american bulldog scott puppies

Ready for new homes: August 11, .Ready for new homes: September .Ready for new homes: October .Ready for new homes: November .Ready for new homes: December .Ready for new homes: June .GSDs are a versatile and highly intelligent breed capable of mastering complex obedience commands. Their intelligent versatility is just one of many unique factors that put GSDs head and shoulders above most other breeds in the canine world. The average GSD can grow to a shoulder height as high as 26 inches and are capable of equal parts grace and power. Because of this incredible mixture of intelligence, grace, and strength, they are the favorite breed of security experts from local K-9 police departments to every branch of the military across many different nations. GSDs are also capable of mastering the highest levels of show dog training making them among the most popular breeds of championship show dog organizations. There are plenty of reasons why German Shepherds have long been thought of as canine royalty. Select your new pup from one of our available litters and make your reservation with us. No problem. You can contact us at or or email us at vomragnar gmail. Our trainers can also train your pup for basic obedience, advanced obedience, and protection or security work. Your puppy will learn excellent manners and communication skills that will provide you with many years of a rich, full relationship with your German Shepherd. Design Please beware of scams and frauds! There are scams out there who use our brand. Their website may look exact the same since they duplicate our website or their domains look similar. Our website is vomragnar. Our brand name is patented. We are licensed breeders in Illinois. Please do not trust scammers and beware. Want to see our puppies available for sale? Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. 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!

Ready to go today. That leaves us with a lot to do in order to get her home dealt with and other things that come along with loved ones needing us. Now is just not the time to keep a pup back. I was having fun just watching them grow to see who will be the one or two! These pups are standard size and will be 65lbs or more grown. If you are ready to pickup today we can arrange that as long as we have a few hours notice. One boy is available. We do have new pricing options available for him. Our F1 Bernedoodles are bred from OFA and Genetically tested parents and are an excellent choice for those looking for a healthy and intelligent companion. OFA testing is a series of evaluations performed by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, which can help identify any potential genetic health issues. By breeding dogs that have passed these tests, we can reduce the risk of passing on inherited conditions to their offspring. Bernedoodles, a cross between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature, making them an ideal family pet. Choosing an F1 Bernedoodle from OFA and Genetically tested parents can increase the chances of getting a happy and healthy addition to your family. Alice and Jackson also have Genetic Panels completed by Paw Print Genetics so we know their pups will never develop any genetic diseases common to their breeds. As an added benefit and protection, all pups come with a two year health warranty as well. She loves to play catch and she is great at retrieving. She is AKC Registered. Her coat is thick and her puppies usually get this trait from her too. He is your typical Bernese, loves pet and he wants to sit on your lap at all times. He has an incredible coat, soft and so shiny. He is AKC Registered. He is the Dad of our F1 Bernedoodle puppies. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Allen Park Michigan and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale.

Stella is a 1. Stella is a typical Old English Bulldog. She is rambunctious, mischievous, fun-loving, loyal, smart, driven, and strong. With a strong consistent leader, Stella is on her best behavior. She is an overall sweet, lovable girl that enjoys belly rubs and exploring the yard! Stella is desperate for structure, boundaries, and a solid iron-clad routine. Stella is in a home with several furry foster siblings. She is interested in other dogs and has learned how to passively coexist around them while she is kenneled. Stella is learning to be polite, how to take direction, and making improvements every day! She is experiencing a big transition and will need firm leadership, patience, and consistent training to help her learn proper dog behavior, learn proper dog manners, and know what is expected in her adoptive home. Although Stella needs structure and does push the limits, she does look to his leader for direction. Positive reinforcement and a lot of praise when positive behavior is present have really worked wonders for her especially when snacks are involved! Stella has met several adult humans and has done well with them. She is strong and can easily knock smaller humans down so her foster family believes she would be best in a home with dog-savvy, mature high school-aged children or older; ideally, she would be best around adults only. We believe Stella would be best in a home as an only dog. She could eventually coexist with a docile, submissive, easy-going large dog as long as structured introductions are offered over months not days. We recommend slow introductions between dogs AND supervision around children when introducing a new dog in your home to make sure both he and they are kept safe. A consistent outside routine is needed to ensure Stella remains successful in her adoptive home. Stella likes her crate and will go in on command although sometimes she needs a little treat as a bribe to go in. Stella would do well in a home with a fully fenced yard, a family that can spend a lot of structured time with her, and is willing to keep her adequately fulfilled daily. If you'd like to give Stella the perfect home please apply below. Virginia, or Hammy as we like to call her, is a mature lady at 8 ish years old, she is a Chihuahua mix. Hammy came into rescue when it was posted on social media that her owner was going to euthanize her for being timid and over weight. Miss Hammy arrived in rescue January , since arriving she's been getting lots of exercise and on a special diet to help get her weight under control. She is still nervous around new people and takes time to warm up but she is the perfect quite housemate. She tolerates respectful dogs and doesn't mind cats, kids and busy environments aren't for her. Hammy recently had a full dental and is waiting for her spay surgery and hernia repair. Hammy would love a quiet home to call her own. Rohan is a 4 year old, female, 70 , American Bulldog mix. Rohan came to us as an owner surrender and has been with us since August .Rohan is a big lover and enjoys together time whether that be cuddling on the couch or going for a hike. She has puppy energy so if you need a hiking buddy she's your girl. She rides excellent in the car and loves going on adventures. Rohan is totally house trained, crate trained, and knows all her basic obedience. Oh, we almost forgot, Rohan is hearing impaired but that doesn't slow her down at all, she's hand signal trained! Rohan would do best in a home with adults only or older children, a fenced in yard, and no other pets. If you'd like to open your homes and hearts to Rohan please apply below to adopt! Pedro Chihuahua Meet Pedro! Pedro is approximately 5 years old, male, long haired Chihuahua. He came to rescue from an unsanitary, neglectful, hoarding situation with over 20 animals at the residence. He was extremely scared upon arrival and has taken weeks to warm up. He is still very nervous of new people and noises but once he trusts you he is the biggest little lover and the perfect lap dog. Pedro will need a patient, quiet home, and an adopter who is able to keep up with his basic grooming needs. Pedro has been neutered and vetted and is ready for a loving forever home. Apply below to adopt Pedro! Maizy Pitbull Terrier Meet Maizy! Maizy is a 2 year old, female, Pitbull Terrier. She came to us after being found as a stray by the Mahoning County Dog Warden. Here is what she's been up to since joining ECBR.I gotta tell you, this foster life I am currently living is da bomb!! I get to play with other dogs, snug with some humans and get this.What a concept! To top it all off, my foster mom is a professional dog trainer! Let's discuss what allll you humans appear to be highly interested in.I am doing good and will do "my thing" as soon as I am taken out of my condo crate. Please keep in mind that a new home will mean new schedules so consistency and patience will be key for both of us. It's my safe space and if I've had enough of your human shenanigans, it allows me an escape. That means a home with no other pets and no small children. However, if you have older respectful kids that would be great! I am not much of a barker but will for sure give you a "woo-woo" if I discover that you are slow to prepare my food :. Let's discuss my leash manners not my fav topic. Suffice it to say that they are a work in progress : When we are out for a walk, and I see my house I will pull in an attempt to get back asap because after all.But foster mom is certain that we can work thru it, and I can be taught how to walk "politely" on a leash. Lots of you folks want to know if I would run out of an open door. Foster mom says she is happy to teach you all the tricks of training if you have questions which is a great thing for you as well as me because I really want to keep learning how to be a good girl. As you may be able to see by my earlier pictures, I was owned by a not so loving person. But foster mom says that I am rebounding quickly and am gaining confidence as I become more comfortable. Imagine how devastated I was the first time I came face to face with my reflection!! All my ribs showing, my poor ears cut off in some kind of home ear cropping attempt with scissors, flea ridden, lackluster fur and scars all over my face. The only good thing about all that is that it is in the past and now I search out mirrors in every room!! How do I see my future? Well, I hope to continue on the same path I am currently walking.Cavo is a young male Pitbull Terrier. We guess him to be around 9 months old. He was found as a stray and when his owners never came forward his finder reached out to us for help. Cavo is a very playful sweet boy, he is very timid of quick movements and loud noises but we fell he will get over this with time. Cavo needs a patient understanding adopter who's going to work with him to gain confidence and become the best dog he can be. He is dog friendly and is a silly playful guys once he's comfortable with you. Cavo is waiting to be vetted and will be adoptable very soon! Contact Sammich Boxer Welcome Sammich! Sammich aka Sammy is a 1ish year old, male, Boxer. Sammy came into rescue after being caught as a stray by good Samaritans. Once caught they spread the word and tried to find his people but no one came forward. They quickly realized Sammy had been mistreated due to his fearful and reactive behavior. After reaching out to a local shelter they were told with Sammy's issues he would likely be euthanized if surrendered to them. Thankfully, they got in touch with us and we were able to bring him into rescue and give him a second chance at life. Sammy is still under going an extended decompression and isn't yet available for adoption. Walter is a 5. He arrived in rescue after his family couldn't keep up with the special care Walter needs. Walter was struck by a car a couple years ago and needed surgery to repair his injuries. He has to learn had to walk again and as a result has nerve damage causing some mobility issues and occasional incontinence. He is currently receiving laser therapy to help repair the nerve damage and improve his continence. Walter is dog friendly and loves to play, he is also cat, and kid friendly. For more information on Walter please email Sara at Sara. Hornbeck EastCoastBulldogRescue. Babs is a 9 month old, female, Pitbull Terrier mix. This sweet, young, petite lady came into rescue when her owner couldn't properly care for her. She is a typical playful pup and is still working on her house manners and training. Babs is dog and cat friendly. She is awaiting her spay appointment and will be adoptable very soon. I will begin by telling you that the most important thing in the world to me is MY happiness! But why not? I mean, just look at me! I am a sight to behold! Here's the skinny.Human attention?? Yup, but like everything else, on my terms only. Will I hang with you on the couch.Some might say that I am a "crabby girl" but I prefer to think of myself as a more independent sort. I can be touched and loved on when I desire it, and I'll give you warning signs if I do not. So, I guess you could say that I will need a home that is willing to give me ample patience and time so that we can understand each other! Check out my video and you will see that when I want to play.Now for all the good stuff.If you take too long to let me back in the house, I will let you know with a bark or two but other than that, I'm not one to bark a ton. I do enjoy a nice car ride and also walk quite well on my leash walks. BONUS, you will not have to worry about me chewing or destroying things in your home like those other less refined canines. Foster mom wanted me to let you know that one thing that I despise is when you humans feel the need to humiliate me by wiping my butt. Ummmmm, I would wager a bet that you humans wouldn't appreciate it should