border collie poodle mix puppy

Bringing a pug puppy home is not far from bringing a child home or having someone to live with you. Pugs are living creatures with personalities of their own. Some pug breeders offer pug mix puppies for sale in PA and you have to reach out to them as soon as they post their listing as there are many pet owners that are interested. Below are some of the steps you can take to help you select the perfect pug puppy for your home and choosing the right pug breeders. Create a Comprehensive List of Breeders Your search for adorable pug puppies will begin with a list of reputable breeders. Finding the best pug breeder will solve more than half of any future problems you might have with the pug. Instead, try to build a list of your options. Be specific with what you are looking for. This can be the need for crate training or an assurance of a health guarantee. This allows you to choose not only the best pug puppies but also enables you to get the best deal you can get. Once you have a list of at least five 5 pug breeders, you can talk to each of them and figure out which breeder has the best pug puppy for you. Identifying the Best Pug Breeder Now that you have a list, you can set appointments for each of the pug breeders. Talk to the pug breeders and ask them important questions. Of course, while pug breeders value owners who are enthusiastic about getting the best puppies home, be respectful with the manner you ask your questions. Always try to build a relationship and ask for information in the context of understanding how to take care of the pug you are about to bring home. Some buyers would indicate their need for the puppies to undergo crate training and would seek a health guarantee. Do your best to ask for these details when you talk to pug breeders. To properly identify a pug breeder who follows ethical practices in breeding pug puppies, look for these small signs or signals that they are legit: Legitimate Breeders Volunteer Information. Check out their listing and see if they are providing complete information about the puppy. This means that if there are issues with the puppy, they will volunteer the information. Do not fall for big claims like the puppy coming a champion sired pug without proof. Take what the breeder is saying with a grain of salt unless proof is established. They will be upfront about the total cost of the transaction and will not include any hidden fees. Legitimate Breeders Value a Vet Check Since part of any breeding program is the vet check, a good pug breeder will not shy away if you want to bring a vet along with you. In fact, it will be their delight since a third party can confirm the health status of their adorable pug puppies. How do I Identify a Healthy Puppy? Check if the gums of the adorable puppies are healthy pink and that their nose does not close when they inhale. Check the head and the hip for soft spots. With the pug breed, hip dysplasia is a common physical illness that needed to be detected at the earliest symptoms. There are good places to identify if a puppy has health issues. Confirm with the breeder if the first shots were already given and also dewormed. Legitimate Breeders Follow Age Guidelines The safest time frame for pups to leave the litter is after at least 8 weeks. It is not an ethical practice to release pups before this time. If the adorable puppies were released before the 8th-week mark, it will have a damaging impact on the health of the puppy. Good breeders will even wait until the 12th week before the puppy is released. Look for Guarantees A good breeder offers a health guarantee as a practice, even with other pets. This assures the new owners that the puppies are vet checked and health tested. Knowing if the pug puppy is family raised can be a good guarantee, too. A new puppy should be released with health clearances that will enable them to grow and mature into adult dogs. Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article. Email: rockvalepuppies gmail. Rockvale Puppies are specialists in rare color, purebred Pugs. Puppies are cared for and played with every day by Todd, his wife Alicia, and their two young boys. The family is passionate about providing new owners with the greatest pet possible. Sandra has been breeding since .All puppies get a neo-parvo shot at 5 weeks old, their first booster vaccination at 7-weeks old, and are kept on a deworming schedule. Pugs R Us by T. Stahlstown, PA Phone: Website: www. Tabitha breeds AKC Pugs and has puppies available throughout the year. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time.

Our puppies are homebred for health, temperament, conformation and of course beauty! Making them excellent companions and great therapy dogs, if desired! Happy, Healthy Bloodlines We are committed to breeding quality Labradoodles from diverse lines to maintain genetic diversity. We select only the healthiest and best bloodlines to be in our breeding program. All of our breeding dogs are fully health tested. All of our puppies are whelped and raised in our home with love and lots of socialization. Our focus is to continue to breed Healthy, Loving, Beautiful, Allergy friendly companions for you and your family! A Furever Friend Australian Labradoodles are known for being loyal, happy, allergy friendly and smart dogs. When properly socialized, trained, and exercised, this breed makes wonderful family pets as well as therapy and guide dogs. They are very affectionate and intuitive dogs that will form a tight bond with your family. All of our dogs have a gentle loving spirit and undeniable intelligence, that combined with their outstanding looks and loyalty makes them an unique and irresistible addition to any family! They are excellent family companions! The eagerness of the Labradoodle to please and their devotion to their owner, makes them the perfect Therapy Dog or family pet! The Breeding Season is Underway! Click Here For Litter Listings. Wickersham Farm has Guardian Home opportunities available for some of our up and coming breeding potentials! If you have someone that is home a good part of the day, a fenced yard and are looking for a top-of-the-line companion, contact us for more details. Gideon Wickersham built himself a home that would amaze and intrigue people hundreds of years after he added the finishing touches. In this home, hidden in the little township of East Marlborough, the unique woodwork and craftsmanship is just a facade for the history that lay inside its walls. Gideon Wickersham, the great-grandson of Thomas Wickersham built the Gideon Wickersham farmstead in .Gideon utilized locally available schist and serpentine to create an exceptionally beautiful visual effect on the outside. It is obvious by the fine woodwork on the interior and the exterior that Gideon was a fine craftsman. In , Thomas Wickersham settled in what is now East Marlborough. In , he came to Southern Chester County from Sussex, England, with his second wife and four children from his first marriage. He claimed acres that he had purchased from Humphrey Killingbeck, a relative from his first marriage. William Penn had granted 1, acres to Killingbeck in .The Wickerskams were Quakers. They brought with them certificates of membership from Horsham, England, and were probably the founders of Old Kennett Meeting. Gideon had begun to purchase land for himself in the area of his ancestor in .Written in that deed, Gideon was referred to as a "turner. It is assumed that Gideon learned his woodworking skills from his uncle. Living until the age of 97, Enoch boarded his later years at Gideon's house. Gideon Jr. The house, with double doors, was a popular style exclusively in southeastern Pennsylvania. This double door idea maximized every inch of living space. One door typically led to a formal parlor, while the other led to a functional work area or kitchen. The double door plan worked well both in urban and rural settings. The original house is measured 30' by 30' and faces south. It is built of rough cut local stone, serpentine and schist. These stones, used in equal proportion produce a very dramatic visual effect. The house went through many changes and many owners before it reached its final restoration. As the couple stripped away wallpaper and paint and pulled off a dilapidated Victorian wraparound porch, they uncovered the house, an architectural jewel. The house was soon added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was the nd property in Chester County to be included on the register since it was began in .The style of the house, as previously mentioned, was exclusive to Southern Chester County. It lasted, however, for only first 25 years in the 19th century. There was an addition built on the house. It involved a bathroom, a kitchen, and a greenhouse, and a bedroom upstairs. The present dining room is the original kitchen. As one can see, something as simple as a house can hold rich history, whether it be about the people living in it or its architecture. The Gideon Wickersham Farmstead is the beautiful place that we call "home". Wickersham Farm, Inc. WF branded products! We are not your typical breeder.You see, Doodles ARE our passion! Over 10 years ago I was officially diagnosed with asthma. At that same, time we were thinking of getting the kids a puppy so we were all very disappointed when the doctor pointed out that pets are a trigger of Asthma. We had owned a Lab before and were planning on getting another one due to how great they are with kids and families. I was well aware of how much they shed and knew that my asthma ruled this option out for us. A few months afterwards, I was traveling on business in Rhode Island and happened to spot a man walking a gorgeous dog one morning. The dog looked like a teddy bear that you'd want to cuddle up to. I approached the man and asked what breed the dog was…. I spent the next year researching the breed, its origination, temperment, bloodlines, health, etc. I emailed and visited different breeders to find out if this breed was as good as its accolades. With every visit I made, I was even more convinced that this was the dog for our family. As crazy as it sounds, I purchased two in-tact female pups at the same time that I was due with a baby myself. This would be the fifth child in our family and I wanted our kids to have the experience of bringing puppies into the world and caring for them. So here is the part where fate comes into play - even before the mothers were bred, we received interest and took a few reservations. The first of the pups ended up being born on one of our daughters' birthday in January and the second pup was born the same day I gave birth to our fourth daughter. I will tell you that the first couple of months were rough between getting up to let the dogs out and feeding the baby but we did seem to get them on the same schedule at some point. And, our two females could not have had more different of personalities. We really had the best of both worlds in the two dogs. Bagheera was our soft, emotional and cuddly one while Akela was independent and extremely intelligent. We had taken our time with our two new family members to ensure that they were healthy and of the right temperament to be mothers and care for their pups. I have such a love for animals that my husband is scared to death that when the puppies arrive, that I will not be able to part with any of them! Today, Wickersham Farm continues to seek out, selectively breed and carefully place only the finest doodles. Whether an active family or retiree, our variety gives us the unique ability to ensure the correct doodle is selected to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more! Wickersham Farm, Inc. Happy Families A dedicated and very caring professional breeder. Thank you, Vicki, for our beautiful 9-week-old puppy, Brandy, whom we love so much! She, along with her five brothers and sisters were cared for by Vicki. Vicki is amazing! She is a dedicated and very caring professional breeder who sincerely loves and cares about both her puppies and their future parents! Her puppies are extremely well-cared for they follow all the latest veterinary recommendations for breeders. Her breeding experience is of the highest level as can be demonstrated by the many positive reviews and feedback we researched before meeting Vicki over the phone. Vicki and her husband go out of their way to involve her new puppy parents from the very first days of the litter being born by interacting with videos, informational emails and photos of the new puppies right up to the day they meet their new parents. Absolutely honest and above board, she is always there for you to answer any question you might have on how best to care for your new puppy before and after your puppy is home with you! Paula and I both were blown away by just how involved she was with us every step of the way and how she kept us updated on the growth of the pups right until pick up day! Needless to say we offer our highest recommendation. John and Paula DeBlase The experience from beginning to end was wonderful. I got my precious puppy, Luna, from Windsor Creek Labradoodles recently. The experience from beginning to end was wonderful. Dealing with Vicki was an absolute pleasure. I received a beautiful, friendly, healthy puppy. I filled out my application, described our needs, talked to Vicki on the phone and in the end, Vicki made a perfect match for us! I highly recommend this awesome breeder! Kay Pappas They answered all our questions. We are first time dog owners and were so fortunate to have found Vicki and Walt at Windsor Creek. They were so welcoming to our whole family. They answered all our questions, shared resources and improved our confidence that we were making a great decision for our family. Vicki has selected the perfect puppy for us. Ruby is playful, sweet and so smart! She is calm enough to sit and listen to our oldest son read, yet loves to run and chase our youngest son to play. Vicki has been an amazing source of knowledge and recommendations that has continued even after we have brought our puppy home. Their support throughout this whole process has been invaluable and we feel so lucky to be forever connected to Windsor Creek by our sweet puppy! Shana Brophy There is no other place I would go. My family suffered a tragic loss last year. We lost our beloved Chewie. He was with us for 15 years and came from Windsor Creek Labradoodles. When we were ready, we knew where to go, right back to Windsor Creek and Vicki Tyson. Our new puppy, Wyatt, in two short weeks is again proving to be a blessing. Vicki does not just breed puppies, she knows how to nurture these incredibly wonderful bundles of joy so that they fit perfectly into your family. There is no other place I or my family would go to trust this type of decision other than Windsor Creek and Vicki. In fact, we are returning again for yet another puppy, hopefully by the New Year! My family and I have wanted a dog for a long, long time but could not adopt one due to severe allergies for one of my three sons. He wanted a dog so badly. We are so grateful for Vicki and Windsor Creek Labradoodles. She made the process so easy for us. Vicki is extremely informative and thorough, and is very responsive to any questions. We now have a healthy, happy and beautiful puppy! I highly recommend Windsor Creek Labradoodles. Vicki is the best! Joe Campi We picked up our puppy in perfect health. Our experience with Vicki and Windsor Creek Labradoodles was simply exceptional from the very beginning to the day we brought our puppy home. Her absolute love for these dogs comes through in every phone call, email and interaction we had over the course of many months. She is so thoughtful and meticulous in her communication and planning which is so helpful to our family as first-time dog owners. We picked up our puppy in perfect health and so full of energy and his transition into our home has been seamless. We could not have been happier with our experience. Mike M.

