american bulldog puppies chicago
Though size varies between individuals, a standard German Shepherd weighs about 60 pounds. Whether you already own a German Shepherd pup or are looking into it, be prepared for a hefty lap dog! Continue to 7 of 16 below. They were originally bred for their striking good looks and intelligence, making for a great working dog on the police force and in the military. They were so cute that dog-lovers in other countries soon caught on and began breeding them themselves. Continue to 8 of 16 below. These dogs are very protective of their homes and family and make excellent guard dogs. Continue to 9 of 16 below. They need stimulation, even if they are a family pet and not a trained deputy. This can be in the form of playful games, puzzle toys, tricks , and obedience training. Otherwise, German Shepherds may show off some unpleasant behavior, like chewing. Continue to 10 of 16 below. Continue to 11 of 16 below. Continue to 12 of 16 below. They perk up as they grow older, making them look extra tall and important. Continue to 13 of 16 below. Beautiful all black and all white German Shepherds are out there, too. Continue to 14 of 16 below. Continue to 15 of 16 below. This breed is inherently athletic and courageous—nothing can stop them, not even water. Continue to 16 of 16 below. These pups are incredibly intelligent and capable canines who are ready to work. And German Shepherd puppies are too cute! Remember, you can get any kind of dog, including a GSD, from shelters and rescues, so always adopt! They tend to be one-family pets, meaning they can be suspicious of strangers. Although absolutely gorgeous, Shepherds are shedders to the max. Prepare for a snow globe of hair to poof off your pup any time you give them a big snuggle, which will be more often than not. When you first get your puppy, playing may consist of nipping due to their herding background. When your GSD is fully grown, they may love to wrestle around and forget how big they are. These pups are always up for snuggling with others, including kids and other pets. Softies Who Are Also Busy Bodies If you want a German Shepherd puppy in your life, you have to really want your dog to be a part of every little bit of your daily routine. Morning showers? Your pup will want to sit right outside to make sure you rinse off the soap. Your bed? Highly intelligent and curious, Shepherds want to know what is going on all of the time. German Shepherds will attach at the hip and make the right person the happiest dog parent on the planet. German Shepherd puppy in grass close-up of German Shepherd puppy German Shepherd puppy in profile German Shepherd puppy on rock German Shepherd puppy lying down on lawn German Shepherd puppy looking at camera German Shepherd puppy on snow German Shepherd puppy in yard Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. Would you adopt a German Shepherd Puppy? Do you have experience with these adorable pups? Let us know in the comments below! Our extensive collection features hundreds of stunning photos of these adorable canines in various poses, settings, and backgrounds. Type of Images Available Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images features a variety of different types of photos, including portraits, candid shots, outdoor and indoor images, and more. From close-ups of their expressive faces to action shots of them running and playing, our images capture the energy and character of this amazing breed. Our images can be used for a multitude of purposes, including websites, blog posts, advertisements, social media, books, magazines, and more. Whether you're sharing photos of your own German Shepherd puppy or you need images for a commercial project, our collection is a great resource. Tips for Choosing the Right Image Choosing the right image can make all the difference when it comes to creating a compelling design or message. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect image: Consider the mood you want to convey Think about the context in which the image will be used Look for images with high resolution and clarity Take into account the color scheme of your project and select images that complement it Choose images that have a clear focal point and aren't cluttered Why Choose Our Images? Our collection of German Shepherd puppy images offers a unique combination of quality, variety, and affordability. We pride ourselves in providing images that are visually stunning while still being accessible to a wide range of individuals and businesses. Plus, we offer flexible licensing options, including Royalty-free and Extended licenses, to fit your specific needs. With our images, you can create compelling projects that capture the essence of this beloved breed, no matter what your design or marketing goals may be. So why wait? Browse our collection today to discover the perfect German Shepherd puppy image for your next project!
Thinking about adding an apricot Goldendoodle puppy to your family? What is the difference between Red vs Apricot Goldendoodles? An apricot Goldendoodle is a lighter color, similar to that of the inside of a peach. A red Goldendoodle, on the other hand, is much darker and similar to the typical color of an Irish Setter. There certainly can be some shades in-between these two colors. However, both apricot and red are separate, distinct colors and are recognized as such by almost every Goldendoodle breeder. They Can Be Multi-Colored While plain apricot is an adorable color for a puppy, there are several color combinations that are also super cute! The most common variation is an apricot and white Goldendoodle. Typically apricot is the main color with white patches around the chest, face, or paws. Photo courtesy of discodoodledog on Instagram. Solid color puppies, like apricots, tend to be the most economical choice. An Apricot Goldendoodle Looks Adorable with Long or Short Hair While every Goldendoodle owner has their own preferences as to how their dogs get groomed, apricot Goldendoodles look great with both long and short haircuts! Photo courtesy of brodythatdood on Instagram. There are many different haircut styles for Goldendoodles that range anywhere from basic to exotic! Two of the most common are the teddybear cut and the summer cut. What kind of coat texture your puppy will have as an adult depends on their genetics. Generations of Goldendoodles that are more similar in DNA to a Poodle are more likely to be on the curlier side. Goldendoodles with more Retriever DNA in them will often have wavy or even flat coats. We have an article all about Goldendoodle generations that will help you decipher them and explain how they effect coat texture! As an over-simplified rule of thumb, curlier coats tend to mean higher maintenance with grooming and brushing. Straighter coats on the other hand are easier to avoid tangles and matting but may have a higher potential for shedding. In fact, depending on which generation of puppy you get, it may not even be likely at all! If you have severe allergies and are looking for a new puppy, you may want to consider either a purebred hypoallergenic breed like the Poodle or perhaps a mix-breed comprised of two hypoallergenic parents such as the Maltipoo or the Schnoodle! This will help give you the best odds of being able to live harmoniously with your future dog. We also have some great tips on how to best manage a canine that sheds in this article on Goldendoodle shedding! Often, along with this comes some changes in color over time. If you have a bi-colored Goldendoodle, their markings may fade, change, or disappear as well. Photos courtesy of Kim Michelle on Facebook. Goldendoodles are an intelligent and extremely affectionate breed. They tend to make friends easily wherever they go and have a goofy side that people fall in love with! See some of these silly sleeping positions Goldendoodles love! Rescuing an Apricot Goldendoodle is an Option Since apricot is a fairly common color of Goldendoodle, that means that you may have the option to rescue one instead of purchasing from a breeder. There are pros and cons to adopting a Goldendoodle that you should be aware of. For more information, check out our Goldendoodle Rescue Directory which lists shelters and rescue organizations who may have Goldendoodles available. Apricot is just one of the wide variety of Goldendoodle color options available! Other solid colors include cream Goldendoodles and black Goldendoodles. There are also lots of amazing multi-colored options like phantom Goldendoodles , sable Goldendoodles , and tuxedo Goldendoodles! More About Goldendoodles…. Full Guide Should you consider adopting an apricot Mini Goldendoodle, you have come to the right place. We will discuss everything you need to know about these adorable and highly intelligent dogs. Keep reading to learn more. The Apricot Mini Goldendoodle is an increasingly popular designer breed. The variety is a favorite for many dog enthusiasts because of its size and teddy-bear appearance. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle and inherit most of the personality traits from their parent breeds. Like other Goldendoodle varieties, the Apricot Goldendoodle is a playful, friendly, loyal, and energetic dog. They are also intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are perfect for families with an active lifestyle. Once you bring your furry friend home, you must develop a care routine and stick to it. Here are a few things you need to keep attention to keep your dog happy and healthy. Exercise Apricot Mini Goldendoodles are considered moderately energetic dogs. This means they will need at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily to stay healthy and in good shape. Because of their easygoing attitude, they will enjoy playing with both humans and other pets. They also love water, so allowing them to swim will give them an outlet to work out and cut on their energy. Generally, they are happiest and most active when they are allowed to move freely and play around. Therefore, you must ensure that your backyard is well-fenced to make the exercise easy. If your apricot mini Goldendoodle lacks mental and physical exercise, it can channel its excess energy to destructive behaviors. They may also start to bark a lot. Because of their smaller sizes, they are not good for vigorous activities. For instance, they are good hiking and running partners. Therefore, you will need to make sure that the exercise is moderate. Intellectual Stimulation Apricot mini Goldendoodles are highly intelligent dogs, just like their parent breeds. This means they can easily become frustrated and bored if they are left on their own. You will need to ensure that your furry friend has stimulating toys. If they get bored, they can even chew your favorite shoes. To prevent any form of destruction, be sure to keep your furry friend mentally stimulated with various designated dog toys designated to keep them stimulated and sharp. Intellectual stimulation will also help to stop unnecessary barking. Training All Goldendoodles, including apricot mini Goldendoodles, are highly intelligent dogs eager to please and quick to learn. They will do everything possible to make their owners happy. They are perfect pets for both first-time and experienced dog owners. Even a newborn apricot mini Goldendoodle puppy can learn tricks, obedience, and obey basic commands through early socialization and training. Companionship Apricot mini Goldendoodles are bred to be companion dogs. They adore humans and are devoted to their families. If left home alone, they may easily suffer from separation, which other behavioral problems like excessive barking can accompany. These dogs do well in homes and families where they are cherished and feel part of the family. They will thrive if there is always someone to keep them company. If you are away from home most of the time, you can hire a pet sitter or take your apricot mini Goldendoodle to doggy daycare. Grooming Being a Poodle mix means your apricot mini Goldendoodle will have higher grooming needs than most other dog breeds. Brushing their hair will help to prevent mats and tangles from forming. Because of the fast-growing fur, some owners take their apricot mini Goldendoodles to professional groomers once every three months. Apricot mini Goldendoodles rarely develop a distinct doggy odor. Therefore, there will be no need to bathe them often. Bathing them once a week is okay. Frequent bathing can exhaust natural oil and dry their skin. It will help to prevent ear infections from occurring. You can use a vet-approved ear-cleaning solution for dogs to get rid of dirt, waxy buildup, and other debris. These dogs are prone to inheriting dental issues from their Poodle parents. You will also need to trim their nails at least twice a month if they cannot wear them down naturally. Common Health Problems Apricot mini Goldendoodles are generally considered healthy dogs. However, they tend to develop several health issues that affect Golden Retrievers and Poodles. The best chance of having a healthy and quality apricot mini Goldendoodle is getting it from a reputable breeder. While apricot mini Goldendoodles are prone to diseases that affect their Poodle and Golden Retriever parents, it does not mean your dog is guaranteed to get these conditions. However, it is good to be aware of all potential health issues from the start. Here are the common health concerns in apricot mini Goldendoodles. Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is a genetic condition that can also be triggered by malnutrition. The condition is common in Goldendoodles and occurs when the thighbone does not snugly fit into the hip joint, making it appear displaced. The common symptoms of Hip Dysplasia are discomfort, pain, and lameness. It can be diagnosed using an X-ray screening. Genetic testing is the best way to avoid Hip Dysplasia. Apricot mini Goldendoodle breeders should not breed dogs with this condition. It is common in both humans and dogs. Apricot mini Goldendoodles with this disorder often have bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding after surgery, bloody stool, prolonged bleeding when in the heat cycle, and frequent nose bleeds. This condition does not have a known cure. However, you can manage it with plans, such as avoiding specific medications, blood transfusion before surgery, and suturing injuries. Epilepsy Epilepsy is a common health condition in both doodles and poodles. Therefore, your apricot mini Goldendoodle could be at risk of suffering from the condition. The condition causes confusion and seizures. The triggers for an epileptic seizure often vary. If you notice any symptoms, you should see your vet as soon as possible. Cancer The Golden Retriever is one of the dog breeds with the highest cancer rates. Since the apricot mini Goldendoodle is a Poodle and Golden Retriever offspring, it can inherit cancer from its Golden Retriever parent. If your dog has cancer, be sure to see your vet immediately. Allergies All dogs are prone to allergies, and apricot mini Goldendoodles are no exception. The common allergies in these dogs are inhalants, skin allergies, and food sensitivity. The best way to help your dog is to get rid of what triggers the allergy. Dental Disease Apricot mini Goldendoodles can inherit dental problems from their Poodle parents. Therefore, you must observe dental hygiene by ensuring their teeth are brushed at least twice or thrice a week. In addition to these health conditions, your apricot mini Goldendoodle may be prone to ear infections. All dogs are meant to bark, and apricot mini Goldendoodles are no exception. Although they bark, they are not too vocal and will hardly bark excessively. They will only bark a lot if something is troubling them, such as fear, anxiety, and pain. Conclusion Apricot Mini Goldendoodles are adorable, friendly, and playful dogs that make great family pets. They are also intelligent dogs that are easy to train and socialize with other pets and humans. Sharing is caring! If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Are Apricot Goldendoodles hypoallergenic? Yes, Apricot Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic dogs. Apricot Goldendoodles have curly hair that prevents them from shedding fur and dander that cause allergic reactions in some people. These pups are an excellent choice for families with allergies but still want a furry family member. Apricot Goldendoodle exercise requirement Apricot Goldendoodles need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep their minds and bodies healthy. These pups enjoy activities like running, playing fetch, and frisbee. Apricot Goldendoodle training Apricot Goldendoodles love pleasing their owners and they are easy to train. They respond very well to positive training techniques that reward good behavior rather than punish bad behavior. Pet parents should feed them high-quality dog food containing protein, fat, and carbohydrates in balanced proportions. However, owners of this lovely pet should still watch out for the following health problems. Atopic Dermatitis The breed can easily suffer from skin allergies, often triggered by food or environmental allergens. Epilepsy Epilepsy is another health problem that affects Goldendoodles. The affected pooch suffers from seizures, although their frequency can vary. It usually occurs in mini and toy breeds. Hip Dysplasia This disease is common in large-size Goldendoodles and can cause severe pain throughout their life. It usually starts when the pup is 1 to 2 years old and can develop into total blindness. The affected pup experiences increased bleeding during injury or surgery. Apricot Goldendoodle lifespan Apricot Goldendoodles live as long as any other Goldendoodle. Their average lifespan is 10 to 15 years. Apricot Goldendoodle price Apricot Goldendoodle price can vary depending on the breeder. Apricot Goldendoodle breeders A lot of online breeders offer Apricot Goldendoodle puppies. However, you should always check their reviews before purchasing from them and always buy one from a reputable breeder. For example, mini Apricot Goldendoodle puppies have smaller paws than standard ones. Apricot Goldendoodle puppies for sale You can find some adorable Apricot mini Goldendoodle puppies for sale on Crockett Doodles. Apricot Goldendoodle for sale Goldendoodles of Colorado breed healthy pets in loving environments. They also have partner facilities in all parts of the country. Is the Apricot Goldendoodle right for me? They love playing with kids and are usually free from health issues. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Light Apricot Goldendoodle Light Apricot Goldendoodle via goldendoodlepaw Light Apricot Goldendoodles have a coat that is almost cream in color with peachy undertones. A lot of Apricot Goldendoodles end up being Light Apricot Goldendoodles as adults as their coats can fade with age. They have a deep red or rusty brown coat. Dark Apricot Goldendoodles usually have dark brown or black noses and dark brown eyes. Their body is mainly apricot with a large white patch on their chest, giving them the appearance of wearing a shirt. They also usually have white on their muzzle, between their eyes and on top of their head. Usually the white patches are on their chest, paws or muzzle. They are also known as Apricot and White Goldendoodles. Usually the apricot patches are on their ears, around their eyes and sometimes on the top of their head. Apricot Goldendoodle via whatitdobudarue Apricot Goldendoodle Temperament Apricot Goldendoodles are highly excitable dogs by nature. They love spending time around people and other animals alike and are so affectionate and gentle. Apricot Goldendoodles are keen to please which makes them pretty easy to train. They are also relatively easy to care for. The only real complaint of owners is the constant grooming requirements of Goldendoodles. Their coat is a very light red coat that has a peachy tone. It is quite a common Goldendoodle coat color as it is so popular which is why they are cheaper than other rarer Goldendoodle coat colors.
