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A little about us North Mountain Kennels is proud to offer quality German Shepherd puppies for sale, bred from some of the best sires and dams in the world. From meticulously bred service dogs to family pets, North Mountain Kennels has the perfect German Shepherd puppy for you. About Our Breeder Audrey is not just your average dog trainer. She is highly educated in all things K9. She has obtained 2 Masters Degrees from London Hanover University College of Zoological Studies with a concentration in canine behavior from a neurological perspective. This allows her to learn that what we "see" as the outward behavior and how it begins on a cellular level in brain. Truly understanding at an in-depth level of the animal that many "Trainers" do not understand or have any desire to understand what creates behavior and where it begins in the brain. Knowledge is power and with this knowledge Audrey Estep carefully crafts training plans developed for each puppy in training rather the a cookie cutter approach to all dogs. My services are designed with you and your pet in mind, and I believe in working as much with you as with your pet. Happy Healthy Bloodlines Great genetics make for a confident well rounded puppy that is suitable for companion, sport, IPO, or police K9. However, not all great quality breeding stock are titled European German Shepherd dogs. I'm selecting dogs with a history of producing consistent sound and healthy offspring. Not all dogs in my program have an OFA score on hips and elbows. My dogs generally have a European score on hips and elbows since they are tested prior to import. Furever Friends My puppy program revolves around creating the most sound animal for whatever your purpose is from birth. Puppies are exposed to a number of environmental obstacles, smells, sounds and sights to ensure confidence and sociability. Our Puppies All puppies are vaccinated, treated for internal and external parasites, micro chipped and come with AKC papers to register you puppy. What our customers have to say about North Mountain Kennels Don't just take our word for it, see what our customers have to say about us, our puppies, and the programs we offer! Proven Results. Please check out our Litters page to know about our current and future breeding plans. We are German Shepherd breeders in Virginia and have bred, raised and competed around the world with excellent results. Our breeding program's main focus lies on good health, and temperament as we believe the dogs are family members and companions first and anything else after. Our days are dedicated to socializing and training each and everyone of our german shepherds dogs, as we strongly believe that positive interaction enhances their personality and general well-being. We occasionally have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Virginia. We are located on 10 picturesque acres in the picturesque Northern Virginia countryside, outside Washington D. Our puppies come dewormed, with their first set of shots and with a written health guarantee. We focus on bringing the best available genetics in the German Shepherd breed and carefully incorporate them into our bloodlines, forming a physically and mentally sound mother-line, which has produced excellent results from each breeding. With our German Shepherds, we like to keep our focus on just a few breedings a year giving us ample time to raise and train the next generation of healthy, happy dogs. Our Breeding program is currently in its 6th generation with older dogs exhibiting excellent longevity, living active lives into their mid teens. Learn more about our Motherline. Everything, for the supplies and preparation steps, to the car ride home ; the first few days how to introduce him to your family and more. We have competed very successfully in the United States and globally. Our dogs have excelled at all levels of competition. Our German Shepherds have not only won numerous awards for their excellent structure but are also noted internationally in competitions Germany, Austria, Canada, India, and South-East Asia for their outstanding temperament and performances. Nummer-Eins German Shepherds: Virginia. They are one of the top favorites with dog lovers across the country. German Shepherds are famous for their guarding skills, loyalty, and temperament. If you would like to get one for yourself, find out about the best German Shepherd breeders in Virginia below. They maintain ethical breeding standards and they also offer dogs training, grooming, and boarding services. Haus Juris German Shepherds breed only the best German bloodlines to produce German Shepherds with superior temperaments. You can train the dog to be a family companion, show dog, or service dog. The parent dogs show no sign of health concerns. Also, the breeder x-ray all the breeding dogs for their hips and elbows. Their pups come from the best pedigrees. The dogs are very intelligent, full of life, and majestic. They are also mentally stable and strong. The breeders help and raise the pups in a family environment. Similarly, pups have plenty of open space to play and develop their cognitive and physical skills. These pups grow up to be quick and adept learners. Their pups have gone on to do Search and Rescue SAR work, service work for the disabled, and personal protection work. You can also easily train them to become good family pets. They exhibit great health. The breeders microchip and vaccinate all the pups. A vet regularly examines them here. They also provide impressive boarding services. German Shepherds from Blue Ridge Lane are very smart, a quality that fetches clients and customers from all over the States. The breeders are American Kennel Club Inspected. Their dogs have passed health tests and screening. They choose breeding dogs based on health, temperament, ability to train, and a good mind to fit into a family setup. The dogs here get along well with small children and other animals. Moreover, the breeders import them from the best lines in Europe. The breeders handle and socialize the pups until they go to their forever home at 8 weeks. They like to meet the families face to face to ensure they can place each puppy into a loving home. Audrey, who has years of experience and training, breeds the dogs. The dogs come from working line German Shepherds. Their dogs display safe temperaments, stunning looks, high trainability, and outstanding health. They belong to show line and working line pedigrees. The AKC has certified them as a breeder with H. Their pups have the correct conformation and performance levels. They raise their pups at home and feed them home-cooked meals. The dogs show a balanced temperament. They are loyal and smart. They are also sociable and easily trainable. Website Facebook Email ID Call Us Ready to welcome a brand new four-legged family member into your house that will promise you endless love and memories? Get in touch with one of the top German Shepherd breeders in Virginia listed above to bring your pup home! Breeders german shepherd german shepherd breeders.

With their intelligence, playfulness, and loving hearts, they are the obvious choice for the idyllic family dog. So, when it comes to buying toys for playtime, it is important to consider those unique breed traits when picking out the best toys for Golden Retrievers. World-renowned dog psychologist Stanley Coren has ranked them number four on his top ten list of the smartest dogs, capable of learning as many as commands and eager to use that intelligence in order to please their human companions. All dogs need mental stimulation. In order to stimulate their minds and prevent them from getting bored and exhibiting destructive behaviors, it is important to offer your Golden some thought-provoking toys to keep them sharp and entertained. Here are a couple of our favorites to get you started: 1. Wobble Bowl Interactive Treat Puzzle This level one dog puzzle is a great way to introduce your dog to treat dispensing puzzles. Fill the bowl through the plug at the top with some of their favorite small treats for a snack or with up to one cup of regular dog kibble to make feeding time a little more fun. After replacing the plug, you might demonstrate a few wobbles to show your dog how the toy works. Once they get the hang of it, your Golden will love this entertaining dog feeder. Keeping them entertained and requiring them to make logical connections between their actions creating wobbles and a just reward bits of kibble or treats. Puzzles like this provide more of a longer-lasting challenge than a stuffed kong classic. While our Slow Feeders are top-rack dishwasher safe, the wobble bowl should be hand-washed will warm water and mild soap. It feeds. Use the Wobble Bowl as a puzzle game to provide fun physical and mental stimulation. The Wobble Bowl holds up to 1 cup of food… Amazon 2. Dog Brick Once your dog has mastered the level one Wobble Bowl puzzle, they could be ready for a level two puzzle like the Dog Brick toy. Originally bred for hunting in Scotland, Golden Retrievers are good at using their snouts to figure out this game that can stump some other dog breeds or inexperienced pups after all, it is level two for a reason. This dog puzzle is more challenging because it requires a combination of steps; not only must your dog recognize that there are treats hidden under and inside the compartments, they also have to recognize which treats to go after first in order to access the next ones. Fill with treats, kibble, or even peanut butter! In comparison to the other AKC categories of dogs, sporting breeds were much more playful when full-grown, especially in comparison to toy breeds and non-sporting dogs. In order to keep your Golden happy and healthy, they require a lot of exercise and active play. To help facilitate this type of play, here are a few of the best toys for Golden Retrievers that will encourage plenty of active playtimes. Outward Hound Squeaker Ballz The fact that Goldens love playing fetch should come as no surprise given that their surname is Retriever, and our fun twist on a classic tennis ball can help make your game of fetch even more fun! Combined with a tantalizing squeak, your Golden will go nuts for this interactive ball. Plus, they fit standard ball lanchers and are available in different sizes so they can accommodate your small Golden retriever puppy. Your pup will love fetching this squeaky tennis ball whether playing indoors or enjoying the great outdoors. The adjustable hoop can be placed low to the ground to start and then raised up higher and higher as their skill at jumping through hoops progresses. The agility poles, hoop, and tunnel will challenge your Golden to listen to and learn commands just as much as they challenge them physically. This set is great for training your dog to learn new tricks or commands with an easy to set up obstacle course. This outdoor training set features one circular collapsible tunnel, six weave poles, and an adjustable jump with hoop that come in a slim carry case. A study conducted with 60 Golden Retrievers in concluded that they display contact-seeking behavior. In effect, they literally love to be petted. In between snuggles with their favorite humans, having a soft toy to pal around with and cuddle up with for a nap is important for Goldens. Here is our favorite double-duty tug and cuddle toy: 1. Cuddle Tugs dog toys are designed to be used in interactive play games such as tug of war and extend out to 26 inches. Made with K9 Tuff Guard material featuring denier canvas lining,… 2. This plush squeaky toy is a favorite toy of dogs and dog owners. Bound to…. Plush toys Puzzle toys Each of these types have a specific purpose and benefit, and can help with training in a different way. This is where chew toys come in. You need to have a rotation of chew toys that serve as safe outlets for your pup to take out their chewing needs. And in addition to helping satisfy this natural desire to chew, chew toys also help with teething. Chewing helps relieve the pain and pressure of their adult teeth coming in , and throwing a chew toy in the freezer before you give it to them can also help alleviate teething pain. Now most chew toys are made of rubber or plastic and the list below has a few different materials to select from. He would run around the house swinging them, and then when he was tired he would lay down and chew on the keys. The rubber is tough, yet bouncy and has some give, so your puppy will love it. For crate training , durable chew toys are great for keeping them occupied in the crate. Interactive Toys Interactive toys are toys that let you and your dog play together, such as frisbees, tennis balls, or tug ropes. You can get this rope from Amazon here. To teach drop it with a tug rope you simply stop tugging, hold the rope very still, and wait for your puppy to eventually get bored and let go. Praise them for dropping it and then after a minute or two of tugging, do it again. I also like to reinforce commands like sit and down while playing tug. Plush Toys Plush toys are soft, fuzzy toys that often have a squeaker inside. Zippy Paws Avocado. Your golden retriever will lean towards toys that appeal to their highly energetic and fun-loving nature. So, what toys do Golden Retrievers like to play with? Toys that golden retrievers like to play with fall under three main groups — plush, interactive, and chew toys. Plush toys are used to play a game of fetch, while interactive toys let you and your dog play together, and chew toys are helpful, especially when dogs are teething or left home alone for the day. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! Plush Toys For a golden retriever, plush toys mimic the feel of carrying waterfowl in their mouths which is, of course what they were bred for. These soft, fuzzy toys often have a squeaker inside that make these toys more attractive to golden retrievers. Soft plush toys, however, may not be the most ideal for golden retrievers who have a tendency to chew and rip things apart. Some retrievers show this inclination, especially in cases where the toy squeaks. Plush toys, on the other hand, are ideal for goldens who are gentle chewers. Golden retrievers are able to hold things in their mouth without damaging them. Due to this gentle nature of the breed, they love to play with plush toys and enjoy carrying them around in their mouth. These plush toys are extra tough, guaranteeing a longer life in the hands er, mouths of your golden retriever. It will be fun to play a game of fetch with your retriever using this toy! It could also be used as a comfort toy for your furry friend to cuddle up with. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! This soft and cuddly plush toy is very popular among dogs. Marvin is available in extra-large size as well, making it the perfect cuddle buddy for your golden retriever. The fact that this toy also squeaks makes it a very attractive plaything for your golden. There is also minimal stuffing in this toy to help ensure that the mess is kept at a minimum if your furry friend decides to eventually rip it up. The toy is designed for gentle chewing, and normal wear and tear. This toy is also machine washable, making life easier for you as the dog parent. You can get the Marvin the Moose plush toy here at Amazon. This small toy is cute to look at and has a vibrant green color that your retriever would love to chase. The toy features adorable character details and has different textures from the polka-dotted feel on the exterior to the corduroy lines on the interior. They also have cute smiling faces to boot. My favorite part and your goldens too is the avocado pit inside is a tennis ball! This avocado dog toy also makes a lot of squeaky sounds that your golden would love to chase and romp around with. It is ideal for a foraging style of play. Outward Hound Invincibles Dog Toy This is one of the most popular squeaking toys around and will keep your retriever entertained for a long time. This toy is durable and can easily withstand moderate chewers. Nevertheless, if your golden retriever does manage to rip it apart, the fact that there is no stuffing inside will ensure that there is no mess for you to clean up afterwards. You can also build a bond with your dog by playing a game of toss or fetch with them both indoors and out. Flying Squirrel Toy Golden retrievers love to swim and engage in a game of fetch in the water. Even the medium-sized one, which is 10 inches by 10 inches, is large enough to play frisbee with your golden retriever. This spinning toy is aerodynamic and perfect for playing fetch in the yard or park as well. The bright color of the toy attracts the attention of the retriever, making it possible for your dog to see it from a distance. The durable canvas exterior makes it easy to keep this toy clean as it resists dirt and dog slobber. The curved sides on the toy make it easy for your dog to easily retrieve the toy. Get ready to bond with your golden retriever over a game of frisbee with this Chuckit toy. The Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Amazon is a ton of fun! Due to the lifelike features, this will engage your golden retrievers hunting instincts, and your dog will love to play a game of chase with this wildlife rabbit toy. This soft plush toy is made with chew guard technology that makes it resistant to aggressive chewing by your golden retriever. A very popular toy among dog owners and can soon be a favorite part of your dogs toy chest! Pick up the goDog Wildlife Rabbit here Amazon. Squirrels activate the innate hunting instincts in your golden. This life-sized grey squirrel plush toy is a very realistic looking toy. At the end of a long day of chasing and chewing your golden can also use it for cuddling. This soft plush toy measures around 8 inches tall and is made of superior plush materials with impeccable attention to detail. Your golden will really love this squirrel! Interactive Toys Interactive toys are those that help you bond with your golden retriever by letting you and your dog play together. These toys help to use up your dogs wild energy. Frisbees, tennis balls, and tug ropes are some examples of interactive toys. Some of these toys also double up as chew toys for your golden. For instance, the tug rope is not only an interactive toy, but your dog can also use it by themselves. Interactive toys also provide mental stimulation to your dogs. These days the market is flooded with puzzle toys for your dog. These toys usually contain hidden compartments for hiding treats for your dogs. Then it becomes a mental challenge for them to figure out how to extract the treat from the puzzle box. This trait makes the Outward Hound an ideal puzzle toy for your dog. This toy can also be used as a training tool where you teach your dog to sit and wait before you allow him to go ahead and search for the treats. Outward Hound is made to look like real wood but is made of composite material that makes the toy resistant to damage and easy to clean. The wood-like appearance is especially appealing to the dogs. The toy does have moving pieces, but they are built in such a way that none of the moving pieces come out. To play this game with your dog, simply place dog treats in the compartments and swivel the flippers to cover the food. Your golden retriever will know in an instant that there are treats hidden in the compartments and start poking the toy to figure out a way to get to them. It is made of non-toxic materials and is free of BPA and phthalate. Your golden retriever can play and chew with this toy for as long as it wants. They are much more durable than normal tennis balls and are resistant to heavy chewing. When not being used in a game of tug of war, golden retrievers love carrying it around in their mouths. Kong Jump N Jack Dental Dog Toy This toy can be used for a game of fetch, and due to its design, it has the added erratic nature in its bounce, which makes its unpredictability enjoyable for your golden retriever. The strategically designed ridges help to clean teeth and gums for improved dental hygiene. This toy is sure to keep your golden stimulated for long hours. All you need to do is fill the tree trunk with the three stuffed squirrels and toss it at your golden. A soft fetch toy designed to fly like a Frisbee, the Flippy Flopper floats in water, allowing it to be used on land or lake. Sturdy enough for outdoor use, this toy is not meant to be chewed and dogs should not play with it unsupervised. This toy is also ideal to get future sporting dogs used to retrieving objects from the water. While all the toys we listed could be used by any age dog, some will likely suit certain age groups better. Puppies, for example, may be more likely to destroy their toys than an older dog, even those not meant to be chewed. Older Goldens may get less use out of the more active toys like the ChuckIt! Many of the toys we listed, even those designated as chew toys, are still vulnerable to destruction by aggressive chewers. Do you need a toy you can hand off to your dog and allow them to entertain themselves without help from you? A Kong or an activity board might be your best bet. Or are you searching for a toy you and your dog can play with together? Consider a ChuckIt! Something like a Kong Jumbler might do the trick. Do you want a toy that your kids can use to play with your dog? Classic allows you to help your dog expend energy without needing to use much yourself. Our best toy for the money, the Mammoth Rope Tug , serves multiple play functions all in one reasonably priced object. No matter what style of play your dog prefers, you can find a toy that fits. Hopefully, our reviews of these 10 toys gave you some helpful guidance on your quest to find the perfect toy for your Golden Retriever. See also:. Safe for both adult and puppy Tempting beef scent Carry on reading to discover why we made these choices, and lots of tips and buying advice to ensure you get the right product. As well as potentially choking on them, broken toys can cause a host of internal problems for you golden, too. Safe Materials The best chew toys are fairly hard and durable, but there are a few other things you should look out for when making a decision. If possible, always opt for toys made of non-toxic materials. That way, if they do chew off and swallow any of it, the internal damage can be somewhat mitigated. Be Prepared To Pay For Quality Not all expensive dog toys are high quality, but most high-quality dog toys are more expensive than the run-of-the-mill toys you can pick up at your neighborhood dollar store. Spending a little more money now to get a durable, safe and fun toy that will last is ultimately less expensive in the long run than having to continually replace cheap toys that your dog can destroy within hours. As with any product, the best materials will necessarily cost a little more. Certain materials lend themselves to durability — one of the most important features of a high-quality chew toy for golden retrievers. Favorite brands like KONG and Goughnuts make some of the toughest and most durable chew toys on the planet, and they use special formulations of hard rubber to achieve this. Rope Toys A close second to hard rubber is the huge balls of rope that many dogs love playing tug-of-war with. The plush fabric can be torn apart easily and swallowed. Any stuffing and squeakers can be swallowed, too — a definite choking hazard and something that could cause internal damage. Like a plush toy, they can easily be chewed apart in a few hours by a power chewer, and the likely included squeaker can, again, cause health problems if swallowed. Plastic While plastic is often just about hard enough to withstand the jaws of a heavy chewer, it scratches up easily and — if it does break — could see your dog swallowing sharp bits of plastic. These toys will keep your pooch entertained for hours, and hopefully your belongings intact and safe for far longer. Incredibly tough and durable, these toys are able to withstand a lot of pressure from gnashing teeth and can last for years. The idea is to stuff it with treats or kibble and let your retriever toil to get it out; keeping them busy for a few hours. First, they need to control the wobbling toy and stop it from rolling away from them! Top Features Great for dogs that eat too fast — the unpredictable dispenser helps them slow down, work for, and savor their food and treats It wobbles unpredictably, keeping your dog interested and challenged Can be used at mealtimes as an alternative dog bowl or for treating your dog Made in the USA Made of FDA-approved, high-strength plastic polymer Dishwasher safe with a twist-off dispenser Click Here For Price West Paw is another brand that specializes in high-quality dog chew toys. This Hurley bone chew is the perfect toy for golden retrievers that love to play fetch and gnaw on rawhide. Brightly colored so you can spot them outside Very durable and able to withstand heavy chewing Made in the US.