someone try to do the same to you!!! OK, well there it is all laid out!! If you feel you may be worthy of me joining your home, fill out that application and we can check each other out! Dutch is a 13 year old male papillion. He came to us after being found as a stray by animal control. He is dog and cat friendly, but would do just fine as an only dog. His favorite things to do are eat and sleep. Dutch is looking for a foster-to-adopt home. Adoption: Team Members That's all for now! Please be patient, the dog might not be added yet. Proudly created with Wix. We are a core group of 15 experienced volunteers with one mission — to help bulldogs in need. We provide the care, time and love the dogs need until we find their appropriate forever home. Our bulldogs come to us through many venues. Some come to us from shelters where they have been abandoned, or turned in as strays or surrendered where they would otherwise be possibly euthanized. Most of the bulldogs that come into our program are owner surrenders from people who can no longer care for their bulldog. Some people who surrender their bulldogs have had circumstances in their life change due to no fault of their own. No matter the circumstances, we do not judge anyone for needing to rehome a bulldog, but help support their decision to give their bulldog over to rescue. To thoroughly screen families prior to placing our bulldogs to ensure that the needs of both the individual or family and the bulldog are met. Our volunteers work diligently to locate responsible and loving people who wish to make a rescue bulldog a new member of their family. To help educate the public about the bulldog breed and to help reduce the overpopulation of unwanted pets, and the abuse or neglect of bulldogs in our area. To assist people to keep their bulldogs. At times not all owners truly want to surrender their bulldog, but are at a loss as to how to correct a behavioral or health issue, thus improving the lives of the bulldog as well as their owners. To provide follow-up care to the families that have adopted our bulldogs to be sure the bulldog is experiencing a smooth transition to his or her new family, and to answer any and all questions to the best of our ability regarding their new bulldog. Follow Us on Social Media. Share A Story! Read our full affiliate disclosure. They are easily one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the country. In New Jersey, they are a favorite among people looking for pets to complete their homes. One of the best places to get this dog breed is from rescues in New Jersey. They offer french bulldogs for adoption at a very affordable price, and most of the time, you get fully grown and fully rehabilitated dogs. You do not have to worry about further training and, in some cases, medical care. However, finding rescues with french bulldogs in New Jersey can be difficult, so we have curated a list of some of the best places to start your search. These are rescues that are either bulldog specific or have french bulldogs for adoption. We will also include the contact information of these rescues and their adoption processes. This guide is meant to provide you with all you need to get a french bulldog in New Jersey. They are not arranged in any particular order, but they are some of the most likely places to get a french bulldogs. They provide french bulldog rescue and adoption services across the entire country. Their mission is to find and rehabilitate french bulldogs that have been abandoned for one reason or the other. When they feel the dogs are ready again, they put them up for adoption in the hope of finding new forever homes. They do not discriminate, and they take in any dog irrespective of health or behavioral issues. They believe that every french bulldog deserves a chance at happiness. This rescue understands that french bulldogs are not ideal for everyone, so they ensure that each dog is placed in the best possible home. They have also taken it upon themselves to create awareness about french bulldogs and the proper way to treat them. The first thing to do is ensure that the french bulldog you want is a good fit for you. Do not be fooled by the pictures because a lot can be hidden. While choosing a dog, ensure that the dog you want is available for adoption. Once you have chosen a bulldog, complete the online application form through the link provided in the profile of the specific dog you want. This step is very important because you might not get the dog you want if you do not follow it. During the application process, try and provide all the necessary information. How many people are in your household? Do you have any regular visitors that the dog might have to get used to? You should include all the other pets and animals that stay with you. This is necessary because some french bulldogs do not do well with other animals. The more detailed your application is, the easier it would be to process. You cannot submit one application for multiple dogs. Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by the adoption board. They will also crosscheck the veterinary and personal references you provided. This is followed by a phone interview and a visit to your home. The report gotten from these interviews will be compiled and sent to the board together with your application. It is the board that will make the final decision. If your application is successful, the rescue will notify you, and once you have signed the necessary papers and paid the adoption fee, you will have your dog ready for pick up. They have a strict no-shipping policy, so you have to pick up your pet within two weeks of completing all the paperwork. The entire adoption process should take about a month to six weeks. Rescue and Adoption Details.

Written by Wen Duan Golden Retrievers are a joy to be around and in our slightly biased opinion make the most photogenic and hilarious memes. If you love the friendliness, intelligence, and devotion of a Golden Retriever, then you'll love golden retriever memes. I've scoured the internet for the best Golden Retriever memes that made me laugh out loud and had to share the joy! Here are 25 more reasons to love Golden Retrievers! Golden Retrievers sees our hypocrisy. Golden Retrievers are the smartest blondes. Golden Retrievers are better than all of us. Goals 6. Definition of FOMO 8. Cuteness makes puppies tired. Be my friend! I needs all the friends. Golden Retrievers are too smart for their own good. Golden Retriever's love is unconditional. Things just happen sometimes. Yes, please! We did! Disappointment personified. Golden Retrievers are the best investment. TakeMyMoney .Goldens like to be pampered too. What do we have here? Golden Retrievers loves all the treats! I don't know about a new sibling. We all need one of these when we don't have our dogs with us.The end! Have any memes you'd like to share? Which one was your favorite? Comment down below. I want to know! Sometimes they try to imitate your behavior, and sometimes they just seem hilarious. Just imagine that your golden retriever is trying to sit like you or eat like you. Golden retrievers are funny, innocent, and adorable creatures. Golden retrievers are excellent companions. They make hilarious, innocent, cute faces. You cannot just ignore your golden retriever. They can instantly grab your attention. You cannot ignore a golden retriever trying to eat something from your fridge. Golden retrievers follow their owners wherever they go and act like humans. Golden retrievers seem funny because they try to enjoy every moment. Imagine a golden retriever trying to dance or getting caught while eating food from the fridge. If you are sad and need something to make you happy, you need to watch these 10 funniest golden retriever memes. Golden retrievers are emotional beings; they can get too attached to their owners. Your golden retriever may become happy or sad when you adopt a cat. Golden retrievers have their own place in the family, and they do not want to lose their place to another pet in the family. We know that families with a golden retriever do not intend to ignore their dogs. This picture shows two golden retrievers hugging and consoling each other because their family got a cat! In this picture, we can notice our favorite golden retriever with wide-open eyes. Yes, you heard it right. This golden retriever seems surprised as if he has seen or heard something unexpected. The picture says that the therapy dog after I share all my problems. This is funny. I mean, even a therapy dog cannot remain calm after hearing all of my problems. Meme 3 You know, dogs and kids have a special relationship. They both love you, and they can be very naughty. They enjoy doing things behind your back, and they may shift the blame on each other. In this picture, you can notice the dog and the boy standing next to a wall. Ah, you can notice the vacuum cleaner running in the back. They try to mimic you and do things as you do in every situation. Sometimes, a dog can be hilarious. And, he is looking toward you as if he is saying something. You are just holding the steering wheel of my car and trying to drive it, you professional driver! Meme 6 Dogs are so innocent that sometimes you have to take care of your dog. Sometimes, you have to protect your adorable companion. But your dog might just look for something else. He may act like a baby! Did you ever try to carry your dog like a baby? In this meme, we can see a man carrying a dog, and the dog is looking toward the ground. They can be cool companions for a good tour. It is funny to know that your dog can prepare himself for a tour like a true traveler. You need sunglasses and a backpack for the tour. How will you feel if your dog wears a backpack and sunglasses? In this picture, you can see a dog ready for a tour. You can notice him wearing a backpack and sunglasses. He looks cool, right? You may try to stop your dog from trying to do one thing, and he might just do another. Dogs can even act as if they are ignoring you and continue doing whatever they like to do. I must dance. Meme 9 No one can run as fast as your dog. Dogs love food, and your dog might just run crazy for food. In this meme, you can see your dog running towards something with his mouth wide open. It seems that the dog is running for food. I heard the fridge door is open! A DVM by profession, I have treated and cured thousands of dogs, if not millions. Tumblr Do golden retrievers have a high IQ? This means that they are able to learn a new command in five repetitions or fewer, which is very impressive! The border collie is widely recognized as the smartest dog breed. They are known for their high intelligence and ability to learn new words. Chaser, a border collie from South Carolina, is said to be able to recognize over 1, words. Some of these reasons include their inherent personality traits. Golden retrievers are confident and extroverted, which makes them great companions. They are also known for their loyalty and intelligence. All of these traits combined make golden retrievers great pets. He is much loved by his owner and remains living in the city of Chiba in Japan. Kabosu is a true inspiration to all of us and we hope he continues to enjoy a long and happy life. What is the most googled dog? They are also known for their short noses and stocky build. Bulldogs make great family pets and are often used in therapy and assistance work. A doge was an elected, chief magistrate of the former Republic of Venice. His human, Sara Hamilton, thought his dark gray speckled coat looked like an Oreo McFlurry dessert and that is why he is also known as Oreo Cloud. See also Guy crying with gun? Which Golden Retriever is best? The American Golden Retriever is considered the general standard of the breed. While there are similar Canadian and British counterparts, the American is the most popular. The American Golden Retriever has a rich gold coat. The shades of gold can vary slightly but can be neither too light nor too dark. Big and hungry, this breed gets big pounds and will gladly get bigger if overfed. Needs vigorous exercise and a lot of it daily workouts of minutes are a must for this breed. Holy shed, not great at being alone in an apartment all day. Prone to certain health problems.

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Arkansas Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Arkansas? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Arkansas? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We're located in the heart of the Arkansas mountains the Ozarks , and our pups grow up on a ten-acre farm. We are looking for dedicated families to adopt our fur babies and love them like we do. We are not a discount breeder; we take this job of placing each pup very seriously and their future and well-being is of utmost importance. Please contact Dogwood Farms if you're ready for this loving commitment. CALL The Dogwood Difference When you purchase a fur baby from Dogwood Farms, they come complete with a puppy care package which includes: a care package, AKC registration paperwork, immunizations completed by a licensed veterinarian along with immunization paperwork and food each pup is used to eating. We are dedicated to these dogs and our promise is to make sure you have the support and equipment you need to take wonderful care of your new fur baby. We also have in person delivery options for each of our puppies. Rates available to St. In Person Flight options are also available as well to most major airports across the nation for example to California, Florida, New York and even Alaska. If for any reason you need to re-home your fur baby, we are more than willing to help you with that process.