Where my puppy illustrations come in is the advertising of said events to benefit said puppies! Cut them out and paste them onto the plain gift bag, which you can find at any dollar store in the gifting section. Glue the tabs onto the toilet paper roll held horizontally , two in front and two in back. Then glue on the tail and the neck and head. Print that out onto cardstock, color it in, and cut it out just the face. Findable Rocks To make findable rocks, you will need a handful of smooth-topped rocks of various sizes and Mod Podge. You can select, copy and paste them all onto one document and print. Color them in and cut them out, then Mod Podge them to the tops of the rocks. Let the Mod Podge dry overnight and place the rocks on trails, at the park, outside of the grocery store, etc. Bookmarks My puppy pictures would make adorable bookmarks for both adults and kids. Cut them out and paste them onto a rectangular piece of construction paper or cardstock, roughly three or four inches by eight or 10 inches. Paper Dolls My puppy pics are so cute, they can and should be played with as paper dolls! Print the puppies you want to use onto cardstock, color them in and cut them out. You can use them as-is, or, for added convenience or for younger hands , you could glue a crafting stick to the back to make more of a puppet. Puppy Headbands You can turn your little cutie into a barking, playful puppy with just a few steps. Print that off, have your kid color it in, and cut it out. Wall Art My puppy illustrations are so cute, they belong on the walls of your home. Color them in, frame them you can find inexpensive frames at Walmart or the dollar store , and hang them up in an artful arrangement. You could also cut a few down to different sizes to add interest and variety to your gallery wall. Cut out the puppy and punch a hole where you want it to hang. Bake per the instructions and then let cool completely. You can add things to the ornament — like a little ribbon bow, hot glued on — and string some ribbon or cording through the hole to hang the ornament with. What could be better than dogs? Even non-dog-lovers would find it hard to say no to a sweet and adorable puppy. Puppies have tons of energy and love to play. They might chew up your shoes or pee on the rug, but puppy owners love their furry friends anyway. And with time these puppies learn how to be the best dogs around. There are so many puppies of all different shapes and sizes. The popularity of puppies has translated into a high demand from our readers for printable puppy coloring pages that you can enjoy for free. Finally here are 30 brand new and completely free puppy coloring pages that you can color any way you want. Have fun and use your imagination! This little one is so fluffy and furry, and it just makes it all the more huggable. There are a few different breeds that this dog could be, and that means that you could use all sorts of different colors for this one. What other techniques could you use in order to finish off this page? Next up, we have another impossibly cute puppy for you to color. This one is also fluffy, and it has such a gentle look to it. The puppy is also wearing a collar, and that just gives you an extra detail to add some color to! If you want to add very subtle detail, you could write what you would name this puppy in small letters on the collar. This is also another case where we think that smaller strokes of the medium you choose would be great for making the puppy look nice and fluffy. Puppies come in all different shapes and sizes and have unique patterns on their coats. The little guy in this puppy coloring page has big patches all down his back and little patches of color on his head and ear. Every dog loves a bone, and this puppy has found one that is far too big for her. She will probably run away if anyone tries to take her bone from her. If you saw this next puppy in real life, we think it would be impossible to resist giving it a big hug. This little one seems to be based on a poodle, and it is so fluffy! If you decide to stick to the colors, we would use some lighter shades of colors like yellows and maybe some tan browns. What colors come to mind for you? Next up in our collection of free puppy coloring pages for kids, we have another cutie. This one looks like it could be a baby alsatian or maybe even a husky! The design has been left just vague enough that you can decide what kind of breed you think it is. If you have a favorite kind of puppy and it looks a bit like this design, then be sure to use those colors to finish off the design! Which puppy breed would you choose to make this? Puppies have a lot to learn when it comes to training. The puppy in this printable sheet seems to be a little confused by some command his owner has given. He cocks his head and big floppy ears to one side as he listens. One tooth pokes out of his mouth. This puppy looks adorable with her tongue sticking out of her mouth, ready to give puppy kisses. She has a fluffy patch of fur on her chest and a very short tail that wags excitedly. She really has stolen our hearts. For such a playful little pup, we think it would be fun to draw some extra details and objects that it could interact with. For example, you could draw some chew toys or maybe something like a ball. There are so many fun objects and details you could add! What kinds of toys would you like to give to this adorable little puppy? This little puppy has such expressive eyes, and it gives it such a sweet and friendly look. We think that for this one you should use all of your favorite colors that make you happy as you color this little one. Once you have colored it in, you could also color in the background or maybe draw a little background scene! Where do you think this puppy could be spending its day? Is it a special little patch, or has he been sniffing through the woods or left the remains of a snack on his nose? He certainly seems like an adventurous puppy with very bright and curious eyes. This puppy coloring sheet might be a picture of a Dalmatian. They are known for their unique white coats with spots all over them. This puppy might look small, but Dalmations grow up to be pretty big and powerful dogs. Next up, we have a puppy coloring printable that features a cute little cartoon puppy. Many of the pages so far in the collection have been a bit more realistic and detailed, but this one has a really stylistic and whimsical design. Because of that, we would probably use much brighter, flatter colors when filling this page. Using mediums such as colored pens, markers or acrylic paints would work perfectly, but there are so many others you could use instead. When you saw this page, did any favorite colors or mediums come to mind? This little puppy is definitely having a great day, as he has found a lovely bone to chew on! Dogs are rarely as content as they are when chewing on a bone, so this one is probably having a marvelous day because of its lucky find. There are also some great details on this little pooch, and you can work in some subtle color details using your art tools. The surrounding grass also gives you the chance to add some lovely bright greens, and you could add even more background details and elements! What details would you add to the background? Puppies pant to cool themselves off after playing or going for a walk. It looks like this panting pup is having a great time playing. Maybe he has found some other puppy friends. Pugs are charming and mischievous dogs. They sometimes have patterns around their face that look like a mask, like in this puppy coloring sheet. The background has been left fairly blank here, so this would be another great one to draw a background scene for. Maybe you could also draw a bowl of food or some doggy treats that it can dig into! There are so many ways to bring this charming scene to life. The cutie featured on this puppy coloring page is holding a tennis ball and is ready to play! It makes for a really cute scene, but there are other details to admire as well. There are some pattern details on the puppy, but there is also a pretty flower tucked behind the ear. These details let you add even more color to the image, and you can get really creative with how you go about it. This pug is so compact that it is sitting up straight like a person would. It turns to the side as if it heard or smelled something. Maybe it is time for the pug to eat! These puppy coloring pages are as cute as can be , especially this bulldog! He has adorable wrinkles and a smushed-in face that is a distinctive marker of this breed. He looks like something has startled him. Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds around, and they are even smaller when they are puppies. This dog might be a puppy, but his fur pattern makes him look like he has a little beard and mustache. Remember that all these puppy coloring pages are completely free to print , so feel free to print and color as many as you want. Corgis are another dog breed we love. They have big ears, short legs, and stumpy tails. This puppy looks like he is doing yoga in the upward dog position. Puppies need to stretch and unwind just like people do. What is your favorite breed of puppies? Hearts seem to be a theme in these puppy coloring pages. This pup looks like she has a heart-shaped toy that she is carrying with her. She looks like she is waiting for someone to throw the toy and play with her. Puppies have played a big part in the media. This puppy printable reminds us of Lady from Lady and the Tramp when she was only a puppy. Her fluffy ears are a classic staple of the Cocker Spaniel dog breed. Pomeranians are extremely fluffy dogs. You can see in this free printable how much hair this puppy has. His face, tail, and body all look like little puffballs. He is so furry that you can barely see his ears poking out of his fur. Puppies definitely get into lots of trouble, and the Chihuahua in this coloring sheet has a mischievous look on her face. She seems to be batting her long eyelashes to ask for a treat or to go for a walk. His fur makes him look like he has his eyebrows raised in surprise and his panting tongue makes him seem even more energetic. What a silly pup! Remember — when you finish your puppy coloring pages , post your finished pictures onto our Facebook page. Every month we pick the best uploads and the winner gets a special prize. Good luck! Sometimes Bulldogs have underbites, like in this puppy printable sheet. The little teeth poking out of his bottom jaw make him even more adorable, along with his tiny folded ears and chunky wrinkled body. Yorkshire Terriers are tiny dogs with big personalities that make great companions. This little pup has pointy ears and looks ready and excited to accompany you on any journey she can. Who could say no to that face? She has an extra fluffy patch of fur on her chest and a tiny patch on the top of her head. His big ears are perked up at attention and the fur on his cheeks pokes out in a triangle shape. His eyes are open wide with excitement and he pants with his tongue out ready to chase down a ball or go for a run. This puppy coloring page features a puppy who is especially shaggy. His fur looks like it is getting close to covering his eyes! He has a big button nose and he tilts his head to one side to show that he is listening intently to what you are saying. Huskies are some of the strongest dogs around. They are muscular with thick fur coats because they were bred to pull heavy sleds through the cold. Perhaps the puppy in this coloring page is training to be a sled dog herself one day. The puppy in this kids coloring page is listening intently with his head tilted to one side. While puppies cannot understand English, they are very sensitive to the tone and volume of the words you say. They can also hear things four times further away than humans can. We love this puppy coloring sheet of a pup that looks a lot like a teddy bear. She has a shaggy coat and little floppy ears that make her especially adorable. Some puppy breeds that have this distinctive teddy bear look are Poodles and Golden Doodles. This puppy looks like she is out for a walk or maybe even playing in a dog park. We love the unique patch she has around one of her eyes. Did you know that looking at pictures of puppies is good for you? Some studies have found that looking at pictures of cute baby animals can help you focus. So we hope you have had fun with these cute puppy coloring pages and that they have helped sharpen your mind. Remember to check back for more fun characters and animals that you can print and color. We are constantly updating our catalog of coloring pages and printable sheets for you to enjoy. There is so much more to come. We hope you enjoyed using your creativity to bring to life these cute puppy coloring pages as they panted and played.
Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life. They are gentle but need to be treated with respect by all members of the family, including young children, as like any dog their patience will eventually run out. Common health problems in Golden Retrievers Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight. Eye problems — screening tests are available and dogs should be screened on a yearly basis, especially if intended for breeding. Multifocal retinal dysplasia - abnormal development and growth of the back of the eye retina which can lead to blindness. Generalised progressive retinal atrophy GPRA — slowly leads to progressive blindness over months or years. Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy RPED, or central progressive retinal atrophy — a genetic problem which causes issues in the back of the eye retina and loss of vision. Glaucoma — high pressure within the eye causing pain and loss of vision. Ichthyosis — a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair. Caring for your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are usually real big softies and can make a great addition to a home. How much noise they make will be down to the individual dog. Training and socialisation Golden Retrievers thrive off training and are very intelligent dogs. They love nothing more than to be given tasks to do to keep them occupied and have fairly good problem-solving skills — for a dog! As long as your Retriever is properly socialised from a young age , they should be confident around new people and situations. Retrievers also like their chill out time but will be more than happy to show you plenty of affection on their own terms. Exercise Golden Retrievers are very active dogs and need plenty of opportunities to exercise , play and get rid of excess energy. Your Golden Retriever will need a minimum of two hours of good exercise per day. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together. Because they are intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers can get bored easily so make sure you keep their brains active as well as their bodies. As their name suggests, retrieving is what they were bred for, so nearly all Golden Retrievers love a good game of fetch! Grooming Golden Retrievers have medium to long coats and generally do shed a lot. They are not a dog to take on if you hate hoovering! Ideally, they should be brushed or combed three times a week at a minimum. Where necessary you can trim their coat with the right tools, but seek advice from a professional dog groomer or vet first. You may also find that your Retriever loves water including any and all muddy puddles and swimming. Make sure they stay safe around the water and if they get mucky, use a dog safe shampoo. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate Golden Retrievers and children If you have a young family then Golden Retrievers can be fantastic with children. If socialised properly from a young age, Retrievers can be quite calm and tolerant. Always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Golden Retriever and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Golden Retrievers and other pets Well-socialised Golden Retrievers are very easy-going, which usually means they can be great around other dogs and pets, too. Any introductions should be done carefully and following the right advice for your other pet, too. Always supervise your dog with other pets, even if they have known them for a long time. Obesity can cause other health problems for your Golden Retriever, so keeping them in shape is extra important. Make sure to monitor their weight and keep an eye out for any sneaky snacking. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. Use healthy treats in moderation instead. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap before exercising and after eating. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you want to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they have to do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts As they were bred to fetch game, they have a naturally gentle grip, called a 'soft mouth', so they don't damage the birds they carry back in their mouths. Golden Retrievers have an amazing sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs in other parts of the world. They absolutely love water well, most of them do. Most Retrievers will take any opportunity to have a swim. Luckily, their coats are thick to keep out water and keep them warm. Golden Retrievers make really good assistance dogs and are often a top choice for training to be Guide Dogs for the Blind. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Golden Retriever. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Golden Retrievers are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if the Golden Retriever is the right pet for you? January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Aside from forcing you to get more active, having a canine friend can reduce stress for people of all ages. For starters, vaccinations start at weeks old and should be spaced out every two weeks. Golden retrievers have a reputation for being some of the best dog breeds for families. Are you looking to bring home a golden retriever puppy? Read on for an in-depth golden retriever guide to prepare you for your new best friend for life. Are Golden Retrievers Good Dogs? Of course, all dogs are the best boys and girls and deserve all the belly rubs in the world! However, when people ask if a golden retriever is a good dog, they want to know if the breed is a good fit for them. Some dogs also require extensive maintenance and can be too much for a beginner dog handler. For people wanting to make sure a golden is good for their lifestyle, the quick answer is yes. Golden retrievers are an all-around versatile breed for all kinds of people and are the best dogs you could ask for. Golden retrievers are amazing with kids and make for great family dogs. Goldens are a gentle bunch, and their intelligence and patience are often under-appreciated. They can handle household noise and curious toddlers with the patience of a saint. As a breed, they are well known for their loving, patient, gentle, and fun-loving nature. This is largely a result of upbringing and conditioning, as any dog can become aggressive if mistreated. If you want a friendly golden retriever, do your part and give them the love and care they need. Golden Retrievers Are Affectionate Goldens are affectionate and are sure to get along with any dog or person they meet. This is why you often see them excelling as therapy, comfort, and emotional support dogs. Golden Retrievers Have Wonderful Personalities There is nothing to not like about the personalities of this breed. They love to have fun, but they also like going with the flow. Given their history as hunting dogs, golden retrievers are curious and will go often go exploring if you let them. They also have plenty of courage and work ethic, making them great working dogs. Golden retrievers will always want to greet strangers and sneak a chance at some playtime. This makes them a poor choice to defend your home, as they might befriend the intruder instead. If you want a guard dog, a golden retriever may fall short of its responsibilities. They Can Be Mischievous This one should be obvious for anyone scrolling social media. Goldens have a penchant for tomfoolery and mischief, which can often be hilarious. Golden retriever puppies are particularly notorious for this. Part of this stems from their natural curiosity but also their relaxed and loving nature. While temperament is often a genetic arch-type and can differ from dog to dog, most of it is solid. This is a huge factor for families with multiple dogs or a cat. They May Have Trouble Behaving in Public Because goldens are so friendly, they sometimes have trouble behaving in public. Their temperament naturally pulls them toward new potential friends. You can work on these through socialization and by going slow. Take them to less crowded or busy places first, and work your way up until they get the hang of it. Keep an eye out for body language and physical contact. As we said, some of this comes built in, but you also have to work on it. There are two major things you need to do. If you want to ensure your golden has that loveable personality, start socializing them at a young age. Training is a must, and golden retrievers are usually eager to please. It also helps to get a puppy from a reputable breeder, not from any pet store or puppy mill. At My Golden Retriever Puppies , we breed and raise our puppies with the love and attention they deserve. Golden Retriever Traits Aside from personality and temperament, goldens have great traits. These include their trainability, intelligence, and energy levels. It also includes behaviors to watch out for, like chewing. For a quick dive, keep reading. Golden Retrievers Are Smart Golden retrievers are much more intelligent than people give them credit for. A great example is how the police love using them as sniffers and tracking dogs. As long as you put in the work, your golden will be able to flex its stuff. This has a lot to do with their intelligence and obedient and loving personality. Golden Retrievers Need Exercise Despite being pretty flexible with their energy levels, Goldens still need to exercise. Examples of this include frequent zoomies around the house or getting into messes. They Can Be Chewers Goldens can be chewers, and this stems from adolescence. Teething golden puppies will chew anything they can get their hands on. A great way to handle this is training and exercise. Goldens need stimulation. Playing tug of war or fetch is a great way to address that bad chewing habit. They are cute and smart, easy to train and grow up to be fantastic family dogs. Visit us today to bring the newest addition to your family home. A golden retriever is happy, loyal, affectionate, non-aggressive, and almost always friendly. They get along with almost everyone, including kids, strangers, and other animals. Do Golden Retrievers Bark a lot? For example, your puppy may boop things with their nose or use their paws to communicate. Are Golden Retrievers Well Behaved? Golden retrievers are some of the most well-behaved dogs out there. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Golden Retrievers are wonderful, right? Well then, of course everyone should have one. Either way, it is vital that you examine your own lifestyle, needs and wants to see if a golden is right for you. And, conversely, you need to evaluate if you can meet the needs of a golden retriever. If you can, we can attest to the fact that owning a golden is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have! They are addicting and people seldom have just one in their lifetimes. Here are a few things to consider: Size Goldens are medium to large sized animals. The standard size for males range from 23 — 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh proportionally from pounds. Females stand around .They normally possess extremely active tails making clean sweeps of coffee and end tables. Quite simply they need room. Uncluttered houses are a must! A fenced in yard is especially important in providing the dog enough exercise. Another option is a fenced dog park or walking trail. You must have a plan to give your golden enough exercise on a daily basis or both of you will be miserable. The younger the golden, the more exercise they generally need. Velcro Dog Goldens are faithful companions. They are usually always by your side, many will follow you from room to room. They will lie in the kitchen while you cook and at your feet while you watch TV. They must be near their humans to be happy. Be prepared to do a lot of hands on petting with your golden — they love it. Some goldens are downright needy in their desire for attention from their humans. Leashes You may have visions of letting your dog play fetch in an open field or running free on the beach. As a sporting dog they are easily distracted by birds, animals or moving objects; they must be kept leashed when being exercised outside of a fenced yard to keep them from running off. Shedding In Florida, goldens shed moderately all year long. Brushing every other day is to your advantage. If you require a fastidiously kept house, a golden is not the dog for you unless you like to do a lot of cleaning. You will always have dog hair around, especially in rugs, on furniture, and OH YES, occasionally even in your food. With a golden in your house, hair becomes a condiment. Oh — and you will have to vacuum much more often than before — or little fur balls will accumulate along your baseboards! Make sure you have a really good vacuum cleaner that you love using before bringing a golden into your home. Health Goldens are prone to allergies, skin problems, cancer and hypothyroidism and you may have to spend a fair amount on vet care over the life of a golden. Common inherited health issues are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, various eye problems and heart disease. That is relatively cheap compared to if your dog has a health issue and requires veterinary care which today runs as much as human health care. Setting aside a monthly amount for a future emergency is a must. There are also quality pet insurance programs available. Goldens must be fed a high quality premium food to prevent costly skin problems — which means you will not be able to buy your food at the grocery or discount store — and will have to make a special trip to the pet supply store. There are other expenses such as toys, collars and leashes, brushes, shampoos and soft cozy beds. A well cared for dog, like its human counterpart, is happier with regular checkups and daily care. Grooming Goldens can be adequately groomed at home without expensive equipment. Grooming includes brushing, bathing, trimming hair from the pads of the feet, light trimming on ears, tails and back legs when necessary, and trimming nails. Neatness Goldens are easily housebroken and make great housedogs. They tend to be messy drinkers, dripping water on the floor after they take their drink. You might even encounter a little slobber. Training Goldens are usually easy to potty train and make great house dogs. Many owners wish to make their goldens into good canine citizens. Moreover, goldens tend to be sensitive or soft in many training situations. They must be handled carefully with a loving, firm, but gentle approach. The end result is a well-mannered dog that is a joy to be around. Small Children People automatically assume goldens are the perfect dog for a family with children. Golden puppies quickly grow up to be rambunctious, strong bundles of energy that easily can play too rough with young children, especially when they are 6 months to two years of age. Though they may bark and growl defensively, when it comes down to brass tacks — they will gladly hold the flashlight for the burglar and give them a big kiss. Outside Dogs Goldens make poor outside dogs. Especially in Florida, they develop skin problems and flea allergies if kept outside. They frequently develop thunderstorm anxiety. As sporting dogs they are easily able to dig out of a fence or sometimes climb over it when left outside for long periods of unsupervised time because they want to be with people. They also are frequent targets for theft if left outside in a backyard when the owner is away from home. Goldens are very social and are pack oriented. They frequently develop behavior problems when they are kept separated from their families. A happy golden is an inside dog. Male or Female? Many people are fixated on getting a female golden, thinking that females are more laid back and affectionate than males. This is not true. Male goldens are blessed with loving personalities. Many people call them big teddy bears and even prefer male over female goldens. Well, there you have it — the inside scoop on owning a golden. Goldens Rescued Since .However, avoid retractable leashes whenever possible: Although they seem easier during walks, retractable leashes are actually dangerous, especially for young puppies who are still getting the hang of walking on a leash. Keep your puppy on a regular leash with a maximum of six feet of space between you both. Snowy Pines recommends slip leads: Slip leads are what puppies are taught to walk on from a young age at Snowy Pines, since they give you as the walker more control over the puppy as he gets the hang of normal walks. You can also opt for an embroidered collar if your puppy seems bothered by the noise or extra weight of the dog tags. Many puppy owners choose embroidered collars since dog tags should be removed when the puppy is left alone as they can pose a hazard. You can stick with a small food and water bowl. Puppy Food Your puppy will need high-quality food to grow strong! In most cases, this means his own dog crate. A good dog crate should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. You can choose a crate that expands as it grows to save money in the long run. Most of our puppies at Snowy Pines will do well in a inch wire kennel with a divider that you can remove once he gets bigger. Be sure to check out our dog bed reviews too! Remember that most toys should not be left alone with your puppy since unsupervised playtime can lead to a choking or blockage incident. Image Source Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys keep your pup mentally stimulated while they also have fun. Additionally, these interactive toys provide help with weight management, satisfy natural hunting instincts, and even relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. These toys can easily become a comfort item and help curb any potential anxiety as well. Chase Toys Golden puppies need to have regular exercise. Chase toys are simple things you can buy at any pet store, like ropes and balls, but some interactive chew toys are designed to add a little zing to your daily play routines. So, for example, if your puppy just woke up from his nap and pottied, but you need to do laundry and load the dishwasher, the exercise pen is a perfect solution. It enables your pup to enjoy safe solo playtime. Training Treats Food is a powerful reinforcer , so treats are incredibly beneficial in the early stages of puppy training. Try offering him a treat when he potties outside or uses a chew toy. Quick Tip: The treat should be small and chewy so that he can eat it fast and keep his attention on you! With the proper carpet cleaner and enzyme spray, you can quickly combat any potty mistakes anywhere in the house. Dog Shampoo and Conditioner The Retriever family has a unique, double-layered coat designed to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. It also dries quickly after becoming wet. It is such an impressive coat that it is essentially self-cleaning when it comes to dirt and debris. Pooper Scooper and Poop Bags A pooper scooper is a handy tool that many homeowners with yards find essential. Instead of bending down every time your pup goes, you can use a pooper scooper to clutch onto the waste and quickly throw it in your outside garbage bin. They are also expected as a common courtesy to other people outside. So before your English Cream Golden puppy comes home, be sure that your home, backyard, and car are puppy-safe and puppy-proofed. In the Home: Image Source Keep the toilet lid closed. Believe it or not, open toilet lids have the potential to be drowning hazards. Secure medicine and cleaning products. Keep these products high up or use childproof locks and latches on lower cabinets. Garbage should be kept lidded and secure. Lidded, secured bins are the best type of garbage cans you can have with a young puppy. Not only do you want to avoid spilled garbage, but a locked lid will prevent your puppy from getting into any potential hazards. Hide electrical cords and blind cords. Exposed electrical cords and long blind cords can prove to be fatal for curious puppies. Keep electrical cords hidden away, buy cord wraps to keep them safely covered, and be sure that your blind cords are tied high and inaccessible. Invest in a pet or baby gate. Gates can be used for doorways or staircases to keep your puppy away from certain areas of the house. In the Backyard: Be careful of plants and landscaping that may be poisonous or dangerous. Many plants are toxic to dogs , so be sure to triple-check if any are growing in your yard. Secure your yard with fencing and add gates around bodies of water. If you plan to let your puppy roam freely in your backyard, you should have complete fencing with no puppy-sized gaps around the perimeter of the property. If you have any ponds or pools, block them off with appropriate fencing to avoid accidental drowning. Keep your yard landscaped and manicured. Long grass and brushy areas can invite ticks, which can be extremely dangerous if any potential bites are not discovered early on. Generally speaking, your grass should not be higher than a couple of inches and potentially even shorter while your puppy is still young. In the Car: Image Source Move any chewable items and lock loose items in the glovebox. Confine your puppy in one area of the vehicle, like the backseat. Keeping your puppy confined to one area of the car is safe for everyone. Many puppy parents choose harness seat belts and car seats for younger dogs, while older dogs are big enough to safely sit in the back seat or trunk with cargo barriers. As your Golden Retriever gets older, you may find yourself opting for different barrier methods that will better suit his size. Kennel your puppy while in the car. Crating your puppy is the safest mode of transportation while in the car. Deciding on a Daily Routine Like children, puppies thrive on a fixed routine because an orderly one instills structure and confidence. Sticking to a schedule can also help reinforce potty training and prevent behavioral issues , like separation anxiety and barking or whining. Think of a schedule that works best for your puppy, which should include: Feeding: Pick out regular meal times and stick to them as closely as possible. Golden Retriever puppies will need three daily feedings until they are six months old. After that, stick to feeding twice a day at the same time each day. Fixed meal times will help you predict when your puppy needs to potty each day, which better ensures easier potty training. Scheduled potty breaks: Take your puppy out to the yard or on a walk to potty immediately after a meal and after they wake up to enforce a schedule that will help with house training. Playtime and exercise: Playing and mental stimulation are key to a happy puppyhood. Even though they will mellow out in personality as they become adults, Retriever puppies are high energy! Place the dog crate in a quiet part of the house since we kennel train at Snowy Pines, and it helps ensure their safety and comfort. And now is the exciting part: Your puppy is finally home! But now what? Puppy Socialization Socialization is vital for young puppies, especially between 8 to 16 weeks of age: A well-socialized puppy will grow into a happy and confident adult that feels secure in various situations. You can also invite friends and family over to meet the puppy. In this case, more is always merrier! To help your puppy feel comfortable around humans in general, expose him to different types of people when he is still young. We also recommend holding off on public settings like dog parks until your puppy is settled into his new home and routine so as to not overwhelm him. Once your puppy is vaccinated, you can consider signing him up for puppy socialization classes. These classes, alongside training courses, can help prepare your pup for a long walk or a day at doggy day camp. Training Techniques Training is just as essential as early socialization. He may become disruptive and exhibit poor behaviors like jumping on visitors, chewing on furniture, and barking incessantly, among other frustrating challenges. Your puppy may also struggle with separation anxiety. They will comprehend basic commands and learn things such as his name, housebreaking, and early manners. They will be able to take on more advanced training and commands, and they should understand what good dog manners are. This age is essential when it comes to instilling how you want him to behave through adolescence. Puppies will begin teething at this point. Your new puppy might use anything possible to exercise his teeth, so you must start teaching him not to use your hand or furniture as chew toys. Anytime your puppy chews on something undesirable, have a toy nearby to put in his mouth instead. You can also try using bitter apple spray to deter biting and chewing on household items. Be firm but loving with clear, consistent commands and minute training sessions each day. Quick Tip: Keep in mind that at this age, this is when the key socialization period ends for your puppy: From this point forward, everything your puppy has learned will influence the way he behaves around people and other animals. While this is good, this age will also be a challenge because he will try to determine his ranking in the household, which can be frustrating when hormones play a role! Although spaying and neutering are standard for most breeds around six months old, studies have found that doing so for Golden Retrievers can actually increase the risk for joint disorders. Therefore, the standard for this breed has recently changed, and many vets suggest waiting to spay or neuter until 12 to 24 months. Training can be an overwhelming process, which is why many Golden puppy owners opt for working with a dog trainer or enrolling in training classes. Snowy Pines offers three levels of training when adopting one of their golden retrievers, which can save you tons of time and frustration in the long run. At your first checkup, you can also ask about getting your puppy microchipped!