Boston Boxer Highlights Boston Boxers are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Boston Terrier or Boxer parents. The main colors of Boston Boxers are black, brown, fawn, blue, and white. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors, like in a pied or brindle pattern. Boston Boxers are known to be a good choice for families with children. Always supervise playtime. The Boston Boxer is a highly energetic mixed breed. If left alone for too long or without any sort of stimulation, this energy can manifest in unwanted destructive behaviors. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. When it comes to other pets, Boston Boxers can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. Boston Boxer History The Boston Boxer mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Boston Terriers and Boxers in the late s, likely in North America. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to keep the friendly and energetic spirit of the Boxer but in a smaller, Boston Terrier size. They continued to create Boston Boxers as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the Boston Boxer got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide the Boston Boxer is the dog for you. Be sure to check your local shelters, look up Boston Boxer or Miniature Boxer rescues, or check with breed-specific Boxer or Boston Terrier rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. Boston Boxer Size Since the Boston Boxer is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Boston Terrier and Boxer parents, you can expect your Boston Boxer to be on the small-to-medium size. Most weigh in at 22 to 55 pounds and range in height from 15 to 23 inches from the shoulder. However, many can be larger or smaller than average. The Mini Boxer can be somewhat hesitant around strangers, which is why it is very important to socialize your Boston Boxer as early as possible to make sure they are people-friendly. These dogs are prone to attaching to one particular family member, and they can become somewhat protective of them. Even with their protective tendencies, most Boston Boxer enthusiasts say their dogs are complete goofballs. The Boston Boxer is also a highly energetic mixed breed, so they are best-suited with people who can keep up with the pace. Some of the more common health problems Boston Boxer suffer from include: heart murmurs. Lifespan Sociability Boston Boxer dogs are very popular, resulting in many breeders. We recommend searching for as many as possible to find the perfect puppy before you make your decision. Always ask a breeder to show you the facilities before making any payment. In many cases, you can find a breeder that is willing to sell you a puppy at a reduced cost, but we must caution against prices that are too good to be true, as unscrupulous breeders often create these puppies in unsafe environments known as puppy mills. The best way to fight puppy mills is not to buy their puppies. You can always ask your local shelter if they have a Boxer mix that resembles the Boston Boxer. They are athletic and can run fast and jump quite high and will maintain a fast pace for extended play sessions before tiring. They quickly become attached and protective of their owners and are wary of strangers who might cause them to become aggressive and bark. However, they generally get along with other household pets and small yard animals like bunnies and squirrels. Boston Boxers are sensitive to their environment and prefer a set, predictable schedule, and they can be stubborn if you change things up too quickly. They are very intelligent and easy to train, as long as they think they are in charge. They love the company and will remain at your side most of the day. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are very friendly, energetic, and playful. They get along well with pets including, cats and other dogs. They like to play with children and will provide each other with unlimited amounts of entertainment. Boston Boxers are intelligent enough to follow orders and behave and will even learn tricks and guard the house while you are away. They will require at least one family member to take them out for long walks, though, and these are high maintenance in the exercise department, requiring at least one hour of running and jumping each day. If you live in the city, it can be challenging to find enough room, and you will likely require access to a park or trail. They are even more friendly if you socialize them early and get them used to other animals, but even so, this breed rarely gets aggressive toward another animal. This food should be high-quality without any harmful chemicals or preservatives. High-quality dog food will contain meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits, according to the American Kennel Club. You can expect to take your Boston Boxer for a long walk every day, and on some days, you may need a second walk. You can expect to walk at least eight miles a week spread out over about an hour a day, every day, for the next several years when purchasing a Boston Boxer. In most cases, you will only require patience and a bunch of treats to have your Boston Boxer impressing your friends. To train your pet, simply stand in front of them with a treat ready. Boston Boxers are smart and will know you have it. When they figure it out and sit, give them a treat. Stand them back up and repeat. After several tries, your Boston Boxer will catch on and quickly sit on command. Using the above system, you can teach your dog plenty of tricks, like shaking hands, fetch, rollover, and plenty of others. You can even teach them more complex tricks like retrieving the newspaper with a little practice. They only require occasional brushing and trimming of their nails. But there are a few problems associated with them that you should know about before you make a purchase. Minor Conditions. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. These fun-loving dogs are great family dogs, but they are also highly loyal and supremely protective of their families, making them ideal guard dogs too — the job for which the breed was developed. With all these desirable characteristics, the Boxer has been a part of many designer breeds that are arguably just as adorable. In this article, we take a look at 20 of these designer breeds in all their glory! The 20 Popular Boxer Mixes 1. They are medium-sized dogs that need a great deal of exercise to stay happy and healthy, and they are not suitable for apartment living. That said, these dogs have the stubborn and independent nature of their Beagle parent too, and this can make training difficult for novice owners. They are strong, stocky animals that are highly athletic, making them ideal working dogs. They bond strongly with their owners and do not enjoy being left alone for long periods. Both parent breeds can be a challenge for novice owners to train, but with patience and dedication, the Box Heeler is a dependable and loyal pooch indeed. As such, little is known about the breed, although they are likely to be highly intelligent and exceedingly affectionate. Of course, both parent breeds have a stubborn streak that is likely to show itself in the Boxachi too. A Boxador! This Labrador cross is one of the most popular Boxer hybrids for many reasons. They are great family dogs, highly intelligent, and easy to train and have low grooming requirements: a near-perfect designer breed, in our opinion. These dogs are known to be a fair bit of a challenge to train because they can be stubborn at times, but their high intelligence and eager-to-please nature make up for it. They are great family dogs because they are generally docile and even-tempered and gentle with children. They typically have the medium-length, thick coat of their Chow parents but are far more muscular, stocky, and powerful, making for an intimidating dog indeed. They are easily trainable dogs, making them ideal for novice owners and families with young children. Boxerdoodle Boxer x Poodle A post shared by Andrea Dawn andreadawnworth This Poodle hybrid breed may inherit the short coat of the Boxer or the fluffy coat of the Poodle or be somewhere in between, but they are an adorable pooch either way! They are energetic pooches that will require a fair amount of daily exercise to keep them happy, but they are as loyal, lovable, and intelligent as they come. The Boxita is an extremely athletic pooch with a ton of energy, and they are known to be somewhat stubborn and challenging to train, making them a breed suited toward more experienced owners. They are known for being great family dogs, though, and are highly loyal and devoted animals. Boxmas Boxer x Mastiff A post shared by Jill Pelerine jmpelerine The Mastiff is a large, powerful dog and when combined with a Boxer , can make for an intimidating breed indeed. They are generally gentle giants, though, with a ton of devotion and affection to give. They are great family dogs, and their intimidating stature makes them excellent guard dogs. They are known for developing powerful bonds with their owners and are loyal animals. This Dalmatian hybrid is a playful, energetic pooch that needs a great deal of exercise and interaction to stay happy and healthy. They are larger than Boxers and may inherit the exuberant qualities of their Dalmatian heritage, a trait that can be problematic around small children. They are the ideal companion for active owners, though, with an almost inexhaustible reserve of energy. They are great family dogs, with a gentle and affectionate nature and staunch devotion to their owners. With their Husky heritage, these dogs can be independently minded and stubborn at times, making them difficult to train and not ideal for novice owners. They have high exercise demands and are not suited to apartment living. But if you have a large space at home and plenty of time to dedicate to regular exercise, they are a wonderful breed to own. They are playful, sweet dogs in general, but with the Rottweiler heritage, they need a firm and consistent hand in training. They are immensely powerful, with an intimidating appearance, but they are sweet and gentle-natured dogs at heart. Due to their power and strength, these dogs need early socialization and disciplined training and are not recommended for novice owners. Combining two loyal and devoted breeds, these dogs are highly affectionate and loving with their family and somewhat wary of strangers, making them great family protectors. They need plenty of socialization and a firm, consistent hand in training. Bulloxer Boxer x American Bulldog Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock The Boxer and American Bulldog are similar breeds, both with strong, sturdy frames and loyal, devoted temperaments, so the combination would naturally be a great match. They are generally sweet, friendly dogs despite their imposing appearance, and they make great family dogs that are gentle and loving with children. German Boxer Boxer x German Shepherd A post shared by BorisSV borisstarboardveracruz A somewhat unlikely mixed breed, this German Shepherd hybrid inherits the best traits of their parent breeds, making for a loving and playful yet loyal and devoted pooch. They are intelligent dogs that are highly trainable and ideal for novice dog owners, they make great family pooches, and they are as protective and loyal as they come. They are intelligent, devoted, playful, and gentle and bond strongly with their owners. They often inherit the long coat of their Retriever parents and are as adorable as they are friendly. Final Thoughts With the Boxer being such a friendly and loyal breed, any hybrid is likely to inherit these sought-after traits, and most are wonderful family dogs indeed. Some hybrids can be a challenge to train and may need far more exercise than is typical for Boxers. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Necessary Always Enabled Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. Non-necessary Non-necessary Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Questions about Bulldog puppies for sale in Seattle WA? We have answers. How much are Bulldog puppies for sale in Seattle WA? Bulldog puppies for sale in Seattle are never priced exactly the same. One Bulldog for sale in Seattle may be female, which raises the price, while another one may be a certain color or quality. Due to the fact that Bulldog puppies need to be delivered via C-section raises their price compared to regular pooch puppies! What if there are no Bulldog breeders in Seattle? Uptown Puppies offers you the ability to connect with Bulldog puppy breeders, companies and businesses from all over the US. Just connect with them and they might even fly their pooch to you so that it arrives safely at your nearest major airport! How are the Bulldog breeders and businesses screened? At Uptown Puppies, our team makes sure that all the breeding facilities are up to standard of all the Bulldog breeders Seattle, businesses and companies selling Bulldog puppies for sale Seattle. What matters to us most is the cleanliness of their breeding facilities, as well as health care of their puppies! Why is Uptown Puppies so different from other puppy finder websites? We know what a battle it can be when looking for Bulldog puppies Seattle. What is a Seattle puppy mill like? Puppy mills in Seattle are places where doom and gloom follow. Seattle Bulldog puppies for sale are found here, but worse for wear. Their moms never get the opportunity to run and play, only forced to give birth litter after litter for their owners to use them to make money. Bulldogs for sale in Seattle that come out of here alive usually get very sick and can cost you thousands. I want a Bulldog puppy now. Is that possible? Go buy that fluffy new dog bed, as well as a few dog toys, because a new Bulldog Seattle puppy will be yours real soon! Look at our site, find the Bulldog for sale Seattle that speaks to your heart, and get started! What type of dog is an English Bulldog? An English Seattle Bulldog for sale is the national dog of England. Back in the day, they were bred to drive cows to market, and participate in a sport that was rather bloody, called bull-baiting. Today though, these dogs want nothing more than to get cozy and fall asleep by your feet, only to be awoken by a big plate of food! Are Bulldogs big? What kind of personalities do they have? They have really heavy bodies just try pick one up! Who are the most famous Bulldogs in History? Bulldogs Seattle can really have many talents. Tillman is the name of a skateboarding Bulldog who holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest m on a skateboard by a dog. Tyson the Bulldog was also a skateboarding dog who appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show. What are the funny behaviors of Bulldogs? Seattle Bulldogs for sale can be really messy eaters because of the shape of their face. They literally stick their entire face on the food when they eat or drink! They can also be very stubborn dogs - so just keep treats around!

And to be honest, moms disciplining their unruly children is definitely so much cuter to watch in the animal kingdom. And one Labrador mom was caught on camera putting her two pups in their place after the two tykes kept on fighting. Puppies are by nature, very playful little balls of fluff. But sometimes, like with all kids, there are times when the play can get a little too carried away and turn rough — and those little puppy teeth can be sharp! In the video, the two adorable Labrador pups are seen playing on top of a blanket. It quickly started getting rough. One pup even was shoved off the edge of the blanket! Noticing that her babies were getting a little rambunctious, mama decided to step in. She started nipping at one of them to try and end the rough-housing session. Getting fed up with her children acting like brats, the mama then barks at them to stop, however, one of them actually barks back at her. She lays down the law by loudly barking at them. In fact, they kind of just sit there on the blanket looking ashamed. Since the whole thing was filmed on camera, the end is quite hilarious since after giving her kids what appears to be a lecture, the mama dog then turns and looks at the camera. Needless to say, this video was quite a hit with viewers, many of whom dropped comments. I had it with you two fighting! You stop it now or severe punishment will be dealt!!! Are we clear?!?! Compliance is rewarded with positive action The Alpha Dog Approach to Puppy Discipline Mom uses physical discipline to maintain order in her family. She's not aggressive, but just assertive. If a nip doesn't do the job, then she'll raise the level of discipline to the point where her puppy stops the unwanted behavior. You see, Mom doesn't know that her puppies will be leaving her in the near future, so she isn't concerned about hurting their feelings because she may never see them again. Instead, she begins her discipline with the puppies as soon as they are old enough to learn from their mistakes. Besides, the last thing she wants is a whole bunch of of unruly puppies tackling her. Mom doesn't make some big huge emotional ordeal out of her discipline either. She just does it! Mom does not hold a grudge. As soon as her puppy stops the bad behavior, the correction is over. And typically she will then give him some affection to let him know that she still loves him. She doesn't apologize for the correction, AND she certainly doesn't cave in to the oldest trick in the book.You see Mom isn't concerned about damaging his self-esteem. This is where we, the humans, get things wrong by thinking "if I correct him I might hurt his feelings. Mom, Bailey, gave birth to 7 beautiful little Golden Retriever puppies six-weeks ago. Can you smell that puppy breath! I Can!! If you watched this six-week-old litter of puppies for a long time, you might see one or more of the puppies decides to attack some area of Baileys body for a fun game of tug-o-war. Remember, Bailey has been caring for her puppies for weeks now, day and night and most likely is becoming a bit tired of them too. So as we continue to watch, perhaps one of the puppies now decides to start chewing on her tail. At this point Bailey most likely will give him a quick nip on his booty to say "Stop That! If the puppy continues with his game of chew-on-mom, she probably will yet again give one more quick bite and maybe this time she will even throw in a shake by the scruff of his neck or what ever she can grab just as a little reminder to say "Stop That! Once the bad behavior has stopped Bailey usually will then give kisses and in her way let him know she still loves him, after all, she is Mom. The Puppy is happy because he got disciplined and bounces off to play as if nothing ever happened. What Lessons Have Been Learned? As you can see, the order of the pack leader was established, rules and boundaries were identified, the alpha dog took charge and handled it, the puppy completely understood, and all is well in the puppies world. Can you see how Bailey is the "Alpha Dog" here and the puppy understands the basic principles of what holds the pack together? He understands that discipline is necessary, but he also realizes that without discipline from an appointed Leader of the Pack, this now opens up the door for someone else to establish the "alpha dog" role. When you bring your puppy home who will be the alpha dog, you or him? Without this, your world and your dogs world will be a mess! Always be calm but confident when dealing with your puppy dog. Always use a confident voice with your puppy dog not aggressive this type of voice is considered hostile behavior. So to sum it up. Check Price on Amazon Although young Golden Retriever puppies have short attention spans, the ideal time to start teaching basic commands is at 8 weeks old, as soon as you bring your pup home! Training sessions should only be up to five minutes long at this young age but can be repeated many times throughout the day. The second effective discipline moment is at the precise moment your puppy performs the unwanted behavior. When your Golden Retriever misbehaves, you should immediately communicate to him that his conduct is unacceptable. Expressing your disappointment and denying a reward immediately after an improper action is performed helps your puppy associate his poor behavior with the experience of no reward. If this message is given later, a disciplinary moment is lost. Because scolding your Golden Retriever long after any wrongdoing is crazy as dogs only have a 2-minute short-term memory. An excellent example of this is when your Golden Retriever will be excited when you walk through your door, even if you were with him 10 minutes earlier! However, dogs can recall your training commands through associative memory, meaning they form associations between commands, events, and behavior. Instead, your Golden Retriever is deliberately doing bad things, whether he knows it or not! It might even strengthen it! At least if he barks at you, he gets some attention from you! This is referred to as demand barking and is when dogs have learned that barking serves to get them what they want. Instead, ignore the bad behavior and reward him only when he has resumed the learned positive behavior. If we take our example of demand barking, ignore your Golden Retriever by not reacting to him or yelling at him. But as soon as he goes quiet, quickly reward him. Timing is vital as you must offer the reward, such as a tasty treat when he stops barking. And of course, find time to be with your dog! As a high-energy dog, an adult Golden Retriever needs around 2 hours of daily exercise. This can vary according to age, size, health, and genetics. Golden Retrievers are already one of the breeds sadly prone to obesity due to too many owners treating them like humans, unable to ignore their begging and puppy-dog eyes. A more recent study by the Morris Animal Foundation to understand juvenile obesity in Golden Retrievers is currently ongoing. Dogs with no outlet for energy will also engage in destructive behavior because they need to find a way to entertain themselves. Chewing, biting, barking, digging, jumping up on people, pacing, urinating at home and general hyperactivity are examples of destructive behavior. Rather than punish, find time to exercise your Golden Retriever. If you consistently chastise your dog and perhaps do so well after the event, you are missing the discipline moment. You will only cause confusion, fear, anxiety, distrust, and aggression in your dog. Suppose you come home after leaving your dog for an hour or two, and you see that he has misbehaved, such as chewing your table leg, and he is sitting there cowering, ears pinned back, and showing the whites of his eyes while looking up at you. Then quickly redirect the unwanted behavior to the desired one and always reward good conduct. The Behavior Was Not Mastered in the First Place If your dog is inadequately trained and the behavior is not perfected, your Golden Retriever will neglect good behavior. On your side, this will take patience and consistency. Similarly, if the training was left uncompleted, the dog may regress, which means starting all over again. This time, make sure to complete the learning process and avoid inefficient techniques, such as command nagging. Teach your Golden Retriever to respond to a single cue every time. Check out this video on how an experienced Golden Retriever mother teaches her excited puppies to calm down before feeding them! When puppies are removed too soon from their mother, they miss out on this vital learning. This video is incredible — it has over 77 million views! How an experienced dog mother teaches her 8 weeks old puppies to be calm. It means that he is stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious due to being separated from you. However, sometimes it can be caused by a former family member no longer being around. If you regularly leave your Golden in his crate for hours, he may also suffer from this distressing condition. Common behavior problems of dogs with separation anxiety include excessive barking, howling, whining, urinating, or defecating in the home despite being house-trained, digging, escaping, chewing, and destroying things. Your dog simply cannot cope with being alone. Use behavior modification techniques, counterconditioning, and desensitization to reduce separation anxiety. For example, you can condition your dog to look forward to being alone when he learns to associate the sound of your keys with getting a special treat. Another technique is desensitization. This is where you gradually teach your Golden Retriever to cope with being alone by leaving progressively. For example, you can start by making progressive departures of minutes and slowly increase. You might be wondering… How do you discipline your Golden Retriever without punishment? Find the solution to that in the next section. Positive and Negative Reinforcement Discipline is how dog owners communicate that some behavior is acceptable to their pet and others not. A dog must understand what actions his master likes and those he does not to succeed. Positive reinforcement, also known as reward-based training, means using a reward for desired behaviors. As the reward treats, attention, toys, praise, etc. Your puppy will quickly learn nice things happen when he does the right thing. In