when do australian labradoodles lose their puppy coat

We have been breeding dogs since .We are working very hard to improve temperament, build and of course the color. All of our Labradors are AKC registered. Our Labradors are family raised and puppies are handled daily since birth and are socialized at a very young age. We live in a big farm house located in Acushnet, Massachusetts. We have dedicated our lives to create an amazing home for the dogs. All of our Labradors get along and are kept on a five acre enclosure with a pond. Our puppies have their own playground with lots of toys to stimulate their mind and muscle coordination. We strive for extreme block heads , short noses and amazing color. All colors are beautiful but it is the silver and charcoal that really stand out. All of our Labrador Retriever puppies come with their first set of shots, complete physical by a licensed veterinarian and have been dewormed. This limits your puppy to be free of breeding and to be placed in only in a Pet Quality Home. Your puppy will also come with a 2 year guarantee against Hip Dysplasia 1 year guarantee against any heritary eye diseases A lifetime guarantee that your puppy will never be affected with Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA. 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. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. The Lab is the icon of the family pet, a dependable breed that can bring a home together. Many people turn to the Lab as a potential dog breed, and the demand is always sky-high, so there are a lot of breeders selling puppies. Their breeding facility is on their acre home property, nestled in Raynham, Massachusetts. All dogs are checked for any genetic conditions and health problems. Pachecho Kennels take pride in their hard work and have developed an outstanding reputation as Labrador and Vizsla breeders. Starting with their first litter in , Willow Wind Labradors has years of experience in breeding Labs. They prioritize vetting for genetic health issues and puppy socialization, which are both crucial aspects in breeding healthy puppies. The puppies are all AKC Labrador Retrievers, but they mainly specialize in companion and family pets. Willow Wind Labs is a great breeder option for a family dog, especially families with multiple children. They specialize in ethical breeding practices, which put health and temperament first. The AKC-certified pups are raised in-house and spend a lot of time around people, so socialization happens almost immediately. Handy Hill Labs is another great option for people looking for a companion or family pet, but they can also be competition show dogs. Located in Ashby, Massachusetts, the owners fell in love with the breed and opened its doors as breeders in .Millstone Kennel. The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Dogs are great stress relievers for children. Imagine the effects on family life when the stress levels of parents go down. Children who have a dog feel more secure about home safety and going to sleep in the dark. One of the greatest stresses on children is night fears. To have this overcome, or lessened, is a great benefit to relieving stress. For children who are having any sort of difficulties at school, but especially thoughts and concerns over being liked or accepted, having a dog as a companion that loves you unconditionally is positive and brings with it a good feeling and alleviates symptoms of depression. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! They have consistently produced healthy, loyal, and beautiful Labrador puppies. Paddington Labrador Retrievers examine all retriever puppies through aptitude tests at exactly 49 days of age. All Retriever puppies are microchipped as well as AKC — registered. They strictly follow the best practices underlined by the American Kennel Club. Debonair Labradors raise their dogs in their homes while training them through a selection of indoor exercises and outdoor activities. Their labs also regularly participate in different dog shows and other dog-oriented events. Looking for Labrador puppies for sale Boston? Try Debonair Labradors! They attribute their decision to breed labradors to their first dog Roxxan. They only plan one litter per pair every year. They also take care to find the right pet parent for their retriever puppies. They are gentle giants who deserve every bit of the love and admiration they get. However, with the rapid increase in the number of breeders in Massachusetts, it often becomes hard to choose one over the other. We have listed some of the top Labrador breeders in Massachusetts to make your puppy buying experience smooth, hassle-free and memorable. Breeders labrador Labrador breeder.

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Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Marketing Marketing The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Intelligent, Amiable, moderately active, Determined, Excitable Apartment Friendly Price 20, — 1,00, If you need any more information about German Shepherds or want to get your queries answered about the same, we will provide you with all relevant information and assistance that would answer all your questions. They rarely encounter health issues and they have a fairly strong immune system to keep them off a variety of health risks. When you get a German Shepherd puppy, you need not worry about the potential health risks you are likely to help them deal with. However, this does not mean that you should completely ignore their health and not pay any attention to the same. It is always advisable to make regular visits to the vet and give them all the required vaccinations on time. They are highly intelligent as a breed and have brilliant grasping powers, making them quick learners. You can rest assured that will not have to spend much time training your pet even some of the most intricate tricks and commands. They would naturally follow all your commands and learn new skills with utmost ease and precision. It is their intelligence and a powerful sense of smell that has earned German Shepherds an important position in the police department for detecting and following criminals. The Perfect Guardians When it comes to guarding dogs, there is hardly any breed that can surpass a German Shepherd. They serve as perfect guard dogs, making sure that you and your family are always safe and sound. They are often aggressive enough to scare off uninvited intruders and prevent unwanted break-ins. A German Shepherd is appreciated across the world for being the perfect watchdog and alerting the owner to the slightest sign of danger. They love playing in the water and splashing it all around them for fun. If you are willing to have a nice relaxing day at the beach, this pet would be more than willing to accompany you and add to the fun you have at the beach. Their love for water also makes German Shepherds fit for participating in water sports and games designed for dogs. This, coupled with their high intelligence helps participate in pet competitions and make you feel like a proud parent! An Obedient And Friendly Personality Although they tend to get a bit aggressive towards strangers and intruders, a German Shepherd is otherwise pretty obedient and friendly towards its owner. They have a no-nonsense personality as they do not go out of their way to get your attention and keep distracting you from your daily chores. Moreover, their friendly personality is not limited to their owners. A German Shepherd is equally playful and friendly with other pets in the house. If you are planning to bring a German Shepherd home to more pets, you will not have to worry about your new member causing any nuisance for the rest of the family. Their thick double coat helps them keep cool in summers and warm in winters. They love indulging in physical activities and exercising on a daily basis. If you need a partner to accompany you for your jogs and runs, they would gladly accompany you for your exercise and help you lose those calories! Their energetic nature makes them fond of adventures. You can always take a German Shepherd along with you on a little excursion or an adventurous trip to keep you company. Undying Loyalty Once a German Shepherd is fond of you, it will never let you land up in any trouble as long as you are in its presence. This breed is known for its undying loyalty and immense companionship with its owner. If a German Shepherd sees you in danger, it would not think twice before risking its own safety to ensure that you are safe. Reach out to us and we will help you add a cute little member to your family! Lets Connect on We will also provide you following breeds. South African Boerboel Puppies Puppies are vet checked, dewormed with first vaccines and docked tails. Three males and one female available, raised around young children, well socialized. First shots and dewormed. Born August 3rd ready to go September.They are friendly and good with children. They are black, tan and redish. Our German Shepherds are eager to learn, easy to train, Have their first shots and dewormed. We are actively house training and teaching manours. Healthy parents with great blood lines. Straight backs. We are a small family-owned dog.Catharines Purebred white German Shepard pups, ready to go to their forever homes August 29th Mom had 7 pups total, 1 boy and 5 girls available. First vet visit, papers, round of shots and deworming complete.He was born on June 22nd and is 9 weeks old. He eats solid food and use puppy pads already. The puppy is four months old with one rabies shot. We are located in.The pups have been raised with a large family on a farm and experience socialization with dogs, people, large animals, Genie came by her nickname pretty girl very easily with her.Urgent German shepherd Gatineau Purebred German shepherd puppies looking for their new home. Puppies are 10 weeks and are ready to go. Price negotiable. Please Contact Female german shepherd puppies Springfield Great with livestock, non barkers, sweet affectionate puppies underfoot of chicken's, turkeys,pigs, kids and a pony. Great companions. I've got some adorable German Shepherd puppies for sale! They're smart, loyal, and make great family pets. With their striking looks and protective nature, they'll be the perfect addition to any.German Shepherd Blue heeler mix. Located in Hepworth. The parents Jax and Ember are the best of friends, both have kind and loving temperaments and have been raised in our family.Both parents are.Puppies have been vet checked, all vaccines, tattooed, wormed and CKC registered, Puppies will be suitable for show, Puppies have been vet checked, all vaccines, tattooed, wormed and CKC registered, Puppies will be suitable

Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Chew Toys. Once those are taken care of, keep in mind that you'll still need to purchase grooming tools , training collars , training treats and toys , such as a ball on a rope and tugs , tags or getting microchipping done etc. Making sure your new puppy will be happy, healthy, comfortable, mentally stimulated, and well trained definitely costs a few dollars and requires enough gear to fill up a medium-sized tote or better. Prep your home. You're bringing in a small terror ball of destruction inside of your home. Keep cords safely out of the way. Anything that's expensive and breakable, chewable, or anything less than immortal should be put up high, or in a room the puppy has no access to. Research the plants in your home to make sure they're not poisonous to dogs. Keep your medications stored away safely. Keep all dangerous chemicals locked up, or up high out of reach. Try to close off an area of your home where you spend the most time so your puppy can spend time with you and the family without being able to wander freely and get into trouble. Look for home care. If you can take a week or two off, that's phenomenal. It'll help you bond with your puppy and give you a head start on potty training. But, if you work, even if you take time off, you'll have to return to work eventually. Make sure you have arrangements put in place to help when you're not home. If you have family members or friends who can help with letting your new puppy outside to use the bathroom, that's great. If not, you'll need to look into dog walkers, pet sitters, doggy daycares etc. If someone will be coming to your home to help out, make sure you get a key made for them. Find a good trainer. All trainers are good trainers in their own minds, so look for ones who compete in obedience or protection sports preferably. They don't just talk about training, they do it, and compete against their peers. Such a trainer will almost always be better and more knowledgeable than a trainer who got a certificate in weeks but has never competed. Competition helps trainers understand where they are weak, and there's usually someone around willing to help them strengthen their weaknesses. These are the people you want to employ to help you. Once you've found a good trainer, stick with them. If you're doing classes, finish the classes. If you did boarding and training, make sure you bring the dog back to that trainer for issues. Half a program, or passing a dog from trainer to trainer is just going to cause a lot of regret later. That said, if your trainer isn't knowledgeable enough to tackle specific issues, or isn't as good as you thought, it's perfectly okay to seek help elsewhere. A good trainer knows their limitations and what they excel at. You shouldn't expect an obedience trainer to be able to teach your dog to compete in protection sports down the line if they don't have experience in that arena. Pick a reputable breeder. This is the most important part of the list. You always hear that you need to go to a reputable breeder, but what does that truly mean? What makes someone a reputable breeder? A reputable breeder always gets his breeding stock's hips and elbows x-rayed and certified by PennHip, OFA, or the organization of the dog's home country if they're from Europe or elsewhere. Reputable breeders have a purpose to breed. They have a goal they want realized that is more than making a quick buck. Good working line breeders put an emphasis on health, strong nerves, working ability and drive, so they can produce solid working dogs. Good show line breeders breed with the same ideals, but there's a bit less focus on drive and working ability. There are also some breeders who specifically focus on producing good family pets that they describe as medium to low drive, healthy and medium of character neither hard, nor soft of temperament. It's up to you which you pick, but all should have health testing done and be stable dogs who aren't fearful or outwardly aggressive. Reputable breeders are obsessed with cleanliness and health. They keep their whelping quarters tidy and their pup's health and well-being are their 1 priority above all else. Your puppy should've received a "Well Puppy" checkup prior to coming home and should have a vaccination history. Puppies may also come microchipped or tattooed for identification, although ear tattoos are becoming more and more rare. Reputable breeders only breed dogs that are registered or registerable in your country. Ask a few, short questions about a breeders lines and what you can expect from a puppy that they produce. Breeders have lives and jobs. They will not be able to talk to you for hours on end to answer questions. So keep everything short and simple. Ask questions like "What are you expecting from this litter? An answer like "Well, my lines have great drive and working aptitude, but their sire tends to throw puppies that are on the lower side of the standard in size" is an honest answer. The dogs are still in standard, they still fit what the breeder wants, and their only complaint is that they get smaller pups than they'd like every now and then. No dog, no line, and no breeder is perfect. Being honest about those things says a lot about the person you trust to give your money to, and trust for them to give you a healthy, stable puppy in return. We also want to emphasize that you won't have a breeder to call with questions down the line. You'll know nothing about the pup's health history. If you choose adoption, you don't know what issues may arise down the road, so you need to be prepared for vet costs and insure you have the best trainer available in your area. We hope this helps any prospective puppy buyers or rescuers. These are some steps you can take before ever bringing a puppy home. Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments! Thank you, and please leave a like and share. The transition period can be a little intimidating once you get over the cuteness overload and realize that your new puppy has no training whatsoever and it's up to you how things will progress from there. We'll try to make it easier for you with this short list of things to do the first 2 weeks after bringing your new puppy home. Your puppy is in a brand new place and it's their first time being away from their mom and siblings. I know you want to bring the puppy with you everywhere, play all day and show him or her off to all of your friends and family. But take it slow at first so that your new puppy can get settled and relax. Hang out at home. Become a professional treat dispenser. And begin the foundation of building your bond with your pup. Crate training is the best way to house train. Introduce your puppy to the crate early on by making it a positive experience. Toss a high value treat inside and let them explore and go inside on their own volition. Place a chew toy that can hold treats into the crate and close the door. Make sure the puppy sees you do this. When the puppy tries to paw and get inside the crate, open the door and let them in. When they start chewing on the toy, close the door for a few seconds before opening. And remember to reward your puppy when it's playing quietly inside the crate and to ignore any whining. Also remember the rules of potty training using the crate. If the pup just ate or drank, let them outside. If the pup is coming out of the crate for any extended time, let them outside. If your pup is so much as sniffing the ground a little too much, you guessed it, let them outside. The fewer accidents inside the house, the less likely it is for the puppy to get into the habit of going inside the house. Start immediately with potty training and socialization. Puppies aren't fully protected until their final vaccination at weeks, so openly socializing in public isn't the best idea. But you can have friends and family come over to meet your puppy, as well as their fully vaccinated, well behaved dogs and puppies. You can also begin the foundation of basic obedience commands. All that's necessary later on is getting consistency and working around distractions. Unless of course you want to compete in obedience or a sport that requires obedience. Competition makes things a little more complicated than that. This step is often overlooked and it's arguably the most important step for a new puppy. Puppies love a routine. It's comforting knowing what's going to happen. Wake up in the morning, outside to potty. A little training with treats, breakfast, outside to potty again. A little play time etc. If you have to go to work, make sure you have a friend, relative, dog walker or dog sitter to let the puppy outside if you can't make it home during your break to let the puppy use the potty. They have a tiny bladder and can't hold it for a full workday. When you have a routine that works, things will go smoothly. If you stray from that routine or never establish one, you'll have more accidents, a confused puppy, and quite possibly a headache. Consistency is key, and make sure you throw in several short training sessions. Most places require these. It may sound silly that you're probably legally required to get a license for your dog, but.But rules are rules. Better safe than fined! A vet who has fair prices for your area, yet is also professional and competent is a must. You will see your vet often enough that they will eventually know your name without having to check the paperwork. So your best bet is to find a good one! Routine checkups, vaccinations, and minor or even major health issues will happen. So build a relationship with a local vet as soon as possible. Also, if you have a German Shepherd or any other large breed and ever intend to breed, you should try to find either an orthopedic vet or a vet who is experienced in taking and sending in hip and elbow x-rays to the OFA to be graded. This may not be your primary veterinarian, but it's good to plan ahead. Even if you don't intend to breed, most breeders state in their contract that they will cover hips and elbows, but only if you get preliminary x-rays or have x-rays graded within a certain amount of time usually 2 years. As a bonus, taking hip and elbow x-rays at 2 years old can help extend the quality of life for your dog if they do end up having dysplasia. You'll know to dial down exercise that is hard on the joints, and that can mean the difference between a dog with pain at 5, and a dog who lives its whole life without pain. It'll also give you a head start on a medication and treatment plan. There are dogs with moderate hip dysplasia that live a very comfortable, long life without the need for surgery thanks to their owner taking that extra step of getting x-rays done. The advanced notice gives their owner a head start on supplements and getting into therapy programs, like swimming, to strengthen the muscle around the joint before they're ever in pain. So this may not be a necessary step if you don't care about your breeder's guarantee, but it can help ease your mind or give you a heads up before a problem even surfaces. But it'll be much less stressful if you have a plan in advance and stick with these 6 tips. If you have any other tips or tricks, leave them down in the comments below and be sure to leave a like and share! A general rule of thumb is that a puppy can hold her bladder for approximately one hour for every month old they are. Most puppies find their way to a new home at months old, so they should go for a toilet break every hours to start. How often should my puppy poop a day? Typically, most pups will go once or twice a day — although some may go four or more times! How many hours should a German Shepherd puppy sleep? On average, a German Shepherd puppy will sleep for 18 hours a day. Some pups sleep longer than others but they usually sleep between 15 and 20 hours in a hour period. As puppies get older, they sleep less. The average 4-month-old puppy sleeps a little over 11 hours a day. Should I sleep with my German Shepherd puppy? You should not sleep with your German Shepherd puppy during the first few months home. Yet you can let your pup sleep beside you in a crate or a dog bed. Until they are completely up, they flop around, go up and down. You can help your puppy to strengthen her ear muscle by whistling and making funny noises that perk up her ears. When do German Shepherds start teething? Starting at 4 months old, German Shepherds will begin to lose their puppy teeth. But some puppies start losing their teeth earlier or later. You may discover a discarded tooth on the floor. Or you may see a few drops of blood on her chew toy. And it is not uncommon for a puppy to swallow her tooth, which is perfectly normal. When do German Shepherds get all their adult teeth? An adult German Shepherd should have 42 adult teeth. The small incisors in front usually come in first, followed by the big canines, the premolars and the molars. All adult teeth should be in place around months old. Puppies use their mouth to explore their environment, so nipping is very common. This behavior, called teething, can last until the puppy is 6 months old when all her adult teeth have started showing. German Shepherds grew into their full size between 18 months to 2 years old. But they are not considered adult dogs until they reach the age of 3 years old. If your pup is still young, one of the most effective ways to calm her down is to give her regular mental and physical exercise. The rule of thumb is that you should give a puppy 5 minutes of exercise for every month old they are. For example, a 4-month-old puppy would need 20 minutes of exercise. When do German Shepherds get their full coat? She will start the coat change on her face first. Then her fluffy puppy coat will be replaced by the smoother adult coat down her back, towards to trail and gradually down her sides. When do German Shepherds start shedding? While their shedding is especially intense during the spring and fall, they lose their undercoat during the rest of the year. Other Than Vacuuming When should I bring my puppy for the first vet visit? You should bring your new puppy to see a veterinarian no later than 2 days after coming home. Some breeders require this within 48 hours as included in their sales contract. It is very important for your vet to examine your puppy to look for signs of disease. When should a German Shepherd puppy get her vaccination? Your German Shepherd puppy is recommended to get her first vaccination distemper and parvovirus between weeks of age. Here are the recommended vaccinations from AKC for your reference: Some dogs do not need every vaccine. You should always discuss it with your vet. When should my German Shepherd puppy be wormed? A German Shepherd puppy should be wormed for the first time at 2 weeks of age, then at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks old fortnightly until 12 weeks of age. After this, they can be wormed monthly until they are 12 months old. When do female German Shepherds go into the first heat? Female German Shepherds started their first heat as early as 7 months old, but this may vary from dog to dog. During that time, they may begin mounting other dogs or could become touchy or grumpy. There will be discharge and many owners use feminine pads and a diaper-type arrangement to keep the house clean. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior AVSAB recommends that pet guardians begin taking puppies on walks and public outings as early as one week after their first round of vaccinations, at about 7 weeks old. Instead of going for a marathon for the first time, it is advised to build up the distance with your GSD with time. Remember dogs cannot sweat like humans to reduce their body temperature. When can I walk my German Shepherd without a leash? Never let your dog go off-leash where there might be traffic or where he could injure himself. PART V German Shepherd puppy socialization guide Socialization helps them learn what to expect from the world around them and gives them the tools they need to navigate it as they get older. This includes new people, dogs, and animals, learning how to interact with new environments, and being exposed to a wide variety of sounds, smells, and sights. Socialization is especially important in German Shepherds starting from as early as 8 weeks old. This is because this breed is hard-wired to be protective of their owners as well as their property. Failing to socialize can make the dog become aloof to strangers. Other common signs of unsocialized in dogs include: Fearfulness or skittishness around unfamiliar people or animals Aggression towards other dogs or people Lack of confidence in new or unfamiliar situations Difficulty with basic training commands Inability to handle being handled or touched Puppies that are well-socialized are more likely to be healthy, obedient pets that make great additions to any household. They are intelligent dogs that can be challenging to train for first-time owners. However, with the right mindset, you can train your German Shepherd to become an obedient and well-behaved canine citizen in no time. At what age should I begin training my puppy? What should I teach my puppy first? Is it ok to crate my pup overnight? What are the basic commands every puppy must learn? How to motivate my puppy? Last but not least, we have compiled an easy-to-follow training guide. This training guide is our best effort in compiling a collection of training resources for any new GSD owner to kick-start training a new puppy — without wasting your time searching forever online. Each part is only one page long with at least one video for a demonstration. Checklist Dog Crate Getting a crate for your German Shepherd puppy is quite crucial for the following reasons: Allows the puppy to feel secure Speeds up potty training Keeps the puppy safe by controlling his environment Conditions your dog should you need to travel and use a travel crate Some people erroneously feel guilty for crating their pup. However, dogs need structure, especially when bred from work-driven breeds like German Shepherds. A dog crate provides a sense of security by reducing the space around the pet. A room might be small enough for us, but placing the puppy in it will make him feel like he is in a large vacant warehouse. The necessity of getting a dog crate brings up the question of size. What size crate is best for a new GSD puppy? Read my post on the recommended German Shepherd crate size to find out the best size to buy and why. Opt for the size inch variety. You can move the divider to make more room as your puppy grows. I draped a dark-colored blanket over the top to make it more den-like. She was around three years old when I finally got rid of it, but some dogs enjoy them for life. As German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other joint issues, you should invest in a good crate pad. Dog Bed You might think getting a crate is the same as getting a bed. Some crates come with a matt or pad disguised as a puppy bed. Since German Shepherds are big dogs and do not take much time to grow to their full size, you will need an orthopedic dog bed to support their weight and protect their joints. My post on the best orthopedic dog beds for German Shepherds elaborates on the pros and cons of different dog beds. The gist is that you need a bed to prevent joint pain that bigger dogs experience. German Shepherds are prone to arthritis, and though a genetic element plays a role, bad crating practices can accelerate such problems. I chose the Big Barker because of the scientific evidence that it improves joint pain and stiffness in arthritic dogs, enhancing their quality of life. This means a lot to me as my German Shepherd was diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis at only six years old, but it helps knowing she sleeps comfortably. I have to admit — I was also attracted to their year no-flatten guarantee. You can check out my full review of the Big Barker here. Novice dog masters also make things difficult through a combination of poor choices. Then they make the situation worse by opting for a collar and using tugging as a means of discipline. This is cruel to the dog and teaches him nothing. It is a front-clip harness, meaning you lead your pup from the front, which gives greater control and steering, making it impossible for your dog to pull. A fellow dog owner designed it, and it has all the love and care one would expect from an owner who is solving a problem he has previously faced — a dog that pulled. You can also learn more about my pick of the best no-pull harnesses for German Shepherds in this article. Toys German Shepherds are full of energy, which means they have to be surrounded by things that can exhaust their excess vitality, such as a range of chew toys, tug toys, and puzzle toys. These will stimulate his teeth, muscles, and mind, respectively. Toys help your new German Shepherd develop and stay entertained. You can also use toys to train a German Shepherd to find things and track, but that comes later. For now, you must make sure you get him a large selection of puppy toys. Your new best friend needs different exercise routines and changes in the environment, both of which can be normalized via travel. A car restraint allows you to secure your German Shepherd puppy in a car seat safely. Using a dog crate as recommended above will make it easy to communicate that car rides are okay. I like the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel because it comes in various sizes, and for the first few months, you might prefer a smaller crate. This model is made from premium plastic, does not require any tools to set it up, and has lots of vents to keep your pup well-ventilated. Poo Bags Your new German Shepherd puppy is going to be the cutest thing on earth up until he has to poop. At that time, how much you like having a GSD will be strongly correlated with how close you are to a poo bag. Regardless of whether you buy a pack of poop bags or accumulate enough disposable bags to cover a month of dog poop, you need to have something to carry dog waste. Remember, a puppy poops two to four times a day. Amazon Basics Unscented Dog Poop Bags are among the most affordable products in the category, with the bags supply being the most economical. These bags are 9 inches x 13 inches, which is a much more efficient size than the standard disposable bag. You might not need this size at first, but trust me; they are the best for an adult German Shepherd. Dog Shampoo You must get dry shampoo for your dog because German Shepherds do not need to bathe more than a few times a year. In other words, your new puppy is half a dozen baths away from adulthood. In the meantime, something is required to keep him clean, right? Tropiclean Waterless Shampoo for Pets is a high-quality, low-priced option made from natural ingredients like plum, oatmeal, and cucumber. It is backed by a market leader in natural wellness and has accumulated over 4, positive reviews and ratings on Amazon. Dog Food Food, water, and shelter are some of the basic needs of all mammals. Dogs are no exception, especially when they are bred under human supervision. Therefore, getting dog food is one of the most important prerequisites for bringing home a new German Shepherd. After that, just ensure you choose a large breed food. Bringing home a new pet is a joyful experience. You might find yourself constantly staring at the beautiful yet timid puppy, and it will take a couple of weeks for the puppy to feel at home. Until then, the dog will be open to cuddles and start interacting with the person who feeds him and plays with him. Make sure he spends time inside the crate as well as outside it. The dog may seem shy and aloof for the bulk of the first week, with the first day being his most seemingly introverted one. The dog will miss his pack and call out for them with whining or whimpering sounds or even barking. You should make sure he feels safe and secure and only comfort him through the night when you take him for a toilet break. Your German Shepherd puppy will need comfort, and you can do a few things to help him feel better. Comfort the pup to make him feel secure. Feed the puppy and make sure he is warm. Turn the lights off and make sure he gets enough sleep. Your new German Shepherd needs to get used to a schedule, work on independence, and see you as the leading figure. One of the differences you will notice when your puppy is freshly released from the breeder is his excessive appetite for sleep. Some might want the puppy to wake up to cuddle. Others will wonder if it is healthy for the puppy to sleep so much. In general, a German Shepherd puppy should sleep 8 hours at night and hours during the day. Though, the dog should not be forced to fit a schedule and must be left to determine how he divides his hours of sleep in the first few weeks of adoption. Final Thoughts The arrival of a new German Shepherd puppy can be an exciting time, but excitement can also inspire nervousness. The puppy will feel less overwhelmed and scared after the first 3 days and will further settle during the first 3 weeks. This is the time to have a good German Shepherd puppy training schedule so you know what to teach and when. Related Posts You May Like:. Follow these steps to ensure your new GSD has the best chance for success in their new furever home!! DO take your dog straight home. Walk him around in the front yard, inside, and in the backyard - on leash, and let him smell his new lodgings. Take him to the potty area, praise for pottying outside - correct for trying to potty inside. Obedience and structure begins immediately. DO start a schedule immediately when you bring your new dog home. If you are going to be off for two days to spend time with the dog, but then will have to go to work for 8 hours, then start the "soon to be schedule" during your days off. Do put your dog in a crate or the enclosed and safe area chosen. Do leave the house, even for a short errand, to show him that you will be back. DO respect your dog's space. Give him time to adjust to you, and your family, by allowing him to solicit attention and interaction. If he goes to lay down for some alone time, respect that. DO ask your dog to do something for reward and affection. Then you can praise that behavior, and start a relationship built on him doing things for your affection. You have just adopted a working breed dog - so let him do his job! DO monitor all the dog's interactions with the other dogs in the house, and of course any children in the house. Do not allow your new dog to bully or boss the existing dogs in your home. DO remember that for a dog the most loving thing you can do is provide structure and rules he can understand. For a dog, learning consistent rules that he is able to follow gives a sense of control and builds confidence. Once you have gotten to know each other and your dog has confidence in you as a good leader you will be able to show your affection in other ways and the dog will return it. Dogs are love machines, but remember that dogs are also individuals. Some dogs like being hugged. Some dislike it and prefer butt scratches or tummy rubs. Get to know your dog, pay attention and learn to read your dog. Both your lives will be better for it. We are here to answer any questions you may have. Please use us as your best resource. Between our Board members alone - we have over years of experience with this breed - there is nothing we have not seen or heard! Or email your questions directly to the contact who facilitated your adoption. DO NOT take your dog to the pet store to shop for a new toy. This dog does not know who you are, and has no reason to trust you and look to you for guidance. If the dog gets uncomfortable or stressed out, the only being he can rely on is himself - and he only has teeth to protect himself. He is not used to your touch, and has never been to that place before, so between the stress of that and you physically man handling him, he may get defensive and have to protect himself. DO NOT invite all your friends over to meet your dog. Remember - this is his first time coming into your home. He is not used to the way you live, or how you talk, or walk or the schedule of your day. He has no idea what to expect. DO NOT think that just because you can take a bone out of his mouth, means your neighbor can do it or should ever be allowed to do it. Use caution - get to know this dog, the good - and the bad! DO NOT take him for a big outing. You do not know what to expect from your dog. What if he is extremely terrified of purple cars? And a purple car drives by while a child is petting him and he reacts? What if he was attacked by a yellow dog wearing a coat, and your favorite neighbor comes over with his Poodle in his new sweater? This is then your fault - not the dog's. DO NOT hug and kiss your dog and lay on him. He is NOT the dog you had for ten years that just died that you did that to. He never will be that dog. You decided to save a life - and the dog you adopted has his own personality that you will need to learn about. If you get snapped at or bitten because you pushed the dog past his comfort level and decided that he should allow you to hug him and lay on him, then you could ruin any chances for this dog to have a great new life. Always keep in mind this dog has not had the advantage of one loving home all his life. He needs your guidance and protection. He needs time to accept you, you family, and your lifestyle. Time does not mean hours or even days but weeks and perhaps months. Most rescuers find that dogs do not "blossom" into their true selves in a new home until days. DO NOT physically correct your new dog in a threatening manner. He will only see it as you being an unstable and unreliable leader that resorts to physical violence and he will protect himself from what he sees as as threat. He has teeth, you have thumbs - you will win and he will lose, really lose. Amazon will donate 0. However, your new pup might not be as excited to come with you as you might hope. They may be extremely stressed and scared. Bringing home German Shepherd puppies takes planning, consideration, and patience to make such big changes go as smoothly as possible for your new furry friend. Here are some tips to help with the transition. In Preparation for German Shepherd Puppies You should make certain preparations before you bring your new pup home. For instance, make sure that you will be home for several days after the homecoming. This will allow you and your family to provide housetraining, playtime, and comfort. It can be stressful for a puppy to adjust to new homes. You should have all the equipment you need all ready to go, such as water and feeding bowls, leash, collar, and puppy toys. Make sure you have lots of treats to reward the pup for behaviors that you want to encourage. When You Are at the Breeder When you go to pick up your pup, make sure that you are early for the appointment. That way you can spend some time playing and getting to know the dog, and they can get to know you. German shepherd puppies are like any other puppies. They love to play and they love treats and affection. If you are able to provide those ahead of time, then it will go a long way to making them comfortable for going home with you. Food Many dog breeders will send a few days worth of food home with german shepherd puppies. This helps them feel more comfortable, but it can also help prevent upset tummies or a loss of appetite when the dog shifts to new food. You can slowly taper down the amount of old food to the new food so that the dog can get used to it. At home Once you finally have your new family member at home, you will want to make sure that they can explore their new surroundings calmly and safely. You do not want a stressed-out pup on their first day. They may end up with a bad impression of their home, and it can be tough to shake that. Try not to have visitors, and if you have other pets, introduce them slowly. Give them time to sniff each other out and possibly even play a bit. You can start training your pup immediately. This is the best time to start building habits for teaching what is acceptable and not acceptable in your home. If you let a pup get away with something on that first day, they may get confused when you try to prevent it later on. The most important thing when it comes to German Shepherd puppies is that you treat them with love and patience when you bring them home. It is a life-changing experience that can be scary and stressful for a puppy. For more guidance, talk to one of the best dog breeders in New Braunfels, San Antonio, and the surrounding area.

We are breeders of English Bulldogs in beautiful western North Carolina. A few times a year we have quality English Bulldog puppies for sale to pet and show homes. Click here to see the available babies. Click here to see the litters due. English Bulldogs are special. English Bulldogs are different. Those of us who have had English Bulldogs for several years still remember our first English Bulldog and how much we didn't know about English Bulldogs. All of the information below is from years of researching the English Bulldog on the internet, reading books and journals, and over 15 years of breeding and raising English Bulldogs. This information can be helpful in solving minor problems, but always consult your veterinarian before treating even the simplest problem with your English Bulldog. Like all babies, the English Bulldog puppy needs lots of love and cuddling, lots of rest and sleep, lots of good, nourishing food and more love and cuddling. Moving to a new home, leaving his dam and litter mates and the only humans your English Bulldog puppy has ever really known is a very traumatic experience for English Bulldog puppies, so try to make the move as easy as possible for your English Bulldog puppy. For the first couple of weeks, try not to change your English Bulldog puppy's life style if at all possible. Follow the English Bulldog breeders feeding routine. The same times, the same amount, the same brand of food, and the same supplements , if any. Feed your English Bulldog puppy in the same place at each meal. Be sure your English Bulldog puppy has a special area all his own for his bed. Give your English Bulldog puppy lots and lots of cuddling and petting. Please try to find a veterinarian that understands the English Bulldog, English Bulldogs are at a higher risk to anesthetize that snouted breeds so be sure that the veterinarian you have chosen is aware of this fact at least, try to only have your English Bulldog put under when absolutely necessary. English Bulldogs also have very shallow joint sockets and a veterinarian that is unfamiliar with English Bulldogs may not only misdiagnose joint problems but may also see you as a license to print money. Almost every English Bulldog will have a slightly elongated soft palate which is why they snore, so be aware - if your veterinarian informs you that he needs to resection the soft palate this may not be the case at all. English Bulldogs with severe soft palate problems will overheat easily, find it very difficult to cope with any form of exercise and may regurgitate their food. If there are other English Bulldog owners in your area ask them who they go to and at least ask your veterinarian what his English Bulldog experience is. When an English Bulldog puppy goes into a vets office, everybody in there flocks to you to get a closer look or to pet the English Bulldog puppy. Try not to make any drastic changes, gradual is better, and always try to make it a fun time for your English Bulldog puppy If you want to change the brand of puppy food your English Bulldog puppy is eating, the change should be slow and gradual. Substitute a small amount of the old food with the new brand and slowly increase the ratio of new to old until the old brand is completely replaced with the new. Here at My Baby Bullies health is our 1 goal. We give all of our Bulldogs NuVet Plus vitamin wafers everyday to insure that they are healthy. Our babies get all the protection from the time they are conceived to insure a healthy start in life. We strongly recommend that you continue giving the NuVet Plus vitamin wafers for the life of your new puppy. We feel so strongly about this product that we have incorporated it into our health guarantee! Most English Bulldog breeders feed a two to four month old English Bulldog puppy four times a day. At this age the dry food is usually softened with warm water. There are several good brands of puppy food on the market, if you are not satisfied with the food your English Bulldog puppy is eating, try another brand. You want a puppy food your English Bulldog puppy likes and which produces a nice coat, keeps your English Bulldog puppy round but not obese, and produces solid stools. You may feed your English Bulldog puppy on a set schedule, or have food available to him at all times. Your English Bulldog puppy will flourish under either regimen. The choice depends on which is more convenient for you. How much you feed him depends on the English Bulldog puppy. In most cases, a growing English Bulldog puppy which gets sufficient exercise should eat as much as it wants. If your English Bulldog puppy does become obese, you may need to regulate the amount he eats, but DO NOT put a growing English Bulldog puppy on a severely restricted diet unless it is supervised by a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about English Bulldog puppies. From four to six months an English Bulldog puppy's feeding regimen should remain the same but the number of feedings may be reduced to three. At about six months this number can be reduced to two. In most cases continue feeding the puppy as much as he wants. How often you feed an English Bulldog one year or more old depends on your preference and your English Bulldog. Most English Bulldogs do well on one meal a day. Some do better on two meals a day. You may prefer to feed in the morning or the evening. This is up to you. If you like it and your English Bulldog likes it, it's the right way. An English Bulldog usually eats puppy food until it is at least one year old. If your English Bulldog is thriving on puppy food and not getting to overweight, leave him on it until he is at least two years old. You can feed your English Bulldog puppy food all his life, if it agrees with him. Most English Bulldogs are changed from puppy to adult food at around twelve to eighteen months. It is best to change to the adult version of the puppy food you have been feeding your English Bulldog. It does not hurt your English Bulldog to change from one brand of dog food to another and then to another and so on as long as each change is done by gradually, substituting more and more of the new brand for the old. Never make a drastic change in his eating habits or in his food. If your English Bulldog is spayed or neutered or as it ages and becomes less active, you may need to start feeding a reduced calorie dog food to keep your English Bulldog from becoming too fat. Most good brands of dog food have a "lo-fat" reduced calorie version. Again, it's best if you stay with the same brand you've been feeding your English Bulldog and change to the "lo-fat" version. Whatever its age, your English Bulldog should have cool fresh water available at all times. The most common supplements are cottage cheese, yogurt and oil. Cottage cheese is especially good for growing English Bulldog puppies since the English Bulldog must grow a lot of heavy bone in a short time. Give your English Bulldog about a tablespoon per feeding. Yogurt helps to keep the digestive system of your English Bulldog working well, about a teaspoon per feeding. Oil helps to keep the coat and skin of your English Bulldog in good condition, about a teaspoon twice a day. All vegetable or canola oil is best - do not give your English Bulldog any oil which contains soybean oil. You may also give your English Bulldog a vitamin supplement. DO NOT over dose. If the directions say "one a day", two is not better. You may also give your English Bulldog a vitamin C tablet - units per day. Supplements to be very careful with are Vitamins E, D and A. Overdoses of these can cause trouble for your English Bulldog. If you plan to breed a female English Bulldog, vitamin B complex, including folic acid, is recommended, but again be careful not to overdose your English Bulldog. Treats for your English Bulldog should usually be dog treats without any soy. It won't hurt your English Bulldog to give him an occasional bite of meat, vegetables, fruit, soda crackers, ice cream, etc. We were shocked to say the least at where some manufactures get the ingredients used and we as consumers were poisoning our beloved animals. So to make sure we knew exactly what we were feeding our English Bulldogs we decided that we would cook for our English Bulldogs as well as our other pets! English Bulldog Equipment There are several things which will make life easier and more enjoyable for you and your English Bulldog. First in importance is a wire crate. This comes very close to being a necessity for English Bulldogs. It is much easier to house train an English Bulldog puppy if he sleeps in a crate. If you travel at all with your English Bulldog, he is more safe and happier riding in a crate. If you are staying overnight your English Bulldog has a place of his own to sleep in. It is just as important for your English Bulldog to be in a crate in the car as it is for you to wear your seat belt. If you do not have a crate, or one won't fit into your car, get your English Bulldog a dog safety car harness. English Bulldogs like to have a special "my place" so if you don't have a crate, try one, you and your English Bulldog will like it. If you travel with your English Bulldog you'll need a large insulated water jug so that you'll have "home" water available for him. A small water pan that hooks to the side of his crate is ideal for traveling. A rocking chair or a really comfortable big chair you can sit in and cuddle your new English Bulldog puppy, this makes for great bonding time with your new English Bulldog puppy. A food dish with straight sides and flat bottom. The best material is stainless steel - avoid plastic with English Bulldogs whenever possible. A water dish, stainless steel is best again for English Bulldogs. A collar and a lead. A light weight, small link "choke" collar is best for an English Bulldog puppy. It should be long enough to slip over the English Bulldog puppy's head with room to spare but should not have more than a six inch "tail" when around his neck. The English Bulldog puppy's first lead should be a light weight one, you'll need a strong leather lead as he grows into an adult English Bulldog. A grooming table makes brushing, nail trimming, whisker clipping, medication, etc. Start your English Bulldog puppy out young and he'll soon learn to stand still with his neck in the noose and your life will be much easier. A puppy pen. Even though you have a fenced yard, you may want to confine your English Bulldog puppy to or out of a particular area. Puppy pens are easily portable and very handy for keeping an English Bulldog puppy confined to a small area. They are especially useful for a winter English Bulldog puppy. You can put his bed in his crate, put the crate in a puppy pen and put his pee-pee pads in a corner of the pen. If you plan to exhibit your English Bulldog you will need a pair of whisker scissors. These are small, sharp, blunt end scissors which you can purchase from a pet store, a dog show vendor or a dog supply catalog. A good brush. You can use almost any brush on an English Bulldog but the best ones have flexible rubber bristles. You want one small enough to fit your hand comfortably. Lemon Juice- If your English Bulldog gets phlegm in his throat and chokes on it, a couple squirts of juice from the plastic lemon will help clear it out. Clear Eyes, Visine, etc. Aspirin- For minor aches and pains. Most English Bulldogs can tolerate aspirin but do not give any other human pain reliever such as Tylenol or Advil. Remember that the dosage for aspirin, like most pain relief medication, is based primarily on body weight. An English Bulldog should never be given more than one tablet at a time or more frequently than every twelve hours. Some English Bulldogs are allergic to aspirin, so only use aspirin under the advise and care of a veterinarian. Benadryl- Either capsule or liquid. Use this if the English bulldog is stung by a bee or other insect, and for minor English Bulldog allergies as recommended by your veterinarian. Panalog Ointment- A good all purpose ointment for minor English Bulldog skin afflictions. Also good for cleaning English Bulldog wrinkles, tail pockets and ears. Bag Balm- Also useful for minor English Bulldog skin afflictions. Pepto Bismol- For minor stomach upset of your English Bulldog. Q-tips- Use for applying medication and cleaning your English Bulldogs ears. Cotton balls- Use for applying medication, for cleaning and to keep the ears of your English Bulldog dry while bathing. Even English Bulldog puppies can tear a piece off the rawhide and choke on it. English Bulldog Puppies like knotted socks to shake and play tug of war with. They also like Nylabone and rubber toys. Many English Bulldog puppies like to play with balls, but be sure the ball is too big to lodge in the throat or be swallowed. Most English Bulldogs love the Kong toys, and you can fill them with treats and watch your English Bulldog play for hours. English Bulldog puppies like cotton tug toys but be careful not to let the stuffing of any toy be swallowed by your English Bulldog puppy. Some people give their English Bulldog puppies and adult English Bulldogs Choo-Hooves and English Bulldogs really like them, but be cautious with these. They are an "only when I can watch you" English Bulldog toy. The only real difference between the toys for an English Bulldog puppy and the toys for an adult English Bulldog is size. Always discard any toy that you think your English Bulldog might swallow! Your English Bulldog should be thoroughly brushed at least three times a week. Most English Bulldogs love to be brushed. Use a soft bristle or rubber brush. Start at the rear and brush against the hair. After you've brushed the entire English Bulldog against the grain, brush it with the grain. Follow this with a good rub down. During shedding time, spring and fall, you may need to brush your English Bulldog more often, give more frequent rubdowns. The idea is to remove the dead hair and distribute the natural oils produced by your English Bulldog. Bathing Your English Bulldog An English Bulldog that receives frequent brushings and rubdowns does not need frequent bathing. Most English Bulldog owners bathe their English Bulldogs when the dog is dirty - when it obviously needs a bath. Of course, if you are exhibiting your English Bulldog he needs a bath before he goes to the show. An English Bulldog in the show ring should be clean and well groomed. Where do you bathe an English Bulldog? Any place you want to and can! Some people have a big deep sink, some use the bath tub, some use the kitchen sink, in the summer some wash their English Bulldog on the lawn. I prefer the Booster Bath, your English Bulldog can walk right up the ramp which also doubles as a booster for puppies and saves your back from stooping down to bathe your English Bulldog. You need a place where you can control your English Bulldog, where you can easily control the water supply and where you can rinse your English Bulldog thoroughly and the Booster Bath provides all of this for you. It's a good idea, especially with a puppy, to take the dog outside to "potty" just before you bathe him. Gather up all the things you will need to bathe your English Bulldog before you start. You will need: a mild tear-free shampoo, any rinses you plan to use, cotton balls, Q-tips, eye ointment or mineral oil, Vaseline, wash cloth, and towels. Most use a special whitening shampoo for white English Bulldogs. You may on occasion need to use a flea shampoo but since these are quite harsh, don't use one on your English Bulldog unless you really need to. Put a couple of drops of mineral oil or a bit of eye ointment in the eyes of your English Bulldog and place a cotton ball securely in each ear before you wet your English Bulldog. Wet your English Bulldog thoroughly from just behind the ears to the tips of the toes on his hind legs. Be sure his underside of your English Bulldog is wet, too, not just the top and sides. Apply the shampoo starting at the neck of your English Bulldog and working back. Work the shampoo in to be sure you get all the way through the hair to the skin of your English Bulldog. Pay special attention to the paws of your English Bulldog wash between the toes , his tail clean all around the base , and the genital area. On a female, be especially careful to clean the vulva. Put some shampoo on the washcloth and wash your English Bulldog's face. Wash the wrinkles over the nose, on the forehead, around the nose and under the eyes. Wash his nose. Wash his ears, inside and out. Now rinse. Rinse until you are sure every bit of your English Bulldog, especially in the wrinkles and tight places, is thoroughly rinsed and there is no shampoo left any place. If you are applying a rinse to your English Bulldog, do it now, following the manufactures instructions. For a white English Bulldog, you can use a rinse of 4 Tbsp. Mix enough bluing into the water to get a darkish blue not black. Pour the bluing mixture over your white English Bulldog and work in with your fingertips. Do not rinse off the solution. Do not towel dry, let your white English bulldog drip dry. For red dogs, try VO5 Henna Conditioner. Dry your English Bulldog with towels. Take the cotton balls out of your English Bulldog's ears and clean any wax carefully using a dry Q-Tip or one with a dab of Panalog. Rub a dab of Vaseline onto his nose to help keep it soft. You can then let your English Bulldog air dry or use a hair dryer to finish the drying. It's best to keep the English Bulldog inside until it is completely dry - about two hours. English Bulldog Nails Most English Bulldogs need their nails cut on a regular basis - about every two weeks. The nails should be kept as short as possible on your English Bulldog. You may use dog nail clippers or an electric grinder. Most English Bulldog owners use the clippers, either guillotine or scissors type. Which type you use on your English Bulldog is up to you, but they should be sharp. When the blade begins to dull, replace it or buy new clippers - dull blades can be painful to your English Bulldog. Each English Bulldog owner seems to have a different way to clip nails. Find the way that works best for you. The important thing is to be able to control your English Bulldog so that you do not hurt it. A grooming table is probably the best way to control your English Bulldog. On white nails you can see where the quick begins. On black nails cut just to the curve of the nail. Clippers usually leave a rough edge, so a good dog nail file to smooth them off will work fine. If you use en electric grinder, be very, very careful not to grind into the quick. The main thing is to make the experience as pleasant as possible for your English bulldog so be really careful when cutting nails and don't cut into the quick. If your English Bulldog takes frequent walks on pavement or concrete sidewalks, it will usually wear the nails down, so again, be careful, there may not be very much nail to cut. Especially the black nails which seem to wear more than the white ones. English Bulldog Wrinkles English Bulldogs tend to have messy face wrinkles. The older your English Bulldog gets, the messier the wrinkles. How often you clean these wrinkles depends on your English Bulldog itself. Some English Bulldogs do very well if you clean the wrinkles a couple of times a week. Some English Bulldogs need it on a daily basis. When you clean the wrinkles, wash his nose and apply a good rub of Vaseline to keep it soft. It's better to clean your English Bulldog more often than you think you need to than not to clean your English Bulldog often enough. You can clean the wrinkles of your English Bulldog with a soft, damp cloth and then dry. Or you can wash them using the shampoo you use to bathe your English Bulldog. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry thoroughly. One of the best ways is to wipe the wrinkles of your English Bulldog clean is with Baby Wipes with lanolin and aloe. Whatever method you use to clean the wrinkles of your English Bulldog, be sure to get the deep nose wrinkle clean. You may need to put a soothing ointment in the deep nose wrinkle of some English Bulldogs. If it is irritated, Panalog will help to heal. Diaparene Ointment will soothe and dry the wrinkle, but this contains zinc oxide, so before you apply it to your English Bulldog, rub Vaseline into his nose. Allot of English Bulldogs have "tear stains" of varying degrees of color. If the stain is bad on your English Bulldog, in addition to cleaning you may want to try to remove the stain. There are many treatments out there and you may have to try several before you find one that works for you and your English Bulldog. You can make a paste of 1 Tbsp. Hydrogen Peroxide and enough corn starch to make a thin paste some English Bulldog owners add I Tbsp. Milk of Magnesia to the hydrogen peroxide and mix the cornstarch into that mixture. Apply to the tear stain on your English Bulldog, let it dry, and brush off the excess. Apply on a daily basis until the stain is gone from your English Bulldog, then weekly to keep stain from returning. Another method is to rub the stain with a cotton ball soaked in Boric Acid. Another remedy is rubbing a dab of Desitin into the stain to help keep it dry. Whatever you use be sure not to get it in the eyes of your English Bulldog. Fleas on your English Bulldog The best way to treat fleas on your English Bulldog is to prevent them. Some English Bulldogs are allergic to flea saliva and can develop really serious skin problems so try to keep your English Bulldog free of fleas. Frequent brushing of your English Bulldog is the first defense. Frequently changed bedding is very important. Flea collars are not very effective and many English Bulldogs cannot wear them. If you do use one, do not put one on a wet or damp English Bulldog and do not allow the English Bulldog to wear a wet collar this includes letting the English Bulldog out in the rain with its flea collar on. You may need to give your English Bulldog a bath with a good flea shampoo or use an anti-flea rinse when you bathe. The chemicals used in these shampoos are harsh and allot of English Bulldogs have sensitive skin so use them only when necessary and follow instructions carefully. There are various types of flea shampoos, dips, and sprays, since these really are medications, it's a good idea to at least begin with ones from your veterinarian or that have been specifically recommended by an experienced English Bulldog owner in your area. Avon Skin so Soft mixed in the rinse water of your English Bulldog is an effective, non-irritating flea deterrent used by several English Bulldog owners. You can also use the Skin so Soft mixed with an equal part of water in a spray bottle, or, if you feel that's a bit too strong, try two capfuls in a pint spray bottle. This will also help to repel mosquitoes and ticks from your English Bulldog. Above all else, a clean environment for your English Bulldog, especially his bed, is the best flea prevention. Bedding Bedding material used for English Bulldogs ranges from a wide variety of man-made materials to special dog beds of all types and prices. The most common bedding for an English Bulldog is cotton rugs or blankets which can be washed with ease. Don't pamper your English Bulldog with a wicker dog bed. An English Bulldog will destroy it with his massive jaws and it really isn't a good thing for an English Bulldog to eat. The fake sheepskin rugs available from most pet stores and dog catalogs make good beds for English Bulldogs as they are soft and wash and dry very easily. The important thing for bedding is that it be easily washable and provide a soft nesting area for your English Bulldog. French Bulldog puppies for sale in Raleigh, NC from trusted breeders. Feel free to call or email fluffyfrenchiesnc gmail. Available French Bulldog Frenchie puppies from Fluffy Frenchie NC Absolutely adorable looks with a loving nature are just some of the common traits that describe our Fluffy. For more information please call or text or on Facebook at Charli's Sweet Carolina Pups. Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate Puppy Agents from the moment they are born until they are ready to go to their new homes. Maleficent is brindle with a tight medium size build. He has a heavy build and a proven track record. They are known for their playful personality and the fact that they rarely bark. We are not a kennel and only have 1 to 2 litters per year. Thursday, February 11, We adopted Hazel Tessa on October 31, , and have been smitten ever since!! We have the knowledge and discipline to ensure that only the top lines enter our breeding program. At Premier Pups, our French Bulldog puppies and their parents go through extensive screening and health testing to ensure there are no health issues. All of our dogs are a part of our family. Our Puppies Click below to view our french bulldog puppies for sale in Raleigh, North Carolina, Also check back often to learn about our newest french bulldog litters. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we. They focus on breeding top-quality French Bulldogs that will find a loving home. Pricing is determined by the unique attributes of each particular puppy. A French Bulldog went down with the ship when the Titanic sunk. Are you interested in adding a Frenchie to your life? Ethical Frenchie Raleigh, NC. No deposit needed come give this boy a loving home. We are a small breeder in NC. It loves companionship and bonds with animals and families. Search for a French Bulldog puppy or dog. We have a beautiful blue and tan tri- color. Learn more puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Our focus is breeding exceptional French Bulldogs who stand out for their personalities and physical beauty. Until you pick up your puppies, we treat each puppy littler as members of our own family. Call or text Rain Tim. If later in the future allows, we will definitely do business again with them. Originally bred as mini-bulldogs in England, then. We are in Elizabeth City, NC. You're offered a very special boutique experience when using Uptown Puppies to get a puppy that will be specially transported to you. We are a small show kennel located in the Triangle area of North Carolina. On occasion we have companion puppies available for approved homes. French Bulldog Puppies. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do. These attributes include sex, temperament, coloring, and more importantly, breeder experience. French Bulldog Puppy in Youngstown A. We are a trustworthy, experienced, and ethical breeder of these. French Bulldog Puppies Near Me. The French Bulldog puppies for sale in North Carolina sold by the professional French Bulldog breeders in North Carolina and businesses in our network are treated with special care - care that doesn't come cheap. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. We work hard to ensure that our French Bulldog puppies not only get the best home, but also help a not so lucky puppy get basic care. Happy, Healthy Bloodline We strive on happy and healthy dogs. Here are our available Fluffy Frenchie puppies who are seeking their forever homes! Your dream Fluffy Frenchie is waiting for you! French Bulldog puppies for sale in North Carolina from trusted breeders. Thank you for visiting Adore French Bulldogs. We breed both standard color and blue Frenchies. French Bulldog Puppies for Sale. He is located in Hays Nc pickup only. French Bulldog puppies for sale in North Carolina from. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Find French Bulldog puppies for sale. Puppies are raised underfoot in my home, getting tons of handling, socialization and love. French Bulldog Puppy Breeder Contact. All of our Frenchies are AKC registered. Originally bred as mini-bulldogs in England, then brought to France, they have compact bodies, upright ears, and are the perfect partner for spending time at home. Our focus is the consistent improvement of the health, temperament, and confirmation of these wonderful dogs. Approximately 8 weeks after birth, your Frenchie comes home to you or you pick them up in North Carolina. Make sure you are not only choosing the right breed for you, but also that you're getting it from the right. The average price for these dogs can exceed 10k dollars. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Serious inquiries only! French Bulldogs for Sale in Winston. French Bulldog puppies for sale in North Carolina from …. Our Puppies Click below to view our. French Bulldog Puppies For Sale In North Carolina They are perfect for families with children and as companion dogs because they love human company and are extremely sociable. We've been breeding Bully Breeds since ; breeding is our hobby and passion! Blue merle female French bulldog puppy. French Bulldog Breeder in Raleigh, North Carolina, if you are looking for a French bulldog puppy for sale, Visit or contact us , Small operation, deliver nationwide. Our puppies are well socialized with other dogs and our children. We health test all of them along with a color DNA profile. Ethical French Bulldog Breeder. Breed French Bulldog Breed Info. While his owner survived, the dog did not. Tags: United States, Dog Breeds. These adorable and happy puppies also come with a year health guarantee. Breed: French Bulldog. Here at Premier Pups, we work hand in hand with the nation's top breeders to raise happy and healthy French Bulldog puppies. French Bulldog. 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The smushy-faced Frenchie is beloved worldwide as small, non-sporting city dog. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. She is a joy to have, Thank you! We work hard to ensure that our French Bulldog puppies not only get the best home, but also help a not so lucky puppy get basic care. We've been breeding Bully Breeds since ; breeding is our hobby and passion! Generally, dogs with a lower energy level may require at least 30 minutes per. Beautiful Fawn female. We are a small breeder of the fabulous French Bulldog located in North Carolina. We are a small breeder in NC. We are a small show kennel located in the Triangle area of North Carolina. The Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other. All of our dogs are a part of our family. Black and white chest Female 3 months old, up to date on vaccination , deworming will come with Full AKC registration ready to go. A French Bulldog went down with the ship when the Titanic sunk. These attributes include sex, temperament, coloring, and more importantly, breeder experience. Mom is a black pied carrier of blue. French Bulldog Puppies. Happy, Healthy Bloodline We strive on happy and healthy dogs. Breed: French Bulldog. French Bulldog puppies for sale in Raleigh, NC from trusted. We health test all of them along with a color DNA profile. She has nursed 1 litter, great mom and not spayed. French Bulldog Puppies For Sale In North Carolina They are perfect for families with children and as companion dogs because they love human company and are extremely sociable. He has a heavy build and a proven track record. Are you interested in adding a Frenchie to your life? On occasion we have companion puppies available for approved homes. Our Puppies Click below to view our french bulldog puppies for sale in Raleigh, North Carolina, Also check back often to learn about our newest french bulldog litters. Thank you for visiting Adore French Bulldogs. There's no set price for French Bulldog puppies for sale in North Carolina. Until you pick up your puppies, we treat each puppy littler as members of our own family. Our focus is breeding exceptional French Bulldogs who stand out for their personalities and physical beauty. Bulldogs of North Carolina. If we do not have what you are looking for, we can help you find it. Delivery and pick up available in all states. They focus on breeding top-quality French Bulldogs that will find a loving home. Winsome French Bulldogs is a small hobby breeder founded in Hendersonville that focuses on producing healthy and quality puppies. Our puppies are well socialized with other dogs and our children. We breed both standard color and blue Frenchies. Adore Frenchies. Search for a French Bulldog puppy or dog. The French Bulldog puppies for sale in North Carolina sold by the professional French Bulldog breeders in North Carolina and businesses in our network are treated with special care - care that doesn't come cheap. Originally bred as mini-bulldogs in England, then brought to France, they have compact bodies, upright ears, and are the perfect partner for spending time at home. Originally bred as mini-bulldogs in England, then brought to. Feel free to call or email fluffyfrenchiesnc gmail. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. They have had first shots and health check by a vet and have had regular dewormings. All of our Frenchies are AKC registered. Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate Puppy Agents from the moment they are born until they are ready to go to their new homes. Puppies are raised underfoot in my home, getting tons of handling, socialization and love. There is a blue fawn merle and a lilac merle to pick from. Check out our available puppies below. French Bulldog. We are not a kennel and only have 1 to 2 litters per year. Available French Bulldog Frenchie puppies from Fluffy Frenchie NC Absolutely adorable looks with a loving nature are just some of the common traits that describe our Fluffy. Bulldog Puppies for Sale in North Carolina. AKC registered But I prefer her to be in a pet home. French Bulldogs for Sale in Raleigh. French Bulldog puppies in Wilmington, NC tend to have low energy. Feel free to contact us for more information or to get on a waiting list for one of our upcoming litters. Learn more puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation. Our Puppies Click below to view our. Here are our available Fluffy. We have the knowledge and discipline to ensure that only the top lines enter our breeding program. French Bulldogs for Sale in Greensboro. French Bulldog Puppies for Sale. French Bulldog Puppies Near Me. Health screening is done on all dogs to ensure they have perfect health. French Bulldog Puppy in Youngstown A. She has a great temperament and loves attention. Health cleared of genetic diseases. French Bulldog Location Age Any. Here at Premier Pups, we work hand in hand with the nation's top breeders to raise happy and healthy French Bulldog puppies. This boy is awesome from his personality to his structure! Thursday, February 11, We adopted Hazel Tessa on October 31, , and have been smitten ever since!! Pricing is determined by the unique attributes of each particular puppy. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. French Bulldog Puppies For Sale. Our puppies are well socialized. French Bulldog puppies for sale in North Carolina from …. Ready for pick up, shipped or in person delivery to most states. You're offered a very special boutique experience when using Uptown Puppies to get a puppy that will be specially transported to you. They strive to produce quality dogs that are an excellent companion in their families. No health issues ready to go to a new home. They are known for their playful personality and the fact that they rarely bark. All of our dogs are a part of our family. We are not a kennel and only have 1 to 2 litters per year. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. French Bulldog Puppies For Sale. French Bulldog Location Age Any. There's no set price for French Bulldog puppies for sale in North Carolina. Our Puppies Click below to view our french bulldog puppies for sale in Raleigh, North Carolina, Also check back often to learn about our newest french bulldog litters. We are a small breeder in NC. Beautiful Fawn female. No health issues ready to go to a new home. All of our Frenchies are AKC registered. Here at Premier Pups, we work hand in hand with the nation's top breeders to raise happy and healthy French Bulldog puppies. French Bulldog Puppies. Pricing is determined by the unique attributes of each particular puppy. Here are our available Fluffy. Find French Bulldog puppies for sale. French Bulldog Puppies Near Me. We work hard to ensure that our French Bulldog puppies not only get the best home, but also help a not so lucky puppy get basic care. Ready for pick up, shipped or in person delivery to most states. Happy, Healthy Bloodline We strive on happy and healthy dogs. These attributes include sex, temperament, coloring, and more importantly, breeder experience. Feel free to call or email fluffyfrenchiesnc gmail. Our focus is breeding exceptional French Bulldogs who stand out for their personalities and physical beauty. Until you pick up your puppies, we treat each puppy littler as members of our own family. Are you interested in adding a Frenchie to your life? Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Here are our available Fluffy Frenchie puppies who are seeking their forever homes! Your dream Fluffy Frenchie is waiting for you! Health screening is done on all dogs to ensure they have perfect health. Thank you for visiting Adore French Bulldogs. French Bulldog puppies in Wilmington, NC tend to have low energy. They strive to produce quality dogs that are an excellent companion in their families. Our puppies are well socialized with other dogs and our children. They have had first shots and health check by a vet and have had regular dewormings. Generally, dogs with a lower energy level may require at least 30 minutes per. Black and white chest Female 3 months old, up to date on vaccination , deworming will come with Full AKC registration ready to go. Originally bred as mini-bulldogs in England, then brought to France, they have compact bodies, upright ears, and are the perfect partner for spending time at home. Breed: French Bulldog. You're offered a very special boutique experience when using Uptown Puppies to get a puppy that will be specially transported to you. She has nursed 1 litter, great mom and not spayed. Learn more puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation. Thursday, February 11, We adopted Hazel Tessa on October 31, , and have been smitten ever since!! Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate Puppy Agents from the moment they are born until they are ready to go to their new homes. AKC registered But I prefer her to be in a pet home. If we do not have what you are looking for, we can help you find it. French Bulldog puppies for sale in Winston. We've been breeding Bully Breeds since ; breeding is our hobby and passion! We health test all of them along with a color DNA profile. A French Bulldog went down with the ship when the Titanic sunk. On occasion we have companion puppies available for approved homes. French Bulldog. French Bulldogs for Sale in Charlotte. Adore Frenchies. The French Bulldog puppies for sale in North Carolina sold by the professional French Bulldog breeders in North Carolina and businesses in our network are treated with special care - care that doesn't come cheap. Search for a French Bulldog puppy or dog. French Bulldog puppies for sale in North Carolina from …. We have the knowledge and discipline to ensure that only the top lines enter our breeding program. Feel free to contact us for more information or to get on a waiting list for one of our upcoming litters. Our focus is the consistent improvement of the health, temperament, and confirmation of these wonderful dogs. She has a great temperament and loves attention. French Bulldog Puppies For Sale In North Carolina They are perfect for families with children and as companion dogs because they love human company and are extremely sociable. They focus on breeding top-quality French Bulldogs that will find a loving home. You can text or call me at for more information or for a. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. We are a small show kennel located in the Triangle area of North Carolina. She is a joy to have, Thank you! French Bulldog puppies for sale in Raleigh, NC from trusted …. Health cleared of genetic diseases. French Bulldogs for Sale in Raleigh. While his owner survived, the dog did not. There is a blue fawn merle and a lilac merle to pick from. French Bulldog puppies for sale in Raleigh, NC from trusted breeders. Puppies are raised underfoot in my home, getting tons of handling, socialization and love. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other. Originally bred as mini-bulldogs in England, then brought to. Winsome French Bulldogs is a small hobby breeder founded in Hendersonville that focuses on producing healthy and quality puppies. This boy is awesome from his personality to his structure! Our puppies are well socialized. We are a small breeder of the fabulous French Bulldog located in North Carolina. French Bulldog Puppy in Youngstown A. The Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible. Check out our available puppies below. He has a heavy build and a proven track record. Search for an English Bulldog puppy or dog. We are breeders of English Bulldogs in beautiful western North Carolina. All puppies go home paper trained, Vet checked, vaccinated, dewormed, with a health record, food. He is very playful and likes engagement. He enjoys going on walks and napping in the sun. Browse these English Bulldog rescues and shelters below. Availabulls All of our English bulldog puppies are currently reserved. Registered Valley Bulldog puppies. Champion bloodline comes with 3 generati. Both parents… English Bulldog Puppies .Fayetteville, North Carolina. We have a large network of trusted breeders and businesses offering NC puppies, with new and upcoming litters ready and waiting. How to get a puppy. CKC registered English bulldog puppies. Dogs and Puppies, English Bulldog. English Bulldog. Take a look at our new puppies and upcoming breedings pages. Bulldogs of English NC Breeding Bulldogs since , this kennel is a small family-run business that focuses on temperament, health, bloodlines, and structure. Check out " Puppies For Sale " Page at the top on the right. If you're interested in a puppy from PrimeCut Bulldogs, please apply. Find Bulldog puppies for sale. We are devoted full time with total dedication towards the development of healthy, top-quality AKC Bull Terrier puppies. We try to provide what we would buy for our own pets with each and every puppy having been introduced to life the way we would teach our children. You'll be asked to provide information about yourself and what you are looking for so the breeder can help you find the right match. Greensboro, North Carolina. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for English Bulldog puppies in Clinton, North Carolina. Our kennels offer purebred English Bulldogs only. Tags: English bulldog puppies Bulldog puppies english bulldog lilac chocolate tan points english bulldog bulldog puppy chocolate tri lilac tri English bulldog puppy. Buffalo Bulldog North Carolina. Location: Raleigh NC .North Carolina E-mail: seabreezebullies yahoo. Find English Bulldogs and puppies from North Carolina breeders. We have several colors available, including chocolate, blue, black, lilac, brindle, and tri-color. Check by email or phone for puppys or studd service. She is a joy to have, Thank you! Save this search and we'll notify you when they. They turned 9 weeks on Feb 18, They have actually currently been seen by our vet and was cleared with a clean bill of health. Adopt an English Bulldog near you in Havelock, North Carolina We don't see any English Bulldogs available for adoption right now, but new adoptable pets are added every day. They are good with children and make a great family pet. North Carolina Bulldog Rescue. PrimeCut Bulldogs in North Carolina. English Bulldog Puppies- white akc north carolina .English Bulldog puppies and dogs in Rockingham, North Carolina. Do you have puppies for sale in… For sure! Whether you're looking for puppies for sale in eastern NC, small dogs for sale in NC, or North Carolina puppies for sale in a city near you, we can help out. North Carolina Boxer Classifieds Hoobly. If you are looking for a perfect bulldogge, give us a call .We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Should be about lbs when full-grown. Find Bulldog puppies for sale Near North Carolina For a dog with such an unmistakable face — those chops, that brow! English Bulldog puppies for sale Select a Breed. Visit us in our home! Just 30 minutes north of Charlotte, NC. About Miniature English Bulldog. Only on3 now small white Maltese toy males left and ready for his new wonderful family ho. Hubert, NC Phone: E-mail:cheryl. For a dog with such an unmistakable face — those chops, that brow! They can vary in cost due to several factors: pedigree and lineage, champion bloodlines, colors, registration and breeding rights, level of training, and more. All puppies are brindle and white. Call or text Brian for more info at frenchiesofnorthcarolina frenchbulldog. Raised in a loving home with other dogs, a cat, and kids. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter .English Bulldog Puppies-. Once you apply, Melissa will get back to you about availability, pricing and next steps. If you are unable to find your Bulldog. We are committed to customer satisfaction. All Sugarplum Bulldogs puppies are from multi-champion AKC registered English Bulldog stock only and our pups are the real thing: adorable, short, wrinkly little butterballs of English bulldog cuddliness except they mature at lbs. They are very beautiful weeks old. English Bulldog puppies for sale are a popular choice for people looking for a gentle, friendly dog. Crystal Coast Bulldogs. The site for this kennel touts itself as a family-owned business that focuses on the health and betterment of the breed. Bulldog puppies for sale in North Carolina from trusted. Bulldog Puppies for Sale in North Carolina. Try a different search below! Search Now Search for an English Bulldog puppy or dog. They will have their first shots and vet check be the leave. Dogs in Asheville North Carolina. They still enjoy outdoor time, but are perfect partners for hanging at. English Bulldog Puppies in North Carolina. Expected adult weight lbs. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter 0. Learn more puppies available certified breeders Transportation Location. Find Bulldog puppies for saleNear North Carolina. At TarHeel Bulldogs, Our puppies are vet checked from head to tail, microchipped, vaccinated, and properly socialized. All puppies go home paper trained, Vet checked, vaccinated, dewormed, with a health record, food, a toy, a book on pugs, and a. Bulldog puppies for sale in North Carolina from trusted breeders. Call Morgan .She has had 2 litters both were surgical she good with kids and other dogs as long as they not Champion Shotta now open for stud! Lilac tri EB. Contact Information: My email address is viviankivett yahoo. Only one white toy Male Maltese puppy for sale left! Mary Linda Munday. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and. They still enjoy outdoor time, but are perfect partners for hanging at home. Shots are up to date, have been de-wormed. Puppies are priced at and are expected to arrive in July. Search Location: Raleigh, NC change. English Bulldog puppies and dogs in Mocksville, North Carolina. We have been raising and selling registered bulldogs for many years.