All with their own unique personalities and amazing qualities that a dog owner would love to have! There are four females and two males and they are right around cats and very affectionate towards kids. And they need a forever home and a loving and caring and family. They can grow up and be a part of it. Buy Now 5 Girl 2 boy German shepherds going on 1 month 7 adorable just almost a month old. Heir is an American staffordshire Pitbull Terrier. Shepherd intelligent mixed with the power of a pithily makes a great guard dog and wonderfully lifelong companion!!! View Detail Geman Shepherd The dogs have paper and first shots, if interested we can be reach at xxx-xxx-xxxx or xxx-xxx-xxxx. Pure breed. She is AKC registered, has her first shots and vet check, and is ready to go. Call xxx xxx xxx5. These German shepherds are available to become the latest addition to your family. There are 11 puppies on all. Attached is the picture of their mother Paris. Contact Jonathan at xxx. Jake is located in Rochester NY View Detail Solid white German Shepherd puppies needing new homes We just have male and female puppies available at the moment so send us inquiries anytime via xxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. Puppies will come with first vaccination and veterinary check. Currently 4 weeks old. They will be ready for the 25th of February. Parents are both purebred German Shepherd. Call me xxx-xxx-xxxx. Thanks for looking. There is a litter of 8. And the mothers parents have won show medals. View Detail German Shepherd Pups I have a male and female pure breed German shepherd pup they will make the perfect house pet very smart dogs great holiday gift please contact me if interested for more information or pictures xxx-xxxtwo View Detail Dog on sale Nice dog just 3 months older it's. Male please send me a email at xxxxxxx xxxxxxx. We are moving! No pets at new apartment. He loves life, lots of fun. He enjoys family atmosphere, loves to hug. View Detail German Shepherd Sables, black and tan, and solid black. These pups are large boned, straight backed black and tan puppies. My name is Ralf aka Ralfy aka Ralfy Palfy. My fosters gave me the last nickname because they say I will make someone a great Pal. You see, I was found on the side of the road barely alive after being hit by a car. I couldn't walk very well because my pelvis was broken in three places. But after visiting this place called the veterinarian, I started feeling much better. Unfortunately before my accident I had never met kind humans and still to this day, I'm very easily startled and scared of new people. It's going to take someone very special and patient to earn my trust. But once you earn it, I'm the sweetest and most gentle dog ever. I love love love chest rubs and ear scratches. But my number one love of all time is treats!!! I love all flavors so if you decide to take me home, don't be shy when shopping for me! I enjoy sunbathing and relaxing in my kennel. It's my safe place when I feel overwhelmed. I promise to love you if you promise to take the time to get to know me. I will do best in a quiet house with maybe 1 or 2 adults and an older mature doggy friend. I don't care much for traveling and prefer to be a homebody. I do love to play with doggy friends and don't mind cats either. I'm currently working on becoming more confident in public spaces. What do you say? Can you give me a shot? Ralf is kennel trained and potty trained. He is a local adoption only. His current foster is a trainer who is willing to offer two free sessions along with his adoption to set you both up for success and better help you understand what he will need and how you can help provide that for him. He is a Shepherd mix that weighs roughly 50lbs.
The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Feeding Your Golden Feeding Your Golden With the wide array of foods available today, it can be hard to make a good choice of what to feed your golden. Goldens are particularly sensitive to dietary concerns, and feeding them a high quality diet can help boost their health and immune system. Feeding a high quality food is not necessarily more expensive. Price is misleading: cheaper foods require more volume to be fed, up to several cups at each meal. With the wide array of better foods available today, you can make a smart choice of what to feed your golden. A golden will normally eat about two cups of premium food per day. It can be adjusted a little more or less based on activity level and metabolism. Goldens are prone to skin problems, and a poor quality diet will cause skin problems which translates into costly veterinarian bills. You will need to go to the pet store to purchase your food. Grocery store brands do not offer the nutrition goldens need for good health. Do not be persuaded by fancy advertising. Many commonly hyped foods are not high quality and maybe lacking the necessary nutritional value for your dog. For example, Grain Free foods may play a major part in taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers and other large breed dogs. This deficiency can cause serious heart problems for your dog see Taurine and Grain Free information on this web page. Here are some guidelines: Look for food free of chemical preservatives. Some of these additives are suspected of causing cancer. Look for food preserved with Tocopherols Vitamins C and E as well as rosemary and other herbs. Make sure you have several months before this date. Frequent stores where there is a good turnover of food so you get a fresh bag. Always store dog food in a tight airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you only have one dog, consider buying pound bags instead of pounds bags so the food is fresher. Look for a food that has some form of meat as the first ingredient — such as lamb, chicken, or turkey. Avoid foods that have grain as the first ingredient. Also look for multiple meat proteins in the first seven ingredients. Protein from multiple sources is generally viewed as being beneficial such as lamb, chicken and fish , unless your dog is allergic to certain proteins. Dog food companies sometimes list several types of grains in the first seven ingredients. Beware of this — your dog needs animal protein in his diet! These are the intestines of the animal including what is in the intestines!! Most by-products are not desirable. By-products normally contain beaks, feet, feathers, heads and other slaughterhouse wastes — not the most nutritious part of the animal. Avoid foods that have sugars or artificial colors or flavors or a lot of added salt. Semi-moist dog foods are the worst — they usually are loaded with artificial colors and sugars. Added vitamins and minerals are beneficial only when applied after the baking process, because heat destroys vitamins. The best foods are made up of ingredients that would be suitable for human consumption. Most dog foods contain meat products that are not fit for human consumption. They can include meat from diseased livestock, condemned material from slaughterhouses such as tumors cut away from meat , and as horrible as it sounds, some pet foods include euthanized pets sold to rendering plants and even road kill. Is it any wonder why so many dogs die from cancer when they are being fed meat from these sources? Grains — many dog foods will contain some grains, for example, brown rice, barley, corn, wheat, etc. We have found that some goldens in our rescue program generally do poorly on a food that contains corn or soy. Many goldens are allergic to corn or wheat. So if your golden starts getting a lot of hot spots or skin problems — check his food. There is a big difference in quality of grain products. Look for whole rice or brown rice in the ingredients; white rice and ground brewers rice are much lower in nutrients than whole or brown rice. Often pet food companies take the sweepings off the mill floor and put it in pet food. Look for whole grains instead such as oatmeal, brown rice, barley, or whole oats. Grain Free foods. Grain Free foods have become increasingly available as food companies try to offer foods that are easier to digest with lower levels of complex carbohydrates and grains. One misconception is that grain free dog food is also low-carb, however, vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, green peas and tapioca often replace the grains in grain-free dog foods, especially in kibble foods, making them as high or higher in carbohydrates than grain-based dog foods. Studies have shown peas, beans, pea starch, legumes, potatoes and sweet potatoes that have replaced the grains in dog foods block the function of taurine. Taurine, a sulfuric acid, is essential for healthy cardiovascular function in Golden Retrievers. If left untreated, taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers can cause dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , congestive heart failure and possibly death. Read all the ingredients in the food which should include taurine and check with your veterinarian before selecting or feeding any grain free food to your dog. Detailed information on dog food ingredients and taurine can be found on this web page under Taurine and Grain Free information and at: Diet Associated Heart Disease Treats — beware of many dog treats out there. They are filled with sugars, preservatives and artificial colors. Try buying biscuits at your local dog bakery or making some yourself. The dog food companies listed below have high quality treats available for your dog. Is your dog overweight? Beware of some diet dog foods, they can be loaded with fillers that provide no added nutrition. At least green beans are healthy. You can also use canned pumpkin. Typically goldens love it! DO NOT free feed your golden; instead feed a measured amount of food twice a day. Most adult goldens will eat 1 cup of premium dog food twice a day. Is your dog too fat? You should be able to feel its ribs and your dog should have a waist. We have found that we have a different view of what constitutes a fat dog than many veterinarians. They will typically allow dogs to carry more weight than is optimal. This perhaps is because they do not want to insult their clients and risk losing business. Letting your golden get too fat is like chopping years off of its life. We also see lots of hip problems with goldens, and keeping weight in check will give your dog better mobility. Fat goldens are an epidemic from our experience. We routinely get goldens into our rescue program that have to lose 30 — 40 pounds!!! Therefore we have a lot of experience at taking the weight off! It is very discouraging and upsetting when an adoptive home will let some weight creep back on. You may think you are loving your dog by giving it too much to eat, but if you really love it you will keep it at a normal weight. Remember — Ribs and Waists! Can you feel and see them on your dog? If not, break open the cans of green beans! The bottom line is read the ingredients, consult your veterinarian and research reliable resources. Making sure your dog has the best nutritional food will help to insure he has a long and healthy life. Here, from Whole Dog Journal, are some additional links for selecting best dry dog food and the best canned dog reviews. Goldens Rescued Since .Learn more » Congratulations on your new golden retriever puppy! You now have a beautiful, smart, and loyal dog who will love you for life. To make sure they grow into a healthy and happy companion, you need to feed them the right amount of food. At months old, which is usually when they are ready to leave their mother, a golden retriever puppy should be eating 3 cups of dog food divided into three meals per day. This is based on a typical large-breed puppy food. Different brands will give a feeding guide on their packaging. However, how much and how often to feed your golden retriever will keep changing during this time of rapid growth. Golden Retriever Puppy Feeding Timeline Image Credit: PxHere All puppies are different as are the foods, but some general guidelines for feeding your golden retriever during their first year are: 0—6 weeks: A golden retriever puppy can start eating solid food when they are 3—4 weeks old. Give them a total of 3 cups of dog food per day by their third month, 3 to 4 cups by the time they are 6 months old. The AKC recommends waiting until large breed puppies are at least 12 months old before switching them over to adult dog food and more likely 18 months. The amount will depend on their weight and activity level, but a rough guide is 1—2 cups per meal. Image Credit: Kinek00, Shutterstock Large breed puppies like golden retrievers should eat three to four small meals a day for the first 3—6 months of their lives. Smaller portions spread throughout the day are easier on their tummies and help prevent bloat, a serious condition that can be deadly for dogs. It also helps them maintain their energy level throughout the day. Puppy food has more calories and fat to support their growth, as well as extra vitamins and minerals for their developing immune and nervous systems and bones. The protein source matters, too. Puppies need animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb for their growing muscles. Choose a Large Breed Formula: Large breed puppies grow quickly, which means they need extra support for their bones and joints. Formulations for large breeds contain the correct calcium and phosphorus ratio for strong bones and glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. They can help you choose the right food for your puppy based on their age, weight, and activity level. But puppies need to be fed on a schedule to prevent them from overeating and becoming overweight. How do you know if your puppy is getting enough to eat? After that, their growth will start to slow down. He Has a Healthy Appetite: A healthy puppy is interested in food and eager to eat. He Has Plenty of Energy: A well-fed puppy is full of energy and ready to play. Make the most of mealtime with these tips: 1. It also helps other aspects of puppy training, such as potty training and crate training. Image Credit: Alena Marchuk, Shutterstock This means leaving food out all day for them to graze on whenever they want. Leave food down for 10 minutes and then pick up what is not eaten. If they have not eaten anything, offer it again in an hour. Slow them down by scattering their kibble around the bowl, using a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat. This will help them learn to eat slowly and enjoy their food more. If your puppy is not drinking enough water for your liking, try adding a bit of broth to their bowl to make it more appealing and help them stay hydrated. Resist the Urge to Sneak Them Table Scraps Puppies are experts at giving those big, soulful eyes that make it hard to say no. But resist the temptation to give them table scraps or human food. Aside from teaching them bad manners, it can also lead to health problems, like obesity. A lot of human foods are not safe or healthy for dogs. For instance, garlic and onions are toxic to dogs. Oily food can upset their stomach, and carbs add a lot of calories. This helps them learn that mealtime is a specific time and place and not something that happens all over the house. Let Your Puppy Eat in Peace. This includes other pets in the house and small children who might want to bother them or try to steal their food. Otherwise, meals can become a stressful experience for your puppy instead of a happy one. Conclusion Feeding your golden retriever puppy the right amount of quality dog food will establish a strong foundation for their health and happiness. In addition, make mealtimes more meaningful by turning them into lessons and bonding moments between you and your dog. The puppy phase is over before you know it, so enjoy it while it lasts! Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. There is also info on how to keep your puppy and your adult at his or her optimum weight. Scroll down to find growth charts to make sure your puppy is growing at the proper rate and is within the right weight range for his age. If you are looking for information on what to feed, go to How to Choose a Dog Food. Unlike with human children, a puppy that is overfed will grow too fast before they grow too fat. A good example is where a smaller puppy at 10 weeks was overfed and his growth was compared to a puppy that was correctly fed. The growth of your puppy needs to be controlled. General Guidelines for Puppies Below are some general guidelines on how much to feed puppies. Most dog food bags suggest feeding too much. Increase to about 3 cups a day by 5 months for boys and by 6 months for girls. Golden Retrievers at this age are supposed to look lanky and all Golden Retrievers act like they are starving when fed the correct amount. If left to eat as much as they want, they will all grow too fast. In the wild, dogs do not have unlimited access to eat as much as they want. They work for their food. Caloric Needs Greatly Decrease at About a Year When puppies reach about months, their caloric needs begin to decrease. Some males might need 4 cups if active and are fed a less expensive food. Make sure you take into consideration the number of extra calories being fed as treats. You should be able to feel their ribs, but not see them even when the dog is wet. If you can see the ribs, increase their food. Decrease the food if you cannot feel them. I always tell people that it is better to underfeed than to overfeed, especially when feeding puppies. Weight Range Charts Following are charts of how puppies should generally grow in weight. Keep in mind that very few puppies need to be at the top of these ranges and if you cannot feel ribs, your dog is overweight even if she is in this weight range. If your dog is still a puppy and she is over these weight ranges, you are feeding her too much. Female Golden Retriever Weight Chart Here is a chart of how girls should generally grow in weight: 2 Months — pounds. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months.