Please be sure to provide many chew toys to help with this transitional period. Cow hooves can be found at many pet stores and are recommended. Stay away from pig ears and cheap rawhide, and "greenies," as these can cause severe diarrhea, bloat, and are a choking hazard. For instance, keep an eye out for diarrhea if you change your pup's food. If your bulldog develops diarrhea then stop all food for 12 hours. If it persists for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately to prevent dehydration. Puppies can dehydrate very rapidly so you need to take it seriously when diarrhea occurs. Dogs can pick up some unwanted guests: ticks, fleas, mites, lice, and intestinal worms. Your dog can be the perfect host for these pests if regular treatment for these nasty pests is not given. Your veterinarian is the best source of knowledge for the local bugs that bug the local dog population and how to prevent these pests. Heartworm is a widespread disease present spread by mosquitoes throughout most of the United States. There is a treatment for heartworm, but it is expensive and takes a toll physically on the dog and can take months to combat. This is especially important for dogs that spend a lot of time outside, that live on farms, or that hunt, as they are at increased risk of contracting this tick-borne disease. Puppies will generally have a first veterinary visit at the age of six weeks by the person who has the mother dog. The veterinarian will examine the puppies to make sure there are no hernias, heart, lung, or eye or ear problems in any of the pups. At 9 weeks, and then again at 12 weeks, the de-wormer and distemper vaccines will be repeated. Then these can be given once a year or on a schedule determined by you and your veterinarian. Lowell Ackerman. This vaccination is required by many communities. There can sometimes be severe penalties if your dog is not rabies vaccinated especially if the dog bites a person or another pet. As your dog ages, more frequent examinations will need to be given. Twice yearly examination will catch medical issues before they become big problems. Older dogs frequently suffer from arthritis and heart disease just like elderly humans. There are effective and safe treatments that can help your older dog live reasonably pain-free and pleasant golden years. It is important to spay females or neuter male your puppy. In addition to various health benefits for the dog decreased chances of certain tumors and infections , there is a big societal benefit in the decreased number of unwanted dogs. Microchipping is also encouraged in case your dog ever becomes lost. The inner ear part of the ear is normally white or darker colored, usually corresponding to the color of the dog's coat, so look for discoloring. The puppy's ears should also not smell nor have any discharge in the ear or on the flap. The ear should be free of debris, dirt, or parasites, like ticks or mites. Any of the following are abnormal: [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Scratching or pawing the ear. Shaking the head excessively. If in doubt, or if you suspect an ear infection, have your veterinarian look in the ear using an otoscope to examine the eardrum. Never stick a q-tip or similar type of product into the ear canal. You will not be able to see the entire ear canal and should not try to put anything down there. Never use human toothpaste on a dog; only use dental toothpaste made for dogs. The fluoride in human toothpaste is poisonous to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Place a little puppy toothpaste on your fingertip and let your puppy lick it off. The next day put it on your finger and rub it along the outer gums. Then try to put a little on a dog toothbrush, let the puppy lick it then run the toothbrush along the outer edges of the teeth and gums. Only the outer part against the cheeks needs to be brushed. Even with regular tooth brushing, dogs may need dental cleanings once in a while. Plaque and bacteria can build up under the gum line causing problems there or in the roots of the teeth. Just like with their human owners, regular mouth examinations by their doggy dentist should be done once a year. Following these recommendations will help you raise as many healthy pups as possible and make the experience as easy and enjoyable as possible for both your family and your Bullbitch. When you raise a litter, you will feel an enormous sense of having accomplished a difficult task. You will enjoy many pleasurable hours with your pups, if you also make a profit, that is fine. But go into this venture with the realization that you may do everything right and still not raise a single pup. You may be emotionally traumatized by having your favorite pup die in your hands. You may lose every dollar you spend. Do not breed your bitch unless you are sure that you or a responsible person will be available to care for the bitch when she is ready to whelp and have time to care for the pups for the first few weeks. This may even mean having someone to care for the pups for 24 hours a day. If you anticipate your bitch will be due for her boosters at about the time of her season or during her pregnancy, have her boosters given early before the time you expect her to be in season. Before she comes into season, have her checked for intestinal worms and deworm her if necessary. This is for the bitch's good. It will not keep the pups from being born with worms. They will still need to be checked and dewormed. Your bitch should be checked for heartworms within the last 12 months. She should be on heartworm prevention. There is a fairly common misconception that heartworm preventive medicine causes infertility. This is nonsense! Heartworm infestation and heartworm disease cause infertility. Heartworm prevention is an absolute necessity. We recommend either Heartgard or Interceptor monthly. Go to dog shows and compare your Bullbitch to the champions and winning dogs. Decide what your bitch's faults are. Long back, small head, narrow jaw and light bone are the most common faults. Now select a stud that does not have any of the same faults your bitch has. It is not wise to breed to a closely related dog father, brother, uncle except in very special circumstances. Breeding to a very good quality more distantly related relative grandfather, granduncle many times will produce better pups than breeding to an unrelated dog. Breed to a dog that has produced some good quality pups. A champion stud that meets the above criteria will be a better choice for stud than a non-champion. We can provide you the names of serious breeders in the San Antonio area who have proven champion Bulldog studs. See as many studs as possible and choose the one that fits your breeding purposes THE MATING On a normal heat cycle, a bitch is ready to be mated the first time about the eighth to the thirteenth day. There is a lot of variation among bitches. Breeding according to the day of heat alone is not an accurate way of catching her at the right time. Vaginal smears can determine when a bitch is ready to breed. The cells lining the vagina change types when a bitch ovulates and is ready to mate. Bring your bitch in for us to do a vaginal smear about the fourth day of heat for the first vaginal smear. Then we will tell you when she will need the vaginal smear checked again. Do not be concerned if your bitch has a bloody discharge throughout her season. This is not unusual in bullbitches. We breed on the first day the vaginal smear indicates ovulation, skip a day and breed again. If there is any doubt that these were the best days, we will skip a day and breed a third time. Particularly when breeding a bitch that has failed to conceive before, it may be best to breed more than twice. We use only artificial insemination to breed bulldogs. Artificial insemination is easier on the bitch, the dog and the person doing the breeding. When people talk about "natural breeding" of bulldogs, they are really referring to hand breeding. This involves strapping the bitch to a breeding board and physically helping the stud dog mate her. We breed only by artificial insemination, Breeding boards are not used in artificial insemination. Serious breeders who have experience artificially inseminating with their own stud are usually very capable and can do the AI at their house. After you take your bitch home after breeding, continue to keep her away from all males for at least a week. For any bitch that has failed to conceive on a previous breeding, we strongly recommend using Progesterone tests to determine the correct time to breed. This is more expensive than breeding by vaginal smears but is worth the cost. The liver during their season increases fertility, during pregnancy reduces the chance of pups with cleft palates and makes for healthier pups with bigger livers of their own. This increases their chance of surviving any neonatal problems. Either beef, pork or venison liver is fine. Cut the liver into 1 ounce pieces and freeze them five pieces to a bag. That way you can thaw out a new bag every five days and make a pound of liver last 16 days. Some bitches will not eat liver the first day. Try again tomorrow and she will eat it. Some bitches will get loose stools from liver. Stop the liver and give cottage cheese with her food until the stools firm up and then start the liver again. During pregnancy, feed your bitch a good quality food. We recommend Purina Pro-Plan. Feed adult dog food for the first four weeks of pregnancy, feed half adult and half puppy food Purina Pro-Plan Puppy the fifth week, then puppy food through the rest of pregnancy and throughout all the time the mama is nursing pups. Do not feed generic or store brand dog food. With a good quality dog food, we feed no supplements other than the liver. Do not give bone meal or any other calcium supplements. They are not needed and can be harmful. With a bitch that will relax and cooperate, we might be able to feel the fetuses in her abdomen at 3 to 4 weeks. From 4 to 7 weeks, there is a lot of fluid around the fetuses making it difficult to feel them. By 7 weeks, most pregnant bitches will be obviously showing it. Almost all bitches will have some mammary enlargement 3 to 4 weeks after their season whether they are pregnant or not. If her vulva does not decrease much in size after she is out of season, she is probably pregnant. We can x-ray the bitch anytime after 45 days after breeding to determine pregnancy. Withhold food by 8 PM the night before the x-ray and be sure she is given a chance to move her bowels before bringing for the x-ray. Let her have all the water she wants. A sonogram done at 28 days is a very accurate way to determine if she is pregnant. We can refer you to a veterinarian who can do a sonogram if you wish. Even if your bitch does not look pregnant, bring her in one week before her due date for us to examine. A large bitch with only one or two pups can hide them up under her ribs and not appear pregnant. If there is any doubt, have an x-ray taken. If her season and discharge last longer that 3 weeks, bring her back for a check-up. She might be a bitch that just has a longer than 3 week season. Or the extended discharge might indicate an infection. If any time after her season she has a vaginal discharge again, bring her back for an exam and a white blood cell count. She could be aborting pups. She could have a minor vaginal infection or a serious uterine infection. A uterine infection needs immediate attention. The Cesarean Section is scheduled 60 days after the last breeding. We will make the appointment for 8 AM. We will also schedule an appointment for a week before the Cesarean to examine her and answer any questions you have. We can also do the pre-surgery lab work at that time. While this 60 day schedule works almost every pregnancy, occasionally a bitch will start labor before the Cesarean Section appointment. If your bitch starts labor during our regular office hours, call us to let us know you are coming in and bring her to the hospital. We will do the Cesarean. If your bitch starts labor during the night, weekend or holiday when our office is closed, call one of the emergency animal hospitals and take her there for the Cesarean. When you call our regular office number, the answering machine will give you the numbers of three emergency hospitals. We do not do emergency Cesarean surgery during non-office hours. A Cesarean requires a full staff of personnel that we cannot provide during non-office hours. Labor is not nesting or passing a mucus plug. Labor is seeing her abdomen contract and seeing her push. She may pass some fluid or you may see part of a puppy. This is labor and indicates she needs her Cesarean. Bullbitches have a difficult time trying to whelp naturally for a number of reasons. The pups have large heads. The bitch has a small pelvis. A bullbitch that has any breathing difficulty can find that labor is too strenuous for her. A bitch with a large number of pups can get too tired and exhausted before she has the last one. When there are only one or two pups, they are usually larger and more difficult to deliver. Many bulldog pups die during attempts at natural whelping. They could have lived if delivered by Cesarean section. A bitch that becomes exhausted trying to whelp naturally is then not a good anesthetic risk for Cesarean section. It is better to plan for a Cesarean ahead of time rather than make it an emergency procedure. It can be scheduled at a more convenient time than 2 AM some morning. Of course, saving only one pup with the Cesarean that might have been lost free whelping pays for the Cesarean. Most bitches will start nesting a week or so before they are due to whelp. They will gather up towels or scratch in the carpet or dig a hole in the yard to make a nest. This does not mean labor is imminent. While your bitch is pregnant, she has had a mucus plug in her cervix to seal it. She will start passing this clear mucus the last week of her pregnancy. This is normal. At the appointment for the Cesareans section, bring a box full of towels to take the pups home in and a sheet to lay the bitch on in the car on the way home. The bitch will have a heavy discharge for 3 days - red, black, green, almost any color is normal. After 3 days, the discharge should be no more than a little spotting - several half-dollar size spots a day at the most. A heavy discharge after 3 days or a brownish-red tomato soup discharge with a bad odor anytime is an indication of trouble. Bring your bitch back to the hospital. If the bitch has any discharge from her surgery incision, wash it with hydrogen peroxide and dry it before nursing. If the incision is dry without a discharge, leave it alone. If the incision should gap open more than a quarter of an inch or if a lump develops under the incision, bring her back to the hospital. It is not unusual for bullbitches to lie on pups and smother them. Some bullbitches will accidentally step on a pup and