Country Life June 21, This picture could only be improved if the puppies were using their paws to cover ears, eyes and mouth respectively.But, well, you can't have everything. Credit: Alamy If you're after a labrador — aka 'the world's favourite dog' — you'll need to take some expert advice. It is one of the most versatile breeds, capable of working in search and rescue, as a guide dog, in medical detection, as a sniffer or assistance dog and in the theatre of war. Labrador tips from the experts Go to a specialist breeder, so that you can see the different generations of a breeding line. Make temperament, not sex, your overriding factor when choosing. As soon as your puppy wakes up, take it outside. When introducing the labrador to a lead, walk it with an older dog. A yellow Labrador puppy. Possible labrador problems to look out for Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, causing the abnormal development of the hip socket, resulting in pain and lameness. Listen for a popping sound when the dog walks, and look for reluctance to use stairs, as well as sensitivity when you touch the hindquarters. Labradors can also be prone to retinal dysplasia, an inherited condition that affects labradors used for field work, and results in their developing blind spots. Generally, the dog can work around this by changing head position. Reputable breeders will be able to show certification that the dog has no eye conditions, which you should ask to see when buying a dog. Head and skull: Skull broad with defined stop; clean-cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snippy. Nose wide, nostrils well developed. Eyes: Medium size, expressing intelligence; brown or hazel. Ears: Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back. Mouth: Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Coat: Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat. No need to scroll down: we can confirm that the Golden Retriever is indeed on the list below. Credit: Alamy Which is the more popular spaniel, the springer or the cocker? Shooting Times's David Tomlinson weighs up the pros and Close up of dog. Credit: Getty Images With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its Credit: Getty As the dog world prepares for Crufts , we take a look at the breed of dog which has been A sprocker spaniel Picture: Alamy Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged Related. Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. When you click an affiliate link and make a purchase from the merchant we will earn a small commission. That commission is paid by the merchant and not the customer. This does not affect the price of the products you buy. You can read our full affiliate disclosure by clicking here. Want to know how to buy a labrador puppy? We have a deep dive for you today with all the details you need to know before you move ahead. Labs are typically very friendly, loyal, and trainable. Labs have been a popular choice for years among families with kids and singles alike. Although just about any Lab will be a fantastic go-with companion, selecting a puppy is always a tough thing to do…they are all so cute and they all want a loving, forever home. You have some options. There are options and you should check them all out: Reputable dog breeders Local rescues These three are usually good Lab purchase and adoption sources. Also, classified newspaper or magazine ads and local organizations sometimes prove to be good sources. But, be careful! Not all pet ads are placed by honest or knowledgeable sellers. How To Buy a Labrador Puppy Buying from Breeders Buying from a reputable breeder is very important—there are some bad apples out there so get references and do a background check. The breeder should only sell dogs he knows to have clean pedigrees and zero health issues. Finding a Reputable Breeder Do your research. Check with local dog breed clubs or breed organizations. These organizations may offer a breeder referral service that can give you good breeder leads in your area. Also, ask for good breeder recommendations from other Labrador owners or local veterinarians. Discount those with any obvious red flags like negative reviews or no clear explanation about their services. Ask the Breeder After refining your list of potential breeders then ask the following friendly questions: Can I visit your facility and see the puppies and their parents? Do you have health and pedigree papers? What are your dog breeding business core policies? What kind of socialization and training do you give the puppies? What are your health guarantees, if any? What is your refund policy? An honest breeder will answer these questions. And, they will give you all the documents, including health certificates, at or before the time of sale. Walk away if the breeder has no papers or makes excuses for not having them. Buying any puppy is a big deal—only buy a healthy and well-adjusted puppy from a reputable breeder. Preparing for Your Puppy Preparing for a new Labrador puppy is an exciting time—it can also be overwhelming. Following are some things to prepare for your new Lab pup. Puppy-Proofing Your Home Before you bring the Lab puppy home, first make sure your home is puppy-safe. Think about it carefully—puppy-proof your home like you would for any baby. Excited puppies will pee so protect your valuables and be ready to clean up accidents. Puppies, like little kids, are curious and excited when they come to a new home. For a handy guide on pet-proofing your home. Do not buy a retractable leash, they are dangerous. Food and water bowls Choose non-tip pet bowls that are the appropriate size for your puppy. As the puppy grows get bigger bowls. Never give your puppy table scraps, left-overs, alcoholic drinks, sugar, salt, spices, or chocolate. Crate or carrier Buy a pet crate or carrier that is the appropriate size for your puppy. Use it for training, traveling, and napping only. It is not a dog house! Avoid cheap, foreign made pet toys. Do not buy artificially flavored or salty treats. Here are some important things to keep in mind: Puppy Temperament The temperament or disposition of your newly acquired Labrador puppy needs to be watched closely for any unwanted behavior. Things like nervous barking, growling, biting, or fidgeting are indicators that something bothers or frightens the puppy. In fact, before you even bring the puppy home, first observe his or her demeanor around littermates and when being handled by people. Then, think about the temperament you really want in a dog. Some Lab puppies are more forceful, playful, and energetic, while others are quieter, laid back and less active. Look for a puppy with clear eyes and a shiny coat. These are obvious signs that the pup is well-fed and not sick. Then, check for any outward signs of injury, infection or parasites. Check the other littermates to be sure the whole litter looks healthy and well-fed. You should notice things like normal size, eyes and nose, body temp, coat type, and coat color. If there are one or more fur white spots, then the pup is not a purebred. Be mindful that some coat colors may be temporary due to diet factors, skin allergies, or other temporary health issues. But, ask questions and do your research before buying. Buying the right Labrador puppy for you takes your careful consideration of several factors. Take your time and do your research to ensure you find the perfect furry companion for you and your family. Bringing Your Puppy Home After picking out your beautiful Labrador puppy—the time has come to introduce the excited pup to its new home. Here are some tips to help make this as smooth as possible. No by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. The First Few Days Your new puppy may feel tense or even pensive about their new surroundings. After all, it is a big change from what the puppy knows. Expect the pup to mess on the floor once or more—oops accidents will happen, so be prepared for this—lots of towels, no anger. You have to give your Lab pup time to adjust and feel right in his or her new digs. Here are some things you can do: Make a quiet space for your puppy to rest and sleep. A crate is perfect for this. Have lots of toys and teething chews to keep your pup busy. Establish a routine for feeding, potty breaks, and playtime. Introduce your puppy to family members and other pets slowly and carefully. Be patient and understanding as your puppy gets used to their new home. Training Your Puppy Training your puppy is key to being a responsible pet owner. Here are some tips to help you train your pup: Start with basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement like treats and praise, never use punishment. Always be consistent with your commands, praise, and discipline. Establish a potty training routine for you and the pup—stick to it. Socialize your puppy in a puppy training class and a safe dog park. Bringing your new Labrador puppy home is a very exciting time. But, you need to be prepared and patient. Good preparation and training will help your puppy quickly become used to his or her new home. As the founder of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers, he has transformed the lives of over , dogs and their families. Final Thoughts So today we have walked through the answer to the question, how to buy a labrador puppy? Always check out prospective sellers or breeders carefully. Make sure your puppy is from a reputable source, not a puppy farm. Be prepared for the time, effort, and expense that comes with raising a puppy. Lab puppies are a pure joy, but they need a lot of attention and care. You need to think about your lifestyle and living situation to be sure that you are a good fit for a Lab. Puppies grow into adult dogs—be prepared for that. The shelters are full of Labs that were abandoned because of owner ignorance. However, If you really want a great dog and raise your pup right he or she will mature into a happy, healthy, and well-behaved companion for many years to come. Instant Download Add your name and email below and the planner will be sent direct to your inbox. Send me the Planner! Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Non-slip bottom dog dishes Puppies naturally move their dish around as they are eating, especially if the dish has a flat bottom that easily pushes around the floor. We have found that dishes with a non-slip bottom can help so that your puppy is not chasing around his food dish. Make sure that it is large enough. And since dogs grow fast, that means they will likely grow to that size within a year to a year and a half. Almost all dogs we train eat between 4 -6 cups of dog food a day. So, make sure that your dish is large enough to accommodate this many cups. Water dish It is vitally important that your puppy have access to clean water for drinking. With the puppies we raise, we have found that it can be challenging to keep a small water dish full, so we prefer to use these 2-gallon water dishes. They are easy to fill and allow us to only have to fill them a couple times a week instead of several times a day. We suggest that you introduce a lead to your puppy as they start to grow in confidence and walk further from you when outside. There are two great reasons to do this early on. First it teaches your puppy how to handle the pressure of not being able to go wherever they want whenever they want. And it keeps your puppy from developing a habit of running away from you. A Flexi-lead works especially well if you want to give your puppy a little more freedom to go do his potty business but still keep control. Toys Puppies need toys. If you do not give them toys that they CAN chew and play with, they will chew on your sofa leg, or a book or a blanket or anything else they can find. So, purchase some good durable puppy chew toys. But watch your pup carefully. As they get older and stronger, they will be able to rip apart cloth toys and ingest them. Or they will chew rubber toys into small pieces and eat them. When your pup gets strong enough to destroy toys, it is time to take away the puppy toys and give them only dog toys designed for older , larger dogs or quality rawhides that they can chew that will not cause digestive problems. Stay away from rope toys. Many puppies have managed to ingest strings and ropes requiring surgery to remove them. Puppy-sized bumper If your plan is for your Labrador puppy to become a hunting or competition dog, you should have a puppy sized bumper. Learn more about teaching your puppy to fetch in this post. Barriers I recommend that you section off a small portion of your home and not let your puppy have full run of the entire house. Learn more about housebreaking your Lab puppy in this post. To section off a part, it can be helpful to have some child-gates available or an area of your home that you can close doors. This means that you need to show your puppy where the boundaries are and what is and is not allowed. To do this, you will need a few more tools. This is often when we see dogs that are running away from their owners, playing keep-a-way when retrieving and just basically being naughty. A lot of this could be avoided with the use of a check cord. Yes, a check cord can be cumbersome and often a pain to use, but it only takes one or two times of your puppy running away from you to make it worth it. Put a check cord on your puppy and allow them to drag it around with them. This alone is a great lesson for a dog. Dragging the weight is a type of pressure that they will need to learn to deal with. Occasionally, step on the rope and allow your dog to feel the pressure of being stopped and controlled. These sound like such minor things, but you would be surprised how much more well-adjusted your puppy will be just from learning these minor lessons. Chain or prong collar As your puppy gets stronger, it will get more and more difficult to control your puppy with a lead just hooked up to a nylon collar. As you notice that your puppy is getting harder to control, is pulling you around or dragging you down the street, you need to move to a chain or prong collar. Actually, it would be best if you changed to a chain or prong collar long before this becomes an issue. Remember, it is always easier to fix problems when they are small rather than waiting for them to become huge problems. Larger bumpers for retrieving dogs As your dog gets larger, you will want to move away from the puppy bumper and start using regular sized retrieving bumpers. We prefer to use plastic or rubber bumpers since they do not get as dirty or smelly as the canvas ones. They also last a lot longer and can be used for both water and land retrieves. Learn all about the different bumpers used for training hunting dogs here. Orange is a color that is difficult for retrievers to see, so that color should not be used for young dogs that are just learning about retrieving and hunting. Save the orange ones for advanced dogs working on blind retrieves. Final thoughts on What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? There are many things that you will need for your new puppy both now and in the future. Take some time to prepare before you bring your puppy home so that you will avoid buying things on impulse that you may or may not need. If you are planning on using your puppy as a hunting or competition dog, check out 6 vital tools every gun dog trainer needs. You can email me at ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? Vet bedding fleece on a roll is ideal puppy bedding. You can line both his bed and his car crate with this. Buy several pieces so that you can pop one in the washing machine when it gets dirty or if he has an accident. There are lots of lovely beds you can get to go around the house, but in those first days veterinary bedding is an essential alternative to keep his crate cosy and clean. Puppy Toys For Labradors Puppy toys need to be sturdy. Many puppies destroy soft toys quite quickly though they are so adorable, you may not be able to resist buying one or two. Kongs and rope toys are very tough and seem to survive the onslaught of puppy teeth. A Radio If you intend your puppy to sleep alone in the kitchen from the first night, you may find it helpful to leave a radio next to his crate. Just a simple, cheap Portable Radio with the volume turned down low can serve the same role as some human company. It just helps him feel less along during those first few nights when he may be feeling very homesick. Puppy Harness There is no rush for this, but once your puppy is too heavy to carry, and going out and about on the ground, he needs some kind of safety restraint. These days I usually recommend a harness as they avoid pulling on the puppies neck. The kind where the lead attaches at the front and on the back are ideal. You can find an expert review of the big brands of harnesses, from a professional trainer here. When he is older and has learned to walk next to you, you can buy him a collar. To let your puppy know when he has done something you like. It is a really useful tool to help you teach your puppy to be quiet, and to learn simple skills. It will make training your puppy much quicker, easier and a lot more fun. Getting a recall to whistle established at an early age gets your puppy training off to a great start. I recommend the Acme Dog Whistle. There is plenty of information on the use and choice of dog whistles in this article: Should you buy a dog whistle .It will help to get you off to a great start with your new puppy. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:.

However, that price can increase significantly, even into five figures, depending on the location and reputation of the breeder. Reproducing requires artificial insemination. These factors increase the investment for French bulldog breeders. The more investment a breeder makes into producing healthy high-quality dogs in good environments, the higher the price will be. The rarer the color is, such as blue, lilac or chocolate, the more you can expect to pay. Certain coat patterns, such as pied, merle or brindle, will also be more expensive. Female French bulldogs and those with blue eyes are pricier as well. Adopting through the French Bulldog Rescue Network is a more affordable way to acquire a new puppy or adult Frenchie. The French bulldog breed is exceptional with many rare characteristics that make them popular among dog owners. But there are also some challenges and things to watch out for. French Bulldog Size Fully grown French bulldogs average 12 inches tall. Adult females often weigh between 16 and 24 pounds, and males reach 20 to 24 pounds. Most French bulldogs will continue to gain weight until about 14 months old but stop gaining height between nine and 12 months. There are also mini Frenchies, also known as teacup French bulldogs. These are bred to be miniature versions of standard French bulldogs, weighing between five and 14 pounds. They typically shed in spring and fall, so you should increase coat brushing during that time to help reduce hair in your home. This can help you save on grooming costs. French Bulldog Appearance Along with breeds like English Bulldogs and pugs, French bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a shortened snout. Their faces are wrinkly and scrunched, giving them a distinct look, even as puppies. French Bulldog Colors French bulldogs come in many different coat colors. These include neutral colors — such as cream, gray, tan and black — as well as more rare colors like lilac, blue and chocolate. The rarer the color, the more expensive the price of a French bulldog will be. French Bulldog Temperament These pups are affectionate and playful, making them great companions. Training is recommended for French bulldogs since they can march to the beat of their own drum without guidance. Most Frenchies respond well to training, especially when treats are involved. Trainers believe French bulldogs understand commands but are moody and will respond as they feel like it. Frenchies are great family dogs, do well around other pets and prefer companionship. A companion will also allow you to leave them alone for longer periods of time without them getting frustrated. But, of course, another pet will come with its own costs. French Bulldog Activity Level Frenchies are not the best dog if you want a jogging companion. French Bulldog Life Expectancy French bulldogs have an average lifespan of 12 years if well taken care of. If they remain in great health, they can live as long as 15 years. Your veterinarian will periodically examine your Frenchie to ensure he or she is growing properly. Due to their flat faces and short necks, it can be difficult for French bulldogs to use standard feeding bowls. You can instead provide elevated dog food and water bowls to help your pet eat and drink more comfortably. Buying treats, toys or a comfortable dog bed can also help your Frenchie feel welcome in its new home. Are you a dog lover? Did you want to buy a four-leg family partner for yourself? Well, fortunately, you find a trusted platform where you can buy Inexpensive bulldog puppies for sale in the USA. Here your thirst for french dogs ended. We will assist you find the best breed under your budget. Here you will find a stout, friendly, affectionate family companion for you. Just Speak with buy frenchies pups and meet with your healthy well-trained puppy. Are Frenchies aggressive? No, Frenchies Pups are very friendly, social, and adorable dogs and get attached to humans easily. But if it does not train them properly there will be a chance of aggression. Aggressive signs include growling, snarling, stiff bodies, and more. Do French bulldogs stink? No french bulldog Pups did not stink. But they are prone to collect dirt. They need regular cleaning. If you do not clean them on a daily basis their facial folds become smelly. What is the rarest color of French bulldog? Blue Merle is a rare color and is the most expensive puppy. Are French Bulldogs OK left alone? As Frenchies are social and friendly dogs. They need attention and care full time. It is not recommended to leave them alone. It causes separation anxiety in them. What health problems do French Bulldogs get? French Bulldogs are too sensitive. They often get health problems due to insufficient care and attention. Those problems include: Ear Infections. Thank you for your message! I will contact you shortly. Pam is such an expert at what she does, and is very passionate about breeding the healthiest and happiest pups possible. Our vet says Schone is one of the healthiest French Bulldogs she's seen! We're so grateful we found Imperial Kennels and would love another puppy in the future! I recommend Imperial Kennels to anyone! We love our little boy from Imperial Kennels! Shannon Heigel I've had my sweet baby Olive for almost 3 months now and she brings me so much joy! She is sassy, feisty, so funny and loveable. I've wanted a Frenchie for almost 10 years as long as I've had my Boston, Mila and the timing and circumstances finally fell into alignment when I found Imperial French Bulldogs. Pam is experienced, knowledgeable, and was always there to answer my questions. I did a lot of research before making my decision and even waited to write a review. So thank you, Pam and Pam's grandkids, haha! You have made a happy home happier and it is greatly appreciated. Health, disposition, socialization and conformation are extremely important to us. We offer a one year health guarantee and ongoing support. Our babies are vet checked and current on all vaccinations. All puppies are raise in our home and receive the best of care. We are happy to provide references from former buyers and also from our vet. Visitors are always welcome!