Articles Sit. Heal German Shepherd Hip Dysplasia Signs and Treatments Muscular, intelligent, and loyal, German shepherds are steadfast guardians and all-purpose workers. Highly trainable and obedient, German shepherds provide a range of services—excelling as show dogs and household companions, as well as military and search and rescue animals. Exuding confidence, this breed is royalty of the dog family. They are susceptible, however, to challenging hip and joint issues like hip dysplasia any time from puppyhood all the way through maturation. As with many large breed dogs, German shepherds are prone to canine hip dysplasia CHD , a dog skeletal condition that can be inherited or caused by a traumatic fracture or other environmental factors. CHD occurs from malformation of the ball and joint socket of one or both hips the hip joint is called the coxofemoral joint. If so, it maybe be because of breeding. The exaggerated hind leg angulation is often bred into the dog because of standards that dictate rear legs upper and lower thighs should come as close to a degree angle as possible. Along these same lines, a sloping back causes hindquarters to become more angulate and, thus, prone to lower back pain. These bent legs could point toward one of many health problems, one of which is hip dysplasia. Although irreversible, canine hip dysplasia can be monitored and treated to reduce chronic pain. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals , .The progression of it and the treatment options available depend on a number of factors, including the degree of misalignment and age of the dog. CHD has a range of signs, depending on the severity of the disease and degree of looseness in the joint. The severity also ranges from mild to extreme pain—some German shepherds even have to use a wheelchair. CHD Treatment Options Dog hip dysplasia surgery for severe cases in medium to large dogs can be expensive. If invasive surgery is not the best choice for your dog, look into non-surgical, conservative management options, such as dog leg braces, physical therapy, weight control, acupuncture, anti-inflammatories, and massage therapy. Ortho Dog specializes in flexible, adjustable, and affordable dog leg braces. Additionally, leg braces for hip dysplasia may slow the progression of this chronic issue. Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup? Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Below are four common disorders of the hip and joint commonly seen in this breed: Degenerative Myelopathy As a German shepherd owner, you have likely heard of the fatal, chronic, and progressive disease called degenerative myelopathy that is most prevalent in this breed. Typically apparent between the ages of , degenerative myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord and muscle coordination, ultimately leading to paralysis of the back legs within months. CHD shares several symptoms with early stages of degenerative myelopathy, including difficulty rising and jumping, and progressive weakness of hind limbs. As with any signs that something may be off with your dog, contact your veterinarian for a full exam. Canine Myasthenia Gravis A rare neuromuscular disease, canine myasthenia gravis is a disorder of the signal transmission between nerves and muscles, resulting in progressive muscle weakness, and fatigue with mild exercise. This disease is not typically confused with CHD because the signs tend to show up on the face more than the hindquarters. This incorrect movement can put a strain on their hips, which causes them to walk with an irregular gait. Our Hock Holder brace offers stabilization and support to the hock to help relieve stress. Osteoarthritis Most often seen in senior dogs, osteoarthritis is the inflammation of the hip joints due to cartilage deterioration. You may notice your dog moving a bit more slowly and having trouble with stairs. With less cartilage, bones can grind against each other and cause inflammation. Much like a human wearing a wrist or hand brace for arthritis, the Ortho Dog Hip Hound brace limits the movement of the joint, which helps with the pain. Crash At what age do German Shepherds start having hip problems? There is no specific age for hip problems. The signs of hip issues can be seen as early as 4 months of age. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are often seen. The inflammatory signs of hip displacement are visible depending on the size, nutrition, and management of your dog. Hip dysplasia German Shepherd signs There are different signs and symptoms which can tell that German Shepherds have bad hips. They are listed as follows: Reduced movement Challenge or refusal to walk , climb stairs, etc. Idiocy at the back Grip the joint while moving Deterioration of bone mass of lower leg The shoulder muscles are noticeably enlarged by compensating for the back end Distress Tips to Make German Shepherd Back Legs Stronger 1. Proper weight management German Shepherds who are overweight are more prone to hip dysplasia. Weight management is the key tool to help avoid hip dysplasia. Being overweight results in overburdening of the hind legs resulting in displacement. Proper exercise Use the appropriate exercises to strengthen the hind legs. It also results in proper contraction and relaxation of muscles attached to the bone. It also helps in the management of weight. Proper diet plan Always provide a proper diet for your German Shepherd. A proper diet is required for the proper growth of bones. Always consult a veterinarian, a dietitian, or a nutritionist for the formulation of a diet plan. Always provide a high-quality feed. Supplementation Supplements are always useful in maintaining issues related to hip dysplasia. The injured joints can be helped with supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin sulfate, collagen, and glucosamine. Physiotherapy Regular massage Massaging leg muscles is very helpful. Seek the help of a physiotherapist for regular massage. It helps in the reduction of pain and displacement issues related to the hip. Muscle strengthening and stability Adopt the techniques that are helpful in the stability and strengthening of muscles. Reduce injury chances Always monitor your German Shepherd while exercising. Exercise may result in injury. Always monitor and rush to the nearest vet if your German Shepherd undergoes some injury. Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy is a good strategy to fight the issues of hip dysplasia. It involves swimming. It is a safe method of exercise and the chances of injury are less. Distinct cushion A specific type of cushion is available for the support of hip joint and leg joints. It provides help against the stiffness and rigidity of muscles. It also helps against knee hygroma issues. Acupuncture Acupuncture is the latest technique in healing to avoid hip dysplasia and other joint issues. Different techniques are employed at different pressure points of the body. Surgical Intervention Always visit your veterinarian for surgical manipulation in case of displacement or any issue like that. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a disease that can impact the spinal cord of a German Shepherd. The initial signs of the disease are similar to canine arthritis or hip dysplasia, so it is often written off as a joint disease at first. However, the disease will eventually progress to knuckling of the back legs, severe lameness, and complete paralysis of the hind end. There is no treatment available for dogs with degenerative myelopathy, but strengthening the muscles in the hind legs is proven to slow the progression of the disease over time. This is why it is so important to keep your pup active over the years. Maintain A Healthy Weight Keeping your German Shepherd at a healthy weight is likely the most effective way to promote strength in their back legs. The extra pressure can lead to significant joint deterioration over time, especially if they are already experiencing the effects of arthritis or hip dysplasia. Obesity can even exacerbate these issues in dogs that may not have developed joint disease otherwise. When their joints are healthy, their back legs will naturally be stronger and more agile. The better your dog feels each day due to optimal nutrition, the easier it is for them to remain active. Keep Them Active Keeping your dog active is a wonderful way to help them build strength in their back end. Not only is a regular fitness routine essential in maintaining joint and muscle strength, but certain activities are known to improve back leg strength itself. Start Joint Supplements At 1 Year Due to how prone German Shepherds are to painful joint conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, starting joint supplements at 1 year of age can be extremely beneficial. Joint supplements are often most effective when they are used as a preventative measure rather than after joint disease has already developed, as they can help to promote joint strength as the years go by. One of the many symptoms of joint disease is weakness in the hind limbs, so preventing these conditions can ultimately promote back leg strength in the future. Joint disease can lead to significant deterioration of the joints when it is left untreated, so you will want to start a joint management plan from the moment they develop symptoms. By monitoring your German Shepherd for any signs of discomfort, you can establish a joint care plan early in the disease process. By doing so, you can hopefully prevent so much joint damage from coming. Popular Articles:. German Shepherds are very intelligent, loyal, and obedient. Originally bred for herding, modern-day German Shepherds work with police and search and rescue units across the world because they are task-oriented, curious, and creative. Like all dog breeds, German Shepherds are uniquely vulnerable to certain diseases. German Shepherds are more likely than dogs of other breeds to suffer from degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Over time, the weakness will get even worse. Your dog might struggle to get up, and, as the disease progresses, and your dog could lose bowel and urinary control. The dog might also struggle to get up because the disease causes muscles to atrophy. Dogs with degenerative myelopathy can become paralyzed by the disease. There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. But if your dog has the disease, you can take a few steps to reduce their suffering. Kinesiology tape has been used successfully to help dogs with degenerative myelopathy. And, because your German Shepherd will be spending more time sitting and lying down, they are at greater risk for bedsores. Clean and trim them often. German Shepherds that become partially paralyzed by degenerative myelopathy are good candidates for wheelchairs. Custom made dog wheelchairs by K9 Carts can help your dog stay mobile and preserve their quality of life. If your German Shepherd suffers from hip dysplasia, they will eventually develop joint pain, damaged cartilage, and arthritis. Hip dysplasia starts when your dog is a puppy, but it might not be noticeable until the dog is well into maturity. Dogs with hip dysplasia will show a reluctance to exercise, move slowly, and might favor one leg over another. Take your dog to the vet if you notice any of these symptoms. Hip dysplasia in German Shepherds can be treated and managed. Your dog can experience better quality of life through physical therapy or anti-inflammatory drugs if their case is not severe. They could require surgery. In extreme cases, the dog may need a wheelchair. Dilated Cardiomyopathy in German Shepherds German Shepherds, like other large dog breeds, are vulnerable to dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart disease. A heart affected by dilated cardiomyopathy is inefficient at pumping blood, and oxygenated blood is not adequately distributed through the body. The heart becomes enlarged, and its ventricular walls get thinner. In some cases, changes in heart rhythm will also be a result of the thinned chamber walls. Also, dilated cardiomyopathy can cause fluid to build up in the lungs. If your dog has dilated cardiomyopathy, they might tire easily, have trouble breathing, cough often, struggle to exercise, or suffer fainting spells. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian. Dilated cardiomyopathy can be fatal. It can be mitigated with certain drugs, like ACE inhibitors, but it is a chronic disease. However, if dilated cardiomyopathy is detected early, and the dog is medicated and managed property, it can still live for some time with a good quality of life. It does give you an idea of diseases you may not have heard of that could develop. And remember—if your dog has any of these diseases, they should be treated by a veterinarian. This is because German Shepherds are intentionally bred to have a steeper angulation to the hind legs. The AKC breed standards for the breed, require German Shepherds to have as close to a degree bend as possible in their hind legs. Unfortunately, this steep angle in the back leg makes German Shepherds more susceptible to back pain and hind leg problems. After years of wear and tear, this makes them prone to serious leg problems as they age. For instance, studies have shown that German Shepherds are five times more likely to develop dysplasia as compared to Labradors, Rottweilers, and Golden Retrievers. A brief overview of these medical conditions: Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy DM is a neurological disease that makes German Shepherds slowly lose control of their hind legs. In the end, the dog may lose control of the urinary and bowel functions, and paralysis is a serious possibility. DM typically occurs in older dogs of about eight years or older, although it may also occur at a younger age. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. However, there are ways to reduce the suffering of your GSD because the condition progresses gradually. Therefore, treatment options for DM are geared towards ensuring a better quality of life rather than curing it. Most dogs with degenerative myelopathy will lose the function of their hind legs within six months to two years of diagnosis. Although there is no cure, regular exercise has been shown to improve the quality of life for dogs with DM. As a result, the ball of the hip joint causes pain as it glides roughly against the socket. Signs of hip dysplasia include a wobbly gait, lameness, limping, a decreased range of motion, and pain while walking. The most common causes of hip dysplasia include genetics, leg trauma, and environmental factors. In extreme cases of hip dysplasia, the dog may lose the function of their back legs and require a wheelchair. Arthritis may also occur due to the pressure exerted on the hip joint by hip dysplasia. Since GSDs are prone to hind leg weakness, they are at an increased risk for severe arthritis. Dogs with bad hips and arthritic joints may change their gait and walk lower to the ground, causing German Shepherd legs to appear even more bent. Signs of arthritis in German Shepherds include lethargy, loss of muscle mass in the hind limbs, reluctance to run, jump, or go up a flight of stairs, and stiffness in the hind legs. Prevention of osteoarthritis through proper dieting, exercising, and joint supplements helps to reduce the onset of osteoarthritis. Once osteoarthritis begins, the treatment is geared towards pain reduction, reducing inflammation, and improving the quality of life. Since osteoarthritis is difficult to detect in symptoms until the affected joints are badly affected, it is crucial to keep up with regular wellness visits with your vet. The best way to prevent these diseases is through genetic testing and following good breeding standards. This is possible by checking with your breeder for the hip score regarding hip dysplasia and proper parent matching to avoid degenerative myelopathy. Diet It works wonders for humans, and it will work for your best friend too. Since this breed is already a large-sized breed and the effects of breeding may be unpredictable, maintaining an optimal weight and observing a healthy, balanced diet is a wise precautionary measure. Some of the important dietary options to provide include ample proteins, vitamin D, vitamin K and magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin E. You should also ensure that the dog food you buy for your German Shepherd is well-suited, with enough calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone development. Your vet may also prescribe bone and joint supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussels, and collagen if they are required. An obese or overweight will experience increased mobility challenges. Second, regular exercise, especially walking and swimming, is important. Lastly, consult your vet on supplements or medications that may slow down the progression of DM. In any case, for these medical conditions , keep an eye out for changes in movement and contact your vet if there are any concerns. Some common symptoms that your German Shepherd may show include a wobbly walk, slipping on the floor, sitting crooked, hips giving way, swelling, lesser muscle mass in the back legs, and having a shorter stride on the hind legs. Remember that most dogs will not express pain or discomfort at first, so it is up to you to spot the symptoms if they do appear — This is especially important for degenerative conditions because when it comes to treatment, the earlier, the better! Regular exercise Regular exercising does two important things for your German Shepherd. One, it strengthens the hind and front leg muscles, and two, it helps you spot changes in the performance of the hind legs. This is the sit-to-stand routine. In this routine, you start with your dog sitting in front of you. Then, you move back a bit and call the dog to you. When he follows, give a treat to keep his interest and, once again, sit him down. Repeat as many times as needed. Taking your dog on daily walks up and down a hill especially or having swimming sessions will also strengthen the leg muscles and help in managing the weight. Hydrotherapy is especially beneficial for dogs dealing with mobility issues. Canine massage relieves fatigue and tension in the hind leg muscles and helps to spot any unrelated pain that may be a sign of something to watch out for. How to massage your dog: Compress the muscle against the bone with your flat hand using both your palms and fingers. Glide your hand along his spine, following the lay of the fur. Apply semi-circular strokes on the muscular areas of the back legs. Using a support harness Sometimes, it is crucial to moderate the pressure that your shepherd applies to the back legs when he moves about. This is where the support harness comes in. A harness helps to remove some of the stress that the dog may be feeling when taking walks, for instance, until the muscles of the back legs are strong enough to take it. The use of the harness reduces the pressure placed on the bad back legs and makes it easier for your dog to walk. Keep them at a healthy weight and ensure they get plenty of exercise. Even if your GSD is battling a degenerative illness affecting his mobility, you can explore treatment and supportive methods that will enable a good quality of life. German shepherds are known as a very resilient and strong breed. Your dog will match and appreciate any effort you put into ensuring his good quality of life. Related Articles:. It seems that the more highly bred a dog is, the more likely they are to come down with DM. Diseases like this normally are self-destructive, that is to say either it will not breed true, or kills its recipient, before it can be passed on. Degenerative Myelopathy unfortunately appears to breed true, and can be seen to have infected German Shepherds, and then passed across the breeds to other large dogs. This is only my theory, but I cannot see how any other diagnosis fits all the known facts. Breeders know of this genetic fault and even though genetic testing is available, they have not failed to stop it being passed on. Irresponsible breeders will deny any knowledge of the disease. And even though DM is becoming more prevalent, some vets do not appear to be interested, although some have even had their own dogs come down with it. If you want to see just how massive this infection is, just run a search using either the full name or the initials Degenerative Myelopathy and see what results you get. Support Groups are thriving all over the Web, all offering advice, but none being of any constructive help. If humans were dying this fast, it would be considered a catastrophe, but each owner, living in their own little piece of hell, believes that their pet is just another casualty, and are unable or unwilling to see the greater picture. First Signs of Degenerative Myelopathy The best thing you can do as a pet parent is educate yourself so you can advocate for your dog and make sure they get the treatment they need. Hind Leg Cross Over: where the nerves scramble the signals to the rear legs, and the dog thinks that he is moving one leg when he is actually moving the opposite leg. Tripping: when one leg catches behind the other as the dog walks. Toe Down: where the foot or feet are curled under, and the dog rests his weight on the top of that foot. An easy test is to manually curl the foot under and place the upper surface on the ground. If the dog resets that foot, to immediately place it down correctly, no current problem. However, if it remains standing, just as you placed the foot, without resetting; then Degenerative Myelopathy is entering its obstructive phase. This led me on a search around the world, via the Web, to try and gain some understanding of exactly what he had and why. We first noticed changes in his gait about 2 years previously, when I noticed that he was scraping his rear legs every now and again. I thought that it was only his laziness, and now wished to God that it had been just that. He started getting grazes on his back feet, and we would treat each scrape and cure it, but as soon as we removed his sock s he would reinjure his paws. He was still able to leap into the car, up on the bed, pretty much wherever he wanted. As it happened, even if we had managed to get an earlier diagnosis, it would not have mattered or helped one iota. A year and a half later, Shane starting to drag his right rear leg, not badly, but sufficiently to catch the top of his foot and break the skin. We took him to our local vet, who had looked after him since he was a puppy. He did x-rays, found lesions on his spine, between his ribs and his pelvis. Just a small white mark around his lower spine. His diagnosis was Degenerative Myelopathy. Here I must say that Shane was the nicest natured dog we had ever had. He had no vices, was friends with everybody and as clean as you could ever want. When once he was caught out in the office and had to go, he even cleaned it all up, and of course was ill for a week afterwards. I tell you this, so that you will have some idea how this wicked disease affected him. Improving Mobility for a German Shepherd with DM His walks that he loved, became shorter and shorter as he tired quickly, and dragged his back feet more and more. We should have thought of a dog wheelchair sooner, but the progression of the disease caught us off guard. He suffered no pain from DM, and only yelped one time when he had overstrained his chest muscles, trying to pull himself along on his front legs. A short course of mg coated aspirin two night and morning for a couple of days fixed the pain, until it went away naturally. By now, being a really intelligent dog, he worked out that inside it was easier to stick his nearly useless back legs out sideways, and slide along on his butt, pulling himself with his front legs. To get up onto his daybed our couch he would move himself, as above, and then wait for someone to raise him onto his rear legs. After he put his front feet onto the couch, he would wait for me to lift his back end, as he moved forward to lay on his blanket. To go out, I bought a sling that went under his stomach, and he walked on his front legs with us lifting the back ones off the ground. At first when he reached his preferred spot, we could remove the sling and he would do his own thing, sometimes with my wife guiding him with his magnificent, but now almost useless tail. Finally, as winter approached, we had to support him with this tail, as the sling he being a male dog would be in the way. Dog Wheelchairs and Degenerative Myelopathy My wife and I had decided months before, that as long as his insides continued to be under his control, and he was happy being with us, we would continue to do everything we could to assist him in living. To this point he continued to have that control, and so we looked for a dog wheelchair to give him the exercise he lacked. The dog wheelchair arrived, and I assembled it. This part was easy, but the minor adjustments, to fit him comfortably took a week or so. We found that making small adjustments was the way to go, as some made things worse, and had to be immediately undone. Having finally found the correct height, length etc. In the end we found that we had to strike a happy medium. Even when correctly adjusted, pooping had to be accomplished by holding the top rear rail, and pulling back slightly, so as to draw his rear legs forward, and allow his rear end to face slightly downwards. Finally putting his tail over that rear bar, allowed him to poop cleanly and not soil himself. At first we found that the saddle tended to rub the inside of his crotch, but adding a piece of soft cotton sheeting, over the saddle and securing it in place by catching the four corners and pinning them together below, seemed to work fine. Any red spots could then be treated with talc and diaper cream, so allowing him to go for exercise every other day. I adjusted the dog wheelchair to place his rear feet flat on the ground, fitted them with boots to stop any damage from dragging. At first, each time it would take him a couple of steps before the rear legs started to work again, but once started they continued to do so for each walk period. I can still see him from behind galloping at full tilt, with his tail moving in circles. Stopping was another thing, but he managed to do so, by ceasing all leg movement and coming to a grinding halt. Not once did he manage to turn the dog wheelchair over, and had to be told when it was time to go home. Nothing was quite long enough. For those of you that are wondering about a dog wheelchair, I can tell you with no reservations that it was worth the price, even if only for a short while. The happiness that the wheelchair brought, far outweighed its cost. Normally, if allowed to continue to its final state, it moves forward to take either the front legs, lungs and heart to the brain. Most dogs or their owners do not let it proceed that far. And then came the day, he finally lost control of his bowels. We thought this over carefully and considered this an unfortunate mistake and moved on. However, we did note that when trying to poop, it became irregular, and that he would move forward whilst doing so. The Vet informed us that this was a sign that he could not feel how he was doing, and to expect a worsening in the coming weeks. Of course, it happened to him again, this time on his couch. Even though we reassured him, he looked depressed. Perhaps if he had been a less than sanitary dog, it might not have affected him that much. But my wife and I knew that finally he was really unhappy and prepared to make that decision. As I had done in the past, she remained with him, until he was finally asleep. My wife says she imagines them all running like the wind, through a field of long grass. Perhaps they will be there to meet us, finally when our time comes. We have decided that because of the prevalence of DM, we will not have any further dogs, Shepherds in particular but we are happily left with Sable II, an Australian Female Kelpie that came in from the cold, as a stray, almost 6 years ago. She did so because she fell in love with Shane, and has stayed with us ever since, but that again is a whole other story. This will gradually build their hind leg muscles. This forces your dog to put more strain on their back legs, helping to build muscle, and uneven surfaces help improve balance and exercise different muscles. This helps exercise their core muscles as well as their hind legs. This exercise helps to build hind leg muscles. Hydrotherapy is highly effective in building back leg muscles, and classes and facilities are available that specialize in this type of therapy for dogs with mobility issues. Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints and prevent injury. This popular joint supplement is often given to large dogs like German Shepherds. Green-Lipped Mussel: When combined with glucosamine and chondroitin, the green-lipped mussel can help reduce pain and maintain joint function in dogs with mobility issues. This supplement supports overall joint health and can help your German Shepherd feel more comfortable moving around. Fish Oil: Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve joint health. Vitamin E: Vitamin E can help improve muscle strength and reduce muscle damage. Last fall, Jedi was in bad shape. The two-year-old German Shepherd's health had waxed and waned for months. His owners and local veterinarian saw that Jedi was in pain and suffering from hind limb ataxia, meaning he was losing balance and coordination in his back legs. Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, mobility harnesses, and slings can provide support and improve mobility for German Shepherds with weak back legs. Recognizing Symptoms of Weak Hind Legs in German Shepherds German Shepherds are prone to hind leg weakness, which can be caused by various factors such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, and spinal cord issues. Limping Or Favoring One Leg: Your German Shepherd might limp or put more weight on one leg to compensate for the weakness in the other leg. Difficulty Standing Or Sitting: Struggling to stand up or sit down can indicate discomfort or weakness in the hind legs. Decreased Activity Levels: A decrease in interest in playing, going for walks, or heading outside may signify discomfort or weakness in the back legs. Swelling Or Pain In Joints: Swollen hips, stiffness in joints and legs, or signs of pain in the back legs can be indicators of an underlying issue affecting hind leg strength. Here are some common causes: 1. Arthritis: This degenerative joint disease can affect German Shepherds as they age. It can cause pain and stiffness in the hind legs, making it difficult for them to move around. This genetic condition can cause the hip joints to develop abnormally, leading to arthritis and hind leg weakness. It can be diagnosed through X-rays. Canine Degenerative Myelopathy: This progressive neurological disease affects the spinal cord and can cause hind leg weakness and paralysis. It is usually seen in older dogs. Diabetes: Diabetes can affect the nerves in the hind legs, leading to weakness and loss of coordination. Fibrocartilaginous Embolism: This spinal cord injury can occur when a piece of cartilage breaks off and blocks blood flow to the spinal cord. It can cause hind leg weakness and paralysis. Limited Mobility: Dogs that are overweight, have poor muscle tone, or have been inactive for an extended period of time may experience hind leg weakness due to limited mobility. To maintain them, provide proper nutrition, exercise, weight management, joint supplements, physiotherapy, injury prevention, and care, and consider alternative therapies or assistive devices if necessary. Common causes of hind leg weakness are arthritis, hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, diabetes, fibrocartilaginous embolism, and limited mobility. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect hind leg weakness. Some German Shepherds may begin showing signs of hip dysplasia as young as four months old, while others develop osteoarthritis as they age. However, in many cases, the signs of hip dysplasia become apparent once the dog is around two years old. To reduce the risk of hip dysplasia in offspring, ensure that only German Shepherds with healthy hips are bred. If you notice your German Shepherd whining when walking , limping, hesitating or showing reluctance when moving its back legs, it may have hip dysplasia. The first sign of pain in young dogs may appear as difficulty climbing stairs, jumping into a car, or exercising freely. If you suspect hip dysplasia, consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Yes, a German Shepherd can recover from hind leg weakness with proper treatment, exercise, and diet. Recovery depends on the underlying cause, and it is best to speak to a veterinarian for a plan of action. Justin Author Justin is a protection dog enthusiast. He has years of experience teaching and training dogs. Read More. Their back legs have much more of a bend to them. This puts a little extra on the back and a lot more than the usual strain on the back legs. As a result, many years down the line, the strain on the back legs can develop into more serious issues. Studies have shown, in fact, that one side-effect of this is that German Shepherds are five times more likely to develop hip dysplasia than many of the other large breeds, such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers. If you have an older dog, the leg weakness is likely something that has progressed over the years, but there may be other causes, such as diabetes. Your vet can run some tests to give you a conclusive diagnosis. Symptoms of Back Leg Weakness in German Shepherds As there are different causes for back leg weakness in German Shepherds, there are a number of different symptoms to consider. If you see one of the symptoms which we have listed below, a vet checkup is a good idea so that the root cause may be determined and treatment initiated as soon as possible. Lethargy Lethargy is a common first symptom, as your dog knows that their back legs are weaker and simply prefers to stay sitting or laying down. Watch to see if this occurs with a reluctance to rise or a wobbly gait — however brief — to see if this energy loss may be an early sign of back leg weakness. Poor Coordination Poor coordination is a definite red flag that your dog may be suffering from back leg weakness. Veterinarian Tammy Hunter, DVM, advises that dogs in this condition are prone to fall over easily when gently pushed from the side. Slipping on the floor quite often is another common way that this manifests and a definite warning sign. Decreased Motion Range Another early warning sign, a decreased range of motion may be indicative of developing back leg weakness, though this will sometimes manifest as well if your dog has simply strained their back muscles while playing frisbee or other games where they must jump and twist. Urinary and Bowel issues In the later stages of degenerative myelopathy, leg paralysis often occurs along with a loss of control of urination and the bowels. While this is more common in Shepherds over the age of 8, it can occasionally occur in younger Shepherds as well. Reduced Muscle mass Reduced muscle mass is a common symptom, which may be degenerative myelopathy or Osteoarthritis. It is a slow process and sometimes manageable by means of a harness or an exercise regimen which may be proscribed by your vet. They may walk a little more slowly or simply creep along with their bodies closer to the ground so that they have better control over their legs and where they are going. Leg Paralysis Leg paralysis is common towards the end of degenerative myelopathy and may possibly occur within 6 months to 2 years following a diagnosis of this condition. Shepherds were bred to have a degree bend in their back legs, and while this provides agility enhancement, it also makes them more vulnerable to certain conditions. The most common causes of back leg weakness have been listed below. Genetics Shepherds are prone to a number of medical conditions such as degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, and arthritis. Due to this, many prospective owners will ask their breeder for copies of the health history of the dam and the sire, along with X-rays of the hips and elbows of the parents and the puppy to determine the likelihood of certain conditions. Hip Dysplasia With hip dysplasia, the ball portion of the upper thighbone is not fully covered by the hip socket. This means that the hip joint may occasionally become dislocated either partially or, in some cases, completely, and as the ball of the hip joint meets the socket, it causes pain for the dog when moving. While this sometimes affects smaller dogs, it is much more common in larger breeds such as the German Shepherd. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a neural condition which some German Shepherds are prone to, and it manifests as the dog slowly losing control of their hind legs. Of note, veterinarians Ernest Ward and Tammy Hunter advise that a genetic mutation known as SOD-1 has been identified to be a major risk factor in developing Degenerative Myelopathy, but research is still continuing on this condition. As it is very hard to detect, Shepherd owners are advised to have regular vet checkups in order to increase the chances of detecting and managing conditions such as this early on. Subluxation Subluxation is a condition where one or more of the vertebrae in the spine have become misaligned. This often results in pain, along with a reduced range of motion, a wobbly gait, and similar conditions. While this is not genetic, some dogs are going to be more likely to develop this than others simply because the bone structure is inherited from the parents. Lumbosacral Stenosis Lumbosacral stenosis is a disease that sometimes afflicts German Shepherds, and it affects both the spinal cord and the nerves which are present where the pelvis and the spinal column meet. This is something that a dog may be born with, or it may develop, and it manifests with symptoms such as hind leg and tail weakness, incontinence, and pain. Treatment is available, typically in the form of medication or in more severe cases, in corrective surgery, Diabetes Diabetes is another common culprit when it comes to back leg weakness in many dogs, and one of the symptoms is weakened leg joints. Diagnosis of Back Leg Weakness in German Shepherds If you have noticed symptoms such as lethargy, weakness of the back limbs, or a poor lack of coordination, then you will want to make a list of the symptoms which you are seeing in your German Shepherd and schedule a vet appointment right away. Once you arrive, your vet is going to run a series of tests, both physical and neurological, to assess the root cause of the issue. Finally, imaging technology is employed to see if methods such as ultrasound or X-rays can locate any telltale abnormalities. At this point, your vet should have a full diagnosis so that treatment may be proscribed. Treatment of Back Leg Weakness in German Shepherds There are various treatments for back leg weakness in German Shepherds, depending on the root cause of the issue. The most common treatments for back leg weakness in German Shepherds are listed below. Chiropractic Care Chiropractic care may help to improve the quality of your Shepherds life and is often used in conjunction with medications for pain, along with joint supplements and other condition-specific pharmaceuticals designed to treat the root cause of the back leg weakness. Insulin In cases where the back leg weakness is caused by diabetes, then insulin may be administered to help to get diabetes in control, while medications are provided to help in pain management, and an exercise regimen is followed to return muscle mass and control to the hind legs of the dog. In this case, the dog has a very good chance of regaining full control of their hind legs, but your vet will be able to best advise what you should expect. Support Harness Along with pain management and chiropractic care, a support harness is commonly proscribed for German Shepherds suffering from back leg weakness to give them better control of their mobility and help exercise the atrophied muscles if their specific condition is conducive to this. In severe cases where full paralysis of the back legs occurs, then a wheelchair may be used in place of the support harness to allow the dog limited mobility when exercise and a support harness is not an option. Cold Laser Therapy With conditions such as subluxation, newer treatments such as cold laser therapy may be an option. In a specific case, a 7-year-old German Shepherd suffering from subluxation was able to have the condition corrected through a combination of regular chiropractic care used in conjunction with cold laser therapy. Many veterinary clinics have started to offer this innovative treatment, but you will need to check with your vet to see if this is a viable option based on the root cause of the back leg weakness. To this effect, a veterinarian can customize a pain regimen that can help your dog remain more comfortable if further treatment is simply not an option. Surgery Some conditions, such as Lumbosacral Stenosis, may be treated by means of corrective surgery, but this is one specific condition where corrective surgery may be an option. Most commonly, this type of surgery is only going to be employed in the most difficult cases where medication is an insufficient means of managing the issue. As this condition is severe, in either case, the dog will need to be confined for periods of 4 to 10 weeks for monitoring and treatment. Recovery of Back Leg Weakness in German Shepherds Recovery options for a German Shepherd showing signs of back leg weakness will vary, but generally, they will include pain management along with treatments such as chiropractic care, use of a support harness to help to rebuild atrophied muscles, or with diabetes, it could be insulin and a custom exercise regimen designed to rebuild muscle mass. In cases like degenerative myelopathy, a cure is not an option, and treatment will be more geared towards making your dog more comfortable as the condition worsens. Not all back leg weakness will be DM, however, and conditions such as lumbosacral stenosis are treatable with medication and surgery during an isolation period of 4 to 10 weeks. With conditions like Osteoarthritis, joint supplements and pain medication can help your dog live a more normal life with their condition. New treatments such as cold laser therapy are also available and may be proscribed. Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer! Website such as veterinary network TPLO advises that regular walks, in addition to a healthy diet and joint supplements, can help in the treatment and prevention of back leg weakness in older dogs. A large part of this is genetic, as Shepherds were bred to have a more pronounced bend in their back legs, and over time, this leads to additional strain on the back and the legs. Shepherds are prone to conditions such as degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, Osteoarthritis, and more, so it is vital that you ensure that your Shepherd has a healthy diet, along with plenty of exercise and joint supplements are also a good idea. Finally, be sure to bring your dog in for regular checkups, as conditions like Osteoarthritis can be difficult to spot without veterinary assistance — early diagnosis is always best and offers the best chances of treatment and proper management. Related Posts:. If one breaks down the name of the disease it describes what happens with the disease. Degeneration refers to a breaking down or deterioration of something. In this case the spinal cord. Degenerative Myelopathy is a debilitating condition for which there is no cure but only the potential to slow down the progress. The occurs typically in older German Shepherd Dogs. The average age at which clinical signs start and progress is from 8 to 12 years of age. This is not a condition with rapid onset but instead is slowly progressive with clinical signs worsening with time. Degenerative myelopathy starts out as a very slowly progressive hind limb weakness and loss of function of the back legs called paresis. It is commonly confused with hip pain because the symptoms can mimic hip dysplasia, another debilitating condition with a high incidence in German Shepherds. The condition is the result of a demyelination loss of protective cover and nerve degeneration of the spinal cord in the region of the mid to hind back. This degeneration is something referred to as an ascending lesion meaning that it starts at the tail end of the spinal cord and works its way towards the head. The underlying cause of the disease is thought to be a genetic mutation change of the SOD1 gene. This gene is responsible for the protection of cells against certain particles that damage the DNA of cells. The name given to the damaging particles are free radicles. Under normal circumstances the SOD1 gene produces a free radicle scavenger i. The way in which the defect is inherited determines whether a particular dog is at a high risk of getting the disease or if they are a carrier of the genetic mutation without showing clinical signs. An individual dog has to carry 2 copies of the mutation in the genes of the cells of their bodies for it to cause the disease. There is no sex predilection, so male or female dogs may be affected equally. What is interesting about the disease is that even if an individual dog has both copies of the mutated gene and they are at very high risk of developing the disease, there are still other factors that influence whether or not they do contract the disease and to what extent they do. As mentioned previously this a slowly progressive condition that has a time frame of about 3 years before severe debilitating disease sets in. The clinical signs noticed in dogs include the following: After 6 to 12 months of contracting the disease, you will notice weakness and partial loss of function of the back legs. Your dog may seem weak and wobbly on the back legs and they may struggle to get up or be slower to get up that what they used to be. When they run, their back legs may sway abnormally. After 9 to 18 months on contracting the disease, the back legs start to get even weaker and collapse under the dog from time to time. If one assesses the reflexes in the back legs like the patella reflex, you will find that they are abnormal and weakened. After 12 to 24 months of contracting the disease, the front legs start to become affected and you may notice that your dog starts losing their normal co-ordination and function. By this point, the hind legs are very weak and your dog may struggle to stand and use their legs correctly. Unfortunately, the nerve degeneration also influences bladder and bowel control and they will start to urinate and defecate involuntarily. This is known as urine and faecal incontinence. After 24 to 36 month of contracting the disease, and if the dog was able to come this far and still cope with the disease, they develop tetraplegia or quadriplegia which is a paralysis that causes partial or total loss of use of all their limbs and body. The loss is usually sensory and motor, which means that both sensation and control are lost, or put a different way, the dog does not know where its legs are and even if they did, they do not have the ability to correct it. Clearly a very unhappy situation. The way in which this condition is diagnosed by the vet is through a number of tests as well as the typical clinical signs and also the breed of your dog. These, together with the thorough history of the condition, should provide the veterinarian with some very important clues to what is going on with your dog. The important diseases or differential diagnoses to rule out are spinal disc disease like a slipped disc and conditions affecting the lower part of the spine where the hips meet the spine, like hip dysplasia or joint disease. The biggest difference with degenerative myelopathy and the other conditions is that degenerative myelopathy is painless because it is the loss of sensation and function which underlies this disease. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment available. Certain supplements can be used in an attempt to slow down the condition, such as vitamin E and aminocaproic acid. The vitamin E is an essential vitamin which helps various systems in the body to protect it from these damaging free radicles. The aminocaproic acid is an agent used to prevent the breakdown of clots in the bloodstream. Antibodies in the bloodstream attach to the foreign material within the bloodstream forming complexes and these stimulate a response from the immune system. These complexes are usually removed by the liver and spleen. Sometimes they can stick to the walls of blood vessels, damage the walls and stimulate the formation of blood clots. The breakdown of these clots are associated with inflammation and this may result in damage to the surrounding tissues, so-called collateral damage. If this happens in the sensitive tissues of the spinal cord, the damage is devastating because the nervous tissue is not able to regenerate and repair itself. The thinking behind using aminocaproic acid is to inhibit clot breakdown in these delicate tissues. Lastly and most importantly, the most effective treatment for this condition and the only one proven to actually slow down the progress is the use of physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Another key factor is, the sooner the dog is diagnosed and treatment started, the better the progress of the disease can be slowed, and the more time the vet can give you with your dog. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that eventually, the disease will lead to complete paralysis and eventually, in most cases, euthanasia. Genetic disorders like degenerative myelopathy can only be prevented by not breeding with animals where there is a family history of the disease. Make sure if you buy a puppy, that you get references on a breeder before you buy.

