we should take into consideration when it comes to bathing our furry friends! Rural vs. Urban Areas Believe it or not, location plays a huge factor in how often you should bathe your Golden Retriever. If you live in a rural area then it is probably safe to assume your dog spends a lot of time outside. The Answer You should plan on giving your Golden Retriever a bath once every month or two. An infrequently bathed dog can fall prey to a skin allergy, parasites, infections or other skin condition. This could mean that we wash our hair everyday or every couple of days. With Golden retrievers though, we see that washing them as frequently as we would ourselves, can cause their fur to appear matted, dull and unhealthy looking. Some people even go so far as to shave their Goldens! This, however, is not recommended! When you shave a Golden Retriever you are exposing their skin and undercoat to the harmful environmental elements around them, including the sun and temperature extremes. It should be noted that combing your dog often is actually more beneficial for your dogs skin and coat than it is to bathe them. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Some owners will have an allergic reaction to pet dander which is why some dogs get baths more often than they really need. In the case of allergies, it may be necessary to wash your dog weekly rather than on a monthly basis to help eliminate dander and allergic reactions from members of your household. Allergies are the only reason to wash your Golden weekly. This will most definitely strip your dog of its natural oils. Plus, shampoo made for humans is too acidic for regular use on a Golden Retrievers hair and skin. When drying your Golden Retriever you can choose to use an old dog towel, but many people choose to use a blow dryer on their dog in order to make sure that all their fur is dry. A double-coated dog, like a Golden Retriever, can stay wet for hours, even after being towel dried so a hair dryer on a low setting can really speed up this process. A pet-friendly hair dryer like this adjustable speed pet hair dryer on amazon. If you have a new puppy, you should start baths at six weeks of age. Just run some water on them, so they grow accustomed to the process and learn to enjoy their bath time routine. So, I say after a successful and well-behaved bath time routine, that your pup be rewarded with a treat… or two! I also highly recommend giving them lots of snuggles and play time after their bath as this will help them relieve the stress they had before or during this event. In time, your Golden Retriever may even come to look forward to bath time! Fleas, Ticks, Other Parasites and Bath Time I covered earlier the fact that location plays a significant role when it comes to how often you need to bathe your golden retriever. But, did you know that environmental factors around your home also play an extensive part in this decision? Some factors to take into consideration is whether your yard is prone to fleas, ticks, or other parasites. If this issue becomes excessive, it may be time to treat your yard. If fleas or ticks are a problem in your area, it would be better to stick to a regular monthly bath with a hydrating medicated shampoo amazon followed by a flea treatment like this one amazon. This will keep your dogs skin and coat in tip-top shape, while eliminating the parasites. Watch Bailey the Golden Retriever get a bath in the shower. If your pup is more active and loves jumping into a pond or rolling in a mud puddle, then they may need a bath a little more frequently than the Golden retriever that lies on the lawn all day soaking up the sun. Giving your Golden Retriever a bath once a month is a good general timeframe. However, based on you and your dogs particular needs may be as infrequently as every six weeks or as often as every other week. Good grooming and care ensure your Golden Retriever remains healthy and happy. A vital component of that good care is bathing your Golden Retriever. However, many owners are unsure how often they should bathe their Golden Retrievers and how best to do it. As a first step in bathing a Golden Retriever, it is important to determine the frequency. Overbathing is not ideal, so pet owners need to understand how often they should bathe their Golden Retriever. As a general rule, Golden Retrievers should be bathed once every four to eight weeks, unless the dog is overly dirty or muddy. Golden Retrievers have double coats, which act as natural insulation. Over bathing strips essential oils from the skin, so consider rinsing them with water if dusty or after swimming. When it comes to a Golden Retriever, a good rule of thumb is an occasional bath is a good and necessary thing. However, doing it too often can become problematic for your dog. While bathing once every one to two months would be problematic for humans and smelly , this is not the case for Golden Retrievers. Unlike brushing a Golden Retriever, which should be done daily or weekly, they do not need frequent baths to remain healthy. On the contrary, over bathing may become problematic for Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers possess a double coat. The double coat acts as insulation and helps keep the dog dry and warm, especially when getting wet such as when swimming. In addition, Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve downed waterfowl from water, and their double coats help in this regard. For breeds with double coats, over bathing strips the essential oils from the skin and disrupts the natural insulating process. In addition, over-bathing can cause itching, flaking, and dryness on the dog, leading to scratching so much that it causes wounds or hot spots. Most people associate self-grooming with cats. Yet, dogs self-grooming as well. Commonly, they lick their paws and groin areas when cleaning, but this should not be excessive if it is, there could be other issues. Dogs also groom themselves to keep skin healthy and facilitate the growth of hair follicles source. Okay, you got it. Bathing too often can be bad. When is dirty too dirty or not dirty enough? Determining when to bathe your Golden Retriever is an essential step in not over bathing your dog. However, unless the dog is filthy, that is not as easy as it might seem. It is time to bathe your Golden Retriever if it is muddy, extremely smelly, or is soiled with urine, feces, or blood. If the dog is dusty or swimming in a lake or pool, showering the dog off with water is adequate. If none of those apply, then bathe every 4 to 8 weeks from the date of its last bath. If your Golden Retriever is kept clean, put a recurring reminder on a calendar. For example, I have a regular date every six weeks. So I put it on my Google calendar and have it synced with all my electronic devices. This way, there is little chance of forgetting. I designated six weeks because it allows for a two-week buffer either way. If life gets busy and the bath gets delayed for two weeks, my Golden Retriever still gets his bath at the 8-week mark. However, every four to eight weeks is not always doable. However, if your Golden Retriever is just dusty, then hold off on the bath. Instead, a quick rinsing in the shower or with the hose in the summer should suffice. The same applies to swimming. Whether a lake, pool, or river, just rinsing off with a shower or hose should be enough to remove any chlorine or dust while not stripping the oils that shampooing would. A quick rinse after swimming or if dusty is often all it takes. The smell can be an issue too. If your dog is exceptionally smelly, to the point where it is difficult to tolerate, then a bath is in order. Bathing a Golden Retriever at home is not difficult nor complicated. However, before describing how to wash a Golden Retriever, let me preface that discussion by stating the importance of making bath day a positive experience from day one. Prepare yourself for bath day, and make sure you are in a patient and understanding frame of mind. Getting a Golden Retriever used to a bath is best started in puppyhood, but regardless of age, always be patient, understanding, loving, and keep it positive. Make it as fun as possible. Future bath days will be much more complicated if the experience becomes negative for you and your Golden Retriever. Fortunately, most Golden Retrievers have a cooperative temperament and love the water, so that should make it much more manageable. To start, change into some swimwear or shorts. Prepare to get wet. I prefer to get into the tub or shower with the dog. It just makes it so much easier. Chances are you will get wet, so embrace it and have fun. Then prepare for the bath by getting your shampoos and supplies ready, so you have everything handy once the dog is in the tub. Finally, have some treats available to reward throughout bath time. Providing treats when your Golden is doing well shows the dog that it is positive and rewarding. I usually start with a treat and end with one. Make the treat something they really love: the more value, the better. Consider brushing your Golden Retriever before its bath. Brushing will remove much of the loose hairs and dirt beforehand. Next, get your Golden in the tub or shower. Have your dog sit and reward it with a treat. Then, warm the water up, ensuring that it is not too hot and cold. Tepid water is what you want. Start wetting your dog. At this point, you are soaking your dog with water, not shampooing — that comes next. Massage the fur and skin while soaking to further loosen dirt and hair. Start wetting your Golden Retriever from the back and working to the front of the neck. Or from the neck towards the back. Leave the head for last. Why leave the head for last? Two reasons. It gives the dog time to get used to the water before moving to the sensitive head area eyes, ears, and nose. Leaving the head to last usually minimizes the shaking until the end. When the body and legs are adequately soaked, go ahead and start wetting the head. This prevents water from getting into the eyes and the nose. Goldens can be prone to ear infections, and getting water in the ears may be an issue. Instead, you can place cotton balls in the ear or run the water on the outside of the ears while keeping them down and then use your wet hand to wet the inside of the ear. Consider using a shampoo that has been designed for your Golden Retriever. The key is to get one designed for dogs with a double coat. Work the shampoo into the coat in the same fashion you wet your dog — either from the back to the neck or from the neck to the butt, from the legs to the top of the dog. The head will be left until last, and be careful of the eyes. Pay special attention to the paws and tail, often the dirtiest areas. Make sure you spend extra time giving your dog a good rinsing. You want to make sure that the shampoo is thoroughly rinsed out to prevent itching and scratching, which leads to hot spots open sores. Often bathing in the home is not ideal. In those cases, you can find designated dog bathing stations. Often car washes have a bay dedicated explicitly to cleaning a dog, as do pet stores. You can also utilize the services of a groomer, and some pet stores will offer this service as well. Many doggie daycares bathe dogs as well. All of these cost money, though. We usually use our doggie daycare for our bathing services. Bailey attends daycare weekly and often plays in puddles. Fear not, I have included a video of Bailey the dog getting a bath. It takes about 7 minutes, so baths should not take long. Expect a shake or two or three. Golden Retrievers dry off fast. You can blow dry your Golden, BUT if you do so, keep it brief and keep it at a low heat setting. A blow dryer that is too hot and left on the dog for too long can cause heatstroke. Often, their cooling mechanism is not