The correct amount depends on their age, size and any advice given to you by your vet. Try starting with a tablespoon of food about five times a day while your puppy is still feeding from mum. Here is a guideline for how many times a day a puppy should eat: From starting to offer food to weaning usually two months - meals a day. From two to three months - 4 meals a day. From four to six months - meals a day. Over six months - 2 meals a day depending on breed. If you do need to change their food, take your time to give their tummy time to adjust. Mix a little of their new food into the old one, gradually adding more and more over the course of days until your puppy is just eating the new food. If you switch from a wet puppy food to a dry food, your puppy may take some time to adjust. They will chew it more actively, may take longer to eat and will certainly require more water. Following our advice on how to feed your puppy should mean that you have a happy and healthy dog with plenty of energy to play with! These treats can even help their teeth stay clean. Serve wet puppy food at room temperature so it smells attractive. Avoid foods such as raw meat and bones, and make sure your puppy never eats chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, or raisins, as these are all toxic to dogs. If possible, feed your puppy the same food as they did before you brought them home. This will help minimise any possible upset tummies. A happy and healthy pup needs both nutrition and a fair share of puppy exercise. Make sure your first months together go by as smoothly as possible with our useful puppy guides. Discover how you can help them become a friendly companion and what to do when your puppy experiences a bout of separation anxiety. Explore our puppy food:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. To determine whether it has enough complex carbohydrates, you can check the ingredients for peas, beans, whole grains, and vegetables. There are specialised ranges of food for senior dogs who are beginning to exercise less and show signs of aging, like their metabolism slowing down for example. These foods are formulated to help maintain weight and provide nutrients to aid them throughout the process of aging. The best food for Labrador seniors will include: Glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint repair and mobility. Seaweed oil that contains DHA Docosahexenoic Acid to support a healthy brain, vision and nervous system. The best food for labrador puppies is specifically made for younger dogs. Ideally, puppy food should: Be hypoallergenic. Contain calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bone and teeth growth. We recommend that you feed your puppy hypoallergenic food to begin with: this makes it really easy to identify if your Labrador has a food allergy. Labrador Feeding Guide How much your Labrador should be fed depends on their age and level of activity. This Labrador food chart can help you work out where your pet fits in and whether you need to adjust their portion sizes. This is when you should begin to gradually change their portion sizes according to our labrador food chart. Once a dog hits adulthood, they need less calories to support their growth. We advise you break up the portion into two or three feedings per day - most owners find morning and evening easiest to fit into their schedules. As puppies grow so rapidly, this uses up loads of energy. Because of this, their calorie intake should be higher than adults. After nine months, you should gradually switch to the adult portions. Feeding them all their food in just one or two portions could result in a stomach ache or diarrhea. Even some vegetables , which are so beneficial for humans, can have adverse effects. Some allergies that dogs suffer from are types of protein and carbohydrates such as wheat, wheat gluten, dairy, pork, beef and soya. These types of allergies can provoke a wide range of symptoms from itching and skin problems to upset stomachs and diarrhea. Hypoallergenic dog foods are specifically formulated to prevent these symptoms and are suitable for all dog breeds, including Labradors. Labrador Obesity Sometimes more a walking dustbin than a dog, Labradors are known to have an insatiable appetite. Foods with a high percentage of protein are more effective at keeping your pet full and putting a stop to their overeating habits. Generally speaking, Labradors should have around 1 hour of exercise per day, and for the more laid back and relaxed pups, just 45 minutes. For the more energetic dogs, 1. At Lovejoys, we aim to provide you with all the right information so that you feel confident about caring for the four-legged member of your family. Happy feeding! It helps to boost their immune system and strengthen their joints. Which can lead to weight gain issues in them. It has been observed that Labradors are prone to obesity. If he weighs around kg, then grams of food daily is more than enough, with kcal per day. Note:- Follow our Labrador puppy feeding guide UK, it will help you to keep a track record of food and calorie ratio. In one of our feeding blogs, we have covered: The Cockapoo puppy feeding guide! Adult Labrador Feeding Proportion In his puppy stage, you used to feed him four times a day, right? Well, when your Lab reaches adolescent age, you need to stop feeding him so frequently. You need to cut down that frequency to twice a day. Moreover, you need to switch from puppy-formulated food to adult Labrador food. Because as their weight, age, and activity level increase, their nutrient requirements also vary. We have prepared an adult Labrador feeding chart , which will help you to feed him the correct amount of food. An adult Labrador with high activity will need more food than one with less activity. For instance, your adult Lab, whose weight is around .On the other hand, if he is not an active one then you need to feed, him kcal per day. It is suggested to go for high-quality food that is specially formulated for larger breeds. In this way, you will prevent him from getting affected by any joint issues or other severe health problems, which normally large breeds encounter if they rapidly grow. Senior Labrador Feeding Proportion At the age of 7, your Labrador turns to seniority, where his activity level and appetite decrease slowly. This is because, with age, their body becomes less immune and infected with several health issues. His health, eating habits, and weight, all vary with time. You just cannot feed him the same ratio which you used to give in the adult stage. Now, his body requires different nutrients at different proportion levels. For your better reference, we have prepared a PDF of the senior Labrador feeding chart , which is bifurcated into weight. This will surely help you in feeding him correctly. For example, if your senior Lab whose weight is around .In such a scenario, it is suggested to feed grams of food daily with a total calorie intake ratio of kcal per day. On the other hand, if your oldie Lab is not an active one, then it is suggested to cut down the calorie ratio. Because without any physical activities, and exercises, his metabolism will not work effectively. And how the feeding ratio varies as per their life stage, weight, and activity level. Before following the Labrador feeding guide UK. So, you can select the appropriate dog food for your Lab, as per his health. And feed him the correct amount of food. Nutrients Guidelines Well, checking the nutrient list is one of the essential factors, upon which the feeding schedule is based. Mostly, Labradors are too sensitive, and allergic to grains. Many commercial dog food includes grains, peas, lentils, and other ingredients that are not good for his health. Especially, those who are allergic to grains should not be fed grain food. It can lead to severe health issues in the future. Virbac Movoflex, Synovi Chews, Dasuquin, Cosequin, and Flexadin are some examples of joint supplements that have gone through clinical trials and been proven effective. Meat Protein. Number of meals per day 4 2 What is the best puppy food for a Labrador Retriever? When looking for the most suitable puppy food for your Labrador Retriever puppy, 3 factors need to be considered. First, it should be specifically designed for medium-to-large dog breed puppies. Ideally, it must be loaded with proteins and have low preservatives and additives content. Third, think about your budget. Expensive brands of puppy food are often seen as the healthiest choices. It is often used to justify the high price of puppy food. So, avoid dwelling on whether you should get a pricey premium brand of puppy food or not. Keeping these factors in mind, you can start finding the best puppy food for your Labrador Retriever puppy. Working with the vet is a good idea to narrow down your choices efficiently. However, there are many crucial things that you have to keep in mind to ensure that your pup has a healthy and balanced diet. Follow a fixed feeding portion in every meal. A growing Labrador pup needs supplements and adequate nutrition. This is why young ones should be provided with more meals per day than a regular mature dog. Feed a small Labrador Retriever puppy at least 4 meals a day before reaching 4 months of age. He should be 6 months or older before he can take two meals a day. Having a strict feeding schedule is believed to increase appetite and promote digestion in dogs. Apart from that, it encourages them to develop good eating habits. Avoid free-feeding your Labrador Retriever puppy. Free-feeding your Labrador pup is arguably the easiest feeding method. However, making food available at all times puts him at a higher risk of obesity. Research shows that when Lab pups gain too much weight, they are more likely to experience bone and joint problems. Allowing your Lab puppy to gorge on food any time of the day also makes him very vulnerable to dog bloat. It is a fatal condition that commonly affects large dog breeds such as the Labrador Retriever. Bloat in the Labrador breed causes the stomach to twist and accumulate food, liquid, or gas , making it distended. It can kill a dog within an hour if left untreated. Keep your Labrador puppy safe from these health problems by sticking to a fixed feeding schedule. Provide Lab puppies with cooked meat rather than raw during puppyhood. A Labrador Retriever puppy can eat meat products as long as they are cooked properly. Experts warn dog owners that raw meat, especially those that are not fresh, is likely to contain dangerous bacteria. These include E. Since his immune system has not completely developed yet, it cannot protect him from these bacteria. For this reason, feeding raw meat to Lab pups is extremely discouraged. A Labrador Retriever can be fed raw meat during adulthood. However, remember to introduce the new food gradually to avoid stomach problems. However, during summer, pups are encouraged to eat frozen treats. For the rest of the time, the best dog food is served warm. Fresh water should be accessible at all times. Always provide your Labrador puppy with fresh water. The water bowl should not be too full that it could be easily knocked over. Giving tap water to your Labrador is not advisable, according to several experts. A good rule of thumb is that if you do not feel safe drinking the tap water yourself, do not give it to your little dog. Chose a heavy-based water bowl to avoid having it knocked over by your clumsy pup. Lab puppies from 2—6 months should get enough calcium supplements. The Labrador Retriever is a medium-to-large dog when fully grown. His growth rate tends to be faster, which then results in a higher requirement for calcium. That being said, Lab owners have to pay attention to calcium intake, especially at the ages of 2—6 months. Nutrition helps pups develop healthy skin and coat. Ensure that your Labrador is getting enough nutrients to support his growing body. Experts suggest feeding him fresh vegetables such as carrots every week. This helps him keep his hair soft and glossy. Prioritise making vet appointments for vaccinations and deworming. Puppies of any breed, including the Labrador, should be vaccinated and dewormed at the right age, which is about one week after weaning. These procedures will help build physical resistance against parasites. It is important to establish discipline in the early stages. Obesity in dogs is one of the common diseases amongst domestic dogs. Lab puppies eat more when they eat together with their siblings, according to research. If your new Labrador Retriever puppy has a low appetite, this might be because it is his first time feeding without his brother and sisters. That said, call the vet for advice if your Labrador puppy refuses to eat for more than 4 hours. You may need to contact them sooner if he shows symptoms of illness such as vomiting , restlessness, lethargy, or diarrhoea. He possesses the willingness to please his owners as well. These are excellent traits that make the breed easy to train. Below are a few useful pointers to make training easier and stress-free for you and your Labrador Retriever puppy. Train a calm Labrador Retriever puppy. The beautiful Labrador Retriever is generally active and upbeat. A Lab puppy is no different. He is brimming with energy, which can hinder him from focusing during training. Allow your Labrador puppy to run around your backyard or play with him for at least 5 minutes. However, avoid overexercising him. Or else, he will be too tired and would rather sleep than participate in training. Find a quiet place to train your Labrador Retriever puppy. A Lab puppy has a short attention span. He gets easily distracted by noises, smells, and moving objects. When training him for the first time, it is best to do so in a quiet room. This way, his focus is solely fixed on you. As your Labrador Retriever puppy learns how to focus more during training, you can change to a room with a little more noise. Once he can successfully obey your vocal and visual training commands, you start training him outside. It can be in your back garden or a quiet park. Keep training sessions short. As mentioned, the Labrador Retriever puppy has a low attention span. It is not a good idea to train him for long periods. This will only cause stress for both you and your pup. Train him for about 2—3 minutes. Some Labrador owners recommend training a puppy during commercial breaks. Implementing harsh punishments are a big no-no. Training a Labrador Retriever puppy also involves discipline. However, it is not an excuse to use forceful or painful punishments. Understand that a Lab puppy is normally full of curiosity and is bound to get easily distracted. Never hit your Labrador puppy as it can cause him to be fearful of you and weaken your bond with him. Shouting and yelling is not recommended too, because a Lab puppy has sensitive hearing. Then proceed to correct his behaviour. Use positive reinforcement and rewards-based training. The Labrador Retriever is a very food-motivated dog, just like the Golden Retriever. He loves receiving love and attention from his owners as well. You can use these traits to your advantage by incorporating positive reinforcement dog training. You may also like: Breed Comparison: Labrador vs Golden Retriever If your Labrador Retriever puppy successfully carries out a command, reward him with a delicious treat. Giving him praises and cuddles work too. Soon enough, your pup will be even more motivated to take part in the training. Train your Labrador Retriever puppy before mealtime. This will encourage him to work hard to earn more tasty treats. However, keep in mind that the treats should be given in small quantities as a Lab puppy easily becomes overweight. Reduce the amount of food during mealtimes after giving treats. Set proper expectations. A Labrador Retriever puppy takes time to learn a command. So, avoid giving him hard tasks as it will only make it difficult and time-consuming for him to carry out. This also takes the fun out of training and may discourage you and your Labrador pup from trying harder. So, give your Lab puppy easy commands instead and train him consistently. Training a Labrador is a slow process but a fulfilling one if executed properly. There will be times when your Labrador Retriever puppy is disinterested, no matter how you motivate him. Then you can try training him again after a few hours. Who knows, after successful basic training, your pup can also be trained for field trials. Please leave this field empty. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio.