kill it or badly injury it. A few bullbitches will intentionally harm pups. For these reasons, we keep our pups in a puppy box and put them with the mama only while nursing. An adult or older child must be there watching all the time the pups are with her to be sure she does not harm the pups. Of course, this is a lot of trouble and takes a lot of time. But bulldoggers have found that this is the best way to raise as many pups as possible. We use a wooden puppy box. If you anticipate raising only one litter, a cardboard box will do. Our puppy box is 32 inches long by 16 inches wide and 12 inches deep. It has a Plexiglas window in the lid. There are holes in the side that can be opened for ventilation. There is a 60 watt light in one end of the box for heat. The light has a rheostat so that the heat can be controlled and adjusted. If you use a cardboard box, you can adjust the heat by using different watt light bulbs and by moving the light closer or farther away from the box. The important thing is to have a rectangular box with the light in one end. Adjust the heat by watching where the pups stay in the box. If the pups stay right under the light, adjust the heat higher. If the pups stay in the other end of the box to get away from the heat, adjust it lower. The box temperature will need to be about 95 degrees the first week, 85 degrees the second week and 75 degrees thereafter. However, it is important to adjust the heat according to what the pups do, rather than according to the thermometer. If pups lie on a hard flat surface all the time, they will become what we call swimmers. Their chests flatten out and their legs spread out sideways. They cannot get their legs under them. When the chests flatten they start having breathing problems. To prevent swimmers, it is important for the bottom of the box to be soft and irregular. We line the bottom of our box with foam rubber egg crate mattress pad material and cover it with towels. Two alternatives to egg crate material are rubber hot water bottles half filled with air and covered with towels or to wad up newspaper into balls to fill the bottom of the box and cover with towels. The first few days the pups should nurse every 2 hours. Put an old quilt on the floor for mama to lie on. If there is any discharge from mama's Cesarean incision, wash it off with hydrogen peroxide and dry it before putting the pups down to nurse. The first few times, squeeze the nipple to get a drop of milk to come out on it and put the pup's mouth to it. Watch to be sure all the pups get attached. Be sure the big pups do not push the little pups away. Allow the bitch to lick the pups to stimulate urination and defecation and to clean them up. If the mother refuses to lick and clean pups, you must use a cotton ball dipped in warm water to stimulate elimination. Rub the pups' sides, genital area and anus with the cotton ball. Pups can not eliminate freely on their own for the first 2 to 3 weeks of their lives. Someone must stay with the bitch all the time the pups are nursing. After you can see that the pups are gaining weight and are sleeping longer than 2 hours before they awaken and cry, you can start slowly lengthening the time between feedings. If the pups are not definitely gaining weight nursing on mama, start tube feeding them. If one pup is not growing like the rest, tube feed him. Also if you tube feed, you can go a longer time between feedings than you can nursing. We will be happy to show you how and help you start tube feeding and get you the equipment you need. Tube feed Esbilac Puppy Formula. If necessary, use Similac baby formula until you can get Esbilac. If for any reason you are tube feeding the pups exclusively, do not neglect stimulating their bowel and urinary functions. Either let mama lick them or use the cotton balls. Put Esbilac in a shallow bowl or pie pan. Put a pup up to the edge and spoon a little formula up to his mouth. Some of the pups will start eating on their own right away. Others will take a few days to learn. Grind the Puppy Chow in a blender to a fine meal. At first, mix just a little ground puppy chow with the Esbilac to make a thin gruel. When all the pups are eating this, gradually make it thicker. To get as close as possible to providing complete protection for your pups from preventable diseases, follow this vaccination schedule until you place the pups in their new homes and recommend that the new owner continue this schedule: Start vaccinations canine distemper, hepatitis, coronavirus, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus at six weeks old. Repeat this combination vaccination every three weeks till the pups are sixteen weeks old. The last vaccination should also contain Leptospirosis. Rabies vaccination can be given anytime after twelve weeks. If you have pups that did not nurse on the bitch during the first 24 hours of life, start their five-in-one combination vaccine at 3 weeks of age. However the time from 6 weeks to 12 weeks is a very important age for the behavioral development of the pup. During this time the pup must have both interaction with other dogs mother and littermates and interaction with people. Therefore 8 to 10 weeks is the best time for the pups to go to their new homes. Pups that go too early to a new home that does not have another dog in it may later in life have a fear of other dogs or be aggressive to other dogs. Pups that stay with their litter too long before being placed in their new homes may have a hard time adjusting to their new home after 12 weeks of age. If any pups are not going to their new homes by 10 weeks of age, be sure to socialize them to people. Separate them from the litter and give them individual attention for at least 30 minutes every day. All pups should have some contact with children before they are 12 weeks old so they will not be afraid of children later. Of course it is important that they are not hurt by a child early in life. If I send prospective puppy buyers to you, that means that I have recommended you and your pups to the prospective buyer. It does not mean that I am recommending the prospective buyer to you. It is not my place to screen buyers for you. It is up to you to interview prospective buyers and determine which ones can be entrusted with your precious pups. Ask about other dogs in the household. Do they have a fenced in yard? Do they know bulldogs need to be inside air-conditioned dogs? Will they continue the vaccination series? Do they know bulldogs are generally more expensive to care for than other dogs? Is the prospective buyer buying a pup for himself or is he a broker that is going to resell the pup? When you know the new owner is not going to breed or show, encourage the new owner to spay or neuter their pets. Spaying females prevents mammary cancer, uterine infection and accidental pregnancies. Neutering males prevents perianal cancer, perineal hernias and prostate problems. Be sure you are satisfied that your pup is going to a loving home. Tell the new owner that if something happens that causes them to have to give up their bulldog that you will take him back or help them place him in a good home. Fill out the dam's part and send it to the American Kennel Club. They will send you individual forms for each pup to be registered. This takes two to six weeks.

Living on the 17th floor, or having a mobility issue that prevents you from taking your puppy outside consistently for bathroom breaks, is. Doggy litter boxes and grassy pads are both popular and appropriate indoor potty material for dogs. Each has advantages and drawbacks. Other options exist, too. Litter Box Litter boxes work well for puppies, offering clearly defined toilet areas, and their raised sides helping prevent urine or stool from getting on your floor. Litter boxes come in many sizes, so you can find something perfect for your young pooch. Numerous litters exist to choose from, most offering some degree of odor control. You can use cat litter, but dog litters are more suitable; they typically have larger bits to minimize tracking and better handle a dog's greater daily urinary volume. Litter boxes are generally easy to clean. Be proactive with cleanup, though. Sanitize the box at least once per week. Your puppy may be hesitant to climb into a pile of litter, though, which may lead to accidents, or she may decide to eat the litter or fling it all over the room. Grass Pads Grass pad potties may be a good option if your puppy goes to the bathroom outside sometimes, or if she'll be doing so in the future, according to The Housebreaking Bible. These are trays containing a layer of replaceable real sod or removable fake turf. Since they resemble the grass she relieves herself on outdoors, it helps reinforce the appropriate potty surface. Like litter boxes, grass pads provide a well-defined toilet area, but they don't offer as much protection against misses or spillover. You could place a grass pad, instead of litter, in a litter box, though. Washable turf surfaces are generally manageable to clean, but many are clunky to remove from the pan without spilling waste. Grass pads can become quite smelly if you don't tend to them regularly, too. Some puppies might find digging up real sod pads more fun than peeing or pooping on them. Other Options So-called pee pads or potty pads are another option to consider along with litter boxes and grass pads. These are absorbent and usually lined to protect your floors. But they're not without flaws. The underside lining makes them slide across surfaces, and they're easily shredded. They offer a clearly defined target but lack raised edges to prevent misses and spillover. Pee pads are readily available at pet stores at a wide range of prices; some of the more expensive ones have nifty features, such as a scent designed to attract your puppy to them for taking care of business. Then there's the old classic -- piles of newspaper. This is a cheap option, but it can be messy if your puppy plays with the paper, misses it when going, or you don't clean up before saturation occurs. Your Puppy Isn't Using the Litter or Grass Pad Whether you choose a litter box, grass pad or an alternative, you'll need to train your puppy to use it by leading her to the spot when she has to go, positively reinforcing use, and employing gentle correction when she goes in the wrong place. Obviously, it's no good if your puppy doesn't use her potty. Watch to see if she seems afraid of climbing into litter or otherwise hesitant about what you've provided. If so, try a different option. However, she may just not be fully potty trained yet; it typically takes at least one week for puppies to get the hang of it, but many take longer, and accidents are perfectly normal beyond that time. Be patient and don't punish. If your puppy continues to have problems using the potty, consult your vet. She may be drinking too much, suffering from an anxiety disorder or suffering from a health problem, such as urinary tract infection, diabetes, kidney or liver dysfunction, intestinal parasites, hormonal imbalance or something else. Last Updated: Apr 25, Housebreaking puppy—the favorite part of every new pet parent. No, not really. There are different methods and tools for housebreaking dogs , but today we'll focus on the comparison between grass litter boxes and housebreaking training pads. When it comes to training your dog not to use the bathroom wherever he or she wants, there are tons of pet products available on the market that can help your puppy familiarize with the new bathroom routine while also causing you as little stress as possible. Housebreaking helpers have become the industry standard among many dog parents, and most of them do help with training a dog to proper potty routines. For example, are grass litter boxes for dogs better than potty training pads? Let's talk about the pros and cons of each. Puppy training pads are absorbent potty pads that hold in the liquid and generally have a quick-drying surface. While your dog is being trained in new bathroom routines, you can teach him or her to use these potty pads so that your floors would stay relatively clean and dry. Most puppy training pads can even be used with elderly dogs having trouble controlling their bathroom habits. Dog grass litter boxes, on the other hand, are boxes filled with artificial turf that mimics the outside. Most pet parents have seen these used with cats because they're not as popular with dog owners, but the fashion trends are changing. Grass litter boxes for dogs are becoming a common housebreaking assistant for many new dog owners. Now What? At Top Dog Tips , we strongly believe in using the best dog supplies to assist with any dog training endeavors because these products exist for a reason. They prevent your floors from becoming soaking wet by absorbing the urine. Dog training pads often have odor neutralizers, so there is no smell associated with them. But, for all the good reviews, such housebreaking puppy pads have some downsides. Also, another unpleasant possibility is that your dog makes an association between any square piece of cloth on the floor and using the bathroom. That means anything—rugs, yoga mats, towels—becomes fair game for your dog. The final verdict: Puppy potty training pads are good for housebreaking as long as that housebreaking is consistent, thorough, and continual; neither of you should use the pads as a crutch because that can seriously backfire. The grass in the doggy litter box is replaceable either with turf, sod, or even real grass. This clarification is handy during puppy house training , where you want everything to be as simple as possible. If your dog has learned to go to the bathroom outside but now needs to be trained for inside, a grass litter box is an easy tool to use. It resembles a place like the one where your dog used to his business, just with a small difference—the area is smaller. When using dog grass litter boxes, you can train your puppy to go both indoors and outdoors. Also, cleaning the grass litter boxes is a bit more rigorous than cleaning training pads, and if not cleaned properly, they can begin to give off a foul odor. The extra effort for cleaning is something to consider. You also won't be able to place them in your dog's soft crate. But if you love to shop online, there are a few great options for grass litter boxes on Amazon. Puppy training pads are great for someone with a lot of time to devote to housebreaking i. Grass litter boxes for dogs are great for dog parents who work long hours and might not be able to get home in time every day to take out their pets. Other chores like helping with dog shedding by grooming your pet, cleaning their teeth, and taking dogs to a vet can all be done on the weekend, not so cleaning out the litter boxes. Also, if your dog has already been trained to go to the bathroom outside, grass litter box training will be simple as long as you have the time at least minutes to clean the doggy litter box properly