black labrador retriever puppies for adoption

black labrador retriever puppies for adoption

I've owned an English bulldog for the past 20 years of my life. He said all his pups are family raised he keeps them all in a cement room in the basement. He had over 13 of them from multiple different litters in the basement. So put close to 8, in his pocket. He gives like a limited 7 day health warranty he said the female was akc but it was a limited akc which I didn't catch and there was an infected stitch left in the stomach of the female the vet found months later. Also the male has multiple health problems!!!!!!!!! She wasn't ripped off. We aren't puppy flippers. We are small and family owned. We run a business and we do things the right way. She never told us about any issues with the pup and if she would have we would have told her to review the health guarantee that she signed at the time of purchase and was given copies for her records. She admits that she and her vet, if they followed the health guarantee by having an vet check done in a timely manner, missed the stitch. If the health issues would have been covered ones we would have taken care of them without any questions. There was no gun to the head for her to buy the pups from us. If you didnt like our setup then she should have told her daughter "no" and go somewhere else to buy pups. Local BBB. For the past 15 years we have had a passion for breeding bulldogs, striving to breed sound, healthy, beautiful bulldogs. We specialize in small RARE colored bulldogs. We are also Life's Abundance Field Representatives, and we have links to our Life's Abundance website where you can purchase the amazing food that we have been using for so many years. Don't forget to save us in your favorites! Like us on facebook, and you will get weekly updates, and behind the scenes pictures! Cincinnati Bengal's Jake Fisher! However, we do not do cash refunds for any reason at all. Thank you for your interest. Please let us know if you have any questions. During that time, we have never received a single complaint about their breeding program, only compliments. Great job! Keep it up! Every time we take them in public every person is drooling at just how adorable they are. I told Melissa what kind of dog I wanted and she delivered! They are very knowledgeable, kind, and professional. I was worried about my dog when I brought him home, but they helped by giving me suggestions to acclimate Toby to his new environment. I would definitely refer other people to go visit their farm in Ohio! They were very helpful in helping us find our first bully. We love her. Thank you! It was a wonderfully smooth transaction, she was shipped Oregon within the week and Daisy Duke aka butterscotch is a beautiful healthy puppy! Melissa was great to work with, answered all my new mommy questions very promptly.

What Is an English Bantam Bulldog? The breed has its origins with the English bulldog and until very recently was known as the English bantam bulldog. In the "English" was dropped and the name was officially changed to "bantam bulldogge". Breed Recognition Although bantam bulldogge origins trace back to the s, the dog is not widely recognized as an official breed. It was only as recently as that the United Canine Association recognized the English bantam bulldog, now officially the bantam bulldogge, and began recording registrations. The breed is not yet recognized by the AKC. Not a Toy In "The Complete Book of the Dog," Robert Leighton makes the distinction that bantam bulldogs are not a toy breed but are miniature bulldogs with the same standards of an ordinary bulldog, only the weight is lighter and the height is typically shorter; but larger bantams may measure as tall as a standard bulldog. Evidence of miniature bulldogs date back to , but by the smaller bulldog breed was on the edge of extinction. As a remedy, French bulldogs were imported back to England to help revitalize the bantam bulldog breed. Comparison of English and French Bulldogs The bantam bulldogge resulted from breeding smaller standard English bulldogs together to create a miniature version; subsequently the French breed came from the bantam bulldogge breed. It's understandable that since the bantam bulldogge is related to both the English and French bulldogs, the standards for the bantam breed has similarities to the other two. The physical standards for the bantam bulldogge are described similarly to the standards for the English bulldog in most ways other than its size. The weights of the two breeds are significantly different, yet the recognized heights can overlap. The UCA declares the bantam bulldogge's height to be between 9 and 16 inches, depending on the sex of the dog, while the height for English bulldogs is 12 to 16 inches. English bulldogs have a standard weight of 50 to 55 pounds, and the UCA standard weight for bantams is 18 to 39 pounds. The UCA makes allowances in the weight of bantam bulldogges, though, permitting them to be registered at weights up to 45 pounds if they are used for breeding or are kept as pets. A typical bantam bulldogge enjoys clowning around and being the center of attention. Happy little dogs that are watchful and protective of their families by nature, bantams aren't usually aggressive. The UCA goes so far as to disqualify a bantam bulldogge from being shown if he demonstrates aggression without provocation. More Articles. History - Bantam Bulldog for Sale The origin of the Bantam Bulldog goes back to the s, and in fact there is evidence of miniature bull dogs in , In the smaller bulldog breed was facing extinction, so that it became necessary to import French bulldogs to England to help restore the bantam bulldog breed. It was only in that the United Canine Association recognized the English bantam bulldog. The Bantam bulldogge is related to the English and French bulldogs so that the standards for the bantam breed has similarities to both types. Short to medium in height, and with his large, square head and broad, short muzzle, the dog is short, strong, stout and compact. He had wide apart eyes, short, half-pricked, half-floppy ears and the front legs are also strong and set wide apart. Forms Strong Bonds with his Family He is fit and active with a playful, jovial personality. The Bantam Bulldog is completely at ease with his human family and welcomes visitors to the home. He forms strong bonds with everyone in the family and loves the presence of children in the home too. As with most other dog breeds, he does well with training and socialization — it just makes him a better dog all round. Coat The coat of the Bantam is short, dense and straight with the skin being tight to the body but looser around the head and neck. Both head and face have moderate wrinkles. The coat is available in all colors and is low maintenance. Characteristics - Bantam Bulldog for Sale The Bantam Bulldog is full of personality and is active, friendly and social. He is an adaptable pet and will happily live with his human family in an apartment or in a home with a garden. Patient and tolerant, he responds well to the voice of his owner and simple commands are no problem with him as he is quick to learn and to please. He is never going to be much of a guard dog for you, but he will be a happy, contented, loyal and devoted companion who just wants to be as close to you as he can. A happy dog is a healthy dog, but the happy Bantam Bulldog will be prone to certain ailments that are common to his breed Hip Dysplasia This breed of dog is prone to have hip dysplasia. Because of their genetic make-up, the soft tissues surrounding the joint develop abnormally and the disease can affect one- or both hips. Digestion Problems Bulldogs can also be prone to digestion issues which amounts to flatulence. This problem however, can be reduced significantly by giving your pet the best diet. Speak to your vet about appropriate foods for dogs with a sensitive stomach. With a sensitive stomach, you want to avoid dog foods with toxic colorants, artificial preservatives and artificial flavors. Breathing Problems Be aware of breathing problems with your bantam bulldog because flat-faced dog breeds such as this can battle with upper airway problems. Symptoms of an obstructed upper airway can include noisy breathing, panting, snoring, rapid breathing and coughing. Speak to your vet about wet- and dry dog foods and which foods will suit this particular pet of yours. Exercise The exercise needs of the Bantam Bulldog are minimal.

Both parents come from a 5-generation pedigree. Mother is IKC registered. Grandparents and great grandparents are field trial champions. Father is a strong, chunky Labrador with an excellent breeding background, he was never registered but both grandparents were IKC reg. Both mother and father are cherished family pets, live together and can be seen. Parents are gentle natured, excellent with kids and have great personalities. Owners are vets themselves. This is our first and last litter as we are not breeders. We wanted to keep a line from both parents which was the motivation to have a litter. Our beautiful puppies are happy, healthy, and very confident. They have a fantastic temperament. Pups have been raised in our family home ensuring they have been well socialised with kids and other animals such as cats. These confident puppies are extremely intelligent and will be easy to train! They are already semi-toilet trained and have great re-call. Puppies are very affectionate and loved by all the family hence we are only looking for suitable home as a family pet or loyal companion. All pups are - Vet health checked - Vaccinated - Microchipped - Wormed at 2,4,6 and 8 weeks - Treated for fleas and mites. Pups will be ready to go to their forever homes from September 17th. For more information or to arrange to view the puppies please call or email me on or megandoherty00 gmail. If I do not answer please leave a message and I will get back to you. Thank you! Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder 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 large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article.

Feeding your puppy a high-quality , complete and balanced puppy food helps set him up for a long and healthy life as an adult dog. This raises a lot of questions for first-time and even veteran puppy owners, though. How much should you feed your puppy and when? When should you stop feeding puppy food? Get answers to these questions and more in our complete puppy feeding guide below. Our experts answer your questions and offer advice to help set you and your puppy up for success. What to Feed a Puppy When it comes to feeding puppies, there are a lot of factors to consider. Overall nutrition, breed size and the type of food all play a role. Feeding puppies a complete and balanced puppy food ensures they get the proper nutrition to develop and grow into healthy adult dogs. Puppy foods are formulated with a balance of nutrients to help puppies grow up healthy and happy. Look for formulas rich in high-quality proteins to support their growing bodies. Fat and carbohydrates supply the energy active and playful puppies need, while calcium supports developing teeth and bones and DHA helps support healthy brain and vision development. If you have a large breed puppy, he may benefit from a large breed-specific puppy formula. Small breeds can also benefit from small breed-specific puppy formulas. Regardless of breed size, the food should be complete and balanced for growing puppies. The difference in formulas comes down to the unique needs of large and small breeds. Large dogs have a higher risk of developing joint problems, so a large breed puppy food should include proper levels of nutrients to support their healthy growth and development. Small breeds may prefer smaller kibble so they can more easily chew their food, which helps ensure they get all the nutrients they need. This results in a nutrient-dense, high-energy formula which adults and puppies need to support a healthy lifestyle. As you walk the dog food aisles, you may see both dry and wet puppy food s. This can make it harder to decide what to feed your puppy. Fortunately, as long as both the wet and dry formulas are complete and balanced for growing puppies, you can feed either one to your pup with confidence. You and your puppy may have a preference when it comes to dry versus wet. Feeding a combination of the two is also an option. Use the calories reported on the package to understand how much wet food will replace the dry and vice versa. In this scenario, you could substitute a thirteen-ounce can of wet food for one cup of the daily dry food recommendation. How Much to Feed a Puppy Now you know what to feed your puppy, but just how much food does he need each day? A Labrador Retriever will weigh more at maturity than a Russell Terrier , for example. So, the larger dog requires more food as a puppy. The chart below can help you determine how much dry food to feed your puppy. You should also review the specific feeding instructions on the back of his puppy food and consult with your veterinarian. Puppy Feeding Chart. The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Golden Retrievers are very food motivated. If your puppy seems to be getting fat, you may need to switch to the lower end of the above recommendations. Alternatively, if their ribs are becoming too prominent, you should work to the upper ends of the guidelines. Golden Retriever puppies have much smaller stomachs than adults. This means their daily food allowance should be split into smaller, more frequent meals. Rather than just feeding them once in the morning and once in the evening, as you might plan to do eventually, their food will need to be split into 3 or even 4 portions, like so: 8 — 12 weeks: 4 meals a day 3 — 6 months: 3 meals a day 6 — 12 months: 2 meals a day However, like the feeding charts, this should only be used as a guide. Feeding too much food at once can lead to cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, and discomfort for your puppy. How to Choose the Best Golden Retriever Puppy Food Puppies need a balance of certain nutrients and vitamins to support their growth — not just as much food as possible. In fact, simply giving as much food as possible is linked to certain joint-related health problems. So, when searching for a high quality puppy food, there are a few key ingredients you might want to search for. This includes a real meat source, and the correct amount of nutrients like calcium and iron. Commercial Food vs Homemade Food There are pros and cons to every type of puppy food available. Dry food is long-lasting and easy to use during training, but can contain filler ingredients. Wet food is palatable and easy to serve, but can be more expensive and harder to use during training. Homemade food is often very appealing in terms of taste for our dogs, but is the most likely type to contain nutritional imbalances that can lead to serious health problems. So, they will continue to grow and develop physically until somewhere between 12 and 18 months. You may want to transition your puppy to a new food when you bring them home, rather than whatever your breeder was giving them. Ideally, you want to make the change over the course of a week. Replace a very small amount of their old food with their new food at mealtimes. Over the week, you can change these amounts by decreasing their old food and increasing the new. By the end of the week, they will be eating only the new food. Changing abruptly can cause stomach upsets and symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. But, Golden Retrievers should generally look lanky rather than chubby. But, the most successful rewards in this type of training are often food, such as kibble or small chunks or meat and cheese. Doing all of your training in the morning can lead to stomach upsets if your puppy ends up eating a large amount of their daily allowance all at once. Instead, try and complete shorter training sessions before each mealtime, and give whatever allowance is left for each meal after training is done. This can also benefit your training, as a hungry dog will be more motivated to work for those treats! Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months. There is also info on how to keep your puppy and your adult at his or her optimum weight. Scroll down to find growth charts to make sure your puppy is growing at the proper rate and is within the right weight range for his age. If you are looking for information on what to feed, go to How to Choose a Dog Food. Unlike with human children, a puppy that is overfed will grow too fast before they grow too fat. A good example is where a smaller puppy at 10 weeks was overfed and his growth was compared to a puppy that was correctly fed. The growth of your puppy needs to be controlled. General Guidelines for Puppies Below are some general guidelines on how much to feed puppies. Most dog food bags suggest feeding too much. Increase to about 3 cups a day by 5 months for boys and by 6 months for girls. Golden Retrievers at this age are supposed to look lanky and all Golden Retrievers act like they are starving when fed the correct amount. If left to eat as much as they want, they will all grow too fast. In the wild, dogs do not have unlimited access to eat as much as they want. They work for their food. Caloric Needs Greatly Decrease at About a Year When puppies reach about months, their caloric needs begin to decrease. Some males might need 4 cups if active and are fed a less expensive food. Make sure you take into consideration the number of extra calories being fed as treats. You should be able to feel their ribs, but not see them even when the dog is wet. If you can see the ribs, increase their food. Decrease the food if you cannot feel them. I always tell people that it is better to underfeed than to overfeed, especially when feeding puppies. Weight Range Charts Following are charts of how puppies should generally grow in weight. Keep in mind that very few puppies need to be at the top of these ranges and if you cannot feel ribs, your dog is overweight even if she is in this weight range. If your dog is still a puppy and she is over these weight ranges, you are feeding her too much. Female Golden Retriever Weight Chart Here is a chart of how girls should generally grow in weight: 2 Months — pounds.