I have achieved many National Champion and Grand Champion titles. Over the years, many people came to trust our breeding program and purchased young horses to turn them into Champions as well. After dedicating many years of hard work to my farm, I have decided to retire from breeding horses and to open a new chapter in life. With my fondness for Standard Poodles, I have made the obvious choice to start breeding and showcasing this magnificent breed. My objective is to continue breeding animals of the same high quality as our horses. When adopting a puppy from me, I strive to make it a pleasant experience for everyone involved. All of my puppies are raised in my home, and I believe that daily interactions are vital for their development. At El Silencio, we take pride in breeding healthy, happy, and well-tempered puppies. We have been in the business for years and have gained a reputation for producing some of the most stunning and intelligent dogs in the world. Our breeding process starts with selecting only the best breeding stock. We carefully evaluate the health, temperament, and conformation of our dogs to ensure that they meet our high standards. We also conduct genetic testing to ensure that our breeding dogs are free from any genetic health issues that may be passed down to their offspring. Once we have selected our breeding stock, we carefully plan each breeding to ensure that we are producing the best possible puppies. We work with a team of experienced veterinarians and breeders to make sure that every step of the breeding process is done correctly. We monitor our breeding dogs closely throughout the pregnancy to ensure that they are healthy and happy. When the puppies are born, we continue to provide the highest level of care. Our puppies are raised in a clean and safe environment and receive regular veterinary check-ups to ensure that they are healthy. We also start socializing our puppies at a young age to ensure that they are well-adjusted and confident dogs. At El Silencio, we believe that every dog is special, and we take pride in helping our dogs find their forever homes. We carefully screen potential adopters to ensure that they are the right fit for our puppies. We also provide ongoing support to our adopters to ensure that they have everything they need to provide a loving home for their new furry family member. If you are interested in adopting one of our Puppies, we encourage you to reach out to us. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our breeding program or our puppies. What are Phantom Poodles? Overview While it is the solid Poodle that is the most common, there is much to discuss regarding Phantom Poodle coloring, which is different than mismarks, the Tuxedo, and parties. What Phantom Coloring Means A phantom Poodle is not a different breed or type of dog, this is simply a term to describe a particular coloring of the dog. This type of coloring, while extremely beautiful and preferred by many Poodle owners, is not yet accepted by the AKC in regard to confirmation. The AKC standard indicates that the Standard Poodle coat is an even and solid color at the skin: Blues, grays, silvers, browns, cafe-aulaits, apricots and creams and the coat may show varying shades of the same color. This is much different than parti colored Poodles, even though both parti and phantoms have a mixture of 2 colors. This term only refers to Poodles that have specific markings on a solid background. Many refer to these markings as Dobie markings short for Doberman , however this pattern also appears on Dachshunds, certain Spaniels, Yorkies, Manchester Terriers and certain Coonhounds. These markings must be: Above each eye On the sides of the muzzle also referred to as the side of the cheeks Across the dog's chest Down the legs Under the tail All phantom Poodles are born with their markings. This does not occur as the dog ages. Phantoms are genetically similar to brindle Poodles. For this reason, a phantom Poodle dam or sire can produce a litter of brindle puppies and likewise a brindle Poodle dam or sire can produce a litter of phantom puppies. With most dog breeds, brindle is a term that means the coat that is striped, with intermingling dark and light hairs making a striping pattern. However, with Poodles, brindle means "sable". Sable is a term that means that the coat is one color yet the tips of the hairs are black. With most dogs, the sabling black tips fade out or completely disappear with age. That price is just about twice as much as what you can find a solid-colored Poodle for. Apricot poodles are the rarest in the world. Caused by a recessive gene, this color comes off as a very light red that borders on cream. As dogs have been genetically bred for generations to have certain characteristics, apricot is hypothesized to be the last color developed in poodles. Red is dominant to apricot, so two red poodles can have apricot puppies, but not the other way around. White is one of the most popular and most common colors for Poodles. A white Poodle isn't the same as an albino, however, as the former has black skin whereas the latter will be pink. Standard Phantom Poodles are distinctively marked! They are a combination of any two colors, one darker and one lighter. The lighter color is over the eyes, on both sides of the face, under the ears and tail, across the chest and on all four lower legs. Brindles are mainly one color with a lighter or darker color brindled in their coat and can even be tiger striped. Phantoms and Brindles are not Parti. These Multi-colored Standard Poodles are very unique and have become very popular. Solid colors were rare! Americans in the New England States imported Solid colors from Germany and produced the Solid colors in America by restricting any other color than Solid in confirmation shows. Of course that was far from true since they were the original colors! Our proven breeding program is producing all the color choices available. We have three pages of our puppies available which include; 1. Solid Colors 2. Parti Colors and 3. Proven Bloodline! Calm temperament! High Intelligence! Sweet Black Phantom Female. Love her! Doggie-Door Trained! This girl is just outstanding in every way!! Super bright and attentive! Phantom, Tri color, Brindle and Sable Poodles What are brindle, phantom, sable and tri colored standard poodles? Brindle standard poodles have two colors that form a striped pattern. They come in a variety of colors including silver, blue, grey, black, and brown. The brindle pattern may cover the whole body or be on the colored part of the dog not the white areas. It is possible to have a tuxedo or spotted parti poodle with a brindle pattern. Phantom poodles have markings often compared to those of a doberman pincher. There are several other breeds that have this color pattern. While phantom-patterned dogs have 2 coat colors, the markings of a phantom poodle are in a specific pattern, unlike a parti colored dog. Phantom poodles have lighter markings on their legs, across the cheeks on the face, across the chest, on the eyebrows, and below the tail. A true phantom will hold these marking throughout its lifetime. Phantom colors can be found in these combinations: Black phantoms: black and apricot, black and red, black and cream, black and brown, or black and silver Brown phantoms: brown and apricot or brown and creme Red phantoms: red and apricot or red and creme Silver or blue phantoms: silver and creme or blue and creme. On a silver, the markings may become almost indistinguishable as the color changes it is common for silver poodles to fade in color over time. Sable poodles are usually born black or brown and clear a kind of lightening with age. Sable dogs will mature to a lighter dog with black tips. When a poodle is groomed you often may see dark markings only on the longer hair such as the tips of the ears. A puppy that is born a dark brown or black that is also a sable may lighten to a creme with just dark tips. Tricolored poodles are genetically two color patterns. They are a parti colored poodle with phantom markings. The legs may be white as is often seen on a parti dog. The only phantom marking that occur may be seen on the face and eyebrows. You may see poodles with multiple patterns such as a brindle parti or brindle tuxedo. There are also brindle and phantom poodles, sable and phantom, and sable and brindle combinations all with or without parti markings. Dogs may have a black or dark mask on the face which is considered rare. The markings of a multi-colored dog may also change over time, which can be interesting to see. Watch Willow, a tuxedo brindle puppy, change colors. Phantom standard poodles We have phantom, brindle, sable and tri colored standard poodle puppies for sale, make sure to check back often to see available puppies. Our waiting list fills up quickly, fill out an application and get the process started.
Though size varies between individuals, a standard German Shepherd weighs about 60 pounds. Whether you already own a German Shepherd pup or are looking into it, be prepared for a hefty lap dog! Continue to 7 of 16 below. They were originally bred for their striking good looks and intelligence, making for a great working dog on the police force and in the military. They were so cute that dog-lovers in other countries soon caught on and began breeding them themselves. Continue to 8 of 16 below. These dogs are very protective of their homes and family and make excellent guard dogs. Continue to 9 of 16 below. They need stimulation, even if they are a family pet and not a trained deputy. This can be in the form of playful games, puzzle toys, tricks , and obedience training. Otherwise, German Shepherds may show off some unpleasant behavior, like chewing. Continue to 10 of 16 below. Continue to 11 of 16 below. Continue to 12 of 16 below. They perk up as they grow older, making them look extra tall and important. Continue to 13 of 16 below. Beautiful all black and all white German Shepherds are out there, too. Continue to 14 of 16 below. Continue to 15 of 16 below. This breed is inherently athletic and courageous—nothing can stop them, not even water. Continue to 16 of 16 below. These are dogs that are strong, intelligent, alert, courageous, energetic, and loyal. The breed excels as a guardian and these dogs can be trained to perform a range of important tasks. But most of all, this is a dog that protects the ones he or she loves and holds dear. Naming Advice When it comes to naming your German Shepherd, there are a variety of factors to keep in mind. Check out these super cute Pet ID Tags! Personality Finding the right name may not be immediately apparent, and sometimes it takes a while to decide which moniker fits your pup best. Wait for his or her personality to fully emerge before choosing the ideal name. Spend a little time with your new friend and the perfect name will come. Name Length A good rule of thumb is to keep the number of syllables in the dog's name to one or two at most. Three is acceptable but the shorter the name, the easier it is for your dog to hear and respond to commands. Clear communication is imperative for German Shepherds, particularly during training. Avoid Confusion Some names may sound like commands and this will only serve to confuse your pup. If you name your German Shepherd something that sounds identical to those and other commands, obedience is going to be an uphill battle for both you and your pet. Perhaps one of these names will fit your pet best, or maybe these names will help you think of the best possible name for your particular pup. German Shepherds have distinct personality traits and all of these names can reflect those attributes every time you call his or her name. Mixed Breeds By Meg Marrs 11 min read March 13, 70 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. The German shepherd breed is generally considered one of the most intelligent, dedicated, loyal, and family orientated companions available in the doggy world. Throwing in a mix to this breed just strengthens and enhances these naturally appealing traits. Golden Shepherd German Shepherd x Golden Retriever Mix The golden shepherd is a golden-haired beauty that will definitely win your heart with those soulful eyes. This golden retriever and German shepherd mix is an affectionate sweetheart who thrives on one-on-one interaction with her owners and especially adores the tiny human variety. This makes the golden shepherd the perfect family-with-kids choice. Both retriever and shepherd parents love to eat, so make sure you keep this marvelous mix at a healthy weight. The best of both doggie worlds are all rolled up into this one adorable and energetic bundle of joy. This pug and shepherd breed is an extremely loyal companion, loves his human family, exhibits impressive intelligence, and serves as an alert guard dog. Labrashepherd German Shepherd x Labrador Mix The Labrashepherd also known as a Sheprador is a calm, loving and even-tempered animal with a touch of the shyness from the German shepherd parent shining through when he is presented with new situations. Labrador retrievers have a kind and happy demeanor which definitely shines through in this canine cross. This German shepherd Labrador retriever mix is gloriously beautiful and loves a good play session in the park. Siberian Shepherd or Gerberian Shepsky German Shepherd x Siberian Husky Mix A post shared by German Shepherd Husky Mixes germanshepherdhuskymixes This exquisitely handsome boy is a German shepherd husky mix that will have you falling over your feet when he looks at you with that one baby blue. Love at first sight for sure. And the bonus? He loves you just as fiercely. Make sure these energized pups have plenty of exercise, puzzle toys, and activities to provide mental stimulation. Shollie German Shepherd x Collie Mix A unique combination of the collie and German shepherd gives us this gorgeous designer breed. She is amazingly even-tempered temperament, very eager to learn, and easily trained through basic obedience training. Be prepared to groom the German shepherd collie mix every day though, as those locks are relatively high maintenance. Shepweiler or Rottweiler Shepherd German Shepherd x Rottweiler Mix Shepweilers are immensely protective of their owners, family, and surroundings and make excellent guard dogs. Well-muscled, protective dogs who can always be found at your side? Sounds good to me! The German shepherd poodle mix needs your constant companionship and will follow wherever you may lead. The poodle breed genes are relatively dominant in this dog, resulting in the somewhat curly fur coat. What a striking and intimidating doggo. This breed is a cross between a domesticated German shepherd and a genuine wolf. Please keep in mind that these animals are illegal to own in certain areas, so please research carefully to avoid any heartbreak should you not be able to keep him legally. Designer breeders for a cross as unique as this one can be challenging to come by. With a sensitive temperament and above average hearing, you have a guard dog of indisputable qualities. These dogs are natural hunters, so it will be wise to keep him separate from other small pets like cats, rabbits, and hamsters. He is super-friendly but an excellent protector. He does, however, require intensive training, as he loves a challenge and can often be considered a little stubborn. This dog is an interesting mix of German shepherd and the Alaskan malamute. This is one amazingly beautiful animal. They possess the best of both breeds in strength, loyalty, friendliness, and trainability. And such a cutie to boot! Almost like having a teenager in the house, these shepherd-type dogs will test your patience and push the boundaries, so training is vital. These shepherd pit sweeties are sure to appreciate a game of fetch with their favorite human! Innocence aside, the German shepherd pit bull mix is a powerful animal with a high energy level and training is thus non-negotiable. German shepherd pit bulls need a firm, strong, but loving owner and handler. New Shep German Shepherd x Newfoundland Mix A post shared by Sadie Sanderson resolutedogtraining This breed is an interesting mix of the Newfoundland and German shepherd, forming a giant powder-puff who loves water! Well, space of course! This is a giant dog and needs plenty of room to run off all that excess energy. This behemoth is a loyal, loving, and protective, yet intimidating watchdog, probably due to its sheer size. But be honest — what a cutie pie! But beware, do not leave this puppy to his own devices — you might not particularly like the end results! He craves constant attention and will happily be your permanent side-kick. These canine cuties would benefit from an active family. There you go German shepherd lovers and fans. Please leave a comment on what you think the best German shepherd mixed breed out there is, or share your own cross-breed companion that we might have missed! And, if you have your own GSD or GSD-mix at home, make sure to check out our guide to the best dog toys for german shepherds as well as our piece on the best dog food for german shepherds too! What are the specific guidelines for adopting a German Shepherd mix? Good breeders will only sell to a family with a yard and German shepherd experience, as German shepherd mixes need plenty of space for these dogs to run around freely to get exercise. German shepherd mixes as well as purebred German shepherds should also be owner primarily by those who have experience with the breed, as German shepherds are naturally prone to anxiety and need an experienced, confident handler. The breeder should meet our breeder checklist, have been in business for several years, and their puppies should be well socialized. How much does it cost to adopt a German shepherd mix? Are there any health issues associated with German shepherd mixes? If a German shepherd mix is not from a good breeder, then there may be health problems. German shepherds are prone to a number of different genetic health conditions. The most common health concerns include hip, elbow, and joint dysplasia, cancer, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, narcolepsy, and eye problems. Are German shepherd mixes active? While canine crosses can take on any combination of traits from either of their pooch parents, German shepherds require plenty of daily exercise. GSDs have a high activity level and need to be kept busy mentally and physically. Not all German shepherd mixes will need vigorous exercise per day, but you should have the capacity to take on an active furry friend just in case. What is a German Shepherd mix? A German shepherd mix is a breed resulting from the combination of the German shepherd with other popular dog breeds. These dogs are medium to large in size, and can vary in appearance based on what breeds they inherit traits from. German shepherd mixes do not always look entirely like the German shepherd, as they could also take after their other dog breed parents. How should you train a German shepherd mix? The best way to approach training a German shepherd mix is to provide lots of training sessions focused on positive reinforcement. These pups can be fairly sensitive and eager to please. Thankfully, most GSD mixes are super smart and can master just about any trick with a little time and practice. Some of the best German shepherd mixes around. Which one was your favorite? Have you ever met any of these cuties in real life? Let us know in the comments below! Like it? Share it! Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. Begin by drawing the dog's face. Use two curved lines to sketch each eye. Then, shade a circle within each eye to form the pupils. Draw an irregular rounded shape for the nose , and use curved lines to draw the snout around it. Connect the nose to the front of the snout with a short line. Next, draw the sides of the dog's head, complete with tufts of fur. Use long and short lines that meet at jagged points. Use a curved line for the lower jaw, and contour the nose with another curved line. Shade two small circles on the nose to indicate the nostrils. Draw the shepherd's triangular ears. Use long curved lines. Note the furry texture at the base of the ears, created using a series of curved lines that meet at jagged points. Connect the ears at the top of the head using a curved line. Then, use thick, overlapping curved lines to draw the eyebrows. Contour each ear with a long curved line and a series of short "U" shaped lines. Then, begin drawing the dog's furry chest. Outline each side using a series of long and short curved lines that meet at jagged points. Draw the dog's leg and paw using a series of curved lines. Note the jagged furry pattern at the elbow and the overlapping lines that form the toes. Then, extend a curved line on each side of the paw. This will become the pup's chew toy or dog bone. Draw the remaining leg and paw using a series of overlapping curved lines. Contour the chest with jagged series of curved lines. Draw the rear leg using a series of curved lines. Notice the furry texture on the front of the leg. Don't forget the short line between the front and rear legs that encloses the belly. Draw a long, curved line from the shoulder to outline the back and the top of the tail. Then, use a series of short curved lines that meet at jagged points to indicate the furry underside of the tail and finish enclosing the figure. Give the German shepherd a furry texture. Use a series of lines around the eyes and across the chest, side, leg, and tail. Most German shepherds are black and tan. Some are solid black or solid white. Others have patches of white, blonde, or reddish-brown.