sufficient to keep up with the heat of a too warm and prolonged blow-drying. I wrote a detailed article on what temperatures are too hot for a Golden Retriever. The article discusses the causes and signs of heatstroke and what to do. Alternately, if you want to air-dry your Golden Retriever, that is fine. We forgo the blow dryer for the air-dry option. Golden Retrievers are made for the water, so why not let them dry off the way nature intended. If you give them a good towel dry, they will dry off quite quickly. If the weather is cold outside, allow them to dry off inside. Or, this might be the one instance when blow-drying might be warranted but be careful again of the heat setting. Oh, and expect your Golden Retriever to roll around in the grass and dirt again shortly after a bath. Even though most Golden Retrievers love water, being bathed is not the same as playing in a lake. Just like your child may enjoy time in the pool but hate bath time, your Golden Retriever might be similar. As a whole, the earlier the age you can get your Golden Retriever accustomed to bathing, the better chance that it will be less afraid. It is also essential to remain calm, patient, and understanding and make the experience as positive and fun as possible. Use treats to reward your dog for a job well done. To keep bathing positive, have a helper available. One person does the bathing while the other acts as a calming presence to pet and calm the dog while reassuring them. Treats are a great way to make the experience positive, so have some of on hand and reward generously before, during, and after, especially while your dog is relaxed and calm. Get in there and have fun. Losing your temper, yelling, or aggressively restraining or handling your dog is almost guaranteed to make your Golden Retriever fear bath time. Consider a rubber mat if bathing in the tub or shower. Often the dog can not stand firmly in a porcelain tub or a shower with tiles. A rubber mat prevents slipping and feeling unbalanced and uneven. Talking to your dog in a gentle and reassuring voice is one of the best things you can do to keep it feeling that there is nothing to be fearful of. Giving Your Golden Retriever a Bath It is essential to bathe your Golden Retriever to ensure they stay clean and does not get too smelly over time. However, the key is not to wash unless the dog needs it. Remember, though, with Golden Retrievers, less is more, so refrain from bathing unless the dog needs it. Here are a few final tips when bathing your Golden Retriever. The last tip is especially important and often neglected. Do a brush before bathing to remove excess hair and dirt. Do spot-clean your Golden Retriever regularly to keep baths to a minimum, such as rinsing off with water if dusty or after swimming. Every 4 to 8 weeks is a good range. Do check your dog for rashes, lesions, injuries, or parasites while bathing. Bathing is a perfect time to do a spot examination. Regular bathing plays a vital role in their grooming routine, ensuring a shiny coat, healthy skin, and preventing filth, odor, and skin conditions. In this article, we will explore the optimal bathing frequency, the importance of a bathing schedule, tips for bathing your Golden Retriever, considerations for different seasons, and the potential side effects of bathing too frequently or infrequently. Bathing frequency is an important aspect of caring for your beloved Golden Retriever. While humans may wash their hair daily, bathing a Golden Retriever requires a different approach due to their unique coats. So, how often should you bathe your furry friend to keep them clean and healthy? You can bathe golden retrievers every weeks or as often as necessary. Bathing them too often could inflict major harm on their double coat. Instead, focus on regular brushing and grooming to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris. This not only helps keep their coat clean but also stimulates their skin and promotes healthy hair growth. Bathing them too frequently, especially in the winter, would most likely cause more harm than good. Because dogs are often good at keeping themselves clean, the primary goal of the bath is to clean their coats. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a successful and enjoyable bathing session for both you and your furry friend: Prepare the bathing area: Choose a suitable location for bathing, such as a bathtub or a designated area with warm water access. Place a non-slip mat or towel to prevent your Golden Retriever from slipping. Gather necessary supplies: Collect all the essential bathing supplies beforehand. This includes dog-specific shampoo and conditioner, towels, a brush or comb, and any other grooming tools you may need. This will make the bathing process easier and prevent excessive matting. Adjust water temperature: Fill the bathing area with lukewarm water. Ensure the water is neither too hot nor too cold, as extreme temperatures can make your dog uncomfortable. Start from their neck and work your way down, ensuring the entire coat is thoroughly wet. Ensure that no residue remains, as it can cause skin irritation. Massage it into the coat, paying attention to any dry or tangled areas. Repeat the rinsing process until no traces of conditioner remain. Pat them dry rather than rubbing vigorously to avoid tangling or damaging the fur. If your dog tolerates it, you can also use a pet dryer on a low, warm setting to speed up the drying process. Post-bath grooming: Once your Golden Retriever is dry, take the opportunity to brush their coat again. This helps remove any remaining loose hair and prevents matting. Reward and praise: After the bath, reward your Golden Retriever with treats, praise, and affection. This positive reinforcement helps create a pleasant association with bathing and strengthens your bond. Dog shampoos and conditioners are available that are specifically made for their skin and coat. Remember to use a conditioner after shampooing to untangle and moisturize their fur. Just be careful not to get water in their ears or eyes, and properly rinse them off to avoid skin irritation. Your pet will emerge from the bath feeling refreshed and clean! The Benefits of a Bathing Schedule A bathing schedule for your Golden Retriever is not necessary, but it can be a beneficial method to keep your beloved friend looking and feeling their best. You can keep your dog clean and well-groomed regularly by arranging regular bathing. This can assist in keeping their coat and skin healthy. However, keep in mind that each dog is unique, and their demands may differ. If your dog is very active or spends a lot of time outside, he or she may require more regular bathing. During shedding season, for example, your Golden Retriever may require more frequent bathing. Dogs that spend a significant amount of time outdoors or engage in activities that result in dirt, mud, or debris accumulation may require more frequent baths. Coat Type: The type of coat your Golden Retriever has plays a role in bathing frequency. Dogs with longer or denser coats may need more frequent baths to prevent matting, while those with shorter coats may require less frequent bathing. Skin Conditions: If your dog has specific skin conditions, such as allergies or dermatitis , they may require more frequent baths with specialized shampoos or medicated products. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate bathing frequency and products for managing skin conditions. Seasonal Factors: Bathing frequency can vary depending on the season. During summer, when dogs are more likely to get dirty or sweaty, more frequent baths may be necessary. In contrast, bathing too often in winter can strip the coat of natural oils, leading to dryness. Adjust the bathing frequency accordingly to maintain a healthy coat throughout the year. Individual Needs: Each dog is unique, and their bathing requirements may differ. Some dogs may naturally have oilier skin and require more frequent baths, while others may have more sensitive skin and need less frequent bathing. By considering these factors, you can determine the appropriate bathing frequency for your Golden Retriever and ensure their coat and skin remain healthy and comfortable. Here are a few ideas to make bath time more peaceful and exciting: Begin small and gradually progress to bath time. Give them a little attention every day, and make it a pleasant experience. Use a non-slip mat or towel in the bathtub or shower to prevent slips and falls. Use lukewarm water to keep them from becoming too chilly or heated. Speak in a soothing and quiet tone to help them stay comfortable. To avoid skin irritation, thoroughly rinse them off. Give them a good towel to dry on, and then brush their coat to remove any tangles and leave them bright and smooth. After the bath, reward them with a treat or toy; this will help them develop a pleasant relationship with bath time. Bath time can be an enjoyable and relaxing experience for your Golden Retriever if you follow these suggestions. Bathing in Summer vs. Winter: Considerations and Tips Bathing a Golden Retriever in the summer and winter can be challenging, but with a few simple tips, you can keep them comfortable and happy. During the summer: Give them a bath in the early morning or late evening when the weather is cooler. Keep an eye on the humidity and keep them hydrated. During the winter: Bathe them in a warm room with lukewarm water rather than cold water. To prevent them from becoming cold, properly dry them after the bath. During the dry winter months, use a dog-specific conditioner to help keep their coat and skin hydrated. To avoid skin irritation, always use dog-specific shampoo and conditioner that is pH balanced for their skin and coat, and completely rinse them off. If your Golden Retriever has a thick coat, brush them before and after bathing to reduce tangling and matting. You can keep your furry friend comfy and happy all year long with a little extra care! As a general guideline, bathe your Golden Retriever every weeks. Again, the frequency may vary according to their lifestyle, coat type, and skin issues. Too Many Baths Side Effects Bathing them too frequently can remove the natural oils from their skin and coat, causing them to become dry and uncomfortable. It can also cause skin irritation and allergic responses in dogs with sensitive skin. Too Few Baths Side Effects On the other side, not bathing your dog frequently enough can result in the accumulation of dirt, debris, and bacteria on their skin and coat, which can cause skin irritation and odor. Also, not brushing their coat regularly can lead to matting and tangling, which can be painful for your dog. Furthermore, if a dog is not bathed regularly, it may result in behavioral issues because they are not accustomed to how to act during bathing. Conclusion When it comes to bathing and grooming your Golden Retriever, finding the correct balance between too much and too little bathing is important. Depending on their lifestyle, coat type, and skin issues, the frequency may vary. Shampoos and conditioners for dogs are carefully made for their skin and coat. Bath time can be an enjoyable and soothing experience for your Golden Retriever if you follow these suggestions. Always make sure that after the bath, you give them lots of kisses and love; your wonderful furry companion deserves it! If your Golden Retriever has sensitive skin, be especially cautious when bathing and brushing them. Here are a few pointers to remember: For sensitive skin, use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner. Avoid anything that has scents or harsh chemicals. Before using the shampoo on your entire body, test it on a tiny area first. If you observe any signs of irritation or if the condition persists, consult a veterinarian or professional groomer. Bathing your Golden Retriever every day is not suggested. Bathing daily might remove their natural oils, causing dryness and discomfort. As a general rule, bathe them every weeks; however, this may depend on their lifestyle and coat type. First and foremost, regular brushing is essential, especially if your dog has a longer coat. Finally, make sure your dog is consuming a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as this can help keep their skin and coat in good condition. Yes, your golden retriever can bathe outside. Just make sure that the outdoor temperature is neither too cold nor too hot, as this can cause your dog discomfort. Also, keep an eye out for any potential risks, such as slick surfaces or sharp items, that could endanger your golden retriever. Certainly, you can bathe your 2-month-old Golden Retriever puppy. The water temperature should be comfortably warm, never hot, to prevent any discomfort. Aim to make the experience as stress-free as possible, laying the foundation for easy and enjoyable bath times in the future. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. The working ability that has made the Golden Retriever such a useful hunting companion also make him an ideal guide, assistance, and search and rescue dog. The lustrous golden color is the hallmark of this versatile breed. Breed Profile This active and energetic Sporting breed can adapt to many different living situations but does require daily exercise. His water repellant double coat sheds and needs regular brushing. With his friendly temperament and striking golden color, this breed is both beautiful to look at and a joy to own. Grooming The Golden Retriever does require regular bathing and grooming. This energetic sporting dog can be bathed as frequently as every week up to no longer than every 6 weeks. With this double coated breed, regular baths and proper drying sets the foundation to maintaining healthy skin and coat. Before bathing a Golden Retriever, take a few extra minutes to take a high velocity dryer over the coat to loosen the debris and dirt from the skin, and to blow out any loose hair. Then use an undercoat rake, stone, shedding blade, carding tool, or a slicker brush to remove additional loose coat. The more coat you remove before the bath, the better. The pre-bath for general cleaning to remove any dirt and grime and to bring the coat back to a neutral state. Following up with a conditioner to keep the coat properly hydrated is highly recommended. Once the bath is complete, it is imperative to get the dog completely dry. There is an art to the blow dry process on a Golden Retriever in order to achieve a nice, straight coat. One important habit to master is drying the hair in the direction it should lay. Then go over with a comb and a heated dryer to remove any traces of remaining dampness. Finishing the Dog: Tools and Finish Grooming The coat should be light, straight, and stand off of the body with no loose hair. Any loose hair or fuzziness to the coat should be carded. Everything about the finish should be natural. The feet and the outside edges of the ear are trimmed with thinning shears. In the warmer months, many pet owners try to keep the dog cooler by shaving the coat. If you are trying to keep the dog cooler, you should elect to remove the undercoat with a good bath and blow out. When you shave this breed, you are exposing their skin to the elements and take away their ability to stay cool. General Health Care Prep work is the foundation of all grooming. Prep work includes ear cleaning, nail trimming, trimming the pads, anal gland expression, and proper dental hygiene. Mastering these skills sets the professional stylist apart from the rest. Prep work should be done before every bathing and grooming appointment. All dogs need to have their ears checked and cleaned on a regular basis. Some need to have the hair plucked from the ear canal. This allows the ear to have proper air circulation. It is not necessary to remove all of the hair in the ear, as some serves as a barrier to foreign debris. It is imperative that you are properly trained to pull ear hair before attempting this endeavor. Proper nail care is also very important. Long, unsightly nails are uncomfortable for the dog, as well as anyone they might jump on. Long nails also compromise the shape of the foot. Trimming the pads of the foot helps give the dog good traction on different surfaces and can minimize the amount of dirt the dog tracks into the house. It also affords the opportunity to treat and condition the paws from cracks and abrasions. Anal glands should at least be checked by the professional pet stylist. Some caring pet owners prefer to have their veterinarian express the anal glands rather than their pet stylist. Good dental hygiene is essential for a healthy pet as well. Nutritional Care In order to maintain healthy skin and coat as well as overall health, it is important to provide good nutrition to your dog through a well-balanced diet, vitamins, and healthy treats. Do they require a lot of grooming? Golden Retrievers are a very active breed. A bath and a blowout are necessary to keep the shedding under control and maintain healthy skin and coat. Regular grooming should be done every 4 — 6 weeks. Make it a habit to spend some quality time brushing your dog to keep the coat separated and divided which, in turn, will allow the skin to breathe. What is a common problem in Golden Retrievers? Golden Retrievers are sensitive to dermatology disorders. The dense undercoat and long outer coat create the perfect environment for dermatitis, hot spots, allergic reactions, and infection. That is why it is so important to stay on a consistent routine for professional bath and blow outs. Does the Golden Retriever shed or cause allergies? They shed, but basic maintenance will significantly reduce the amount of hair in your house. For most of the year, weekly brushing is sufficient. However, daily brushing is almost mandatory during major shedding cycles. Are Golden Retrievers good with children? Golden Retrievers have a wonderful reputation for being great family dogs, and absolutely wonderful with children. However, as with any breed, a small child should never be left alone with any dog. What if I have a show dog? Whether you have a show dog or a companion dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. The difference is the grooming maintenance and training for the show ring. It is always helpful if your breeder is willing to help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the show ring. A great place to start is with the national breed club like the Golden Retriever Club of America, www. May we suggest.This is necessary to keep it clean and healthy because it is constantly exposed to the elements. Your Golden Retriever has far more hair than you do, and not only is it always exposed, it is also frequently in contact with the ground and other surfaces. So, how often should you bathe your Golden to keep it healthy and looking its best? Do Golden Retrievers Need to be Bathed? A Golden Retriever is blessed with a warm and durable double coat of fur. This is a common characteristic of water dogs. The natural oils a Golden secretes help to keep the coat water-repellant and dirt resistant. Regular brushing will keep the oils well spread, and help prevent matting and tangling. Nevertheless, your Golden will require bathing from time to time. How often will depend on certain lifestyle and environmental factors including: Frequency of swimming excursions Amount of time spent outdoors Rural vs. This is especially true if your Golden has a penchant for algae-filled ponds and other less-than-pristine bodies of water. Naturally, a dog that spends a lot of time indoors is going to pick up less dirt and debris than one that is regularly outdoors. And whether or not those outdoor romps are in the country or in the city can also make a big difference to how quickly a Retriever gets dirty. If you are aware of a parasite problem in your area check local websites or ask your vet , it is important to be on high alert, and more frequent baths and grooming may be in order. How Often Is Often Enough? The answer to the question is: there is no definitively right or wrong answer. It is very important to not wash your dog too often. This can be just as detrimental as not washing often enough. Too frequent bathing may strip away the natural oils I mentioned earlier. Losing this protective coating can leave your Golden with a dull coat, which is disappointingly unattractive. More importantly, it will leave the skin unprotected and prone to dandruff and infections. On the other hand, not bathing often enough can cause obvious problems. Though Goldens tend not to emit strong odors like many other breeds do yes, Goldens are superior! Plan on giving your Retriever a bath about once every six weeks. Depending on circumstances like those listed above you may need to hit the suds once each month. However, some dogs, especially older, less active ones, can get by with scrub downs as infrequently as every 8 weeks, or possibly longer. By Depending on circumstances like those listed above you may need to hit the suds once each month. Unscheduled Baths No matter your schedule, you should bathe as soon as possible in the event of an unexpected occurrence. Serious mud can sometimes require a haircut; much better to take a free bath than to pay a groomer. And speaking of parasites, if your dog has been in contact with another dog that is found to have an infestation, even a mild one, a good, thorough bath is highly recommended. Better to rinse any eggs, larvae or parasites down the drain than to let them establish a home on your Golden. Whatever side you land on, it is important to neither overdo it, nor neglect it unduly. A clean Retriever is a happy Retriever, and a happy Retriever makes a happy owner. You May Also Like.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Puppies are so cute! Just the thought of a little pup romping around the room and playing with his many toys makes people smile. And puppy kisses are the best! But it takes a lot of planning and work to have a successful relationship with the new addition. Remaining with them until then helps him learn how to appropriately play and interact with others. It also teaches him bite inhibition, so that he learns not to bite down too hard on our skin. So what exactly should we expect from our 8 week old puppy? Puppy Proof Your House Puppies are curious about everything. Choose the room your puppy will be in the most and make sure that electrical cords, hazardous chemicals, medications, and small items that can be ingested are out of his reach. When you get him, try to obtain a blanket or toy with the scent of his mother and littermates if possible. That will help him feel more at ease in a new environment. The breeder of my Lhasa apso Ralphie gave us a toy with those scents to help him make the transition, as he had a familiar scent with him which I placed in his pen at home. She was born in rescue but was the last of a litter of nine to be adopted when I saw her. But she made the transition fine. These include the following: Crates and exercise pens. But make sure you buy one with a divider included so that you can adjust the size of the crate as he grows. Collar and leash. Some breeders and rescues provide these. You may also want a harness to walk him. Clean-up tools. Chew deterrent. They make chew deterrents for various surfaces, such as for cloth or for wood such as furniture or baseboards. Toys and chew items. There are so many toys on the market today. Purchase a variety of safe types—some squeak, others rattle. And safe chews like Kong toys and Nylabones are important, because the puppy will explore the world with his mouth. Food and treats. You