Originally bred as a herding dog , this large-size dog is effective in doing police and rescue work. He is an extremely versatile and hard-working dog and a natural protector. The German Shepherd is a confident dog with unwavering devotion to his owner. He is gentle and gets along well with children as well. His love and loyalty for his family make him a highly protective dog. New faces will be met with indifference until he assesses that they are not a threat to his loved ones. Since the German Shepherd requires an active lifestyle, physically and mentally stimulating activities are necessary. His medium-length double coat is relatively easy to maintain and only requires weekly brushing; however, the German Shepherd is a regular shedder and requires frequent brushing to get the dead hair under control. History In the s, the German Shepherd originated as part of the continental shepherd dog in northern Europe. The German Shepherd has several nicknames. The Phylax Society in Germany tried to standardise the German shepherd dog in but disbanded due to differences in principles. Some members wanted the GSD to be bred solely for working purposes, whilst others who breed dogs wanted the breeding to focus on appearance. When Germany became overbred and the pastoral era slowly came to a halt, the demand for shepherd dogs sharply declined. Max von Stephanitz, a former member of the Phylax Society, tried to preserve the breed by focusing on its great working abilities. In , he bought a high-quality German shepherd named Hektor. The dog was a result of long generations of selective breeding. He was impressively beautiful, intelligent, and loyal. Hektor became the main point of the breeding programmes of the GSD. Hektor was renamed Horand von Grafrath and declared the first German Shepherd. He became the very first member of the society. The wolf is believed to be used by Stephanitz in crossbreed to create the GSD. In fact, Horan is thought to be a part wolf dog , but this notion is still under debate. Some suggest that if wolf genes were indeed used in crossbreeding the GSD, Stephanitz would have acquired the genetic input from wolves found in a zoo. Whatever the real answer to this mystery may be, Stephanitz wrote down in his book, The German Shepherd in Word and Picture, that he strongly discourages the use of wolves for crossbreeding. The German Shepherd is Kennel Club-registered. Today the breed has become a well-loved family dog, and a trusted working dog that assisted the police and military. The GSD dog also excels as a search and rescue dog and guide dog for the blind. Appearance and Grooming The German Shepherd is a powerful and well-muscled canine. He weighs 34—43 kilos and stands 55—65 centimetres at the withers. He has a clean-cut head with a domed forehead, a square-cut muzzle, big, erect ears, and strongly developed jaws. Based on the Kennel Club breed standards, the German shepherd dog comes in two types of weather-resistant double coats. The first type has a straight, close-lying, dense outer coat and a thick undercoat. The second type has a longer outercoat that could sometimes be wavy and a thick undercoat. This coat type does not lie close or flat to the body. The German Shepherd comes in his distinguishable colours of black with tan or gold, sable, as well as all black and all grey. Do German shepherds shed? The German Shepherd is a heavy shedder, during spring and fall coat switching seasons. There is no escape from dog hairs if you have a GSD. So, be sure to keep a vacuum handy. Because the GSD is a heavy shedder, it produces more dander and is more likely to trigger frequent allergic reactions. When it comes to grooming, brushing him two to three times a week is a must. Bathing can be done a few times a year or as needed. Make sure to check the skin for ticks, fleas , injuries, or skin infections so that appropriate treatment can be administered immediately. Longhaired GSDs require trimming every few months. Do not let it overgrow as it can become painful for your dog. Use a dog-safe ear cleaning solution and cotton balls to wipe off dirt and debris. Avoid using cotton buds as it can push the dirt even further into the ear canal instead of removing it. Oral hygiene is also an important aspect of dog ownership that is sometimes overlooked. Poor oral care will lead to your dog getting gum disease and bad breath. Make sure to brush his teeth at least twice or three times a week. Consider buying chew bones and chew toys as they can help in reducing plaque. Temperament and Intelligence The German Shepherd is an active, loyal, self-assured, and courageous dog. He can be reserved and suspicious of strangers. Hence, befriending him is not easy. However, when the German Shepherd warms up to you, he starts to be a devoted friend. The breed is protective of its family, making it an effective watchdog. The GSD is one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. As a versatile working dog, he can be trained for military service, search and rescue assistance, and drug and bomb detection. This popular breed can also be an effective assistance dog for people with disabilities. As a family pet, training a GSD should begin as early as eight weeks old. Sessions should focus on basic canine manners and socialisation with people, dogs, and other animals, so he will become a well-rounded canine companion. The German shepherd Dog is a challenging dog to own for first time owners, because of his high energy level, intelligence, and large size, it will take someone who has the experience to match his physical and mental demands. It is worth noting that GSDs coming from working lines are extremely active and intense. They are suitable for competitive protection-dog sports than a regular family pet. Other GSDs are bred as show dogs. Although they are more laid back than their work counterparts, it is observed that many of them tend to be timid, skittish, or dopey. This is caused by putting more attention to producing a dog with a beautiful appearance than a sound temperament and high trainability. They should be generalist breeders that aim to create relaxed and easy to train GSDs. Are German Shepherds aggressive? Properly socialised and trained German shepherds are not aggressive. However, poorly bred GSDs may exhibit timidity, nervousness, guarding, and aggressive behaviour. For some dogs, early socialisation and training can eliminate these undesirable traits. On the other hand, in other German Shepherds, these methods may only curb these behaviours and not fully stop them. For this reason, it is very important to get your puppy from a reputable breeder. Are German shepherds good with kids? The German Shepherd can be great with children, especially if they were raised together. His calmness and patience make him capable of mingling and enjoying the company of children. Thus, supervision between dog and children interaction is always necessary to prevent accidents. The GSD also gets along well with other pets if he undergoes proper socialisation at an early age. Supervision is necessary during their interactions, especially if a smaller animal is involved. The breed has a high prey drive and may give in to the temptation of chasing down pets that are smaller than it in size. Some German Shepherd Dogs tend to exhibit aggressiveness towards dogs of the same sex. Training and socialisation can help in stopping this behaviour. Neutering or spaying GSDs also greatly lessens their drive to dominate other dogs. Nutrition and Feeding The German Shepherd Dog is a high energy breed with high nutrient requirements. A typical serving for an adult German shepherd is three to four cups of excellent-quality dry dog food per day. This being said, the amount and frequency still depend on age, size, build, activity level, metabolism, and other factors. You have to consider its needs as a breed, but also make sure that you learn about its individual requirements too. As an active dog, the German Shepherd needs more protein and fewer carbohydrates in his diet. This helps build muscles and supports his daily activity needs. Since the breed has shorter colons, it has difficulty absorbing all the nutrients from its food. Foods rich in fibre, like leafy greens, can be added to its diet. Health and Exercise How long do German Shepherds live? German Shepherds can live up to 13 to 15 years. They are generally healthy but predisposed to certain health conditions include hip dysplasia , elbow dysplasia , degenerative myelopathy, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, gastric dilatation-volvulus or bloat , and allergies. As an extremely active dog, the German Shepherd needs a lot of physical and mental activities daily. It should spend at least two hours running, playing Frisbee, and doing agility and obedience training. Other fun activities the GSD will enjoy are flyball, tracking, herding, or Schutzhund. Do not forget to provide him with mentally stimulating games too, such as obstacle course, hide-and-seek, and playing with puzzle toys. When its activity needs are not met, undesirable behaviours might be encountered. The GSD should also not be left for long periods to avoid being destructive. Cost of Ownership How much is a German Shepherd? Some veterinary expenses may not be included in pet insurance. German Shepherd Breed Highlights The German Shepherd Dog may not be fit for apartment living due to its large size and high energy needs. He is an intelligent and loyal breed—very protective and trustworthy. The GSD is a physically and mentally strong dog; hence, he is more suited for experienced dog owners. When well-trained, the German Shepherd Dog excels in several canine activities. GSD may suffer from some hereditary health problems like hip and elbow dysplasia. Are you sure the German Shepherd is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match. Do you think that a German shepherd is right for you? Check out our Pet Finder to find other breeds suitable to your personality and lifestyle. Disclaimer: The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only. Dog Prices German Shepherds are beautiful, loyal dogs that are great companions. They can be trained to do a variety of things, including helping people with disabilities or as service animals. Their role in World War II is well-known: they were used as police dogs and guard dogs by the German army and some of them even had their own uniform! The UK is no exception; there are thousands of German Shepherds here at any given time. But how much does it cost to buy one? And where should you look for your new four-legged friend? How much should a German Shepherd cost in the UK? The price of a German Shepherd can vary significantly depending on the breeder and other factors such as whether or not the dog is registered. The type of German Shepherd you want will also affect the price. This is because show dogs are bred with specific physical attributes in mind and often come from larger kennels that have more experience with breeding quality dogs. Show dogs also tend to come with papers documenting their lineage, which makes them attractive for those who want to breed their own puppies down the line. If you opt for an adult German Shepherd instead of getting one as a puppy, expect to pay more because they are usually older and have already reached maturity—which means they may be less active than younger dogs. When looking at different breeders online or at events like shows, ask questions about their genetics and pedigrees before making any decisions about buying one of their puppies. What is the best time to buy a German Shepherd? The best time of year to buy a German Shepherd is in the summer. Who is the best person to buy from? The best place to buy a German Shepherd is from a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will ensure that the puppy you are buying has been bred responsibly and with care, and will also be able to answer any questions you have about their dogs and the breed as a whole. The price of a German Shepherd depends on many factors, including where you live and whether or not they are purebreds. Purebreds generally cost more than non-purebreds because they are considered to be more valuable because of their unique traits. Reputable breeders do not sell puppies for money alone; they care about their dogs and want them to go to good homes where they can thrive! Where should you look for your new dog? You should also be looking for a dog with a good temperament. There are many different places where you can find these kinds of dogs, but the best place to start is by contacting reputable breeders or rescue centres. Check their location and social media presence — are they local to you? Do they seem like a good fit for your lifestyle? Rescues — There are several options for finding a dog from a rescue. You can visit your local shelter and browse the caged dogs to see if anything catches your eye, or you can ask them what dogs are in need of homes. You can also check online forums to see if anyone is looking for an owner for their rescue German Shepherd. Frequently Asked Questions- How much do they cost to feed? German Shepherd puppies are generally more expensive when compared to other breeds because they require more time to train and socialize them than other dogs. Plus, they tend to be more energetic than other dogs which means they need more physical activity each day. In addition, German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and protectiveness which makes them great family pets but can also make them harder to train so expect higher costs if you want an obedient dog! What is the average life span of a German Shepherd? The average life span of a German Shepherd is 10 to 12 years. Is German Shepherd friendly with children? Yes, they are very good with children as long as they are raised together. Are German Shepherds good guard dogs? They make excellent guard dogs and will protect their family from intruders. How much does a German Shepherd weigh? Depending on age, size and sex, German Shepherds can weigh between 30 and 60 pounds when fully grown. My German Shepherd is an escape artist. What do I do? The best way to prevent your German Shepherd from escaping is to make sure the door or gate you want them to stay out of is locked. My German Shepherd has suddenly stopped eating and drinking. Call your vet as soon as possible if this happens! Why do German Shepherds have a double coat? The double coat is an adaptation for living in harsh climates. It is made of two layers of fur with the outer layer being longer and more coarse. The undercoat is soft and dense to keep the dog warm in the winter months. This double coat also helps protect against fleas and ticks during warmer months. How old should my German Shepherd be before I start training him? What types of toys do German Shepherds like best? German Shepherds generally love toys that challenge their intelligence — puzzles, treat dispensing toys, etc but also enjoy interactive play sessions as well like tug-of-war. Conclusion We hope that this article has helped you understand how much a German Shepherd costs in the UK. Plus, all that money goes towards supporting responsible breeding practices and helping out the hardworking rescues who rescue all those pups from neglectful homes. So go ahead and get a German Shepherd home. Post navigation. Loves to chase his tail and pesky flies, he is a soft-at-heart pup who has a Big character. A change in our circumstances unfortunately means we are unable to keep him although we would most dearly love to. A loving home for him is needed. He's had a health check from the vet and comes from healthy and well-tempered parents. Absolutely loves his food so will be able to train fully. He understands pointing to indicate a direction for him. House trained, microchipped and wormed. He is good at being protective over guarding the household and is not in the slightest territorial over food or toys. He will allow you to take a bone or food off him with ease. He loves to play ball more than anything, and loves walks, long grass, new scents, chewing on moon bones and chicken. This lovely pup needs a sizeable garden and ideally, someone who is used to similar breeds and has time to train him fully. He has great potential. He would be ideal for flyball. He can jump up - he is only a puppy so can be trained - and will certainly grow up into a big, handsome dog. He has excellent parentage. He is a stunning boy and whenever we go out always attracts compliments. A good choice if you're looking for a good-natured furry friend that will be your loyal companion and protector for years to come, He is very loveable characterful boy with a great personality and a goofy soul who just wants to play. Replies to msgs after 7pm

The perfect combination! But how often should you bathe a Labradoodle, anyway? And how to do it? First of all, regular grooming and brushing is crucial to prevent matting and tangling, which can quickly turn into a matted mess if left unattended. And believe us, no one wants to deal with a miserably tangled pup! Speaking of bathtime, regular bathing helps to remove dirt, debris, and any lingering odors that your pup may have picked up on their outdoor romps. With a little TLC and some time spent in the tub, your Labradoodle will smell fresh, which is obviously nice for both of you. Just make sure to use a dog shampoo, as human shampoos can strip their skin of precious oils and cause unwanted skin irritations. Did you know that you can use special shampoos for targeted care? So grab that brush, fill up the tub, and show your pup some grooming love today! Labradoodles come in either curly, wavy, or straight coats, depending on which genetics they inherit from each of their purebred parents. Curly coats tend to trap in dirt, debris, and loose dog hair, which can quickly lead to stubborn knots and tangles inside the fur. Then we have the wavy combination coat, that may shed some hair, depending on whether they have an undercoat or not. These pups usually come with a double coat, which means that some shedding may be present. Fortunately, you can keep this at a minimum by regularly brushing your Labradoodle. It goes without saying that Labradoodles really shine with their long and fluffy coats, giving them that signature Doodle look. However, long hair also requires more brushing and bathing. This helps prevent matting, but also get rid of any build-up dirt, dander, loose dog hair, and debris from the coat. On the other hand, shorter hair is usually easier to manage and maintain. And for other pups, washing them every two months is perfectly enough! But if your Labradoodle struggles with skin dryness or irritations, then bathing them too often could lead to more problems down the line. We recommend you start bathing your Labradoodle as soon as possible. In fact, many reputable Labradoodle breeders already start basic grooming, such as brushing, nail trimming, and bathing even before adoption. Just make sure you continue with this at home so that your pooch can get used to it. For this step, we recommend you also get a dog detangler spray , which will help you get the job done much faster. The next logical question would be — how to brush a Labradoodle? First, you want to run your fingers through all areas of the fur. If you find any knots, first work on each of them individually with a sturdy metal comb. Make sure you never pull on the hair! Start from the feet and paws, moving your way up towards the belly and neck, and finish with the back. Be sure to start brushing from the tip of the hair and then moving up towards the root to prevent any tangles getting worse. One of our favorite methods for Doodles is line brushing — say goodbye to any knots and tangles! Start out by putting a little bit of warm water in the bottom of your bathtub so that your pup can just stand in it. You might even want to let them sniff and inspect it first. If your Dood seems all good, you can turn on the showerhead while petting them at the same time. Having a few tasty treats at hand can also be helpful here! For the ears, we recommend putting cotton balls right at the opening of the ear canals. This will prevent any water from getting into the ears. Make sure that the water temperature is just right — not too hot and not too cold. By thoroughly rinsing the coat beforehand, the shampoo can also lather up nice and easy. Apply a generous amount of your chosen dog shampoo and lather it up all over the coat. Make sure you properly massage the shampoo into the fur so that you can get all areas clean. Also, be mindful of areas like the armpits and groin, as some people tend to overlook them. This is also a great opportunity for you to check for any lumps and bumps under the skin. Again, make sure you use warm water and thoroughly rinse off all areas of the fur, especially armpits and groin, where the suds tend to collect. For obvious reasons, we recommend a tearless dog shampoo for the facial area. You might want to pay some extra attention to areas that tend to get dirty, such as the muzzle and beard. Since the face can be a bit tricky, it might take some time to thoroughly rinse off all that shampoo. Apply a decent amount of conditioner with your hands all over the fur. Although conditioning the head and face is optional, it is recommended for curly-coated Labradoodles. This way, the product gets into all areas of the fur, but also prevents tangling. Again, pay extra attention to those hard-to-reach areas that we tend to overlook. Before you jump in with a towel, let your pooch shake all that excess water off themself. Then, you can gently squeeze out any excess water from areas with longer hair with your hands. Then, take your towel and start gently, yet firmly patting your Labradoodle dry all over. You should start with the lowest power and temperature settings. If necessary, you can gradually increase the settings, but the temperature should never get too hot. Also, keep in mind that some pups can get scared of noisy blow dryers. You can also use a leave-in dog conditioner or a dog detangler spray and brush it through the fur to keep the coat tangle-free and luscious for longer. We recommend you use a specially formulated dog ear cleaner for this step, as Labradoodles and other Poodle mixes are prone to ear infections due to the restricted air flow inside their ears. It goes without saying that you should never use a human shampoo on your pooch, as it could lead to skin irritations, dryness, and a host of other issues. We recommend you check out our in-depth guide on the best shampoos for Labradoodles , where we have some excellent recommendations for different skin and coat concerns. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Australian Labradoodle Grooming Guide Choosing a Groomer Before you bring your Australian Labradoodle to the groomer, ask if they have had previous experience clipping Australian Labradoodles. Show your groomer some photos from our website so that they know exactly how you expect the clip to look. Labradoodle coats require a regular brushing and grooming routine. How often you have your Australian Labradoodle trimmed will depend on how fast their coat grows, your personal preferences in how long you leave them, how much maintenance you want to do at home, and how often you have them groomed professionally. You can expect to bathe and completely blow out their coat every weeks, and plan to have them trimmed approximately every weeks. For an adult Australian Labradoodle, you should allow on average, 60 minutes every two weeks for brushing time. If your Labradoodle is active in the water or hiking in nature areas, you may have to run a brush through them more often to remove debris or loosen hair clumping during the drying process post-swimming. Wait until your dog is dry, then run a slicker through their coat. Purchasing a small grooming table and arm, and training them to stand still during brushing and drying will save your back. But be warned that you need to always have a hand on your dog when they are on the grooming table or attached to a grooming arm. Never leave them or turn away or they can try to jump off the table and injure themselves. When your Labradoodle has short hair, an inch or two, regular brushing with a slicker can work just fine. Once the hair gets longer, it is important to make sure you are reaching all the way to the base of the hair by adding a metal greyhound comb. If loose hair is not removed near the skin, mats can begin to form. In separating your dogs coat with your hand, you can brush and comb all the way to the skin. Work backwards from the feet up to the body, and the tail to the head. Brush in the direction of the hair, but add small amounts of coat to each stroke. At approximately eight months old a puppy coat needs more frequent brushing during its changeover to the adult coat. Bathing: Australian Labradoodles need bathed and brushed out approximately once a month. Puppies can be bathed as needed. If you are going to bath your Australian Labradoodle at home, be sure to brush through the coat completely first. If you do it the other way around, any mats will get tighter when you get them wet. Also, watch that you do not pull on the mat while you are cutting it, and be aware of how closely the skin may be to your scissors. We also use a dematting tool to help break a mat into a smaller piece for easier removal. Then brush, comb, or gently work any mats out. Purchasing a commercial hair dryer is worth the investment and will speed up the drying process. Head: The lovable teddy bear look of your Australian Labradoodle is enjoyed every time you look at them, and every time you take them out and others look at them. No matter what length the body is trimmed, that adorable teddy bear face can make up the difference in winning hearts everywhere they go. A picture is worth a thousand words, so the photos and grooming card below coming soon will help to clarify the following worded instructions you will need to convey to your groomer to get exactly the look you want to see. It is best to print out the grooming card and take it with you at each visit to your groomer. This creates a more natural look and keeps the hair from poking at or covering their eyes. It also makes it easier to clean any matter out from the corner in the morning. Feet: Keeping your Labradoodles paws shaped nicely will help less water and debris attach to their feet as they are coming and going. We start trimming around their paws by around weeks of age to get them used to the action of having their feet picked up and worked with. You want to go around the bottom edge of their paw in a nice, rounded shape, snipping off longer hair so that it does not hit the ground. Your groomer can trim hair from the bottom of their feet with a clipper and a 30 blade. Nails should be trimmed regularly every weeks depending on wear. The hair under their tail should also be trimmed to keep the area clean. Labradoodles need to be bathed every two to three weeks. This will help clean their fur and allow you to check their skin. Dogs can get dirty really easily, and they need regular grooming to remove dirt and dust from their coats. Bathing your Labradoodle is not only essential to keep them clean and healthy, it helps to prevent hair knots and matting As a single coated and low shedding breed, Labradoodles will require deep rinsing when they are bathed. A small Doodle puppy having a bath Regular brushing, bathing, and groomings are all different things. Grooms include the trimming of the fur, and is usually done together with bathing or directly before. Groom every weeks for most Labradoodle coats Bathing helps with both aesthetics, coat health, and prevention of skin conditions Brushing for a wavy or curly coat LAbradoodle should be at least every few days the more the merrier If you own a straight coat Labradoodle shedding you should consider how much shedding is happening. If it is a higher shedding season, you should bathe and groom your dog more frequently to assist in shedding. Also, if your dog spends a lot of time outside, he gets dirty with sweat, mud, pollens, or sticks. He needs a more frequent grooming routine. This causes your dog to itch. Grooming for Labradoodles like Max after the beach means thorough rinsing with fresh water, followed by a Gentle Shampoo and brush at home. Labradoodle puppies need bathing just the same as full-grown Labradoodles. However a spot clean here and there is usually more appropriate for a puppy. They frequently make messes so a full bath is overkill and can hurt the coat. Puppies love playing in the dirt. This is normal behavior. Puppies often also struggle with potty training Puppies make a beeline toward bad smells and messes So expect a lot of spot cleans and mini baths for your Labradoodle puppy. How Old Should Labradoodle Puppies Be For Bath In terms of a full bath, you can start bathing your puppy when he or she is old enough to understand what is happening. Make sure you do this in an appropriate place, such as a bathtub or sink. Puppies need to learn about water before being bathed, so try to teach your puppy to enjoy baths. Do this by slowly introducing the concept, making it seem fun, and minimizing background distractions. Bathing dogs in a smaller container makes them feel more comfortable. These small gestures all work well together to create and reinforce a positive experience. Instead of using adult Labradoodle shampoo — go for a gentle puppy shampoo or even some baby shampoos if they are Vet and Groomer approved. Straight hair dogs still can have some Poodle-esque snout furnishings. This one needs a bath! A Labradoodle needs to be groomed and trimmed about once every two months. Trimming the hair around the face, butt, and ears is important because this is where most dirt accumulates. Our detailed grooming guide for Labradoodles gives 11 tips for DIY grooming. It is very possible to confidently groom a Labradoodle, but it takes preparation and practice. How to Bathe Your Labradoodle Bathing your Labradoodle takes longer than bathing many other breeds because of their thick coats. You should set aside some time before you bathe your Labradoodle so you can prepare everything you need beforehand. Some Labradoodles LOVE the water and playing fetch At Home Labradoodle Bathing Shopping List A decent shampoo that suits Labradoodle coats does not need to be crazy expensive Towels many, many towels Scissors even though we are not grooming, in case of knots or surprises Rubber gloves I do not use but many do Dog brush optional — I suggest a metal comb as well Small bucket for rinsing Tear stain remover if your Labradoodle has a light coat The Process in the Bath for your Labradoodle Acclimate your Labradoodle to the bath by putting some water in the bottom of a tub and allowing him to stand in it. Turn on the showerhead or hose attachment while petting him. Make sure he sees it is not harmful and allows him to get used to the sound and feel. Rinse first before adding any product. Sand, dirt, debris. Make sure the water gets to the skin level through the long coat. Once you are able to get the dogs completely rinsed off so that there is no visible dirt left on the fur and their coats are entirely wet , you will then want to lather them up with the product of your choosing. Labradoodle Max enjoys a cuddle in a towel after a shower and bath Make sure that this product is safe to use on your dog by checking with a veterinarian or by using products that were specifically designed for your furry friend. Use this opportunity to perform your own health check. Rinse your dog with water from the tap or small bucket and inspect them thoroughly before washing them again. Twice over gives a thorough and great result. This might seem obvious, but make sure there are no more bubbles coming out of the coat. Labradoodle luxurious hair does tend to trap some soap. Dry Time a Challenge Drying a Labradoodle is hard work! You need to use lots of towels, and you need to be careful not to scare your puppy too much. Use a hairdryer if you like, and be careful when turning it on. Also, take extra care to dry their eyes and ears. Most dogs find the noise of a hairdryer overwhelming. Brush a dry dog only. A wet dog can be combed blunt steel comb though, these are so helpful. You should bathe your dog fully when he is 3 months old. Use quality puppy shampoo and conditioners designed for puppies. You can skip the conditioner really — but some owners like this extra step. Before 3 months, you should get him used to being wet and having been washed. Do mini baths or fast baths for the puppy coat until this age. This helps make future baths much easier. Even getting used to the running water and towel dry will help your dog be happier as an adult doodle during a grooming session. The Consequences of too Many Baths for Labradoodles If you wash a Labradoodle too frequently, we risk damaging their adult coat. The coat needs time to grow and develop properly. If you wash your dog too often, you could damage its natural protective oils and leave it feeling rough and scratchy. The likelihood of skin irritation or reaction to cleaning equipment also increased with an over-washed coat. Dry skin, loose hair, and irritated skin need to be monitored. Realistically this will not be a concern for most of us. Our Labradoodle Max does visit the beach often, so he gets washed in Summer FAR more frequently than the other times of the year. We try to efficiently wash him using safe and gentle shampoo — but cut down the repeat lathering. When winter comes round, he bathes far less frequently — but we use more shampoo and later more when he does wash. A happy gray Poodle and Doodle dog. Their fur looks dull and lifeless. The entire coat has an odor If you have a sedentary, indoor Labradoodle — do NOT feel obliged to bathe your dog every 2 weeks. That said, you can help make bath time easier for your Labrador by starting early and introducing him to water gently. Use treats and praises to introduce him to all elements of the bathing process. A dog needs to learn how to take baths, shampoo, conditioner, wash rags, brushes, and blow dryer. It takes time and effort to teach a dog everything he or she needs to know about bathing. Start with a few short baths then gradually increase the frequency. Be patient. Dogs and puppies can take many different attempts to understand and learn a new concept. Should you blow-dry a Labradoodle coat? Start by using a gentle hairdryer setting. I know this sounds ridiculous as even the quiet settings are often very intense. But as possible, build up the settings slowly. Start with the outside of the legs — most dogs tolerate this the most. Then dry the legs. Save the head, chest, and face for the very last. The restraint is calming a bit and safe and makes maneuvering around a displeased Labradoodle much easier. It is the only area that requires you to have a little extra knowledge and to be cautious. We have a guide specifically about ear cleaning. A big number of issues that Labradoodles have with health and odor all relate to the ears. Ear infections are common, as are grime and mites caught in the ear hair. The Curly coat type is particularly prone to this issue. It was the most surprising area of grooming that I have encountered with Poodle Mix breeds. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. It is important to realize that regular brushing, bathing, and grooming are different things. Grooming includes the trimming of the hair, and is usually done in tandem with bathing or directly after but does not need to happen quite as frequently, although you are welcome to do so if you would like. Bathing helps you check in on your Labradoodle, maintain their coat from tangling, and keeps them healthy and clean. Labradoodles should be bathed every 2 to 3 weeks but can go up to 4 or 5 weeks depending on the time of year and their other grooming habits. For example, a dog will shed more in the fall and spring as he or she prepares for the cold or hot weather respectively; you will want to bathe him or her more during this time. Bathing your Labradoodle regularly helps you take care of their hair and also allows you to inspect all areas of their body. You will want to take into consideration the amount of shedding happening as well as the amount of outside time your Labradoodle is getting. If it is a high shedding season, you will want to bathe and groom your Labradoodle more frequently to assist in the shedding process. Similarly, when they spend a lot of time outdoors they get dirtier with sweat, mud, pollen, or sticks and need a more regular grooming routine as well. Since a Labradoodle coat repels dirt anyway, this should not be difficult. Simply follow the standard guidelines, and you should be fine. Labradoodle puppies actually need less bathing than full-grown Labradoodles, except in the case of visible dirt. When a Labradoodle puppy is developing his or her adult fur coat, his or her body will be attempting to regulate the oils that help to prevent dry skin among other concerns. Additionally, it is not until a dog has reached past the six- to eight-month range that his or her adult coat has become more water-resistant. Thus, as your Labradoodle puppy grows and plays, it is important to consider only bathing once per month or unless you can see visible dirt. If you are able to simply brush the dirt away, and your puppy does not have a strong odor, you may consider doing this to spread the bathing process out. Daily brushing is not necessary but will make the scheduled grooming less intensive. Labradoodles are pretty playful dogs all throughout their lifetime, but this may be especially true during their puppy years. Therefore, you may find that your Labradoodle puppy tends to roll around in the dirt more than he or she will in later years. If this is the case, then the basic brushing or rinsing method may be preferable to bathing weekly. Many people wonder when it is safe to first bathe a puppy. Puppies can be bathed as soon as they are ready and able to go home. Keep in mind, though, that bathing a puppy can be a scary process for them, so you will want to consider a few tricks to make the process more fun. For example, you may bathe them in a smaller bin than a large white tub, run the water prior to baths so that the initial process is not as loud, and provide a treat before and after they complete a job well done in the bath. By creating a safe and fun environment and reflecting an exciting personality for them to mirror, your Labradoodle will have a better likelihood of enjoying bath time from the start. How often you groom your Labradoodle will largely depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Many Labradoodles do not need to be fully groomed more than four times per year. You can minimize full shaves by trimming more regularly before a full shave is needed. Keep an eye out for signs of wax buildup and excessive ear hair; these may be indications of ear mites or disease. You put the solution into each ear, massage it for seconds, and then wipe it out using a tissue. Check with your vet for tips on loose hair removal and which solution to use. Labradoodles have a thick, curly type of coat which means it will take longer to bathe them in comparison to other dogs with straight or thinner coat types. Choosing when you will bathe your Labradoodle, as well as having all of your bathing tools ready in advance is important for a successful bath. Do not expect to be done in a few minutes like you would with a short-haired or small dog. One thing to note is that if you want your Labradoodle to have time outside afterward for drying purposes or just to help them be comfortable before bed, you should aim for mid-day so the sun is out and they have plenty of drying time. Otherwise, you may choose to dry them with a towel or blow dryer if they will let you do so. Keep in mind, though, that many dogs are scared of loud noises, so your Labradoodle may take some warming up to a hairdryer if this is the option you choose to go with. Knowing What You Need Getting the right products and equipment is very important for bathing your Labradoodle. Below, I will include a section on great shampoos and conditioners to use with your furry friend. If you are comfortable just using your regular tub, you will not really need much more. Just a couple of towels and maybe a hairdryer for drying as well as a good slicker brush to detangle after will be the essentials! Ideally, you will have a hose or removable showerhead so that you can rinse it easier. If you decide that you would rather use something other than a regular tub, you may need access to other tools to help make this process go smoothly. You may choose to use a bin for them to stand in and a bucket to transport water for rinsing purposes. By choosing something that will require less effort on your part, you will be more accessible to your dog and make this process a fun and routine experience for him or her. The Process in the Bath for your Labradoodle Acclimate Your Labradoodle and Rinse The first thing you will need to do is get your Labradoodle used to the bath and showerhead. A bath is not something that a dog has naturally been bred to understand, so it takes a little coaching and familiarizing on your part. Many dogs quickly acclimate to the process, but it is helpful if you are there encouraging them along the way both in practice and in attitude. To help acclimate your Labradoodle to the bath, put a little water in the bottom of the tub and allow them to stand in it. Making sure it is warm is a good idea to get them a positive first impression. This can be done in a quiet and calm fashion to show your Labradoodle that this is nothing to be scared of or dreaded. After you have gotten them more comfortable with their surroundings the tub plus a small amount of water , try turning on the showerhead or hose attachment while petting them. Let them see it is not harmful and allow them to get used to the noise and feeling. Again, your calming presence and helpful comfort will be helpful if they are more fearful of the bath or bathing devices. Add Products and Check on Their Skin Once you are