positive reinforcement, rewards include: Treats: These should be healthy and given in moderation. You can give small pieces of meat, such as chicken, turkey, or ham, or you can try safe fruits or vegetables. Expression of physical attention: Your Golden Retriever will enjoy a hug, a gentle pat, or a stroke behind the ears. Negative reinforcement means taking something away or removing the reward to increase the frequency of the behavior. Once he is lying down, you reward him by releasing the pressure. You have removed something the dog finds unpleasant the negative part to increase the desired behavior. If you keep doing this, the behavior is reinforced. Another example of negative reinforcement is if your Retriever is pulling on the leash, you may decide to stop walking. The straining on the leash is a negative feeling for your dog, but the negative feeling goes away when he stops pulling. On the contrary, it means reinforcing good behavior and deterring unbefitting behavior. In other words, you should not punish your Golden Retriever. It also includes other forms of punishment that would cause the dog physical harm, such as withdrawing food and water, and psychological punishment such as over-crating or tying him outside for days on end. Dogs do not have the logical ability to associate punishment with their action and, therefore, are unlikely to change. Instead, your dog will develop fear and aggression towards you, ultimately destroying your relationship, as he will no longer trust you. Animal abuse is also a crime that constitutes violent acts, neglect, and failure to provide general welfare. Yelling also causes fear and aggression in Golden Retrievers, making them rebel against you, possibly with a bite, or they may try to run away. Over time, dogs can take a kind of indifference to your yelling and learn to ignore it. You will not get anywhere with them in training and achieve very little. This scientific research showed that dogs trained using aversive-based methods experienced poorer welfare in both the short and long term than dogs trained using reward-based methods positive reinforcement. Specifically, they displayed more stress-related behaviors and body language during training and increased amounts of the stress hormone cortisol. Rather than shout at your Golden Retriever, you will achieve far greater results if you use a calm voice and make concise, consistent commands in a confident tone. And wrong! This is a misconception, and it will only teach your pup to fear you. You have to toilet-train him! Instead, if your Golden Retriever pees on your carpet, quickly correct his behavior and redirect him outside. Reward him when he finishes off by giving lots of verbal praise and a training treat. Most pet stores have tons of choices regarding chewing and teething toys, or you can always find a great selection on Amazon. While punishing will cause harm, disciplining is intended to teach and reinforce positive behavior. Correcting unwanted behaviors always works better than punishment. Use effective positive and negative reinforcement as these have proven to be the best training methods for your doggo. Adverse training techniques are counterproductive and will only harm the intense connection between you and your dog. In some cases, you could lose it forever, which would be pretty sad. Related Posts You May Like:. A video of a dog mom teaching her eight-week-old puppies a lesson has gone viral, attracting viewers who were fascinated to see the family dynamics play out. The clip resurfaced on Reddit 's "Made Me Smile" forum today, amassing over 20, votes. It showed a blonde golden retriever dog mom walking into an enclosure where her litter of eight puppies squealed and lunged toward her. The puppies leaped over each other to suckle her teats, but their mother tolerated the behavior for only a moment before growling and shooing them away. The puppies shrunk away and lay down in various corners of the room. Over the next two minutes, their mom kept a watchful eye over all eight of them to ensure they stayed put, snarling any time one dared to try suckling again. One puppy elicited a stern bark when its sibling bit the tip of mom's tail and pulled, but the innocent sibling was mistaken as the perpetrator. But the mom made sure to demonstrate positive reinforcement too, individually approaching and nuzzling her little ones to encourage them for staying still or walking up to her calmly. In the wild, a female dog gradually weans her puppies as they start to develop teeth, typically at three to four weeks old, according to VCA Hospitals. After their teeth are grown in, suckling irritates and hurts the mother, who leaves her puppies for growing periods of time. Dog moms stop producing milk between seven to 10 weeks after giving birth, according to the Center for Animal Welfare Science, so the eight-week-old puppies in the video were nearing the end of their weaning period. Their mom was both protecting her body and teaching her puppies to develop independence. A video has gone viral showing a blonde Golden Retriever mom teach her eight puppies how to be calm. Puppies learn better how to respond to familiar and unfamiliar humans and situations when they are taught by a well-adjusted dog mom. Read more. It is primarily inherited, and development is believed to be influenced by multiple genes. However, risk and severity of hip dysplasia may also be increased by environmental factors such as overfeeding that leads to rapid growth during early puppyhood, neutering prior to maturity, and possibly certain types of exercise. Signs of hip dysplasia cannot be detected in very young puppies, but often appear between four and twelve months of age. Symptoms can vary widely from mild stiffness after exercise to severe lameness. Improvement or even resolution of symptoms can occur as the dog matures and muscles stabilize the joint; however, dysplastic dogs usually develop some degree of arthritis and discomfort later in life. Dogs must be 24 months of age to receive final hip certification, and screening hip x-rays should be sent to either the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA or to PennHIP for diagnostic evaluation. The two evaluation procedures differ somewhat but both are acceptable, and GRCA encourages all Golden breeders to do this pre-breeding screening examination. Dysplastic dogs generally are not used for breeding, but may lead long, happy lives. The radiographic appearance of the hips does not always correlate with clinical symptoms, and many dysplastic Goldens show no outward signs until middle or older age when secondary arthritis may cause increasing discomfort. However, regular, moderate exercise and weight control are important to managing all dogs with hip dysplasia, even those without symptoms. Like hip dysplasia, many affected dogs have no symptoms, yet can pass more serious disease to their offspring. For other affected dogs, symptoms range from mild stiffness to severe lameness. Elbow dysplasia is primarily inherited and development is believed to be influenced by multiple genes. However, severity of elbow dysplasia may also be increased by rapid growth during early puppyhood as a result of over-feeding. Dogs must be 24 months of age to receive final elbow certification, and screening elbow x-rays should be submitted to the OFA for diagnostic evaluation. Although dogs with elbow dysplasia generally are not bred, many lead normal, happy lives. These cataracts, sometimes called juvenile cataracts, usually appear between years of age, but fortunately do not usually cause any functional impairment. Non-hereditary cataracts also occur, and examination by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist is necessary to determine if the cataract is suspected to be hereditary. An eye disease called pigmentary uveitis is of emerging concern in the breed, and while it is believed to have a genetic basis, at this time there are no satisfactory tools that breeders can use to be certain to avoid producing affected puppies. Pigmentary uveitis typically develops in middle-aged or senior Goldens, making it very important to continue yearly eye examinations for the lifetime of any dog that has been bred. Early stages of the disease are usually very mild with no outward signs, but as pigmentary uveitis progresses, symptoms such as redness and tearing may appear, and over time the disease may progress to glaucoma. This can be a serious quality of life issue because pain from glaucoma may necessitate surgery to remove the affected eye s. Eyelid and eyelash disorders also may occur in the breed, and are generally believed to have a hereditary basis. Entropion and ectropion are conditions that cause the eyelids to roll inward or outward, respectively; and distichiasis is a condition in which misdirected hairs touch and irritate the surface of the eye. Depending on severity, surgery may be advised to correct these problems. Although dogs with these conditions can receive eye certifications, these diagnoses will be noted on the forms. Annual examination by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist is recommended for the lifetime of any dog that has been bred, because hereditary eye problems can develop at varying ages. In particular, pigmentary uveitis often develops very late in life. In addition, a few families of Goldens carry genes for progressive retinal atrophy PRA , a gradual deterioration of the light-receptive area retina of the eye that may result in blindness. There are several DNA tests to help guide breeders using these lines, so that they can avoid producing affected puppies. It is acceptable to breed dogs that are carriers for PRA, providing the mate has been DNA tested as normal; and puppies produced from such matings are not at elevated risk to develop the disease. While this is not common in the breed, it can be serious, so all prospective breeding dogs should be examined over the age of 12 months by a board certified veterinary cardiologist. If a murmur is detected through auscultation listening with a stethoscope , additional diagnostic tests are available and may be recommended. Normal cardiac exams should be certified by the OFA, and dogs with hereditary heart disease generally should not be bred. Many breeders use lines with health clearances that extend back to multiple generations of ancestors, and health clearances that include grandparents, great-grandparents, and even beyond offer additional layers of protection to the puppies. Risk can never be zero — and in some cases environmental influences also play a role — but health testing of several generations of ancestors offers the best possible chance that the puppy will not develop these genetic diseases. There are additional conditions such as hypothyroidism, epilepsy, skin disease, cancer, etc, for which routine screening of Golden Retrievers is not performed. This may be because examination standards or tests have not yet been developed, because the incidence of the disease is low in the breed, or for other reasons. Potential buyers should feel free to ask the breeder about these or any subjects of concern to them, and the exchange of such information is an expected and customary practice. Consider contributing to The Golden Retriever Foundation. More Information. Read the full disclosure here. So what is correct? What is the best age to bring a Golden Retriever puppy home? I think the most important things to consider are any long-lasting negative effects on the puppy by taking it away too early. Lessons that are vital to the early development of a normal puppy. There are many things a puppy learns from its mother and litter-mates that are vitally important to their early development and could take you an extreme amount of time and effort to make up for if they miss out: Bite Inhibition When a puppy bites and hurts their mother or litter-mates they get growled and snapped at. Combined with being the victim of biting from their litter-mates in return, this gives continuous feedback and an education in how painful biting can sometimes be. And so they very quickly learn to inhibit their bite, to not go full force and to hold back when play biting. If a puppy is taken from the nest too soon they miss out on this learning process and the responsibility passes to their new owners who will at first have a puppy who bites hard. And sometimes extremely hard. Acceptance Of Discipline When a puppy does wrong in the nest, their mother regularly disciplines them to keep them in line. And a puppy will often throw a little hissy fit but the mother will be unmoving. They learn that bad behavior gets you disciplined and they have to accept it. They learn their actions have consequences and they cannot have things their own way. The puppy then becomes a dog that is so much harder to train and is less controllable for their owners. In the nest, a puppy will be constantly pawed, clawed, rubbed against and climbed all over, all day every day by their litter-mates. This results in your puppy getting used to being touched and becoming highly tolerant of it. They learn about appropriate play and how to interact with others of their species safely, considerately and happily. This can mean less time…or no time…interacting with his own species, having to be on the leash in dog parks and woods when other dogs are around and ultimately living a less fulfilling life than they could otherwise have had. And this is the important thing when it comes to leaving a puppy in the nest for too long. A puppy must be introduced to as many sights, sounds, environments, people and other dogs and animals as possible before they reach 14 weeks of age. This 14 week window of opportunity is a time where a puppy has little fear and instead has heightened curiosity that compels it to explore and test things out. The first 14 weeks is also the time when a puppy will form its strongest bonds with people and other animals. And so for the best possible relationship and strongest bond between your puppy and you, this is a time when you want your puppy living with you, seeing your entire family and social network so your puppy truly integrates and feels a part of the pack of humans around it. So think to yourself, if you get a puppy at 8 weeks of age, you have 6 weeks to take them to the shopping mall, the park, the pet shop, to meet as many people as possible, get them in the car, on the beach, in a swimming pool etc. I did this for a reason! Yes, 8 weeks old is the recommended perfect time to take a puppy away from its mother and litter-mates and home with you to live. But you would be doing far from the best for your new puppy and could be stunting their development, leading them toward behavioral issues and affecting their entire future lives. On the other end of the spectrum, leaving it later than 8 weeks to take your puppy home they could be missing out on essential socialization opportunities. Conclusion Take your puppy home at 8 weeks of age. A breeder telling you to take them any earlier is trying to avoid investing further time and effort into caring for them and possibly trying to save a little money by moving them on faster. And this early time spent with their mother ensures the best development of a puppy that will result in a dog far better suited to spending an entire life with you. Golden retriever puppy tiktok. TikTok video from Benny and Remy Golden retriever puppy tiktok. Comedy Scenes - Comical, stupid, silly, loose, comical, farce - Ponetto. Log in to follow creators Hes staring intk tour soul at the end pet puppytiktok pets puppylove puppy puppy goldenretrieversoftiktok puppydog puppies doglover doggo 4M Likes, 7. Descubre en TikTok los videos cortos relacionados con golden retriever puppy for sell. A-O-K - Tai Verdes. Rocky Kanaka. Explore the latest videos from … golden retriever puppy yoga .Watch the latest video from Kona Golden Retriever Puppy goldenbearkona. Discover short videos related to golden retriever and dachshund puppy on TikTok. Cachorro Bonitinho - AtilaKw. The video posted by rileysgoldenlife features Riley, a nearly 4-month-old pup living her best life in a South Florida pool. 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As a result of its genetic makeup as a cross between two dog breeds and pups may have an ultimate size that is difficult to predict. These puppies are enormous and develop quickly, so you may be wondering how much to feed a Goldendoodle puppy. What is the recommended daily amount of food for a Goldendoodle puppy? Most Goldendoodle pups need to be fed anywhere from 2 to 4 times a day, with each feeding consisting of around a third of a cup to as much as four cups of food, although this varies greatly with age and size, and type. Puppies develop rapidly, thus their dietary needs, including the amount and frequency of their meals, evolve with them. Keep in mind that this is not a question with a universally correct answer. Also remember that Miniature, medium, and standard Goldendoodles will have different feeding needs. Goldendoodle Puppy Feeding Chart There is a lot of nuance involved in feeding a Goldendoodle puppy since their nutritional requirements change with their age, size, and degree of activity. To do so, just divide the weight in pounds by 2. With this method, you may roughly estimate how many calories your Goldendoodle need each day when at rest. Keep in mind that this is only a guideline. They need to be with the mother and the rest of the litter, putting on weight healthily. You should count on them sleeping for the most of the day and moving just for brief periods. The best way to get them adjusted to the new routine is to feed them three to four little meals a day, gradually increasing the quantity and lowering the wetness. You should begin by giving them a quarter to a half cup of a soft, moistened puppy chow every meal. You should modify the dose according to their weight and hunger levels. Reduce the quantity of food at first, and then gradually increase it to three or four small meals per day of dry puppy food. You can bank on them being a lot more self-reliant and inquisitive. Make the necessary adjustments according to their weight and degree of exercise. Give them lots of chances to play and interact with others, and take them on short walks. Goldendoodles are prone to becoming overweight, so watch how much food you give them. Choose a suitable quantity by considering their weight and degree of physical activity and breed size. Keep close track of their weight to determine the appropriate dosage. Make sure they have much to do physically and mentally to keep them from becoming bored and acting out. Learn the basics and begin interacting with others. Keep an eye out for symptoms of separation anxiety in your Goldendoodle. This depends on breed size. Keep up with their education and socializing, and give them plenty of chances to play and exercise. Pay attention to how active they are feeling and feed them appropriately. Never stop encouraging physical activity, intellectual challenge, and social interaction. Make necessary adjustments based on their weight gain or loss. To maintain their health and happiness, provide them frequent opportunities for physical activity, fun, and intellectual challenge. Inspect your Goldendoodle often for indications of joint pain. Taking them to the vet on a regular basis is crucial to maintaining their health. Understanding Goldendoodle Puppy Nutritional Needs Puppies of the goldendoodle breed should be fed a healthy, well-rounded diet to ensure their optimal development and growth. Depending on their age, height, and amount of activity, a Goldendoodle puppy typically needs to 1, calories per day. Keep in mind that there are three different sized Goldendoodles. The smaller dogs would thus consume much less food. They need to eat a balanced diet of nutritious proteins, fats, and complex carbs. Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for the healthy development of Goldendoodle pups. Healthy growth of bones, the immune system, and the brain all depend on these nutrients. To avoid obesity and encourage good digestion, pups should be given three to four modest meals each day rather than one or two big ones. This aids in controlling portion sizes and facilitating proper digestion. Because of their small stomachs, puppies need regular feedings to keep them energized and healthy. As your puppy gets older, you may cut down on the frequency of feedings and boost the amount of each meal. Kibble may aid in dental hygiene by scraping plaque and tartar off the teeth while the puppy eats. Picky eaters could be more enticed by wet food, and pups with dental issues or missing teeth might find it simpler to digest. In addition, you should make sure that the food is formulated for pups and prepared with high-quality components. Switching From Puppy Food To Adult Food Depending on their size and breed, you should transition your Goldendoodle puppy from puppy food to adult food between the ages of 12 and 18 months. You should start with a little quantity of adult food and puppy food mixed together, and then gradually increase the amount of adult food while lowering the amount of puppy food. This ease of adjustment may reduce digestive issues. When a Goldendoodle puppy stops eating, the first thing to do is to rule out any serious health problems. Feeding smaller meals more often, warming the food with water or chicken broth, or trying a new brand or taste of food are all options. Overfeeding, obesity, and gastrointestinal issues are all possible outcomes of free-feeding a Goldendoodle puppy. Because of their tiny stomachs, puppies need frequent feedings to keep them energized and promote their healthy development. Picky eating may be avoided and good eating habits can be established with a regular meal plan. Instead of two big meals, Goldendoodle pups should be fed three or four smaller meals a day. If you decide to free-feed your Goldendoodle puppy, keep careful tabs on how much they are eating so that you may alter their portions as they grow. Medium breed dogs require a high-energy diet throughout their brief growing phase. Prebiotic components improve for good digestion Unique kibble design 2. For a well-balanced diet, including more natural meats dogs love and healthy grains. This puppy food is designed to build strong, lean muscles and improve brain and eye health with taurine. DHA and ARA promote healthy growth and development, while LifeSource Bits provide a perfect combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to boost the immune system. It also lacks maize, soy, wheat, animal byproducts, and artificial tastes. Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, for immune system No grains, maize, wheat, soy, meat by-products, or artificial flavors Taurine in the for eyes and brains. Introducing our tailored nutrition for medium breed puppies — a food designed to ensure your puppy receives the right amount of nutrients during their growth period. While free-feeding is generally okay when feeding your puppy, it is wise to introduce a feeding routine at around 13 weeks old. As for adult Goldendoodles, you can feed them one meal in the morning and another in the evening. This should be enough to make them feel full throughout the day. Senior Goldendoodles, on the other hand, can be fed once in the morning or once at night. If your dog still prefers two meals, you can feed them similarly as you would an adult. While on the topic of optimal feeding time, it is also important to know when to give treats to your dog. Usually, it is best to give treats to your pooch in between meals — not right before and not right after. Preferably, you should only use treats to reward your dog. In turn, this will also affect their potty schedule and interfere with the balanced diet they should be getting. Always remember that you can tweak these optimal feeding times so that it fits your lifestyle better. However, it is best to feed them around the same time each day. They love any food and can eat almost anything you serve. However, it is still essential to know the best foods to give your Goldendoodle. Providing the best kinds of food for your dog is not only good for their health, but it also helps preserve some of their best features, such as their hypoallergenic trait and calm disposition. Wet food is easier to chew than dry food and is suitable for dogs with weak teeth, senior dogs, sick dogs, or dehydrated dogs. Wet food is arguably the best puppy food. Its flavor and softness are excellent for developing teeth. Dry Food: Dry food or kibble is the most convenient food to serve your dog. In addition, dry food is also one of the best food choices for a Goldendoodle as it is excellent for their dental health. Dry food prevents tartar buildup and gum disease and promotes stronger teeth. Kibble is best for adult Goldendoodles as their teeth are as strong as it gets. Some ingredients you should look for when choosing kibble are chicken fat, flaxseed, omega-3, and meat protein. There are also grain-free options if your dog prefers those. This consists of raw meat, bones, fish meal, and a mix of fruits and vegetables. Feeding your Goldendoodle a raw diet reduces the use of commercial dog foods that have added preservatives and unhealthy processed foods. BARF diet has been proven to bring health benefits such as healthier and shinier skin and coat, good dental health, fewer ear infections, and less odor in Goldendoodles. Plus, Goldendoodles like the taste of raw food! Homemade Diet: A homemade diet is very much acceptable for Goldendoodles. They can thrive with this diet as long as proper nutrients are provided. Make sure to supply them with the six key nutrients a dog needs — protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. Preparing a homemade meal is also much cheaper. Moreover, it also gives you more control over what your dog consumes. Likewise, a Goldendoodle with an underlying health condition might be better off with a homemade diet. In addition, some Goldendoodles may benefit from specific kinds of foods or supplements that are tailored for their coat color. To learn more about Goldendoodle coat colors, read our comprehensive guide on the topic. On some occasions, the generation of a Goldendoodle can also affect the best diet for it. In conclusion, the best dog food is always on a case-to-case basis. Consult a vet if you want to be sure! These dogs are prone to bloating and often have different allergies to food. Certain foods cause pain, vomiting, and diarrhea in these dogs. Some of the most dangerous foods for your Goldendoodle are grapes, raisins, and prunes. These three foods contain an unknown toxic substance that can trigger major problems such as choking and kidney failure. Cherries are also notorious for your Goldendoodle. Its pits, seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanide , a poisonous substance that can cause an upset stomach. Soda is not just unhealthy for humans but for dogs as well. The carbonation and sugar levels of soda can be hard for dogs to handle. It can cause dehydration, gastrointestinal problems, excessive flatulence , and diarrhea. Moreover, as we all know, chocolate is toxic to Goldendoodles. It contains a xanthine compound known as theobromine , which dogs cannot digest and metabolize. Needless to say, keep your Goldendoodle away from chocolate! But if your dog happens to consume chocolate and shows signs like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination, and increased heart rate, visit the nearest vet immediately. Onions and garlic should also be kept away from Goldendoodle because these contain a thiosulphate compound. This compound may cause discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Furthermore, any food with a high level of sugar and salt is bad for your Goldendoodle. Salty foods will dehydrate your dog, and excessively sweet foods can cause diabetes. It is a good habit to also check the sugar and salt levels of any food you give to your Goldendoodles. Other harmful foods are macadamia nuts, walnuts, raw or undercooked food, coffee, dairy products, citrus fruits, and avocados. Luckily for you, Goldendoodles are generally not picky eaters. The ideal time for the transitioning period is around 10 days. Do this until your Goldendoodle is comfortable enough to try completely new food. Refer to the table below for a more detailed breakdown of transitioning your dog to a new food: Day. The Proper Care and Feeding of Goldendoodles Feb 14 Written By Skye Parker There are a lot of different factors you should consider when you are thinking about the right food and the right amount. Like their age, how much they weigh, or what to do if your Goldendoodle is a picky eater. We will talk about the different ages of puppies and how much to feed them as they grow older. We will talk about the different options for dog food and what you should get and avoid. It's also essential to think about what to do in different situations where you have a picky eater or what to do if they ever get sick. When your Goldendoodle is younger, you will need to feed them more often than when they get older; they will eat less at a time too. Anytime you are transitioning your puppies' feeding options, whether it's giving them more, switching brands, or from puppy food to dog food, you will want to do it gradually. For a while, you will mix the two. If you make a sudden change in their diet, it could cause stomach problems for your Goldendoodle. Transitioning will usually take about days. Standard Goldendoodles will need cups per day. This is an excellent guide to follow; however, all dogs are different, and if your dog ever acts hungry or aggressive constantly, this is a sign that you should increase their eating portion. If you can ever see your Goldendoodles' ribs, that is a strong indication that they need more food. Most dogs will stop eating when they get full, but it is still better to have set feeding times throughout the day rather than having one big meal available at all times. Foods That are Unhealthy or Poisonous for Goldendoodles There are a few foods that we may eat regularly that aren't healthy for Goldendoodles. This is very important to know of the foods to be mindful of. Grapes or raisins: These can cause your Goldendoodle to choke, and they will have a hard time digesting them. This also includes prunes. Dairy Products: When dairy products are given in large amounts, it can mess with the digestive system. Dogs' bodies are not used to processing dairy, which could cause problems if they have a lot. However, even though it's best to avoid this, a small amount is acceptable. Cherries: This might seem like a weird thing to be on this list, but they are toxic to Goldendoodles as well as other dogs. Any foods that are raw or uncooked could cause salmonella and other diseases. You should also avoid raw eggs and undercooked meat. Soda: This isn't the best for humans and even worse for dogs. They don't do very well with carbonation or high amounts of sugar. Chocolate: This is the most commonly known food that is toxic for all dogs, and it is accurate. Whether dark or light chocolate, dogs don't react well to this food. Coffee, avocado, onions, and garlic are all foods Goldendoodles should avoid eating. Any salty foods are not healthy for your dog either. It can cause them to get sick and dehydrated. Foods with a lot of sugar or even constantly providing food containing sugar can cause your dog to get diabetes. You don't have to change your Goldendoodles diet when they get sick, but most vets will recommend switching to white rice and chicken for their meals when they're ill or after surgery. When you are preparing this meal for your pup, you will want to give them only white meat with all bones and fat removed. As for the rice, people will usually say brown rice is healthier because it has more grains, but white rice is easier for them to digest when they are sick. Boil the chicken like you usually would until cooked. Then drain the water, pull off all bones and fat, and cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. As for the rice, you can boil it like you usually would or use the chicken broth from the chicken earlier. However you decide to prepare it, do not use any seasonings; these can be toxic for your puppy and worsen the condition. When deciding how much to give your puppy, use a one-to-two ratio. You will also want to check the temperature of the food to ensure they don't get burnt. Feeding a Picky Goldendoodle If your Goldendoodle is a picky eater, the solution is usually a quick fix. The common reasons for being picky could be that they are fed too often, they lack physical activities, receiving too many treats, or if your dog is stressed or sick. These are reasonable causes for a picky eater; they also have easy fixes. If you follow all of the guidelines brought out in this article, you will be sure to have a healthy and happy Goldendoodle. Their diet affects their behavior a lot more than some people may realize. If you are interested in adopting a Goldendoodle, you can visit our available puppies page. Obese puppies develop an improved risk for many types of cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and hypertension. Rickets: Rickets is a rare disorder of young, growing animals that causes soft and distorted bones. It is generally caused by poor phosphorus or vitamin D in the diet. More infrequently, calcium shortage is to blame. A quantity of calcium has caused rickets-like signs in some dogs. Allergies: In the dog, the most ordinary symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin, either localized in one area or generalized all over the body. Occasionally, there may be watery release from the eyes or nose. How much should I feed my Goldendoodle puppy? Feel about its ribs — you should be capable to feel the ribs but not seeing them separately when simply glancing at them. Also, do your best to observe the advice in the chart above. You can also ask the breeder who sold you the puppy to see if they have any suggestions. Yet, this does not suggest that you should have big amounts of food willingly available to your dog all of the time. Since puppies grow fast, the importance and frequency of meals change as they develop. Summary Feeding a Goldendoodle can both be difficult and comfortable at the same time. Since they are not choosy eaters, these dogs can adapt well to new meals. The downside is that the Goldendoodle manages to have an acute stomach. This means you have to be alert about what you give your puppy. Remember, satisfied dogs are the healthful ones. If your Goldendoodle is overfed, it can lead to a host of health problems. Here are some signs that your Goldendoodle may be overfed. Similarly, underfeeding your Goldendoodle will cause it to become incredibly skinny, and it will be more prone to getting sick. This is why you need to strike that balance when feeding your pup. Feeding Chart for Goldendoodles Here, we present to you a feeding chart for Goldendoodles of different ages. They are energetic and playful, and they make great family pets. Goldendoodles typically reach their full adult size between 8 and 12 months old, but they can continue to grow until they are two years old. During this time, it is important to feed them the right amount of food to help them grow at a healthy rate. This will help to ensure that they get the nutrients they need without gaining too much weight. Goldendoodles are active dogs, so be sure to provide plenty of opportunities for exercise as well. With the proper care, Goldendoodles can be happy and healthy pets for many years to come. When they are aged months, they should be fed three cups a day. If they start to gain too much weight, reduce their portion sizes. If they start to lose weight, increase their portion sizes. Feeding a Goldendoodle is not difficult but requires some attention and care. With a little bit of effort, you can ensure that your Goldendoodle stays healthy and happy. This should be split into two meals, with no more than 1. With the right food and care, your Goldendoodle will stay healthy and happy for years to come! Plus, all that fur means they tend to lose a lot of body heat, so they need extra calories to stay warm. Of course, every dog is different, so you should always consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your Goldendoodle. But as a general rule of thumb, cups a day is a good amount of food for an adult Goldendoodle. What Foods Should You Feed Your Goldendoodles Here are some of the best food choices for Goldendoodles: Dog food based on meat and vegetables: This type of food is packed with nutrients that your Goldendoodle needs to stay healthy. This type of food is designed specifically for puppies and contains all the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. Grain-free food: Some Goldendoodles have grain sensitivities, so grain-free food is a good option for them. This type of food is also generally easier for dogs to digest. Which Food Types Are Bad for Goldendoodles While Goldendoodles are generally known for being one of the most food-friendly dog breeds, there are still some foods that they should avoid. The worst food for Goldendoodles is actually quite a common one: chocolate. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. Other foods to avoid include onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins, all of which can cause gastrointestinal distress or even kidney damage. Signs Your Goldendoodle Has a Bad Stomach Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can sometimes suffer from stomach problems. Sometimes stomach issues can be caused by something as simple as a change in diet, but other times they can be indicative of a more serious problem. If your dog is lethargic, has a loss of appetite, or is vomiting blood or bile, these are all signs that something more serious may be going on, and you should seek veterinary care immediately. This unfortunately is common in the Poodle breed and Lexie at a 8 years old just had a near death experience with this issue! So, how much should you feed your mini Goldendoodle puppy? Depending on his breed, activity level, and size, you may need to adjust the amount of food you are currently giving him. Always remember — puppies need plenty of water to stay hydrated! Related Reading. This means you should avoid leaving food out for them at all times, as they can eat too much and become sick or even develop bloat, which can quickly become deadly. How To Feed Your Goldendoodle Puppy This may seem like a silly question, but it is relevant because the answer is actually not that obvious! You should be able to cover the food with your hand without your puppy making too much fuss. Allow them to start eating. While they are eating, stroke them and pet their heads. This is an excellent time to brush them, too, as they are occupied and not scrambling around. This is an important practice to get them used to your presence and prevent food guarding and aggression. Considering how large Goldendoodles can get even when they are puppies, this is an important part of their training. Next, give your puppy about 15 minutes to eat their food. During this time, they will either eat all of their food or eat until they are full and lose interest in the rest. After 15 minutes is up, remove any of the uneaten food left behind. If your puppy is still eating, then let them finish their food. The number of options can be overwhelming! Hopefully, I can whittle it down for you and make the decision a little easier. The American Kennel Club recommends using premium or high-end puppy food as they typically have a higher nutritional density and are more consistent, whereas cheaper foods can be inconsistent and contain filler products. Puppies have higher nutritional needs than adult dogs. Their food should be more nutrient-dense because they can only eat a little bit at a time. Their food will generally be more expensive owing to its quality; however, it should last you longer than a bag of adult food. Just like with adult dog food, you can choose between kibble or solid food, pouches or semi-moist food, or canned soft food. Top Puppy Food Suggestions For Goldendoodles While there are innumerable options out there for you to choose from, I have carefully narrowed them down to three products that I highly recommend for your Goldendoodle. Your Goldendoodle will grow to be very large and be prone to joint problems, so it is a wise decision to start them on puppy food that will support their growth through the time when they are doing most of it. Here are my three favorite Goldendoodle puppy foods and the features I love about them: Product. One of the most popular dog breeds is the Miniature Goldendoodle. One of the most crucial aspects that affect your Mini Goldendoodle's overall health is its diet. As a pet owner, you want to ensure that he or she remains healthy and content. Let's talk about how much food a Mini Goldendoodle should eat to maintain a normal weight and get all the nutrients they require. Consider the following when choosing how much to feed your Mini Goldendoodle: Age Compared to adult dogs, puppies have distinct dietary demands. Puppies of the Mini Goldendoodle breed need to eat more often than adult dogs do. They also need a particular kind of dog food specially formulated to encourage their development. Weight The amount of food a Mini Goldendoodle needs will depend on its weight. Obesity and other health issues can result from overeating. Exercise Level More energetic dogs need more calories than less active dogs do, just like us humans. Health Issues Your pets diet may need to vary depending on certain medical concerns. You might need to convert to a specific diet catered to your dog's needs, for instance, if they have food allergies or sensitivities. Recommended Feeding Amounts Your Mini Goldendoodle's calorie needs will vary over time according to their age, weight, and degree of activity. The following are some general guidelines, tips, and tricks: Puppies Mini Goldendoodle pups require more frequent feedings than adult dogs do. This is actually true of most if not all breeds. You can start giving your puppy two meals a day after the first six months. In order to help their digestion, senior dogs may need food that is lower in calories and higher in fiber. The easiest way to decide on the right food quantities for your aging Mini Goldendoodle is to speak with your veterinarian. It is important to remember that these are only broad recommendations and that your Miniature Goldendoodle's nutritional requirements may shift depending on their particular requirements. It's advisable to keep an eye on your dog's weight and modify their food schedule as necessary. Learn more about Mini Goldendoodles:.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All of those breeders have a proven track record and are committed to the highest standards of ethical breeding and health testing. Carefully screening the parent dogs helps the breeders to choose the healthiest pups for breeding purposes. You can also reach out to your friends, family members, or neighbors who have recently adopted a Labradoodle in your state and ask about their experiences with different breeders. They raise their pups in their home and socialize each puppy with adults, children, and other dogs. In addition to that, their pups eat high quality human-grade food and receive lots of love and care every single day. What Makes This Breeder Unique? ADEL is a recommended breeder by Goldendoodles. They carefully select their breeding dogs and all of them have undergone rigorous health and genetic testing to produce the healthiest puppies. Although they currently have no information about vaccines and dewormings on their website, feel free to reach out to them via email or phone to learn more. We are a small home based breeder of a wonderful family oriented and very versatile breed of dog called the "Australian Labradoodle". Our breeding dogs are considered part of the family and puppies are raised in our home with lots of socialization, love and affection. We only have two breeding dogs that live in our home and all of our other breeding dogs live in wonderful guardian homes. We specialize in breeding medium size and small standard size Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodles and only breed a couple litters a year. Our medium size is about inches tall and average weights around lbs. Our small standard size is about inches tall and average weights around lbs. We offer a variety of colors red caramel, chocolate, cream, chocolate and white parti as well as caramel and white parti. Arizona Labradoodles is thoroughly "Committed to Responsible Breeding. Let us share with you what makes us Responsible Breeders. Our Dames and Sires to our litters are all health tested to the highest possible standards. Each of our dogs are genetic tested for all 22 recessive diseases found in the Australian Labradoodle. We feel the financial investment in health testing our breeding dogs is critical for betterment of the breed. Our high standards of health testing gives us great comfort knowing we are offering our families puppies that come from generations of health tested dogs. This has been done to protect the buyer and support parentage identification. We only work with Australian Labradoodle breeders that are also "Committed to Responsible Breeding" and the preservation of the Australian Labradoodle breed. We place our whelping box next to our bed to ensure a safe delivery of puppies and to monitor mom. During your puppies first weeks of life they are carefully cared for by us and never left alone. Each puppy is raised inside our home and are properly socialized with a variety of people, different noises, they are bathed, blow dried, nail trimmed, held and loved by us every day until they are ready to go to their new home. Each of our puppies is exposed to early neurological stimulation exercises known as the "Super Dog" Program. Studies have proven positive benefits for improved cardio performance, stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress and greater resistance to disease. Each puppy receives a full health evaluation and given age appropriate vaccinations by a licensed Veterinarian. We stand behind our 2 year health guarantee and lifetime guarantee against recessive diseases. When you adopt your puppy we want you to feel comfortable knowing we have done everything we can to offer you a good start with a healthy happy puppy. Our health guarantee protects you and your precious furry family member against life threatening diseases, joint dysplasia, and 22 recessive diseases. We are here for you for the life of your Arizona Labradoodle. If you have any questions, concerns, or need any guidance we will try and help you in any way we can. Our adoptive families have been carefully chosen to be a part of the "Arizona Labradoodles Family" for a reason. We look forward to keeping in touch with you. We often get the question "What is a Australian Labradoodle? Fabulous fleece coats that are allergy friendly Non shedding There are a variety of sizes and coat colors Can adapt to any type of lifestyle Highly Intelligent. Call Gerry at to see if you qualify? ADEL reserves the right to hold back both males and females from any litter for our breeding program. We are located in Sun City, Arizona, less than 20 miles from Phoenix. We recently relocated from Windham, Maine, but we still serve Maine, Massachusetts, and beyond! We breed cream, apricot, red, chocolate, and black and white mini and medium labradoodles. Our puppies are raised in our home and are socialized with adults, children, and other dogs daily. You can be sure your future furry family member will have a sweet, gentle disposition. We pride ourselves on our well behaved, cheerful, and intelligent puppies. Our labradoodles make terrific family companions, activity partners, and even therapy dogs. Our labradoodles By choosing only the highest quality breeding dogs available, we ensure your puppy will be as healthy as possible when you bring him or her home. Please explore our website to find out about available puppies and upcoming litters , or contact us to begin the process of bringing home your own labradoodle. Or just go through our labradoodle photos and videos for some cuteness overload. We look forward to hearing from you! They are intelligent and friendly. The physical characteristics of this hybrid will vary depending on the genes inherited from its parents. They can have different coat types including: wiry, wooly, wavy, curly, or fleece with colors ranging from red, black, cream, chocolate, gold, and brindle. Although there is no completely hypoallergenic breed, the Labradoodle may be a good fit for people with allergies. Discover more about our Labradoodle puppies for sale below! Overall, they make excellent companions. Due to their easygoing nature they usually do well with other pets and are generally good with children. As a result, they require exercise every day and can be prone to restlessness or loneliness if left along for too long. Their activity level and larger size means they are a good fit for a house with a yard. They are great walking companions and actually love the water and can be exceptional, natural swimmers. Due to their Poodle genetics, incorporate educational games to stimulate their intelligence as well as their bodies. Training Training a Labradoodle is easier than many other breeds, because they are eager to please and intelligent which makes them attentive while learning. They respond best to positive reinforcement due to their friendliness and intuition. Praise for good behavior in the form of treats and affirmation will work best when training. As with every other breed, train and socialize your Labradoodle when it is a puppy and exercise it regularly in order to avoid negative behaviors. Generally though, brush them about twice a week to keep their coats clean and mitigate shedding. However, it should only need to be bathed as needed. They also tend to be less prone to odor than other breeds. For optimal health, brush their teeth about three times per week to avoid bacteria and tartar buildup. It is also good to trim their nails about twice per month. However, the Labradoodle did not truly come to be known until when Australian breeder Wally Conron crossed the Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle. His goal was to combine the low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the gentleness and trainability of the Labrador Retriever to create a hypoallergenic guide dog. The cross breeding was a success and resulted in a dog that had a disposition appropriate for guide dog work with a low-shedding coat. See store for details on a particular puppy. International Designer Canine Registry.