may want to change the puppy to a food you prefer. Many breeders and rescues will provide you with starter food. Then, if you change it, do so over at least a week or two. Other Preparations In addition to puppy-proofing your home and getting the above-listed items, there are other appointments you should have lined up prior to getting your pup, if possible. Have a veterinarian appointment set for your new puppy to be checked within the first few days after you get him. So, if you can, book the appointment in advance. When you meet with the vet, ask about what vaccinations your puppy will need. Puppies who are eight-weeks old generally have already had their distemper, adenovirus II, parvovirus, and parainfluenza vaccines. Discuss with your vet the appropriate heartworm preventative and flea and tick products for your puppy. Also ask about your puppy being microchipped. A microchip is really important should your puppy get lost. If you have the time, also look into puppy kindergarten and socialization classes. Make sure that the trainer is a positive reinforcement trainer who has experience in training puppies. And the facility should be clean and well-run. All puppies admitted to any classes should also be required to have age-appropriate vaccinations. Post Arrival After your new furry bundle of joy has arrived, the fun starts! And play with him and train him. Some breeders and rescues may have already started to house train him. Scheduling Puppies need consistency. So have a schedule for his feeding, pottying, training, exercise, and socialization. At eight weeks old, he may be getting three to four feedings per day. So feed him each meal at the same time each day. And have a basic schedule for his other needs. You may need other people to help out with some of his needs, such as house training. Socialization Socialization means exposing your new puppy, in a positive manner, to all the things that he will have to face in the real world. So he should be trained to walk over various surfaces, hear everyday noises, and meet friendly people and pets. But you can still have friends and family members over to meet him. And give them tidbits of treats to give the puppy to make any encounter such as petting a positive one. Of course, first give your new puppy a few days to settle in at your home before you expose him to even more new experiences. At home, too, get him used to the sounds of water running, the dishwasher and other appliances running, and the vacuum. You get the idea. Make each a positive experience, giving him a piece of kibble or a small treat. And do this slowly not to overwhelm him. And get him used to car rides. A very young puppy will have to go to the bathroom after he eats, sleeps, and has any excitement including play. He has very little bladder control at eight weeks old. A young puppy can hold his urine about one hour more than his age. So he can hold it about three hours at two months old. You may want to have an exercise pen set up as a safe area. You can place a potty pad at one end and a bed or towel as his bed at the other end. And place a few safe toys, including a puppy Kong. I just make sure to take the puppy out at the right times. Handling Your puppy has to get used to handling and grooming. You can have him chew a safe chew or lick moist food or Kong stuffing out of a Kong to occupy his mouth and make the training exercise positive. Get him used to gently massaging his whole body, including feet and touching his nails. Get him used to gently opening his mouth. Calmly praise any calm behavior. Keep the sessions very short—a few minutes at most. You should do only a part of his body during each session or it will probably be too much for him. If he struggles, calmly wait until he settles before releasing him. Obedience Training Your new puppy is basically a blank slate. He has to learn all the commands to live with us successfully. Training also helps the puppy bond with you. Of course, give him a day or two to settle in for most commands. But you can still help him learn his identity. So, first, teach him his name. You can show him a piece of his kibble or a tiny treat and hold it near your face when you say his name. Do this a few times. Then try to just say his name, not holding the food near your face. When he looks at you, again praise and reward. Remember to never use his name in a negative manner, such as for a correction. Always start any training session without any distractions. Your puppy has to be able to focus on you to learn. One of the first commands we teach our puppies is to sit. You can hold a treat just above his nose and slowly move it back towards his forehead. Calmly praise and reward when he sits. Another command I teach puppies in the first week is to come to me. I make it a lot of fun. Some puppies adapt easily, whereas others buck against the leash. Other Normal Puppy Behaviors Puppies explore the world with their mouths. So the little land sharks will try to chew on you and whatever they can reach. This is where your safe toys and chews come in. Always redirect him to the safe items and praise when he chews them. Puppy zoomies are normal. All of a sudden, your puppy may run around the room bouncing off the furniture. This is normal. Final Thoughts New puppies are so much fun! Do you have a puppy or have you had one? Please tell us about it in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Commencing Marker Training your chocolate labrador pup Start Marker Training at 8 weeks of age When you take your 8 week old labrador pup to their new home, you should commence their obedience training immediately. Just repetitively say yes and give your pup a treat immediately. Then familiarise your labrador pup with a leash. Clip the leash to their collar and allow the pup to roam a little. This way they will adjust to its weight and the sensation around their neck. If you try to walk your pup straight away, they will simply resist. Don't pull and command, but rather cultivate a positive experience with a leash. Secondly, I recommend that you feed your new labrador pup with a leash attached until they learn to sit. This will establish you as the master and immediately teach the pup restraint. Do not give the food bowl to your dog without firstly bringing him under your control. Even with my mature dogs, I will not let them feed except on command. Feeding should never be random. Hold the leash close to the labrador pup's neck and push their rear end down to the seated position. When they are sitting, enthusiastically praise your pup and, only then, reward their obedience with food. Remember, food should always represent a reward for good behaviour. They hear tones and frequencies. When we train them, we are conditioning them to associate a particular sound with a response so that it means something to them. Labrador puppies like all dogs learn contextually and by consistent repetition. In this way, a labrador pup learns to associate sounds with responses and rewards. This is why you should reward your pup immediately when they have performed a command correctly, even if they did not intend to do so. In the early stages, I prefer to teach a dog to 'sit,' then move on to 'staying' before teaching them to 'come'. This is especially so while they are still a puppy. Remember that a 12 month old dog is still a pup. They are regularly hyperactive and overstimulated. The goal is to get your labrador puppy into a calm and submissive state as often as you can. Ensure you are demonstrating a calm and composed, yet assertive demeanor. When you are in charge, your labrador pup will willingly sit and look to you for direction. Exercise patience and be repetitive but don't overdo it. Remember that the time you put in now will help you bond with your young dog, even if they do not appear to be advancing quickly. It will be a very worthwhile investment in a long term relationship for years to come. Of these three basic commands, the 'stay' command will take more time to teach. When this is mastered and entrenched in your dog's obedience, it can save your dog from danger. You are teaching them associations, not English words. Sit Teaching your new labrador pup to sit should begin immediately when you take it home. Begin by feeding them on a leash. Hold the leash close to the pup's neck. Give the pup the 'sit' command, but don't reward them with food until they are sitting. In this way you have begun to condition the pup to the 'sit' command. This requires patience at meal time. Remember that a labrador pup requires 4 feeds a day for the first phase of their life. This gives you ample opportunity for repetition and reward. When the dog sits, reward them with a treat and a lot of enthusiastic praise. Each time they repeat the behaviour, reward them with a treat again. You can train your labrador pup for short intervals at any time. Carry a few small pieces of food. Call your pup, then reward them with lots of affirmation and a piece of food when they comply. Teach them to sit by offering a small treat. Say 'sit', then let them smell the food as you move your hand over their head. A labrador pup will automatically lift the nose in the air to follow the food. As the head moves up and back, the pup will tend to sit. Give lots of praise and gradually increase repetition as they associate the word 'sit' with the food. Stay Your Labrador pup will need to understand the 'sit' command before you advance to 'stay'. Before you give the 'stay' command, make sure that the dog is seated. To keep the dog in the sitting position, you will use your hand with the fingers pointing up and the palm in front of their face. To begin with, position yourself about half a metre away from your pup's face. Direct the 'stay' command calmly, with your hand up. Slowly take half a step back and remain there for 3 seconds to begin with. Then step back towards to the dog. Wait for another 3 sec and then reward your dog with a treat. Repeat this 5 times. Reward them at the end of each 'stay' routine by praising them enthusiastically and giving them a treat. Don't praise or reward the dog until they have remained seated in front of you for a minimum of 3 seconds when you return. Your puppy should not move a millimetre until you give the reward. If your dog breaks early, you have gone too far. Simply return to your dog, reset them in the seated position and begin the routine again. Come It is important to make sure your Labrador understands the 'stay' command before you begin the recall or 'come' command. Make sure you pup is seated before you give the 'come' command. As your walk away from your pup, maintain eye contact. Don't back away too far too soon. If the pup breaks early, give the 'come' command to establish association. When you call your dog to 'come', do not let them jump up on you. If the dog wants to stand on its back legs and reach up, place the palm of your hand on their head and hold it away from you. I suggest that you don't say 'no! The down command should be used as a more constructive training command. If your pup jumps up, make your disapproval known by using a 'dog' sound; 'Ahhh! If you find yourself becoming frustrated, then put the pup away and start again tomorrow. Don't take it personally and don't blame the dog. Corrections are necessary, but not out of frustration or anger. If it's not working, then look at your consistency and your communication. If the training is a positive experience then you will strengthen the bonding and learning process. Develop consistent communication and trust with your dog in the process of the training. Labrador pups love to please and they will be very proud of themselves when they accomplish the command and gain your approval. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. 