able to get them fully rinsed off as in there is no visible dirt on the fur and their coat is entirely wet , you will want to lather them with the product of your choice. Please ensure that this product is safe for your dog by checking with your vet or by using products that are designed for your fur baby. When you are lathering them with the suds, it is best to use your hands to do this so that you can feel around under the coat on the skin for any problems such as lumps, bumps, or parasitic ticks. Regularly feeling them including during bath time will help you to detect ticks or abnormalities earlier on and could save your Labradoodle from experiencing much worse pains. This is considered more of a preventative health approach than a reactive one. Keep in mind it is good to avoid ears on Labradoodles when rinsing and using products. Their floppy, large ears are prone to infections and issues. By using your hands to rinse and wash them, you will have much more control over the areas of the body that receive treatment. As they may be excited and moving about more freely, you can help to show them how to stay calm by holding them lovingly as you rinse them. It will be important for you to consider wearing clothes that you do not mind getting wet or sudsy so that you can feel comfortable providing whatever support your pup may need during bath time. Rinse and Maybe Repeat After lathering your Labradoodle with shampoo and inspecting by rustling your fingers through his or her fur, you should thoroughly rinse them off. You will want to make sure to use the hose or showerhead to get all areas of them thoroughly rinsed off. Be sure that there are no more bubbles or suds that are coming off from their hair as you complete the process. This is particularly important because leaving in shampoo by accident can cause worse tangling after the bath. So, rather than helping in the grooming process, this can actually hurt their fur and can become painful for them. Additionally, this can cause the next bath and grooming time to be much more difficult for you as you will have to untangle more fur than you would have had you just rinsed your dog off completely the first time. Drying Drying the coat of a Labradoodle is no easy task! If you know anyone with thick, curly hair or if that is you in this case , then that person can absolutely verify that drying their hair is likely the lengthiest part of the hair maintenance process. When drying off a Labradoodle, you can expect to go through large towels during this. You will want to use towels that have a higher absorbency, but they do not have to specifically be designed for use with a dog. Using a hairdryer if your pup will let you can improve drying time significantly! Many dogs get very excited positively or negatively by loud noises such as hairdryers. If your dog is positively excited about the hairdryer, you will want to hold them more firmly while you dry them off- though be sure that this is still considered a fun activity for your pup. If they are negatively excited by the loud hairdryer, be sure to warn them before you turn it on, calmly approach them, and keep the intervals of use short. Take extra care to dry their ears, using tissue or cotton, to make sure they do not have water caught in there for long. It is important to note that just like humans should not cram a Q-tip into the ear canal as this can actually push and pack wax and other substances further into the canal , you will want to follow the same precautions for your dog. Wipe off any surface of the ear that is visible to the human eye, but do not go any further. Allowing tangles to sit can cause them to become much worse — and the last thing you want is to end up at a groomer after spending time and effort attempting to do this on your own. Similar to human hair, one of the best things you can do is to use a thick bristle comb on the fur while it is still wet. This will ensure that the tangles are removed thoroughly without breaking or damaging the hair. You can find thick bristle combs specifically designed for dogs, or you can even just use one that is designed for human hair as long as you remain cautious and aware of your dog during the grooming process. Brushing with a thin bristle brush or comb before they are dry can cause their hair to break or come out more easily, so waiting to brush them is the best option here. If you are going to attempt to do this on your own, this is also the best time to trim them as well. If you notice they need it and have learned how to do so without causing harm to your dog there are several areas you can learn online then taking off a bit of length can be a great thing for them and you. If you are unfamiliar with the trimming process or do not have the right tools, it is important to take your dog to a professional groomer instead of attempting this and accidentally harming your furry friend. This would absolutely delay their enjoyment of bath and grooming time. Then, the owner can attempt in a small capacity on areas instead of the entire coat that he or she feels comfortable prior to the groomer trimming the rest, and then eliminate the groomer completely. When considering purchasing a shampoo and conditioner for your Labradoodle, it is critical to remember that you must find one that is designed for doggy fur. Sometimes, human baby shampoos can be used on dogs, but it is best to purchase one that is designed specifically for use with animals. Here are a few to consider: 1. Ph Balanced! Made In The Usa! Buy With Confidence! Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site s , as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. One of the things that I love about using this brand of shampoo is the fact that it makes untangling so much easier afterward. I am not positive as to why this is the case, although I assume it has something to do with the oatmeal. Either way, it definitely feels great for their fur. Healthy Breeds Pet Shampoo is a great product that is also economical. This brand is a great, safe choice if you are looking for a shampoo to try out for the first time! They are energetic, fun-loving, and playful dogs. But they definitely have a lot of fur; it can either be tight curly locks and sometimes straighter hair with a thick coat. Although their thick coat can be a reason for you to love them even more, the thick coat paired with their playful nature can make bathing a long and not-so-easy process. How often to bathe a Labradoodle? Labradoodles should be based once every weeks, if you are lucky, they can last up to 5 months without a bath. Thankfully, their thick coat is not only beautiful, it is also dirt-repellent, which will make the need for bathing less frequent. If you want to know how often to bathe your furry Labradoodle and how this changes depending on things like seasons, for example, how to do it quickly and properly, when it is absolutely necessary to bathe them right away, and how to dry your Labradoodle, keep reading. Your life is about to get a whole lot easier. How often should you bathe your Labradoodle? If your Labradoodle is still a puppy, the bathing task will be much easier. As puppies, you can teach them to like bathing. Once your Labradoodle turns 3 months, it is your green light to start bathing them. Puppies should be bathed once every 3 to 5 months. If your Labradoodle is grown, it should be once every weeks. A scheduled bath for puppies will make it easier for them and you when they get older. Their dirt-repelling coat will make the bathing easier to manage. You should not over-bathe, though. But what does this actually means will depend on many things, and most importantly of those is the season and their activities. There are many situations where you just have to give your Labradoodle a bath right away, for example, Labradoodles are quite playful, and during your walk, your dog may even splash into a puddle of mud and get dirty. Bad Odor If your Labradoodle smells, you should bathe them right away. Bad odor is not typical for these adorable dog breeds. Medical condition If your Labradoodle has a medical condition that requires you to use a specific medicinal shampoo, you might need to bathe them more regularly as part of their treatment. I also have a few recommendations for medicated shampoos in my guide to shampoos for your dogs here. Chemicals If you have been doing some gardening, it is possible that you have used some chemicals. You have probably warned your Labradoodle not to go out, but they got tempted anyway. If Your Labradoodle has been exposed to such chemicals, you should bathe them right away and make sure all the chemicals are out of their coat. Fleas All dogs can get fleas, however, Labradoodles are more prone to them because of their thick coat, which means fleas can be hidden deep inside their curly locks. If you notice fleas on your dog, pick them out and bathe them using an oatmeal shampoo right away. Salt If the snow did not stop you from going for a walk with your Labradoodle, then hats off to you. Before going out in the snow, make sure your Labradoodle is warm enough. The salt that is used to melt the snow on the street can be quite harmful to your dog. It can hurt their little paws. Thus, you should bathe your dog the minute they get home. You should also double-check to see if their paws are salt-free. How to bathe your Labradoodle Properly and Quickly If you follow the steps I explain here, I guarantee you that you will bathe your Labradoodle properly and quickly. Cover their ears, eyes, and nose If water gets in their ears, eyes, or their nose, the bathing experience will be completely annoying and may be harmful for your Labradoodle. You can use cotton balls to cover such sensitive areas. Check the water temperature Before putting your Labradoodle in the bath, test out yourself first. The water should not be too cool or too hot. The most convenient water temperature for your Labradoodle is warm. However, if you are bathing your dog during Summertime, you can make the water a bit colder. Wet the fur Curls need hydration. Completely wet hair will be easiest to detangle and will absorb shampoo and conditioner better, just like humans. Speaking of curls, you can learn how to prevent your curly dog from getting matted here. Make sure to use circular motions that allow the shampoo to travel to the root. After you apply the shampoo, you should make sure that it is completely rinsed out. Curls need love, if you are a curly-haired person, you understand. It might be useful to detangle their hair while the conditioner is in. After that, make sure you rinse out the conditioner completely too. Use shampoos and conditioners that are made for dogs, not humans. Dry them with a towel If you are lucky, you will need only one towel to dry your dog. Normally, people use three medium-sized towels to dry out their Labradoodles. Squeeze the remaining water out of the fur Using a towel alone is not enough, you should make sure all the water is out of their fur so that their skin does not get dry. Using your hands here is essential to squeeze out the remaining water. Hairdryer This step is optional. You can use your hairdryer to speed up the process. Make sure to hold the hairdryer away enough to not hurt your Labradoodle. Due to their floppy ears, they do not get enough air circulation, which can be a pretty cozy environment for bacteria. How to dry your Labradoodle after a bath As I have mentioned before, Labradoodles have a thick, curly fur coat, which makes it very hard to dry them after a bath. You should make sure that you are using high-absorbency towels to dry your Oodle with. Some people claim they use up to 5 high-absorbency, medium-sized towels. Laundry day is about to get messy. Labradoodles are very playful creatures, they might mistake your attempts of drying them with play-time. They might think you are petting them and get excited. It might be better to use a hairdryer to dry your Labradoodle in Winter. Thus, you would be doing your Labradoodle a favor. In all cases, it is best if you dry your Labradoodle thoroughly. If you find water in these sensitive areas, you should use cotton swabs to suck out the water. However, just like humans, you should be careful not to stick it in too much. Drying your Labradoodle will require a lot of effort and time, which is inevitable. But, it is essential that you do it correctly so that you prevent them from getting any serious skin issues such as dandruff or dry skin. Bathing and drying your Labradoodle is also considered to be valued quality time between you and your dog. So, try to enjoy it as much as possible. Yes, I know that is a lot of hard work, but it would save you a lot of time during washdays. You could also use coconut oil to soothe their skin and make sure they have a moisturized and shiny coat. Related Questions Do Labradoodles like baths? Yes, most Labradoodles like baths. If your Labradoodle is still a puppy, it is completely in your hands to make them like baths. If not, you are still in luck. Labradoodles are crossbreeds and since they are partially poodles, they like to swim too. Can you Bathe your labradoodle once a week? No, you should not bathe your Labradoodle once a week. Overbathing your dog might lead to skin issues such as dry skin and dandruff. As a rule of thumb, you should bathe your Labradoodle once every weeks. Can Labradoodles swim? Yes, it is most likely that Labradoodles enjoy swimming. They are bred from Poodles, which enjoy a swim too. However, some doodles require some encouragement and love to gather the courage to swim. How often should you wash a Labradoodle puppy? Labradoodle puppies often stay indoors. Thus, they require less bathing time. You can bathe your pup once every 4- 6 months and it will be enough for them. Check out the best and healthiest foods for golden retrievers at every age here — Dry, Wet, Homemade Recipes, and Treats! Taking a walk? These are the best leashes, collars, and harnesses for the buck that you can find. They do not require frequent baths because too much bathing can strip away necessary oils in their skin and fur. If your Labradoodle has a curly coat, you probably take them to the groomer on occasion for a trim, and they can be washed there. However, as any dog owner knows, dogs love to roll around in gross things, and your playful pup may not shy away from a mud puddle. Dogs are the same way. Also, when long fur gets wet, it will stretch more when you pull on it, resulting in rips and tears that will make their coat look worse. Let your dog test the water before you turn on the shower head or start dumping it on them. The last thing you want to do is create an aversion to bath time. Labradoodles tend to enjoy water, so they are likely to be fine in the bath. Choose the right products There are so many dog shampoos and conditioners on the market. It can be hard to choose which one is best for your Labradoodle. With this breed, simple products without a lot of scents or colors may be best. While the Labradoodle is considered to be a hypoallergenic dog, this does not mean that the dog cannot suffer from allergies. Labradoodles are prone to environmental allergies, which can extend to grooming products. If your shampoo makes your dog itchy and uncomfortable, they will probably scratch themselves excessively, which can cause skin problems. Also look for products that are non-toxic, because it is hard to stop your dog from licking himself. Look for a gentle shampoo, perhaps even one that is made for dogs with allergies. The goal is to remove the dirt and bad odors, not completely strip their skin and coat of necessary oils. There are also shampoos on the market that are designed to make white coats appear whiter. If your white Labradoodle looks yellow or discolored, you may want to try one of those shampoos. Conditioners are also available for dogs with especially dry coats, but they are not necessary for bathing. We use Madden pin brushes on our labradoodles and have found this brush to be excellent quality. If you catch them in play mode during the day, you will only be reinforcing that brushing time is something to get all riled up about. Nail Clipping Clipping their nails is also a good exercise to do when you find them tired out. They tend to care a lot less about things. You can start by just clipping the nails on one paw. This way your pup learns this is quick and no big deal. It also gives you the opportunity to practice this exercise 4 days in a row, rather than once and then having to wait for them to grow again. When clipping, clip just the tip of the nail where it starts to curve downward, holding the nail clippers parallel to the bottom of the paw. Be careful not to clip too much, otherwise it will hurt and the nail will bleed. Lean towards clipping little bits more often than trying to get a lot off all at once. Ear Cleaning Ear cleaning is something that labradoodles need since they have those long ears that trap and hold in moisture. Check their ears every few weeks and if you notice they look dirty, then get a cotton ball or makeup remover pad, etc. Never push anything down in the ear, you could damage the ear and cause your puppy pain. Do the other side, and finish with an ear drying powder. In fact, over bathing can harm this quality in their coat, and actually cause you to need to bathe more often. If they get dirty, let them dry and simply brush the dirt right out. It is good to get them used to getting wet though, and when you do use shampoo, we recommend a tearless shampoo specifically designed for dogs as their PH balance is different than humans. A good minute walk daily will meet this need your new family member has. Up until then, their joints are developing and jogging on pavement would not be good for their joints. However, this does not mean you have to limit their activity. Running across the yard chasing a ball at their own pace and will is good for their developing body, and talking walks through the neighborhood is an excellent way to meet their exercise needs. Labradoodles are a wonderful dog breed and opening up your home to one of these pups is going to bring so much joy into your life. With that being said, Labradoodles also require a considerable amount of maintenance and upkeep — with bathing being an easy thing to overlook. How to bathe a Labradoodle To bathe a Labradoodle, start by brushing them to remove any loose dirt, set your bath water to a lukewarm temperature, and gently help your dog inside. Lastly, dry your Labradoodle with a towel and blowdryer. A Labradoodle combines the incredible personality traits of the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. This makes Labradoodles both unique and expensive , as you get to have the playful nature of a Labrador combined with the intelligence and cleverness of a Poddle, which is why so many pet owners are hopping on the Doodle trend. However, this kind of pup needs to be approached with careful consideration as it has unique qualities that make it stand out among other dogs. One of the first characteristics you will notice with your Labradoodle is that your pup has a different type of coat. Unlike most dog breeds that have fur, a Labradoodle has hair, which means that you need to bathe it properly if you want to keep its coat healthy. To help you understand this further, we are going to take you through our 5 step Labradoodle bath time routine. After extensively researching Labradoodle maintenance, I have been able to gather enough information to determine how to properly bathe this breed. My research has shown me that you need to follow the Labradoodle bathing procedure carefully if you want to get the best results from their coat. Keep in mind, you can always get your dog groomed by a professional groomer. Depending on who you ask, you will get a few different answers on this but as a general rule of thumb, you should bathe your pup once per month. With that being said, each Labradoodle is different and you may find that you need to bathe your dog more or less often depending on its lifestyle and environment. If your Labradoodle has a pretty stable routine at home and goes out for casual walks in urban areas, then you can probably get away with bathing your dog every 5 to 6 weeks. On the other hand, if you have a very active Labradoodle out in the countryside or simply one that tends to get messy at dog parks, you may need to wash your pup as often as every 3 weeks. You also need to consider that there is a difference between bathing and rinsing. Bathing is a thorough cleaning process where you give your Labradoodle a deep wash that targets its coat fully, as well as its skin. Rining is simply washing off your dog after they get a little bit muddy or dirty. When you bathe your Labradoodle, you want to do it routinely and systematically so that you can keep its coat as healthy as possible. Whereas rinsing is something that you can do quite regularly when needed — with some owners giving their dog a rinse multiple times a week after rugged play sessions at the park. Before you commit to a routine bathing schedule for your Labradoodle, you should try to