each day. I hope this helped. Have you tried housebreaking your dog using either training pads or grass litter boxes? Share your experience with us in the comments below! Want To Share This… Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products. Read more here and find full disclosure here. Puppy Litter Box vs. If you live in a high rise apartment or if you work too far from home to walk your dog at lunch, a litter box or a grass pad might be what you need! Even a shallow litter box has a raised edge that distinguishes it from the rest of the floor. Several different styles of litter exist, so even if your dog does not like the feel of one under her paws, she still may be able to adjust to another. In addition, plastic litter pans are easy to clean and most litters are disposed of easily. Litter Box Cons Some dogs do not like the feeling of the litter on their feet, particularly some of those litters that are ground coarsely. Conversely, some terrier breeds love to dig in their litter boxes, so much so that the litter gets spread hither and yon on a daily basis. Other dogs, especially puppies, might decide to try eating the litter as a tasty treat. Finally, litter should be changed frequently, as it may retain odors if left too long. These odors might get into your rugs, drapes or furniture upholstery, and require special treatment to remove. Grass Pads Pros Natural grass and artificial turf pads are fairly cost effective. After the initial purchase, the primary cost associated with grass and artificial turf is enzyme replacement. If your dog previously has been a country dog, she may prefer the feel of the grass under her feet to the feeling of the litter. Grass Pads Cons Artificial turf may be difficult to clean. If not cleaned well, then it can retain odors. Natural grass pads also may entice some breeds to dig. Emptying the reservoirs of urine that collects under the pads may turn out to be a two-person job, especially with grass pads for medium and large-sized dogs. More Articles. But what about dog litter? But thanks to the advent of dog litter—and dog litter boxes—canines can take advantage of this convenience, too. What Is Dog Litter? While most cat litters are made from clay, dog litters typically are made from paper, like Secondnature dog litter , or wood. Dog litter and a dog litter box can be used as an alternative to dog pee pads, according to Mauger. Although dog pee pads, also called dog potty pads , work well for some homes, the texture can be confusing for dogs, unlike a dog litter pan filled with dog litter. Why Use Dog Litter? Convenience is a big reason for using dog litter. By leaving out a dog litter pan filled with dog litter, you can relax knowing your dog has a place to relieve himself if the urge strikes. Bloom recommends teaching a dog to use a litter box the same way you would in normal housetraining ; but instead of taking him outdoors, take the dog to the box during potty times. Make sure you choose a litter box that is large enough for your pup. As with all housetraining, Bloom adds, the keys to litter box training a dog is making sure he gets taken to the right place often and, when he relieves himself in the right area, giving him plenty of praise and treats. Litter box training a dog may be more appropriate for smaller dogs than larger breeds, according to Bloom. Finally, if you have a dog who likes to hike his leg up to pee, a litter box may not be tall enough to contain the stream. Slightly larger than most comparable training pads Margin around pad stays dry, making it easy to pick up Fully absorbs scent Sold in multiple sizes and quantities Optional adhesive tabs on all four corners to keep pad in place What We Don't Like Adhesive tabs may get stuck to wood floors at times, but we found it easy to wipe clean Both sides of pad are white, which makes it harder to know that the absorbent side is faceup in low-light settings We have no reservations about recommending Bulldogology Puppy Training Pads. They are incredibly absorbent and hold multiple cups of liquid without spilling a drop. They are also durable and didn't tear or get weighed down we went used a combination of liquid and solid materials to test their strength. Plus, all four corners of each pad have an optional adhesive tab. The sticker-like area helps keep the pad in place, which is great if you have a dog that likes to paw at the pad before doing their business. At times we found a slight bit of the adhesive tab would rip off the pad and remain on the wood flooring, but it is easily removed. Bulldogology Premium Puppy Training Pads combine several layers of material designed to absorb liquids and pull them into the center of the pad, including an outer "attractant fabric" layer and another layer that keeps scents locked in. But it's the superabsorbent polymer SAP at the center of the pad that most effectively absorbs and retains liquids, transforming a powder into a gel that won't release liquid back onto your floor or hands. We assessed puppy pads using several tests and five different metrics, rating each for its effectiveness, durability, scent and how well it absorbs scents , how easy they are to clean up, and the product's overall value. In our evaluation, Bulldogology Puppy Training Pads received a perfect score in every category except overall value, since they are more expensive than several other training pads we recommend. During testing, we poured a combination of water and vinegar on the Bulldogology pad up to the maximum absorbency claimed by the manufacturer. After soaking, the training pad's margins remained dry, making it easy to pick up with your hands. Remarkably, even touching the wet portion of the pee pad still felt nearly dry. When lifting the soaked puppy pad off the ground, the Bulldogology pad didn't feel like it was about to rip or was at risk of falling apart. There was no dripping, and the floor was dry. Bulldogology Puppy Training Pads also come in a range of options, including different sizes, materials, and quantities. The standard pee pads are sold in , , and count packages. There are also XL pads that are 24 x 35 inches that are available in packages of 40, 60, , and .Bulldogology also makes it easy to subscribe, so a steady supply of pee pads will keep coming to your door. The company also has an activated carbon version of the Bulldogology Puppy Training Pads , with an additional charcoal layer designed to more fully absorb smells though we found the standard pads effective at scent absorption already. The Bulldogology pee pads also incorporate a feature we were unable to test under lab conditions: a pheromone attractant. Designed to draw the attention of a puppy while housebreaking, we were unable to test whether this is a useful feature or a gimmick. Other minor features were more obviously useful, including the adhesive tape at each corner, which kept the Bulldogology pads attached firmly to our test floor. You may find the adhesive corners very useful if your dog likes to spin in circles before they pee or if they are limping, to help prevent the pad from slipping. It should be noted that while the Bulldogology Puppy Training Pads were our overall favorite, many of our other recommendations performed as well or nearly as well. There are a number of viable puppy training pads on the market, so don't hesitate to try something else on this list if it's more convenient to purchase. January 22, by Jordan Seals There are a lot of factors to consider when housebreaking a puppy, and one of the biggest decisions is whether to use a grass pad or a pee pad. Some people swear by grass pads, while others prefer pee pads. So, which is better? There are pros and cons to both grass pads and pee pads. Grass pads are more natural and closer to what dogs would use in the wild. They also encourage dogs to go in one specific area, which can be helpful if you have a large yard. Pee pads, on the other hand, are more absorbent and easier to clean up. Ultimately, the best option for you depends on your individual circumstances. If you live in an apartment or travel frequently, a pee pad may be a better option. As with dog grass pads, small pads of grass are all that is needed to potty train your dog. Many elderly or disabled dogs, as well as other animals, could benefit from this type of padding. Grass patches can also be beneficial to senior dogs or those with mobility issues. Grass pads are especially effective for puppies who are not yet fully vaccinated. Larger and medium-sized dogs may require two or more grass pads to make an area large enough for them to run around on. If your dog is prone to accidents due to difficulty getting out into the open, grass pads are a great option. They will make your potty training process easier and assist you in getting your dog accustomed to using a potty. If you have a disabled dog, grass pads can be an excellent solution for him or her. Some buildings may forbid pets from playing on the balcony. It is not appropriate for medium or large dogs to use grass pads for small breeds, but they can be used for large breeds as well. Cleaning a real dog grass pad is very similar to cleaning a synthetic one. You can remove any urine that may have accumulated on the blades of the grass by emptying the tray at the bottom of the grass pad every day and running water through it. If the grass is not completely clean or the smell remains, replace the artificial grass or purchase a new pad. The following steps will guide you through the process of training your puppy to use a grass pee pad. These guidelines apply to puppies who are potty trained for the first time, as well as older dogs who are already housebroken, regardless of whether they are potty trained or housebroken for the first time. No chemical cleaners should be used on grass, whether it is for cleaning or to improve its appearance. In a nutshell, yes, they can. Because potty pads are everywhere in the house, it can be difficult to distinguish them from other soft surfaces such as carpeting. If you do not want or require potty pads, place them in the same place in the house. When your dog sniffs the scent of his new bathroom, it will tell you that it is his new one. Many people believe that once you place a pee pad on the floor, the dog will magically pee on it every time. Why do dogs poop on artificial grass? Dogs, like humans, can pee and poop on grass, just like they can on natural grass. There is no need to cleanse your artificial grass urine. Rainwater drains into a body of water that is the same size as a tomato. Pee pads for dogs are not a one-time use item. With proper care, they can last for many months. When choosing a grass pee pad, look for one that is made of durable materials and has a waterproof backing. Avoid pads with a plastic backing, as these will degrade quickly and are more likely to leak. Image Source: pdsa. However, some experts believe that dogs may prefer grass to pee on because it feels more natural and allows them to better mark their territory. What happens if dogs pee on grass? That is a valid question to ask. Artificial green grass pee pads could be nearly identical to the real grass pee pads for dogs because the materials used in them resemble those used in the real pads. Artificial grass will hold its value if you do not keep a difficult dog by your side. Because a dog can do anything, it makes perfect sense to buy an artificial grass potty pad. A leak on artificial grass like pee pads for dogs, unlike natural grass, will not kill or discolor the area because it requires mild water and is thus maintained on a regular basis by the owner. Dogs and cats, in particular, must find it difficult to stop chewing or licking the surface of artificial grass. Because the answers can be very diverse, you know what you want to get. If your dog is suitable for the artificial grass, he or she may need to be examined by the veterinarian. If you have synthetic turf, you should always maintain it on a regular basis to avoid unpleasant odors. If not, you should take care of your lawn by mowing it on a regular basis and clearing away weeds. If your lawn does not tolerate pet urine, you can try adding a little nitrogen to the soil to help it grow faster. It has nothing to do with their physical appearance. What surface can they do business on? Pea gravel is one of the most popular materials for dog potty areas. As long as it is properly drained, easy to clean, and does not emit any odors similar to artificial grass, it will be a good choice for lawns. It can be used in any outdoor space, provided there is an accessible place to hose the water. Why do puppies go potty on some surfaces and not others? When puppies are potty trained on paper and then required to go potty in the yard on grass, dirt, or gravel, this can be a problem. If you keep your dog active and entertained, he or she will not engage in behaviors like urinating on things. A dog litter box is also more sanitary because it contains the urine and feces. Pee pads are less expensive up front, but you will have to keep buying new ones as your dog uses them. Pee pads are also less sanitary because they do not contain the urine and feces. Dogs can use the toilet continuously if they want to. It is especially useful for owners who do not want to take their dog out to urinate on a regular basis. Using potty pads will help your puppy learn how to use the toilet. Consistency is required for the training technique to work. In general, it takes months for a puppy to become completely house trained. Some puppies are not ready to be adopted until they are a year old. How long does one use a puppy collar? At the age of 12 months, a child may play for up to twelve hours. Smaller dogs can sometimes leave a pad out all day or even every day if they only leave one ounce or two at a time. Puppy pads with a subtle scent attract dogs and persuade them to use them. When To Stop Using Puppy Pads Puppy pads should not be used on a regular basis because each dog has its own bladder and potty schedule. Change the pad after two or three uses to avoid the area smelling terrible, and to avoid the puppy accidentally stepping into its own waste while cleaning. Puppy Pads Vs Fake Grass Puppy pads are great for house training your puppy, but they can be expensive. Dog Grass Pads are products designed specifically for use in indoor bathrooms, which are among the reasons not to purchase them. I find it extremely frustrating that dogs are forced to use indoor bathrooms. When training a dog, it is best to start potty training outside for the average dog. Many dog owners believe that they can simply place some pads on the ground and let their dogs run around freely. There will always be issues with dog pee pads. It is common practice for housebroken dogs to go five or six hours without a potty break or longer. Purchasing indoor fake grass will not help these issues. The practice of leaving a dog at home for 12 hours or more several days a week, on average, is