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. I'm sorry you are not enjoying your experience. It sound about right though. I almost went into depression after a few weeks of having ours because I pretty much had to give up work and despite that, had no time left for anything. Goodbye energy, motivation, showers, sports and more and hello junk food and stress. Our family had to make massive adjustments to cope. We had been told puppies needed a lot of time and work but we did not fully realise. Even teaching him to play requires work and research. We also now consider and see the positive aspects of having him. Calmer, more outdoorsy household. My husband also used to run and bike ride all the time before we had the pup and is now only slowly going back to it but for a while it was practically impossible. I still believe it is possible to continue enjoying a pretty similar life as before but it requires a significant amount of organisation and adjustments. If you are not ready to make the puppy a priority for at least a year or do not have the will or means to modify your family arrangements accordingly, then I feel like you will always feel bitter about this. If you want to rehome you pup, I would get in touch with the breeder where you got him before anything else. They are usually pretty good at helping in those situations and might be able to take him back. Click to expand.Hi Leomag yes I can relate exactly to what you are saying and since I live a very very active life this shock took a massive hit on me and my health. I checked today and found that I lost almost a Kg in the last 8 days and skipping meals not feeling hungry and have not slept for more than 3 hours. We are considering a temporary home with the breeder and want to get him back in December when he is almost 6 months old. What do you think about that? My wife wants to make a decision soon before it gets impossible it is not easy now, but every day we spend with him we love him more. I think my mood is also effecting Sheldon as he looks so sad and sleeping a lot today and it makes me feel even worst. Crate training , potty training , and learning to settle at night and will all begin in earnest at 8 weeks. Is your 8 week old puppy driving you crazy? Puppies, like babies, can be hard work. Not to mention annoying, and frustrating! But hang on in there. Chances are, you are sleep deprived, and your life has been turned upside down too. Many of the problems that arise with a new baby puppy, are easily resolved with just a little help. And looking after your puppy with diarrhea is no fun. Which he will, because Labrador puppies are always hungry! You have to ration out his food for him. You need to know how much your puppy needs to eat in a 24 hour period, and then divide that amount between at least 4 meals. First night with puppy Your 8 week old puppy should not sleep in or on your bed. Bed sharing with new puppies is too dangerous. He might fall off, and is likely to leave little puddles on your mattress and carpet. Later on you can bed share with your dog if you want to, but not right now, at least not unless you puppy proof the room and sleep on the floor. Your 8 week old puppy should not be free to roam the house at night. There is so much potential for harm. Even if you only sleep for six hours or so, there is a great deal of mischief your puppy can get up to in that time. So, the three main options that work well for 8 week old puppies are described next First night options for an 8 week old puppy Here are those three alternative sleeping arrangement for the first few nights Safe sleeping area Sturdy box or crate next to your bed 1 The puppy safe sleeping area Just before you go to bed and after taking your outside to empty himself, you can put the puppy to bed in a puppy proof room with a washable floor. Or you can put his bed inside a large puppy playpen. Put plenty of newspaper or puppy pads down to cover most of the floor. On the other hand you WILL have to get up in the night. Which option is best? It may also result in vomiting and diarrhea for your pup, and a lot of clearing up for you. It might seem irrational to you, but there are good reasons for your puppy to be scared. If asked to sleep alone on the first night in their new home, they usually cry. For a surprisingly long time. Unless you live in a mansion, you will be able to hear him. And so will your neighbors. The best way around this, is to have the puppy sleep next to you for the first few nights as described in Option 3 above. New puppies learn very quickly. Whilst initial crying is the result of fear or loneliness, puppies they soon discover that crying gets them attention. How much do puppies sleep? Your 8 week old puppy will spend around 18 to 20 hours asleep out of every .But dogs continue to sleep for long periods throughout their lives. Sleeping often and deeply is normal for an 8 week old puppy. This is nothing to worry about if your puppy is energetic and playful when awake, eating and growing well, and seems healthy in every other respect Potty training your 8 week old puppy. Potty training your 8 week old Labrador puppy can start on the very first day. A few new puppies can last six or seven hours at night without a wee. But many cannot do this until they are around ten weeks old. If you crate your puppy at night, expect to get up in the middle night and take your puppy outside for a wee, for up to two weeks. If you opt to leave your puppy at night with puppy pads or newspaper, expect it to take a little longer than this before you come down to a nice clean floor each morning. Getting up earlier for a while is a given with an 8 week old puppy. Puppies pee much more frequently often the day. Some new puppies can last an hour or so between wees, but again, many cannot. If you are going back to work, or want to leave your puppy for three to four hours before he is five or six months old, and you want to crate train, you need to arrange for someone else to take care of him during the day. Even for this short period of time. An 8 week old puppy should not be left in a crate for hours at a time during the day. The secret to success in crate training a new puppy lies in getting good habits established from the start. And this means getting that puppy outside to his toilet area, whenever his little bladder is getting full. Your puppy will quickly become comfortable with you disappearing for a few minutes if you reliably return. But too much isolation is a common cause of noisy or destructive behavior. Puppies need company. Older puppies may cope happily with being left for up to four hours, but even an adult Labrador may become distressed or destructive if left alone for a full working day on a regular basis. Labradors are very sociable dogs and they need to have people around them. No matter how many walks he gets at the weekend. Puppies biting Most people know that puppies nip when teething. Despite learning early bite inhibition from their mother and littermates, puppies continue this spikey behavior when you bring them home. Destructive puppy behavior Your 8 week old puppy will chew, gnaw and dig around the home. It can be quite a shock to discover just how destructive a Labrador can be, both indoors and out, especially if left unsupervised for long periods of time. Expect your puppy to destroy anything he can get in his mouth. Indoors and out. Some even chew the skirting boards, rip plaster from the walls, and tear up carpets in their homes. Supervision, playpens and puppy crates will help keep your home in tact during the destructive phase. Puppies running off 8 week old puppies need time off leash. Tiny puppies have an automatic response with means that they follow people around. This response disappears by the time the puppy is around four or five months old. Labradors are retrieving dogs. They love to hunt and follow scent trails. Expect that an older puppy will want to explore away from you and get that off lead recall established well before he is six months old. Expect that an older puppy will stray further and further away on walks if you are too predictable and just traipse along behind him. Teach him to follow you and not the other way around. What we expect from an 8 week old puppy We expect an awful lot from our tiny puppies. Both when they are still very small, and then as they grow bigger. Some of our expectations are simply not in line with the way puppies think and behave. Cuddles We expect that puppies will enjoy being cuddled. Sometimes they do, mostly they are just being polite. TIP: Wait for your puppy to stop wriggling before you place him on the floor or he will wriggle harder next time! A fun friend for children We expect that our children will be able to play with a new puppy, but small puppies often bite and wriggle too much for little ones to enjoy them. Those pleasures tend to come later TIP: Use baby gates to give toddlers and puppies space apart from one another Success and quick results We expect that the efforts we put in to housetraining will be rewarded, that the puppy will listen to what we say. But potty training and obedience training take time. Your 8 week old puppy will have accidents in the house to begin with and needs your help to understand what you want him to do next. As he grows, we expect our puppy to return our love and affection, to respect us, be loyal, and obedient. And he will be, in time. Nor had we anticipated just how depressing it would be to clear up puppy pee and poop every time we get up in the morning, or return home from a quick shopping trip. But they are common reasons for people to become disenchanted with their furry companion. One of our aims here on The Labrador Site is to help close this gap between expectations and reality. So that puppies go into their new homes, and stay there for the rest of their lives. And most of the problems described above can be avoided or passed through without too much pain, if you have the right information! And a little preparation. You can do this if you are ready. Much puppy naughtiness is linked to over-excitement. Focus on being calm around your puppy, and read up on how to train your puppy effectively. The considered and appropriate use of a crate and baby gates, is a great way to prevent conflict between puppies and their families. Confinement is not a substitute for companionship and training though, and of course it is very important to be sure you have enough time in your life for a Labrador, before going ahead and getting that lovely puppy. Do check out our article: are you ready for a Labrador , before you take the plunge. 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:. Puppy training development after 6 months It is very tempting to get carried away with puppy training. Your young do is so willing to please and such fun to be around. It is important to go at a happy pace for you both. Positive reinforcement training is the right choice for your puppy because there are no negative consequences to getting something wrong. But you can still both suffer from burnout and frustration if you try to reach the later puppy training stages without totally aceing the earlier developments. Your Puppy Training Schedule This may not be exactly the same for each puppy, especially with retrieving which is more Labrador specific. However, it gives you a rough idea. Constantly changing direction. Stopping frequently for cuddles and rewards. This means I blow the recall whistle whenever the puppy runs towards me, no compulsion, and no whistle unless the recall is already underway. Socialisation: Lots almost daily of outings to different places rural and urban carried Visits to family and friends. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow mouthing. Working with food: Learning how to take food gently without snatching or grabbing at the treat pot. I still give the puppy lots of encouragement by running away as soon as I blow the whistle. Socialisation: More socialisation, at least twice a week to busy public places. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow gentle mouthing. Retrieving: Encourage chase and pick up retrieve drive. Hand touch: I teach all new puppies to touch my hand with their noses. This is a great foundation for other skills. Recall: Puppy recall continues, reduce my run to a walk, avoid any distractions. Still frequently blow the recall whenever the pup runs towards me of her own free will. Socialisation: From ground level after vaccination. No other leash walking at all Bite inhibition: No biting, gentle mouthing allowed. Retrieving: Continue to build drive. Positions: I introduce three positions — sit, stand, down. What to expect from your 3 month old puppy Most three month old puppies will be sleeping through the night. And will be having less potty training accidents in the house. There are a few potty training problems that arise at this age, and they are all covered in 15 potty training problems solved. Biting is a big shock and a big problem for many new Lab puppy parents so do check out our complete guide to biting , and join the forum for help and support. Help encourage your puppy to stay in their bed while you are eating. I have a pot of dog treats on our kitchen table, and whenever we sit down to a meal, the puppy gets a treat each time she steps into her basket. Just a treat for stepping in there. What to expect from your 4 month old puppy Your 4 month old puppy will be pretty much potty trained, but accidents still happen if they are left alone too long. Biting is usually starting to subside now, and many four month old puppies will be able to mouth at your hand without hurting you. At this point I start to discourage all mouthing. I teach every puppy to let me touch her face or approach her with my hand, food, a leash etc while holding eye contact and not grabbing at me, or at what is in my hand. This is the age at which people often start to push forward with training. Your 4 month old puppy is capable of quite a lot. There is nothing wrong with teaching your puppy different cues and even some tricks. I recommend you still avoid long duration activities at this point as they are a common stumbling point with puppies young enough to have a short attention span. A ten second sit is ample. Add mild distractions Recall: Fade additional cues. Begin to whistle the pup and stand still. Add mild distractions. Clicker train to polish this in more mouthy puppies. No commands are needed for this. Gradual introduction of distractions. Advanced puppy training begins in earnest This is where I start a programme of sporting training with my Labs. You can begin raising your standards and expectations, asking for longer and more complex behaviors. Teaching your puppy to walk to heel nicely for longer distance and past all kinds of distractions and temptations. Or teaching your puppy to sit and stay for longer periods of time, and even while you go out of sight or while other dogs play nearby. What to expect from your six month old puppy Six months is a common time for people to have a lot of questions and to be struggling with a few challenges. This is now a very bouncy, quite powerful and rapidly maturing young dog. And you may need to patch up a few holes in his training or manners. We have a great article for owners of six month old Lab puppies.

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They Are Naturally Mouthy Golden Retrievers are a mouthy breed, to begin with, they are naturally inclined to pick up and hold anything and everything in their mouths. While it may seem like there is something wrong with your puppy to cause him or her to bite so much, rest assured, all puppies bite, not just Golden Retriever puppies. Play Behaviour When you see a litter of pups play together, they often nip and bite at one another. It is their way of socializing and initiating play. Your puppy will bite and nip at you during playtime with you because it is a natural behaviour to them. They Are Teething Many people associate puppy biting with teething, however when a puppy is teething they will resort to chewing and mouthing in order to relieve their pain. They may chew or mouth on your hands and fingers, but teething is not the cause of biting that every puppy owner experiences. Puppy biting is most often just play. To summarize, puppy biting is normal and should be expected as a puppy owner. In general, biting will naturally subside in Golden Retriever puppies around the age of months. This is around the time that their adult teeth have come in. Puppies at this age usually already know how to moderate their bite, and will not bite or nip at you as much as they did when they were younger. While biting anything and everything is normal behaviour to your puppy, it is not something that you want your puppy to continue to do. It is up to you to teach your puppy not to bite humans, especially children. Take a look at the common mistakes puppy owners often make, and learn to avoid them. Puppies who are excited bite more. Children often fall victim to the most puppy bites because they get very excited around puppies and this just gets the puppy going which results in biting. Any attention that you give your puppy after they bite you will seem like a reward to your puppy, and the biting will just continue. Yelling at your puppy, pushing them away, talking to your puppy, or even looking at them is giving them the attention that they want. Bite inhibition is when your puppy learns how to control the strength of his bite. Puppies learn this skill when they are with their littermates, which is why they need to stay with them and their mother until they are 8 weeks old. Playing with their littermates teaches puppies that biting too hard hurts and will end playtime. The puppy then learns to bite softer. When your puppy comes home with you, it is up to you to teach your puppy how to control the force of their bite. Biting down on the thick fur coat of his mother or littermates is a lot different than biting down on human skin. By not teaching your puppy bite inhibition, you will risk your puppy turning into a dangerous adult. Puppy bites are a lot different than adult dog bites. Once your puppy learns how to control the strength of his bite, eventually the bites become gentler, and in time, your puppy will learn to stop biting altogether. This is part of teaching your puppy bite inhibition. This is a way to mimic how puppies play together, when one puppy bites another puppy too hard, that puppy yelps in pain, and will walk away. In some cases, puppies could get even more worked up by the noise and keep on biting. This is when you need to walk away. When your puppy has calmed down, you can resume playing with your puppy. When your puppy bites you again, repeat the steps of yelping and walking away. Eventually, your puppy will learn to soften his bite, because biting too hard ends playtime. The following video discusses why puppies bite, how to teach bite inhibition and how to survive puppy biting. It is a good idea to have a few chew toys on hand to offer up as a distraction from your skin. Check out this list of the best teething toys for puppies. This will get your puppy to stop and focus on being obedient. A great way to solve boredom is by going for a walk with your puppy. How much exercise should you give your Golden Retriever puppy? A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise for every month that your puppy is alive. So a 3-month-old puppy should get 15 minutes of exercise a day, a 5-month-old puppy should get 25 minutes per day, and so on. This is in addition to and not instead of playtime. Bitter Apple Spray can also be used to prevent your puppy from nipping and biting at you. Before you interact with your puppy, spray it on your arms, legs, pant legs, or sleeves, anywhere that your puppy likes to nip at you. Once your puppy bites at you, he will get a bad taste in his mouth and will stop. Bitter Apple Spray may not work on all puppies, some may actually develop a taste for it. I know that when my Golden Retriever Ellie was a pup this stuff worked amazingly well, but as she got older she developed a taste for bitter things such as crab apples which are extremely sour and she once sucked on a vinegar packet that was lying on the ground! Reward Good Behaviour Every time your puppy stops biting and nipping at you, you need to see this as positive behaviour. Good behaviour should be rewarded so that your puppy learns that he did something good. Rewarding good behaviour with affection and praise is great, you can also use treats, or toys, sometimes the best reward for your puppy is just spending time with them. Be Patient and Consistent Owning a puppy requires a lot of patience! It is so easy to lose your patience at times, but you need to know that your puppy is learning what is right and wrong, and that takes time. It might not happen overnight, but as long as you remain consistent and patient, your pup will learn good behaviour. If your puppy is nipping at your pant legs or sleeves, chances are he is loving the tugging feeling and is actually already playing tug-of-war. Instead of using your clothing, redirect his attention to a rope toy. One thing to be careful of is being too rough with tug-of-war, especially when your puppy is going through his teething phase. A game of fetch offers your pup a distraction from biting, and Golden Retriever puppies naturally love to retrieve things. This is a great way to also teach your puppy to drop it, by offering a treat when your puppy drops the ball or rope toy. A well-socialized puppy will be less likely to exhibit any unwanted behaviours later on. Enrolling your pup in puppy kindergarten or arranging some play dates with other dogs who are friendly and vaccinated is a great way for your pup to learn social skills. Other dogs are sometimes the best teachers for a puppy because they will let your puppy know what is okay for play and what is not okay, in terms of biting and nipping. Always supervise your puppy while playing with other dogs. Yelling at your puppy will only make your puppy scared and confused as well as lose trust and respect for you. Common mistakes people make when their puppy is biting are pushing them away, clamping down on their mouths or spraying them in the face with water. All of these are a bad idea! Your puppy could see this behaviour as a form of play and continue biting and nipping at you even harder. If you remain calm and use a firm voice not yelling , your pup will see you as in charge. Puppies and dogs often exhibit the same behaviour as we do, if you get upset and start yelling, your puppy will just get even more excited. As unpleasant as puppy biting is, it is normal behaviour. Your puppy biting and nipping at you with a mouth full of shark teeth may seem aggressive, but it is most often just out of curiosity and play behaviour. Golden Retrievers are known for their calm and gentle demeanour, but there are rare instances where you may have an aggressive puppy on your hands. Puppies who have been taken away from their litter earlier than weeks, bad breeding, being abused, a chemical imbalance, and not being socialized are all reasons for aggression in puppies. Signs of an aggressive puppy include barking, growling, lunging at you or another dog, a stiff posture, and showing teeth. If you think your puppy is aggressive, it is important to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviourist in order to find out the reasons for aggression and work on correcting the behaviour before it gets worse. It is important to keep your calm and work with your puppy to teach him the important skill of bite inhibition, and to redirect his biting to more appropriate behaviour. Socializing your puppy, as well as rewarding good behaviour will all help to turn your puppy into a well-behaved dog. Have you tried any of the tips mentioned above? Do you have any other tips to stop Golden Retriever puppy biting? Share your thoughts and comments below, as well as any questions you may have. I would love to hear from you. Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. You are bound to want to know when your biting puppy will grow out of this phase and how you can speed that process up. Biting, as you will have discovered is usually accompanied by lots of noise! Why do puppies bite? So why do puppies bite? My puppy is biting hard Puppies do bite hard and it does hurt. But I want to reassure you that even at 8 weeks old, your puppy has learned to moderate his bite in play. Puppies have powerful jaws designed to tear through flesh and crush bones. Those of you who feed your puppy a raw diet will know that even an 8 week old puppy from a medium sized breed can crush bones the size of your little finger. He is deliberately attempting to be gentle. Puppy Biting — Bite inhibition This ability, that your puppy has, to moderate the power of his jaws in play, is called bite inhibition. It is something that his mother started to teach him when he was just a few weeks old. And now it is your turn to take over and complete the training process. Growling and Puppy biting One thing that often worries people who have a new puppy in the family, is the growling that accompanies puppy biting. It sounds horrific. Great snarls and snaps accompany the biting and the puppy can appear quite demonic as he grabs onto your skin, or clothes. Tugging away with all the strength he can muster. Ninety nine times out of a hundred this is completely normal play biting. Is my puppy biting aggressive? You cannot determine whether or not a puppy is biting aggressively by how hard he bites or by the volume of the noise he makes. Play biting puppies bite hard and growl fiercely. Some puppies do occasionally draw blood. But these are not normally savage or crushing bites and the puppy is clearly enjoying himself. Fierce but fun! The play biting puppy will launch himself at the target of his bite. Whether it is your slippers or your fingers, with equal tail-wagging enthusiasm, hanging on grimly and grabbing repeatedly when the item is removed from him. All this, shocking though it may seem, is normal, and is not a sign that your puppy is going to be an aggressive dog! In fact some of the gentlest and most amiable breeds the labrador for example are the worst and fiercest play biters. The puppy that is a cause for concern is the puppy that is frightened. Because although puppies rarely bite through aggression, the nervous puppy may become aggressive as he matures Is my puppy afraid? A scared puppy may bite and scared puppies can grow into scared adult dogs so this is something you need to address quickly. You will know that your puppy is scared because he will try to avoid whatever it is he is scared of. A really frightened puppy will sometimes give off a distinctive musky smell. This hiding, and retreating, and the scared smell are warning signs that you have scared your puppy badly, or purchased a poorly socialised puppy. In this situation you need to get specialist help right away. Your vet should be able to advise you. For the vast majority of puppy owners then, biting is normal puppy behavior. Will my puppy biting stop naturally? To some extent biting is a phase caused by natural puppy playfulness and teething. Some puppies do stop biting with very little input from their family. Which is great. You may feel he should have grown out of it by now. We can physically prevent puppies from biting and we can train puppies not to bite. Both of these are good strategies. Or when children are getting upset, or visitors are winding your puppy up. Prevention usually involves interrupting the biting behavior, then redirecting the puppy into an alternative and more acceptable behavior, such as chewing on a toy. Or, it may involve temporarily separating him from his playmates. Interrupting the puppy biting In mild cases you may simply be able to put a toy in your biting puppy's mouth and get him tugging on that instead of on your fingers. If you are on the floor with the puppy stand up. And if you are standing up, turn and walk away from the puppy. This is where dog gates come in very handy with small puppies. A standard baby gate works fine for most breeds of dog. Managing the puppy You may have to pick up your biting puppy to remove him from the scene if he is biting your children for example, rather than you If he bites your hands and clothes as you try to restrain him, put him on the other side of a barrier or in his crate or puppy playpen for a short while. Although the puppy does learn from them, these are useful management techniques to enable you to control the situation. They help you to keep your puppy calm, and prevent the biting escalating through over excitement. Over-excited puppies Puppy play biting is directly linked to excitement. The more excited your puppy gets, the more and the harder he will bite. And the harder it will be to interrupt and distract him. Rough play excites puppies and noisy play does too. Children tend to squeal when they play and get very physical with puppies. One of the first rules they need to learn when playing with dogs, especially big dogs, is to stand up and stand still when the game gets too much. Limit such play and call a halt to it if your puppy is biting. With medium to large breed dogs, physical rough and tumble play is not a great idea. It can lead to dogs bowling people over or humping them, neither of which is very pleasant. Stopping play when it gets rough is a good management strategy and it is a form of training too. Over time, your puppy learns that biting and rough play loses him his playmates and that people simply leave if he is being mean. When do puppies stop biting? Many puppies have stopped biting completely by six months of age and biting is usually subsiding by the time that the puppy is heading towards five months old. This is if the puppy has been managed appropriately If people have been exciting him, or rewarding him for attention seeking behavior then biting can persist And it can be much more of a problem in bigger stronger puppies than in little ones. Training Puppies Not To Bite The idea of this exercise is to teach a puppy to accept being stroked and handled in any way, without touching us with his teeth. The event marker is a distinctive sound. Even around his mouth, without him making any attempt to bite you. You can also make it easier for him by starting this training when he is calm and not distracted. But for now, keep things simple. It can be a good way of getting the training started so that you have chance to say YES and give the puppy the opportunity to learn what you want him to do. Over the next few sessions, you can work on getting your hand closer and closer to the puppy. Until you are brushing the sides of his face without him making any attempt to mouth or bite at you Progress to touching and holding his collar, stroking his ears, grooming him, examining his paws and so on, all the time rewarding him for the correct behavior. Anytime the mouthing returns, back up to a point where he can succeed and move forward more slowly again Bite Inhibition Training Some experts feel that puppies should be allowed to mouth and even bite gently for a week or two before being prevented from biting altogether. Simply follow the instructions for managing your puppy above when he bites hard. But allow him to mouth you when he bites gently without much pressure. This is a great way to teach a dog excellent control over his mouth. After a couple of weeks of this, you can progress to the training exercise I outlined in the previous section. Older puppies that bite in play have often learned that this gets them a lot of attention. They have discovered that people squeal and shout and get quite cross. Sometimes these people push and shove the dog around which young dogs quite enjoy when they are playing. For these dogs it is important that you stop all physical play, with all family members If a puppy is biting hard at your hands when you try to interrupt his game. Or an older puppy is getting out of hand biting at clothing, you need to put your puppy on a harness and house-line a short trailing leash. This will enable you to control your puppy, and take him to a calming place, without handling him. You can just pick up the end of the line and lead him away. Older biting puppies are often bright and bored. And the best approach to avoiding future episodes of bad behavior is a structured programme of training and interesting activities. A professional dog trainer using modern positive training methods will be able to help you with these. Summary So now you know some tips on how to stop your puppy from biting. The first few weeks can be tough with a determined biter in the house, but you will get through this and come out the other side. A few months from now, this difficult period will be a distant memory In the meantime, focus on keeping your biting puppy calm, avoiding too much rough play, and redirecting his biting onto appropriate toys and activities. Spend some time on the training exercise set out above. Are you a proud new golden retriever puppy parent or considering getting a furry friend? While puppies are adorable and full of energy, they can also be a handful, especially when it comes to biting. This article will cover practical strategies to manage puppy biting and help you and your pup develop a solid and loving relationship. Thus biting is natural. Their bites will become softer as they practice and learn to manage their bite strength. They will eventually stop biting entirely. While biting is a natural part of the learning process, it is essential to train your puppy not to bite excessively. Here are a few tips to get you started: Providing Chew Toys for Redirecting Biting Behavior Providing chew toys is an excellent approach to help your puppy stop biting. When your puppy begins to bite you, remove your hand or foot and replace it with a chew toy. This teaches them that biting is acceptable, but only when done with toys, not people. It is essential to keep an eye on your puppy when they play with chew toys to ensure they do not consume anything toxic. By exposing your puppy to a variety of people, animals, and environments in a controlled and positive manner, you can help them develop proper social skills and reduce biting tendencies. Socialization helps puppies learn appropriate bite inhibition and establishes boundaries for acceptable behavior during interactions. Through well-planned socialization experiences, you can guide your puppy towards becoming a well-behaved and gentle companion. Employing the Time-Out Strategy for Persistent Biting Use the time-out strategy when other methods fail to stop your puppy from biting. If your puppy continues to bite, place him on a time-out for 30 seconds before allowing him to return to play. This teaches your puppy that biting is unacceptable and will result in a loss of playtime or attention. Again, use a gentle tone and avoid shouting or scolding your puppy. When your puppy plays gently with their toys instead of biting you, shower them with praise and perhaps even a tasty gift! This teaches your puppy that good behavior leads to beautiful things. Instead, concentrate on encouraging appropriate behavior and redirecting any inappropriate biting. Your puppy will learn to control their biting and play in a friendly and safe manner with time, patience, and positive reinforcement. This entails repeating the same commands, techniques, and rewards each time you train. When you do this, your puppy learns what is expected of them and how to get rewarded. On the other hand, if you are inconsistent, your puppy may get confused and unsure of what they need to do to please you. This can make training more difficult and frustrating for you and your puppy. So, strive to be consistent in your training. However, they can get nippy during their fun exploration of the world around them. The good news is that this is a natural habit for pups, and there are ways to deal with it. Puppies prefer to bite to initiate play, learn more about their surroundings, and adjust their bite pressure, especially when they are teething. These actions are part of how they play, interact, and learn about their environment. First, however, puppies must be taught how to control their biting pressure and redirect their biting to appropriate toys and chew objects, which we will discuss later. Puppy bites, for example, can become more painful and even harmful as they increase in size. Additionally, it might lead to destructive chewing if you do not divert their biting habit to appropriate chew items. As a result, it is critical to address this habit early on through regular teaching and positive reinforcement. Understand what motivates them and what makes them more likely to engage in biting. Adjust your training methods: Not all puppies respond to the same training techniques. Some may respond better to positive reinforcement, while others may require more redirection and distraction. Consider their energy levels: Golden Retrievers are known for their energy and enthusiasm. Be patient and consistent: Training takes time, and each puppy learns at their own pace. Be patient with your puppy and provide consistent guidance. Remember, every Golden Retriever puppy is an individual, and what works for one may not work for another. With a customized approach, you can effectively address biting behavior and set your unique puppy on the path to becoming a well-behaved and happy companion. So, most puppies begin to bite and mouth less frequently when they are 8 to 10 months old. However, this varies greatly depending on the individual pup. Some may stop sooner, while others may take a little longer. Golden retrievers, for example, love using their tongues. At the same time, herding dogs such as border collies or corgis may continue to nip at ankles as they age. Just keep working with your pet and providing the guidance they require to create positive habits! Conclusion As you begin the joyful road of raising your Golden Retriever puppy, keep in mind that training and socialization are essential for producing a happy and well-behaved dog. You can teach your puppy what is expected of them and create healthy behaviors that will last a lifetime using consistent and positive reinforcement techniques. Remember that each puppy is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. You will be rewarded with a devoted and well-behaved companion if you are patient and committed to the training process. Remember to give your puppy enough exercise and mental stimulation and to continuously reward positive behavior. You can help your puppy grow into a happy and healthy adult dog who will provide you happiness for many years by doing so. By the time your puppy reaches around three months of age, they should start to develop bite inhibition and learn to control the force of their bites during play. As you continue to interact and train with your puppy, you can gradually increase your sensitivity to the level of bites you find acceptable. By the age of four or five months, their play bites should no longer exert any force. Can I use physical punishment to stop my puppy from biting? Certainly not! To stop a puppy from biting, never use physical punishment. It is not only ineffective, but it can also be harmful and cause long-term behavioral issues. Instead, train your puppy using positive reinforcement techniques, including redirection, time-outs, and excellent rewarding behavior. What can I do? Puppies frequently nip and bite while playing with other dogs, but teaching them to control their bite force is essential. My puppy is teething. What can I do to stop them from biting? Teething is a normal developmental stage for puppies , and they naturally want to chew and bite things. Similar to what we discussed earlier. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Golden Retrievers are notorious for this, and it often lasts so long that people wonder if it ever stops. Consider how sociable and friendly they are by nature. Why is this habit so difficult for them to break? Golden Retrievers follow their basic instinct to bite because of their history with hunting, chasing, and even biting in some situations. Why Do Golden Retrievers Bite? Golden Retrievers start to explore the world with their mouths and eventually start to enjoy chewing on whatever they can get into their mouth. It strengthens their gums and teeth, but it is not a behavior most people want to encourage. This breed is also more inclined to bite things because they were bred for hunting and retrieving small game. Aside from following their instincts, there could be other reasons that they are nipping at you or your possessions. Some dogs bite when they are scared, need help, or are in unfamiliar environments. Biting is a natural reaction for many situations. Still, it must stop before it turns into a habit. Golden Retriever litters typically stop biting around 8—14 weeks old. The pain conditions them not to bite without a threat. Keep Them Active Dogs who are mentally and physically stimulated are less likely to have behavioral issues. Exercise them daily. When playing, keep the sessions gentle. However, do not do this while they are still being trained. Image Credit: Photology, Shutterstock 3. Socialize Them If possible, enroll your dog in obedience classes as soon as possible. Some dogs feel threatened more easily than others, and they may act out around other dogs if not properly trained and socialized. Introduce them to new people and animals as often as possible. Positive Reinforcement The best form of training is with positive reinforcement. Use lots of praise and treats whenever your dog is acting in a way you want them to. You cannot afford to skip this type of training because it is the most effective. The older they get, the bigger a sign it is that you need to fix the problem. If you continue to allow your dogs to bite people , animals, or objects, someone is going to get hurt. She attributes her passion for the environment and all its creatures to her childhood when she was showing horses on weekends and spending her weeknights devoting her attention to her pets. She enjoys spending most of her time in Michigan playing with her two rescue cats, Chewbacca and Lena, and her dog, Clayton. Read more Advertisement. Read the full disclosure here. Tasty finger! Your golden retriever puppy is as friendly as can be — great with kids, respectful of other dogs, and not overly attentive to your cat. Yes, golden retrievers are known for their good-natured demeanor, but they are still dogs — not so very far removed from their wild cousins, and they can be unpredictable when faced with stressful, disturbing, or frightening situations. One of our jobs as responsible dog owners, of course, is to keep our dogs safe, but we may not always be able to protect them, and we may not always be able to prevent them from biting through fear or when in pain. What is Bite Inhibition? Puppies begin learning this from their mother and siblings as soon as they start to tumble around with each other in play. If they bite too hard, they are scolded by their mother or alerted with a yelp from their siblings. Eventually, they learn how hard is too hard, and they use their teeth more gently in play. Human Sensitive or Advanced Bite Inhibition By the time your puppy moves into your home, they will have been using their bite inhibition skills for weeks. Your puppy needs to learn that human beings are fragile and should be treated with care. There are many professional trainers who recommend that you simply train your puppy not to bite. This seems like a practical course of action, and it does work — in the short term. Teaching a puppy not to bite will give you quick results, but it may mean they never learn how much force is safe to use on people when they are forced to bite in an emergency. So if they do eventually bite, they will know to hold back the pressure safely and will not cause anywhere near as much pain or damage as they otherwise might. Why is Bite Inhibition Important? Believe it or not, even the most gentle dog that has been trained from a young age never to bite, can react to certain triggers. Those triggers are fear and pain. Consider these situations: Your dog has been suffering from chronic ear infections and hates to have his ears handled. The neighbor stops by with her toddler, who immediately runs to your dog and fondles his sensitive ears roughly. What will he do? You and your dog are walking down the road like you do every morning when out of nowhere comes a huge dog who attacks your dog without thinking twice. You manage to pull your dog away, but in the process, your frightened dog bites your arm. Your sweet golden retriever has gotten themself tangled in some barbed wire while hiking. As you loosen the wire from her skin and fur, she snaps at you, biting your hand. You may never experience any of these situations. By teaching bite inhibition while your puppy is young, you will be far safer and ready for any of these situations should they occur. Teaching Advanced Bite Inhibition Following is a general guide to the bite inhibition skills your puppy learns and when, as well as where you should aim for their skills to be at certain ages. She will start the puppies off by teaching them how rough is too rough during nursing and play. These lessons begin when the puppies start nursing day 1 and continue until the day you pick your puppy up from the breeder. This works for some puppies, but for others, it just seems to arouse the pup and make matters worse. You will have to experiment to find out what works for you and your pup. You should withdraw all of your attention from your puppy for very hard bites. Do not over-correct your puppy so they become afraid of biting. After your puppy has calmed down, use a chew toy as a reward and let them chew it in your lap or lying by your side. This teaches you puppy that there are other ways to keep their mouths and teeth busy. By four or five months, all force behind play bites should be eliminated. Kids tend to play rough with puppies, and puppies will get rough right back. Your puppy needs to know that every human being is sensitive to their bites, not just you. It is a process that sometimes lasts months, depending on your puppy. Be prepared for this, and remember that long-term results in your adult dog are more important than curtailing puppy bites as painful as they may be. Supervise your puppy around children — If you have young children at home, you will have to think carefully about how you will protect them and your puppy. Little puppy teeth can cause a lot of pain, especially when your pup is still learning to control those urges. Young children can also cause a lot of pain to small puppies. Always supervise very carefully when your pup and children are together. A tired puppy is a happy puppy — It will be much easier to teach bite inhibition if your puppy is not bouncing off the walls. Make sure they get enough exercise every day. Not only will this help with training, but it will also help prevent all kinds of other destructive behavior. Conclusion Teaching bite inhibition to your golden retriever puppy is a gift you give to your pup that will last forever.