observe its habits and behavior so that you can find an optimal timeframe that suits your pup. As we said, each Labradoodle is a bit different and you should decide on a schedule for your dog based on its lifestyle. Labradoodle Bathing Supplies Before you can begin bathing your pup, you first need to gather all of the right supplies for the job. Simply spraying your Labradoodle with your backyard hose is not going to do the trick. These are the bathing supplies that you need to get before you can start washing your dog. Given that this breed does not have fur, you need to buy a shampoo that is specifically meant for hair. There are a lot of different shampoo products out there and it is easy to feel overwhelmed when you consider your options. Some products have been made just for Labradoodle coats, which are going to deliver the best end results. Check Price One thing you always want to watch out for are shampoos that contain a lot of additives and chemicals. Much like with human hair, a Labradoodles coat is going to benefit most from natural ingredients — so read labels carefully and try to rely on trusted brands. Some products have been known to cause skin irritations, which is something you want to avoid at all costs. Whenever picking out a new shampoo, always do a test first to see how your dog responds. If you see that the coat is healthy afterward and that their skin is not irritated, you should be good to go. The coat of a Labradoodle will require a thorough drying process, which is why it is best to have at least two towels handy before you begin washing. A blow dryer with multiple settings is also recommended so that you can expose your Labradoodle to it slowly, which will keep them from getting frightened and intimidated. Exfoliated Dog Bathing Gloves Your hands should suffice for bathing your Labradoodle but by using exfoliated dog bathing gloves , you will find that the cleaning process is much more thorough. These gloves were designed for cleaning dog coats and having them on can make a huge difference in how effective the bathing process is. They are texturized to remove more hair, which will ensure a minimal amount of shedding, and they will also help get rid of any dead skin on your Labradoodle. This dog breed has a very specific type of coat that needs to be looked after carefully, as it can easily get messy if you forget to keep a consistent cleaning schedule. These are the steps that you need to follow to bathe your pup. Step 1: Hair Brushing Before you begin washing your Labradoodle with water, you want to get as much dirt and debris out of its coat as possible by using a brush Having a reliable brush for your Labradoodle is going to be a must for maintaining its hair — regardless of washing. You will be amazed by how much cleaning time you can save by doing this properly. In addition to dirt and debris, you also want to remove any loose hair from the coat, as this is also something that will hinder the bathing process. With that being said, we always find that it is better to take care of as much of the prep-work beforehand so that you can avoid a rough transition when the time comes to bathe your pup. The first thing that you want to do is make sure that all of your necessary cleaning supplies are nearby so that you can easily reach them. You want to make your Labradoodle as comfortable as possible when getting bathed which is why you should set the temperature of your water before throwing them into the tub. Lukewarm is generally the most ideal temperature setting for washing a dog. Step 3: Help Your Dog Get Into the Bath Again, each pup reacts differently to getting washed and you want to make the experience as pleasant as possible for them. If your dog is willing to hop right in for their routine bath, then great. However, not all Labradoodles are like this and may feel intimidated or dislike getting washed altogether. You can either usher your pup into the bath so they can hop in on their own or you can gently pick them up and place them inside. You must approach this with care so that they are not frightened by the idea of getting clean — especially if they are puppies and still getting used to the idea of bathing. Once they are inside, make sure that they feel comfortable and secure before you begin cleaning. Allow 30 seconds to a minute of adjustment time without the water on so that they can gauge their environment. This is always a good time for a pet, a pat, and a treat to reassure them that they are in good hands. You should be able to get a substantial amount of cleaning done with water alone, which will wash out the majority of the dirt, dust, and any kind of debris that is embedded into their coat. After you have gone through with the initial rinse, turn the water off if possible especially if they find it unpleasant. Go through their entire coat gently yet firmly and scrub all the way down to their skin. A lot of dogs actually enjoy this part of the bathing process, as it is essentially a massage. Once the product has been properly applied, let it soak into the coat for at least a couple of minutes. You can then rinse out the shampoo while giving them another quick scrub, which should remove any remaining dirt or debris. Given the curly and shaggy nature of their hair, a quick pass-through with a towel is not going to be enough to properly dry them. With your Labradoodle still inside the bath, use a towel to remove as much water as possible from their coat. You will find that the town soaks up quite a lot and it will likely become wet very quickly. Having a second towel handy is always a good idea when drying your Labradoodle, as you are going to need it. Now, that the initial drying process is done, use a blowdryer to remove the remaining moisture. Dogs typically do not like blowdryers at first and may even be afraid of them. Get your Labradoodle used to the blowdryer by gently exposing them to it. Use it from a further distance on a light setting and gradually work your way closer. Helping them get accustomed to the bathing and drying process will make it easier when they are bigger. The specific method used to bathe a Labradoodle will vary from one dog to the next, because their coat types can vary significantly. Some may have the tight curls of the Poodle, whilst others have straighter, thick Lab coats. Is Labradoodle Bathing Important? While many Labradoodle dogs are easier to manage than other breeds or mixes thanks to their low-shedding fur, they still need routine grooming. And yes, this sometimes includes a scheduled bath. Labradoodles are energetic, playful, and fun-loving breeds that love spending time outdoors and in water. And, playtime outside almost always involves some splashing in puddles and rolling in dirt. When this happens, your doodle dog will need a bath! This could also be the case if your pet develops a skin condition that needs to be treated with a medicated shampoo. So, you may find the event happening more often than you first expected. Even if you take your dog to the groomer regularly, there will be times where you need to clean them after a particularly messy walk. This is especially true if you have a first- or second-generation Labradoodle crossbreed. Their fur sheds less and produces less allergy inducing dander than many other types of dogs. All dogs shed and shed most during shedding season, including the Labradoodle. Along with being low shedding, the Labradoodle also has a dirt-repellent coat that tends to be much easier to manage. You can begin bathing your Labradoodle once he reaches three months of age. Try using a quality shampoo and conditioner that is designed for puppies. This is a part of socialization and can help make future bath times much easier. Once you begin bathing your Labradoodle, you may be tempted to do it more often than needed. But, over-bathing your Labradoodle can actually be damaging to their skin and fur. Once your Labradoodle reaches at least three months of age, you can begin bathing him once every two to three weeks. Doing so could have a negative impact on their skin and coat. All dogs produce natural oils that help aid in skin and coat health. Over-washing them can hinder this natural production of oils they need in order to keep their fur healthy. Overproduction or underproduction of these oils can cause an increase in skin problems. Including allergies, dry skin, patchy fur, and can even increase shedding. Luckily, Labradoodles are not known to carry much doggy odor. Still, if you want to help keep your Labradoodle smelling fresh between bath time, you always have the option of using grooming wipes or coconut oil. Some owners find this helps to reduce dry skin, soothe allergies, and keep their Labradoodle smelling lovely. However, be aware there is currently little evidence in scientific studies for these claims. You can then gently rub in your chosen shampoo, working it through their curls gently. Make sure the shampoo is fully rinsed out before moving onto the conditioner. Once again, make sure all conditioner is fully washed out afterwards. Dry them off with a towel at first, gently patting them dry and squeezing water out of the fur. Use your hand to soften the intensity of air. Tips for Getting Your Labradoodle Used to Bathtime Getting your Labradoodle puppy comfortable with being bathed at an early age can make all the difference when it comes to routine bath time. We should note that most dogs do not like being bathed. Even dogs who love water often tuck their tails when it comes time for a good wash. That said, you can help make bath time easier for your Labradoodle by starting early and introducing them to water gently. Use treats and praise to introduce them to all elements of the bath including: The bathtub.

What is Dog Deworming? Deworming is the process of removing any worms that are in your dog internally. Deworming is typically done after the veterinarian diagnoses the exact type of worm that has infected your dog. Tests that the veterinarian may suggest are examination of a stool sample, or a blood test. Deworming can be done through spot-treatment, injection, medication, or a dewormer. Why is Deworming Important? It is very important to deworm puppies and dogs that are new to your home in addition to keeping a dog deworming schedule for your pooch after that because worms can cause your dog to have very serious health problems. Different worms can cause different problems. Tapeworms, roundworms, heartworms, and more can have a negative impact on your dogs health. It is important to have your dog diagnosed because the different worms might be treated in different ways. Tapeworms can cause your dog to lose nutrients, because tapeworms feed on the nutrients passed in the small intestine, your dog may seem more hungry than usual… your dog might even lose weight. Prevention can be easy. Tapeworms are contracted when a pet swallows an affected flea and Scheduled flea prevention will keep your dog safe from infection. Tapeworms are treated with various deworming medications. Symptoms are pot-belly, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, belly pain, dull coat, weight loss, and roundworms in poop or vomit. To treat roundworm, follow your veterinarians instructions, this will most likely be one of several deworming medications. Heartworms enter your dog through a mosquito bite from an infected mosquito. The following symptoms are present: intolerance for exercise, lingering cough, excessive fatigue, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, and more. Treatment is a long, tedious, and expensive process that takes over a month to treat. Heartworms can be easily prevented with a heartworm preventative as prescribed by your veterinarian. Hunting dogs , dogs who frequently swim in lakes or ponds, and outside dogs are more likely to pick up one of these types of parasites, especially if they are not receiving the proper preventatives. What Does Deworming Cost? Even with the proper preventatives, it is important to follow a dog deworming schedule because not all worms can be prevented. Puppies, new-to-your-home dogs, and adult dogs should all follow a deworming schedule. Most vets suggests the following deworming schedules mentioned below. Stool that contains worms, blood, or mucus Coughing in the case of severe roundworm infection and, less commonly, lungworm infection Many of these symptoms can indicate other health problems like parvo in puppies with the exception of worms in poop , so you should always consult your veterinarian if you notice any red flags. Are puppy worms contagious to humans? Many worms commonly found in puppies are zoonotic, meaning they are transmissable between animals and people. If your puppy has worms and passed them onto you, it can cause diarrhea, intestinal pain, and secondary health problems in the respiratory, digestive, or cardiovascular systems. Certain people are at increased risk of infection by a contagious puppy than others, specifically: children, seniors, pregnant women, diabetics, cancer patients, and anyone with a compromised immune system. In addition to the worms people can get from puppies — including roundworm, tapeworm, and hookworm — there are other zoonotic puppy parasites you should be aware of like Lyme disease in dogs caused by ticks, as well as Giardiasis from giardia in dogs. The good news is that you can avoid sharing a zoonotic infection with your pet by following your vet's recommended deworming schedule, puppy vaccines, and parasite preventatives. When to deworm puppies Puppies should be dewormed every 2 weeks until they are 8 weeks-old, then again at 6 months-old. At that point, you can switch to an adult deworming schedule for dogs, which typically consists of a worming treatment every 6 months. However, you should onsider using a preventative therapy to defend your pet from an infestation, as parasites have high rates of re-infection after entering the bloodstream. It's best to begin a worming treatment before eggs laid by transplacental parasites pass through the stool. Therefore, most vets recommend starting a puppy deworming schedule as early as 2 weeks-old. Deworming Schedule For Puppies A typical puppy deworming schedule is administered by a veterinarian at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age, then again near the 6-month mark. How to deworm a puppy Deworming treatments are easy and effective to use. The typical treatment protocol is for a veterinarian to provide or supervise the puppy wormer administration for days and then repeat in weeks. The repeated dosing is used to kill the parasites that were still larvae or eggs during the first treatment but have since developed into adults. Be sure to speak to your veterinarian for a puppy wormer prescription; it is not recommended to buy over-the-counter wormers due to inefficient active ingredients and improper dosages. During your first vet visit , the veterinarian should examine your puppy's poop for the presence of worms and determine how much wormer to prescribe and on what schedule. How to administer puppy wormer There are many different ways to give your puppy a deworming treatment. Broad-spectrum formulas are available by prescription as well as over-the-counter, though they are not recommended. Dewormer can be administered as oral medication chewable dog treats, pills, liquid, pastes, and food additives or injectable shot administered by a licensed veterinarian. Can I deworm a puppy naturally at home? You need a vet's help in determining whether your puppy does indeed have worms and identifying what kind of parasite they are. Without this information, it is not possible to choose the correct medication to deworm your puppy at home. What happens after deworming a puppy? After deworming, you might notice dead worms in puppy poop. Sometimes, you might notice slight movement but the worms will go on to die. You should also expect your puppy to experience some diarrhea after treatment. Puppies with high worm burdens might become ill after deworming. This is because when all of the parasites die at once, the lining of the intestines becomes inflamed, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Luckily, this usually resolves on its own and your puppy should feel fine in a couple of days. What are the side effects of puppy wormer? In general, anti-parasite drugs have a very high margin of safety, which means that they rarely cause problems. How long will my puppy poop worms after deworming? Puppies will typically poop worms for days after a deworming treatment. How long does it take for the dewormer to work? Typically, multiple rounds of dewormer are required in order to kill the eggs and larvae. The number of rounds and length of treatment differs depending on the parasites for instance, treatment for roundworm infection typically lasts 4 weeks , as well as the severity and size of the infection. Does dewormer prevent worms? No, deworming puppies only treats a current parasite infection. While intestinal worms are typically not fatal, they can be a big nuisance. If left untreated, they can result in coat issues, lack of appetite, poor nutrient uptake, poor growth, intestinal upsets, organ damage, loss of consciousness, and even death. For this reason, it is very important to treat your puppy regularly for worms. How much does it cost to deworm a puppy? If your puppy has heartworms, your veterinarian will need to do bloodwork, X-rays, and other tests to determine how serious the infection is. Pet insurance can cover expensive veterinary treatments your pet might require throughout its life, and some plans include deworming. Many companies also offer pet wellness plans to help offset preventive pet care expenses, including the cost of vaccines for dogs , annual wellness exams , and standard fecal tests. Pawlicy Advisor can recommend the best pet insurance plan for your puppy based on its unique information. The platform also helps you compare plans from top pet insurance companies side-by-side, so you can understand coverage details and enroll in your favorite solution within a matter of minutes. Click the button below to get started. Is Pet Insurance Worth It? Key Takeaways Because puppies can inherit intestinal worms from their mothers, deworming schedule should be started early between two and eight weeks old. Intestinal worms in puppies can cause diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, poor growth, organ damage, and even death. Many parasites your puppy might have, such as hookworms and roundworms, can also infect you and your family, which is why regular deworming is so important. If you have any questions or concerns about treating your puppy for worms, be sure to contact your vet and stay away from natural homemade remedies. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Bookmark Dogs, especially young puppies, have the bad habit of licking, chewing, and eating anything in their path. This sometimes includes non-food items, such as dirt, grass, trash, or even dead animals they may come across. Unfortunately, these types of things often carry harmful parasites like worms that could cause your dog to become sick. Puppies as young as two to three weeks old can benefit from deworming to prevent illness and stunted growth. As worms can be transferred to humans, deworming is crucial for all dogs and puppies. Types of Worms There are multiple types of worms that puppies and dogs can pick up. Some of the most common include: Roundworms — This type of worm is most commonly contracted through infected feces or dirt. They appear as thin, spaghetti-like parasites that span approximately 12cm long and can create a pot-bellied appearance in dogs. Some symptoms of roundworms in pets include weakness, weight loss, vomiting, mucus in the stool, diarrhea, and stunted growth. Tapeworms — A tapeworm can infect a puppy when the dog eats its larvae from a host animal, such as a mouse or flea. Tapeworms often cause a dog to eat more than normal but with no obvious weight gain. Hookworms — One of the most dangerous types of parasites is hookworms. Hookworms can be transmitted from the mother dog to its puppies before birth or while the puppies are suckling. Some symptoms that could indicate that your dog has hookworms are lethargy, anemia, poor appetite, and black stools containing blood. Once inside, the worms can cause chronic bowel inflammation. You may notice that your dog is having frequent diarrhea, has mucus in its stools, or is experiencing weight loss. It is sometimes ingested when a puppy or dog consumes raw or undercooked meat, including from rodents. Common symptoms of coccidias in dogs include fever, diarrhea, weight loss, and a loss of appetite. Ringworms — Ringworms are caused by a fungus that lives on the skin. These worms can be highly contagious and can be transmitted to humans. A dog with ringworm may develop bare oval patches on its skin. Ringworms can be detected under ultraviolet light at your vet. Heartworms — Heartworms can enter a dog through the bite of a mosquito, potentially causing lung or heart damage, coughing, fatigue, and lethargy. In severe cases, this condition can be fatal. Although heartworms are difficult to cure, they are easy to prevent. Worming Schedule Puppies should receive a deworming treatment based on the following schedule or as recommended by your vet: Every 2 weeks until three months old, starting at age 2 weeks Monthly from three months old to six months old After six months of age, follow adult recommendations. Dogs six months and older should also use a heartworm preventative that is effective against roundworms and hookworms. Adult dogs should receive a deworming treatment at least twice a year, or approximately every six months. If your dog participates in activities that could increase their risk of acquiring parasites, your vet may recommend more frequent deworming treatments. If you have recently purchased or adopted a dog, your new pet should be dewormed as soon as they arrive at its new home. The deworming treatment should be repeated two weeks after the initial treatment. From this point on, you can begin following a regular adult deworming schedule. A dewormer typically starts to work within two to six hours. How a deworming medication works will depend on the type of medication; however, most will dissolve the worms or paralyze them. It is also common for pets to experience diarrhea after a deworming treatment. This should last just a day or two until the worms have passed from the body. Larvae and worm eggs can remain in dog poop and the surrounding soil and grass for an extended period of time. A parasite infection comes with many uncomfortable symptoms, such as weight loss, skin problems, gastrointestinal illnesses, and a myriad of other problems. If you suspect that your puppy or dog may have worms, or you would like to learn more about the deworming process, reach out to your vet to discuss treatment. Ready to start saving money on pet wellness care? Then take a look at Mint Wellness, the pet wellness plan that provides fast reimbursement on routine pet care. Save on vaccinations, wellness exams, preventatives, dental, and more! Price Match Worming Schedule for Puppies, Dogs, Kittens and Cats Worms are probably one of the most common ailments of puppies and kittens but can be cured. Hookworms and roundworms are the most common worms found in puppies and kittens. This is a guide for deworming as recommended by the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. Puppies: Every 2 weeks until 3 months of age, starting at 2 weeks old Once a month from 3 to 6 months of age After 6 months, follow adult recommendations. Also after six months, use a heartworm preventative medication that is effective against hookworms and roundworms. Kittens: Every 2 weeks until 3 months of age, starting at 3 weeks old Once a month from 3 to 6 months of age After 6 months, follow adult recommendations. Adult dogs and cats: Treat regularly, taking into consideration the exposure to parasites. Bitches and Queens: Once prior to mating Once at birthing Lactacting bitches and queens should be treated concurrently with puppies and kittens. Newly acquired animals: Obtain the deworming schedule from the previous owner. Worm immediately, then repeat after 2 weeks, then follow the listed guidelines. There are several products which can be purchased without a prescription. Nemex-2 for dogs will be effective for roundworm and hookworm in dogs. Drontal Tablets for Cats will work for treating tapeworm, roundworm and hookworm in cats. It is always a good idea to consult with and have your puppy or kitten checked by your veterinarian. After your puppy or kitten reaches the appropriate age, there are a number of products which can be prescribed or purchased over the counter which need to be taken monthly to prevent a parasite affecting your puppy or kitten. This is only a partial listing of products used for treating worms infecting your pet. It is also important to treat your dog for fleas. Fleas are a vector for the tapeworm. They can carry the tapeworm form one host to the next. See Control Fleas in 3 Easy Steps. Dogs are prone to worms that inhabit the intestines and the heart: Intestinal Worms Hookworm, Roundworm and Whipworm are generally not seen in the faeces and can cause vomiting, gut pain and diarrhoea. Conveniently, many of the monthly heartworm preventatives include intestinal worm protection too. Using one of these is ideal as your dog will be wormed every single month. Heartworm Heartworm is spread from dog to dog by mosquitoes and, as the name implies, inhabits the heart. Signs can range from no disease at all to tiredness and even sudden death. It is best that dogs be known to be free of adult heartworm prior to starting Heartworm Prevention. Pups 5 months old and younger are free of adult heartworm as it takes 6 months for injected heartworm larvae to become adults. Chris's personal recommendation below Daily Oral These tablets are available anywhere including supermarkets and are the cheapest. Note that if your dog has adult heartworm and then receives these tablets, there is a chance of a fatal allergic reaction. Monthly Oral There are a host of these and we'll happily go over the benefits of each when you swing by our clinic - see below for Dr. Chris's recommendation. In dogs 9 months and older, this injection prevents heartworm for a year. In dogs between 6 and 9 months, it lasts for 9 months. If given at 3 months, they'll need another at 6 months and then a final for a year at 9 months. This injection also kills any hookworm the dog has at the time of injection. Tapeworm is controlled by Nexgard Spectra's extremely good flea control, fleas being the most common source of tapeworm. With such comprehensive control, it's my favourite and what my dog receives. I'll typically start a pup on it at their second vaccination. Since "pushing" this product we hardly see fleas on dogs any more and our tick cases have dropped off substantially. If ticks aren't a concern, then Comfortis Plus controls all Nexgard Spectra does except ticks. Should your pet not need tick or flea prevention then either Milbemax or Interceptor Spectrum do a great job of controlling heartworm and the intestinal worms. Dr Alice Marshall - Vet BVSc Hons Alice is a honours degree veterinarian who has worked across private mixed veterinary practice, the animal nutrition and the animal pharmaceutical industries. She loves to communicate with owners about the importance of pet health and provide useful information to help them enjoy life with their pets. Brand-new puppies are full of love and keen to express it. Many do this by licking you, your face, your children. While it is nice to feel so loved, puppies can bring some parasites with them from their previous home. As some worms can be transferred to family members, including children, it is essential - for both their health and yours - to start them off on a preventative worming schedule from the start. What worms are puppies susceptible too? In Australia, puppies are susceptible to intestinal worms, including roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm, and also to heartworm. Unlike intestinal worms which live in your puppy's intestines, heartworms live in a dog's heart. Why are puppies prone to worm infections? Puppies are incredibly susceptible to worms. They can pick up worms from their mother's milk, from other adult dogs at the breeder's or rescue shelter, and also through their constant desire to investigate, sniff at or eat most things they come across. Grooming and swallowing fleas carrying the infective stage of tapeworms can also lead to infection. Symptoms of worms in puppies Symptoms of intestinal worms in puppies include loss of appetite, diarrhoea or ill-formed stools, vomiting, poor growth, dull coat, or scooting dragging their bottom across the ground. In heavy infections, puppies can sometimes appear 'pot-bellied'. The good news is that common worms are easily controllable with a reliable worming schedule. Treatment of worms in puppies Worming your puppy from the day you get it is a good idea. This will help keep them, your house, and your family all healthy. Check with the breeder or rescue centre for how often they wormed your puppy, including when the last dose was, and continue that schedule. Puppies should be wormed every 2 weeks, from birth until 12 weeks of age. Then every 3 months. We suggest choosing an ' all wormer ' which will cover for all intestinal worms and tapeworms. You can also ask your vet for advice about worming brands and schedules - there are tablets, spot-ons and collars all designed to help. If you need assistance, your vet can also help show you the best way to give your puppy a tablet. For example, hiding a tablet within a puppy treat. Impact of not treating your puppy properly for worms Poor growth, intestinal upsets, and potential to infect human family members are all good reasons to treat regularly for intestinal worms. It is important to realise that worming treatments do not prevent worms; they only kill worms. So it's essential to deworm regularly. Ongoing worm prevention for puppies and adult dogs Because they can inherit worms from their mothers, worming treatment in puppies should be started early. Puppies should be wormed every two weeks until twelve weeks of age, then monthly until six months of age. Once they have reached six months of age, a puppy can transfer onto an 'adult' worming schedule. All adult dogs need to be wormed every three months for effective protection. For peace of mind when it comes to worms, it is always useful to understand how often and when you need to be worming your puppy. That way, you can ensure you are protecting their, and your, continued good health. Always ask your veterinary health team for advice if you have concerns for your pet. Related articles.

Below is baby english bulldog puppies week by week. Variables such as temperature, air movement, and nutrient intake must be tightly controlled. Puppies are kept separate from their mother to ensure they are not laid on nor neglected. Your English Bulldog Baby at this age, most often do not have their eyes open yet. Instead they rely on their sense of hearing to know where their mom is and the other littermates. Week 3 The third week of life is a big week as major, physical development and progress are made during this week. The baby bulldogs should begin cracking their eyes open and begin developing their new found eyesight. Increased visibility adds a small level of independence that is certainly appreciate. The young puppies are now able to locate their mother and nurse more consistently on their own. During this week, we most often make the decision to leave the litter with their mother permanently. Mom will take on the responsibility of not only nursing the puppies but also cleaning up after them. This also means we are able to get a full night of sleep! What do we look for in a good Bulldog mother? Bulldog mom has to have a genetically clean pedigree history. We make sure each bulldog line that we produce has the best chance to stay healthy and happy. Bulldog mom has to have a great personality. We demand that all the bulldogs we own are extremely confident and great with both children and other pets. Breeding bulldogs with great personalities is very important as many social traits are passed from the parents to the baby. Bulldog mom has to have a great maternal instinct. Because the babies are so vulnerable we try to select and keep female English Bulldogs that show endearing and caring traits towards their babies. Week 4 Week four is our walking week! While bulldog puppies do begin to walk earlier at times, typically during week four we begin to see some major walking. The new found mobility is a joy to watch but does present some different types of responsibility as our bulldog puppies certainly can get themselves into trouble! During this week, we will start to perform some basic socialization steps to ensure that they are prepared for their new homes. Week 5 The puppies are now able to run, chew, and yes, sometimes bite! With the physical progress there are certainly ample teaching opportunities to develop these little guys into well behaving bulldogs. During this time we continue to analyze each puppy socially and develop unique, social profiles of each bully. The puppies start to focus less on physical survival and devote much of their time to playing with their littermates. This is a great learning environment for the puppies! This mushy treat quickly becomes a favorite for the pups. A robust bulldog puppy can now weigh around 5 pounds. The puppies will also undergo their first round of vet checks to ensure they are developing physically sound bodies. Socially, we continue work with the puppies to ensure they are exposed to the many different environments of the new homes they will be going to all while balancing a high level of biosecurity to ensure they are not exposed to harmful diseases to ensure for a healthy English Bulldog! The puppies are now old enough and confident enough in themselves to begin developing expectations. Being held and being fed are no longer special occasions rather they are rights to life that are demanded. We continue to provide the high level of care that we hold ourselves to while developing flexibility within each bulldog pup. Week 8 The theme for week 8 is adoption preparation. We will make a decision with our vet the age in which the bulldogs are able to be taken home. The primary variable within this decision is physical development. Most of our bulldogs will go home right around the end of week 9 all the way to week .It simply depends on the bulldog. At this point we encourage our adopters to finish prepping for their puppy. Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. 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. They are also a great way to feed aggressive eaters since they can only get a few bites of kibble at a time. As your puppy masters them, move on to harder puzzles. Avoid rawhide products and anything with parts that could break off. Here are a few of our favorites: Natural Antlers Whole or split is fine. They are expensive, but they will last forever. Bulldogs are prone to skin allergies; wash their towels, blankets, bedding, etc. Avoid Tide at all costs, it is the worst for bulldogs and allergies. Plus, we think Persil cleans better anyways. Persil Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent Baby Gates To keep your bulldog from getting into other rooms unsupervised, place baby gates around your home. You can use them to keep your dog away from stairs or dangerous places like basements or laundry rooms. We use these pressure-fitted gates, there is nothing to install, and they are easy to move around to different areas of the home. We then follow up with the FURminator. Regular use of these two brushes together dramatically reduces the shedding. A little goes a long way. Not only does it clean well, but it also soothes and relieves itchy, dry, and inflamed skin. Perfect for Bulldogs! It is an anti-itch cream and, if used daily, will prevent or remove tear stains. Use weekly to keep nails nice and short, this will also help prevent interdigital cysts. We find that the cordless is easier to maneuver and works better for us, but if you already have a corded one, that will work just fine. Be sure to use a grinding wheel attachment made for nails.

They have a deep bond of attachment with their owners, following them from room to room, longing for them to return home. This energetic breed is a great playmate for children, though parental supervision is needed when small kids interact with the dogs to ensure that they do not end up hurting their four-legged friend. Just like the Pug, they too might get jealous when the owner gives special attention to another animal canine or noncanine in the family or probably a child. Despite their high energy levels and playful disposition, they enjoy taking naps for a long time. These dogs are clever and would spend their intelligence to think over a given situation, and might even display obstinate behavior at times. Combined with its alert and attentive nature, its occasional bouts of yappiness may be a great alarm to warn the presence of a stranger, thus making them a good watchdog. Care Exercise Your dog loves to go outdoors for walks to indulge in its inherent curiosity and explore new surroundings. It is recommended that you take your dog out for a leashed walk for at least half an hour every day. Give the Pugshire sufficient playtime when it is indoors too, to help it get over any boredom and be energized Grooming Shedding is minimal to average. To keep the coat from forming mats and keep dead hairs away, comb it twice to thrice each week. Also, brush its teeth at least 3 or 4 times weekly to avoid tartar buildup. Shampooing it once a month is enough. Health Problems Your pugshire puppies tend to carry some of the genetic issues related to its parent breeds including periodontal disease, cherry eye, tracheal collapse, Legg Calve Perthes disease and patellar luxation. Training Because of the inherent stubbornness in the Pugshire just as their parents, a patient and firm trainer is needed who would be able to groom them in a tactful way through positive reinforcement methods, rather than being harsh. Obedience: Generalize your training to varying conditions. Continue with these variations until he learns to obey your commands consistently in all environments. If he is still adamant to get your attention, ignore him until he gets calmed and pacified after which you may pat or cuddle him. In this way he will gradually realize that to get your attention and love he would need to behave well. Socialization: To help them overcome their feelings of jealousy, get the other dog or pet in your family to interact or socialize with the Pugshire and pay equal attention to both or all of them alternately so that neither of them feels left out. Normal routine diet, recommended for small size energetic breeds. The best dog beds: A buying guide Yorkie pug mix, the perfect pint-size companion If you are thinking about inviting a small dog to share your life with you, the Yorkie Pug mix may already be on your list of dog breeds to consider. Variously known as the Pugshire terrier, Yuggie, and Porkie, the pug and Yorkie mix is a small dog with a big attitude. While crossing a Yorkshire terrier with a Pug may give you the best of both breeds, it may also give you a lot of dog in a tiny package. Gaining an understanding of what characteristics your dog is likely to have is the first step in ensuring that the life shared with your dog is harmonious. Breed history Like all designer dogs, the history of the Pug Yorkie mix is rather short. To get an idea of what your dog is likely to be like, we have to look at the history of the parent breeds. Like a lot of dogs, the Yorkshire Terriers ancestry is a bit murky. Eventually producing the Yorkie as we know it today. They were also used for hunting underground for much larger prey like foxes and badgers. The Pug In contrast, the Pug has only ever been a companion dog. Pugs were brought to England by Dutch Traders, where their popularity soon spread and increased under the royal patronage of Queen Victoria. With an established history as a companion dog. Pugs are affectionate and devoted to their owners and are well known as the clowns of the dog world. When you consider both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Pug, the only thing they have in common is that they are both small dogs. With this in mind, the one thing that we can predict is that the Yorkie Pug mix is a little dog. The Pugshire has an average height of around 12 to 15 inches high and weighs around 7 to 12 pounds. As for the rest of their appearance, there can only be rough estimates of what you might expect. The Pugshire tends to have a leaner look than the Pug but is more stocky and sturdier than the Yorkie. In contrast to the Pugs squashed face. The Pugshire is more likely to have a slightly more elongated muzzle with the help of its Yorkie parentage. Nevertheless retains the round face of the Pug. The ears vary from dog to dog in that they may be erect like the Yorkie or flat like the pug. But typically, they fall somewhere in between. Similarly, the tail of the Pugshire may have a curl, but it may also be straight. Typical colors are black, fawn, steel blue, tan, or any variant of these hues. Masks and dark shading on the face are also possible. The coat itself is medium length, longer than the Pugs but shorter than the Yorkies, and tends to be fluffy rather than silky like the Yorkshire terrier. They are energetic and spirited that are likely to chase anything that crosses their path. Bold and adventurous, Yorkies are fearless and will protect their owners and property against much larger foes. Because of this, they make good watchdogs and are devoted to their owners. Also, they are intelligent and affectionate but are known as a stubborn breed. Pugs are charming, sociable, and mischievous. They are even-tempered pets and get along well with both people and other animals. The Pug remains an excellent companion and is