They are quick learners, loyal and enjoy challenges. Furthermore, they are exceptionally tolerant and friendly with kids. Therefore, it is only fair that you reciprocate their love with the greatest care. This essentially implies contacting other retriever owners and discussing experiences and the perfect place to get together would be the Golden Retriever Forum. Since Retriever dogs are very popular, much-loved and owned by many people, there are several valuable websites and forums dedicated to them. The online forums are an excellent way to find out vital information by connecting with other Golden Retriever owners, who care for their pet and prefer raising them in the most loved manner. A Golden Retriever forum may provide the much required guidance and solve almost all the queries. There are several queries pertaining to Golden Retrievers behavioral problems that necessitate opinions which might not be veterinary by nature. You can also check with other owners of Golden Retrievers about how they deal with certain issues and concerns. Nevertheless, consider checking with the vet about any advice received in relation to a health issue of your Golden Retriever. Moreover, the vet would be the ideal person to suggest you about the best forums for your Golden Retriever as they would most probably be a member of these forums. However, you will be required to register on the forum community to gain access to the resources as well as to be able to actively participate in the Golden Retriever forum. But, be cautious if you are asked for sensitive information or financial details during the registration procedure; it might be an online scam and you should avoid joining that forum. Additionally, search for forums that have a huge number of members. The more members that are registered and the more they actively participate in the forums; the more knowledge and information you will obtain. Similarly, you may want to check the topics discussed on the forum. There would be various topics pertaining to health related issues , training tips , grooming etc. The more useful topics you come across, the more helpful the forum will be in offering you information that is beneficial for your pet. You must not shy away from asking questions or getting involved in discussions. Understand that all questions are vital, no matter how trivial they may appear, because at the end it will benefit your Golden Retriever. Hence, never hesitate to ask any number of questions that can help you take care of your beloved pet. Similarly, do not hesitate to answer or discuss your experiences. What may seem evident to many; might actually prove to be useful to someone else. Therefore, share your opinions. The forums are created to enable Golden Retriever owners to ask questions, reply to questions, share their experiences and build a knowledge bank for anyone who seeks information about how to take care of their adored pet. Overall, through these forums the owners can gain more information, enhance their experiences, increase their awareness and learn to understand their Golden Retrievers better. They are good dogs, but they have drawbacks just like everything. Even if you keep their coat short, they get burs worse than a lab. My goldens couldn't handle cold water as well as labs I hunted with.Maybe it was just my dogs. The one thing that I didn't like about the goldens I had growing up is they took a long time to settle down. One dog settled down when he was 2 and the other didn't settle down until he was 3ish. I know labs can be the same, but I bought a British lab two years ago and this dog starting settling down at 6 months. By one year old he was pretty damn good, very calm, and well behaved. I know British labs have been "trendy" and there's some questionable breeding. However, there is different behavioral characteristic between American bred and UK bred field lines. Namely, in the way field trails are run. Allot of the field trial winners in the US wouldn't be bred in the UK because they favor different characteristics in their dogs, and field trial winners get bred allot. I've watched some videos of US field trials and allot of those dogs have real bad "creep" that I would never allow my dog to get away with. I'm not sure if my dog would ever be capable of a yard blind but he is capable of a yard blind and that's all I need from him. UK field trial dogs are eliminated if they make any noise. My dog never barks, ever, and he doesn't whine. That's an ingrained trait. If I was strictly a grouse hunter I would have a pointer. If I strictly pheasant hunted I would probably import an english springer from the UK. Those dogs are serious pheasant hunters! I've never seen more drive then from an English springer from good UK field trial lines. For an all around hunting dog, that's good around the house, it's a lab from UK field trial lines. I'm on the waitlist for another lab currently, but after one of my dogs passes away my partner wants to get a golden. I told her it has to be from good hunting lines so we'll see how it matches up. Shout out to McFarmer for the rescue mutt hunting dog. He was a great hunter. Not a ton of drive but methodical and he had a good nose. I got allot of stares hunting with that dog. I'm surprised no one ever mentions field bred standard poodles on here? I've talked to a few trainers who have trained them and they are apparently super smart and easy to train. Very good hunters, and great family dogs.

And we can certainly understand why! Goldendoodles have the sweetest temperament, high levels of intelligence, and their signature low-shedding coats. However, it might not be as easy to find an ethical Goldendoodle breeder in PA. The growing popularity of Doodles has also attracted unethical breeders and puppy mills who only do this for the sake of their own financial gain. Beware of irresponsible Amish and Mennonite breeders, who are notorious for running puppy mill operations. This is not to say that all Amish and Mennonite breeders are running puppy mills — just that they are known for doing so. Screening the parent pups is the best way of minimizing the risk of the puppies inheriting any genetic conditions , such as hip dysplasia, hereditary eye diseases, heart problems, and so on. Health guarantees should always come in written form and with your adoption documents. Many Goldendoodle breeders in PA post their customer testimonials on their websites. However, we recommend you do an additional search on Google, Yelp. Facebook, here at Doodle Doods , or Reddit. In fact, this breeder created the very first litter of Mini Goldendoodles, ever! Located in the neighboring state of West Virginia, you simply cannot miss this exceptional breeding program. Especially considering that they provide car delivery service for their Goldendoodles to PA! Fox Creek Farm specializes in breeding Multigenerational Goldendoodles of all sizes. Their adorable pups come in beautiful coat colors, such as cream, apricot, red, and the parti pattern. They aim to produce low to non-shedding pups, and specializing in Multigenerational Goldendoodles helps them achieve just that. They raise their dogs in a really nice nursery-type facility where the puppies have hour care and are never left alone. Their pups are raised with the help of the Puppy Culture program , which includes crate training, potty training, early socialization, and Early Neurological Stimulation ENS. Not to mention, many other enrichment protocols to set their pups up for success. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Needless to say, all of their puppies are born from thoroughly health screened parent dogs. Waitlist: Yes. Size: Standard, Medium Goldendoodle puppies Goldendoodle breeder details: Location: Jefferson Ave, Avella, PA Telephone: Learn more This well-established, experienced breeder began breeding Golden retrievers in the early s. The breeder is extremely proud of their outstanding acre facility and welcomes potential purchasers to visit the setup and meet all the dogs. All the puppies are bred to be happy and healthy and come with a 2-year health guarantee against congenital diseases. The breeder prefers that you visit them to pick your puppy, and they also like to meet their prospective buyers before parting with one of their puppies. The pick of all litters is determined by the date the deposit is paid. The price of Doodles varies quite widely, depending on a number of factors, including: The adult size of the dog Color The likely hypoallergenic qualities of the dog The generation of the puppy Curly-coated Goldendoodle puppies look like cute Teddy Bears, and they tend to be very light shedders. Those qualities make these pups extremely desirable, and their price reflects that. Doodles with unusual or rare colors, such as red, parti, or merle , are also much sought after, pushing up their cost. Tiny Dog, Big Price Tag! Most people want a smaller-sized dog, so Mini Goldendoodles are the most popular size and are, therefore, more expensive to buy. Recently, some unscrupulous breeders have been attempting to produce Micro or Teacup Goldendoodles by backcrossing multigenerational dogs to produce tiny pups that weigh as little as 10 pounds. These little dogs are effectively runts that can have lots of serious inherited health problems, and most professional, experienced breeders find the practice of this extensive inbreeding unethical. That price tag is very tempting to puppy mills and backyard breeders who are churning out as many Micro Goldendoodles as they can, which is very much to the detriment of the breed. Multiple Breeds Most legitimate breeders only offer one breed. If you spot adverts for multiple breeds, compare the details against other similar ads. If you spot any duplication, walk away. Location, Location Adverts for puppies should contain a landline contact telephone number. Often, puppy farms are situated in remote areas, well away from prying eyes, so check that telephone number to make sure it matches the location where the puppy is being kept. Cut And Paste? Take a look at other adverts for Goldendoodle puppies and other breeds too. Often, backyard breeders will cut and paste wording across multiple adverts, even those for other breeds. Puppies are usually eight weeks old before they can have their first jabs. If the advert states that the pups are less than eight weeks old and they are advertised as having been vaccinated, they might be from a puppy mill. Other Danger Signs Other danger signals to watch out for include: Puppies that are offered at very low prices are often from puppy mills. Puppy farms exist solely to produce large numbers of puppies as quickly as possible. The idea is to exploit current trends and make maximum profit. So, they work on selling quantity, not quality. Reputable breeders will not expect you to meet them at a gas station or a shopping mall car park to hand over the puppy. If possible, you also want to see the father dog. The breeder should be able to show you clean health certificates for the parent dogs, as well as vaccination paperwork, and proof of deworming and flea prevention. In fact, many insist on that. Reputable breeders generally insist that you sign a contract that prevents you from using the dog for breeding purposes without the express permission of the breeder. The demand for Goldendoodle puppies currently outstrips the supply. You can reasonably expect to wait for at least six months before a puppy becomes available. If you want a particular size, color, coat type, sex, or personality type, you could wait for one or even two years for the perfect puppy to be available. Check out the posts below for the list of ethical breeders from other neighboring states:. Life Span Did You Know? The Goldendoodle originated in the s in North America and Australia, although it was first bred in .The idea was to create a breed with the great temperament of the family-friendly Golden Retriever along with the intelligence of the Poodle. The presence of the Poodle makes a highly trainable canine, and the Golden Retriever always aims to please. Just be cautious with stern discipline tactics, as the Goldendoodle may have a hard time letting training failure roll off its back. Always train with a positive energy using lots of reinforcement with any breed. While the Goldendoodle is somewhat hypoallergenic, every allergic person should meet the puppy before adopting to ensure that they show no symptoms. The Goldendoodle is bred to be a family dog. The combination of the gentle Golden Retriever and the highly intelligent Poodle make a wonderful companion. The breed is generally tolerant, playful, and full of personality from day one. The Goldendoodle is pretty easy to keep happy. Their coats are good protection in the winter months, while they are fairly tolerant to warmer seasons. Just be aware that no pet should be exposed to temperature extremes, either hot or cold. If you have a small apartment, the Goldendoodle may not be the dog breed for you. It is recommended that this breed has room to move and unwind, as they are very energetic. The Goldendoodle is a generally healthy Designer Dog Breed. One thing to look for is the hip health of the Golden Retriever and Poodle parents. Both breeds are susceptible to hip dysplasia, so knowing the hip history of the parents is important. Because of the high trainability of the Goldendoodle, it is not uncommon to see a first-time dog parent choose this breed. That means that grooming the Goldendoodle is not a difficult or time-consuming task. Give the coat a brush each day, clip the nails once a month, and brush their teeth once a week. Bathe the Goldendoodle when needed, but be careful not to over bathe this breed. The Goldendoodle will require lots of blow drying after a bath, and too many baths will rob them of essential oils that help the dog have a healthy coat and skin. Energetic and jovial is the best way to describe the Goldendoodle. Plenty of playtime and exercise is needed to have a well-balanced canine companion. A fenced in yard to romp around or regular trips to the dog park are highly recommended. A fully-grown Goldendoodle should be between inches in height at the shoulder and weigh between 40 and 90 pounds. Size is greatly determined by the size of the parents. Goldendoodles generally live years. A Goldendoodle is also sometimes referred to as a Groodle. Featured Goldendoodle Article.