As a printmaker, I need my focus and concentration, to work without distraction. Is there a perfect breed of studio dog? I think I need a quiet companion, though we can all benefit from morning and evening walks. Can someone who lives happily without a dog learn to live happily with one? Dogs are angels sent from heaven to make us into better people. A few minutes of petting a dog releases oxytocins into the bloodstream of both dog and human, reducing stress and lowering blood pressure. Dog people may live longer. Every puppy begins in joy and ends in tears. Sometime ago I wrote about the loss of our former dog, Emily. The email condolences that came in here were overwhelming. Lining up trusted dog sitters is vital. Having said that, a dog will increase your studio hours and prevent you from wandering off and getting into trouble. A loving tail-wagger in the studio goes a long way in a profession of loners. I happen to think that dog people are the best people, perhaps because dogs, just like artists, have excellent dreams and fantasies. But there are cat people too, and they are just as passionately converted. Gerbils, weasels and rats do it for some folks, particularly as starters. You have a good husband — I think you should also have a good dog. Forget about the ready money. Stanley Coren Esoterica: Dorothy the Airedale has a particularly spirited personality. Good for my cardiovascular, she is always eager to go for a walk. Uniquely, she is also content to play ball with herself. She is a happy girl, rather overly bonded but universally friendly. An occasional garden digger, as I write this she is curled up with dirty feet in a pile of paint rags. To her credit, she steps carefully around paintings when they are casually thrown here and there. Living happily without? Besides being constant muses for me, my two dogs are wonderful company. There are 3 comments for Living happily without? From: Jim Oberst — Jun 07, I also prefer humans. I am now 60, and we are lucky enough to still have our original dog, Riley, as well as three others. How lonely we would be without our pets! For a wonderful, laid-back companion, we both recommend a golden retriever. A dry painting is even worse! My pets have been endless inspiration and I do pet portraits in any medium including on glass mugs! If you provide a cuddly bed the dog will lie there out of your way — usually. But then, we live in the country with a big fenced yard and a big dog-door, so no worries there. We now have two Great Pyrenees — our favorite breed so far for intelligence, kindness and watch-doggedness out here in the woods, though they do tend to lay their massive bulks right behind me when I work at the easel! You are so right about the dog-sitter, but our travel schedule is determined by when SHE is available. We made the mistake of telling our retired traveling friends about her. They are now 13 years old, ancient for Great Pyrs, and are facing a double-departure, perhaps this fall. It takes courage to take on the love of a new dog knowing that it will end with a broken heart! I still have a hard to thinking of her, because it still hurts my heart so much. I have had alot of dogs, but Tango was, by far, the best. She was so kind, and so smart and so beautiful that people would stop their cars to look at her and talk to me. I miss her still. Tango was 10 yrs. Thanks for sharing. From: Libby — Jun 07, Your colors are stunning! From: Tatjana — Jun 07, Beautiful painting! My heart is with you … losing our four-legged family members is one the hardest things to do. Your creativity will grow in leaps and bounds because dogs teach us to be new. To be new we must be willing to be clumsy as being clumsy means you are exploring and never on solid footing. Being new means never having to apologize for being different, creative or failing. Being new gives permission to rest and dream. Being new presents a life without judgment. Being new is curiosity in full bloom. Being new allows laughter to come from deep within your belly. Being new opens the door to creativity. Being new invites quiet. Being new is pure love. Their favourite things to do in life are to go from 0 to75 km an hour in search of the most comfortable couch in the house. They will also sleep for hours at a time without moving which makes for a great subject to paint. There is a reason artists have kept greyhounds and other breeds of sight hounds in their studios over the centuries… They are just a great breed of dog for artists. From: Debra LePage — Jun 07, Your beautiful painting looks just like our late Samantha-a perfect companion, indeed. She spent many hours curled up on a futon in my studio while I worked. From: Deb Munro — Jun 07, I agree with your comments. I have a lurcher greyhound x collie who is the most calming gentle soul I have ever known. Contrary to popular belief, greyhound types require a short run or two per day followed by hours of sleep on a comfy bed. Ideal companions for artists and others to! The latter are all carefully trained to lie calmly where they are told — either beside the artist or nearby under a table no worry about stepping on them or any part of their anatomy. I have two rescued pit bull mixes who think nothing is better than to lie beside me or on the futon behind me all day until I get up to refill my coffee or head to the bathroom. Then they would like to have an hour in the huge dog pen on our rural property, going on walks with me only early in the morning or before dinner. But other than that, they do what they are told when they are told. There is 1 comment for Rescued pit bulls ideal companions by Amber Grey From: linda b — Jun 18, i have a hearing dog and have lived with her for 9 years. She is a pit bull mix. This dog is the absolute best behaved and most loving dog who has shared her his life with me. As you said, she is content to lie on her bed for hours, only getting up when i do. I take her out many times a day and give her extra attention. I have no trouble getting people to stay with her when i am away. Most people want to take her home with them. Her name is Acadia. Some dogs are like soul mates. You know each other immediately. He travels nicely beneath an airline seat. He sleeps with us at the foot of the bed unless I invite him up to be squished like a stuffed animal while I fall asleep. Tony my dog loves my work. If I feel like reading, he warms my lap. I cannot imagine living without a dog. It would be cruel and unusual punishment for me. I would say do a little homework and notice breeds that work with your lifestyle and surroundings and be prepared to do a little training at first for your investment in your future. Think of it as courtship. I have been without dogs once or twice and it was just plain sad. They make my life far less serious. I also admit that one of our labs likes to be smashed between us on a cold nights. But as one who has just plunked down an irrational amount of money to get on the waiting list for a puppy, I just had to write and express how your words buoyed me this morning. So your words are an affirmation of what I know emotionally, if not yet intellectually. The real remaining worry is that, in my application, I failed to specify that my puppy must have a good eye for composition, temperature and values. However, every hour and a half or so, she will come to the door to remind me that she needs attention as well and so I take a break and we go out and play for fifteen minutes or so. This not only serves to keep her happy but also gets me up and moving for a bit since I tend to paint sitting down at a table and a break is really beneficial. This can be advantageous as I often get too focused on details and fail to look at the whole. Hence, my dog is contributing to improving my art. I also get to transfer some of that love of dogs over into my art as animals, and especially dogs, are a large part of what I do. Not to mention the fact that exchanging that unconditional love with your dog opens you up to deeper relationships with people as well. But I do love all animals and would love to have a dog, too, but Mr. Munchkins vetoed that. After almost losing our cat this winter, I decided no more animals because saying goodbye is too painful. I find cats to be very quiet studio partners. The best advice mine has given to date is to just relax. And Mr. Munchkins adds a great deal of texture to my paintings by way of a film of fine white cat hair in and over everything. I once had a cat, a trickster type, who loved to take a sip when opportunity presented. He prefers yoga to long walks. And we paint to choruses of birds through open windows as much as possible. If the dog feels safe and comfort just from the holders serenity it might be much easier. On the other side… a dog helps a lot to calm you down. For example… a dog can be used from the very beginning to an indoor bench in case of a puppy already large enough for the adult. Quite soon it learnt the positives from this sheltering. Most dogs love staying inside there and learnt that the open! For that purpose use covering towels or plaids on the bench top including the sides, except the open bench door. My dog learnt to step aside when I appear. You can have any breed… it all depends on how you interact with your dog. Even non-acting means for dogs a communication. Without such breaks I would live unhealthy and forget about any breaks. My dog is my personal gain. My collie Riley is my studio buddy, my walking companion, my muse, my model, my confidante and so much more. Clambering, pestering, poking into everything. They are loved in this home but banished from the studio. Give me a dog any day! He walks me daily to get me out of the studio for some exercise, and keeps me generally sane. I have noticed in many older photos of artists working in their studios, that a dog is curled up somewhere near the workspace. I cannot imagine not having one to keep me company in this solitary endeavor of painting. The poodles were wonderful, devoted pets who loved to be in the studio — or anywhere I was. The cockatoo is more likely to be out chasing birds from the yard. But I missed the company and devotion and now have my little Romeo. Most dogs want to please their owners, so teaching them is the first responsibility of a dog owner — and pick the right dog for you, and your lifestyle. From: Barbara Carter — Jun 02, Dog people are good people. Dogs know that which is why they overlook all our shortcomings and concentrate on our positive qualities. But people have to know themselves to pick a breed that is compatible with their lifestyle and personality. Read about the breeds before you choose one. And remember that there are many dogs at the shelters waiting to become a best friend. As for me? I may be a bit biased toward dogs since I currently share my life with five of them. The personalities of my Westies are as different as they can be — one pops like popcorn on a leash, one is a sedate and gentle lady until she hears the word bird! People in North American should get to know Brussels Griffon more. They ask only one thing — to be with me. They can outrun the wind and look over their shoulders to see if I am watching. Dogs are great. And they seem to believe that we are great too. There are no small dogs — only little dogs. From: Bette Laughy — Jun 02, My Airedale experience was a lovely dog who occasionally visited our neighborhood. In spite of her effect on our cat, we looked forward to her occasional visits; she was truly special. She is selectively deaf, blind enough to prefer to walk on a leash, now allows her brother the cat to lick her and even occasionally licks back, and is my companion in everything including painting. She is my joy, and I will not travel far from home as long as she is with me. Every day is a gift. And I am still dogless, though I have a cat who thinks he is a dog and does all the doggie things, including accompanying me on walks. However I would like to say that TWO dogs can be easier than one. They bond with each other mine were littermates and so keep each other content when one is busy. Saying goodbye is really terrible. The memories are stellar. A large golden retriever comes to be babysat for a week at a time, though, and we have long and important murmurs about painting, weather, and food. From: Randena Walsh — Jun 02, Oh, I love the companionship of a dog in the studio, and in the field as well, where I get my inspiration for my work. However, from experience I can tell you my previous Goldens have been wonderful studio mates and convenient models. I am sure my pup will get there too. Loving human companionship as they do, Goldens are happy to just be in the same room with you. Exercise is a must, though, for a happy artist and her dog! From: George Forder — Jun 02, As a master of the esoteric, their are few places my mind has not fathomed at some time or another. But the biggest quandary remains unsolved. I grew up with 6 dogs, but when I left home, gradually realised I was a cat person. Cats find me. I find cats. We share a purrfect love. Kitty love is the purrest kind of love. I tolerate dogs, but am old enough to not have to fake it anymore. Every argument voiced for dogs can be applied to cats. But if a cat decides it wants you, you will burn in the radiance of its light. I think Dogs vs Cats is about control and dependency, but I could be wrong. My cat is a consumate critic. He listens attentively and then asks for food. Like art in a way, letting go, not sure of the outcome but welcoming the opportunity to express. To me a Dog is an expression of pure love. Getting through the Puppy stage and then the adolescent stage is a challenge at times, more dogs are surrendered to shelters during their adolescence than any other time I am told. Once again like art perseverance pays out in the end. Socialise them, guide them and you will be rewarded ten fold in love and loyalty. I cannot be whole without a dog in my life. There are so many sweet, loving older dogs in shelters who no one wants. Everyone wants the cute puppy, but when you get a puppy, you might as well have another child. Puppies are wonderful, but require a lot of time and attention. From: leslie ditto — Jun 03, well I think a dog in the studio is a great idea, my studio space is kinda small right now so I have a cat, I did have to do some cat proofing. But I would probably not suggest a cat for everyone because they can get into alot in a studio. But as any animal in our studio goes, make all toxic materials are up and out of the way. And here is one thing that I had to learn the hard way. .From: Betsy Doody — Jun 03, I paint best with a minimum of 4 dogs around me. What is life without a dog? Betsy Doody From: Susan Stetson — Jun 03, I cannot see myself without a dog, actually two at the moment, cocker spaniels. Even if they have just come in from outside…they go out the studio door, run about the yard, come in and Reilly settles on the couch, Lily under the ottoman the tail and paws stick out a bit? After an hour or so they are just as excited to go have a cup of tea and dog cookies and again with such enthusiasm we go back to work. It brings a smile to me when they do it and now when I picture their little paws running down the steps. What fun to have such enthusiastic and quiet working buddies! From: Troy Gervais — Jun 03, As my faithful companion is now reaching his final days it is bittersweet. He has been my best friend since he was a few weeks old. He has listen to my rantings and the many ideas I have bounced off of him. He has gotten me out for a walk every day of his life even when I was reluctant to do so. I have witnessed many spectacular sunrises and sunsets that I would have probably missed otherwise. I have drawn and sketched him many times. How do I thank a friend like that? He has never forsaken me like some humans can do. He has always been honest especially about his dislike of cats and his love of a soggy tennis ball and a good dinner. When I think back at all the times we have had how can I do anything but thank him for the time he spent here on this earth with me and wish him well on his next journey where ever that might be. Thank you my friend. Not sure if that works so I added some comments here. I am a doggie lover. The hugs, kisses and companionship are great. They do look at you like they understand what your saying also. I think they pick up on the emotion too and comfort me at times. Yes, I am over the doggie edge. Plus, it is a great way to meet and talk to people. There are so many wonderful, loving, sweet dogs in the world. Yes, you take a chance when you get a shelter dog but if you give the dog love they give it right back. It is important to have great doggy sitters when you go out of town. We keep our dogs at home. Some people drop their dogs at a friends or neighbors house who have dogs. Whatever works. I also painted a picture of Currie and Missy with acrylics. They inspire me and love me. It is wonderful! I attached some pictures of Missy, Currie and my back yard where I hang out with the dogs. The other pictures are of flowers I was painting one day. Thanks for talking about doggies. I took off work today and am going to take the doggies for a walk this morning. I agree that it is great exercise too. Have a wonderful day. Lepore — Jun 03, From: Sandie Halyk — Jun 03, When I paint my golden retriever Jessie is right there in the art room, usually curls up and sleeps. It is such a comforting feeling. Wherever we are, that is where she is. She is also our 4 legged physiotherapy. She is a devoted, caring and loving dog. Initially there is a big committment to the training and also there are frustrating times when you have a puppy. We are now starting to go through hip problems as she is older, we do physiotherapy, heat etc. Just be sure you are willing to put in the time to look after a dog as they will put in the time to look after you and be there for you. Hope this is of some help in assisting you to make up your mind. From: Pat Kochan — Jun 03, I was debating over 3 different paintings to put into an up coming art competition; so I put 3 cookies on the floor, one in front of each painting and the one my sweet dog picked was the one that went into the show. It won a top award. Mindy lived 18 years and was the greatest companion and friend to our whole family. From: Bunny — Jun 03, I have a just turned one year old puppy Buddy named by my grandson , who is my studio buddy. He has a pile of toys nearby and is content to chew on those, usually. I had to learn to watch before I step back, get the paper towels that accidentally fall to the floor quickly he loves paper , — or pencils; otherwise he is a great studio friend. From: Cindy Mawle — Jun 03, I like to take my 6 year old chocolate lab, Jesse, with me while painting outdoors. She keeps an eye out for bears and lets me know if someone is coming. I am able to totally absorb myself in my work without anything sneaking up on me. I just have to put up with a few loud sighs from her at the beginning after she realizes that we are staying put. Once on the kettle river she put up a big fuss and I looked up from my work and a coyote was intently watching us from the other bank. As a woman painting out there alone, it can be peace of mind as well as great company. Recently had to give up my cats for adoption due to asthma. Their presence in and around your life lifts you up. Their antics make you smile and their unconditional love are a reminder to us as to why we are here — to enjoy the passing of time with those who give our lives meaning. Their loss leaves a hole in your heart but right now the neighborhood dogs are getting great hiking experience. He was great. Learned not to sleep where I walk, and then all he wanted was just to be with me. The perfect studio companion…slept most of the time, until it was time to wake up and go for walkies. I currently have a 10 mo old chocolate lab, so leaning glass against the wall or work bench is currently a no no. She is, however, learning to put the brakes on before she enters the studio, so my need to modify my behavious will change with time. Love having her with me, and at the moment, a crate is my best friend. Lately I can leave the crate door open and she goes in willingly for a nap, and nudges me when she wakes up. From: Linda C. Dumas — Jun 03, Blaze, a golden retriever mix, was a gentleman from the day he was born. Pancho, the Maine Coon cat, would climb into his little box and sleep the studio time away. Annie, mini-Australian Shepherd and current dog, is very well behaved, but decided she found the studio boring. I bought some special treats, and whenever we went to the studio, she got one. At that point, we will adopt an older rescue dog that has passed the puppy stage. Look for breed characteristics. A beagle is probably not the most fortuitous studio dog — darling dog, but way too energetic. From: Mike Young — Jun 03, Please remember that for some of us dogs, cat and birds produce unwanted allergic reactions such as rashes and asthma. For me this has been since childhood and in spite of series of desensitization shots a reaction still occurs in the presence of such pets, albeit somewhat reduced from my childhood. Studios with pets are out of bounds for me and many like me. Love my cats too. Although when I am doing graphics at the computer they want to have their say…. .All I can add is that is their form of love… just being with me. Now I do occaisionally get black hairs in my polymer and metal clay work. Thanks for the post. I lost the latter last year but I know she is still there, barking away, voicing her opinion on everything. The Collie loves to come to the studio, check out the perimeter desert but mostly sleeps peacefully as I, alas! The cats stay at home. As a rabid animal lover, I strongly recommend adopting or fostering — but do get a dog by any means! As Robert Says, dogs will help you not only live longer, but more happily. I enjoy having them around…. I think Emmy would like to pickup a brush and paint on a canvas herself…. Dogs are wonderful…. Here are some tips: provide puppies with wet frozen washcloths to chew on. This will numb their gums. Our oldest dog is now receiving a round of adequan shots which are helping with her arthritis enormously. She is now off of her pain meds. I cannot live without dogs. They possess true empathy. Surely they were created to be our companions. Thank you Robert for saying dogs are angels sent from heaven to make us better people. So true. From: Mary — Jun 03, Your story reminded me of the best cat we ever had. A Himalayan mix. When I was working on drawings including ink drawings she would carefully leap and land on my table not disturbing a thing. Then sit there moving her head this way and that watching my pen. Always wondered what she thought of my work. They keep the mouse population at bay to save your canvas being turned into bedding and they make great models. When I had a studio cat and was lacking inspiration I would paint my cat. They are the perfect gesture model while bathing, they will pose for long periods if they are occupied with a window to look out and only ask for a meal to compensate them. Yes, dogs drool and in the Studio Cats rule! From: Laudine Borges — Jun 03, Dogs are wonderful. Choose a breed compatable with your lifestyle. Visit dog parks or breeders to see how different breeds behave. It took me a long time to choose the right breed for my lifestyle, a walk by the ocean in the morning and then working in my studio. My dog adds so much to my life. As fulfilling and wonderful as my life was with them, they ruled our lives. We paid for the Vets second home in Maui. And sadly, when they passed, I was not only devastated, but it lead to an immediate break up. When asked at the park how long my dogs would live, I wondered if people would like if they were asked how long their child would be alive. People kept asking me if I was going to get another dog. I felt like I had lost my children. Dogs are wonderful creatures and very loving. Dogs want to be with you. So, as long as they feel included and are in your line of vision, any dog will be a wonderful addition to your studio or home. My experience with Dalmatians is they are particularly hyper dogs. And while they are loyal to the family, they are not great with children. They can also be terribly inbred which can lead to all sorts of heath issues. So, make sure to find a good and reputable breeder. And realize a dog is a commitment and the sign of a good dog is a good owner. Last year I lost Sophia, my Calico cat. She was always there keeping me company while I painted. At times she would sit on a high stool beside me and look out the window; at other times she would be curled up on a chair or maybe inside a box that was open. She was even known to sleep inside an empty frame! Occasionally I