devoted and affectionate. Pugs err on the side of laziness and, despite their willingness to please, have a similarly stubborn streak to that of the Yorkie. They respond well to training with positive reinforcement but are not a dog that will win obedience competitions. So what happens when you combine the two breeds? The Pug Yorkie mix at its best Devoted, affectionate and easy going, a dog that just wants to be around you. Both playful and gentle they are tolerant and mischievous and exceptionally charming The Pugshire is a lovable, energetic dog that likes to play. Devoted, loyal, and protective, they are intelligent companions with an independent streak. Tolerant and easy-going, they rarely show aggression, so they make great pets for a family with children. Nevertheless, they are bold, brave, and assertive. Prone to separation anxiety, the Pugshire terrier cross does best when included in family life. The Pug yorkshire terrier mix at its worse Stubborn, vocal and over-protective. It does mean that your small mixed-breed dog has a lot of energy for its size. A minimum of thirty minutes a day is required, with additional playtime during the day. However, if your Pugshire has inherited the squashed face of its pug parent, be careful of over-exerting your dog in warm weather as they can quickly overheat. A weekly brush to remove any knots will do. Also, depending on the length of their coat, your dog may need a professional trim from time to time. Although the Yorkie is a non-shedding breed, this does not mean that your Pugshire will be. In fact, it is much more likely that your Pugshire will molt. But it will be moderate rather than heavy like that of the Pug. Despite the list below, Pugshires have a relatively long lifespan at between 12 — 16 years and are considered to be a robust breed; Breathing problems including ESP Elongated soft palate. Tracheal collapse and stenotic nares Eye problems including; cataracts, distichiasis, dry eye, retinal dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy PDE Pug dog encephalitis Patellar luxation Yorkie Pug mix highlights The Yorkie pug mix has plenty to offer and is a lot of dog in a small package. Like any other dog and dog breed, the personality of individual dogs varies. Always research both the breed and breeder if buying a puppy thoroughly. However, if you decide to share your life with a Yorkie Pug mix, you can expect a loyal and affectionate dog. Fundamentally easy-going, but with the energy and spirit of its Yorkie parent, the Pugshire may be the ultimate companion dog. Some of them are carbon copies of one parent or the other, while others represent an equal mix of their parent breeds. So, virtually any blanket statements about these dogs should be taken with a grain of salt. At the end of the day, all you can count on when you bring home a Pugshire Terrier is that the dog will be small. Their exact origins are unknown. Accidental Pugshire Terriers might have even been what inspired a breeder to start crossing the two breeds on purpose. One thing we can say for sure is that the purposeful breeding of Yorkies and Pugs has only really caught steam in the last 30 years or so and predominantly in the United States. Most Pugshire Terriers suffer from little dog syndrome. Little dog issues notwithstanding, Pugshire Terriers are great at eliciting laughter. These dogs need plenty of activity, but they can get that by simply goofing off for your benefit. It would crush their fragile little egos. Pugs, on the other hand, are less so. Regardless, Pugshires tend to be highly intelligent dogs. However, this often works against their owners as much as for them. As far as temperament is concerned, these are playful and energetic dogs. However, you have to socialize and train them well, as they can be full of nervous energy, especially around children and strangers. Are These Dogs Good for Families? In fact, you may need as many family members around as possible to help you burn through all their energy. That said, families with small children should be careful, as these dogs can have hair-trigger tempers. The animal needs to be socialized to be around kids, and the kids need to be taught the healthy ways of dealing with dogs. All you need is a little open space, a bit of free time, and a playful spirit. Their Little Dog Syndrome can work for you in certain respects. They may even try to chase them off! However, that pesky Little Dog Syndrome can rear its ugly head at inopportune moments, so you should watch them carefully. As far as cats and other small pets are concerned, be careful. Pugshires also have a strong jealous streak, so they may not appreciate seeing you lavish attention on another animal. Owning one might be like having a Pug, it may be like having a Yorkie, or it could be a mix of the two. That said, there are a few things that are consistent regardless of how the dog turns out. However, feeding them the right food is just as important as feeding them the right amount. This will help them feel full without packing on excess pounds, and it will also help keep them regular. Given how small these dogs are, you should pay attention to the size of the kibble that they eat as well. Fortunately, most kibbles designed for smaller dogs use small pieces of kibble. As a general rule, they need at least an hour of physical stimulation every day to stay happy and healthy. A long walk will generally do the trick, or you can just have them race around your apartment. You need to be careful about not pushing them too hard, in fact. Just as important as physical exercise is mental stimulation. You want to tax their sharp little minds, so games like hide and seek, obedience training, or puzzle toys are all excellent ways to burn off that mental energy. These pups are stubborn. There are no two ways about it, so expect to find yourself locked in a battle of wills during most training sessions. They respond best to positive reinforcement, and punishment will likely just cause them to dig in their heels and behave even worse. Be careful if you use food as a reward, though. Obesity is terrible for these pups, and they can easily get fat if you give them too many treats. Use them sparingly, and substitute praise and affection as much as possible. The fact that Pugshires are notoriously difficult to train makes them a poor choice for first-time dog owners. Pay extra attention to the hair around their ears and behind the neck. Bathing is largely optional unless they get visibly dirty, but if you do want to clean them, limit it to a few times a year. You should use a gentle, dog-friendly shampoo. Their eyes should be given special attention as well, as Pugs are known for having eye issues. Clean away any discharge, and take them to the vet if you see any sort of problem. That said, they still have their fair share of health issues. In particular, obesity will cause all sorts of horrible health issues for your pup. Keep their waistline trim and slim. Do your due diligence before buying a puppy. Also, Pugs are vulnerable to different health conditions than Yorkies, although there is a certain amount of overlap. As a result, the issues that your dog will be most likely to develop will depend in part on which parent breed they favor. Minor Conditions. Size Life Span Yorkie Mixes are not purebred dogs, but a mixed or designer breed. Before you decide to add a Yorkie Mix to your family, you may want to research both breeds of the mother and sire. Being knowledgeable about both dog breeds in the cross will help you make an educated and fair decision. You should also research the possible breeder or rescue to be sure they are reputable and reliable. Many Yorkie Mixes have the positive characteristics of a Yorkshire Terrier. Most Yorkie Mixes are often loving, affectionate, and intelligent. They can also be headstrong, willful, and prone to barking if not trained properly. If you decide to adopt or buy a Yorkie Mix, you should educate yourself on possible training options and tips. Being well prepared for your new dog will make the transition easier for your puppy and your family. Some Yorkie Mixes may have conflicts as well. That could mean a Yorkie-pom that is more of a couch potato than a ball of energy, or a prey-driven Yorkie-poo that would rather swim in the local pond than go to the dog park. With any mixed breeds, there will be some variations. Most Yorkie Mixes are on the smaller spectrum of dog breeds. They are often happy anywhere as long as they have plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. So, if you have an apartment or condo, a Yorkie Mix could be perfect for you. Before adopting, be sure you have a few hours every day to spend with your new friend. Yorkie Mixes are incredibly loyal and loving to their owners and need to be around them whenever possible. If you have long days at the office, see if you can bring your pup to work. Otherwise, you will want to be able to come home in the middle of the day for lunch and a walk — if this is not possible, you may need to look for a more independent pup. Many mixed breeds are often healthy because they are drawing from a larger gene pool. They still need regular veterinary checks, a healthy and wholesome diet, and daily exercise. This will keep them happy and healthy. To keep them mentally occupied, you may also want to provide food puzzles and games. In doing so, they will not become bored or possibly destructive in the long run. As these pups age, they are prone to eye issues, epilepsy, skin problems, and exhaustion if overexerted or left outdoors for too long. By staying up-to-date with veterinarian visits, you may avoid many of these ailments. Yorkie Mixes are often easy to train for first-time pet owners. If you are focused and patient, you will be able to teach your pup the necessary commands in a matter of weeks. However, some dogs will be more stubborn than others. By learning about training techniques, and possibly working with a professional trainer, you will have the confidence to teach your new friend and they will be eager and happy to listen to you. Mixed Yorkie breeds often need minimal grooming. You should brush your dog, at most, every other day or at least once a week and bathe them every other month or as needed. Then, you will want to have them groomed twice a year to stay happy and comfortable as the seasons change. As a small dog breed, the Yorkie Mix is more prone to dental disease, but proper dental care for dogs can help prevent it. Your Yorkie Mix will need daily exercise that is physically and mentally stimulating. By taking them for a walk and ending with a game of fetch, they will be happier, calmer, and ready to head home and relax. A Yorkie Mix usually stands 8 to 11 inches in height and weighs 4 to 8 pounds. This mixed dog breed generally lives 12 to 16 years. Featured Yorkie Mix Article. A mixed-breed can inherit any combination of traits from their parents. Should a Pug Mix take after their Pug parent, they will be an affectionate, social dog that loves their families. A Pug tends to be playful, social, friendly, and gentle. They thrive on attention and affection and tend to get along well with children, other pets, and other dogs. As long as they are well-socialized, they also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. They can be prone to barking and it can become a nuisance behavior if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you can expect the same from a Pug Mix. You still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed as they will likely introduce their own potential quirks. You can also meet the mother in person to get a sense of her temperament and see the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. Although the breeder should have started socialization and training, it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Pugs are moderately adaptable dogs. Although they do well in apartments as well as larger homes, they are particularly sensitive to heat and cold as a snub-nosed dog breed. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you should be able to expect the same from a Pug Mix. The other parent breed could still introduce some traits that affect adaptability, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. Mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs, but it is not a guarantee. They can inherit none, some, or all of the conditions common to their parent breeds. From the Pug side, potential health conditions to be aware of include eye problems, luxating patella , encephalitis, and hip dysplasia. As a brachycephalic, or snub-nosed, dog, they are prone to allergies and respiratory issues. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. A Pug is eager to please and tends to pick up on things quickly. They tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. The other parent breed could make a Pug Mix easy to train or more difficult, so you want to make sure you ask the breeder about them. A Pug Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should they inherit the Pug coat, it will shed a bit year-round, require weekly brushing, and the occasional bath. Cutting nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Ear checks on a weekly basis with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed are ideal dental care for dogs. Pugs tend to sit in a low to moderate energy range. Usually, daily walks and some playtime are enough to keep them happy and healthy. They may be up for more activity, but can also get easily overheated. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs to help make sure they get enough activity. If the other parent breed also has a low to moderate activity level, then you can expect something similar from a Pug Mix. However, if the other parent breed is a higher energy dog, then you will want to make sure you are prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. Fully-grown Pugs are usually inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. Although it is not a guarantee, you can meet the mother in person to get an idea of what to expect in a fully-grown Pug Mix. A Pug generally lives for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, but you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Pug Mix. Featured Pug Mix Article. Is the Pugshire right for you? What should we call this yorkie and pug mix? Before we take a look at some of the traits with this dog, we need to know its name. There are a few different names for this cross breed. Many will continue to refer to it as a pug and yorkie mix, but others prefer the name Pugshire. This blend of the two parent breeds sounds like the ideal name for this cross — as though it were a true breed on its own right. With time, the Pugshire may be seen as its own breed, like some other crosses. For now, it is not recognised by the AKC or other leading organisations. Image Source What does a pug yorkie mix look like? As we mentioned above, there are some common traits with the Yorkshire Terrier and Pug that are very distinctive. How many of these traits are common in this cross breed pup? There are sure to be difference between individual dogs, even within the same litter. Still, there are some common physical traits that appear with most dogs, such as the small, darker muzzle, floppy ears and well-proportioned build. Then there is the pug yorkie mix size. They can be anywhere from pounds in weight, depending on their gender and the leaning of their genetics. Males that take after their pug father may be larger than females that take after a yorkie mother. The height is generally around inches. There are many pug yorkie mix pictures online, mostly from proud owners, that also highlight the coat and coloration of this dog. Many of these dogs tend to have a short coat, much like that of the pug, but with the golden browns of the terrier. Some also retain that black saddle marking often seen with Yorkies. This is a nice distinguishing feature. Then there are others that have a more medium length coat like the yorkie. Remember that pugs shed a lot, even though many class this mixed breed as a minimal shedder. Take the time to brush the fur regularly to keep it looking at its best. Alternative colors in this coat include black and blue. The black dog is a handsome little animal that can come from black pugs and Yorkshire terriers. What else do new owners need to be aware of when taking care of a yorkie pug mix? These grooming needs are just the start when caring for these small dogs at home. This means that they will suit apartment living pretty well. Even so, they still need to keep the weight off, stay fit and enjoy plenty of play time. They have a tendency to burn off lots of energy in walks and playtime, and then enjoy a good nap. This is a fairly long lived dog with the right care and attention. Unfortunately, there are a few important pugshire health problems that new owners have to watch out for. These issues could limit that lifespan if not controlled properly. Watch out for issues with the eyes and teeth, such as periodontal disease and cherry eye. Regular vet checks will help here. There is also the risk of tracheal collapse and other conditions with the airways because of those pug genes. Some will also struggle with joint issues like dysplasia and patellar luxation. Finally, there is also the potential for weight gain from those pug genes. This online guide offers simple information to help nervous new owners through the difficult first steps. What can we expect from the yorkie pug mix temperament? The personality of these Pugshire dogs should be positive and friendly with the right training. Most are affectionate in nature, because of the traits of their parents, and make great companion dogs. This affection is often clearly expressed with licking and touching. They like to be close to their owner at all times. They also tend to pretty good with children so work well as family pets. Obedience can vary depending on training and personality. Some dogs are highly obedient and caring, while others can be a little obstinate and act up if bored. This often comes down to their intelligence, so make sure to keep their brains active. Because this is such an alert little dog, it has great potential as a watchdog. It should have no problem barking at strangers or intruders. Some would say that it has no real awareness of its own size. However, it can bark a little too much if not trained appropriately. This could get annoying if they vocalize too much. There is also the risk of jealousy in this yorkie pug cross because this mix comes from two companion breeds. They may prefer to have owners to themselves, and try and fend off unknown dogs. This is where socialization can help. Finally, this attachment and devotion to an owner could lead to some separation anxiety. Try not to leave this cross breed alone for long periods. Want to train your dog without spending hundreds of dollars? Click Here to check out the brain training for Dogs course now! The best way to avoid these problems is to train your pugshire puppy early Training could be an issue here as this is a smart cross breed with that stubborn streak. However, all barking, obedience and socialization training needs to occur from an early age. This is the best way to ensure the best results. Those that do struggle when training these yorkie pug puppies should turn to Doggy Dan the Online Dog Trainer for help. This online guide is full of helpful, step-by-step guides on a range of behavior issues. It is accessible enough for new owners to use in the comfort of their own home. Finding a pug yorkie mix for sale If all of these pug yorkie mix characteristics are appealing to you, you will want to know where to get one for yourself. There are two options here: The first is to find a breeder with pug yorkie mix puppies for sale. There are sure to be plenty of breeders that see the potential in breeding these two small dogs. Search the local area for one that is knowledgeable and willing to let you into their home to see the litter. The second option is to turn to adoption. Check local shelters to see who needs a second chance. How much do pughshires cost? The Yorkshire terrier pug mix cost will vary depending on how you find them, and the reputability of the breeder. Those that undercut this price may be overbreeding dogs for profit, so avoid them. Also be aware that some may try and charge lots for a rare pug x yorkie, when there is really another dog in the mix. This is where it helps to meet the parents before committing to buying a puppy. Also remember that adoption is cheaper in the short term, but may come with medical and training costs if the dog was abused as a puppy. Only Embark uses research-grade.Hopefully all of this pug yorkie mix info has shown the true nature of this curious little cross breed. The pug yorkie mix does bring some of the best aspects of the parent dogs together into a cute little companion. They can be affectionate little companions and watch dogs, with minimal care needs. Make sure to find a healthy dog from a good breeder or shelter, give it the care it needs and enjoy their company.