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our list of the highest rated Labradoodle Breeders in New York features ethical facilities whose main focus is producing healthy Labradoodle pups. More breeders are taking on the huge responsibility of breeding Labradoodle puppies in New York, which is naturally a great thing. However, the high demand has also attracted Doodle scammers and puppy mills. See Also: Click the image Although Doodle scammers will leave you empty-handed with no money or puppy, puppy mills are a different story. Namely, their lower prices are used to attract unknowing buyers while selling them unhealthy puppies from overbred parents. Oftentimes, the kennels are in horrible conditions, the dogs are malnourished, and come with a wide set of health problems. You can always ask the breeder for proof of health testing, as reputable breeders have no problems providing you with the documentation. For more on issues that can plague Labradoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Another great indicator is that a breeder is recommended by Gooddog. All of these organizations require their certified breeders to follow high standards of health and genetic testing. In addition to that, the breeders have to follow ethical breeding practices and provide a safe, clean, and nurturing environment for the breeding dogs and puppies. See Also:. We ensured that none of the Labradoodle breeders mentioned here has a bad reputation and that no breeders with unethical procedures or puppy mills were listed. Secondly, PuppySpot offers a range of resources and services to make the process of bringing your new Labradoodle home as easy as possible. Lastly, PuppySpot is committed to responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. They have a strict policy against working with puppy mills or substandard breeders and partner with animal welfare organizations to support their mission. They make the process easy, and their commitment to responsible pet ownership and animal welfare is something to be proud of! You can trust this breeder, who has been breeding Australian multigenerational miniature and standard-sized Labradoodles since , to do everything she can to raise healthy and happy puppies. All puppies have been vaccinated, microchipped, and checked their health. You can also request health and genetic tests from this breeder. Hips, eyes, and other joints are among the most common health examinations. Furthermore, genetic testing guarantees that your dog will be free of inherited disorders. You will get a Labradoodle puppy that will share your home for the rest of its life. Each breeding parent has undergone extensive health checks and genetic testing. Before you can be approved as a breeder, both organizations need you to undergo health tests on your dogs. This breeder spends time exposing puppies to various stimuli and lifelong conditions such as nail trimming and bathing. Most Labradoodle breeders in New York will not provide their puppies with this additional training and stimulation. All puppies are vet-checked, given their first set of immunizations, dewormed, and come with a health guarantee. Parent dogs are health-tested and genetically checked, providing you peace of mind when choosing a Labradoodle puppy. This breeder is known for its multigeneration medium-sized Labradoodles. All pups come with a health guarantee of 2-years, up-to-date immunizations, microchipping, and free pet insurance for an initial period of 30 days. All breeding parents are entirely healthy and have had their eyes, hearts, knees, elbows, and hips examined by the OFA. This breeder is known for its multigenerational medium and standard-size Labradoodles. They only have a limited amount of certified therapy and service dogs available each year, so talk to them if you want your Labradoodle to be more than just a family pet or a companion dog. In New York, Guardianship initiatives are an excellent method to receive a low-cost Labradoodle pup. Within one week of the buyer receiving the puppy, a veterinarian will inspect the puppy. They breed F2B standard-sized Labradoodle puppies. At 6 weeks of age, the puppies will get their first checkup and vaccinations with the Country Side doctor. We usually suggest contacting each breeder individually and asking them a range of questions. Choose a breeder willing to address your issues and choose the best dog on the basis of temperament rather than appearance. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Long Island New York and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

When can Labradoodle puppies leave their mother? Labradoodle puppies need to stay with their mom for at least eight weeks before going to their new home with you. Some breeders may even choose to keep their puppies until 12 weeks of age. In those first two months, puppies must stay with their mom and littermates to develop properly — both physically and mentally. If you take your puppy home too early, they can be more prone to physical health issues, and to behavioral problems. As we now know, Labradoodle puppies must stay with their mom and littermates for at least eight weeks. But, some Labradoodle breeders may choose to keep their puppies for 9 , 10, or even 11 weeks. In this guide, we are going to look at exactly what a puppy will gain from spending those first 8 weeks with their mom. And, the potential consequences of leaving their mom too early. Labradoodle Puppy Development Timeline Labradoodle puppies have a packed schedule right from whelping day. Week 1 Your Labradoodle puppy comes into the world blind, deaf, toothless, and utterly helpless. So, he will spend all of his time cuddled up with his siblings and mother. As well as crying out to his mom for food. And, this is around the time that puppies will get their first worming treatment. At this age, they will still be relying on their mother for food, and their mother and siblings for warmth. Week 3 During week 3, your puppy will figure out what standing and walking are all about. Some breeders may even offer a small amount of puppy food by the end of this week. They will also be interacting with their littermates more, play growling and starting to wag their little tails. Week 4 This is when things start to get really cute. Your puppy will continue figuring out how to play and wag their tiny puppy tail. And this is when they embark on two of the big essentials of puppyhood — weaning and potty training. By the end of week four, puppies will be getting considerably more solid food. Puppies at this age will also be much braver. Week 5 This is another exciting week! At this age, the mother dog is encouraging puppy independence and teaching bite inhibition. Puppies are also building on their previous social skills with littermates and people. Puppies will roll around, run with one another, play fight, and will even enjoy playing with toys. Some Labradoodle puppies may also discover their voices at this age, which means plenty of barking. Week 6 Your six week old puppy is most likely fully weaned. Instead of relying on their mother for food, puppies will receive four or five small meals of puppy food. They usually get their second worming during this week. Your pup should also have their full set of 28 puppy teeth. Week 7 Your puppy is really starting to learn the ropes of daily life with people, now. And puppies will continue to play with one another, on top of the new experiences breeders give them. This week typically includes their first veterinary visit and their first vaccinations. Littermates are heading off to their new forever homes. Potty training and general puppy training is going full steam ahead, to be continued by you! What if a Labradoodle Puppy is Orphaned? Of course, if your Labradoodle puppy has sadly lost their mother, their first eight weeks of life will look very different to this. Your reputable breeder will have to step up their game, and will be feeding each puppy by hand, as often as every 2 hours in the first week. Puppies will also need an artificial heat source to help them keep warm. Labradoodle puppies without a mother may be slightly more hard work as they grow up. As, they have missed out on some important lessons in puppyhood. This includes bite inhibition. Labradoodle puppies will learn so much from their mother and siblings, even up to the eighth week mark when they come home with you. If they leave their mother early, they will miss out on some of these important lessons. This can lead to behavioral problems later in life. On top of this, Labradoodle puppies have a lot of growing to do, which is why time with their mom is so important. A reputable breeder will not let your Labradoodle puppy leave their mother before eight weeks. If your breeder has let you take your Doodle pup home early, at five or six weeks old for example, you must return them to their mother until eight weeks of age. Doing so will save you a lot of stress later on. Why is Week 8 So Important? If that sounds like your annual Halloween horror house excursion, it probably feels that way to your Labradoodle puppy! The first fear imprinting period will last from week eight, through to the end of week .During these three weeks, any experience your puppy has good or bad will be heightened and remembered for the rest of their life. What This Means It sounds like a lot of pressure. This is especially true during socialization with strange people and animals, including other pets. The first fear period is also why some Labradoodle breeders may choose to keep their puppies for an extra week or two before releasing them to their new homes. Whether your breeder chooses to keep your Doodle pup for an extra week or two, or is willing to rehome your pup at eight weeks, just remember this. Good, positive, loving experiences are critically important during these first few weeks of your new life together. Can I Just Skip Socialization? Studies have shown that proper socialization in puppyhood can help to reduce behavioral problems in adult dogs, including aggression and fearfulness. Instead you should carry them. This also makes it easier to slip them treats and give new experiences a positive edge! You can even invest in puppy slings if your Doodle gets too heavy for you. Scary Experiences to Watch Out For With Labradoodle Puppies So, what types of experiences could cause lifelong fear, fearful aggression, or simply socialization problems for your Labradoodle puppy later in life? Kids One of the most frequently overlooked scary things that happens to Labradoodle puppies is rough handling from children. Kids love puppies. So do adults! Puppies are cute, playful, and curious. And Labradoodle puppies look just like teddy bears! This is very different to the type of play they experienced with their siblings so far. Even playful screeching or shouting from kids can strike fear into the heart of a newly rehomed puppy. Instead, teach young children to be gentle with your Labradoodle puppy, to stroke them softly and to walk away if the puppy gets overexcited. Make sure your Labradoodle puppy has a positive experience with kids of all