Country Life June 21, This picture could only be improved if the puppies were using their paws to cover ears, eyes and mouth respectively.But, well, you can't have everything. Credit: Alamy If you're after a labrador — aka 'the world's favourite dog' — you'll need to take some expert advice. It is one of the most versatile breeds, capable of working in search and rescue, as a guide dog, in medical detection, as a sniffer or assistance dog and in the theatre of war. Labrador tips from the experts Go to a specialist breeder, so that you can see the different generations of a breeding line. Make temperament, not sex, your overriding factor when choosing. As soon as your puppy wakes up, take it outside. When introducing the labrador to a lead, walk it with an older dog. A yellow Labrador puppy. Possible labrador problems to look out for Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, causing the abnormal development of the hip socket, resulting in pain and lameness. Listen for a popping sound when the dog walks, and look for reluctance to use stairs, as well as sensitivity when you touch the hindquarters. Labradors can also be prone to retinal dysplasia, an inherited condition that affects labradors used for field work, and results in their developing blind spots. Generally, the dog can work around this by changing head position. Reputable breeders will be able to show certification that the dog has no eye conditions, which you should ask to see when buying a dog. Head and skull: Skull broad with defined stop; clean-cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snippy. Nose wide, nostrils well developed. Eyes: Medium size, expressing intelligence; brown or hazel. Ears: Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back. Mouth: Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Coat: Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat. No need to scroll down: we can confirm that the Golden Retriever is indeed on the list below. Credit: Alamy Which is the more popular spaniel, the springer or the cocker? Shooting Times's David Tomlinson weighs up the pros and Close up of dog. Credit: Getty Images With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its Credit: Getty As the dog world prepares for Crufts , we take a look at the breed of dog which has been A sprocker spaniel Picture: Alamy Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged Related. Your breeder should be concerned with breeding healthy dogs, rather than focused primarily on selling them. Visit a potential breeder and observe his interactions with his dogs; they should be friendly and relaxed. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Look for breeders who are registered with national organizations such as the American Kennel Club [3] X Research source or with breed-specific organizations such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Ask the breeder why these two particular dogs were bred. If they have had other litters, ask for references from people who bought those puppies. If you want a gun dog, don't choose a breeder who primarily raises cuddly pets or award-winning show dogs. These breeders will be able to assess puppies more accurately for the qualities you're seeking. Look for quantifiable measures. For example, select breeders with litters from parents who have hunt test or field trial scores if you want a puppy who will grow into a good hunting dog. These are organizations that work to find homes for Labradors who need a good home. While these organizations often have many adult and even senior dogs who need homes, they also place puppies. Charities or non-profits may offer Labrador puppies for auction as a means of raising funds. Because these auctions are often conducted without appropriate legal oversight and because they encourage rash decisions about pet ownership, they are opposed by groups such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. That sweet ball of fluff who will be your walking buddy, later snuggling up on the couch together. After all, your pup will probably be with you for a dozen years or more. So he has to be a great fit. It should never be a hasty decision. But it should also be FUN! That brings us to the question: how to choose the perfect puppy? Read on! You picture fun romps in the field, playing frisbee, and showing little Max off to all of your friends. But before getting a puppy, there are so many practical things to review in deciding whether to even get a puppy. My first dog as an adult was a shih tzu named Cuddles. My husband and I had discussed getting a dog for a while. We both worked and knew that the pup would take up a lot of time. Not to mention the expenses associated with a dog. But I saw the little gold and white week-old ball of fluff and was smitten. Luckily, I had a family member who could take her out to potty and exercise her during the day. In choosing your new pup, the following considerations are important. Are You Active or a Couch Potato? Can You Afford a Puppy? A puppy is more than the initial purchase. That can be a drop in the bucket compared with the lifetime costs of owning a dog. There are bills for: food and treats; chews; vets; crates ; beds; collars, harnesses, and leashes; training classes; dog walkers; dog daycare; pet insurance; enzymatic cleaners ; grooming—and more. These can really add up. You may decide not to get pet health insurance and not need pet walkers or doggie daycare, but expenses can really add up over the years. Do You Have Children? Children and pets can be a great match. You want to make sure that you choose the right canine. A toy breed may not be the right choice for a toddler. A tiny dog may inadvertently be injured by such a young child. We raised puppies for years before we had kids so we had a good idea of expectations for our puppy. If you have very young kids a rambunctious Lab may not be the right choice. Do You Have Other Pets? You need to take into consideration any other pets you have. If you have a senior dog, for example, a young puppy may not be a great choice. Are you gone too many hours to take care of a puppy? A friend of mine who works hour days decided not to get a puppy. The pup would have been alone too long. A puppy needs attention and potty breaks. Of course we need to work. You may be able to have someone come in and exercise, feed, and potty the pup. And give him attention during the day. As I discussed, you may need help with the new puppy. If you have reliable relatives or friends who can regularly help out, it can make getting a puppy much more realistic. Or you can hire pet sitters or walkers to help out. If you live in small quarters, a large, rambunctious breed may not be best. As young puppies, goldens can be wild, even inside. Of course, with a sufficient amount of mental stimulation and physical exercise, you can make it work. After Dalmations came out, everyone wanted one. Dalmations are high-drive, independent dogs. I was called to work with a family who got a Dalmation puppy that was wrecking their house. The minute walk the pup was getting was just a warm-up for the dog. We set up an exercise and training program for the puppy and the family was able to keep him. Do your research. The American Kennel Club lists purebred dogs and their needs and health profiles. Before choosing a certain breed, consider the following. Large or Small? You should have an idea what size dog you want. Conversely, if you want a frisbee or jogging partner, a chihuahua would be a bad choice. Why Do You Want a Dog? This may seem like a silly question. Most people want a dog for companionship. But you may have additional things in mind. You may want a jogging partner. Or a dog to do therapy work with. Or to show in obedience. Grooming Needs Would you love spending time every day brushing and combing a dog? Exercise Needs As you know, some breeds need a lot of exercise. We also do obedience training and she plays with puzzle toys. Lifespan Of course we want our pups to live forever. But some breeds generally live longer than others. Generally, larger—especially giant breeds—have shorter lives than their smaller counterparts. Friendliness or Independence Of course within any breed and litter you can have a wide array of personalities. But there are certain breed characteristics that can help guide your choice of which breed you want. I have dogs at both ends of the spectrum. My golden retriever Riley loves everyone and would do great in any setting. But my Lhasa apso Ralphie—true to breed—is more discriminating when making friends. So Riley would be great with well-behaved children and would love to be hugged by them. Health Problems Any dog can have unforeseeable health problems. But some breeds are likely to have more health problems than others. For example, bulldogs, pekingese, and pugs are among the breeds that are more likely to have breathing problems and overheat. Breed Types Of course there are many breeds and mixes to choose from. If you get your dog from a breeder, consider what lines your puppy comes from. If from working lines, the dog will likely be more intense than if from show lines. All of the below classes of dogs can make great companions in the right setting. Herding dogs were bred to herd, of course. Popular examples are border collies, Australian shepherds, and Shetland sheepdogs. Generally, they require more exercise than some breeds like toy breeds. And they may become destructive if left to their own devices. Also, some bark excessively and may not be good in an apartment setting. Sporting dogs were bred to hunt. They have a lot of energy and need regular, invigorating exercise. Popular examples are golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, and cocker spaniels. Just like other working-type dogs, hounds have almost limitless energy. So attention to you may be an issue. Also, some bay when excited. Popular examples are beagles, dachshunds, and greyhounds. Dogs from the working group are alert, intelligent, strong, and bred to work with people to perform various tasks. Some were bred to guard property, to pull sleds, or to perform water rescue. Some popular examples are Doberman pinschers, huskies, and rottweilers. They require not only exercise and precise training so that their natural instincts are kept in check. Terriers are feisty and energetic and vary greatly in size. They were bred to hunt and kill vermin, So a squirrel they see on their walk will be very alluring to them—and, without training, they may almost pull you off your feet trying to get to it. Some popular examples are Parson Russell terriers, Staffordshire terriers, or West Highland whirte terriers. Pit bulls which is a generic name for many types of terriers are also in this group. Toy breeds were generally bred as amiable companions. They may make great lap dogs and have big personalities despite their small stature. Shih tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire terriers, and chihuahuas are some very popular examples. Nonsporting group dogs are a catch-all group with various sizes and personalities. Some popular examples are bulldogs, French bulldogs, bichon frise. There are so many options. You may want a certain breed. So a breeder or rescue of that breed should meet your needs. Just make sure that the breeder is a good one. Good breeders do so to improve their breed. Bad ones care only about making money. They do any necessary health certifications. They put a lot of time into their litters socializing them to new experiences and people. Good breeders are invested in their litters and will help you choose the right puppy for you. They stand behind their dogs for life and will readily answer your questions and take the dog back if you need to give him up. You can get referrals to such breeders through breed clubs, dog clubs, and resources such as the American Kennel Club. A reputable, good breeder also will have questions for you regarding your family, work, home, activity level, and reason why you want a dog or their breed. The pups will also have been checked by a veterinarian and been given the appropriate vaccinations for their age. There are also breed rescues that rehome dogs of their chosen breed. However, they rarely have puppies. Shelters and rescue groups can also be great places to get a puppy. Many use foster homes, where a puppy or litter of puppies are located. Foster parents get to know the puppies and can help determine whether any particular puppy is a good fit for you. Many rescue groups try to place a puppy in the best home possible. When I adopted my Aussie mix puppy Mille, the rescue group would adopt her out only to people who had experience with herding breeds. Many shelters are first come-first served. In order to place as many dogs as possible, they will adopt out a puppy to the first person who wants him—barring any obvious reason not to. How to Choose a Puppy from a Litter There are many tests that can be given to determine whether a puppy is a good fit. This assumes you have a litter to choose from. There is a range of temperaments and personalities in each litter, No puppy may perfectly meet every test below. But look at the big picture. So, in addition to your own observations, you can bring a friend along to have another opinion about the litter. Or you could hire a trainer to help you choose. Overall, as a companion, a middle-of-the-road dog usually works out best. Also, a reputable breeder or good rescue group or shelter who knows the puppy can help guide you in making your decision. See the Mother and Littermates If you can, watch the puppy and his littermates and mother interact. The puppy you choose should be able to take a proper correction and back off then re-engage. The breeder should have the mother available. Check Out the Puppy The puppy should look healthy and alert, not lethargic. Inspect his coat and skin. He should be well-fed with a little fat around his rib cage. The pup should run and walk normally, without a limp. A puppy should engage with people and be curious, not slink away or cower. A scared puppy will probably be more difficult to socialize and train. Will he follow you if you walk away? Clap your hands and make a kiss sound. Will he come towards you or run for the hills? Hold Puppy on His Back Hold him on his back for about 30 seconds. Ideally, he should briefly struggle and relax. When I had two sheltie puppies to choose from and one fought constantly when held and the other struggled briefly, then settled, I chose the latter. I had already gotten another dog from this great breeder. I wanted a dog who was a companion but who I also wanted to show in competitive obedience. My choice turned out to be the right one. Duffy was a great dog to live with and became a nationally-ranked obedience dog. He also did agility for fun and was a therapy dog who visited a hospital on a weekly basis. Hold the puppy and touch and gently open his mouth. Look in and gently rub his ears. .Gently touch each paw, even putting slight pressure on them. The puppy should be comfortable with these activities. He may slightly struggle. But a puppy who really fights against such touching, even to the point of mouthing or growling may turn out to be difficult to groom, handle, and pet. Pet the dog calmly from head to toe. He should enjoy it and relax. Pick the Puppies Up If you hold each puppy around the middle, ideally he would be relaxed and not struggle. Also, cradle the puppy up against you. Ideally, he should relax and like the attention. He may startle at first but should rebound and even go and check out what made the noise. Social Dominance Fall to the ground at least a few feet away from the puppy. He should want to come over and see what happened. Even if you like the look of a certain puppy, he may not be the right puppy for you. Consider the above factors as well as the following when choosing a puppy. The dogs live in rabbit-type hutches or dark barns. They receive no proper socialization, vet care, or human contact. There are also small back-yard breeders which, essentially, are puppy mills on a smaller scale. The mothers are bred at each heat and have horrible lives. Dogs sold in pet shops and through the internet usually come from them. Of course, do your own research because no one will admit they are a puppy mill. But two puppies may bond too much with each other. And to train, socialize, and exercise each puppy requires a lot of time, energy, and money. The dogs in shows have been highly trained and specially selected for their jobs. Then pick a great breeder, rescue, or shelter. Final Thoughts Getting a new puppy is such an exciting time! Do you have a puppy? How did you decide to choose him? Please let us know 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. I had wanted a female red lab, none were available. A trainer near me was getting a second dog from a renowned breeder in Ireland and she asked if he had a puppy for diabetic service dog work. Both her pup and my pup flew over from Ireland together. A pup with a desire to work, a willingness to please, and a calm demeaner. I received a cute ball of fluff, a male yellow lab pup with red ears and red highlights. A good breeder is able to match you with a dog that will meet your needs, give them all the information you can. I never met the breeder, but my pup arrived at 10 weeks old already already on his way to being well socialized, exposed to sounds, not nervous, liked the vacuum, fireworks are not a problem, loves the motorcycle sounds, handled all sorts of traffic noise at 3 months. We started his public training at 3 months old and he handled it like a champ. I had to buy a motorcycle with a sidecar as he always wanted to go out when the bikes were started up, so at 9 months he was in the sidecar with Rex Specs goggles. Did I mention he loves to travel and meet me people, when his tail wags which is all the time his whole body wags. Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. I am new to this forum so should introduce myself. As you can imagine its left an uneasy quietness to the house so we are looking for her successor In our home its my wife, myself and our 8 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. He says he breeds only for good disposition only as any good breeder should and our quick meeting with parents it looked to be accurate. The dad was in a large outdoor kennel and looked to be very friendly. She did a quick snarl when we first got near which I have to give a pass as i'm sure she's just being protective, right? After the breeder told her its OK she calmed right down. Anyways, there are 4 females that we get first pick of when we go back. Of course training and exercise play a huge role in this so that we'll have covered. Does it still hold true that when you are looking at the liter to see which ones come to you and let you hold them on their back and settle after a short period to determine good nature rather than overly squirmy? Such a big decision i just wanted to make sure we do this right. We were so spoiled with our last pup its hard to compare! Tweet on Twitter Buying your first dog can be a life changing decision. Choosing the right dog will help to ensure that your life changes in a good way. There are some wise precautions you might like to consider before viewing any litter of Labrador puppies. Or choosing which one to bring home with you. Buying a Puppy from a Friend It is often tempting to buy a puppy in an opportunistic moment of enthusiasm. Perhaps because you happen to hear of a friend who has a litter that will be ready to go to their new homes soon. Or a neighbour who has a gorgeous litter of puppies that you fall in love with when you pop over to admire. But the puppy that lives just around the corner, and the puppy that is going to bring you years of pleasure, may be two very different things. It is a really good idea to put your sensible hat on at times like these, and to approach the whole business of selecting your puppy in business-like way. The first decision to make is to choose what type of Labrador you wish to end up with. Which characteristics are most important to you, and will help him to fit into your family best. Choosing a Working or Show dog? Those bred for work, and those bred for the show ring. The working bred dog is generally very responsive and easy to train. But he may also fall short of what you expect in appearance. If you are hoping to get involved in gundog fieldwork, or agility at some point it is important to purchase a field or working bred labrador. Of course choosing a dog is so much more than just weighing up the pros and cons. There are now a number of hereditary diseases in labradors that can be tested for. Routine testing under these schemes is gradually growing in popularity for a number of conditions. These include hip dysplasia, elbow displasia, and a number of inherited eye diseases. However, there are still many puppies available for sale in the UK whose parents have not been tested, or that have been tested and fall below the necessary standard for breeding. Amazingly, in the UK, the Kennel Club will still register puppies from parents that have poor hip scores. Hopefully this will change in the future. You will need to read up on these to make sure you understand what you are looking for. Finding the right dog breeder Knowing where to look for a breeder is not easy. Labrador breeders come in all shapes and forms. At their best breeders are dedicated experts on their breed, who produce a few litters each year of top quality puppies for their own kennels show or field and sell any surplus to quality pet homes. At their worst, breeders are simply puppy farmers who churn out litter after litter with no thought to the health and welfare of either the puppies or their mother. Telling the difference is not always straightforward. In some cases these may be excellent puppies, in other cases they will not. The key to a good litter is a quality female dog with excellent health clearances, put to a compatible quality dog with equally excellent health clearances, and given quality care throughout pregnancy and beyond. The female dog must have a purpose beyond producing puppies, whether that is as show dog, working dog or highly treasured family pet. On the whole, this is more likely to be achieved by an experienced breeder. The Kennel Club in the UK run an accredited breeders scheme, and members agree to meet certain minimum standards. However, there are many excellent breeders who are not members of this scheme so do not dismiss a breeder on these grounds alone. The scheme is not perfect yet, and its standards are not necessarily enforced, as the KC prefers a voluntary approach. If you are inexperienced it is very important that you get some help in finding a breeder. Choosing one from a newspaper advert or from the internet when you know nothing of the source can be a risky decision. If you want to buy a pup from top working parents, then you may find the pups are all spoken for very quickly, long before they are eight weeks old. It can be disheartening to phone advert after advert only to find all the pups are gone. It pays to plan ahead. If you do some research, locate a really nice female dog, and book one of her pups before they are born, you may find the whole process a lot smoother. You may also be able to enjoy visiting and photographing the puppies whilst they are growing. Check the ancestry of the dog If you are buying a Labrador for gundog work, or agility, make sure the parents of the litter you want to view are from working stock, look for a few FTCH and FTW field trial champion and field trial winner in the pedigree. If you are hoping for success in the show ring, you should be looking for CH and SH CH title SH CH is show champion, CH is a show champion with a working certificate which is not a demanding or difficult test of working abilities. Viewing the puppies Some puppies will be raised in the home with the family. This can be ideal, as the pup will have been accustomed to people and the hustle and bustle of family life from the very beginning. Be aware though that not everyone who has a litter of puppies knows what they are doing. Look at how the pups are handled and how clean their quarters are. The pups should smell nice, and look bright and healthy. The litter may have been whelped and raised in kennels. This is also perfectly acceptable provide the breeder has accounted for this. An experienced breeder will have made sure that the pups have had plenty of human contact regardless of where they are living. Again look at the surroundings. A responsible breeder will run a clean and tidy kennels. Always see a puppy with its mother. If possible see the father too. The parents should be friendly and relaxed. The mother may not look her best seven or eight weeks after giving birth, but she should look healthy. Again, if you doubt your ability to make a judgement on a puppy or his parents, take an experienced person with you. Dog or female dog? Until fairly recently male dogs were more popular than female dogs. Fashions come and go, and at the moment, female dogs seem to be in favour. You will hear various claims as to the differences in temperament between them, but most of these contradict each other and it really is a matter of personal taste. The main disadvantage of a female dog is that she will come into season twice a year each year from the age of months until the end of her life. This can be inconvenient. Having your female dog spayed will prevent her coming into season, but the procedure is a major and expensive operation, and recent research has shown a few problems associated with spaying that you will want to consider before making your choice. Because female dogs are currently fashionable, you will probably pay more for a female dog, but as the price of a puppy is such a tiny fraction of what you will spend on her over her lifetime this is probably the least relevant factor. The appearance of a male dog may be more pleasing to some. Males tend to develop a squarer, more chunky head which some owners prefer. The average male will also grow a little taller and weigh a little more than a female. These differences are however fairly minor ones. If you are not sure whether you want a dog or female dog, keep an open mind. At least you will have a wider choice of puppies. Which puppy? If you have booked a puppy in advance from a reputable breeder, there may be little or no choice as to which puppy you have. It is not unusual to find that all puppies due in popular kennels have been booked before birth. If you are keen to buy a dog with plenty of red ink on the pedigree, you may need to do some research and book the pup as soon as the female dog has been mated. If you do get the chance to choose your puppy out of several in a litter, how should you go about it? Puppy Health Having made sure that the parents of the puppy you are viewing have good health clearances is a good start. You still need to make sure your puppy is healthy. A thorough check up by your own vet soon after you get him home will help put your mind at rest. But how can you be sure the puppy you are viewing is not sickly even before you bring him home? Some puppies may be more lethargic than others when you visit, but this may be a reflection of how hard they have been playing before you arrived, rather than how healthy they are. A good breeder will not try and sell an unhealthy puppy and if relevant, will point out any minor defects to you. Puppies are sometimes born with slightly misaligned jaws for example, which may not matter to someone who has no intention of breeding from the puppy or working him, but such a defect should not be concealed from the buyer. Umbilical hernias are not uncommon and can be troublesome. When you go to view a litter of pups it is really important to take someone with experience with you. This is especially important if the breeder is unknown to you and does not come recommended by anyone. Arrange to visit your vet within a day or two of bringing the pup home, and try not to form an attachment until he has been given a clean bill of health. If you have any doubts about the health of the puppy or the litter in general, ask for time to think. This dog will be with you for the next 12 years or more. You will become deeply attached to him or her and serious health problems can be cripplingly expensive to fix. Not to mention very distressing for you both. This needs to be the right decision for you and your family. Whilst health problems in puppies can be devastating the majority of puppies are robust and healthy and providing you take the precautions outlined above, you are unlikely to have any problems. More information on puppies Check out our Labrador Puppies section for more help and advice on choosing your new friend. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was first published on 21st November , and was updated to include new information in March .Readers Also Liked. Normally Lab puppies travel well, find more on this here. For many people it can be stressful not knowing how to pick or why you should pick any specific puppy. We will try to clear things up here so that you have a few criteria to select with. For the most part, the genetics of the purebred Lab puppies in the litter are set once the parents mate. When we choose to keep parents to breed we are choosing the best specimens and mating them with the hope that we are going to be creating even better puppies through the combination of their genes. Improving on weak areas with each litter is what professional breeding is all about. Now that you understand the genetic potential is set, you will work within your litter to try to narrow down the puppy who goes home with you. Keep in mind, that all of the puppies in the litter are of high quality. So, standing over the puppy box containing the puppies have a look without saying anything or doing anything. The puppies will either have different colored collars or different colored ribbons on them to identify them. Each different color corresponds to a unique microchip number implanted in that puppy. What are you looking for? Well, observe which puppies are the most active and the least active. Observe which puppy is bossy and more of a leader, and, which is more of a follower. Are there any outgoing puppies? Are there any shy ones? Please understand that puppies and all dogs for that matter will feed off of the energy of the animals and the humans around them. So, if you bring your children and they are full of energy, talking loudly, excited, etc… then the puppies will pick up on that and imitate their behavior to an extent. We love to see the kids! The vet bills, training, the poop cleaning, nail clipping, taking out to go pee at 6 am, trips to the vet, and so on are yours. All yours! So unless you feel your children have better skills to choose the puppy than you, try to leave them out of it. You want to use the criteria here to select the lab puppy that fits your family the closest. Ok, there are a couple of things I need to say first. On your pick up day and depending on how many puppies are in the litter, your puppies may be sleeping. The good news to this issue is that there will not be a bad puppy in the litter. As professional Labrador Retriever Breeders our primary goal is to create better Labrador Retriever puppies with each litter we produce. Depending on what the issue was with the puppy we would care for them or home them with a person who fully understood any issue present and was willing to care for them. Getting back to selecting your puppy. As you watch over the litter try to narrow it down to two puppies you are interested in and watch them. Look for any excitement, playfulness, shyness, active or lying around, or differences in color, size, or other physical attributes such as tail size, ear size, forehead and snout size, etc…. This means that these dogs are super smart, even tempered, loving and willing to please all because of the Labrador Retriever breed and the selections we make in our breeding program. Training is key to having a well behaved Purebred Lab Retriever puppy. On the day you pick up your puppy it will be normal for the puppies to be on the shy side. Though they have been socialized by 5 or 6 of us they get use to us. So the new sights, smells, sounds etc… that you bring will all be a brand new thing for them. At 8 weeks old they are unsure if these new stimuli are safe and they may be cautious coming to you. Again, all normal. On the other hand, a puppy who comes right up to you with no apprehension may be the one you want. Especially if you are a hunter and you need your dog to work to retrieve game. You should also know that if a puppy runs from its pack to see you it is not choosing you! It could be the more dominant or most curious puppy and it would approach anyone coming to see the litter not just you. Can we pick your lab puppy? Sure we can! The latest research we have read on the topic indicates that how a puppy behaves at 8 weeks old when with its litter has no bearing on the puppy it becomes after you train it properly. This means that for most people the training and socialization you provide is much more important than which puppy you choose. We always suggest picking the most easily trainable puppy and we will be happy to do this for you. For the best explanation on setting yourself up properly to lead your puppy to becoming a well behaved dog, please sign up for the www. A generous discount is available for our clients to help you understand how to use positive reinforcement to train your puppy. So we are happy to offer advice and can absolutely choose your puppy in the event you cannot make it, but doing so on your own would be the best scenario. Another method we frown on is the breeder evaluating a puppy with a tool to grade their personality and then comparing that to a marking tool that you complete to grade yourself. Remember when I said puppies respond differently to different people? Well they have basic emotions similar to that of a two year old. If you are not in the room, and I am evaluating the puppy remember my experience with puppies and your lack of , then how can a score sheet be used to match the two of you together effectively? You need to see the puppy behave with you. So you have it narrowed down to two puppies, compare similar personality traits and physical features as I mentioned earlier. Toss in the fact that they have medium energy and poof! Please understand what you see the puppies doing on pick up day are not how they are going to act for the rest of their lives. Puppies are not born with any knowledge of these things and rather need to be trained to understand your boundaries. For this reason we have focused on breeding smarter puppies generation after generation. At least you have some guidelines to use when you arrive. For example, the largest puppy is not necessarily going to be the biggest one when full grown. At 8 weeks old the biggest puppy has been the one who is the pushiest at the food bowl and eats the most at feedings. This is why 8 weeks is the best time for your Lab puppy to go to bond with their human family. As some puppies get larger in size they can push the other smaller puppies around so size then becomes another factor in the development of your puppy. Take your puppy home at 8 weeks old and you have provided them time with their litter to learn puppy to puppy manners weeks 4 to 8 and you have eliminated the possibility of them being bullied by the larger pups after week 8. The larger pups also will not learn to become overly dominant because there are not smaller ones around them to boss around. What about people who want the runt? The first group feel that because the runt is smaller they will listen better when truly listening is a skill learned through training. And the second group feel that a smaller puppy is sick and weak and will not thrive. Again this is not the case as smaller puppies simply do not have as strong of a food drive than their siblings. The larger issue surrounding the runt is this. Professional Lab Retriever Breeders breed for consistency. It is this consistency in our breeding program that ensures the first picked puppy is of the same high quality as the last picked. So before you arrive to choose your Purebred Lab Puppy, have a couple behavioral qualities in mind and a couple physical qualities. Observe quietly and try not to bring too many people with you so that the puppies only pick up your energy and not the energy of the group. This is the best way to truly observe how the puppy will react to you alone. Narrow it down to a couple and compare them together measuring them against your list of traits. If you make a choice to not train you have to be ready to deal with whatever your Lab decided to become. And one final note. Some people have heard to wipe a blanket where the puppy sleeps or on the mother because the scent will calm the puppy in your home. Think of it this way, if your puppy smells the mother or one of its littermates what does it do next? So a blanket with this scent on it will cue your puppy to look for someone who is likely not coming back. Imagine the frustration of a puppy newly separated from its litter being able to smell them but not find them. We suggest you do not do this to your puppy. Our suggestion to help settle the puppy only if you need to is to put a t shirt into the crate with the scent of the person who they bonded the most to. This is their new pack. Get them accustom to their new pack and the quicker they forget their old pack the easier it will be for them. Love them, set clear guidelines, and enjoy them for years to come. Chocolate Lab with pumpkin.