generally frowned upon by the animal. Some dogs will eat their own feces while they are away, and their owners will not even know they are doing so. It may be possible for some senior dogs to sleep all day if a pee pad is provided. Dogs should not be given fake grass pads, and they do not need to use a litter box. The cat will cover up when it comes to its own. If there is something to cover, it will not be covered by the dogs. The Pros And Cons Of Pee Pads A large number of pet owners believe that using pee pads on their pets is a good way to teach them how to use a potty outside. Furthermore, they are said to be extremely versatile, as you can use them part-time or full-time depending on the needs of your puppy. Positive reinforcement, such as giving your dog treats when it runs on the pad, is the most common method of training. Best Grass Patch For Dogs Assuming you would like tips on creating the best grass patch for dogs in your yard: The best grass patch for dogs is one that is well-drained, has full sun, and is made of a tough grass that can withstand wear and tear. You also want to make sure the area is large enough for your dog to run and play in. One of the first things you will have to teach your dog is potty training, which can be difficult. It can be advantageous to provide dog grass pads to the household if they are properly fitted, as they are hygienic, practical, and easy to use. The SynTurfmats Grass Pad is equipped with a three-layer drainage and holding system. Your dog will be extremely pleased when he or she discovers real grass underneath his or her paws. Some dog owners prefer to install artificial grass around their properties. It is not a good idea to reapply a patch every day. A Fresh Patch should last anywhere between two and three weeks, depending on how frequently your pet uses it. There are several options for creating an indoor potty area for your dog. The old standby is just several sheets of newspaper laid out on the floor, or you can use absorbent potty pads also known as puppy pads or pee pee pads from the pet store. You can also use a dog litter box or a tray lined with artificial turf. The pros and cons of each are discussed in the article Indoor Potty Options. When teaching indoor potty training, you need to be very consistent and clear with your puppy to prevent confusion about what area of the house is his bathroom. When training your dog to use an indoor potty area, you must supervise him as outlined in Commandment 7 , and you may want to use Umbilical Cord Training in the early phases of your training. Although not impossible, training him to use a new indoor area — and to stop going in the original area he was trained to use — is tricky, so avoid having to change the location of his papers, litter box, or training pads if at all possible. Since your puppy will be relieving himself in the house, also consider the ick factor when choosing a location. However, they later realize that cooking and eating right next to dog poo and pee is less than pleasant. Getting Started There are two basic methods for teaching indoor potty training. Read the brief descriptions below and pick the method you think will suit you and your dog.

Share via Email Eleanor, a golden retriever, spent most of her life in a horrific puppy mill where she was forced to breed puppies in deplorable conditions, living in a cramped cage with only six inches of clearance. The trauma she experienced left her anxious and unable to make eye contact, a heartbreaking reminder of the inhumane treatment she had endured. Despite her suffering, Eleanor never lost her maternal instincts for other dogs, and her story is a powerful reminder of the cruelty of puppy mills and the importance of rescuing animals from such places. Her new owner set up a small bathroom for her to feel safe, and it took a long time for her to become comfortable with the outside world and walk on a leash. Despite all of this, she never lost her maternal instincts for other dogs. Every day was a battle against the deep scars left by her cruel past. But it was a new experience for Eleanor to enjoy toys, and she became attached to a stuffed animal that she would collect and lay on, as if seeking comfort from the horrors of her past. Resilient Eleanor Inspires with Journey to Recovery As her personality blossomed, her owners saw her struggles and the indomitable spirit that refused to be broken. She now radiates joy and love, and her personality shines brighter each day. They know the horrors of puppy mills all too well and urge people to adopt rescue dogs instead. She even shielded a fellow furry friend during a thunderstorm, a gesture that moved her owners to tears. Related Articles. It was a relief to see it on my schedule as the last appointment of a busy day. As soon as I entered the room, however, I noticed the grim faces of the clients, and when I saw the little female dog, I knew why. The pup, skinny and pot-bellied, was less than half the size she should have been. She weighed just two pounds; I was shocked to discover that she had been trucked from Kansas to Massachusetts just three days earlier. The couple, who had paid a considerable amount of money for her, did not believe she was from a puppy mill. They had carefully chosen the breeder, they explained, who had been recommended by a friend. The breeder had sent them photos and even videos. But the pup had been purchased online—which to me had become a warning sign that meant: from an online puppy mill, a sinister new frontier in the fight against commercial dog-breeding. Puppy mills are factory farms that mass-produce dogs. Pet stores rely on puppy brokers to act as distributors and source animals from various puppy mills. Now, with pet stores facing criticism for selling these puppies , puppy mills and brokers have shifted online, where they can maximize profits by selling directly to consumers. Yet all too often, the opposite is true. Read More: The U. The puppies that are born at the mills are not blank slates; like children, their personalities are affected by their surroundings. Rescues, shelters, and reputable breeders identify the temperaments of animals and try to match them to prospective families. A lack of socialization is a recipe for anxiety, and many grow up to become anxious dogs. A Golden Retriever puppy I saw who was purchased online was so fearful he had to be carried into the veterinary clinic, where he cowered under the table. Puppy mills also breed without screening for genetic diseases, and neglect to consider health or temperament when choosing breeding stock. They love their chosen breed and are devoted to their dogs, who are properly screened for breed-specific genetic health problems. Breeding dogs are well treated, not overbred, and typically live in the home, not a kennel or cage. Breeders also take an active role in puppy rearing, learning the temperaments of each individual and matching them to families. A great deal of care and attention goes into planning and raising each litter. As a result, the puppies are not mass produced, and these breeders may not have puppies available, might have a waiting list, and, like animal rescues and shelters, often ask prospective buyers an annoying number of questions to ensure their pups will go to a good home. That pup with the markings you fell in love with? She may be shy, and only allowed to go to a home without young children. This can be especially important for breeds prone to chronic medical problems, like French Bulldogs, who often suffer from Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome BAOS and may require expensive surgery just to breathe comfortably. Now the most popular breed in the U. Yes, locating a pup from a rescue, shelter, or breeder can take more work, time, and patience than purchasing one from an online puppy store. But it can result in a healthier, happier dog that is a better fit for your family. It can also help end the abuses of puppy mills, support more informed breed choices, and ensure better care for animals. What I could tell them, though, was that they currently had a special-needs puppy on their hands, one who required extra care and who faced an uncertain prognosis. If they chose to return her, she might not survive being shipped back to the breeder, who would likely euthanize her. A sickly puppy is a risk breeders take, but only an industry which puts profits before puppies would sell and ship an animal in such poor condition and pocket thousands of dollars. Puppy mills are taking advantage of both people and animals with misleading websites and false claims. We cannot fall for them. Most of the mother dogs are considered spent at just 6 years old because they can no longer reliably produce litters. Gracie was one of the lucky ones. Her last day on the breeding farm was not her last day of life. A golden retriever who spent six years whelping puppies on a farm in Pennsylvania, Gracie likely produced close to puppies, making tens of thousands of dollars for her owner. Years of constant pregnancies and births took a toll on her body, aging her much faster than a typical companion dog. Gracie devoted herself to producing milk and caring for her puppies, only to have them taken away again and again. She most likely never saw the inside of a home. She grew thin and weak until she was no longer useful. Fortunately, when the puppy mill was finished breeding her, the farm owner decided to give Gracie to a rescue organization instead of killing her. She was fostered for a few weeks, spayed and treated for anaplasmosis , and after she recovered, Gracie was adopted by Amanda LoCoco, one of our campaigners for our Stop Puppy Mills campaign. But once Gracie arrived at her new home, she wasted no time in making herself comfortable on the couch and exploring the yard. Gracie loves snuggling up on the couch with her new family. Loud noises scare her, and she also remains a little timid about accepting treats or eating in front of people. Besides snuggling on the couch, her favorite pastime is rolling in the grass any chance she gets. We fight in many ways: for example, by advocating for local ordinances that prohibit the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores and by exposing problem breeders in our yearly Horrible Hundred reports. We believe in fighting the big fights and seeing the broader picture as we work to stop the most widespread abuses of animals. But we also believe that every kind action is one important step to creating a better world for animals. Everyone on our Stop Puppy Mills team has adopted one or more dogs who originally spent their lives as strays or in puppy mills, or who landed in a shelter for unknown reasons. Our adopted animals remind us that our work has tangible impacts. Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group not only makes a world of difference for that pup, but also helps to dry up the market for puppy mills and the pet stores that support them. We will never stop fighting to make the world more humane for mama dogs like Gracie. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. One of the most rewarding things you can do is to introduce a new puppy into your family. These days especially, it is no surprise that the puppy market is booming. Unfortunately, when there is so much money at stake, there will always be people out there determined to take advantage of the situation. In the dog industry, greed and cruelty have resulted in the emergence of puppy mills. To put it simply, puppy mills are commercial puppy breeding operations that prioritize producing large numbers of desirable puppies over the health and well-being of the dogs involved, both parents and puppies. In this article, I will take a closer look at what exactly puppy mills are, how they work, and why they are so awful. I will also share some tips on what you can do to identify, avoid, and ultimately help put puppy mills out of business. What Are Puppy Mills? They are mainly characterized by putting profit ahead of the welfare of the dogs involved in their work. In these puppy mills, female dogs are often forced to breed multiple times a year with insufficient time to recover between pregnancies in order to maximize the number of puppies available for sale. This in itself puts the health and well-being of the mother at risk. In addition to this, parent dogs, both mothers, and fathers, are often kept in very confined conditions and are given none of the love and attention that dogs need to thrive. Veterinary attention during pregnancy can also be very limited to further cut costs. When dogs outlive their usefulness as breeders, they are often carelessly killed or abandoned. The puppies, when they are born, are often caught in similarly poor conditions. Lots of puppies, from multiple mothers, can be kept together in cages that can quickly become extremely filthy and unhygienic. As a breeder keeper, I can attest to the difficulty of keeping one litter of puppies clean let alone multiple puppies from multiple litters. In many cases, puppies can be separated from their mothers when they are very young and can be sold when they are younger than eight weeks old , which is the absolute earliest that they should be removed from their mothers. When breeders focus on producing a large number of puppies, rather than quality, healthy puppies, important breeding concerns are often overlooked. Reputable breeders will screen their parents for hereditary diseases to try and limit their prevalence in the breed. They will also ensure that puppies receive good nutrition, appropriate veterinary care, and essential vaccinations to ensure that they thrive in life. Puppy mill dogs generally receive none of this attention. The Humane Society estimates there are around 10, puppy mills in the United States. Collectively, they keep around , dogs in poor captive conditions for breeding and sell more than two million dogs a year. That seems like a lot of puppies, and unfortunately, many people buy from a puppy mill without even knowing it. In fact, most of the puppies you find in pet stores, particularly large chain pet shops, come from puppy mills. Puppy mills will also sell directly to the public, usually via online advertising. From the OC Register : But how bad are these puppy mills really? The dogs were found to be kept in extremely unsanitary conditions that results in malnutrition, skin diseases, and other infections. A similar Humane Society investigation in Oregon in found dogs kept in inhumane conditions that were consequently emaciated and plagued by untreated wounds and mange. But why are these puppy mills so hard to deal with? Well, for starters, people continue to buy puppies from these mills. Many people believe they are helping these dogs by taking them out of the appalling conditions that they were born and raised in, but in reality, buying these puppies feeds demand and encourages mills to keep doing what they are doing. Moreover, the federal Animal Welfare Act