ages. Treats can help to make the meetings even more fun! This is often not until 12 weeks, and can be as late as 16 weeks. But, before then, known, vaccinated, well-trained, and well-behaved dogs can offer important positive socialization for your puppy. If a strange dog nips or bites your puppy, or even plays too roughly, this can cause a fear scar that will recur in the future. Often in the form of aggression towards other dogs. So, socialize your puppy with dogs you know and trust. Keep meetings short and happy. Make sure both dogs have a positive time, with lots of lovely treats. And remove your Labradoodle puppy if it looks like your older dog has had enough, to avoid the situation turning sour. Veterinary Care Puppies will need to visit their veterinarian from an early age, to get pest treatments and vaccinations. But, your Labradoodle puppy may also need to go if they are unwell, or injured in their first few weeks. But, you can be extra-vigilant to protect your new puppy from unexpected loud noises. Avoid playing outside during morning or evening rush hour, when honking, car alarms, or backfiring might startle your pup. Get your puppy an anxiety vest if a thunderstorm or noisy holiday is brewing. Choose a quiet area for crate training, naps, and overnight. You can even play very quiet noises like cars or fireworks at home, slowly increasing the volume to ensure your pup is used to them, and associates them with positive experiences. Or, take them to see a busy road or loud school yard, but start very far away, gradually moving closer as long as you know your pup is happy with the sounds. Every Labradoodle puppy has their own unique personality and temperament based on which of their parents influenced them the most, genetically. So, some Labradoodle puppies will naturally be more outgoing and adventurous. But, others will be more shy and wary. No matter how brave they are, your Labradoodle puppy will encounter lots of potentially scary experiences in the days and weeks after being rehomed. But, you can provide lots of love, soothing words, pats, cuddles, treats, and the reassurance that your puppy can always turn to you for comfort and protection. Make sure you work with your Labradoodle puppy during socialization. Move slowly when introducing new things. This could be a favorite toy or blanket. Your breeder may also give you some suggestions for puppy bedding, crate training, and potty training. As for the rest, just be sure to give your Labradoodle puppy lots and lots of love to get your new life together off to a great start. More information about your first Labradoodle. December 22, The other day I was having a conversation with a pet parent who was convinced that her Labradoodle looked more like a Poodle than a Labrador because the mother was a Poodle. She maintained that if the mother had been a Labrador that the puppies would have all looked more like Labradors than Poodles. Frankly, I had never heard this argument before. When I asked why this would be the case, she adamantly maintained that it had to do with the dominant gene in the mother — but why would this be the case? A gene can be dominant or recessive in either the mother or the father. So I did what every curious person does these days… I looked it up online. According to the folks at www. There is no physical attribute…height, build, color, coat, nothing…that is always inherited from the mother or the father. It is a genetic crap-shoot. The same with dogs. There are doodles who look just like labs, and doodles who look just like poodles. Most are a combination. For each characteristic, every being has a pair of genes…one gene from their mother and one from their father. What gene the father or mother contributes is a spin of the genetic roulette wheel. Generally, when breeding two different breeds together, it is better for the mother to be the bigger dog…so it is more common for the retriever to be the female parent and the poodle to be the male. But that has absolutely no effect on which characteristics the offspring inherit. Do you think it matters if the mom or the dad of a Labradoodle is the Poodle or the Labrador? Or for that matter humans? Thanks for reading! She was raised here with our kids. She is very lovable. She weighs about 30lbs. She is about 18lbs. She is such a happy, content dog! She is a mini F2B. She weighs about 20lbs. She loves to run with the kids and is a very happy girl! LILY Lily is a 10lb mini chocolate poodle. JADE Jade is a mini multi gen labradoodle. She is only 10lb. A little sweetheart! Coco is a sweet little multi gen labradoodle. She weighs about 10lbs. MACY Macy is standard multi gen labradoodle. She is about 50 lbs. She weighs about 40lbs. She is one of our own pups from Penny and Stone. She is very laid back and gentle. She weighs about lbs. She is 30lbs, and one of our pups from Millie and Merle. She is a caramel parti with tan and white markings. She weighs lbs. She is about 15lbs. Ava is a sweet, mini chocolate labradoodle. She is a multi-gen and weighs about 13lbs. She is a standard chocolate merle, lbs. She has a beautiful loose curl. Very playful and loves her kids! She weighs about 15lbs. She is a parti doodle and weighs about 22lbs. She weighs about 26lbs, just a little bigger than her sister, Brooklyn. Hank is the sweetest mini chocolate labradoodle. He weighs about 60 lbs and loves to run in our backyard! He weighs about 12 lbs. He is a happy little guy, follows by your side all the time! He is very obedient and playful. He is about 15lbs.

Females are about 21 to 22 inches tall and weigh about 55 to 65 pounds 25 to 29 kilograms. The golden retriever has a water-repellent coat that is wavy or flat and gold to cream in color. One of the most attractive features of this breed is the feathering on the neck, legs, thighs, underside and tail. The dog's head is strong and broad. The ears are not very large, but they sit high on the head and hang just below the jaw line. The chest is deep, and the body is well balanced. Golden retrievers live about 10 to 13 years. Personality: The golden retriever is even-tempered, intelligent and affectionate. Golden retrievers are playful, yet gentle with children, and they tend to get along well with other pets and strangers. These dogs are eager to please, which probably explains why they respond so well to obedience training and are such popular service dogs. They also like to work, whether it involves hunting birds or fetching their guardian's slippers. .Golden retrievers are not often barkers, and they lack guard instincts, so do not count on them to make good watchdogs. However, some golden retrievers will let you know when strangers are approaching. Living With: This breed likes to be active. Remember, golden retrievers are bird dogs at heart, so they love a good game of fetch or a swim. If exercise is provided daily, golden retrievers can adapt to any type of home, even if it is a city apartment. Golden retrievers are considered average shedders. Brushing about once weekly will keep the coat looking nice. History: In , the golden retriever was the second most popular AKC breed. This ranking is no surprise, because the dog has many qualities that make for a perfect family pet. The golden retriever's roots are in the fields and waterways of Great Britain, however. The golden retriever was bred to be a bird dog, particularly for hunting water fowl, and the breed resulted from crossing a number of other breeds thought to include spaniels, setters, and the Newfoundland but not the Newfoundland we know today , and perhaps even a bloodhound. The combination created a hardy, strong swimming dog that could withstand cold water, track wounded game and deal with crippled birds. Today, golden retrievers are not only good bird dogs and family pets; they also are popular as service dogs for the blind and disabled, and as search and rescue dogs and contraband detection dogs. Few dogs can claim this breed's versatility. Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. The Golden is slow to mature and retains the silly, playful personality of a puppy until three to four years of age, which can be both delightful and annoying. Many keep their puppyish traits into old age. Originally bred for the physically demanding job of retrieving ducks and other fowl for hunters, the Golden needs daily exercise : a walk or jog, free time in the yard, a run at the beach or lake Goldens love water , or a game of fetch. And like other intelligent breeds who were bred to work, they need to have a job to do, such as retrieving the paper, waking up family members, or competing in dog sports. A tired Golden is a well-behaved Golden. As well as giving your Golden Retriever physical and mental exercise , you should also be prepared to include him in your family activities. Golden Retriever Highlights Golden Retrievers shed a lot, especially during spring and fall. Brushing their coat daily helps remove loose hair, preventing it from spreading on your clothes and around your home. Living with a Golden means embracing their shedding. Golden Retrievers are active and require minutes of vigorous exercise every day. They enjoy obedience training, agility classes, and other dog activities that provide both physical and mental stimulation. While they are gentle and reliable around children, Golden Retrievers are large and exuberant, which might accidentally knock over small kids. Goldens have hearty appetites and can become overweight if overfed. Manage treats, measure their daily food portions, and feed them regular meals instead of leaving food out all day. Due to their popularity, some breeders prioritize profit over the well-being of the dogs. To ensure a healthy pup, avoid irresponsible breeders, puppy mills, or pet stores. Look for reputable breeders who test their breeding dogs for genetic diseases and focus on good temperaments. Golden Retriever History For many years, there was a legend that Golden Retrievers were descended from Russian sheepdogs bought from a circus. In fact, the breed was developed in Scotland, at the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth. Tweedmouth, like many gentry of his day, bred animals of all kinds, trying to perfect different breeds. He also wanted the dog to be loyal and even-tempered in the home. Tweedmouth kept mostly the yellow puppies to continue his breeding program, and gave others away to friends and relatives. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in .Today, the Golden Retriever is the second most popular breed in the U. Golden Retriever Size Males are 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh 65 to 75 pounds. Females are generally .Golden Retrievers usually reach their full height by one year of age, and their mature weight by two. Golden Retriever Personality A sweet, calm nature is the hallmark of the breed. The Golden was bred to work with people, and is eager to please his owner. Though hard-wired with a good disposition, like all dogs the Golden must be well-raised and well-trained to make the most of his heritage. Socialization helps ensure that your Golden puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia: This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Cataracts: As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis: This heart problem is caused by a narrow connection between the left ventricle out-flow and the aorta. It can cause fainting and even sudden death. Your vet can detect it and prescribe the proper treatment. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Allergies: Golden Retrievers can be allergic to a variety of substances, ranging from food to pollen. If your Golden is licking his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, have him checked by your vet. The main symptom is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. There is no cure, and a blood transfusion from the blood of normal dogs is currently the only treatment. Research is underway for new treatments, including medication. A vet can test your dog for the condition. Dogs with this condition should not be bred. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in his stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Epilepsy : Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes periodic seizures and convulsions. Your vet will need to know how severe the seizures are and how often they occur to determine what medication to prescribe, if any. Hemangiosarcoma : This is a very dangerous form of cancer that originates in the lining of blood vessels and spleen. It most commonly occurs in middle-age and elderly dogs. Golden Retriever Care Golden Retrievers are built for action and love outdoor romps. If you like to hike or jog, your Golden will be happy to join you. Slacking on the activity, however, could lead to behavior problems. These dogs grow very rapidly between the age of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. Normal play on grass is fine, and so are puppy agility classes. Golden Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Golden in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. For more on feeding your Golden, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Some coats are wavy, some are straight. The fur feathers on the back of the front legs and underbody, with heavier feathering on the chest, back of the thighs, and tail. Golden Retrievers come in all shades of gold, from light to dark gold. Golden Retrievers shed moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and fall. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangling, and once a week is the bare minimum. Your Golden will also need a bath at least once a month, often more frequently, to keep him looking and smelling clean. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. Fold-over ears create a warm, dark environment for bacteria or fungus to grow in, and breeds that have them — such as the Golden — are prone to ear infections. His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Check them every time he gets wet, too. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. He enjoys the companionship of other dogs , and with proper introductions and training, can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Golden Retriever Rescue Groups Goldens are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Goldens in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Golden Retriever Club of America, Inc. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life. They are gentle but need to be treated with respect by all members of the family, including young children, as like any dog their patience will eventually run out. Common health problems in Golden Retrievers Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight. Eye problems — screening tests are available and dogs should be screened on a yearly basis, especially if intended for breeding. Multifocal retinal dysplasia - abnormal development and growth of the back of the eye retina which can lead to blindness. Generalised progressive retinal atrophy GPRA — slowly leads to progressive blindness over months or years. Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy RPED, or central progressive retinal atrophy — a genetic problem which causes issues in the back of the eye retina and loss of vision. Glaucoma — high pressure within the eye causing pain and loss of vision. Ichthyosis — a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair. Caring for your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are usually real big softies and can make a great addition to a home. How much noise they make will be down to the individual dog. Training and socialisation Golden Retrievers thrive off training and are very intelligent dogs. They love nothing more than to be given tasks to do to keep them occupied and have fairly good problem-solving skills — for a dog! As long as your Retriever is properly socialised from a young age , they should be confident around new people and situations. Retrievers also like their chill out time but will be more than happy to show you plenty of affection on their own terms. Exercise Golden Retrievers are very active dogs and need plenty of opportunities to exercise , play and get rid of excess energy. Your Golden Retriever will need a minimum of two hours of good exercise per day. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together. Because they are intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers can get bored easily so make sure you keep their brains active as well as their bodies. As their name suggests, retrieving is what they were bred for, so nearly all Golden Retrievers love a good game of fetch! Grooming Golden Retrievers have medium to long coats and generally do shed a lot. They are not a dog to take on if you hate hoovering! Ideally, they should be brushed or combed three times a week at a minimum. Where necessary you can trim their coat with the right tools, but seek advice from a professional dog groomer or vet first. You may also find that your Retriever loves water including any and all muddy puddles and swimming. Make sure they stay safe around the water and if they get mucky, use a dog safe shampoo. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate Golden Retrievers and children If you have a young family then Golden Retrievers can be fantastic with children. If socialised properly from a young age, Retrievers can be quite calm and tolerant. Always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Golden Retriever and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Golden Retrievers and other pets Well-socialised Golden Retrievers are very easy-going, which usually means they can be great around other dogs and pets, too. Any introductions should be done carefully and following the right advice for your other pet, too. Always supervise your dog with other pets, even if they have known them for a long time. Obesity can cause other health problems for your Golden Retriever, so keeping them in shape is extra important. Make sure to monitor their weight and keep an eye out for any sneaky snacking. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. Use healthy treats in moderation instead. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap before exercising and after eating. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you want to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they have to do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts As they were bred to fetch game, they have a naturally gentle grip, called a 'soft mouth', so they don't damage the birds they carry back in their mouths. Golden Retrievers have an amazing sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs in other parts of the world. They absolutely love water well, most of them do. Most Retrievers will take any opportunity to have a swim. Luckily, their coats are thick to keep out water and keep them warm. Golden Retrievers make really good assistance dogs and are often a top choice for training to be Guide Dogs for the Blind. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Golden Retriever. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Golden Retrievers are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if the Golden Retriever is the right pet for you? This is one of the finest family dogs in the world: cheerful, demonstrative, trustworthy with everyone, and forgiving of any mistakes made by inexperienced owners. Give this breed two brisk walks each day, play fetch games, and take him out for a good run once a week, and he is adaptable to almost any lifestyle. Friendly with everyone strangers, children, dogs, cats, smaller pets , his bark is welcoming rather than protective. You must control his tendency to chew on objects and to mouth your hands -- provide a box filled with toys so he can carry things around in his mouth. A Golden Retriever remains enthusiastically puppy-like for many years, so early obedience training is required to instill calmness and good manners. Eager to please and wonderfully responsive, he is nonetheless distracted by exciting sights and sounds, so you must be both patient and persistent. The mind and heart of a Golden is sweet and gentle, but his body is robust -- until he's taught not to pull on the leash, you'll need good biceps to walk him. If you want a dog who.Is large, athletic, and natural-looking Has a pretty feathered coat Has a cheerful, tail-wagging nature Is steady-tempered and dependable with everyone Is peaceful with other animals Is eager to please and very responsive to training A Golden Retriever may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with.Providing a goodly amount of exercise Exuberant jumping, especially when young Mouthiness -- chewing on things, carrying things around Regular brushing and combing to avoid mats and tangles Heavy shedding Concerns about a multitude of serious health problems A Golden Retriever may not be right for you. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Golden Retrievers have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Books by Michele Welton "Respect Training for Puppies" or "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today. High energy when young. Young Golden Retrievers up to two or three years old romp and jump with vigor. They don't mean any harm but things can go flying — including people who are not steady on their feet. If you have toddlers, or if you or anyone who lives with you is infirm, consider adopting an adult Golden Retriever from a rescue group. Adults have a wonderfully settled temperament and you can specifically look for a calm one. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Golden Retrievers were developed to be hunting dogs, which mean they are athletic and smart dogs. They need regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. You can't just let them in and out of the back yard and think that qualifies! They will become bored — which they may express by becoming rambunctious and destructive. You can control your Golden Retriever's bounciness AND keep him mentally stimulated by enrolling him in ongoing agility classes an obstacle course for dogs. Also follow the training program in my book Teach Your Dog English Words , which includes lots of fun exercises for your Golden. Shedding and doggy odor. Golden Retrievers are heavy shedders — you need to be okay with this reality. You'll find a lot of hair on your clothing and furniture. Golden Retrievers also have a noticeable doggy odor and produce a lot of dander. Not the breed for anyone with any type of allergies! Some Golden Retrievers have a medium-length coat that's not difficult to groom, while others have a heavier coat with lots of feathering. These latter dogs need regular grooming to comb out tangles before they become painful mats. Goldens also need occasional clippering and scissoring, especially around their "bathroom parts" in order for those to remain sanitary. Serious health problems. Unfortunately, the Golden Retriever has lots and lots of potential health problems. Many Goldens do live to 12 or 13 years old, but they're not necessarily healthy during those years; chronic health issues can really take their toll. Many other Goldens are lost at age 6 or 7 or 8, to crippling joint and bone diseases, heart disease, epilepsy, or cancer. Golden Retrievers should not be fed a kibble diet, as this can cause or worsen skin disorders and allergies, which are all too common. I recommend feeding a homemade diet of real meat and vegetables and absolutely no grain. Read more about Golden Retriever Health. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. About inches at the shoulder, with males usually in the higher half of that range, and females usually in the lower half. Weight can be as low as 55 pounds, but is usually pounds. However, there are many oversized Goldens, with some individuals topping 90 pounds. Unfortunately, this heavier weight isn't good for their joints. Where does the Golden Retriever come from, and why was the breed developed? He was developed in England and Scotland as both a land hunter and a water retriever retrieving shot ducks from the water. What kind of temperament and personality does the Golden Retriever have? To get an idea of what a breed might be like, always look at what he was developed to do see the question above. Many of the Golden Retriever's characteristics -- his strong body, his energy level and enthusiasm, his love of swimming and retrieving, his strong desire to carry things around in his mouth -- are hardwired into his genes, because they were needed for a retriever to do his work. Can Golden Retrievers be any color other than golden? I've seen some reddish ones. Golden Retrievers come in only one color, but the shade of their coat ranges from reddish like an Irish Setter to medium gold to pale cream to nearly white. It's all the same breed, and no shade is more desirable than another. Golden Retrievers do tend to turn white around their muzzle at a fairly young age -- this is normal for the breed. During the winter, some Golden Retrievers will lose pigment on their nose, which turns pinkish. This is a harmless and temporary condition referred to as "snow nose. Their silky feathering needs to be kept combed to avoid mats and tangles, which can be quite painful, as they pull on your dog's skin whenever he moves. The worst places for mats and tangles are behind their ears, behind their front legs in their "armpits" , and on their chest, stomach, and groin. Their legs and paws