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. 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:. Fourth meal 5 pm You should follow this type of feeding schedule until your Lab puppy is 14 weeks old, after which you can adopt a two meal per day plan. However, keep in mind that Labs are especially prone to overeating and obesity, so if you use treats, ensure you give them sparingly. In fact, a study in the UK listed Labrador Retrievers among the eight breeds most prone to being overweight. So your food-loving Lab puppy requires a bit of control. One way to keep them from overeating treats is to portion out their food for the day and use that as their reward. In most cases, the puppy will respond just as enthusiastically to kibble. Place a bowl of water in a location accessible to your puppy and supervise him to ensure he drinks enough but not too much. Puppies at this age should drink between half and one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. So if your eight-week-old Lab is 12 lbs 5. This is an essential part of puppy care. As mentioned, if you get your puppy from a reliable breeder which should always be the case , the pup should have already started with his vaccinations, and the breeder should provide the vaccination records. Then, make an appointment with the vet for any vaccination follow-up. Also, ensure your pup stays on worm preventative medication as puppies are more prone than adult dogs to worm infection. Sometimes puppies are also born with certain types of worms from an infected mother, especially roundworms and hookworms, where mother-to-puppy transmission is a significant mode of spreading. Be especially sure that your Lab puppy gets the heartworm vaccination. Heartworm is a dangerous and potentially fatal disease, and once your dog is infected, the cure is expensive and extremely harsh on your dog. A trained dog will learn how to behave in and outside the home and around other humans and pets. I have a full beginner guide on how to train an 8 week old Labrador puppy , but in a nutshell, there are three training areas you should focus on in terms of pet training: housebreaking, obedience, and socialization. Housebreak Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Housebreaking means training your puppy to eliminate outdoors or at a designated location inside the home instead of doing it anywhere and at any time. Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks because their system is not yet mature enough to hold it for long. Luckily you can take advantage of that to teach your dog to always use the same spot. Pay attention to the signs your puppy gives when they need to ease themselves, like circling, whining, or sniffing their groin. Puppies naturally need to eliminate at these times: First thing after waking up in the morning. Last thing before retiring at night. After every meal. After drinking plenty of water. Upon waking up from a nap. During or after play or exercise. When they wake up during the night. Their brain, at this point, is like a sponge that will easily absorb new info. Also, teaching these commands early will make living with you easier for your dog as he will know what is expected of him. Teach your Lab puppy to sit, lay down, stay, leave, and other basic commands that are foundational for more advanced training later. Remember to use only positive reinforcement training approaches and reward your puppy with verbal praise, positive gesture cues, and treats. Exposure to these realities will help your Lab puppy adjust fast and nurture proper social behavior. In addition, exposure will preempt signs of poor puppy socialization, like aggression and fear around people and other animals. In general, your eight-week-old Labrador puppy should have two minute sessions of exercise daily. In addition, keep the following in mind: Keep exercise sessions short in the beginning and allow your puppy to adapt gradually. Playtime counts as exercise, so be careful not to over-exercise your Lab puppy. This is the harness I use. Allow your pup spontaneous rest moments between play. When exercising your puppy , avoid taking him for walks during the coldest or hottest times of the day. There are several ways to ensure your eight-week-old Labrador puppy is always safe, including ample supervision and choosing the right kind of toy. They might also try to get away on an exploratory walk if the door is left open. To avoid these dangers, puppy-proofing your home before getting your eight-week-old Lab puppy is vital. Read more here, What Foods are Poisonous to Labradors? Unplug power cords and put them away when not in use, as your puppy could try chewing on them. Remember that your puppy is young and still learning. It is also a legal requirement in some countries, such as the UK, and it may be required when traveling. While name tags are an excellent way to identify a dog, they can be easily removed or get lost, which means you are better off microchipping your Lab puppy, or even better, do both. Choose Safe Play Toys for Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Like us, eight-week-old puppies still have their baby teeth which they gradually lose to make room for their adult teeth. So, expect a lot of chewing and nipping during this time. Like humans, teething can be uncomfortable, and chewing is their only way to relieve some of that pain. To that end, ensure your Lab puppy has the right chewing toys to avoid damaging teeth or accidentally swallowing toy pieces. This toy is great for teething pups, doubles as a fetch toy, and is also a treat-dispensing toy where you can stuff it with peanut butter or other goodies. If proper toys are not provided, your Lab puppy will chew any available object in the house, such as table legs, shoes, remotes, or your hands. As such, they need proper resources for resting and sleeping. That includes the time to do so and a place where they will feel safe in. This synthetic dog bed has an ultra-soft feel and provides maximum comfort for your Lab. You can use it in the crate or as a stand-alone bed, and it comes in a few different styles and sizes. I like this bed due to its 3. Ensure the bed is in a location with no draft and where your puppy does not get any disturbance when resting. If you put your puppy straight into the crate without helping them adjust, it may react poorly. When buying a kennel, the best approach is to buy one that your pup can use as an adult dog, which for a Lab would be around 42 inches .Just be sure to get a crate with dividers so you can make the space smaller for your puppy. An 8-week-old Lab puppy can only walk for approximately minutes at a time. In most cases, young puppies will not walk but rather jump around and play. Still, keep in mind that they do not need long exercise sessions. Instead, keep playtimes short and allow for lots of rest. Remember that puppies should only walk about five minutes for every month of age, twice a day. At three months, you can stretch it to 15 minutes. Overwalking your Lab puppy can cause joint and bone issues and should be avoided. As such, a dog from a larger breed will need more food as a puppy than a smaller breed. An 8-week-old Lab puppy should be fed three to four meals of no more than cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy will depend on his size and weight. For example, if your puppy is between lbs 4. These measurements can vary with each dog food product, as different manufacturers have varying ingredients, so ensure you check the packaging first. Eight week old Lab puppies sleep for approximately 18 to 20 hours a day. An 8 week old Lab should pee as soon as they wake up, after eating and drinking, after waking up from a nap, during or after a session of play or exercise, just before going to bed at night, and when they awake during the night. 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.

With a little bit of research and preparation, you can find the perfect pup for you and your family. Keep reading to learn all about pug puppies, where to find them in Hyderabad, and what factors to consider when making your purchase. Introduction to the Pug Breed Pugs are an incredibly popular breed of dog, known for their wrinkly faces and outgoing personalities. They are incredibly social, friendly, and loyal companions. They are also very low maintenance when it comes to grooming, so they are ideal for busy pet owners. Pugs are relatively easy to find in Hyderabad, and there are various pet stores that sell them for under Rupees. When searching for a Pug puppy for sale in Hyderabad, be aware of the fact that some stores may try to sell you an unhealthy pup. You will want to ensure that the price is within your budget, so make sure to ask around different pet stores to compare prices. In conclusion, when looking for a Pug Puppy in Hyderabad under , it pays to do your research and shop around. Taking these steps will ensure you find the perfect pup for you. Prevalence of Pug Puppies in Hyderabad Finding a pug puppy in Hyderabad for under rupees is possible, although pugs are not as common as other breeds in the city. You can often find them in pet stores, but you should always do your research before making any commitments. Make sure the puppy is healthy and the store is trustworthy. When you look at the puppies, observe their energy levels and general temperament. Check for signs of overcrowding, too. When selecting a pet store, look at reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family. As you search for Pug puppies for sale in Hyderabad, keep in mind that puppies come in different sizes, colors, and temperaments. While some may have more of the desired characteristics than others, each puppy is unique and will require different care. Make sure that you can afford to buy the puppy, as well as the necessary items such as a crate, food, and vet visits. You should consider the amount of time and energy you can commit to caring for a puppy. Make sure you are prepared to care for a puppy before you make the purchase. Research the breed to learn about its needs and personality traits. Ask yourself if you have the time to train and socialize the puppy, and whether or not you are willing to commit to providing a lifetime of care. If you are able to provide a loving home for a Pug puppy, you can find one for sale in Hyderabad under at a pet store near you. A Warning for Pet Owners! All breeds of dogs have different temperaments and energy levels, and each pup is an individual. Find out if the breeder or pet store provides a health guarantee and ask if they will cover any medical costs in the future. Find out if the breeder or pet store offers any kind of return policy. Post Views: .On average, the price of a Pug dog in India ranges from 8, rupees to 50, rupees. Location of the breeder:- Pug puppies from breeders in urban areas or high-income regions may cost more than those from rural or lower-income areas. This is because the cost of living and running a breeding business can be higher in urban areas. Age of the dog:- Puppies are generally more expensive than adult or senior Pugs. This is because puppies are in high demand and have not yet reached their full potential. Breeding history:- Pug puppies from champion bloodlines or with a proven track record of winning in dog shows will typically cost more than those without such a pedigree. Color of the Pug:- Some colors of Pugs like fawn, black, and silver are more popular than others, and thus their prices may be higher. Health and genetic testing:- Pug puppies that have undergone genetic testing and are certified to be free of certain health conditions may be more expensive. Supply and demand:- The demand for Pug puppies can fluctuate depending on the popularity of the breed. If there is a high demand for Pugs in a particular area, the prices may be higher. They were kept as pets by Chinese emperors and were highly prized for their companionship and loyalty. In the 16th century, Dutch traders brought Pugs to Europe, where they quickly became popular with royalty and the upper classes. Today, Pugs are a popular breed all over the world, known for their affectionate and playful personalities. Appearance — Pugs are small dogs, typically weighing between 14 and 18 pounds. They have distinctive wrinkled faces, short muzzles, and a curly tails. Pugs have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, fawn, and silver. They have a round, compact body with short, sturdy legs. Vodafone Dogs are known for their expressive eyes and cute, wrinkled faces. Temperament — Pugs are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. They are loyal and loving dogs that enjoy being around people. They are also playful and energetic, making them great companions for children and adults alike. Pugs are also known for their intelligence and are easy to train. They are a great choice for first-time dog owners. Health — Pugs are a small dog breed known for their wrinkly faces and playful personalities, but they are also prone to several health issues. These include breathing difficulties, eye problems, and skin issues. They also need regular exercise and a healthy diet to maintain their weight. Regular veterinary checkups and vaccinations are also important to ensure they live long and healthy life. Overall, proper care and attention can prevent many health issues and extend the lifespan of Vodafone Dog. Food — Vodafone Dogs are small dogs and do not require a lot of food. They should be fed high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their size and activity level. Training for Pug Dogs Pug dogs are known for their intelligence and are generally easy to train. However, due to their small size, they can be prone to certain behavioral issues such as barking and digging. Here are some tips for training your Pug dog: 1. Start early:- Training should begin as soon as you bring your Pug puppy home. This will help establish a strong bond between you and your dog, and will also make it easier to teach your Pug basic commands. Use positive reinforcement:- Positive reinforcement is the most effective training method for Pugs. Reward your dog with treats or praise when they follow commands correctly. Be consistent:- Consistency is key when training your Pug. Make sure everyone in your household uses the same commands and training techniques to avoid confusing your dog. Socialize your Pug:- Socialization is important for Pugs to help them become well-adjusted, well-mannered dogs. Introduce your Vodafone Dog to different people, animals, and environments to help them become more comfortable in different situations. Potty Training:- Potty training can be a bit tricky with Pugs, but with patience and consistency, it can be done. Consistently take your Pug out to the same designated area to do their business and reward them when they go in the right place. Leash Training:- Pugs are small dogs and are prone to get overwhelmed by big crowds and loud noises. Therefore, it is important to train them to walk calmly on a leash. Start with short walks around the neighborhood and gradually increase the length and difficulty of the walks. Basic Commands:- Pugs are smart dogs, and can learn basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. These commands will help you control your dog in various situations. They are affectionate and loyal companions who crave attention and love from their owners. They are playful and enjoy spending time with their family, they are also known to be highly adaptable to different living environments and make great apartment pets. Pugs are also known to be quite intelligent, they are easy to train and eager to please their owners. Vodafone Dogs are also known for their comical and entertaining personalities, they are known to be quite expressive and will often make their owners laugh with their silly antics. Pugs are known to be quite sociable and enjoy the company of other dogs, they also enjoy spending time with children and other family members. They are not known for being aggressive or territorial, and generally, get along well with other animals. Pugs are known to have a good sense of humor and are easily amused, they are also known to be quite sensitive and will often respond well to positive reinforcement. Pugs are known for being quite loyal and protective of their owners, they will often follow their owners around and will be by their side whenever they need them. Pug Dog Lifespan Pugs have a lifespan of around years, but with proper care and regular veterinary checkups, some Pugs can live well into their late teens. Facts about Pug Dog 1. Vodafone Dogs were once considered a status symbol for Chinese emperors and were often gifted to royalty as a sign of wealth and prestige. Pugs were originally bred as hunting dogs and were used to hunt small game such as rats and rabbits. Pugs have a unique skeletal structure that allows them to make unique facial expressions, such as wrinkling their forehead and raising their eyebrows. Pugs have a double coat that is thick and coarse on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. This is not harmful and is a normal respiratory function for the breed. Vodafone Dogs were popularized in the Western world by the Dutch royal family, who were known for breeding and owning the breed. Pugs have a tendency to drool and slobber, which can be managed with regular grooming and cleaning of their wrinkles. Frequently Asked Questions — How much does a Pug dog cost? The price of a Pug dog in India ranges from 8, rupees to 35, rupees. Can Pug survive in India? Yes, Pugs can survive in India as long as they are provided with proper care and a comfortable living environment. Are Pugs lazy? Pugs can be considered lazy, they do not require a lot of exercise and can be happy with a short walk or indoor playtime. They are not known for being high-energy dogs and are content to relax and cuddle with their owners. Is Pug a good family dog? Pugs are great family dogs because they are affectionate, playful, and adaptable. They are great with children and other pets, and they enjoy spending time with their owners. Pugs are also easy to train, which makes them a great choice for families with children. Are Pugs intelligent? Pugs are not known for their intelligence, but they are clever dogs that can learn basic commands and tricks. Can a Pug be left alone? Pugs do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. They are a social breed and thrive on human companionship. If you work long hours or travel frequently, a Pug may not be the best choice for you. Do Pugs shed a lot? Pugs are a low-shedding breed, but they do shed some hair. They require regular grooming to keep their coat looking shiny and healthy. Regular brushing can also help to reduce shedding. How much do Pugs weigh? Pugs typically weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. They are a small breed, which makes them a great choice for people living in apartments or with limited space. Do Pugs get fat? Yes, Pugs can get fat if they are overfed and not given enough exercise. Do Pugs fart a lot? This can be controlled by maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding certain foods that may cause digestive issues. There are close to dog sellers and 30, domestic dogs in the city. There is an increase in dog sales as more and more people are coming forward to have dogs as pets. The club also conducts dog shows in the country. Price of a dog is completely dependent on the demand and supply. Earlier we used to import dogs from across the world but currently importing dogs is banned. So our home has always been a mini zoo. But dogs have always been a family for me; we have two Indies, a German Shepherd and a Pit bull. I consult a dog nutritionist in Bengaluru for the right combination of protein, carbs and veggies. Moreover, Dog specialists says that puppies are available in diverse parts of Hyderabad and are mainly sold at price range starting from Rs to Rs 80, for genuine breed along with KCI registered papers and pet quality. Show quality and rare puppies are starting from Rs and go in lakhs based on the import lineage. It also helps to identify safest bet for getting your lost dog returned to you safely. Keeping your dog on a nutritious diet not only helps keep it at a healthy weight but may also reduce the risk of cancer and heart diseases. He further explained that feeding a dog a brand of pet food that is natural and high in vitamins and nutrients plays a crucial role in maintaining a dog's overall health. For dogs 5-star rated pet food is the best nutrition. Most of the people feed their dog homemade food, but natural canned dog food is also available in delicious grain-free flavors in chicken, duck, freshwater trout, vegetable and salmon fish.