american bulldog puppies chicago - We typically have a litter or two of GSD pups per year and one Malinois litter per year. Our focus is producing a well-balanced working dog that is healthy both physically and genetically and temperamentally sound. We have sold to many individuals from coast to coast in the US. Contact us for more information or to get on the waiting list. This little dude will make someone a very nice companion dog. His on-leash obedience training has begun. She will do best in an active home even though she can settle down. Inquisitive, confident, active. She has a sweet side and eager to please. She is very alert and will let you know when a stranger approaches the home. He is confident, inquisitive, AKC, active, but able to settle down nicely. He has alot of personality that makes him a sweet catch. Taz is eager to please his human. Tater Born: March 7, Tater is a male Labrador retriever that we hoped would end up as a police detection dog. Contact us for current pricing. Companion male. Pups are released at 8 weeks of age. In the event the preferred sex of the puppy is not available in this litter, the deposit will be refunded; otherwise deposits are considered non-refundable. Prices subject to change without notice, although never after a deposit is received. We breed healthy parents from proven working bloodlines to produce strong, healthy pups of stable temperaments and solid nerves. Our goal is to produce a real German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois adding to this prestigious breeds, never taking away. We usually whelp one or two litters a year. Occasionally we have older German Shepherd puppies for sale or young adult German Shepherds available see our DogBlog article on easily bonding with older puppies or young adults. Puppies are released at 8 weeks of age, after having been examined by a licensed veterinarian, receiving their second shots, and receiving many hours of observation and interaction. They will be well on their way towards house-training and socialized to as many things as possible for their age. Check back often to see if we have any German Shepherd Dogs or Puppies for sale as well as Malinois puppy for sale. Whether you are looking to become a certified dog trainer or just looking into the best place to get your dog trained, Conifer Canine's Dog Trainer College can help! Sign up for dog training now and take steps to a more obedient K9 or invest in yourself by enrolling now into our dog trainer school program offered both in-person or online! Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page! Can we meet in person? Have they been socialised? I purchased Georgie on the 20th January .Georgie was desexed by Dr. Ton Tancharoen on 26th of March .Full veterinary treatment history included from The Lost Dogs Home. Georgie is now 5 years old, Georgie has been known to show aggression towards smaller dogs than herself and female dogs in particular. Georgie is very loving, loyal and protective over her family. Over the past year Georgie has shown a huge improvement in her behaviour as we introduced a Saint Bernard puppy into the family. Georgie must go to a home without birds or cats. I'm moving back in with my Dad and there isn't enough room for her there. Please consider Georgie to be a part of your family. Olympia Arnold Purebred German Shepherd puppies looking for a loving family and forever home. It is considered a low-maintenance dog due to its grooming needs. They are pretty faithful and have fearless personalities. Pros and Cons: Pros: Intelligent, protective, ideal companion Low maintenance Excellent herding and working skills Ideal for homes with lawns Fewer Health issues Cons: High Activity requirements Not recommended for allergy sufferers. I have 5 males and 1 female from a purebred Red Cattle dog and purebred German Shepherd. The pups will be ready at 8 weeks on the 22nd September. Pups have had their first vax and been wormed. Please message me your interest. Legitimate buyers only. Well fed and well looked after. Dogs are mostly from Europe and USA. I can help with boarding and all training needs. I will happily take back ANY dog I have supplied for whatever reason. Dogs are fed raw. Bob Border Collie x German Sheppard Shollie The Shollie is a excellent family dog who forms close bonds with the humans in their life and will act as a protective guardian. The mixed breed is also known for being smart. It cannot be stressed enough that the Shollie is a smart and energetic dog—so they need a family who can commit to an equally active and involved lifestyle. Available for their furever home .I will not be selling to anyone. Furever homes only. They have been socialized with children and adults from birth and are very friendly, cuddly and healthy. They have been fed perfectly and are big robust pups. The puppies have been vet checked, wormed, vaccinated and microchipped. They are ready for their new homes and will make wonderful family pets and property protection dogs. Bella and Jacko their parents are friendly but alert. We live in the country so the pups have plenty of room to run, roam and explore. Please text or phone me so we can chat or I can give you more info. We have been breeding German Shepherds for 12 years and take great pride in the health and well being of our dogs. We strive to make the best pups possible for their new family. Vaccinated, microchipped and vet checked. Up to date on worming and flea treatments. Comes with a puppy pack and 4 weeks pet insurance. Great temperament, very loyal. Would also make a great guard dog. She has grown up with kids and other dogs. Ali's Kennels Shepskt These dogs have an abundance of energy and require a firm pack leader to get the best from them. Shepsky is loyal, alert, affectionate and intelligent. They are good with children and have protective instints and generally, they are calm, gentle dog with a slight hint of michievousness. Aries is 7 months old, intelligent, and incredibly loyal. He loves long walks, playtime in the park, and cuddles on the couch. Aries has been raised in a family environment and is well-socialized with children and other pets. He is up-to-date with vaccinations, regularly vet-checked, and in excellent health. Due to a change in my living situation, I am sadly unable to keep Aries. I am looking for a responsible and caring owner who can provide him with the love and attention he deserves. If you think you can offer Aries a safe and happy home, please contact reach out. Aries really is a wonderful dog and I would like to see him go to a home where he will be loved and cared for with someone who has time to nurture a strong relationship with him. Rehoming fee negotiable based on circumstances. Thank you for considering Aries and giving him the love he deserves. They are all happy with cuddles and lots of play. Scheduled for forever homes by Sept 3rd. Blue dob. Lola is their Mum. Lola loves her cuddles and her rope for fun. Frankie is their Dad. Frankie can play fetch with his ball for hours! Three predominantly black with a little tan and the rest black and tan mixed. All wormed vaccinated and microchipped. Mum is a beautiful black and tan lean family dog raised around children and pets and can be veiwed. Dad is a long hair dark tan and black and can be shown a photo. Both parents and puppy have beautiful temperaments, very well socialised and children friendly. She is very affectionate and gentle, sleeping through the night and is house trained. Pure black puppies from working line parents. The parents are protective of their home and family. She has had her health check and is microchipped and vaccinated. She is pure breed with paper. She is de sexed and up to date with Vet appointment. She is very docile and playful. Loves people, kids and other dogs. Walked daily. Glamour coat, medium coat and sables available. Puppies are German shepherd, health checked, no heap problems, vaccinated and microchipped. They all great with family, and children. They are gentle, active and happy puppies. Mum and dad are in the photo for your review Majd German shepherd puppy's, 2 boys and a girl, 7 weeks old, microchiped and vaccinated, toilet trained and responde to basics commends, ready for their forever new home, with their new loving family.
Similar services:
american bulldog puppies chicago - She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Labrador retrievers are an adorable and popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household. Aside from a physical examination, you can do a professional DNA test on the dog to check its genetic makeup. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Does the fur appear short, and have a thick texture? The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard as this color is believed to have come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs. If the dog is a yellow or black lab, check that the puppy has brown eyes. In the case of chocolate labs, check for brown or hazel eyes. Check to see how long its legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, its legs should be shorter than a Husky. Purchase a dog genetics test, which will give you a specialized testing kit. Some DNA tests will look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests focus more on the different breeds. Tip: Try to keep the puppy from sharing food or playing rough with the other dogs, as this might hurt the integrity of the saliva sample. Package the saliva sample according to the instructions given by the company. Seal the envelope or package carefully, so the sample is completely secure while it travels to the lab. Generally, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by a percentage; however, this might differ, depending on the company. If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Store these samples carefully, so you can send them to a professional company. Seal the envelope or package carefully to secure the sample, and keep it safe in transit. Go to source Seeing a CH or confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 conformation points. Go to source A dog with this lineage can make a great candidate for showing. If your dog has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, you can search their database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. You can also register your dog through the American Kennel Club once you have proof of their pedigree. Go to source Fees for pedigrees very depending on the type. Nevertheless, the hard part is finding the right puppy for your family. Let us help you pick the right puppy with show quality for your home. In my eyes, there is no better companion for a family than a well-raised, well-trained show-quality Labrador. They make great family pets because of their innate intelligence and ability to bond with people. So why is it that few families actually own a Labrador? Our guess is that most folks simply do not know the facts about these lovable dogs. They are great with kids and other pets. Show-quality Labrador Retrievers are very athletic, love to exercise and play, and are always ready for sports. They are excellent swimmers that love the water - large ponds or tiny puddles will do - they love to retrieve tennis balls, footballs, etc. Webbing between their toes gives them extra traction in snow or mud so they can chase balls or engage in many different outdoor activities. Labrador retrievers come from the field and show lines. They are beautiful dogs with a stable temperament that will make a great addition to your family. Good Labs have a reputation as being extremely friendly, stable, and dependable. They are not high-energy dogs and love a good long nap! These dogs also excel in all categories of competition, including conformation, hunting, tracking, and therapy work. Moreover, the quality that makes this breed so special is displayed in show-bred Labradors. These dogs are exceptionally patient. They also have a quiet demeanor, which makes them perfect for the home. In addition, they are loyal, easygoing, willing to please, tireless workers, excellent with children, and have a gentle nature around people of all ages. A show dog is the highest level of quality. They have been health tested and trained and can be used to produce puppies that will enhance your bloodline quality and reliability in their future prospects. Our dogs must meet exacting standards for confirmation and temperament before they will go to any show. We focus on the breed standard for each of our dogs and put lots of effort into showing them so that we may bring you a top-quality pet. Labrador Retrievers Are Healthy Dogs Keep in mind that a dog may eventually develop a health problem. We all know that our Labrador, whether bred from championship stock or not, is going to be a pet and not a show dog. However, even a non-champion Labrador will be healthy. A Labrador retriever is a terrific overall family pet. Their gentle energetic attitude and show dog looks have made this breed a popular choice for families looking for a dog who will bring love, loyalty, and enthusiasm to the household. Show-quality Labradors are bred for conformation to the breed standard of the American Kennel Club, showing excellence in structure, movement, coat quality, temperament, and intactness. Ideal Size and Weight The right Labrador is not just large but beautiful. A solid show-quality Labrador weighs between 65 to 80 pounds, with males being larger than females. The head should be broad and blocky, with a short but strong muzzle, medium stop between the eyes and skull, and small ears set well back on the sides of the head. Eyes should be medium-sized and brown colored with black rims. The body should be straight-fronted along with a strong rear. The feet are moderate in size with well-arched toes. Labrador retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds. In fact, Labradors have been named as America's most beloved dog in the American Kennel Club's rankings every year since , when the AKC began using its current ranking method. Labs received a combined more than , votes in , far ahead of the second-place finishers in the "top dog" contest--the beagle and golden retriever. However, did you know that their mouths are so soft they can fetch for you? Purchasing a show-quality Labrador means enjoying many Labradors throughout their life. You will have to take them for walks or runs since they have lots of energy. They are affectionate toward family members and love to give kisses. They are taught to retrieve on land, in water, or through the air. In addition, Show-quality Labradors are intelligent, confident family companions with an insatiable appetite for food and praise. A Labrador is a highly energetic dog that is impossible to leave alone at home for long periods. Labradors are handsome dogs with adorable smiles, playful behavior, and a devoted heart. As the most popular breed in the world, Labradors are useful for many tasks such as pulling sleds in extreme environments, bringing you slippers, protecting your house, hunting waterfowl, and so much more. More than ever before, people and families are buying pets for companionship. These animals cheer us up when we are sad, scare away strangers who come too close to our homes, and comfort us when we are stressed after work. More and more people are also buying dogs as security guards for their homes and shops. If you want to get one yourself, Smoky Mtn Labradors is your go-to place! Print Looking for a new gun dog or duck dog? Many people start their search with good intentions. They want to find a good quality pup that will serve as a hunting companion as well as a family dog. However, somewhere along the way they end up just picking up a cute puppy that the family could not resist. Maybe, but it is a needle-in-the-haystack approach. While there is no guarantee that any puppy you bring home is going to grow into a well-mannered hunting partner, there are ways to stack the odds in your favor. Today, we are going to discuss the process I go through when looking for a new puppy. These are my opinions, so take it for what it is worth, but I do have extensive experience buying Labrador puppies. I have been doing this for over 30 years and I rarely have a puppy that does not work out. Research puppy litters I buy my puppies based on pedigree. I want proven working parents. This means that I want to see that either the mom or dad, preferably both, have AKC retriever field trial titles , AKC retriever hunting test titles or UKC retriever hunting test titles behind their names on an official pedigree. Be sure you see field trial or hunt test titles. Sometimes you will see AKC show titles or other titles like agility. These are NOT the same as field trial or hunt test titles and are generally not something you want to see on the pedigree of a hunting or competition dog. There are many places to search for litters on the internet. And many sites offer the ability to limit your search by state. However, do not be afraid to look for puppies further away from you. If the litter has a great pedigree and is exactly what you are looking for, you can always have the puppy flown or shipped to you. Some of the sites that are good for looking for litters are: retrievertraining. Again, I am not saying that great dogs cannot come out of these places but rather that the odds are not in your favor. Why are hunting titles important? Hunting titles tell you that the dog has proven its ability to perform at a certain level. It also tells you that the genetics are there. If the parents can perform at a Field Champion or Master Hunter level, there is a good chance the puppies will also have that ability. Do all your research prior to going to look at the puppies Everybody loves puppies. They are cute, cuddly and so lovable. That is why I recommend that you do not ever go look at a litter that does not already meet your standards regarding pedigree. It is just too easy to end up bringing one home. And if you have kids or a spouse involved, I guarantee that any litter you go look at you are most certainly going to end up bringing home a puppy. Does color make a difference? Well-bred puppies are available in each of these colors, and we have trained excellent hunting dogs in each color. However, you may now see litters advertised as fox red or white. These colors are not recognized by the AKC and you should beware of purchasing a dog based solely on color. In addition, there are now Labs being sold as silver, charcoal and champaign. These litters are technically not pure Labrador Retrievers. They are often referred to as dilutes because the genetics have been diluted to produce these colors. Many trainers will not train dilutes because of the many health problems and genetic issues that go along with these breeds. There are, unfortunately, people breeding pups specifically to produce a specific color without regard for temperament and the betterment of the breed. We prefer to stay away from litters that do not have a proven pedigree and have been breed specifically for color. In addition, our experience training dogs from these types of litters has proven to be a struggle. How much does a good puppy cost? For many people this is a defining question. So, a new hunting partner can be a significant investment. But for us it is worth it to stack the odds in our favor. Find a great retriever breeder Unfortunately, not all breeders are equal. Over the years, some breeders have stood out to us as exceptional. They go over and beyond just taking good care of the puppies. You can tell they really want their puppies to turn out great and they take steps, while the pups are very young, to help ensure their puppies have a good strong foundation that will help them succeed in the future. Beyond the breeding of quality dogs, the