also need to be kept combed, and their tail. The rest of their body can just be brushed. Several times a year, their feathering should be trimmed short to make it easier to comb. You can do this yourself, or have a professional groomer do it. During shedding season see the next question , you should brush your Golden Retriever every day to pull out the worst of the dead hair so less of it ends up on your floor and furniture. How much do Golden Retrievers shed? Golden Retrievers shed quite heavily. They shed some hairs here and there throughout the year, with the bulk of their shedding occurring twice a year, for three weeks in the spring as their winter coat switches over to a cooler summer coat, and three weeks in the fall as their summer coat switches over to a thicker winter coat. Do Golden Retrievers have a doggy odor? Yes, definitely, and it can be quite strong. Are there different builds in Golden Retrievers? My brother has a hunting Golden Retriever, which looks different than the Goldens on the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Yes, breeders who show their dogs in the conformation ring produce Golden Retrievers who look quite different from the Golden Retrievers produced by breeders who specialize in hunting and field trials. Golden Retrievers from show lines are stockier and heavier-boned, with a large blocky head and dense coat. How long do Golden Retrievers live, and what health problems do they have? Typically years. Some reach years. Do crossbred or mixed breed Goldens make good pets? What about "Goldendoodles"? They do make good pets, yes, but first you need to know what a purebred dog really is -- and what crossbred and mixed breed dogs really are. Can you help me decide whether the Golden Retriever is the best breed for me? Yes, I offer personal consultations on choosing the best breed for your family and lifestyle. Learn more about my Dog Breed Consulting Service. Do male dogs or female dogs make better pets? Ah, let the debate begin! Honestly, male Golden Retrievers have pros and cons, and female Golden Retrievers have pros and cons. First you need to know what registration papers really mean -- and don't mean. There's an adorable Golden Retriever puppy at the pet shop. The store manager assures me they only buy from responsible breeders. Could this be true? There are no responsible Golden Retriever breeders who would ever place one of their Golden Retriever puppies in a pet shop for resale. How do I find a good Golden Retriever breeder? It's hard! The sad truth is that the vast majority of people offering Golden Retriever puppies for sale are unknowledgeable, irresponsible, completely clueless -- or all of the above. How do I pick the best Golden Retriever puppy from a litter? You can do puppy personality tests. I'm interested in adopting a dog rather than buying from a dog breeder. How do I find Golden Retriever dogs for adoption? You can find Golden Retrievers available for adoption from dog rescue groups or from the animal shelter. I just got a new Golden Retriever. Which pages should I read first? Golden Retriever Health , which includes my advice on feeding, vaccinations, and health care. These pages are very important, because if you start your Golden Retriever puppy off on the wrong foot, he will probably experience health problems later on. Training Golden Retrievers , which includes my advice on respect training, housebreaking, and socialization. Again, you must start your Golden Retriever puppy off on the right foot by teaching him what he needs to know and you must avoid doing the wrong things with him so that he doesn't develop bad habits that will be much harder to fix later on. What's a good training schedule for training Golden Retriever puppies? What things should I teach, and when? How do I housebreak my Golden Retriever? The key to housebreaking your Golden Retriever is confinement, confinement, confinement. My Golden Retriever has some behavior problems I'd like to solve. Respect training solves behavior problems much better than obedience training. What's the best dog food for Golden Retrievers? Homemade dog food. If you can't make your own homemade meals, a company called NomNomNow will make them and deliver them to your house. I have to take my Golden Retriever to the vet soon for shots. Which vaccinations does he really need? The schedule of vaccinations that dogs really need has changed dramatically -- but most vets are not telling you the truth about this! Don't let your vet give your Golden Retriever any more shots until you've read my article on Puppy Shots and Dog Vaccinations. What are the pros and cons of spaying and neutering my Golden Retriever, and when should it be done? Spaying and neutering are often recommended too early, which can lead to health problems later in life. My vet doesn't agree with some of the things you've written about health care. There are two competing veterinary organizations in the United States and they disagree on just about every aspect of canine health care. Visit Think Your Veterinarian's Good? Here's How To Tell. I have a question about Golden Retrievers that I don't see answered on your web site. It's probably answered in one of my books:. The Golden Retriever's kindly expression says it all. This is one of the finest family dogs in the world: cheerful, demonstrative, trustworthy with everyone, and forgiving of any mistakes made by inexperienced owners. Friendly with everyone strangers, children, dogs, cats, smaller pets , his bark is welcoming rather than protective. They don't mean any harm but things can go flying — including people who are not steady on their feet. If you have toddlers, or if you or anyone who lives with you is infirm, consider adopting an adult Golden Retriever from a rescue group. Adults have a wonderfully settled temperament and you can specifically look for a calm one. As with Labrador retrievers, the muzzle of the British type golden retriever is shorter and wider and it has a blockier build. The legs and tail of the British type are shorter and the chest is deeper than the American type golden retriever. British type goldens are generally heavier dogs and have rounder eyes as opposed to triangular-shaped eyes. He's a large, strong dog, though, and he can easily knock over a small child by mistake. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he's eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog's food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. The Golden's attitude toward other pets is the more the merrier. He enjoys the companionship of other dogs, and with proper introductions and training, can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. They are obedient, playful, intelligent, well-mannered, great with kids, and kindly to strangers. They are good watchdogs, but make lousy guard dogs as they love people far too much to be effective. Golden Retrievers are always at the top of their obedience classes and are often the champions of sporting competitions. Hunters find them to be reliable bird dogs, and their keen sense of smell and desire to work alongside people makes them sought-after narcotics sniffers. Golden Retrievers need people and are best suited for large, active families. The correct relationship of length of body to height is .The Golden Retriever is a dog without exaggeration. Another essential characteristic is proper temperament. A Golden Retriever is friendly, calm, compliant and compatible with people and other dogs. Goldens are particularly good with children. The Golden Retriever is a powerfully built dog, with a good nose for tracking, a soft mouth, and an eagerness to learn. When I got him as a puppy, I thought he'd help me pick up girls, but that never happened. Instead, he helped me learn something else. Really, Goldens are like little furry Buddhas. They are like a small drop of God's love made incarnate. My dog loved everybody. He just met you--he loved you like an old friend. He would lean on people and just stare up at them with his doleful eyes, looking to be petted. And when he did this, people began to relax and open up. Here I was, a teenage boy hoping to use my cute fluffball to meet girls when we went out for walks, and instead my dog became an impromptu therapy dog for people from all walks of life. People would tell me about their dogs who had passed. People would tell me about their worries about their kids. People would tell me about their problems, their struggles with addiction, their hopes of reuniting with family members--all stuff that was way too big and heavy for a seventeen-year-old kid to handle. My dog's simple, unconditional love for all revealed the broken world around me. He helped me want to do better, want to be better. Goldens are special. She was just trying to bring back a ball and didn't see me. She was moving very fast. Pumpkin was a good, good girl. Positive reviews. Read the full disclosure here. One breed you will fall in love with right off the bat is a purebred golden retriever. Take time to find out whether the pup is truly purebred. I discuss it all and even answer some of the most pressing questions you may have about this dog. Shall we begin? They trace their roots back to Scotland, where Lord Tweedmouth bred them for hunting. He was a keen waterfowl hunter but he also wanted a dog that could be loyal, friendly, and even-tempered while at home. All this happened between to .Tweedmouth kept a breeding record that now shows what he was trying to achieve — a hunting dog that also had the traits of a family pet. Even though now extinct, Tweed water spaniels were ardent retrievers and in the home they were friendly, loyal, and calm. In the following years, the AKC changed the Golden Retriever breeding standards to suit the tastes and needs of Americans. Right now, goldens are a popular breed in the US, rivaling Labradors, German shepherds, and French bulldogs. How To Identify A Full Breed Golden Retriever Top on the list of ways to identify a pure golden retriever is to check whether it has the right paperwork and pedigree. Proper documentation is proof that the dog has been registered with a well-recognized kennel club or certified registry that keeps records for that specific breed. Meet the three types of golden retrievers. In North America, the American Kennel Club AKC is the largest and most popular kennel club but there are a few other legitimate registries as well such as: Canadian Kennel Club United Kennel Club Continental Kennel Club For a pup to qualify for documentation, its parents must have been listed with a certified registry. Once you obtain them, you only have to pay a small fee, fill up the registration documents and mail them to the relevant registry for processing. To be one hundred percent sure that your golden is purebred, check to see if it has the features that define such a breed. These are the unique characteristics purebred golden retriever puppies should have. Females, on the other hand, weigh between 55 and 65 pounds and are usually .Both genders reach full height after turning one-year-old and mature weight by the age of two. Structurally speaking, goldens have a symmetrical muscular build and look very athletic. Size-wise, they are classified in the medium to large category. Also, note that their hind limbs are strong and straight while the shoulders are well-built and rugged. Personality Goldens are defined by their sweet, soft, easy-going demeanor. They get along well with pretty much everyone, including kids, and are always eager to please the owner, but these and other great attributes will only be apparent if you train and raise them well. All goldens have a thick undercoat and a dense outer coat that is resistant to water and requires regular grooming with one of the best brushes for golden retrievers. Some have wavy coats, while others are straight. Their fur feathers on the chest, underbelly, along the tail, and on the back of their front limbs. Shedding is heavier in the fall and spring and moderates in the summer and winter. To keep their beautiful coats in top shape, clean, and free of fleas, use one of the best flea shampoos for dogs. Other special characteristics of purebred goldens to watch out for include: Short ears that can fold over Fairly or dark brown medium-large eyes with dark eye rims A thick tail that is muscular at the base and curved upwards at the end How Long Do Purebred Golden Retrievers Live? Based on statistics, golden retrievers have been found to live an average of years; however, if you go the extra mile in taking proper care of your golden, she can live longer than that. Augie, the oldest known Golden retriever , passed away at the age of .Just as a reminder, taking good care of a golden retriever involves the following: Proper diet.