sets the bar pretty low when it comes to caring for puppies in commercial breeding businesses. As long as the puppies survive, the federal law has no implication for the breeder. While states can pass tougher laws, these are far from common. Puppy mills are inhumane in the way that they treat dogs, but this is far from the only reason why they have a hugely negative impact on the dog industry. They are also responsible for introducing unhealthy dogs often either inbred or with hereditary health issues into the general community. While good breeders screen for and control for health issues, puppy mill breeders avoid these best practices to save even more money. This means you can take home a seemingly healthy puppy who can start to show serious hereditary health issues within a few years. They can also carry common dog diseases that dogs should be vaccinated against. As well as quickly leading to more severe health issues, they can pass these illnesses to other dogs. Many puppy mill dogs are also raised with minimal human socialization or negative human interactions that can instill fear of humans. This can lead to major behavioral issues that can later become problems at home, or see dogs in shelters as new owners are unable to handle these dogs. Well, first and foremost, try to adopt from shelters whenever possible, as they are full of dogs that need homes. You can read more about adopting dogs from shelters here. Almost all puppies in pet stores come from puppy mills, which is why in recent years so many pet stores are no longer keeping puppies on-site and selling them. Now, when it comes to online ads and websites, how can you detect a puppy mill? Ask To Visit Ask to visit in person so you can meet the mother and see where the puppies are bred and cared for. Many puppy mills will tell you this is not possible. Sadly, just being invited to see where the puppies live is not always enough, as some puppy mills will set up temporary backyard homes for puppies and their parents. Pay attention to the details! If the puppies or parents seem afraid or unaccustomed to human interaction, this is a red flag. However, good breeders still have methods to keep their puppies clean. They should also have a good knowledge of the breed that they are working with and be able to have in-depth conversations with you about the breed. Seek Out Paperwork! While puppy mills will sometimes provide falsified documents, if they say that they are unable to provide these documents, this is a red flag. Ask For References Breeders that care about their dogs will stay in touch with new owners for a while after the sale to ensure that the dog is healthy and happy. This means they should be able to provide references. Ask for references, and follow them up. If possible, speak to people who have had their dog for a few years, as they will have had time to recognize any problems. You can read our complete guide to adopting a puppy here. Aside from avoiding buying from puppy mills, what else can you do to help fight puppy mills? If you think you have come into contact with a puppy mill, there are a variety of places to which you can report them depending on where you live. The Humane Society is generally a good place to make your first report. You can report a puppy mill to the Humane Society here. Another thing you can do is support organizations that are set up to protect animals and bring down organizations like puppy mills, such as the Humane Society and the ASPCA. Yes, puppy mills are still a prevalent problem around the world! There are estimated to be around 10, puppy mills in the United States alone. As the demand for puppies grows, puppy mills sadly remain profitable. Are puppy mills illegal in the United States? Commercial dog breeding facilities are legal in the United States, and state laws governing the level of care that puppies must receive in these breeding facilities are loose and lax. This leaves space for puppy mills to work and maximize their profits through maltreatment and poor care of their dogs. How are puppy mills cruel? Puppy mills treat animals like products made to be sold rather than as living beings with feelings and needs. The dogs are kept in appalling conditions and starved of the love and attention that they need. Mother dogs are often forced to breed repeatedly, putting their health at risk. The dogs are generally kept in small cages and in unhygienic conditions. What do puppy mills do with unsold puppies? Puppy mills will mark down the prices on puppies to ensure that they sell, but if they prove impossible to sell, they are often abandoned and can be found on the streets or in shelters. Is it OK to buy dogs from the Amish? The Amish are one of the communities known to run puppy mills, but, just as everywhere, there will always be some good breeders and some bad ones. It is important to do the same research when buying from the Amish just as you would with any other breeder. Can you sell inbred dogs? Many breeders will breed closely related dogs, but reputable breeders will try to avoid this in order to minimize the chances of hereditary defects being passed down to puppies. Puppy mills breeders are less careful about this than more reputable breeders. The Verdict Puppy mills are a major problem in the dog selling industry. They subject dogs to appalling conditions in order to churn out puppies to sell for maximum profit. Not only are dogs and puppies maltreated, but poor breeding habits can also introduce diseases and other issues into the general dog population. Have you had experiences with puppy mills? 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. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. You may have read at length about puppy mill breeder dogs or just learned now about this travesty of the dog world. Puppy mill breeder dogs are adult dogs of all breeds who have lived their entire lives often up to seven years or more being repeatedly bred by commercial breeders whose sole motivation is to turn an easy dollar. The resulting puppies are typically sold to pet stores or via disreputable Internet sites to an unsuspecting public while the adults remain in the puppy mill to reproduce again. Adopting a Puppy Mill Survivor These commercial breeders have no interest in making sure the puppies are healthy, well-balanced representatives of the breed and no concern for the physical or emotional health of the parents. They view dogs as crop animals, not as family pets, and typically house them in squalid, appalling conditions. Here, we help prepare and transition Golden Retriever puppy mill survivors for life in an adoptive home. Many of our prospective adopters tell us they had no idea what a puppy mill dog would really be like until they met one in person. We are also happy to talk with you in more depth or answer additional questions at any time. The first thing to understand about puppy mill survivors is that they have lived very different lives compared to most other dogs. They have been kept either in small cages isolated from people and other animals or housed with multiple dogs in cramped areas, forced to stand or lie in their own filth. They have been poorly socialized, meaning that that they have had little to no human contact and have not been exposed to everyday sights and sounds. Any contact they have had with humans is likely to have been negative, so they do not trust humans or know how to form a healthy relationship with them. Some have been handled cruelly or had other traumatic experiences. Amazingly, even with this type of background, puppy mill dogs can and will recover, once rescued and rehabilitated. Their resilience can be awe-inspiring. Understandably, you may well ask if some dogs are too fearful or traumatized to ever lead normal lives. Those that have been most severely neglected or have suffered traumatic experiences may certainly take longer to rehabilitate. That said, living with a puppy mill breeder dog is a life-long commitment and adopters should expect to encounter different challenges along the way. While each dog is of course unique, there are some characteristics that many have in common. Here are some of the key factors an adoptive home should have in order to help a puppy mill dog succeed: a calm, quiet environment with minimal noise and commotion a secure fenced yard with a physical i. If your existing dog is confident, active, and affectionate with your family, it will help teach your puppy mill dog to act this way as well patience and understanding — not expecting more than the dog can handle or getting overly frustrated an openness to set-backs and an ability to use creative techniques to move forward a sense of humor also helps tremendously! Because these dogs are often very fearful, not only of people and their actions but also of startling noises, they have a high tendency to bolt. Should a puppy mill dog escape from your yard or other area, getting them to come back is extraordinarily difficult. They will not come willingly to a person, even if coaxed with food or other items that would tempt a normal dog. A fence also helps puppy mill dogs to feel secure and safe in their surroundings. Since these dogs are typically submissive in nature to humans, they are more sensitive to pain and do not recover quickly from experiences a confident dog could handle. This is why an invisible or electronic fence is not a viable option for a fearful dog. Children should, of course, always be supervised around any dog, but especially around a fearful dog. Lowering of the head, a sideways glance, closed mouth — these are all signs your dog may be uncomfortable. To help minimize stress, a child should allow the dog to approach him, rather than the other way around. When the dog approaches, the child should be quiet, gentle, and calm, and should not lean over the dog. An adult should always be present to protect the dog from becoming overwhelmed. In general, adoptive homes made up of adults or older children are the best scenario for a breeder dog. Friends and family members should take the same approach as children to your fearful dog. The adopter should be present so the dog has someone she knows and is comfortable with around her. Have your friends and family members sit with tasty treats and allow your dog to approach them. Let the dog sniff the newcomers and have them hand the dog a treat before attempting to pet. All visitors should act calm and gentle and not make any sudden or startling movements that may frighten the dog. Should you adopt a puppy mill breeder dog, it will be important that you are able to manage the environment so that visitors and new experiences are kept to a minimum, at least until your dog has progressed to a higher comfort level. This is a question we are asked often, and is certainly an important one for potential adopters to take into consideration. Each dog is different, of course, and while the percentage of puppy mill dogs with housebreaking issues is certainly higher than that of the general dog population, most acclimate very well in this regard after adoption. Some do need a longer time to understand appropriate potty routines due to their background. Remember that most puppy mill breeder dogs have lived in cages or outside pens their entire lives and have had to use their personal area as a bathroom without anyone to clean up after them. Now they must adapt to a new routine, and this can take time and patience. Another dog in the house will certainly help teach the puppy mill dog that going outside is where we potty. Using baby gates while you are not home is a good way to keep the dog out of a carpeted area, while still allowing space to move around. Most dogs, when these techniques are implemented, become housetrained in about a month, according to our adopters. Yes, you can and you should! However, walking on leash can be challenging for many fearful dogs. Walking jointly with a confident dog is a great help, as it gives the puppy mill dog a friend to stick with and follow. Take treats on your walk to reward your dog when she performs well. We highly recommend the use of a front-attaching harness to keep the dog secure. We suggest a patient groomer who has knowledge of fearful dogs and will use slow, gentle techniques — any rough handling will create a negative experience for your dog. The ideal situation would be a mobile groomer or one that will allow you to stay during the appointment to serve as a secure presence for your dog. We have been working extensively with puppy mill breeder dogs for over five years and our staff has developed strong skills in knowing how to start slowly with these dogs, gradually building more confidence and a higher comfort level with people. In , we went a step further and created an innovative program called Project Home Life, which is specifically designed to rehabilitate puppy mill breeder dogs and help them transition from life in a cage to life in a home. Volunteers work with the dogs on various activities according to their individual progress level to help build confidence. The dogs learn to approach people for treats and pets, plus how to respond to different sights and sounds around the house including TVs, doorbells, and furniture. Dogs also learn how to play with interactive dog toys. As a dog progresses, we work on obedience skills, walking on leash, and overcoming obstacles. This booklet helps our adopters continue working on some of the same activities their dog learned in Project Home Life so they can maintain continuity. An online support group is available where you can seek input and suggestions from other DVGRR adopters who have already brought a breeder dog home. We can provide information on finding reputable trainers and our staff is always available via phone or email for information, guidance, and support of any kind. After hearing about the unique challenges and issues involved with puppy mill breeder dogs, you may well be asking yourself if this is a journey you want to take. It is certainly not for everyone and if a fearful dog is not right for you, there are many other dogs that need wonderful homes. However, if you are drawn to the plight of the puppy mill breeder dogs and can respond to the challenges that may arise with adoption, please know that you will be providing a true second chance for a rescued dog. There is great reward and joy in watching a fearful dog wag her tail, bark for the first time, or learn to play with a toy. Yes, the progress takes place in baby steps, but if you have the patience, a positive attitude, and lots of love to share, you may just be what one of these special dogs needs. However, we also know that the training and conditioning we begin in the PHL program must continue after the dog is adopted. Both books provide a detailed look at living with and rehabilitating puppy mill dogs and other shy or fearful dogs and contain invaluable information and advice. This book features tried-and-true techniques to help your dog feel secure.