would feel her rub up against my leg, and I would run my hand through her soft fur, giving me that warm fuzzy feeling. Well yes, there was that one time when she was young. She came in through an open window with mud on her paws and walked accross my latest watercolor on the drafting board…. .Her calming presence was well worth any inconvenience! My studio is very empty now that she has gone. I have lost my muse. They will reward you with their great love and devotion. After my 14 year old Golden, Andy, passed away in August of , I considered not getting another dog. Life would be easier and less heartbreaking right? I could sleep in in the morning with the cats. I could get right to working. For six months I did without. I did. I realize now I will not live without a dog as long as I can. For six months, I had missed out on sharing quiet, early morning walks in the outdoors to observe and discover nature. I had missed out on conversations with neighbors and being a part of my community. I had missed out on having a friend who nudged me with a wet nose, reminding me it was time for a walk, a break from studio work, to get outside and experience life. So despite the animal hairs that occasionally end up in paintings, the concern about getting home to let the dog out, or the vet bills, I would not have it any other way. It has been a joy to have a dog as a companion and cats, too! The pros outweigh the cons in my view but only you know in your heart, Janet. You have to be committed from beginning to end for it to work…. From: Kathleen Kelly — Jun 03, I have a Wheaton terrier that lays in a corner watching me paint or simply sleeps…. From: Marilena Fluckiger — Jun 03, I think the Chinese Crested Hairless dogs are the most intelligent and the best studio companion dog! They are the total parcel albeit with minimal packaging…hey, eco friendly, too! She was such a loving girl. She also stayed with me in my studio, and lovingly stared at me while I worked, and followed me back and forth to the sink to wash out my brushes, or sharpen my pencils. As a second best, I lay on the floor close to my table, and thought of work I would do when I was better. The trouble was that Woofer lay beside me. This was fine. But she kept creeping closer and closer. Finally, she laid her head my chest, and lapped my face lovingly. I think her endless wet kisses spurred me to get better even faster. Soon, I was back at my easel, and even taking Woofer for her usual walks around the neighborhood. No, she took me. From: Miranda Gray — Jun 03, I am an egg tempera painter, which is a very slow, tedious, time consuming medium. One day I set my painting down on the floor to get a better distance look at it, when the phone rang. I turned my back on the painting to talk on the phone. My mistake. I heard a slurping noise, and low and behold, my dog had licked off many days of work from the painting. Fortunately, egg tempera is a very forgiving medium, and I could repair it. I truly need my dog in my studio to keep me company while I work, but I no longer put the paintings in tongues reach. I too believe that dogs are angels sent to make us better people. From: Cindy Fankhauser — Jun 03, I so needed to hear this answer to a very good question. Can I love it as much as I loved Bailey? I really just want my Bailey back!! But, after reading your letter, I am thinking I better go puppy shopping and give my heart away again! From: Rick Rotante — Jun 03, All the beneficial health reasons for dog ownership are renowned. I have two that seem to have an infectious smile on their faces all day long except when my wife or I have to leave. My wife and I doubly blessed and will probably live doubly long because of them. From: Diane Overmyer — Jun 03, Our family is made up of two parents, three young-adult children and two middle-aged dogs. Unlike my children, my dogs never complain, sulk around or slam doors. They are getting older so if I am quiet they tend to be quiet as well. They often sleep or lay on the floor and look out one of our glass doors. When the weather is nice they spend a good deal of the day out in the yard. The breeds we own are a Sheltie which is a very intelligent, well mannered, loving dog, but ours is more high strung that our other dog. The second dog is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which is also pretty smart, but ours sometimes reminds me of an eager two year old. Our Corgi is very protective of me and wants to be near me whenever he can. What a special dog she was to you. I was in the gallery then too. Looking forward to seeing you in Penticton at the Shatford building and the reception for the first 3 Chapters Show. A dog can be so much work, and yet give so much back in love, exercise and companionship. I think Jane will find that the rewards outweigh the negatives. I agree with you about the only 2 drawbacks to owning dogs. From: Susan Vaughn — Jun 03, I agree — dog people are special. I have 2 dogs — A German Shepherd and a Malti-tzu a cross between a Maltese and the Shih-tzu They both come into my studio when I am painting and curl up together and sleep while I paint and listen to my iPod. They are great dogs and I enjoy their company. I think I am a better artist because of the love they give. Before Buddy, Angel would spend hours with me in studio and when she thought I needed a break she would let me know and we would stretch and take a walk…. Now that Buddy is in the picture I had a weak moment and adopted him they spend time on the verandah while I am in studio. I can peak out the window and keep an eye on them and know exactly when we need a break! The daily dog walks are good for clearing the mind and for inspiration. Besides, as has been pointed out, dogs need you and your attention and are happy as all get out when they get it. All they want to do is eat and find a sunny spot to take a nap. Oh, and sit on the brick wall out back at two in the morning and serenade the neighborhood. So loyal, so devoted, so positive. If only we had just a portion of that in our people lives. My big mutt Bruno is the perfect studio dog. Part Chow, German Shepherd, and Akita, he lives for loafing and really improves the ambiance in the home and studio. My little Shia-poo Grady is a napping expert and will happily join and inspire you in this important past-time. My other buddy, Snickers the Papillon, is a ball fetcher extraordinaire and keeps me in shape. I like cats too, but dogs are much more interactive. They want to be with you, to worship you. How can you not like that??? We lost Hershey to cancer very unexpectedly just last Saturday. I have art photos, paintings and drawing of them and they always were nearby often chasing squirrels or rabbits in their dreams. They were excellent companions in the print studio as well. Our lives will never be the same without them. When I take the dogs for a walk in the local park I always pet other dogs and talk to people there. They inspire me. From: Kay Rodriguez — Jun 03, Oh but cat people can get the best support. .I never have to take her out for a walk though she will take one on her own if the door is opened. Sofy takes a nap right there beside me patiently waiting for me to finish. She is a fine forgiving companion gives me room to do my work under her approving eye. Cat people get to watch those personality crazy funny things that make you want to call up your friends to tell them. Dogs have been my life long Co-pilots. They all had distinctive personalities and yes I mourned when I had to put them down. It took me a year to recover from Zeppie, my red merle Aussie with blue eyes. He was the closest and the easiest to train but I can easily live without the shedding. He would lie at my feet while I painted. Now, I have a very independent minded rare breed Canaan Mackie who is nearing his 13th birthday. He is from Israel and was really a basket case when we got him. He still is dreadfully afraid of any engine sounds but has finally given up watching airplanes as they pass overhead. Mackie is much too intelligent! Pavlof training worked once and that game was over. After he has inspected and sized up the intruder, he retires to his bed or near the ac vent in hot summers. As I age, I know that in the future I need a smaller dog something like Toto to be my side as the tornadoes blow into NC. I have had a good feeling because my last three dogs have all been rescued. There are no bad dogs only bad owners who need to learn how to properly train their dog not to be a pest. That bond is strengthened with the attention you give in training your pup who to fit into your life. They want to please and be loved. I know that we will be first in line to enter those pearly gates if God happens to be a Dog. I agree wholeheartedly! Breed does not matter so much, and dog pounds let you test drive. Just a thought!! From: Bruce C. I had the opinion that this breed was high energy because they were used for racing. I was also surprised to find out that they have universal blood. From: Larry Moore — Jun 03, You want a quiet companion? Get a cat. No walking. Might be some issues with hair in your wet paint and hairballs but, overall. From: Catherine Orfald — Jun 03, I agree! My dog Gita is an essential companion. She happily accompanies me on long walks to scope out new scenes and spends long days outside with me when I paint. I have attached a painting I did with Gita as subject this winter: Dog and Snowmobile. My cats occasionally stroll through the studio, but are also too busy and noisy to stay. The best companions I have there are two rabbits. They joyfully race around the studio when I let them out of their large pen and then they settle down contentedly while I paint. I like having different folks for different strokes while I work. From: Guy Giersch — Jun 03, I would recommend a rescued greyhound. These dogs are big couch potatoes. Loving, and always ready for a walk; but stately occupying the couch as you work. Training is key. Plenty of sources to help you decide on the dog for you. I agree totally with you about dogs and dog people. They are high energy puppies but at about the 4 year mark they are content with ball throwing, long walks and just being by your side. They are great friends. My heart constantly melts! For the record, here is my studio companion, Teddy. I got him at a shelter about a year and a half ago, and his acclimation has been very challenging. He still hates to be left alone, only tolerating it begrudgingly, which keeps me on task when I want to roam. While I paint, he dozes and chews his chew bones patiently and only interrupts me for scheduled walks and feedings. Plus, he announces with great vigor that the UPS truck has again arrived to deliver my next eagerly anticipated art book. Removing paint from dog hair is not fun. I have attached a pic of my own German Short-haired Pointer in my favourite studio chair. One other bonus that you neglected to mention is the fee-less modeling these animals are willing to do. He has great angles and curves and moves around a great deal so the challenge is to capture my favourite bits in the time he allows. The companionship is wonderful and, as you yourself are aware, completely non-judgemental! He just oozes love and affection and is quite the centre of attention wherever we go. I have attached a picture of His Royal Cuteness Yukon so you can see his smile. Our cats are more intrusive than our heffalump of a dog! From: Susan Faye Martin — Jun 03, I know what it is like to have disruption with my sweet little pup in the studio. But since she has turned 2, we seem to have more harmony. I have a covered garbage can now to prevent the dragging of miscellaneous items around. I also have learned to leave everything beyond her reach if I want it to stay the way it is. Life is wonderful with a dog in it :- From: Janie Cohen — Jun 03, More times than not I think you are my doppelganger; or you at least follow me around and hear my every thought and anxiety concerning my art. Your loving doggie stories are always welcome here, for I have a very special artigiana without whom I could not paint. Having been diagnosed with stage IV cancer in in remission 5 yrs. Clara is a rescued kitty from a local shelter. These are the tiny greyhounds, not the big ones, but 2 or ours are rescues. Your service of directing surfers to websites sounds interesting. If there is not more info on your service, can I get more? Recently I finished my first book which involves dogs, mystery, fantasy and God knows what else. Your service sounds like it could be very helpful once I get the website for the book finished. He is a treasure. While we still miss all of the dogs we have had the joy of sharing our home with we must admit that 5 large dogs that need to be kept away from each other as the boys were not neutered and wanted to be Alpha and one female who actually was in charge was quite an experience. Even though there were some very interesting and heart wrenching moments when they visited my studio, they were still my favorite models. From: Marilyn S. Mylrea — Jun 03, I just recently got a kitten and cats can also make great companions. My cat loves to watch me paint in my studio. He is not a distraction at all as he just lies there and stares up at me. I love that he is the first being outside of me to see my art as I know his love will always be supportive. I also like dogs and may someday get one. The famous American artist April Gornik also has pets and is a big animal lover. And Emily Carr preferred animals to many people. I think they lift our spirits which is always great and inspirational! At that time, she was given one month to live, and here she is, still with us today, bouncing and pouncing, good days and bad, but so loving and giving. Her little short stubby tail tells all. We also have a lb Labrador, who is a geriatric, however the tail never stops wagging. Love them both. They are small, lively, and do nothing but love people I hope. Thanks for touching on this subject. My home is my studio. Or vise-versa. I am a big fan of adopting animals from the shelter, and of mixed breeds. You do have to devote time and energy to pets, which I find healthy. The walks, play sessions, cuddling all help keep me happy. Life in the studio is way too quiet alone. I have an Australian Shepherd. They are one of the smartest breeds and love lots of exercise. Not only do we get the blood flowing first thing, but during our walk, with the juices flowing, I work out my plan for the day. We come back refreshed and invigorated, ready for a day of painting. She takes a nap on her bed in my studio and I can get my work done. When I need to let paint dry, I play the piano and she comes along side to listen. Currently I have two of these wonderful dogs and I know I am going to be a sad puppy when they leave. I always forgive them and they never hold a grudge. You are right about them being angels. From: Janet Badger — Jun 03, Thank you all so very very much for your supportive and helpful ideas. I feel surrounded by caring friends, and I hope to prove worthy of the dog that will eventually become part of our family. They make very good and docile pets—some people even prefer them to dogs—especially when raised from infancy. In the USA there are laws preventing owning them in some cities, but most states issue licenses for them in rural areas. It would not be too cute for Janet to have a badger as a motto, a logo and a spiritual presence that would help people remember who she is. From: Judy Feldman — Jun 03, My dog, Cleo is my muse — I love sketching her and she appears frequently in my paintings. From: Adrienne Moore — Jun 03, Hi Robert, your most recent letter The dog decision set me thinking about losing my beloved Chewbie, a cross Pyrenee lab retriever,to cancer at the age of eleven. He had been my trusted friend and shared my studio since I adopted him as a pup. He was an alpha male , strongly independent and was always pushing boundaries, so determined was he to have things his way. His antics were amazing and I kept a journal about the amusing situations he got into. When he was no longer with me ,I composed a book ,illustrated it with a few colourful paintings and recently received the first edition which I published. The entire process of writing the book was an opportunity ,to some degree ,to make our parting more bearable. I watch dog owners with envy and I will get another dog one day but first, it is time for me to travel because my favorite companion kept me close to home for many years. .One of the artists, a wee gal with big dreams was hanging large abstracts with limited color schemes. One of the painting, a large creme one was the hit of the show. She decided to leave it and it was the hit of the opening! They are usually trained and their personalities are evident and they are grateful to have a companion. From: Allan Pitfield — Jun 03, Badgers are notoriously nasty animals. If you have one, get it to a wildlife rehabilitation place asap. They are not good pets. Further, they are not interested in art. They are not just my constant companions but my dear little friends. As with Mr. I live alone on my farm, my reward for having raised 6 children by myself, I think, and I cherish the medicinal solitude and Nature all around me. My dogs are comfort, succor and even inspiration to me, if only because they live life so simply but so pure: all about love. I agree with other posters here, look to animal rescue-shelters for a great dog you can train to be with you as you work. In their eyes, there is no judgement, no rancor, none of the negativity humans sometimes bring, only love shining brightly…. That pretty well says it all. My yellow lab, Sunshine, is also cognizant of when things are going badly. He thinks that this is a good time to pat the dog. He is correct. The distraction leads to re-focusing and getting back on track. I take my little guy with me most outings. Here however, we had many friends and acquaintances stopping by to chat, as it is a busy spot for cycling and dog walkers and wide open views up and down the path. One of my breakfast buddies had decided he would try to connect with me later that afternoon, as he was curious to see my setup. After a half hour visit, he roared off and would return to see the finished piece. I continued my painting only to look on Zeke and found he was nowhere to be seen. Picture my panic, yelling and jogging in the direction that our friend had gone in, finally I saw him. All dogs know who have the treats and who are the treat babas. From: -Loraine Wellman — Jun 04, Cats make good studio companions too. However, it could be that they are a little bossier. I get to pause and think- and a lap gets provided. Joe was a rescue dog who used to live with pigs when he was young. He was uncared for so he began to wander our village in search of food. Yes, my horse would drag Joe along by his leg, ever so carefully and the two of them would butt heads and wrestle for hours. When Joe was two, the village decided that we should keep Joe. While in British Columbia we hike in the mountains to paint, sometimes alone and at other times with two friends and their dog. Joe and I are now wandering the Italian Alps and a lovely valley called the Valchiusella. Joe now has two languages, he loves Italian food and has even found some delightful Italian, dog friends. From: Denita Tizard — Jun 05, Thank you! I have been given an opportunity of a beautiful puppy to join our family, and I nearly said NO. From: Jackie Knott — Jun 05, As artists, we tend to travel a lot. This next year will involve even more travel. Because of this we decided not to replace our old dog we lost last year. I always noticed the dogs suffered more anxiety over our absence than the cats. Our dog used to be my shadow for days upon coming home, obviously stressed … our cat is glad to see us return but is back into her routine immediately. Yes, we all love our pets … but one must consider their affection as well. From: Ceci Lam — Jun 05, I totally agrees with your observations on the wealth of having dogs, and of the two primary difficulties. Saying goodbye to a companion of 10 or 12 years is heartbreaking, but the joy and adventure of a new dog is good medicine. Having an ex who uses my garage to restore his British sports cars in exchange for house and dog sitting is invaluable, as I write you from France. Every good home deserves a dog and every dog deserves a good home. I think having a good animal around the home is such a blessing. Aldous Huxley once advised an aspiring writer to get a cat—preferably two cats—to learn more about human psychology. Only once did anything bad happen with one of my cats and my paint, and that was all my fault: I did not realize I had a glob of wet dioxazine purple acrylic paint on my sleeve when I pet Dana until I saw it get transferred to her white flank. Fortunately for me, Dana was the sweetest, most trustworthy and gentle cat that ever lived she died three years ago and I miss her so —she let me hold her under a running faucet so that I could wash the paint off her fur. From: Sheila Minifie — Jun 06, What a wonderful outpouring of appreciation for our hairier companions from everyone. It just flowed out unobstructed, joyfully and quietly in one long digital river. Strolling into the studio in the morning with a cup of coffee and a furry friend at your feet makes the blank canvas much less daunting. Though cats are equally wonderful pets, I have found them to be less than adequate as studio companions. I love cats. I have never been without one or two or three. But they hamper my process. I had to start using a portable palette so when I see Phineas coming I can put the lid on. He likes to sit in the middle of my palette. Scamper always wanted to be right next to me no matter what I was doing…he would climb up the drawing table which was at an angle and then slide down, all the while trying to grab hold with his claws. He would then promptly fall asleep on my arm which was still across the table. It took all this for me to realize why my grandfather never allowed the cats in his studio when I was growing up. I have included a sketch of the cat my grandparents had when I was young. I put my paintbrushes down for 8 months and devoted every possible minute to her. She had never felt the warmth of a human touch before that, had no social skills, nor even knew how to play. She greets us warmly and faithfully every day upon our return, plays all the time and even has learned to place her own signature paw prints on several of my paintings. What joy she brings us! Give a stray or shelter animal your time and love. I have my friend Ferghus at my side most days in my sewing studio. He is also a Therapy Dog and we visit seniors. After losing our last dog at age 7 — I was not keen on another dog yet now we have Ferghus age 3,the joy us greater than the heartache. From: Ted F. If you are to focused and may not hear some one coming they let you know and when you need a break they are always ready to put their head on your lap for some petting and always ready to accompany you whenever you like. This past winter we were to learn that he had cancer, and sadly would not be with us for very long. I asked for one last sit, in the studio. I felt such a profound and deep closeness to him during what was to be his last painting sit with me. Her last days were spent accompanying me while I completed two paintings and started on the third, meant for a group exhibition. The show was cancelled and the third painting has remained unfinished. I guess, though she was almost completely blind and deaf, she could feel my excited vibes. I have three cats, used to have a dog who passed on. Becca stands next to me as I paint, purring, waiting to be petted, giving me the most beautiful green-eyed gaze. Bert—well, he chases Melie, thus livening things up. I always get slightly older, shelter cats. They are healers, angels, guardians of the soul, which is why cats seem to choose us. It makes me immensely sad when I hear cats slandered, or hear of them being discarded or abused. And there was plenty of fur around with the dog, too, huge drifts of it. From: sarastar — Jun 07, I have found that if I point the fan away from my art and keep my studio well swept that hair from any pet is a minimal issue. From: Kathleen Kuchar — Jun 07, I have a terrific studio dog, a standard poodle that I acquired when he was 8 years old his owner died. I quickly learned that he liked to eat my Arches watercolor paper. I wonder if it is the sizing he likes so much. Anybody have a clue what to do about this behavior. Other than that, I call Modie MR. I highly recommend an older dog that is already trained and one that has been rescued. I love my poodle. One day, one day soon. From: Susan Williamson — Jun 08, Last week my Cavalier King Charles spaniel Lily