black labrador retriever puppies for adoption - Exercise, Growth, and Joints Exercise Labradors not only love exercise, they need exercise. We all look forward to taking our puppy for a walk, however it is important not to over-exercise your puppy. In natural play, puppies will romp until they are tired and then stop to lay down for rest. When walking a puppy on a leash, they cannot stop when they normally would for rest. Too much exercise or walking can severely damage their bone and joint structures irreversibly. This should be taken seriously. THE RULE is: No more than 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age So that means, at 2 months old 8 weeks , your puppy only needs to exercise or walk for 10 minutes per day. At 3 months of age 15 minutes of exercise and so on. If you walk your puppy too far too soon, your puppy may develop hip and elbow dysplasia as they get older. Labradors have been known to develop dysplasia younger than other breeds of dogs. In many of these cases, it is often due to environmental factors such as over-exercise, running on hard or strenuous surfaces such as concrete or sand , continual jumping or agility work. Things to avoid with your puppy: No jumping in or out of car, especially larger cars. Lift the dog or use a ramp. No throwing balls or frisbee great distances for your puppy to chase. The sudden stopping and over reaching with the front legs is dangerous. No agility, jumping or flyball before years old Do not let other dogs knock or push the puppy over continually, includes body-slamming Avoid much stair climbing which can increase the risk of dysplasia No fast turns or roll-overs Good exercise: Swimming is great, since there is no weight-bearing impact on their joints. Remember, labradors love water! Walking on leash, for no longer than the recommended length of time for their age Self-directed play is an overriding rule for any puppy under 18 months old. The majority of exercise should be free play, exploring, and noodling around Hide and seek games are fantastic, as the dog can move at its own pace looking for its toy or treat or you. Size is a factor as large dogs, especially ones that like to play with paw whacks, can inadvertently injury a young puppy. Supervised play is critical. You need to teach the puppy a release command. All these games are forms of exercise for puppies and are a great way to help your puppy learn useful lifelong skills and qualities. Growth plates and bones: Development and injury Growth Plates Growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to grow longer until the end of puberty. Growth plates gradually thin as the hormonal changes approaching puberty signal the growth plates to close. In puppies, this closure normally completes between 18 to 24 months old in labradors. After sexual maturity, the growth plates calcify and the rapid cell division ends. The growth plates become a stable, inactive part of the bone, now known as an epiphyseal line. Dogs bones are held together with muscles, tendons and ligaments soft tissue. In an adult dog, if a joint experiences a stress such as bending the wrong way or rotating too much, the bones will hold firm and soft tissue will be pulled, resulting in a sprain or tear. Why this matters so much, is that unlike a sprain, injuries to the growth plate may not heal properly or not heal in time for the puppy to grow up straight and strong. Injury to a growth plate can result in a misshapen or shortened limb, which creates an incorrect angle to a joint resulting in yet more future injuries when he grows up, including dysplasia. These xray images show open and closed growth plates in a puppy and adult dog. Bone Strength In addition to having soft growth plates at the end of long bones, puppies bones in general are softer. Spiral fractures of the tibia lower leg bone are very common in puppies. A spiral fracture is where the bottom half of the bone twists in the opposite direction of the top half. Any exercise that puts torque twist on a bone puts the puppy at risk of a fracture. For an example, movements such as twisting and turning suddenly can cause these type of fractures. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is where we recommend you read our Health and Genetic Testing page, where we talk about hip and elbow dysplasia. It is critical that you, as a puppy owner, understand as much as you can about hip and elbow dysplasia, how you can help prevent it, and what your breeder should be testing for. On the other hand, an underfed or malnourished puppy or dog is also at higher risk of injury. Muscles mass directly influences strength, likewise inadequate calcium and nutrients affect bone density. A body condition score of about is healthy for a young puppy. Once an adult, the ideal body condition score would be about 5 for a healthy, fit labrador. Sterilisation Desexing In larger breeds, sterilising young puppies at a young age has shown to increase the risk of joint disorders and injury. We recommend sterilisation occurs between 24 months old for this reason. This recommendation is outlined in our Health Guarantee. We discuss this more under Desexing or Sterilisation. These tips will also help you to advance your dog so that, eventually, you can trust them to be off the leash in a safe area. Don't release your dog until they can demonstrate knowledge and obedience on the long leash and in many different settings. To begin with, walk them in the house and in the yard. Dogs learn 'contextually and by repetition'. These hints will help you to become the pack leader. Be certain that this is only reason that your dog will follow you. Make time to walk your dog Whether you walk your dog in the morning or evening will be influenced by your program. Whenever you exercise your dog, the walk should allow for 'focused time' and 'free time'. Two leashes will facilitate this. If they are under 12 months old, take some water with you. Also take a back-pack and a treat belt available on Ebay. I recommend no more than thirty minutes of walking in total for a dog under 14 months old as their growth plates are not set until this time. Be careful of overly vigorous activity, particularly if you have an older but playful dog. I don't recommend running for more than very short bursts for the same reason. Healthy hips and elbows are critical for a healthy, active and long life. Use two leashes - a long leash approx 7m and a short leash approx 1m Start your walk with the labrador pup on a short leash. The short leash will help you to direct and guide the dog. This allows you to maintain full control over your dog. Set up your walk for success. Start by getting the dog to sit or at the least be stationary and under your control. As you begin, keep your dog behind your body alignment. Be patient and encourage your dog. Do not show aggressive frustration. This will only cause confusion and fear or aggression. If your dog is not complying, stop and reset. You are the master Walking in front of your dog demonstrates that you are the master or the pack leader. You should be first out the door. The dogs should exit the compound only at your command. This is essential whether you are walking 1, 2 or more dogs. If your dog controls the pace and direction of the walk, they are the pack leader. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk. Dogs learn contextually The next two hints are important training essentials. Firstly, labradors learn contextually and their training in not immediately transferable to a new environment. Using the same disciplines and routines, train your dog the same way in different settings. This will entrench your expectations. Correct immediately Secondly, a labrador has about a five second retention of information. After five seconds the dog has lost any association between your assertiveness and their behaviour. If they disobey you, you must correct them within five seconds or not at all. If the dog is disobedient or simply does not understand, reset and start again. The long leash I'm a big fan of the long leash. A long leash will help you to correct bad behaviour at a distance. After a period of training with the short leash, remove it and connect the longer lead. Keep the leash in your hand, releasing it slowly and progressively. As they master this, you can back away while the dog is 'sitting and staying'. Reward your labrador pup with vigorous affection and a treat. After this, you should allow them to wander and sniff around. All this time you will keep your dog on the long leash and under your control. Be sure that the free time is less than their focus time. During the socialisation phase, 8 - 16 weeks, you will need both leashes as you expose your labrador pup to other dogs. As you walk your dog, you will come across small and large dogs that are aggressive. Walking on either leash will give your complete control. And it will ensure safety at all time. You new labrador pup has no innate road sense. Walk them, getting close to roads. Expose them to vehicles so that they do not panic. Reward your dog for good behaviour. Remember that dogs register tones and frequencies, not words. Use higher tones to affirm, reward and encourage. You approval is the greatest reward for a Labrador. Direct eye contact without high vocal affirmation will be interpreted as aggression. Use lower growling tones to reinforce disapproval. Try to avoid 'No' as a command. It is too general and therefore confusing to the dog. Always reward and reinforce obedience to specific commands. Use food treats to begin with, however you must gradually phase them out. Your vocal affirmation and affection should be your longer term goal. As your dog maintains the proper behaviour, reward them with treats. Reward your dog after the walk I recommend that you reward your labrador pup after the walk. Let them have a drink firstly then give them a portion of food that is less than a meal but more than a treat. It will not take long for your dog to anticipate the whole experience. When you appear with the leashes, they will become very enthusiastic. If you adhere to these eight hints and maintain the discipline of your training, you and your dog will value and enjoy the experience. Finally, remember to pick up after your dog. Don't go on a walk without your poop bags on hand! Find a vet you can have confidence in. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Learn more » While Labrador Retrievers are a popular companion dog worldwide, they were initially bred as sporting dogs and have retained a lot of their working prowess even after the shift to companionship. AKC compliant breeder Ruffwood Labs emphasizes that exercise is not a value of time exercised but exertion. Puppies According to Ruffwood Labs, Labrador puppies need to be walked for around 5 minutes for every month of life. So, a minute walk would be appropriate for a four-month-old puppy. However, not all walks are equal. Take into account the terrain that you will be walking on eg. The most important part is not the length of the exercise but the quality of it. Puppies are being walked to help with socialization and lead skills rather than a need for exercise per se. Let them guide the activity- sniffing and investigating or running around madly for a few minutes. They will usually stop and sit or lie down if they need a rest, let them do this. Additionally, Ruffwood Labs warns against overexercising your puppies. Hip dysplasia is multifactorial and genetics, diet and exercise all play a part. Ruffwood Labs recommends that Labrador puppies not be vigorously exercised and kept away from stairs to avoid causing damage to their delicate, growing joints. Once they are mature, by 18 months, they will be able to engage in more vigorous exercise and start to go jogging with you if you wish. Your average labrador would enjoy around 1 to 2 hours of exercise a day but this can be divided into manageable time slots. Exercise also includes brain stimulation such as training and scent work. So your morning and evening walks can be supplemented with training sessions at home too. Labradors love to swim and this can be a great form of exercise for them. Get creative, play games, use puzzle feeders and have fun together building your bond. If you see any of the following signs while exercising your Labrador, stop the activity and let your dog rest. Damage to the Paw Pads Some dogs get so absorbed in their play that they accidentally put excessive strain on the paw pads. Even though paw pad injuries are typically painful, some dogs will ignore the very clear sign that they need to stop to continue playing. Soreness or stiffness will typically become visible once your dog has rested up following their play session. Image By: SeventyFour, Shutterstock Behavioral Changes If your dog is not quite themselves or behaving oddly, especially around the time you would typically exercise, this is a good sign that something is wrong. Your dog may be feeling under the weather, or maybe you went a little too hard the day before. If the problem persists, contact your veterinarian to rule out any medical diagnoses. Injury or Heat Intolerance If your dog is injured during play or starts showing signs of heat sickness , you should halt play immediately and bring them to a veterinarian. Prompt treatment is of the essence with these kinds of situations. Final Thoughts Exercising your dog is a critical component of being a dog owner. So, it makes sense to learn as much as you can about how to properly keep your dog healthy before you get one. So, keep that in mind before bringing your new dog home. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway.


Similar services:

black labrador retriever puppies for adoption - Congratulations to Striker for being in the top ten historical producing sires again in .Congratulations to Amos for being in the top ten current producing sires for the fourth year in .Congratulation to Ruger for being in the top ten current producing sires for the first year in .Our dogs live with us on a five acre ranch. A canal runs through it and they enjoy running and swimming for plenty of exercise. They also enjoy getting in our truck and going to a near by pond or river for a few marks on water or land as part of their training process. They have proved to be very eager retrievers and excel in the hunting field. They make great hunters along with being excellent companions and family pets! Our professional breeding program of golden retriever puppies consists of over 28 years of intensive work to provide top quality puppies. They are bred for temperament, standards of the breed, and we strive for top quality and beautiful puppies! Our golden retriever pups are guaranteed for two years for eyes, hips, elbows and heart with a written guarantee! All our breeding dogs are cleared before we breed them. We also provide support to our puppy buyers and general advice! It is a big responsibility and commitment in raising a golden retriever pup but it is a wonderful experience! When our girls were small, we got our first golden. He soon became so much a part of our family! He was an excellent hunter and we didn't really have to train him. He had a lot of natural ability, was a great companion, hunter, obedience and all around kind of a dog. We were hooked on Golden Retrievers after owning this one. We have since had several and have found the breed to be exceptional. Since when we bred our first litter, we have learned as much as possible about breeding and training them. Hunter's Goldstrike Golden Retrievers has a goal to strive for good breeding practices along with clearances, appearances, and temperament. We also belong to the Platte Valley Hunting retriever club and have served on the board for many years in various offices. This is a huge accomplishment for him. We plan to do some Striker pups in the future as we have some frozen semen on him. Hunter's Goldstrike Golden Retrievers thanks you for looking at our website! Puppy Supplies Welcome to Buck Family Farm, a place where our love for Golden Retrievers has evolved into a passion for providing families with affectionate, intelligent, and healthy Golden Retriever Puppies. Our goal is to make sure your next family pet is everything you expected and more. Our Dogs Our family specializes in raising Golden Retrievers of all coat shades who enjoy our spacious 20 acre farm. It is important to us that each dog gets special attention and care each day. Our family-style setup allows our dogs to have the luxury of running free and romping around to their hearts' content while playing together and with our family. Also, since this is our at-home classroom, someone is always available to play ball or give a much needed scratch on the belly and pat on the head. Genetic testing is also performed on each dog to help us make wise choices for the best pairings and to produce puppies with the best probability of excellent health. Of high importance however, is taking into consideration the temperament of each of our Golden Retrievers to produce a well balanced and friendly companion, who exhibits all of the classic traits of the breed. Puppies Buck Family Farm puppies are AKC registered, vet certified, have first shots, are wormed and will come to your home with a 1 year health guarantee and a first bag of puppy food. We also send a blanket with mommy's scent and all appropriate NYS paperwork as well as copies of parents' health clearances. Our desire is to make your experience with us and our puppies everything you expected and more. Puppy Applications If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from our farm please fill out an adoption application to help us get to know you a little better. When your application is accepted you will have the opportunity to place your name on our waiting list for an additional fee. This ensures a courtesy call when a particular color, gender or litter of choice has arrived. You will then have the opportunity to place a deposit on one of our puppies. You will receive a courtesy notification of the litters' arrival and have opportunity to place a deposit. However, deposits that are not submitted promptly will affect your pick-order. Deposits are usually non-refundable. Placing a Deposit Once a new litter is born and determined to be healthy and thriving, we open them for deposit. First, to those on our waiting list, and then to families who have pre-approved applications. We choose puppies at 5 weeks of age in the order that deposits were placed. Please contact us for Paypal, zelle and Venmo handles. Visiting We frequently update pictures of all puppies on a regular basis. You will not be allowed to visit the puppies or parents until mommy is settled in and feeling comfortable with visitors. At 5 weeks of age we have adopting families visit our farm and choose their puppy. Puppies are chosen in the order that deposits were placed. Homecoming At 8 weeks of age and after veterinary examination, puppies will be united with their forever families! Nestled between Rouse Hill and Windsor NSW on our property in the beautiful Hawkesbury Region with my husband Steve, we have been involved in training, showing and breeding Golden Retrievers since .Our kennels were named after our first two golden retrievers Ellie and her beautiful daughter Jody from the Phileni Kennels who went on to become my foundation bitch. We will be forever grateful to have been able to share our lives with such beautiful girls. We have come a long way from those early days where countless visits to shows and obedience trials with friends only served to reinforce my passion for the Golden Retriever dog as one of the most versatile, loyal and intelligent companions a family could wish to own. Our golden life has led us down a wonderful and varied path together, we have had the pleasure to meet with some lovely families from all over Australia and overseas as well as working closely with Assistance Dogs NSW and Pets as Therapy and providing treasured companions to nursing homes and people with disabilities. Our kennels have stayed small in order to give each of our dogs their time to shine and we incorporate some of the very best in English and Australian Championship blood lines in our breeding program. All our breeding dogs are tested for hereditary associated conditions and hold hip, elbow, clear heart and current eye certificates. Our aim at Elljoa is to never stop learning as we strive to breed for soundness, type and temperament, the foundations for the perfect family dog. I hope you enjoy meeting our dogs and know that we are always available to answer your enquiries regarding this wonderful breed. Janet lived in Windsor, then LaSalle for a while and then moved back to Windsor. Dan was born in Windsor, moved out to Harrow, then to a beach in Amherstburg and finally to Windsor. After we got married we lived on a short street around Central Ave. This was a great home but it was too small for our children and a dog so out to the country we moved! At the time the small town of Wallaceburg was declining in population because of the factories closing down so we scooped up a big country house on two acres and are here to this day. At that time if you had asked us if we had plans to become a Labrador Retriever Breeder we would have laughed at you! There are also one or two of our purebred Labs who are retired from breeding in Windsor and the surrounding areas like LaSalle or Amherstburg. At the time we moved if we had the money to purchase a property in Windsor or Essex County we likely would have stayed because our families were from that area. One of our favorite places to walk our Labs in the Windsor area is the Ojibway Park. This park is full of insects, animals, plants, fungi and grasses…the list goes on. After a good brisk walk with one of our Labrador Retriever puppies you can sit at a picnic table and enjoy the sounds of nature. For more information on the Ojibway Nature Centre and Park follow this link. You can relax knowing that one of our puppies in Windsor will also enjoy access to multiple 24 hour Veterinarian Services. We understand that for many people taking home a new Labrador Retriever puppy to Windsor that you could be nervous until your puppy gets used to their surroundings. Lab Retriever Puppies Here! If you are considering joining our Purebred Labrador Retriever Puppies Windsor club, please follow the link below and visit our available puppies page. Instructions of how to apply for one of our puppies is on that page. If you would like to be considered to be a Guardian open the menu at the top of the page and visit the Guardian Puppy page. British style Golden Retrievers Our British style Golden Retrievers range in colour from the palest cream to a rich gold. We have produced cream Golden Retrievers for 40 years, long before this colour became popular. We, however, make no claim that a cream English-type Golden Retriever is somehow more valuable or healthier than those of ours which are a slightly darker shade. We aim to produce well-structured Golden Retrievers, with a beautiful head, while conforming to the breed standards of both Canada and Britain country of origin. This means that we aim to breed a Golden Retriever with a strong hunting desire and high trainability. Our dogs are also sweet-tempered and gentle and thus ideal family-pets. Our breeding stock all have certified clear hips, elbows, eyes and heart. Most of our dogs are also titled and we actively compete with our dogs. For decades, Kyon Kennels has been known for our cream English type Golden Retrievers, but rest assured that colour is insignificant to us and always secondary to the temperament, hunting desire and high trainability, health and longevity of our puppies. Some of our favourite dogs have been rich golden in colour while others have been the lightest cream. The result is our own carefully-developed breeding-program and the well known Kyon line. We are dedicated and passionate Golden Retrievers breeders who strive to produce dogs of exceptional quality that also conform to the breed-standard. We regularly import Golden Retrievers from the best Scandinavian and English bloodlines. Kyon also combines these outstanding pedigrees with the finest British style Golden Retrievers in North America. Our stud-dogs are regularly used across North America and many a Golden Retriever breeder has also gotten their start in Golden Retriever with a show-quality puppy from us.