Amazon, amazon. Promising review: "I've used these poop bags for years. We have a pug and have fostered pugs. It's the only brand we use. Pet odor and stain remover for pets to clean up after your pug. This cleaner helps get rid of stains, odors and residue left behind accidents your pet may have around the house. It's safe to use around pets and children. She hasn't 'sneaky tinkled' anywhere since using this product. Pleasant scent as well. Will re-order. A Barkbox two-in-one toy that'll stand up to even the most destructive doggos. After your pup is tired of playing with the outer pineapple, they'll find a smaller one inside of it for even more play time. Amazon Promising review: "This immediately became one of my pug's favorites. He can be a destructive little beast and loves to eviscerate his toys but has hardly made a dent in this one despite his best efforts. Wrinkle paste to keep your pug's wrinkles feeling itch-free and cute as can be. Use this paste for tear stains and tail pockets, too. We have bathed, used medicated wipes and honestly, nothing lasted for more than 12 hours and then the stink was back. I work at a veterinary office so I tried pretty much every appropriate option. I saw this product while browsing and thought the name was cute and then I saw the great reviews and thought maybe we should try it out. This stuff is a miracle! I have applied a small amount daily to her face folds and the stank is gone. She also appreciates that the product is not scented. I am so happy! Glad for Pets carbon training pads that'll absorb moisture from accidents and eliminate odor while you work on house training your smush-faced cutie. Use these in your pug's crate or around the house. Promising review: Great absorption, easy cleanup. For some reason, the dogs tend to use this brand much more reliably than any other puppy pads. I have two pugs and these pads can hold a lot of liquid before leaking. Milk-Bone beef-flavored dog treats made with real bone marrow so good, even the pickiest pugs will enjoy them. Promising review: "Perfect size for my pug, and he loves these little treats! A medicated shampoo to help sooth your pug's itchy skin and get them squeaky clean. This shampoo will help get rid of rashes, greasy skin, or bacterial infections on your dog's skin. His diet had not changed and he had not gotten into anything that would have caused a skin irritation. After our older dog passed away, he started having these itchy spots a few weeks later so it may be stressed related, if that's even possible! He seemed to be miserable so I found this and decided to try it instead of spending a bunch of money at the vet's office. After two washes, his itchy spots were gone. It's now four months later and the itchy spots have not returned. I'm so glad I tried this product before going to the vet. It's great and it really works. Greenies treats for when your pug's breath needs to be freshened up. Just give them a Greenie to chew on and they'll have fresh breath and clean teeth by the time they finish it. My new puppy did not care for them at first, but has since come around and followed in her sister's footsteps and runs into her crate to get one. A super quiet professional nail grinder to use when it starts sounding like your pug is tap dancing on the floor with their long nails. This one has two speeds and three ports so it'll work on any size dog. The stay at home order had me faced with trimming nails by myself. I decided to try a grinder. The research led me to this one. Not too loud. Easy to handle and clean. Strong enough motor. I started out slow and would just do no longer than five seconds of pressure on the grinder at a time. The grinding also leaves the nail smoother than a clip. Saving money and now that the nail is the correct length I just need to maintain the nail. A really great purchase. A life jacket for when your pug decides to go for a dip. It's waterproof and has a neck float to make sure your furry friend keeps their head above water when swimming. The chin rest is the best part- neither of them had been swimming before and neither of them had too much trouble. The handles on the back make it very easy to put them into and out of the water as well as guide them as they swim. An adjustable gate to keep your pug from going where they shouldn't. Just use this gate to block off the areas of your home where you don't them to venture! Promising review: "I bought three of these gates and they are perfect for keeping my pug on the balcony, out of the kitchen, and out of my mom's room. It is very sturdy, easy to install, and easy to open. I wish the door went both ways and had a larger opening but the low price makes up for the small inconvenience. I definitely recommend for pets. A maximum strength joint supplement in chewable tablet form, because it'll help your pug get their groove back. Promising review: "I've had my 8-year-old pug on this brand for about five months now, what with her beginning to show a few warning signs for arthritis setting in, and I can absolutely say she's done terrific with them. She's nimble, capable of leaping up and down places I'd prefer she NOT sometimes she gets so excited, she forgets to use her stairs , and has always loved the flavor. And to date, she's certainly suffered no ill side effects. Blue Buffalo dog food that'll give your dog all the proteins and carbs it's a chicken and brown rice recipe! Promising review: "I decided to do a taste test with my dog. I put a little bit of her Iams dog food on one plate and then on another plate I put Blue Buffalo food, which she had never tried before She sat about 3 feet away waiting for my signal. She proceeded to eat the Blue Buffalo dog food first. This indicates a clear preference for Blue Buffalo. So we are now switching to a better quality premium dog food. It costs more, but our dog is family. Greenies Pill Pockets for when you need to trick your pug into taking their medication. Simply pop a pill into the pocket, squeeze it to seal, and that's it! My pug has figured out how to remove pills from peanut butter, bacon, yogurt, wet dog food, and other treats. Wellness puppy training treats flavored with lamb and salmon to help get your pug trained in no time. Thanks to the bite size and softness, I can break into smaller pieces for training purposes. My pug Rex has been able to use the pad for potty training because he knows he will get a small treat. Zesty Paws allergy immune supplement to help if your poor little pug has itchy skin, hot spots, or seasonal allergies. Give them one of these daily to support their immune and digestive issues. One jar includes 90 supplements. Promising review:. Leashes There are two types of leashes to have: 1 - Short, soft-handled leash. This is perfect for when you are housebreaking your Pug, as a method to tether your pup to you. The short 4 or 6 foot length keeps your Pug very close, and the soft handle allows you to slip this over your wrist or slip in through your belt loop. For every day use. With this, you are able to adjust the length depending on what the situation. For walks, keep it short. When taking your Pug out to the bathroom, allow more length. Recommended leashes are below. Please note that if you are using a blocker, images may not show. And if you are on a mobile phone, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4 items in the grouping. A collar puts pressure on the neck; a harness displaces pressure across the stronger chest, shoulders, and back. You may wish to have a collar for ID purposes; if so, be sure it is a break-away collar. Read more about why a harness is best for a Pug or look below for recommended harnesses and a break-away collar. Beds One of the biggest reasons to get your Pug his own bed is to help create the right set up for when your puppy or dog is home alone. Separation anxiety is a very common issue with this breed since there is such a tight bond between Pug and human. A big part of helping a Pug deal with isolation is to offer what will be perceived as a safe den. Dogs that are left to roam full rooms or the entire house often struggle more with loneliness. When a Pug is in a canine playpen see also: Playpens and within that has his own bed, this offers a secure feeling of having a den, which is an innate, basic canine instinct that automatically makes a dog feel safer. In addition, there are other important benefits including proper support ;this is vital for this breed since the Pug is prone to hip and back issues. You'll want beds to be made with quality memory foam. The right bed can also help with breathing problems, as it allows a Pug to position his body and head to keep breathing passages open. Body Care Items General Upkeep There are certain grooming tasks that need to be done regularly on your Pug; if not, all sorts of issues can occur: Wipe the wrinkles - Pugs easily develop yeast infections in their wrinkles if they are not cleaned on a regular basis. We recommend wiping the wrinkles every day with a hypo-allergenic grooming wipe. Paw wax - Apply a paw wax once a week. This will help protect against hot walking surfaces in the summer, slippery frozen surfaces in the winter as well as prevent 'snowballing' which is when snow freezes between a dog's toes, and to keep the paws in good shape. Nose balm - A Pug's nose can get chapped in the winter, or suffer from sun exposure in the summer. A nose balm or butter can protect the nose, and also heal drying, peeling, chapping, or cracking. Body wipes - Grooming wipes for the body allows you a quick way to keep your Pug clean in between baths. If your Pug has allergies to pollen or airborne allergens, wipe your Pug each time he comes back inside. If your Pug tends to have urine splatter up, or tiny bits of feces that stick to the rear end, a canine tushie wipe can help quickly clean that area. Below are our recommended body care items. Medicated Body Care Products There may be times when your Pug has an issue that an over-the-counter medicated product can help with. It is always a good idea to check with the veterinarian if you are not sure of the diagnosis. Wrinkle infections - A wipe with chlorhexidine and ketoconazole can help cure both bacterial and yeast infections. Added aloe helps soothe sensitive skin. Ear infections - For Pugs that are prone to ear infections, the ears should be cleaned monthly, though a vet may recommend weekly. And to help cure ear infections, a liquid or powder ear cleanser can often remedy the issue. If the ears are super-itchy, a solution with hydrocortisone can bring relief. Below are our recommended wrinkle infection wipes, and ear cleansing solutions. Bowls Out of all of the supplies that you obtain for your Pug puppy or dog, you might think that choosing the bowl is one of the easiest tasks. However, not putting thought into this can bring about a host of issues. The wrong bowl can cause a Pug to have trouble eating, show the effects of contact reaction most often manifesting as discoloration to the nose , and even lead to dangerous bloat caused by eating or drinking too fast. The best bowls for a Pug are floor level, stainless steel, slow-feeder dishes, or alternatively, a floor level, stainless steel bowl with an added portion pacer ball. Read more about bowls for Pugs or look below for our top recommendations. Brushes Because Pugs have such thick coats, it's very important to use the right brushes that will reach down through all that fur. There are 3 times you'll be using a different sort of brush: 1 - For baths. The goal during baths is to remove debris, but also to remove accumulated body oils from the skin. Often, a bath brush is needed to reach through the fur to do this. If not, you'll just be skimming the surface of your puppy or dog. The goal with this high-shedding breed is to brush often, reach down to the skin to pull up dead hairs from way down deep, and with a brush hairs will cling to to pull them out of the coat. A grooming mitt is a great choice, since its super easy to use and most Pugs like how it feels. When your Pug is shedding like mad, it'll be time to get serious. For this, a de-shedding tool that is gentle yet completely wipes the coat of loose and dead hairs can save you and your home from becoming a shedding mess. Recommended bathing brushes, mitt, and de-shedding tools are below. Car Seat There are 2 extremely good reasons to have your Pug ride in a car seat, or use a canine safety belt: 1- To save your dog's life. And this is no exaggeration. There are over 16, car accidents every single day in the U. Most regular drivers will be involved in 3 accidents in their lifetime. If an accident occurs and a dog is not restrained, he will be thrown, it's just a matter of with how much force. In an accident at 35 MPH, a Pug that weighs 10 lbs. If the car is going 55 MPH, and a Pug weighs 20 lbs. Most likely. But, when a dog can see out of the windows and his body is secure and not swaying with every turn, acceleration, or deceleration, motion sickness is often prevented. The 1 recommended type of seat is a raised booster seat. A canine safety belt is another option, and while this will help keep a Pug in place to stop swaying, he won't be raised any higher. Note: For either type, the inner harness of the seat or the connector of the safety belt must be connected to a dog's harness , not a collar. This is vital to prevent serious neck injury. Read more about the importance of a car seat for a Pug or see below for recommendations. Cleaning Supplies There are a few things that fall under the category of cleaning supplies that you'll want to consider having: 1. Enzyme cleanser for pee or poo. Urine contains enzymes that will not be removed with regular soap and water. Though humans cannot pick up on these enzyme odors, dogs can. So, if a Pug pees in the house, and it is not cleaned in the right way, enzymes will be sending out a very strong signal that essentially says 'This is the bathroom area! And, not suprisingly, a dog will pee there again. So, an important step in cleaning any accidents, and to help stop territorial marking, is to use the right cleaner. In addition, this sort of product is fantastic with swiping away lingering odors of both urine and bowel movements. Even if you regularly brush your Pug, some hairs are bound to end up on your flooring, your furniture, and especially on your Pug's bed. Hairs get trapped in the weaves of fabric and can be hard to pull up. Poo bags. Most likely, you walk your Pug in an area that expects owners to clean up after their dogs. And if not, doing so is just plain good manners. One method of keeping poo bags with you is to use a nifty holder that clips to the leash. This way, there's nothing extra to carry. Our recommended enzyme cleaners, fur remover tools, and poo bag clip are below. Of course, a dog's fur helps keep him warm, but canines are not invincible; they get chilled just like we do. In fact, intolerance to the cold is one of the top reasons dogs are not exercised enough in the winter. Super-cold days can also interfere with a Pug being cooperative in going outside for bathroom needs. When a dog's core body back, flanks, belly is warm, this can help regulate all-over body temperature. For this reason, a vest or coat during harsh weather conditions can really help. For times that your Pug just needs a little something, a shirt or hoodie is the way to go. Read more about how clothing can help a Pug stay comfortable, or look below for recommendations for clothing that fits Pug puppies and dogs. Dental Care Items Why dental supplies? Far too many dogs suffer the terrible consequences of what happens if oral hygiene is ignored by owners. Yet, when you have just a few of the right items, it takes very little time to take care of this. What can happen: All around the clock, plaque is being produced. It is a very sticky substance that clings to teeth. Within just 3 days it starts to harden into tartar. At that point, it is much more difficult to remove. The plaque and tartar eats away at the enamel of the teeth, clawing its way below the gum line, and causing teeth to rot. This can lead to quite painful dental infections and will eventually cause a dog's teeth to loosen and then fall out. What to do: Chewing on toys helps to some degree; however, this by no means removes all of the plaque. You will want your Pug's vet to perform a yearly dental exam to check for any issues and to do a professional cleaning, if needed. At home, you can do your part by: Brushing your Pug's teeth once per day with a quality toothbrush and an effective paste. Since dogs swallow the paste, be sure to never use human products, and instead opt for a canine brand that has a flavor dogs love like chicken or vanilla. Please note that these do not have a foaming agent since it can cause dogs to choke. Use a spray. For dogs that strongly resist having their teeth brushed, another alternative is to use an effective dental spray. Use a water additive. This does NOT take the place of brushing or using a spray, but is a complementary method to help prevent issues. This is a flavorless supplement that is added to a dog's water and helps kill bacteria both in the bowl and in the mouth. Offer a daily dental treat. These are really fantastic tools to help your Pug's teeth stay clean and strong. Be sure to choose the variety that is right for your particular Pug. The 'Teenies' are for dogs 5 to 15 pounds. The 'Petites' are for dogs 15 to 25 pounds. Below are our recommended dental care items. Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Repellent It is very common for owners to be unsure of what is needed in this regard, or to be unaware of the consequences of not offering protection. These vary quite a bit. For example, Heartguard Plus does not do either of these. However, Revolution works to repel both fleas and American Dog Ticks. So, you will want to check the packaging on the heartworm meds that you are using on your Pug to see what it works for. Fleas are a top concern and even dogs living in very clean homes can easily catch these. Fleas can jump several feet from one dog to another, and also can be found living outside in various places that a dog may be walking through. Just one bite can cause a severe reaction with intense itching. And a full-out flea infestation can really take a toll on a dog. Also, if a dog has fleas, they are in the house as well; they like to burrow deep into carpeting, beds, and furniture. Ticks are a concern in just about every state in the U. While many go dormant in the winter, all it takes is a day or so without any snow, and they can wake up. Mosquitoes are another often overlooked concern. In the summer, dogs can get quite swarmed, and a few bites can cause irritating itching. It's best to steer clear of chemicals when you can. Many dogs have adverse reactions to pesticides and some even have fatal reactions. If your area does not have a severe tick threat, you may find that an all-natural product works very well. Food and Snacks The food that you choose to give to your Pug for both meals and snacks will have a huge effect on your dog; both short term and long term. You'll want to choose all natural, wholesome foods that do NOT contain artificial flavoring, coloring dyes, or synthetic preservatives. While these sorts of things are bad for all dogs, the Pug breed in particular is sensitive to these chemicals. You'll also want to avoid high grain content, corn, and soy, since dogs can be allergic to these. Wheat - but very rarely rice, also is a top concern. Steer clear of by-products and generic meats or oils. When you feed your Pug the right food, he'll look healthy and feel healthy; this has a major effect on how he'll feel each day and his health well into the future. Read more about Pug feeding guidelines that includes timing, common issues, and more, or check out the details regarding which snacks are best for a Pug , or look below for our top 2 recommended kibbles and top 2 treats. Note that the Wellness has two recipes, for puppies and for adults. Once your Pug reaches 1 year old, make the switch to adult food. For treats, choose dry treats for snacks given in between meals, and moist treats for giving rewards. Also please note that if you are using a blocker, images may not show. Fur Loss Help When there is a thinning coat or bald patches, it is vital to have this diagnosed by the veterinarian. Causes can range from severe allergies to mites to hormonal imbalance. Only once the underlying cause has been determined and treated, it may be time to move forward in helping a Pug's coat to grow back in. So, again, these remedies should not be used on a Pug that has not yet been diagnosed. Some of the reasons for hair loss with dogs are quite serious and must be addressed. This all said, there are a few things that can help a Pug grow his coat, if the dog is in good health. For best results, we recommend using all 4 remedies. Lotions - Certain lotions work on two fronts at the same time. The act of massaging lotion into balding areas stimulates blood flow and hair follicles; this alone can prompt some growth. Concurrently, the ingredients in the lotion can work to improve both skin and coat health. We recommend DerMagic rescue lotion see below ; this should be massaged onto the areas 2 times per day for 1 week, then 1 time per day for all following weeks. When used in conjunction with other products such as specialty shampoos see next , fur may fully grow back within 2 to 3 months. Specialty shampoo - A shampoo rich with emollients such as tea tree oil can help boost the benefits of the lotion. DerMagic offers such a shampoo. This can be used every 2 weeks or so; once your Pug is lathered up, leave this on for 10 minutes. Be sure to pat, not rub, when you dry your dog. Melatonin - You will want to consult with the veterinarian before giving this to your Pug, since it can cause some drowsiness, can interfere with some other medications, and should not be given to dogs with certain health conditions including canine diabetes. This OTC medication that is actually a naturally occurring hormone in both people and canines has shown some promising results in treating alopecia in dogs. It can take 2 to 3 months to see results, which is the same time frame as the lotion. Dosing is typically 1 mg per day for dogs under 10 lbs. Omega 3 fatty acid - This essential oil cannot be produced by the body, so dogs must recieve it via their diet. While high-quality dog food will contain omega 3, extra supplementation can help improve skin health and boost fur growth. We recommend a liquid omega 3 fish oil that is derived from wild fish, not farmed fish. Our recommended products to help a Pug's fur grow back in are below. Playpens If there was just one supply item that drastically changed pet ownership, it would be a playpen. It's amazing just how beneficial these are. A majority of problems that owners face can be solved with the right enclosure. And do keep in mind that we are talking about a larger large area in which a Pug has plenty of room to play, sleep, eat, and feel comfortable as opposed to a crate which can be terribly confining. An indoor portable dog pen can help with: Destructive chewing. Toothbrush and dental chews 1. Pug Eggs Although other dog owners may never have heard of this term, but most pug owners are familiar with pug eggs. A pug egg is a plush squeaky egg toy that pugs love to play with. For some reason, pugs love them! Get your pug some pug eggs here. The Fluff Trough The Fluff Trough is a an elevated dog feeder that was especially designed for flat faced breeds. This helps promote better digestion, as well as a more comfortable eating experience. Get your Fluff Trough here. A dog bed — with chin rest! Pugs are experts when it comes to relaxation and sleeping. For some reason, chin rests are very important to pugs. Your hand, an arm rest, a pillow, a coffee table, pretty much any elevated surface will do. Nose Butter Flat faced dogs, like pugs, have sensitive noses. They are far more susceptible to dry noses than dogs with longer snouts. Their coat is very tightly-packed — it holds roughly hairs per square inch! Compare that to a Yorkshire Terrier, who has only to hairs per square inch. Some pugs even have double coats, both an undercoat and topcoat of fur, meaning they shed even more. They make removing fur from clothing, couches and cars a breeze. Get yours here. Pulling a dog on a collar can cause neck injuries, or worse; it can raise the amount of pressure in the eyes, or damage the thyroid gland. Since pugs have sensitive eyes and breathing issues to begin with, this is especially important to avoid. Harnesses provide more control over your pug, discourage pulling and jumping, and are especially great for dogs with respiratory issues and neck injuries, like pugs. Get your pug a great harness that is comfortable, durable and safe. We made a list of the best harnesses for pugs here. Cooling Mat Never had I ever heard of a cooling mat before I got a pug. A cooling mat is a mat with a cool gel interior that is activated when touched. It gets — you guessed it — cool when you apply pressure, and relaxes and soothes your pet. My pug uses his cooling mat in the summer months, and I put it in his travel carrier when we fly or go on a road trip. Get your own cooling mat here. Cooling Vest A cooling vest, like a cooling mat, is great way to keep your pug comfortable during the summer months, and is especially great for a pug on the go. My pug wears his cooling vest on walks, hikes and especially hot days. Cooling vests use shading and evaporative cooling technology to keep your pug from overheating. All you have to do is soak the vest in water, wring it out, and zip it on to your pug. We recommend this Ruffwear Jet Stream Vest. That way you can scrub them clean, and not have to worry about rashes, itching or bumps later. A pet ramp Older pugs can develop issues with mobility or weakened back legs. This ramp is adjustable to many different heights, making it compatible with most of the furniture in your house. The material is thin, so Boogie can feel the ground and feels secure. Boogie is a size small the red ones. Salmon Oil Your pug should have a healthy diet that includes important nutrients like omega fatty acids. Zesty Paws and Grizzly both sell wild caught salmon oil that come in easy to use bottles with hand pumps. No hide rawhide Rawhides give your dog hours of chewing pleasure and entertainment, but they also pose a huge risk. This can cause your dog to choke, or create a blockage. Earth Animal no-hide rawhides are a healthy alternative. Plus, they help maintain healthy teeth and gums, while being nutritious. Your dog will stay busy for hours, but with no added risks. ID Tag While a naked pug is cute, a safe pug is even cuter. Better safe than sorry! We like these simple tags that look good and last forever. Wrinkle paste If you own a pug, then you know that all of those wrinkles and folds can get pretty funky. Boogie used to get frequent yeast infections in his folds before we changed his diet and started using wrinkle paste. The wrinkle paste cleans and protects wrinkles by forming a water repellent barrier that helps keep moisture, fungus and bacteria at bay. We like the Squishface brand , which also sells wrinkle wipes and tear stain paste. Ear cleaning solution Besides wrinkle and fold maintenance, pugs need their ears cleaned regularly too. Have I mentioned that pugs are sensitive? Boogie was plagued with frequent ear infections when we adopted him, and this solution seemed to do the trick. Regular cleanings when we noticed him itching or rubbing his ear helped stop the awful cycle, and saved him a trip to the vet. Avoid this stuffed animal massacre scene and get your pug no-stuffing dog toys. We buy these. Kong Enrichment toys are a great way to keep your pug busy, their mind sharp and their life enjoyable. Our favorites are Kong toys. You can fill them with tasty treats, use them to mentally and physically stimulate your pup, and even bust one out during a training session. Learn about how to stuff your Kong and get over Kong filler ideas. You can get your very own Kong here. The good news is, weekly brushings will help remove loose hair and keep the indoor shedding to a minimum. You can read more about how to deal with a shedding pug here. If you live in colder climates, or are traveling to one, make sure your pug stays snug with a sweater or jacket. I especially like to use them on winter walks. These sweaters are stylish and warm, and they fit round pugs! Check the sizing before ordering. Toothbrush and dental chews Ooph. The dreaded dental. Pugs, like other brachycephalic breeds, have breathing issues. Their flat faces make things like going under anesthesia risky, especially if your pug is overweight or older. Prevent the need for dentals with good oral care. What items are a must for the pug in your household? Share with us in the comments! Pin for later! The last thing you want is for it to malfunction near a busy street. And to do that, a lot of trainers recommend a shorter leash to keep your pug behind you. But good ones are pretty pricey, there are two other options: Pug Harness — We know that pugs are one of few brachycephalic breeds ie. There are many advocates of harnesses within the pug community. However, one drawback is that it can teach your pug to pull on the leash, and for that reason many trainers recommend using a standard collar… Collar — Just because I want Benji to look like a little badass, he has this spiky collar. Young pugs should be outfitted with small-size collars, although they will quickly grow out of it over time. Crate Most pug owners opt to purchase a dog crate with a divider. As your pup grows, then you can remove the divider. For more details, checkout our guide on How to Fly with a Pug. So my advice? Start with a small bed with a removable cover. A dog waterproof seat cover will also save you in repair or cleaning costs. I have an SUV, and when it comes to long road trips, I have Benji in the cargo area, where I have a weather resistant and washable removable mat. With that being said, for your pug puppy, I recommend a low calorie snack, with supplements to support your puppies development. Benji would actually vomit every now and then when he was younger — and I just chalked it up as normal. If you feel like you want to make some changes, just make sure to choose a food meant for small breed puppies. A lot of this is attributed to nutrition. But truth be told, I messed up with Benji as a pup, now he hates getting his nails cut. Dogs have blood vessels called a kwik that grow within the nail and if you cut to short, your dogs gonna hate ya. Just be consistent with nail trimmings, this prevents the kwik from growing too much. Just make sure to get a nail cutter that has a stopper that can help stop you but not completely prevent you from hitting the kwik. I like this one on Amazon. But some pug owners swear by it. Puppy shampoo Since Benji has allergies , I use a few speciality formulations for him. I like this one with the scrubber built-in. I would highly advise in getting a carpet cleaning washing machine. I had to clean the carpet multiple times to get the water even looking remotely translucent.