difference is in the socialization of the puppies. As I talk extensively about in Raising a Lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog , socialization is an essential key component in training a retriever puppy. Breeders that go out of their way to socialize young pups are worth their weight in gold. The truth is that raising puppies, done the right way, takes a lot of time and commitment. We specialize in training and prefer to let others specialize in doing a great job raising litters. Ask prospective breeder the right questions When you call and talk to a breeder about an upcoming litter, it is important to get answers to some important questions. If the pedigrees are not available online, be sure and request one from the breeder. How often do you breed? How often has this mother been bred? When looking for a great hunting dog puppy, you want to avoid puppy mills. Puppy mills are breeders that are just pumping out puppies for money and without concern to the overall health and betterment of the breed. Responsible breeders have a plan for the litters they are producing and will be able to talk to you about why the litter is worth the money they are asking. What breeds do you breed? Look for a breeder that specializes in Labrador Retrievers or whatever breed you are looking to purchase. What does your health guarantee cover? Responsible breeders will offer you a health guarantee for the puppy. While what this guarantee covers may vary, with Labrador Retrievers some of the things you want to make sure the health guarantee covers includes: Hip dysplasia Eye issues In addition, you may want to make sure that the parents have been genetically tested for other genetic diseases such as Exercise Induced Collapse EIC and Centronuclear Myopathy CNM. What do you do to socialize the puppies? Asking this open-ended question can give breeders a chance to tell you about the work they do socializing the young pups before they are ready to go home. Or, you may want to follow up with more specific questions such as: Are the pups exposed to children at all? Do you take the pups to different locations during the day? Do the puppies get outside time, what does that look like? The goal is to find out if the puppies are getting socialization and exposure to new and different things on a regular basis. Pups that get this exposure tend to adjust more quickly to their new homes and new situations later in life. Have you done this specific breeding before? How did those puppies turn out? Breeders that are working for the betterment of the breed, may breed a set of parents more than once. If this is a repeat breeding, it is likely that the breeder will know how previous litters performed in the field or in competition. Serious Labrador Retriever breeders often keep track of how their puppies perform as they age. Alternatively, you could ask for references and talk to previous buyers to find out what they think of the breeder and the puppy they bought. Should I meet the prospective dog parents? While some people might tell you that you should meet the prospective parents of the puppies, I do not see a lot of value in this. Some good breeders do not own both the parents. Often, they work with other breeders so both the Dam and Sire may not be onsite. And if you are basing your pup purchase off pedigree first, as I would recommend, you already know the most important things about the parents. If looks are important to you, then photos of the parents will show you what you need to know. Choose a retriever puppy from the litter Once you decide on a litter, the waiting begins. Ask the breeder to provide videos and photos of puppies as the grow. This is a great way to see the puppies progress and you can see some personality traits in the different pups. If you did all the work in researching pedigree and breeders, you already have stacked the odds in your favor. You know that the litter is a good one and that the puppies have a good chance of turning out to be great hunting partners. This is important because it takes a lot of pressure off when it is time to pick the puppy from the litter. When you do go to the breeder to pick your puppy, take a few minutes to observe the puppies. This will allow you to see some personality traits. Understand though that this is only one snapshot in time. The puppy that is active at this time, might have been sleeping right before you showed up. Or, the one that is sleepy may have been running around like crazy just minutes before. At Otter Tail Kennels, we often look for a puppy that likes people. A puppy that chases a child around the yard or runs to the owner when they walk away is attractive to us because we want a people-centered dog instead of a dog that prefers to spend its time with litter mates. But this is not an exact science by any means. That is why we rely on the fact that we have done our homework and know the entire litter has promise. Final thoughts on how to find a good Labrador puppy Any time you set out to buy a puppy, you do not know how the journey will end. There are a lot of unknowns. You cannot tell for sure what the puppy will look like as an adult, and you cannot tell if they will be a great hunter or a great family dog. What you can do is stack the odds in your favor. Find a great litter from a great breeder and select a puppy from that litter. Once you do that, you are on your way to having a great duck or gun dog. Then the next important step is to socialize, expose and train the puppy. Read how to do that here. Have questions about finding a great retriever for your hunting and family needs? I am here to help! You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs and services I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. How to find a good Labrador puppy. Thank you David for all the joy you have given us. We love our beautiful dogs! He is just perfect! My vet said he has never seen a better put together Lab. He is the hit of our community and has to say hello to everyone he meets. Hidden Ponds is just the best place to purchase a Lab. David is so kind and informative. His dogs are gorgeous and well mannered. They treat their dogs with kindness and it shows. They are smart, their costs are beautiful! He has a great personality and is wonderful with the kids! He is lbs and thinks he is a lap dog. We would definitely buy from Dave again!! Lindie is an incredible athlete, as you can see by the photo. Lindie also volunteers at our local hospital in Glens Falls, NY comforting anyone that needs fur therapy! She is an amazing ambassador for the Labrador breed! Thank you! He hiked his first mountains this weekend in the Adirondacks. He is such a wonderful addition to our family and we will be back for a companion for him next year. Read more testimonials Bentley Bentley is almost 4 years old and is absolutely amazing! She is the happiest, cuddliest, wiggliest ball of fur, and I love her more than I can say. She is super smart, very curious, and a little mischievous. She has already learned to walk very well with my wheelchair. Thank you, Hidden Pond! At 9weeks she has accomplished stairs,swimming learned to sit and give paw. Play time and eating remain 1 LOL but,she is full of kisses and love all the time too. My sweet service dog, Rhett, came home in October of and has been the biggest blessing in my life. This breeder not only breeds for confirmation and health but for perfect personality and temperament. They are perfect in every sense of the term responsible breeder. I cannot imagine life without my Labs. And not to mention how welcoming everyone was when we went to pick Rhett up. They care about each puppy they welcome into their home. And they strongly support several forms of care to keep the puppies happy and healthy in their new homes like food and supplements! I cannot thank them enough or recommend them enough!! Savannah Stevens Read more testimonials Chip Chip is a crazy, funny, lovable gem. He is the most gorgeous dog. He has the most regal head. Everyone who sees him stops to tell us what a handsome dog he is. Thank you to Hidden Pond for letting him be ours. We picked her up in early July , and she made our family complete! She is such an amazing dog: sweet, gentle, loving, and playful. It is wonderful to see how much she loves our three young boys. We love how much she loves being outside — especially swimming and playing in the snow. Thank you Dave and your family for bringing her into our lives. She was exactly what our family needed to be complete. She is the sweetest, spunkiest and most wonderful dog we could have asked for. We picked him up this past September. He is a joy, fully housebroken, and so very funny. Everyone who meets him always comment on how handsome he is. He is really beginning to look like his dad, Thunder. He loves walking and meeting all his dog friends in our community. Thanks, David, for this wonderful dog! He has made our house a home again!! She brings so much joy to our home. She is loyal, smart and a lot of fun. She loves going on walks or long hikes in the woods and is a big snuggler in the house. Scout has a very sweet disposition and people comment on what a beautiful girl she is. She enjoys people and dogs of all ages. Thank you Dave, we are enjoying every day with one of your Hidden Pond pups! Courtney Hundley Read more testimonials Raemo This Lab is truly a best friend to everyone that comes his way. Very kind and affectionate. Raemo is now 6 months old and is great with the family, friends and the neighborhood. He is great with other dogs too! David and his Labs are simply the best and worth the wait! Rob Amurao Read more testimonials Daisy We got Daisy in June , but Dave introduced us to her the day she was born; it was love at first sight!!! Dave kept us updated with pictures and short videos as we anxiously awaited the day we could pick her up. She has been an absolute joy in our lives! She is incredibly smart, a sweetheart along with being an active puppy. She was swimming at 10 weeks with our other dogs. She is now 10 months old; everyone she meets loves her. Thank you, Dave, for such an awesome new family member!!! Marilyn Morey Read more testimonials Mabel Mabel is 6 months and we thank you for this blessing. She is a wonderful addition to our family. We love going on adventures with our little girl. Highly recommend and reasonable pricing! He has an amazing temperament, his favorite activities are long walks and swimming! Marlana Broderick Read more testimonials Chip Chip is the best dog we have ever had. He is funny, silly, smart and so handsome. We get stopped on the street every 5 feet. Everyone asks where he is from and tells us how gorgeous he is. Thank you Dave. This photo is with his sister Cocoa. Chip on the left Cocoa on the right. She has such a great personality. Gets along so well with the grandkids ,and so adaptable she took to the crate and house breaking so easily. Accepts new experiences so calmly. Dave has been great to work with a fountain of info. We also went with the dog food he recommended an love the results that we switched our cat to it as well. She is the most beautiful, sweet tempered, smart lab. We could not be happier having her as part of our family. Romy Ziegler. When purchasing chocolate lab puppies you are bringing in a new member to your family for possibly 15 years. If you are ready, then you will want to ensure that care has been taken to breed genetically sound, smart, healthy chocolate lab puppies. One of which whom will be your companion for years to come. Imagine two years down the road finding out that your dog has severe hip dysplasia and has to be euthanized. Understanding this, we have taken great care selecting and evaluating the Labrador Retrievers we breed in every effort to eliminate that risk. Here are some of the reasons for considering our chocolate lab puppies. For frequently asked questions about the process try this page. It is not mandatory that breeders have this test done on their Labrador Retriever breeding stock so beware of other breeders who have not taken the time to check that their Labrador Retriever has genetics are suitable for breeding. This means that the parents of our chocolate lab puppies do not have a genetic eye disease they might pass on and are worthy of breeding. It is not mandatory and many breeders do not have this test conducted on their dogs prior to breeding. We have recently switched to genetic testing for this disease to clear our dogs prior to breeding. This physical examination is being replaced by genetic screening to ensure the breeding dog is not affected by PRA. We have a pedigree-a family tree so to speak-which we can look back upon to ensure brothers and sisters, or fathers and daughters are not breeding. This is done when a Labrador Retriever breeder wants to repeat a certain trait in a dog or other animal. The risk of a weakened genetic profile for an enhanced look is a risk that we just do not take. The Canadian Kennel Club keeps records on purebred dogs and their litters. We provide you with a one year comprehensive warranty on major organs which also includes 14 months on hips and elbows which allows you time to test them if you wish the Penn hip test can be performed at one year old, in addition, OFA hip and elbow preliminary tests can be done at one year old , and a four year extended written health guarantee on major organs if you feed your dog what we recommend to our extended Lucky Labs family. What you feed is of most importannce to the health of your dog. In fact, a study published by the Institute of Canine Biology by Dr. Carol Beuchat Ph. The experience gained with this food goes far beyond comparing ingredient labels from one food to another. When you purchase your quality Labrador puppy, we want you to have peace of mind that every effort has been taken to provide you with a sound, classic Labrador Retriever. We understand that this puppy will become a new member of your family and we want you to enjoy it for many years to come. If a genetic defect other than those listed above is discovered in your lab puppy we will replace it for you as outlined in our guarantee. Our goal as breeder is to exceed your expectations by providing ongoing communication after you bring your chocolate lab puppy home. We provide 6 weeks complimentary Health Insurance Our puppies come with 6 weeks of complimentary health insurance for Canadian residents only which covers many vet fees for illnesses and accidents or advertisements in the event your puppy is lost or stolen. Our Labs are Microchipped Each chocolate lab puppy is microchipped for identification. Once you purchase your puppy and name it, we transfer ownership and contact information regarding the microchip is replaced with your information. You will receive this certificate of health signed by our vet when you pick up your new Labrador Retriever. As well prior to leaving us we bath, trim the nails and clean the ears of your puppy. Lab Puppy Deworming All of our lab puppies will have been de-wormed 3 times by the time they leave at week eight beginning at week 2. We only use the highest quality medicine which covers all worms and environmental parasites. Beginning at week 2 allows us to catch any worms before they can take hold resulting in puppies who thrive. Lab Puppy Training Is a Must Most importantly we have arranged a generous discount for the training and info site Puppy Trained Right which will help you prepare for the many things you need to know before you take your new puppy home. It also shows you step by step how to train your chocolate lab puppy and set them up to follow you for years of K9 enjoyment. We also strongly recommend the Chew Chew Toy pack which combines a variety of developmentally appropriate toys with healthy puppy-stage training treats. Other important links for training are Making your Lab Puppy fall in Love with you and 80 training tips from expert breeders. Lab Puppy Socialization We spend a great deal of time socializing our lab puppies while they are with us. Carmen Battaglia, many different people, adult Labrador Retrievers, surfaces, sounds and situations. They are handled daily, talked to and yes even sung to! This begins slowly at 2 days old and the socialization time increases after their eyes and ears open. The price for our chocolate lab puppies for sale, as well as yellow and black Labs is available once you send us an application. Silvers are slightly more. Reservations are taken in order that we receive your deposit. We are a Labrador Retriever breeder whose puppies are puppies are of high quality and are in demand so it is normal to have reservations for litters that have not yet been born. Our puppies are sold on a non-breeding contract in order to help reduce unwanted dogs in shelters. Spaying or neutering your dog is just doing your part. When we all work together we can breed and own purebred dogs responsibly. Once you place a deposit, you will be assigned a position of pick. If there are no spots in current litters available you will go onto the waiting list. You are placed at the end of the list of either male puppies or female puppies depending on what you decide to reserve. As our mothers come into heat people on the waiting list are emailed in priority with pictures of the parents and asked if they wish to move from the waiting list into a specific litter. If you accept your choice will be confirmed by an email from us. If you choose to pass you will remain in the waiting list moving up to any spots that were left open from others moving off the list. Once you move into a litter the process works like this. Around week 4 you will be emailed your appointment to pick up your puppy and scheduled after the first pick has arrived and picked. So for example if there are eight puppies born, 4 girls and 4 boys, and you get second pick of the girls, your appointment will be made a half hour after the first pick has picked-up their puppy and you will have the pick of the remaining 3 girls. This gives the puppies time to open their eyes, and begin developing their personality before you have to make your choice. We will post new photos at 7 days and again at week 4 to show the chocolate lab puppies progress. We will also provide you with a written contract of the position of pick, the sex and color of puppy you have requested upon receiving your deposit. Our mothers have had up to 13 puppies. In the event your choice of sex or color is not whelped, you will be offered priority pick of the very next availability we have or you can choose to wait for a future litter. We provide this in writing to you upon making your deposit. When you are Ready to Apply for a quality Labrador Retriever puppy click below. At Humehill we strive to consistently produce beautiful Labrador Retrievers with classic English style, sweet loving temperaments, good health and outstanding trainability. We are just as driven to produce top quality Pomeranians with classic style, good health and sweet, silly personalities in a rainbow of exotic colors. Humehill Jr Poms are sweet little fire-crackers with comical personalities. What more can be said for such a wonderful breed of dogs? We love our Charley and would always recommend Humehill. Pam absolutely does a great job of making sure her dogs are loved, and it shows in her puppies. Thanks, Pam for our amazing family member!! Jessie Santillo Kirby is a happy-go-lucky and good-natured little fellow. His personality is another indication of a reputable and conscientious breeder. You will gain a new family member who will end up stealing a piece of your heart! Begin your extraordinary adventure into pet ownership by inquiring about one of our heart-warming Labradors or Pomeranians. We are more than delighted to assist you in finding the perfect furry addition for your family!