passed away after fifteen and a half years of devoted companionship. I say go for a dog, Janet, and I would recommend a Cavalier. Perfect for an artist. Give your head a smack lady. Get a dog or two!!! Izzit a walk? I think I like this pack! I am a pastel painter. Turns out full tails are not so helpful in the studio. The Workshop Calendar provides up-to-date selected workshops and seminars arranged in chronological order. Each match was with a forfeit up and seasons of schooling and conditioning of each dog. That day, I bought seven or eight dogs from a young man by the name of Danny Burton. At this time, I was trying to buy the dogs bred closest to the ones in Earl Tudors yard. Before this, Danny had spent a few years being friends with Earl Tudor. She was almost fawn color. I was using dogs from most every family of dogs bred in those times. And the ones I was winning the most with was the ones bred the closest to Earl Tudors purest family. It was the same with the others in the game at that time. Everyone in the game at that time, who was at the core of the game, was trying to get dogs bred as close to Earl Tudors yard and purest families as they could. At this time I was going to Earl Tudors shade tree two times a year. We would talk each time from sunup to sundown one day, then I would go home and think for weeks and weeks about what all he told me. A number of times, I had a tape recorder and taped hours and hours of he and I talking to each other. In those days. They all were trying to push him from the mountain he had proven in the game. Many times, when Earl and I talked, he would break down and cry and rub tears and talk about how the game never gave him his due. He told me more than one time about the many dogs that were bred off his yard, then the new owners would change their breeding and try and make A name in this game, they will come after you for themselves. He said, from all over the mountain trying to prove you wrong. I matched him into a painter friend from East Dallas; his name was Billy Purdue. Billy had become friends with an old timer in the Dallas area called, Frank Fitzwater. Billy and Frank had a red rednose family bred dog, bred by Frank. He had been schooled and worked since he was a small pup. He was bred from the purest families from Earl Tudors yard. Frank Fitzwater had been a friend of both Bill Lightner and Earl Tudor and over the years, became a breeder of their family of gamedogs. Frank and Earl had climbed into the pit with one another more than once. Frank had won over Earl and Earl had won over Frank. Frank Fitzwater was matching dogs a number of years before Earl Tudor matched his first dog. When we met at pitside, after going near a season without seeing one another, I could see Billy had lost weight and Frank was drinking some good whiskey. This was the way of the match till near 40 minutes. Both dogs had been off their feet but, only for one or two seconds at a time. Frank was a tall man of over 6 ft. He was slim and never a man to show any fat. Frank was known as a long dog walker. He learned his conditioning from Lou Bowser when he was near 20 yrs. His stories were very interesting and he would match a dog into anyone who would match a dog. Frank was known over the U. Billy and Frank were both ready to give up the Match as we got a handle. When the ref. His next match came one weekend when there was a big show in the area. There were a number of people who were coming from every area in the U. The pits were out in the open or under a grove of trees. Over the pit and seats were a light cover for shade. Most all of these big Texas shows had near 10 matches each show. The number one dogs and dogmen of that time were meeting each-other at every show. And in those days, winning was a big part of the game. Earl was making a number of the shows in those days but, most he missed as his health was a wreck and his nerves were near out of control. Earl, in his late years, became a man many found very hard to be around. He was like an animal that would go wild within two seconds. When he talked he went into his stories to tell you the different looks on the different peoples faces at the time of the stories. And when some stories reached a point, he would begin crying, taking his eye glasses off and wiping tears from his eyes. His stories I listened to for hours each visit. Many of the stories Earl told me were stories I had heard but, told to me in a different way. And, in a room like that at a show, there would be many stories told about the different areas and gamedogs and the people who play the game. It was as if most were trying to push Earl from his true area on the mountain. It was plan to see the way the game matched itself into Earl Tudor in many ways as he proved himself. We all prove ourselves over a matter of years, and years, and years of playing the game. And talking of Playing the game; at the time when one of the big Texas shows came off in this area, there were a number from California who had come to my shade tree for a visit. One was an Indian Chief called Indian Sonny. Another was a large land owner in California, his name Larry McCaw. Another was a good gamedog man called Freddy Jones. He was fast to try and get Freddy and I together for a match while the Indian was trying to get into my pedigree and Picture collection. In my dog yard in those days, there were no shade trees. The dogs and their houses were in an open area with the grass kept cut. Each dog house had a lean-to shade on one side of their house. Each dog had a water hole beside or under their house. At that time, a field investigator for the Humane Society called Jerry Owens was starting to make headlines and TV news about how he was investigating dog fighting in this Texas area. The next show that came off in the spring of , was a show where it rained all the day long and pit side was near people who watched the matches all day till the last match ended under the light of a lantern. When this show came off, Jerry Owens got into a line leaving the motel to get to the pit side, then left to go buy him and his friends some rain coats. The pit was set up on the father of the Asst. District Attorneys ranch. Jerry Owens made it to the phone and called a number of different laws but, could not get a hold of any who would make the bust. For the next few weeks, Jerry Owens wag on headlines and TV shows talking about the size of the pit and the washing and weighing of the dogs. The story was on the headlines of all the papers in the Texas area. About this time, the number one Texas Ranger in Texas came to the shade tree on the mountain, his name was Boss Hogg. His name was Jimmy Wimmberly. George Gilmen, who was at that time, a close friend who he and I had matched near 20 dogs together; he was backing me with money. One week later Jimmy called and asked if he could turn the dog over to another old friend called Roland Fontenot. It was near 2 weeks till match time. I told him to let Roland have him to work. The deal was made and the fourth day in front of the matches, I drove into Louisiana with a large truck and the pit sticking out the rear of the truck. There was three of us from this area that made the trip with the pit and bleacher seats and five dogs that was matched at the show. We set up camp at pit side beside a river in a grove of tall pine trees on a sandy road behind an old half vacant house that was lived in by a horse jockey. When I got the dog from Jimmy, I put him on a 70 lb. We talked on a few hours, as we ate duck and drank wine. We were all looking forward for-the matches; we all had our pockets full of money to bet on the ones we liked. The next day before the last feeding, we drove the truck and dogs to the motel where everyone was staying. We got a large room for all the dog people to meet, talk, drink and smoke in. The dog talk was stories from every area in the U. A while after sunset, in drove two station wagons with five people in each car. It was the dog men from the West Coast. It was as if he was putting on a show of his body as he stood and then licked Freddy in the face. Pit weight dog and had won one match at 48 lbs. Bull Plug had won an off the chain match at 52 lbs. This was a big money match, it was the match we had more money on than any of the matches. In this area, the talk about these two dogs was being bet on in many areas. Four weeks before the match,, the betting became even. The betting, at the weigh in and wash tubs, was being made one after another as the California people were calling all bets. Then he was fast back into the broken shoulder. He took a deep hold between the chest and shoulder and rooted in deep. He was also getting hotter and hotter. These two big dogs fought one another hard for near two hours; they scratched 10 or 15 times each. On his way home to Ft. This was in the fall of .This stone and tree can still be seen in Ft. Worth, Texas in Bull Plugs dog yard. The next match was males at 43 lbs. Maurice was using an outcrossed bred dog that was bred from some good bred dogs he had at one time. How about us matching for the gate money? He was young and had little time being schooled. The next match was a big money match with females at 27 pounds into a 29 pounder. We, the North Texas dog men, were matched into number of dog men from Tennessee. Billy was a top rated boxer in Pro Boxing. He conditioned and handled his 29 lb. Bush, from Alabama. That match was Picked up when the show was busted by the Mississippi law. John was a man with lots of money and a few were trying to get in with him. He lost his forfeit but, had two lbs. The next match was between the North Texas dog men match into Floyd Boudreaux and his cajun friends from Louisiana. The match was males at 33 lbs. When we made it home near two in the early morning, we went straight to bed. Then, up at seven in the morning to take the dogs out of their crates. Maurice was selling black Pups for a hundred dollars more than the other Pups he sold. A short time later, the Con of Bulldog Hill called the Indian. Then the Indian called me, then the Indian got out of the game for a few years. Many times when we play the game, we stray from the truth. Not just a few of us but, the very large percent of us do sometime stray from the truth. Then, in later years, the truth becomes proven and it has a way of making one a bit sick if they were one of the ones who strayed to far from that truth. Today, truth is being proven by many of each generation of our past. Kennedy is having a number of books and movies of the man he was. Frank S. The higher we climb the mountain, the more we prove ourselves. If one never does any climbing, they never get the chance to prove their true gameness. The truth of all of us will be proven as we climb the mountain in all games, no matter what game; a movie star, a dogfighter, a dog lover or a president. All games of life. The ones who climb the mountain are proven truth. We all, at a time, live in the pits of hell and high on the mountain as more will be proven true about that person. Mountain climbing and proving truth is a-way of life that comes after a climber has played in one game for a number of years and reached a peak in that game. How high anyone climbs in any game of life is up to the gameness within that climber.

Rabies Vaccine Rabies is a viral infection caused by a virus secreted in the saliva. According to the Humane Society , because the infection affects the nervous system, most rabid animals behave abnormally. When should puppies get rabies shots? Generally speaking, puppies should get their first rabies shot around 16 weeks of age and again between years old. Rabies Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every 3 years Non-core Vaccines Non-core vaccines are important, but they are considered optional for dogs with less risk of infection. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on lifestyle and where you live or travel. Bordetella Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium associated with respiratory disease in dogs and is known to cause the most severe form of kennel cough. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, congestion, etc. Some veterinarians may recommend Bordetella as a core vaccine for puppies based on their living environment, especially for social dogs who spend time in areas where they might come into contact with the bacteria like the dog park, boarding facilities, or doggy daycare. The vaccination can be given orally, intranasally, or by injection. Bordetella Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every year Leptospira Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by infection of the genus Leptospira, which are found in water and soil. The zoonotic disease spreads easily from animals to humans and is more common in warm climate areas with high annual rainfall; the Leptospira vaccine may be considered core in these areas. Signs of leptospirosis may include shivering, fever, muscle tenderness, increased thirst, dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, kidney failure, liver failure, etc. Leptospira Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 3rd shot: 1 year Booster: every year There is also a 5-way vaccine known as DHLPP, which is a combination vaccine of distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvo. Lyme disease Lyme disease is caused by infection with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The most common symptoms in dogs include loss of appetite, lameness, joint swelling, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. More serious cases can also develop kidney complications. The Lyme disease vaccine is highly recommended for dogs that live in or frequently travel to areas known for Lyme disease, as well as those living in areas with a high risk of tick exposure. Lyme Vaccination Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 2nd shot: weeks later Booster: every year Canine Influenza Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a contagious viral infection affecting dogs. The virus is spread through aerosols or droplets containing respiratory secretions from barking, sneezing, and coughing. Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places like daycare facilities, groomers, and kennels are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. CIV causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs, with the most common clinical sign being a cough that persists for up to 21 days. Vaccines are available for both H3N2 and H3N8 canine influenza. A bivalent vaccine offering protection against both strains is available as well. Dogs become infected when they swallow the parasite that may be present in water or other substances that have been soiled with feces leading to the disease Giardiasis. Giardia in dogs usually causes diarrhea, weight loss, or even death. Giardia is an available vaccine for puppies 8 weeks of age and older for 6 months of immunity against giardiasis. Most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Young dogs are at a high risk of contracting the disease, so the vaccine is highly recommended for puppies under eight weeks. Rattlesnake vaccine A rattlesnake vaccine can help dogs build antibodies to rattlesnake venom from bites that are often deadly and severely painful to dogs. The antibodies work to neutralize the venom, thereby significantly extending the window of time you have to take your dog to the emergency room , increasing their odds of survival. Protect yourself from heartbreak without breaking the bank. Compare quotes to find the best deal for your budget. After that, puppies should receive a series of vaccines every two to four weeks until actual protein can be achieved between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks old. Your vet will determine a safe vaccine schedule for your puppy based on their weight, health, age, etc. Some pet parents prefer getting multiple puppy shots in one vet visit to minimize stress on their pet, whereas others prefer to spread the shots out to reduce possible side effects and soreness — talk to your vet to create a safe vaccine schedule that works for you and your puppy. Rabies depends on local laws but is usually given by the time your dog reaches 3 to 6 months old. When should puppies have all their shots by? Most vets prefer giving the final DHPP shot at 16 weeks or later; however, new recommendations suggest up to 20 weeks out. When do puppies need booster shots? Abstaining from booster shots can put your puppy at risk. However, not all vaccines require yearly boosters. DHPP vaccine booster: every two weeks for a total of three sets, then every three years Lepto, Canine influenza, and Lyme disease vaccine booster: one month after the initial series, then annually Bordetella booster: 1 year or every 6 months where there is a concern Rabies booster: every 1 to 3 years after the initial round, depending on state laws Puppy Vaccine Schedule There are several types of puppy shots your pet might get in their first year. In addition to a deworming schedule, your vet will suggest a vaccination schedule for puppies based on their age, environment, and medical history. Most vets recommend this general timeline for first-year puppy shots: weeks of age Between 6- and 8-weeks-old, puppies get their first shot of the DHPP distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus vaccine. They might also receive their first round of vaccinations for Bordetella and Lyme disease. Leptospira Lepto is a common puppy vaccination administered around this time frame. They'll also get their first rabies vaccine depending on state-mandated vaccine schedules for puppies, as well as a second shot of the Lepto vaccine if applicable. Boosters Every Years Puppies will need a booster shot for all vaccines at age 1. Dogs need booster vaccinations for Bordetella, Lepto, Lyme, and Giardia annually receiving their first immunization as an adult. The vaccination schedule for DHPP and rabies is every 3 years, but check your local laws and defer to your veterinarian's advice to ensure your pet stays free of disease. How much are puppy shots? Non-essential vaccines your vet may recommend will also increase the price. Note that puppy shots cost more or less depending on several different factors, including your location. For instance, vets in crowded urban areas tend to charge more than vets in smaller towns and rural areas. Also keep in mind that you'll need to budget for booster shots in one- or three-year intervals to ensure your pet stays protected from disease. Fortunately, vaccines for dogs are less expensive than first-year puppy shots because boosters are administered in one dose every few years, as opposed to multiple doses every few weeks. All puppies need to get the core vaccines, i. Your veterinarian will consider the risk factors and advise you on which vaccines are best for your puppy during the first vet visit. No, but both vaccines for puppies are often combined in one shot. Distemper and parvovirus are two different illnesses that are potentially fatal if not treated quickly. What is the 5-in-1 shot for puppies? Do puppies need 3 or 4 sets of shots? It depends on their age; vets may recommend a shorter puppy vaccination schedule for dogs over 16 weeks old and not yet fully vaccinated. How many shots do puppies need before going outside? A titer test is a blood test showing whether your puppy has antibodies for a particular illness. The test can be used to determine the effectiveness of a vaccine and help determine if or which booster vaccines your dog needs. Most doggy daycares and boarding facilities do not accept a titer test in lieu of a puppy vaccination record. When should puppies get dewormed? Because worms are very common in puppies, veterinarians recommend deworming them for the first time when they're two to three weeks old. Is there a heartworm vaccine for puppies? Preventatives can either be administered as monthly medication or every six months by injection. How can you save money on puppy shots? One way to save money on puppy vaccines is by visiting a low-cost vaccination clinic. These clinics typically offer packages that combine a bundle of vaccinations into a lower price point, but also offer individual options if your dog is due for a specific vaccine. Another way to save money on puppy shots is by purchasing a pet wellness plan through a pet insurance provider. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. What Vaccines Do Puppies Need? Core Versus Non-Core Vaccines CORE vaccines: Some infectious diseases of dogs are so common, debilitating, easily spread, or can be spread to people zoonotic that vaccination against them is deemed of critical importance. The first three are often administered as the combination DA2P shot. NON-CORE vaccines: On the other hand, there are diseases and conditions for which there are vaccines, but either because of their limited geographic distribution meaning they don't affect all parts of the country equally , lesser severity, specific lifestyle risk factors, or other reasons, they are not automatically recommended for every dog. The Benefits of Vaccines The benefits of vaccines far outweigh any risks. Vaccines are very effective and safe. Their use has notably decreased the morbidity and mortality associated with many infectious diseases. Per a study, there were only .Adverse events were more typical among smaller dogs and those receiving multiple vaccinations at one visit. Vaccine Safety Before I jump into which vaccines your puppy may need, it's critical to know that where they get their vaccines is equally as important. This is because individuals and organizations that aren't regulated, like veterinarians are, buy vaccines from places that may not know how to handle them properly. They may allow the vaccines to get warm, and this inactivates them. Or people transport them and don't keep them temperature-controlled or leave them in a vehicle for too long. In both these cases, the vaccines are essentially useless. Where you get your vaccines matters, and your veterinarian is trained and regulated to administer them properly. Puppy Vaccines By Age 6—8 weeks of age In some cases, your puppy will already have received some of these vaccines before you pick them up. Check with the people or organization you're getting your puppy from to confirm which vaccines your pup received and when. See the safety note above. This information is important for your vet to have to know best how to structure your pup's initial vaccination series, as all these puppy vaccines need to be given in a series of initial shots followed by booster shots. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important but non-core vaccine to help protect against a highly contagious respiratory virus. If your puppy is only receiving its first vaccine or is a toy breed, your veterinarian may administer the Bordetella at the next appointment. The Bordetella vaccine comes in three different types, intra-nasal, oral, or injectable. Depending on which type of vaccine your veterinarian uses will determine if it needs to be boosted in 2 to 4 weeks. This vaccine is often recommended for dogs who will go to dog daycare, puppy classes, dog parks, dog shows, be boarded, etc. Dog Flu There are two different canine flu vaccines available, each protecting against a different strain of dog flu. If this is the first dose of this vaccine your pup is receiving, they will need another vaccination in 2—4 weeks, depending on which vaccine they are given, for the best protection. Again, this non-core vaccine is suitable for dogs who will go to puppy classes, grooming, dog parks, dog shows, travel, be boarded, etc. However, the facility needs to be clean, and all pups in attendance need to have also received their first veterinary-administered vaccines and deworming. Check with your vet and your puppy training facility of choice on timing, and see this position statement on puppy socialization timing from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Meet some not all other dogs: A puppy can usually also start to meet other KNOWN and healthy puppies and adult dogs at this point in locations that are safe and clean. Avoid: Sidewalks, parks, pet stores, doggie daycare, groomers, and other areas or settings frequented by other unknown dogs. Socialization of puppies is critically important for their emotional and behavioral development, and it isn't just about them being "social" with other dogs or even people. There are many "non-social" things that young puppies need to be properly exposed to early on. Check out our Pupstanding App with its fun, easy-to-use checklist to help socialize your pup. Either way, it's an important visit. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing, but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important but non-core vaccine. Kennel Cough The initial vaccine can be given at this age if necessary or desired, depending on the type of vaccine used intra-nasal, oral, or injectable. Depending on which type of vaccine your veterinarian uses will determine if it needs to be boostered in 2 to 4 weeks. If this is the first dose of this vaccine your pup is receiving, they will need another vaccination in 2—4 weeks, depending on which vaccine they are receiving, for the best protection. Avoid: Sidewalks, parks, pet stores, daycare, and other areas or settings used by other unknown dogs should be avoided. Shopping malls and home improvement stores can be great places to socialize your puppy without excessive risk of contagious dog diseases. However, keeping your pet in a stroller or backpack lessens your pup's chances of being exposed to diseases. Your goal is to remove any trace of fecal matter before your pup licks their paws or contaminates your care or home. Their booster shots at this visit are important to build their immunity and help protect them from these diseases. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important non-core vaccine. State and local regulations determine the age at which all dogs must be vaccinated for rabies. See below for more detail on what this vaccine covers against and why you or your vet might want to consider it. Note: Because Lepto can be devastating to both your dog and you it is zoonotic , and also because all dogs can be at risk including even indoor-only dogs and those that never leave their backyard , your veterinarian may highly recommend and consider this vaccine "core," and may recommend starting the initial series in the 9—12 week age range rather than 12— 16 weeks old. See below for more detail on what the Lepto vaccine covers against and why you or your vet might want to consider it. Where your puppy can usually go and what they can usually do after this 12—16 week vaccine visit: Play with unknown dogs: Following this visit, a puppy can usually begin to expand their circle of friends to include unknown dogs i. Still avoid: Daycare centers, fields, and parks including dedicated dog parks should still be avoided. Where your puppy can usually go and what they can usually do after this 15—17 week vaccine visit: Freedom! One week after this final puppy vaccine visit, most pups have enough vaccine protection against the common vaccinable conditions to be able to get a full groom and go to the dog park, doggie daycare, pet stores, and other places where large groups of unknown dogs frequent and congregate. Of course, it's still a good idea to keep an eye out and avoid any obviously sick dogs. Booster vaccinations will be needed throughout their life. The frequency and types of vaccine boosters your dog will need throughout their life are influenced by their lifestyle, where you live and travel to with them, how common certain diseases are in your area and at different times of the year, and a host of other factors. For some dogs and some conditions, titers blood tests measuring the level of antibodies in your dog's system may help to determine vaccination intervals and may be preferable. This is a discussion to have with your vet. Titer Testing for Dogs A titer is a test that is done using a sample of your dog's blood to measure the level of antibodies to a specific disease. Antibodies are proteins made by the body as a response to antigens. Antigens are foreign substances or stimuli to the body, such as viruses, bacteria, or vaccinations, that cause the body to mount an immune response. Vaccine titers are used as a screening tool to determine whether or not to revaccinate for a particular disease. If a vaccine titer comes back high, this indicates that your dog, if exposed to that disease, should be able to fight it off. The problem with titers Vaccines are given either yearly or every 3 years. With titers, there is no way to predict what the levels will be in three to six months, even if they tested high at the time of the titer testing. Many factors can affect the immune system and its level of resistance. Factors such as disease, stress, or medications can impact it, and therefore there is no consistency over time regarding what the antibody levels could be. This could put your dog at risk until you go in for another titer test. Rabies is a vaccine required by law in all states. There are only certain states that allow titers for medical exceptions. Every puppy is different. Similarly, some puppies are born with deficiencies in their immune system, or their immune system may develop more slowly because of dietary or other factors. Maternal immunity is protective but can interfere with a puppy's vaccinations. Over the first few weeks of life, maternal immunity begins to decline, and by about 12 weeks it is generally gone. However, some puppies are provided protection by maternal immunity as old as 20 weeks. The vaccines are given as a series to give the maternal immunity time to wane while their own immune system is fully developing in response to and in conjunction with their shots. Missing a Vaccine or Booster Shot Dog owners should be aware that missing or delaying a vaccine in a series for more than 4 weeks puts a puppy at risk of disease. During the initial series of a vaccine, if you delay a booster more than six weeks or miss one, an additional booster vaccine will be needed 3 weeks after resuming the series. For example, if you miss the third vaccine in the DA2P series, a vaccine will be given and then boosted again in 3 weeks. Note: You may need to restart a series two vaccine doses 3 to 4 weeks apart for yearly vaccines that are not boosted within 1 year and 6 weeks from the last vaccine given. Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Dogs The core vs. Your veterinarian is your best resource for helping to determine which vaccines your new pup would benefit from and when. They are the only ones who have the medical training and understanding, as well as the first-hand knowledge of your dog and your environment necessary to best guide you. Note that some of the vaccinable conditions listed below can be zoonotic, meaning that they can also infect and cause disease in people. The bacteria is transmitted through the air or direct contact, especially when an infected dog coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by contaminated clothing, bowls, beds, and other communal surfaces such as cages or kennels. Summary of dog vaccination schedules Why do we vaccinate dogs? This helps their body build immune cells that are specifically designed to respond effectively when the real thing comes along. And in fact, the diseases they prevent are irritating at best, and potentially deadly at worst. Vaccines are also relatively painless, easy, and cost-effective to administer. What do we vaccinate dogs against? There are a number of vaccines for dogs, which can be broken down into core and non-core vaccines. Your veterinarian can help you decide which non-core vaccines are right for your dog. What are the core vaccines for dogs? Rabies: Rabies is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease transmitted via a bite from an infected animal, such as coyotes, raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. It can be transmitted to humans, for whom it is also fatal. The Rabies vaccine is legally required in most U. These are all serious, highly infectious diseases that can result in pain, organ damage and may be fatal. Whilst some vets do not consider this a core vaccine, at Small Door we strongly recommend it for all dogs in New York, as leptospirosis is found across all five boroughs and is even more prominent outside of the city. What are the non-core vaccines for dogs? Bordetella: Bordetella is also known as kennel cough , a nasty respiratory disease. The vaccine is required by dog groomers, boarding and daycare facilities. Lyme: Lyme Disease is a bacterial disease that can affect pets and humans, causing fever, painful joints and, at times, organ damage. When do puppies get their first shots? Puppies should typically receive their first shots as soon as they are weaned or around 8 weeks old. This is generally completed during three vet visits in the first few months. Geographical location and lifestyle are factors that may come into play, so not every dog will need every vaccine. However, here is what a typical puppy vaccination timeline looks like for year one. This maternal immunity can also interfere with the vaccines we administer, and make them less effective. So, to make sure puppies acquire a high enough level of antibodies to be effective, we have to vaccinate them multiple times — in other words, administer boosters. I'm not sure if my dog is up-to-date on shots, what should I do? Your veterinarian may be able to run an antibody test to determine if the dog needs additional vaccinations or if their vaccination process needs to be started over. Adult dog vaccine schedule Adult and senior dogs need regular boosters to maintain their immunity levels. Boosters are required yearly or every three years depending on the vaccine. Previously this vaccine was recommended every six months, but guidelines now recommend yearly boosters. Some groomers and daycare facilities may still request the six month booster shot. Canine influenza: every year Lyme disease: every year Vaccinations for adult dogs: boosters and titers Although vaccines are very safe, some owners may have concerns about providing boosters to their pets. In these cases, they might consider a titer instead. Titers may also be required for international travel to some countries. A titer test is a procedure for testing and measuring the amount of antibodies proteins that provide protection from certain diseases a dog has in its blood for a specific disease. This is accomplished by repeatedly diluting a sample of blood and then exposing the diluted blood to an antigen. They can be a way to measure if your dog needs to be revaccinated or if they can forgo the booster. By law, the only shot required in most U. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative then animal shelters often offer low-cost vaccine clinics, although they might not offer all of the vaccinations that your pup might need. Related articles. Knowing that it is highly important to follow a regular vaccination schedule. That way, your Goldies may get all the potential benefits of the entire immunization process. Moreover, vaccinating the Golden Retriever puppy too often tends to be intuitive compared to giving him a combination vaccine on a one-time shot. Yet, all you need here as a pet owner is to have more patience. Unfortunately, chances are some vaccination cases may highly suppress the immune system of the puppy. And it may result to have more risks for other canine diseases. As early as 6 to 10 weeks old, some puppies started to get vaccinated. Actually, this is to ensure that the antibodies coming from the milk of their moms are still active. Moreover, the rabies vaccine usually starts to be injected into the pups at the age of 3 months or so. As innovation takes place, it also does something on the development of vaccines including the ones given to canines. Nowadays, there are available booster shots that are scheduled to be provided on an annual basis. However, the frequency of giving the booster shots yearly or if more harm is at risk than the good it may bring to the immune system is still on the hot seat. So, for that, it is always recommendable to consult the veterinarian and open your queries regarding the booster shots for the Golden Retrievers. The Importance of Golden Retriever Vaccine Schedule Okay, in humans, children are vaccinated in order to protect them from acquiring measles or chickenpox. For our furry buddy counterpart, vaccinating them can also prevent them from having a specific disease. They may be protected against distemper, rabies, and other diseases common in canines. That way, the system of the dog may create antibodies in order to ward off any infection. We may notice that there are some recommended vaccines and there are some vaccines that are optional to be injected into your Goldies. So, here is a detailed guideline about the core vaccinations needed by the Golden Retriever puppy. The core vaccines are generally important to be given for dogs especially during their puppyhood. Check what are those: 1-RABIES It is commonly a disease for dogs that are caused by a virus and it may generally lead to swelling of the brain. Generally, this disease is fatal and it can be passed by the dogs to humans most likely when dogs having this disease bite humans. Because of that, the rabies vaccine is the number one vaccine for canines that are required by the law. In case the Golden Retriever puppy has already been vaccinated for rabies, the Golden Retriever vaccine schedule should be done once per year. Or, you can also opt for a booster shot for rabies once every three years. The frequency of vaccination is actually based on the local laws. Because of that, the Golden Retriever puppy needs to be vaccinated with this as soon as 9 weeks old. Adverse reactions may be experienced by your Goldies when vaccinated with distemper but they are just rare. Moreover, the side effects typically appear if the Golden Retriever puppy is vaccinated lesser than 9 weeks old. Unlike the rabies vaccine, distemper does not require any booster shot. This is due to the reason that this vaccine will last until seven and a half years. However, the distemper has a combination shot with parvo vaccine which is known as the DHPP but, unfortunately, it is not regulated by the law. Dog specialists usually recommend the vaccination of two shots of DHPP for unvaccinated adult Goldies pups. This will be alienated by around two to four weeks. After one year, the Golden Retriever should be vaccinated with the booster shot of the DHPP and eventually every three years. However, the existing organizations do not vaccinate continuous shots of DHPP. Previously vaccinated adult canine has the ability to spend around greater than three years between DHPP. However, it is a condition of the dog that may seriously affect their liver and kidneys. Unfortunately, it may end up in chronic kidney problems and, worse, the death of canines. Golden Retrievers having hepatitis may have a slight fever, mucous membrane congestion, jaundice, enlargement of the stomach, vomiting, and pain in the liver. A mild form of canine hepatitis is easy to overcome by the Goldies, yet the severe one can really be fatal. No cure is available for canine hepatitis until now. However, veterinarians may able to mitigate the symptoms. It also attacks the GI tract of the Goldies which generally results in fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Golden Retriever puppies having parvovirus may also experience damage to their heart muscles or other chronic heart conditions. Again, there is no cure for this on dogs, so it is very important to keep them hydrated and manage the secondary symptoms. This will generally help the pooch to go on until such time that the immune system of the dog can cope up with the illness. Spots are the usual symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs. Acquiring this, the dog may begin to experience limping, swelling of the lymph nodes, increase in temperature, and loss of appetite. Moreover, if left untreated, this may generally affect the heart and kidney organs of the Goldies as well. The good thing is that treatment is available for Lyme disease. Immediate diagnosis may be given with antibiotic treatment. The death rate due to this condition is also rare in dogs. So, vaccination for Lyme disease is not actually essential if you are not living in places where ticks are prevalent. Although not a core vaccine, this is highly recommended by most medical professionals to be given to dogs. The vaccine of Bordetella is generally helpful for dogs placed in kennels as they may acquire skin infection in such kind of environment. Moreover, Golden Retrievers are also prone to some skin problems so, to be safe, better to get a Golden Retriever vaccine schedule for this. In case you will place the dog in a kennel, it is recommended to give them a shot of Bordetella three days prior to getting inside the kennel. The vaccine will last for about six months but it will only protect the dog from three of the causes of Kennel Cough out of the eight. The coronavirus in canines typically targets the GI tract of the dog and may also have some effect on its respiratory system. So, symptoms may include loose stool, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Treatment generally involves hydrating the dog all the time, making them feel comfortable and warm, and relieving nausea. However, a specific drug is not present to totally eradicate the coronavirus inside the system of the dog. Those who are at higher risk for mortality are puppies under 12 weeks old. But, older than that, dogs may completely overcome the disease after few days. So, the coronavirus vaccine is not as necessary to be given to Goldies. Dogs may acquire this parasite from other infected dogs via fecal matter. In some instances, you will notice symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and loss of appetite. The bacteria causing this disease in dogs are profound within the soil and water. Like rabies, this is also a zoonotic condition which means that the mode of transmission is from animals to humans. Higher risks for this disease are those dogs living on a farm or spending a lot of time inside the kennel. Golden Retriever Vaccine Schedule — Boosters and Titers for Adult Dogs Actually, giving booster shots to adult dogs on a yearly basis raise a concern and is a debatable topic in the canine world. Numbers of veterinarians strongly assume that adult dogs getting many vaccinations may put forth some health risks. However, some vets disagree on this, enunciating that annual vaccinations will help in the prevention of acquiring contagious diseases in dogs like the distemper. You will able to identify the kind of vaccination guidelines that may suitably work for you and your Golden Retriever. Moreover, some pet owners consider conducting titer tests prior to the administration of the yearly vaccinations for their pooch. Titer tests basically identify the level of immunity of your Goldies and may also help in determining the applicable vaccinations, if needed. However, excluding the rabies vaccine in performing a titer test. Generally, the law all over the United States requires the vaccination of rabies vaccination to dogs at a specific age. Ask your veterinarian for the rabies vaccine schedule based on your state. Cost of the Golden Retriever Vaccination Generally, like the need for vaccinating Goldies, the cost of Golden Retriever vaccination highly depends on certain factors. You may generally consider the location where you live. Actually, veterinarians residing in crowded and urban places charge more compared to vets located in a small town. So, definitely, there is price variation on the different vaccines for the Golden Retriever. Yet, regardless of the price range, the numbers of vaccines especially the core ones are highly necessary for administration. Yet, there are some clinics that also incorporate the cost of rabies vaccine with the core vaccines. Cost of vaccination on animal shelters: often, animal shelters charge vaccines for a lesser amount. In case you get your furry buddy on a shelter, the dog has vaccinations, most likely, until his present age of your acquisition to him. Final Thoughts The topic of vaccine schedules is still in debate among some veterinarians. Moreover, do not forget to give the core vaccines and administer them to the Goldies at the right age. Some vaccines, like rabies, require booster shots that have an annual schedule of up to three years as mandated by law. But, after all, subjecting your Golden Retriever to vaccinations may all worth it. The effort and care that you exert to your Goldie will gain reward in return through his lifelong compassion to you as his pet owner. So, make the critical years of his life enjoyable and exciting by giving him the proper care that he needs. What Shots Do Puppies Need Did you know that vaccines work the same for dogs as they do for you and me? By triggering the production of antibodies, vaccines allow the body the chance to build up immunity to a disease, virus, or bacteria. However, while vaccines are certainly effective, they do not make us immune to the possibility of contracting the illness we were vaccinated for—they just make us and our furry friends less likely to suffer severe symptoms. Puppy Pro Tip: Core vaccines are those which are recommended for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle factors. On the other hand, non-core vaccines are not necessarily recommended for all dogs, and are evaluated on a pup-by-pup basis by your vet; non-core vaccine recommendations are based on factors such as: lifestyle, health conditions, location, risk factors, etc. Bordetella Known to cause a highly infectious form of bronchitis in dogs, Bordetella is nothing to mess around with! Some pups become so ill from the bacterium that they suffer from serious side effects, including vomiting, seizures, and rarely death. The good news is, Bordetella can be avoided! Simply ask your vet about the different options for vaccination—which usually include a nasal spray or a traditional injectable vaccine. What makes distemper so contagious is the fact that it spreads easily through respiratory droplets in the air, as well as through shared water and food bowls that have been contaminated. For these reasons, the canine distemper vaccine is considered a core vaccine. The symptoms of distemper are often on the serious side and range from coughing and vomiting, to diarrhea, seizures, paralysis, and even death. Because there is no cure for canine distemper, the best thing you can do for your pet is vaccinate them! Hepatitis While unrelated to human hepatitis, canine hepatitis affects your pup in largely the same way—by attacking the liver, kidneys, lungs, eyes, and spleen. The symptoms can range from congestion and fever, to vomiting, stomach swelling, and severe liver pain. Like distemper, there is no official cure for canine hepatitis. Symptoms can often be managed in milder forms; however, more severe forms can be fatal. Because of the risk of fatality, this is considered a core vaccine. Additionally, this is considered a core vaccine. This infection is insidious, as the early stages produce no symptoms. However, in the later stages of the disease, a heartworm infection can cause breathing difficulties and lethargy in your pup. For the health of your pup, it is important to start the preventative medication as soon as your vet deems it appropriate to do so. Kennel Cough Also known as Infectious Tracheobronchitis, Kennel Cough is the all-encompassing name given to a set of symptoms that include dry, harsh coughing, and— occasionally—gagging, retching, and a loss of appetite. Rarely, it is fatal. Kennel cough is often caused by either Bordetella, Parainfluenza, or both. Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be transferred between dogs that are in close proximity. Leptospirosis Caused by a bacteria that exists naturally in soil and water all over the world, Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease— meaning, it can spread between animals and humans —that can have severe consequences. Serious side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, weakness, infertility, and even kidney and liver failure. Lyme Disease As with humans, canine Lyme disease is contracted through a bite from an infected tick. In dogs, symptoms of infection can include swollen lymph nodes, fever, loss of appetite, and even limping. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to neurological disorders in your furry friend. There are antibiotics which can be administered if diagnosed quickly; however, if you have already received the vaccination, your pup has a much better chance of quick recovery. Parvo attacks the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to fever, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Because Parvo causes extreme dehydration in dogs, it can become fatal as early as hours after contracting it. Unfortunately, once Parvo is contracted, there is no cure. The serious symptoms— combined with the lack of a cure for Parvo— are a part of what makes it a core vaccine. Canine rabies is one of the most serious diseases your pet can get—it invades the central nervous system and eventually leads to death if immediate treatment is not administered. The good news is, the rabies vaccine is considered a core vaccine and as a result, most states have regulations requiring rabies vaccines to be administered regularly; simply talk to your vet to learn more.