Breeds The link has been copied! Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. As an admirer of one of these lovely furry companions, you may question how much it costs to buy and own a Labrador Retriever. We'll explore the upfront price of purchasing a puppy and the routine costs associated with pet ownership. We'll also cover various factors that can impact the cost of a Lab and provide tips on how to reduce the cost of owning one. The cost of a Lab can vary depending on several factors such as its age, color, purpose show or field , whether it's a purebred, and more. Routine Care Expenses Owning a Labrador Retriever requires some routine care expenses, which should be taken into account when considering the overall cost of having a pet. One of the essential expenses is veterinary care, which includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and emergency medical care. Labs are prone to specific health issues, such as hip dysplasia , eye problems, and skin allergies, which may require additional medical attention and expenses. Another routine care expense for Labs is feeding. As they are a somewhat larger breed, they require a substantial amount of food to maintain their weight and energy levels. Additionally, treats, chews, and supplements can also be added to their diet, increasing the overall cost of nutrition. Proper grooming and hygiene are essential to keep a Lab healthy and comfortable. Remember that training and behavioral classes may be necessary to ensure your Lab is well-behaved and socialized, which can also be costly. These expenses should be considered when determining if a Lab is the right breed for you and your budget. How much a Labrador Retriever puppy costs depends on multiple factors, such as the breeder's reputation, the location of the pup, the bloodline, and more. Additionally, the cost may increase if the puppy comes with additional services such as health certificates, microchipping , or first vaccinations. Your pup will also need feeding, grooming, and bathing factored into their expenses, as well as beds, toys, chews, leashes, collars, harnesses, and much more. Consider the following: Buying From a Breeder vs. While adopting a Lab may be less expensive, it is essential to note that some shelters may have restrictions and requirements that need to be met before adoption. Keep in mind that the price of a Labrador based on color may vary by region and how popular that specific color is in that location. However, buyers should be cautious and avoid buying from dishonest breeders who may be selling mixed-breed dogs as purebreds. Breeders Reputation Reputable breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and breed standards usually charge more for their puppies. It's crucial to research the breeder thoroughly and ensure that they follow ethical breeding practices before making a purchase. This includes checking their breeding practices, requesting health certificates and pedigrees, and visiting their facilities in person if possible. Buyers should also be cautious of breeders who offer extremely low prices, as that might be a sign of unethical practices. Estimated Size The estimated size of an adult Labrador retriever is around about .Average Price To Buy A Lab Puppy From A Breeder The average price to buy a Lab puppy from a breeder is different from one person to the next, according to the reputation the breeder has in the community, the dog's bloodline, and their location. Again, the color of the Lab plays a significant factor as well. In addition to the cost of the puppy, there are also other expenses associated with owning a Lab. This includes routine care costs such as food, toys, grooming supplies, and veterinary visits for vaccinations and check-ups. Owners should also budget for unexpected expenses such as emergency veterinary care or unexpected illnesses. Remember that a reputable breeder may charge more for their puppies, but they are more likely to provide you with a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a good bloodline. Average Cost To Adopt A Lab Puppy Adopting a Lab puppy is generally less expensive than buying one from a breeder, but the costs can still vary widely. However, it's crucial to research adoption agencies thoroughly to ensure that they are reputable and the dogs are healthy and well-cared for before making a decision. You don't want to bring a sickly pup into your home, just to end up spending more on medical bills than you had anticipated. However, the costs don't stop there. Once you have your furry friend, ongoing expenses include food, vet bills, grooming, and more. In addition, Labs are known for their love of exploration and adventure, which means they have a penchant for getting lost. You don't want to get a new puppy with the understanding that the breed may be high maintenance, and then you lose track of your dog. The collar uses GPS and cellular technology to track your dog's location in real-time, so you can quickly locate your pet if they ever wander off. The collar also includes additional features such as activity monitoring and geofencing to alert you if your dog leaves a designated area. While the initial cost of the collar may seem high, it can save you money in the long run by preventing the loss or theft of your beloved Lab. Labrador Retriever Breed Guide Labrador Retrievers are outgoing and generally have a friendly disposition toward others. They are loyal, affectionate and make excellent family pets. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which makes them great for first-time dog owners. Due to their friendly nature, they also make excellent therapy dogs and are often used in service roles. Labrador Retrievers generally come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. The coat is short, dense, and water-resistant, which makes them excellent swimmers. Labs can be medium to large dogs that weigh about 55 to 80 pounds on average, with the males usually outweighing the females by ten pounds. Typically, they're around two feet tall inches , and the males will have about a one-inch height advantage over the females. The average lifespan for a Labrador Retriever is around 12 years, although some can live up to 14 years. They are all around healthy, but like all dogs, there are specific ailments that you're more likely to encounter with a Lab, like obesity, ear infections, and hip dysplasia. As for lifetime care costs, they can vary depending on factors such as food, vet bills, and grooming expenses. There are several ways to reduce the cost of owning a Labrador Retriever. One option is to adopt a dog from a local shelter or rescue organization. Adopting a dog from a shelter is usually less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder. Typically, dog shelters will include initial vaccinations, any spaying or neutering services needed, along with essential veterinary care up front. That helps cut down on some of the initial costs that owners usually spend when they first bring a puppy home. However, it's not uncommon that breeders will also at least include the first vaccinations for the pup upon its release to your family. Another option to reduce the cost of owning a Lab is to consider adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. Older dogs may already be trained and require less attention and socialization than a puppy, which can save on training costs and time. Moreover, older dogs may have lower veterinary bills since they may not require as many check-ups or preventative care as a puppy. Finally, another way to save money on the lifetime costs of owning a Labrador Retriever is to invest in preventative care. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary check-ups to catch potential health issues early on. While preventive care may require an upfront investment, it can ultimately save money by avoiding expensive medical bills down the line. Final Thoughts: The Cost of Owning a Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds to own, but they can be somewhat high maintenance after you bring them into your home. However, there are ways to reduce costs, such as adopting from a shelter or rescue organization, buying an older dog instead of a puppy, and being mindful of routine care costs. Regardless of the price, it's important to protect your Labrador Retriever with a GPS-tracking dog collar like the one offered by Fi, which can provide peace of mind and ensure the safety of your Lab. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. The link has been copied! You might also like. The costs will be a bit higher at first while you get your dog the shots it requires and pay for the frequent visits to the vet. We also recommend getting your dog spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, and it might even be required as part of your contract if you purchase from a breeder. Once your dog is an adult, it will not require as many vet visits and will only need booster shots every few years, so the average monthly costs will be much lower. Experts recommend getting all of the shots, but your dog is only legally required to get the rabies shot. We recommend purchasing a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. The protein in meat will help build muscle and provide the energy your dog needs to stay healthy. High protein diets will also help your dog stay full longer, and it will be less likely to come looking for food. Foods with corn as the top ingredient are mostly empty calories that will leave your pet feeling hungry and looking for more food, potentially causing it to become obese. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will likely need to increase the brushing to several times a week to help keep the fur off your furniture and floor. Professional grooming can also help with teeth brushing and nail clipping. This medication can also help prevent heartworm. Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adapt to your breed's specific needs. Many people forgo pet insurance, but it can be a great way to protect yourself from a huge expense while making sure your Labrador Retriever has the best healthcare possible. Accidents and serious illnesses can occur at any time, and many procedures can cost thousands of dollars which makes the price of insurance more than worth it, especially if you get it while your dog is still a puppy. It can chew up stuffed animals quickly, so they can get expensive, but there are plenty of options for a chewing dog, like the Lab. Another option is to purchase a subscription to a monthly service like the Bark Box that sends your dog new toys and activities for as long as you keep up your subscription. A full-grown dog only requires food and flea and tick medication to stay healthy, a few toys to play with, and treats here and there. Additional Costs to Factor In If you like to go on long vacations, you might need to factor in the additional costs of traveling with a dog. Many rental cars do not allow pets or will charge you extra, and the same is true for hotels. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget Your Labrador Retriever will be relatively inexpensive once you get the medical things out of the way. A high-quality food may seem more expensive, but it will help keep your dog full so that it will eat less. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care The best way to save money on healthcare when raising your Labrador Retriever is to keep it a healthy weight by following portion recommendations on the food you serve and by helping them get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues that can shorten the lifespan of your pet. After the initial cost of the puppy , you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to get it spayed or neutered and get the shots it needs. After that, you will only need to provide food and shelter with the occasional booster shot. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and that it has helped answer your questions. If we have helped you create a budget that allows you to get one of these amazing pets, please share this guide on how much it costs to own a Labrador Retriever on social media. Featured Image Credit: scott, Pixabay Contents. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates.