boxer puppy falling asleep

Remind children to be calm and gentle. One of the healthiest things you can do for your puppy is give pup lots of love and attention lots and lots of attention. Dogs are extremely loyal by nature and are happy when they please you. Studies show that emotionally, dogs benefit from being petted by humans as mush as humans do from petting dogs. So spend time with your little companion. Melanies Gorgeousdoodles Puppies, my loving passion The first few months are very important for establishing good habits. It is always best to be prepared and read up on the best early training skills. Remember you have to train yourself and your family to be consistent! Here are some things you can do to help your Labradoodle pup feel as comfortable as possible. Teach children to always when hand feeding puppy dog a treat to do so with food in palm -of -their -hand. Many commercial foods are acceptable but be sure to choose a well-balanced one without any grians and no corn meal. Exercising doodle puppy Exercise is an important part of labradoodles overall health Puppy develops good motor skills and balance and life skills from being out and about. Playing games such as fetch challenge a puppy mentally. Remember, exercising helps puppy go poop so take a poop scoop. Rinse thoroughly and stand back — doodle will shake and shake! Grooming Brushing or combing with a wide tooth comb your Labradoodle regularly keeps his coat looking nice and it feels good to your doodle. And just as important, this is time for you puppy to bond. Important that you keep or have a groomer your doodle hair trimmed a little around their eyes, month and privates. There are lots of good book on dog training! Her website has a lot of excellent resources. Click to find link to order Virbac products for the best price. Fatigue Behavior changes loss of appetite, reluctance to engage, etc. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet so they can perform screenings such as chest x-rays, blood tests, and an echocardiogram an ultrasound of the heart and nearby blood vessels to assess the issue. The condition can be serious if left untreated, but thankfully there are many treatment options available, such as diet therapy and medication. What To Feed a Labradoodle To live a long and happy life, Labradoodles must consume the proper amount of high-quality dog food and have access to fresh water. A balanced diet will help your pup maintain a healthy weight and avoid health conditions such as heart disease and hip dysplasia. If a pet parent is willing and able to cook for their dog, Whittenburg suggests a fresh, homemade diet that has been formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Boutique brand and grain-free foods should be avoided. That includes servings of food in the right amount that provides more than 40 nutrients that pets require in their respective life stages, including proteins, fats, carbs, and vitamins, minerals, and independent amino acids, according to the Pet Food Institute. While there is no one-size-fits-all way to feed a Labradoodle and a consultation with your vet is recommended, Whittenburg says Labradoodle puppies under 6 months old should generally be fed a minimum of three times a day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. Unless recommended by a veterinarian, dogs fed a complete and balanced commercial food diet should not need any nutritional supplements. However, Labradoodles that are fed a homemade diet may require supplements to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary to thrive, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and a variety of antioxidants. Behavior and Training Tips for Labradoodles Labradoodle Personality and Temperament The high-energy, attention-seeking, intelligent Labradoodle requires frequent exercise, interaction, and play. While every Labradoodle is different, proper socialization is a must for helping your dog become a well-behaved companion. These dogs are not known to be excessive barkers, but the right amount of training and exercise is required to ensure they learn to behave appropriately. Labradoodle Training Because Labradoodles are a hybrid of two highly intelligent breeds, they are eager to please and highly trainable, according to Philippou. They can be taught to excel at everything from basic tricks like sit, stay, and roll over to running agility courses. Always use positive-reinforcement techniques, like using treats to reward good behaviors, during training. Due to their gentle and sharp-witted nature, Labradoodles can even be trained to become service dogs. Fun Activities for Labradoodles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Labradoodle Highlights Friendly and intelligent: Labradoodles are known for being friendly and intelligent dogs. They are good with children and other animals, and they are easy to train. Hypoallergenic: Labradoodles are often considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that they do not shed as much as other dogs. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Active and playful: Labradoodles are active dogs that need regular exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and swimming. Loyal and devoted: Labradoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and they love to cuddle. Versatile: Labradoodles are versatile dogs that can be trained for a variety of tasks, including therapy work, obedience, and agility. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain. They require regular grooming, especially if they have a curly coat. They are prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Overall, Labradoodles are wonderful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. If you are looking for a friendly, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, a Labradoodle may be a good choice for you. Labradoodle History Wally Conron, who was in charge of the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, purposefully crossbred a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever in to develop the Labradoodle as a hypoallergenic guide dog. The first cross produced Sultan, a dog with a hypoallergenic coat, aptitude, intelligence, and personality suitable for being an effective guide dog. Sultan worked successfully with a woman in Hawaii. Other breeders saw the merit of crossing these two breeds, and the Labradoodle quickly rose in popularity like its Labrador Retriever parent. These dogs are often produced by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, but multigenerational breeding has begun in an attempt to produce a viable and recognizable breed. The Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are taking steps to move this designer breed into registered breed status in the next few years. These groups have made great efforts to bring breeders together so that they are working to achieve the same standards through multigenerational breeding. Labradoodle Size The Labradoodle comes in three size variations, depending on the size of the Poodle used for the first-generation breeding. The three sizes are Standard, Medium, and Miniature. The Standard Labradoodle should be 22 to 24 inches in height for a male and 21 to 23 inches in height for a female, while both can range in weight from 50 to 65 pounds. The Medium Labradoodle should be 18 to 20 inches high for a male and 17 to 19 inches high for a female, with both weighing from 30 to 45 pounds. The average size for a Miniature Labradoodle is between 14 to 16 inches and 15 to 25 pounds. All of that said, there is a lot of variation in Labradoodle sizes. Some can be smaller or larger than expected. Labradoodle Personality The Labradoodle is an intelligent dog who can make the ideal family pet if properly trained. They are friendly and accept and treat everyone like their best friend. They can be gentle, but they can also be joyful, showing their happiness through exuberant jumping and playing. They also tend to be easygoing, since the Labradoodle was bred not to be aggressive. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings, parents, or other relatives of the dog is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when they grow up. Socialization helps ensure that your Labradoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. Here are a few conditions to watch out for: Ear Infections: These can plague Labradoodles because of their floppy ears. The ears trap moisture and should be regularly checked. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : Similar to hip dysplasia, this is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simply develop arthritis, or they could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior—such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding—or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Labradoodle is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Diabetes Mellitus: This is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. The dog will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Symptoms of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and the administration of insulin. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Hypothyroidism : This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. They require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day and would do better with a fenced yard in which to expel some energy. Some Labradoodles, especially in the first generation, can require even more exercise. The Labradoodle makes an excellent jogging companion but also needs some time off-leash to burn off steam. The Labradoodle is an intelligent and eager-to-please dog. Training should be easy as long as consistency and positive reinforcement are the methods. Socialize them from puppyhood, since they tend to hurl themselves headlong into canine situations without regard to the feelings of other dogs. This can lead to some problems if the unknown dog is aggressive. Despite their activity levels, a Labradoodle can adjust to living in suburban or city environments and can do well in rural settings. A crate is also a place where they can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Labradoodle accept confinement if they ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. Never stick your Labradoodle in a crate all day long, however. Labradoodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 2. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Labradoodle in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Labradoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Labradoodle Coat Color And Grooming Although a Labradoodle can have one of a range of coat types, the desired length is four to six inches. They have a single coat with hair ranging from straight to loose curls. There are three types of texture: The Hair coat, which is similar to fur in shedding breeds, is the least popular. Hair coats shed and usually have a normal doggy odor. This coat is seen in first generations, although breeders try to avoid it. The Fleece coat has a silky texture often described as an Angora goat texture. This coat ranges from straight to wavy. Labradoodles are considered to be non- to low shedders, especially those with a Fleece or Wool coat. Hair coats tend to shed just as they do in other breeds, ranging from very low to average shedding. The Labradoodle comes in a wide variety of colors. They can also have parti-colored coats, which consist of brindles, phantom, patched, or sable colors. Grooming requirements vary depending on the length and type of coat the dog has. Generally speaking, you can expect to brush a Labradoodle about once or twice per week. Some can be clipped or trimmed every six to eight weeks to keep the coat easy to maintain. Like Labs, Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, so take a little extra time caring for their ears. Dry and clean them after a swim, and check them once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Then wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding—and your dog may not cooperate the next time they see the nail clippers come out. Handle their paws frequently—dogs are touchy about their feet—and look inside their mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Labradoodle Children And Other Pets The Labradoodle does well with children and can be an affectionate and gentle companion for any child. They can also be exuberant and might knock down smaller children, but they will love them with all their heart. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Labradoodles usually get along well with other dogs and pets. Like most dogs, they need training and socialization for optimum success at living with and visiting other animals. Labradoodle Rescue Groups Labradoodles are often brought home without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. Many end up in the care of shelters or rescues because of this. It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labradoodles because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. Training We Recommend: A Great Beginning: We start to train and work with our puppies from the first day, socializing as well as following the suggested guidelines of the best trainers in the US. We have a well researched program of using sounds, small tasks, toys and other materials to influence and help your puppy be an easy going, fun loving, social and well trained adult. Trainers tell us that the most important time for your puppy is between 8 and 11 weeks so we work with you to understand what you can do to continue to prepare your puppy for the world. Training: We recommend training your puppy as much as possible. The best puppies know their boundaries and are taught what is expected with love and devotion. The sooner your puppy is trained the sooner it is given more freedom. Therefore, strict training results in big rewards for puppy and owner. Labradoodles are easily trained. They should be completely potty trained within 4 to 6 weeks after pick up. Most are sitting, staying, shaking paws, and retrieving by 3 months of age, many can get the newspaper and more by then with proper attention. Puppies will jump up and it takes time and consistency to break this habit early. Crate training or room training is recommended: First I will cover crate training then room training. Crate Training: First get over the fact that to you it is a cage, to them it is a safe place when they are alone, safe from outside things and noises puppies have yet to become fearless of. They view it as their cave, a place they can sleep with the peace of mind. The crate should be just big enough for them to stand up, walk in a circle, and lay down. This is a different size at 8 weeks as it is at 4 months. Therefore I like something like the Life Stages Ultima Triple Door Folding Dog Crates from Petsmart where there is an additional wall that can be adjusted to increase the crate size as the puppy grows. It should contain toys. Bedding is typically used to pee on so do not use bedding until later once the dog can easily go all night without "going". I think the crate should be in a room, a selected safe room that later when the crate is no longer used becomes the place that when visitors come over who are not "dog people", the dog would stay in while these visitors are there. The first night the crate can be in a bedroom close to people and then later moved into the safe room if you desire. Some puppies pee in their crate at first and some don't, have patience. The point of the crate is to discourage peeing for a period of time. First crate the puppy for an hour or two and at night, then gradually longer. The point is to take the dog out before it has to go to the bathroom and as time goes by it can hold it longer and longer. Never more than 4 hours except at night when at first I recommend you get up twice during the night and let the puppy out, after two days wait and let the puppy out once in the middle of the night, gradually extend the wait time an hour until finally they have gone all night. After a few months I recommend graduating to room training. Remember to remove food and water an hour or more before leaving the dog in the crate, the puppy should be let outside and empty when left in the crate. Room Training: Select a safe room that when visitors come over who are not "dog people", the dog would stay while the visitors are there. For example, an extra bathroom or utility room. It should contain a wee pad if needed and toys. Bedding is typically used to pee on so do not use bedding until later. Some puppies pee in their space at first and some don't, have patience. This is the reason for the wee pad, see "wee pad" for how this is used and gradually removed. The point of the room is to discourage peeing for a period of time and keep them out of trouble. First confine the puppy for an hour or two and at night, then gradually longer. The room should be used up to a year when you are gone and at night. The sooner the puppy is trained and you can trust them the sooner they have free roam of the house. Remember to remove food and water an hour or more before leaving the dog, the puppy should be let outside and empty when left in the room. Wee pads: We put wee pads in the utility room when the puppies move into there, the wee pad is placed to one side. They have some chemical that draws the puppies.Take them out as much as possible; the point of the wee pad is an emergency situation only. Eventually they only use the wee pads at night. I suggest the wee pad be placed close to bed, in their "room" or at the back door in case someone doesn't notice them at the door. It works like this, and please don't punish them for using the wee pad but don't congratulate them either, congratulate them when they go outside. Eventually they select to please you versus the wee pad and then they just stop using the wee pad. When it is dry for a few days take it away.Food: We recommend free food and water all day if you are home. We use the best puppy food available. We do not feed people food to our dogs ever, some things you would never imagine are actually toxic listed below. When you pick up your puppy we give you a bag of food so you can continue it or mix it with whatever you desire slowly decreasing the amount of our food over time. But understand what you are feeding your dog. To find a good food read the first 5 ingredients on the bag. Now ask the following questions: What are the protein sources? We believe the primary source should come from quality animal protein, not vegetable protein or grain. Foods that list 2 or more grains in the first 5 ingredients may have more vegetable protein than animal protein. We prefer Chicken as the main ingredient. What about grains? Two or more grains listed in the first 5 ingredients means your food may have more vegetable protein than animal protein. Grains such as soy, corn, corn gluten and wheat gluten can be difficult to digest, which means less nutrition, possible allergic reactions and more clean up. Wheat, barley, rice, corn and oats are all man-raised crops that a dog would never eat in the wild. These ingredients are not properly digested and in many situations cause a dog to show allergy symptoms. Are there by-products? Some manufacturers consider by-products inferior sources of protein and, depending on the source, they can be difficult to digest. These ingredients contain meat sources that are typically unsuitable for human consumption. What are the fat sources? Some fats are better than others. We believe the primary fat source in dog food should be animal based because animal fats contain a profile of fatty acids that are easily metabolized and thus are generally more available to the body. We use Madden pin brushes on our labradoodles and have found this brush to be excellent quality. If you catch them in play mode during the day, you will only be reinforcing that brushing time is something to get all riled up about. Nail Clipping Clipping their nails is also a good exercise to do when you find them tired out. They tend to care a lot less about things. You can start by just clipping the nails on one paw. This way your pup learns this is quick and no big deal. It also gives you the opportunity to practice this exercise 4 days in a row, rather than once and then having to wait for them to grow again. When clipping, clip just the tip of the nail where it starts to curve downward, holding the nail clippers parallel to the bottom of the paw. Be careful not to clip too much, otherwise it will hurt and the nail will bleed. Lean towards clipping little bits more often than trying to get a lot off all at once. Ear Cleaning Ear cleaning is something that labradoodles need since they have those long ears that trap and hold in moisture. Check their ears every few weeks and if you notice they look dirty, then get a cotton ball or makeup remover pad, etc. Never push anything down in the ear, you could damage the ear and cause your puppy pain. Do the other side, and finish with an ear drying powder. In fact, over bathing can harm this quality in their coat, and actually cause you to need to bathe more often. If they get dirty, let them dry and simply brush the dirt right out. It is good to get them used to getting wet though, and when you do use shampoo, we recommend a tearless shampoo specifically designed for dogs as their PH balance is different than humans. A good minute walk daily will meet this need your new family member has. Up until then, their joints are developing and jogging on pavement would not be good for their joints. However, this does not mean you have to limit their activity. Running across the yard chasing a ball at their own pace and will is good for their developing body, and talking walks through the neighborhood is an excellent way to meet their exercise needs. The coat and nails of an Australian Labradoodle require consistent maintenance and monthly grooming for them to look and feel their best. The ALAA is proud to share this essential grooming information with your pup! Grooming Your Australian Labradoodle This is a basic grooming video for an Australian Labradoodle and an accompanying manual, provided by the Australian Labradoodle Association of America. They are easily forgotten but must be trimmed like every other nail. If you do not trim them, your dog much more likely to snag them on something and tear them. A torn dewclaw is a very painful thing for your dog and often results in a trip to the vet. If you are not comfortable trimming or feel unprepared to do so, have a groomer or vet show you how. Regular cleaning and care is a must. Hair that rubs against the eye can introduce bacteria, leading to infection. Teeth Care Your dog absolutely requires good dental care. Each dog has different exercise needs, but Labradoodles generally need an hour of physical activity every day. Good options include running, playing a good game of fetch, taking a long walk, or jogging or biking with your dog. Some exercises can actually harm developing joints. When exercising your dog, remember: If your dog is still growing, do not take him or her for long jogs, and definitely do not take him or her with you for a run. Developing joints can be harmed by repetitive motion on hard surfaces. Avoid exercising in extreme heat. If you plan to take water along for you, remember that your dog will need water, too. If your dog seems tired, discontinue what you are doing and allow him or her to rest. Canine health depends on the appropriate balance of nutrients and calories sufficient for prime growth, activity level and cellular repair. Whether you decide on a dry kibble diet, a raw food diet or a combination of the two, be sure that the diet is complete and balanced. We suggest choosing food with high-quality animal proteins, whole grains and vegetables from organic sources. Avoid foods with unidentified fat or protein sources, byproducts, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, and added sweeteners. Buy healthy, and again, avoid preservatives, fillers or byproducts. Read more about dog diets and health: Whole Dog Journal provides an annual review of the best of the best dry kibble foods. For information about the different types of dog food. Fleas and Ticks Fleas and ticks are a nuisance, and if not taken care of right away, can infest and possibly kill your dog. They spread disease, cause allergic reactions and transmit blood and intestinal parasites. There are many ways to tackle fleas and ticks, and most chemical products are safe if used properly. Specialized products treat individual issues, and some products prevent and kill both fleas and ticks. One product treats for both and also prevents heartworm. A few of the most studied and well-known products: Advantage treats fleas only. Monthly topical. Frontline Plus treats fleas and ticks. Revolution treats fleas, ticks and heartworm. Sentinel treats fleas only. Monthly oral. For those who prefer holistic care, frequent bathing and manual removal of fleas and ticks can help prevent infestation of your home and yard. Use a flea comb and tick remover after each bath. Follow this labradoodle puppy care guide to help with the transition. A few things you might want to have with you when you pick up your puppy are a bottle of water, some baby wipes, and a towel or a blanket. If you are meeting your puppy at the airport, your puppy may be thirsty from the trip. We put a frozen dish of water in the crate, but it is usually long gone by the time your puppy arrives. The wipes are needed in case the puppy may have soiled the crate. The towel or blanket also, in case the puppy has soiled the crate, is for you to hold your puppy or to put in the crate. Using a Leash to Bond with Your Puppy When your puppy first arrives to your home, we suggest you keep the puppy on a leash for the first couple of days. Do your best to have the primary caregiver be the main person handling the leash. We also suggest you not have outside visitors to the home for the first couple of days. Give your puppy some time to adjust to her new family first before she meets your world. Your puppy is going to be a little confused at her new surroundings. From the beginning your puppy needs to learn that she is at the bottom, below even the youngest child. She needs to learn who her main leaders are and what the boundaries are in her new home. Labradoodles are people loving dogs! Your puppy will want to bond. Your puppy is smart and will quickly learn that the person attached at the other end of the leash is important to her. Your Labradoodle will look to you for example and comfort. She will learn that you are her source of not only example and comfort, but also food! Using the leash these first few days will help your new puppy learn who to trust and who to please. Other Advantages of Leash Training Your New Puppy Even if you are not holding onto the leash, you can control where she goes easily by stepping on the dragging leash. This is much more comfortable to a dog than having you lunge over her to get her. Keeping her on a leash also allows you to monitor where your puppy is in the house, and help her learn which rooms you would like her to be in and where she is not allowed. Lastly, having her on a leash helps her adjust to the idea of a leash so that she is ready to be trained to heel on a leash. A crate can be a useful and comforting tool or it can be an overused source of misery for your puppy. We suggest using a crate for very short periods of time during the day and for your puppy to sleep in at night. During the day there will come short periods of time where you have a task to do that requires your full attention. While your puppy is still in the house training stage, the crate can be very valuable to you. By putting your puppy in the crate for short amounts of time during the day, say an hour, maybe two, you can accomplish what you must do and also help puppy control her bladder. As soon as you let her out, immediately take her outdoors to relieve herself. Using the crate this way will encourage her to only go to the bathroom where it is appropriate to go. If your puppy is not crate trained already, you will have to work up to the hour or two hour mark. By the time your puppy arrives, she should be able to sleep around 7 hours through the night in a crate. Of course all puppies are individuals and so the time can vary. Your Golden Xpress Labradoodle puppy is used to being in a crate, but she is also used to smelling and hearing her siblings nearby. She may have adjustments to make in her new home because of this. Another factor in labradoodle puppy care is that their little tummies often get upset over the first couple of weeks in their new homes. To help her adjust to your home atmosphere and sleeping during the night, keep her crate in your bedroom at night. Keeping your hand down by the wire door is comforting to her. Responding to her cries with talking or tapping encourages your puppy to cry and whine more. Tapping on the crate lightly is ok, but not in response to her noise making. Another thing to think about with regard to labradoodle puppy care is if your puppy starts to wet her crate, you need to first check and see if her crate is too big. Generally, dogs do not relieve themselves in their sleeping places. If so, either use a smaller crate or block part off with a box. If her crate seems the right size, you may need to take out anything like blankets or soft materials. When your puppy has successfully kept her crate dry for a couple of weeks, try putting the bedding back in. Feeding Your Puppy At first, your puppy will need to be fed 3 times a day. Once they have adjusted, offer food to them all day so they learn not to gorge at meal time, and always make sure your puppy has clean, fresh water available to her. Feed your puppy in a quiet place, free from distractions. Put a good amount of food in her bowl and let her eat as much as she would like. After about 20 minutes or so, remove the food. Repeat this morning, mid-day and evening. It helps keep teeth and gums in better shape than wet food does. DO NOT feed your puppy people food. Your food does not provide the nutrition that your puppy needs. She will choose to have the people food and not eat her own. Feed your dog people food and you will have one unhealthy puppy. Just make sure you choose high quality dog treats with some nutrition. At Golden Xpress Labradoodles we give our dogs and puppies different kinds of treats: dog biscuits, dog turkey or chicken jerky. The jerky is good for a training aid around the house — to teach the puppy to come or to sit, or down. They are very intelligent and very willing to learn, and this makes them easier to train. Just remember that they are puppies so be patient. Lots of Loves Above all labradoodle puppy care requires lots of love. Make sure you pet her and hold her so she knows she belongs to your family. Labradoodles are loyal, loving dogs — give your puppy your love and she will return it tenfold.

These ladies have helped us produce some of the best Standard Poodle puppies in the United States! We make sure these standard female poodles are well taken care of, keeping them healthy and making sure they maintain a pleasant temperament. We love each and every one of our ladies here at the Pastime Poodles. Please, feel free to bring the family to visit with all of our special girls. The girls always enjoy new visitors to the farm. Her calm demeanor and loving nature will make her the perfect mom with her first upcoming litter. We are so excited to see what she produces. Ruth Ann Ruth Ann is a spunky two year old blue merle with a loose curly coat. Ruthie is known for producing both blue merle and chocolate merle puppies. She has been a great mom to her puppies in the past and we expect nothing less from her in the future. Jackie O. Jackie O is a black female puppy and is certainly the life of the party. Just being in her presence will brighten up your day. Becca Becca is a merle standard poodle. Enjoys playing with people and kids. On our farm she also runs and plays with our goats and even a horse. Elsa Else is a white standard poodle just over a year old. Esse Esse is our beautiful sliver standard poodle who likes to stay in the recliner rather than getting her paws dirty. Regan Brown Abstract standard poodle. She also carries the Merle gene; she is only breed to male without this gene. Anna Anna is our red standard poodle. She will have her first litter in .We have new litters of Standard Poodle puppies for sale! Our available puppies page is updated daily, so click on the link below and see what new adorable puppies we have to offer. Each of our puppies has been through Pastime Poodle puppy socialization program, which has proven to work wonders in preparing your Standard Poodle puppy before heading home with his or her new family. What to consider before bringing your poodle home Our Philosophy We believe that standard poodles are loving members of the family. They are excellent companions who are devoted to their people. Poodles have a range of personality traits with varying levels of play drive, retrieve drive, prey drive, and, of course, couch-potato-ness. Most poodles love to play. Average, well-socialized poodles love to go everywhere with their family. The hallmarks of the standard poodle personality are well-rounded athleticism, intelligence, and a will-try-anything attitude that makes for a can-go-anywhere kind of dog. Standard poodles don't shed, are good with with children, and generally interact well with other pets. Just like people, each is unique and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. Whether it's one of many solid colors, spotted or parti, a brindle, tuxedo, sable, or a phantom pattern, there's a standard poodle for everyone. Poodles need quality time with people and other animals, physical exercise and mental stimulation, quality food, medical care and grooming. Poodles are not outdoor dogs to be left tied up, away from people. Due to their high intelligence and athletic abilities they need something to do, someone to play with, and someone to guide them. If you have any questions about how best to care for your new family member, just ask. We're happy to help! Heart Song Standard Poodles is located just outside of Huntsville, Alabama on 4 acres where the poodles can watch our horses, bark without fear of bothering the neighbors and enjoy the natural outdoors. We strive to improve the breed with each puppy we bring into the world. We focus on temperament, health, diversity, and the breed standard. We carefully select our mothers and fathers, producing happier, healthier dogs in a range of colors. As advances in genetics improve our understanding of health issues, we continually adapt and modify our breeding program to take advantage of the latest science. As professional breeders we breed red, apricot, black, creme, white, brown, parti, phantom, sable, solid colored and brindle standard poodles. This is not written by us but it's how we do things. I thought of you years before you even realized. I planned for and cared about your baby long before you started thinking of adding to your family. I worried about your future with that puppy before you knew there would be one. There were hours upon hours spent researching lines for the parents of your puppies. Going over breeder after breeder, choosing not only my pet but looking for a dog that will make you your pet. Worrying if you'd be happy, if I had chosen correctly and your puppy would grow up healthy and happy. Going over puppy after puppy with fellow breeders, running over my program with as many knowledgeable breeders as I can, determined to not miss anything. Tracing lines back as far as I could, learning the ins and outs not only for my knowledge but so that I was informed, prepared to go over every detail with you, to answer the questions that sometimes you don't even ask. Then there's years of watching your puppies parents grow. Loving them and enjoying them as part of my family. Taking them every where I can, training them, socializing them, watching how they fill out. Asking myself I had made the right choice in both of them. Scrutinizing their conformation, how they move, and their temperament. There was the stress of health testing. Praying not only that my babies were healthy but that they had the genes to make your baby healthy. Finally came the time to put your puppies parents together. For the next 63 days I worried, I obsessed, I grew excited. I watched your puppies mom like a hawk. Making sure my baby was ok, monitoring her diet better than I do my own. Concerned that she was getting enough of the right nutrients and that your growing baby was getting the best start possible. I spent hours on the couch, floor, and dog bed with her watching her tummy grow and anxiously waiting. As your baby and mine grew I laid my hands on her tummy and felt the first movements of your puppy. As the time grew close I spent most nights in the nursery with her. Making sure she didn't go into labor without me knowing, in case something went wrong and one of our babies needed help. When labor started my whole life stopped. I spent every second with her. Your baby was born into my hands and I held my breath as I cleaned them up, watching for movement and breathing, cleaning them up, checking them over, and wondering if you'd love them as much as I already did. I helped your babies brother when mom got tired and he was stuck. I cried when your babies sister didn't make it. For the first 8 weeks most of my life was filled with your baby. Watching them grow and making sure I was doing everything possible to make sure they started their lives the right way. Making sure each one was getting enough to eat, enough socialization time, that they were de-wormed and given their shots. I was the first person they saw when they opened their eyes. I spent my weeks playing with them and keeping them safe. I searched for you and interviewed you. As you spoke I tried to read your character. Would you love them as much as I do? Would you bring them in as part of your family? Would you care for this tiny life that I brought into this world that I am responsible for? Some of you were turned away but some of you were welcomed into our family. The day you took your baby home was harder than I'd ever let on. I was excited for you but I was also terrified. Had I chosen correctly? Were you who you seemed to be? My love and worry didn't end there. I thought about your baby regularly, saddened when I didn't get updates, ecstatic when I did. I hoped you were caring for your baby the way I care for mine. I answered your questions happily and answered them again just as happily to your babies siblings new parents. When your puppies sister ate a couch I stayed up that night she was at the vets, waiting to hear that she was ok. When their brothers parents decided he no longer fit in their life I welcomed him home, sorry that I had chosen wrong for him and promised him it wouldn't happen again. I loved your baby first and I will never stop. Our puppies have been placed all over the United States. They adapt easily to any environment and travel well. We have puppies happily living in downtown Atlanta, Nashville, Miami and other large cities. Some of our puppies live in typical suburban homes, others in a rural setting or on the beach. You must fly with your puppy or drive to pick them up in person. We do not ship puppies. The poodle is also regarded as the national dog of France, where it was once commonly used as a retriever. Many poodles love water starting from a young age. Poodle puppies often play in their water bowls. Poodles also drink from the hose and frolic in the rain. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the poodle who doesn't want to get their feet wet, walks on the sidewalk, and refuses to go out in the rain. This poodle stands in the doorway, sniffs the rain in the air, and looks at you to say, "Do we really need to go out today? Sometimes, a poodle's size is described as teacup or royal standard. These terms are used to describe a very small toy or a large standard poodle, but are not official size categories of poodle. In Europe, there is a fourth size, known as a moyen in France meaning medium or a klein poodle in the rest of Europe. Moyen or klein poodles range between 15 and 20 inches at the shoulder. In the United States, a moyen or klein is considered a small standard poodle. At Heart Song Standard Poodles, we breed standard poodles. A standard poodle is a poodle that is 15 inches or over at the shoulder. Standard poodles can range from the smaller 15 inch to the larger 27 inches or more. The majority of standard poodles are between 45 and 60 pounds. Standard Poodles come in a variety of colors and patterns, including red, black, white, creme, apricot, silver, blue, brown, silver-beige, cafe-au-lait, parti, phantom, tuxedo, abstract, brindle, and sable. Some poodles are solid colored, while others are multi-colored. Multi-colored poodles include parti poodles, phantoms, brindles, and sables. AKC does allow both multi-colored and solid-colored poodles to participate in all other events including obedience, agility, rally, and more. Poodles are classified in the non-sporting group in the AKC. UKC allows both solid colored poodles and multi-colored poodles to be shown in conformation. They allow all poodles to compete in all events. Poodles in the UKC registry are classified in the gun dog group. Dogs that are advertised as merle poodles are not full blooded poodles. The poodle breed has no gene for the merle color. Dogs that are merle colored must have been mixed with another breed, even if it was many generations back. Be careful when anyone claims to have merle poodles. Unfortunately, unsuspecting buyers may purchase a merle puppy thinking it is a purebred poodle. They often pay a premium price because it is advertised as a rare color. Heart Song Poodles Blog Everything poodles, articles and tips on how to care for your poodle. Read our latest news.

By: David Codr Published Date: November 28, For this Omaha puppy training session we shared some creative ways to exercise a dog to help Ty, a 6 month-old Boxer puppy who has a lot of energy and has nipped a few people who startle or try to pet him. The guardians had come up with a unique way to handle greetings; having Ty and his sibling Finn sitting down about 12 feet from the door while family members sat on the floor petting the dogs. While I liked adding in distance between the puppies and the door, anything a dog is doing when you pet it is what you are rewarding and amplifying. In other words, the guardians were unintentionally communicating they liked the dogs pretesting and being upset when guests arrive. I asked the guardians to put Finn away and let Ty off leash. I stepped outside to let the humans make these adjustments before returning and showing the guardians how to help the puppy develop a positive association with the visitor. After using a few dog behaviorist tricks, Ty calmed down and was displaying displaying affectionate and confident behavior. I call this the perfect storm, and have found this combination to be the cause of many unwanted dog and puppy behavior problems. He went after someone with a law mower which could very easily be attributed to being scared or stressed out by the sound and smells from the mower. As I probed deeper, it seemed like there were valid reasons for the puppy to be reactive. Obviously nipping and biting are not behavior you want from your dog, in the context of how they happened, I think this is more a case of confusion and the dog unwittingly ending up in jackpot situations than being actually an aggressive dog. Many puppy problems stem from an under exercised pup and that was certainly the case here. When its winter in Nebraska, I like to share creative tips to exercising a dog inside. Many people exclusively think of walking as the best way to exercise a dog, but its actually not very efficient. Its good for stimulation and leadership when done with structure, but you have to walk a long way to get the needed results. I pulled out my camera and handed it to one of the family members so I could share tips to exercising dogs in creative ways. The doggy stair master, fetch and any other pursuit games are wonderful ways to exercise a puppy or dog. Not only are they fun, they are convenient, time efficient and remarkably effective. If the family members can exercise Ty every hours throughout the day, they will notice a dramatic improvement in his behavior. Ive played the part of Boxer puppy trainer many times and have always enjoyed the breed. They are often curious and playful and I just love how they use their paws. Ty showed that he is a smart puppy and once we got rid of his excess energy, he was a really fun puppy to have around. To make sure the guardians remembered all the dog behavior suggestions I made in this in home puppy training session, we filmed a roadmap to success video that you can watch for free below. Share this:. The contractual agreement between you and the breeder Agreement made to not breed the dog in the future Agreement made to not enter it into competitions No restrictions on the Boxer puppy Read on to see why these factors affect the price of Boxer puppies. Reputation Of The Breeder Breeders spend a lot of time and money to build up their reputation as trustworthy Boxer breeders. The more renowned a breeder is, the more they are able to charge for their dogs. However, some puppy mills and backyard breeders will shoot up their prices to appear to be reputable breeders. Therefore, you should go through a trusted association to find a reputable breeder. Do not be fooled by good advertising. The individual Boxer puppy you want to purchase must have its own papers that document its registration with the American Kennel Club. These papers cost money and will increase the price of your Boxer puppy slightly. This is important because pedigree changes the price of the Boxer puppy; I will discuss this next! Pedigree is important when it comes to determining what your Boxer puppy will look like, its temperament, and the chance of it developing genetic issues in the future as it grows up. Determining who the dam and sire of your Boxer puppy are is important in determining price. If your Boxer puppy has a champion sire or dam, then the price of the puppy will increase significantly. Champion heritage drives the price of the Boxer puppy up because the buyer is almost guaranteed to get a perfect specimen of what a Boxer should be and has a better chance at winning competitions with their Boxer puppy when it grows up. The breed, unfortunately, suffers from hip dysplasia, cardiovascular myopathy, severe arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, several cancers, and aortic valve disease. The American Kennel Club recommends that all of these tests, including thyroid screening, elbow evaluations, and certain DNA tests are all done to produce a long-term prognosis so effective preventative care can be carried out from day one. If a Boxer puppy has any health concerns, then their price will decrease, and they will often be sold for a couple of hundred dollars or so depending on the specific health issues they have. As medium-sized dogs, Boxers can leave their mothers safely at eight weeks. Many people who want to compete with their boxers will wait until the Boxer puppy is six to eight months old before purchasing them. During this time, the breeder will invest in behavioral training. When the Boxer puppy is six to eight months old, the breeder will also be able to give you a better idea of their temperament and their adult markings and ultimate size. As a result, these puppies will be much more expensive than the younger ones. Boxers will stand at 23 to 25 inches tall if they are male and .They have tall, regal-looking shoulders that slope down gently to a smaller set of hips. Their heads are quite square and are characterized by their wrinkles that make them appear confused but curious! Boxers that meet the breed standard are a fawn or brindle color with white markings on their chests, bellies, inner legs, and faces. However, the white markings may not be more than a third of their entire body. If your Boxer puppy meets the breed standard, then their price will increase because they can be used for competitions. However, if they do not meet the breed standard, then their price will be decreased, as this is seen as undesirable from a competition standpoint. The first agreement will prevent you from further breeding your Boxer puppy. The second agreement will prevent you from entering your Boxer puppy into any competitions. Both contacts will decrease the price of your Boxer puppy, as they place restrictions on what you can and cannot do with your puppy as it grows up. There are many other costs associated with owning a Boxer! One-Time Bring Home Costs There are a number of things you will need to purchase before you even pick up your Boxer puppy to make them feel more comfortable and happy in their new home! Fortunately, a lot of these items only need to be purchased once or twice, like food bowls and crates, for example. Here is a list of some of the vital things you need:.

Our stock photo collection includes high-quality images that will help you bring your projects to life. Whether you're creating an advertisement, website design or social media campaign, our collection of photos will definitely come in handy. We've got images of bulldogs in different angles, environments, and contexts. You'll find dogs in action, sleeping, playing, and much more. These formats are easy to use and can be edited in different design software as per your preference. Ideal for Different Projects Our Old English Bulldog images can be used for different projects, and they're perfect for a wide range of designs. These images are suitable for various design projects such as website design, print ads, emails, digital marketing campaigns, social media, and more. Our collection offers a perfect balance of cute, funny, and impressive images that will aid in the design process. You can choose from our collection to add some fun and creativity to your projects. The right image can make or break your designs, so you need to make sure you choose the right photos. When using our Old English Bulldog images, it's important to select images that fit with your branding and messaging. When designing, bear in mind the emotions you want to evoke in your viewers. Don't use photos that deviate from the tone of the rest of your project. Authenticity is key, so choose pictures that look natural and genuine, and that complement the message you're trying to convey. In conclusion, our collection of Old English Bulldog images is the perfect choice to enhance your design projects. With a vast selection of photos captured in different contexts, you will find a picture that fits your needs. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring our photo gallery to find the perfect photos to enhance your project! Olde English Bulldogge Guardian Dog Group The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges. Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated. Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dogs ability to perform its traditional work. Absolute soundness and proper muscle tone is a must. Breeders and judges are advised to always go for healthy and functional moderation, never for exaggeration. History Bulldogs were created for the English sport of bull baiting, practiced from approximately until .By the middle of the s, the sport was no longer legal, and the athletic bulldog quickly began to disappear. Because the bulldog was revived solely for the conformation venue, selective breeding for appearance severely compromised the health and lifespan of this once agile, athletic and happy breed. In a breeding project began using a linebreeding scheme developed by Dr. Fechimer of Ohio State to rapidly achieve a purebred dog. The goal of this project was to return the bulldog to the appearance of the Regency-Period bulldog, now named the Olde English Bulldogge OEB to clearly differentiate the new breed from the modern English Bulldog. Todays Olde English Bulldogge matches the looks of the bull baiting dog of the early s. They are, first and foremost, excellent companions, while also possessing the drive, temperament and agility to perform in numerous working venues as well as being service dogs. The revival of a healthy dog with the longevity to live well into its teens is a primary goal. General Appearance The Olde English Bulldogge is a muscular, medium sized dog of great strength, and possessed of fluid, agile movement. He is well balanced and proportioned, while appearing capable of performing without any breathing restrictions in either heat or in cold. Disqualifications: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Characteristics The disposition of the Olde English Bulldogge is confident, friendly and alert. An OEB should be an animated and expressive dog, both in and out of the show ring. Fault: Shyness in a mature dog. Disqualification: Viciousness or extreme shyness. Head Serious Faults: Excessive wrinkle, lack of pigment around eyes, nose or mouth. There is a defined furrow from the stop to the occiput. Serious Faults: Narrow skull; domed forehead. Distance from the tip of the nose to the stop does not exceed one-third of the distance from the tip of the nose to the occiput. Flews are semi-pendulous. Lower jawbone is moderately curved from front to back. Broken, chipped or extracted teeth are not to be faulted. Exposed canine teeth are to be faulted. Disqualifications: Wry jaw; overbite. NOSE Nostrils are wide, with a line running vertically between nostrils from the tip of nose down to the bottom of the upper lip. Nose is large and broad in relationship to the width of the muzzle. Nose color is black. Serious Fault: Slit nostrils. Disqualification: Any color nose other than black. EYES Eyes are medium in size and almond shaped. They are set wide and low, level with the top of the muzzle. Color is dark to light brown, with black pigmented eye rims. Disqualifications: Any eye color other than brown; wall eyes; crossed eyes. EARS Ears are rose, button or tulip. Rose is preferred. They are set high, wide and to the back outer edge of the skull. The ears are small in size. Neck The neck is medium length, wide, and slightly arched. It is slightly smaller than the head at their junction, and widens to point of the shoulders. Loose from jaw to chest, forming a double dewlap. Forequarters Shoulders are broad, heavily muscled and have a separation between the shoulder blades. Moderate angulation of the shoulder blade, which should also be roughly equal in length to the upper foreleg. Body Sturdy, powerful and slightly rectangular when viewed from the side. Chest is wide and deep, with a muscular brisket, and ribs well-sprung. There should be a distinct tuck between ribs and hindquarters. There is a dip behind the withers; topline rises over the loin with the appearance of a slight roach. Faults: Narrow rib cage. Hindquarters Hind legs are well muscled and have the appearance of being slightly longer than the forelegs. Viewed from the rear, the hind legs should be straight, parallel and set apart. Angulation is moderate. Fault: Cow-hocked or bow-hocked. Feet are strong and rounded, with well-arched toes. Faults: Flat feet or splayed toes. Tail A full tail is preferred. The characteristic tail is often referred to as a crank or pump handle tail. Straight tails are also acceptable. The tail is set on as a natural extension of the topline, and tapers to a point. When the dog is relaxed, the tail is carried low and extends approximately to the hock. When the dog is moving, the tail is carried level with the back. When the dog is excited, the tail may be carried in a raised, upright position challenge tail , but never curled over the back gay tail. A docked tail is acceptable, but not preferred. Faults: Tail curling degrees or carried up over the back. Disqualifications: Natural bob tail. Screw tail. Kinked tail a tail with one or more sharp bends. Coat Coat is short, close and of medium density. It should be shiny, showing good health. Faults: Fringe, feather or curl in the coat. Color Accepted color patterns include brindle, and solid colors, with or without white. Brindle is defined as a fine streaked or striped effect or pattern of black or tan hairs with hairs of a lighter or darker background color. Shades of colors accepted include red brindle, fawn brindle, brown brindle, and grey brindle; either solid or pied. Accepted solid colors include white, fawn, red or black; with or without white. Disqualifications: Albinism. Gait At a trot, the gait is smooth, powerful, energetic and confident. A slight roll to the gait should not be faulted. Footfalls approach the centerline as trotting speed increases. When viewed from the front or rear, the legs turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere with each other. From the side, the front legs should reach out smoothly with no obvious pounding. Height And Weight Overall balance is never to be sacrificed in favor of size. Dogs should be 60 to 80 pounds, and 17 to 20 inches at the withers. Bitches should be 50 to 70 pounds, and 16 to 19 inches at the withers. Neither dog nor bitch appears fat. Measurements apply at age 2 or older. Weight of both dog and bitch should be proportionate to height. Disqualifications A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC. Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.

The GSD has a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body with a light, solid bone structure. The head should be in proportion to its body, and the forehead a little rounded. The nose is most often black however, blue or liver still do sometimes occur, but is considered a fault and can not be shown. The teeth meet in a strong scissors bite. The dark eyes are almond-shaped, and never protruding. The ears are wide at the base, pointed, upright, and turned forward. The ears of puppies under six months may droop slightly. The bushy tail reaches almost to its hocks and hangs down when the dog is at rest. The front legs and shoulders are muscular and the thighs are thick and sturdy. The round feet have very hard soles. Origin: Germany Life span: About 35 years Sub types: There are three varieties of the German Shepherd: rough-coated, long rough-coated, and the long-haired. The coat most often comes in black with tan, sable or all black, but also can come in blue, liver and white, but those colors are considered a fault according to most standards. White is not an acceptable color for the German Shepherd, however they are now being recognized as a separate breed, called the Amercian White Shephered. A piebald color has also occured in a single GSD bloodline which are now being called Panda Shephered. Often used as working dogs, German Shepherds are courageous, keen, alert and fearless. Cheerful, obedient and eager to learn. Tranquil, confident, serious and clever. GSDs are extremely faithful, and brave. As a pet: They will not think twice about giving their lives for their human pack. They have a high learning ability. German Shepherds love to be close to their families, but can be wary of strangers. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when they feel it is necessary. Often used as police dogs, the German Shepherd has a very strong protective instinct, and are extremely loyal to their handler. Aggression and attacks on people are due to poor handling and training. Problems arise when an owner allows the dog to believe he is pack leader over humans and or does not give the dog themental and physical daily exercise they need to be stable. This breed needs owners who are naturely authortative over the dog in a calm, but firm, confident and consistent way. A stable, well-adjusted, and trained dog is for the most part generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family. They must be firmly trained in obedience from an early age. German Shepherds who have passive owners and or who's instincts are not being met can become timid, skittish and may be prone to fear biting and develop aquarding issue. Training: They should be trained and socialized from an early age. .Owners need to have an air of natural authority to their demeanor. Do not treat this dog as if he were human. Learn canine instints and treat the dog accordingly. German Shepherds are one of the smartest and most trainable breeds. With this highly skilled working dog comes a drive to have a job and a task in life and aconsistentpack leader to show them guidance. They need somewhere to channel their mental and physical energy. This is not a breed who will be happy simply laying around your living room or locked out in the back yard. The breed is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service, and in the military. The German Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, flyball, and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders, and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet underground. The German Shepherd is also a popular show and family companion. Height: Dogs inches cm. Females inches cm. Weight: pounds kg. Housing: The German Shepherd will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least a large yard. Intelligence and behaviour: German Shepherd Dogs love strenuous activity, preferably combined with training of some kind, for these dogs are very intelligent and crave a good challenge. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Most shepherds love to play ball or Frisbee. Ten to fifteen minutes of fetching along with daily pack walks will tire your dog out quite nicely as well as give him a sense of purpose. If under-exercised and or mentally challenged, this breed can become restless and destructive. Related Pets. Description Pakistani Shepherd Dogs are very strong and muscular dogs. They have a rounded forehead and dark, almond-shaped eyes. Their lips are black and their nose is mostly black. Their feet have very hard soles. Adult Pakistani Shepherd Dogs have erect ears. The coat of the Pakistani Shepherd Dog is usually black and tan, but can be gold, and some can come in white, which is rare but does occur. The colors vary from region to region. Temperament The Pakistani Shepherd Dog is a herding breed. They are very keen and love to herd animals, sometimes even little kids and their owners. They are dedicated to their work, courageous, fearless and alert. Very protective of their property, owners and sheep, they can be trained easily because they love to learn new things. Pakistani Shepherd Dogs are very loyal toward their work and handler, loving their family. The Pakistani Shepherd Dog has a loving nature and is very playful with children, enjoying playing games. This breed is bred to work, and can't sit idle all the time. Being able to work is their passion. They should be socialized from an early age and training should start as a puppy. Bhayri Kuttas should not be left alone with other small non-canine pets. This is a very obedient and loyal breed that is not aggressive, but will protect its owner to the death should the need arise. This breed needs owners who are naturally authoritative over the dog in a calm, but firm, confident and consistent way. Height, Weight Height: Males 24 - 25 inches 61 - 64 cm Females 20 - 24 inches 50 - 61cm Weight: 77 - 99 pounds 35 - 45 kg Health Problems Prone to flea allergies. Exercise The Pakistani Shepherd Dog loves strenuous activity, preferably combined with training of some kind, for these dogs are very intelligent and crave a good challenge. When not being worked they need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk , jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Most shepherds love to play ball or Frisbee. This breed does best with a job to do. Without enough exercise, mental and physical, it will become bored and destructive, which will affect its good temperament. Life Expectancy About years. Grooming This breed sheds bits of hair constantly and is a seasonally heavy shedder. If it is in inside dog, it should be brushed daily or you will have hair all over your home. Bathe only when necessary; over bathing can cause skin irritation from oil depletion. Check ears and trim claws regularly. Origin The Pakistani Shepherd Dog is a breed from Pakistan that has been used for herding and protection for centuries. There are different theories on the origin of the Bhagayari Kutta. If you have ever seen an Asian Pakistani Wolf, you will see that the Pakistani Shepherd Dog really resembles that type of wolf. The variety grabbed open attention as a result of famous actors Strong heart and later, Rin Tin. Contact an animal shelter to see whether they have a German shepherd puppy accessible for appropriation. Some inadequately reproduced German shepherd puppy pooches can be nervous and apprehensive. They are much more aggressive dogs, and also it is more loving and protective of family pets as well. It is dangerous, but it is polite with family whom they have owned their German shepherd puppy dogs. It has a double coat which is comprised of thick undercoat in it, also has a straight outer coat. Hair of German Shepherd is usually tan and black or red and also black in color and also shed in color the other rarer color of puppies are includes all black all white and also the liver and blue as well. They have a loping stride that effectively makes progress in fulfilling working requests. They have a long gag, square head, and erect, pointed ears. Their back and rear legs are marginally calculated, and they have long, rugged trails. The German shepherd hound is a grouping breed known for its fearlessness, faithfulness, and guarding impulses. This variety makes a superb watchman hound, police hound, military pooch, manage hound for the visually impaired and search and salvage hound. For some families, the German Shepherd is additionally a loved family pet. German shepherd puppy proprietors can, for the most part, have confidence that they are protected when their canine is near. German Shepherds can likewise be prepared to make their defensive impulse one stride further. German Shepherds are notable for their dedication to their families. They can turn out to be tender towards their proprietors and thusly become defensive of their proprietors. No one can tell the amount they love you. The majority of their life expectancy will be founded on hereditary qualities, while some of them will likewise be founded on the way of life you give them. They build a strong bond with their families, which is more nearer to them furthermore;, these bonds can never be broken for the new puppy because they are extremely loyal. Indeed, they're the third most canine. This implies you must take a step at preparing them like you would take differently while training. Far and away superior, in case you're keen on puppies shows, and so forth, they will be an incredible canine, to begin with, particularly for compliance courses. They'll shed their jacket throughout the late spring, and afterward again during the development to winter. Each opportunity to grow a coat of German shepherd puppy progressively appropriate to the season. Just as these huge victories, they're likewise going to shed during the time as old hair is supplanted by new hair. At the point when you have a German shepherd in a perfect world, they ought to be let off the lead for an hour daily to go around. German Shephard is a too intelligent and experienced dog that has very fleshy hairs and quiets in black as well. German shepherd puppy is normally used by army force overall german Shephard is the most useable and expensive dog, and it is much more loyal with their families and to whom who trained them and also bred them from anyways.

Before you start training your Boxer puppy—or, even better, before you get the puppy—read up on what kind of training is ideal for your breed. Check online, local libraries and local organizations. You can also ask your vet for advice. Remember, the more knowledgeable you are, the better you know how to react under different circumstances. Make sure as well that you have what you need to effectively train your dog. If you're planning to clicker train, get a clicker. If you're planning to crate train, get the right-sized crate. Also be sure to pick up an appropriate collar and leash for general training. A leash should be no more than five to six feet in length. The best leashes for training are leather. Always check your equipment to make sure it is in good order and not liable to snap or break. Training works best when you dedicate a couple of short sessions 10 to 15 minutes twice a day to it. Try to train at times when the dog is not tired, but also not bursting with pent-up energy. Karen Pryor. Publisher: Ringpress Books Consider expending your Boxer's energy before training sessions by allowing him 20 to 30 minutes of high-intensity physical activity. This will enable him to better focus on training. Try to train the dog in a place where there are few distractions, so that your Boxer puppy can focus his attention on you. This means avoiding places with other animals or people. Always begin training in your home or yard and build up to environments with more distractions e. Your commands need to be simple, short, clear and consistent. Don't lecture your dog; they're not human so they don't process language in the same way. Phrases like "I've told you not to do that" or "Please stop chewing on the table" will not work as they are too complicated. John Bradshaw. Publisher: Penguin Experts believe that a given dog registers the first part of the word as the most important, so longer commands such as "Sit Fido if you want a treat" are liable to confuse him. Just say the word "Sit" instead. In general, shouting at any dog is ineffective. This is especially true for Boxers who are hyper breed by nature. Use a firm but pleasant and upbeat voice when instructing your dog; don't yell or lose control. Dogs are very intuitive and will be able to sense your frustration and may react in kind. The tone of voice matters, especially since, again, dogs don't process language in the same way that humans do. So how you say something may mean as much if not more than what you say. Publisher: Penguin Boxers are playful by nature, and a light, breezy tone will not suffice; he will think you are just playing with him if you are not firm enough. Try using hand gestures at the same time as you issue verbal commands. For example, raise your hand at the same time as saying "Sit". Dog behaviorists believe that dogs look for multiple clues as to what we want them to do, which includes the command word, tone of voice, and body language. Admonishing a Boxer puppy too long after the incident is ineffective. If you need to admonish or correct your dog, it needs to be done during or within a few seconds of the act. Dogs will have forgotten the event within seconds of its occurrence, so it's key to address the behavior immediately in order to facilitate the retraining process. Boxers are notoriously stubborn and steadfast, so you may have to correct your puppy numerous times. Always be consistent in your commands and desires of the dog. This helps your dog to understand what is expected. Don't forget to enforce training when you are out and about, so that your dog doesn't just thinking that "Sit" and "Stay" are things he has to do in the yard or house. By enforcing commands in public places it helps your Boxers to understand he must obey under all circumstances. Leave no room for doubt about what is acceptable behavior for your Boxer puppy. If he is not allowed on the furniture, be consistent. Boxers won't understand the concept of "sometimes"; they are either permitted to lie on the couch or they are not. If you live with other people, make sure that everyone in the house is on board with the training program. Using different words for the same action will confuse the dog, disrupt the training already done, and ultimately delay progress. But at the moment, they need your guidance. For now, this includes sleeping next to you for the first few weeks, maybe even longer. Just have their crate or bed close to wherever you sleep. Our articles on sleeping through the night and establishing a nighttime routine will give you extra tips on getting through this phase. A puzzle toy or Kong will work great at making them feel like you leaving them is actually something quite fun. Potty training All new puppy parents expect potty training to be on the cards. It will help to remember your Boxer pup is a bit of a goofball. For now, we definitely want to let your pup get used to you and settle into their new home. Teach your puppy about surfaces — Different surfaces can feel strange to pups. Use surfaces like grass, moss, paving and sand. Basically, make their tail wag and we bet yours will too. Teach your Boxer their name. Teach your Boxer puppy to sit. Remember what we said about Boxers and their jumping? Recall — Trust us. Preventing resource guarding Resource guarding is where your dog fiercely protects something they have and will do everything they can to keep hold of it. Dogs can resource guard food, a toy, even a person. You can do this by teaching them that hands and touch can be a good thing. As always, back up your soft touches with some treats. Remember that consent is also a thing with dogs! Never force your Boxer to be handled or pick them up against their wishes. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Love Boxer Dogs? Boxer Dogs are great family pets. They can often be referred to as the clown of dogs because of their joyful personality and clumsy behaviour, which can be very entertaining! They are a loyal companion and make great guard dogs, alerting their owners of anyone who approaches the property. Also, they tend to love affection from people they meet, including children, and enjoy an energetic run around with other dogs they come across! However, as with all breeds of dogs, Boxer Dog training from a young age is important. Boxer Dogs are a clever breed and can be quite trainable once you find the right reward to motivate them. The pros of this breed could go on forever. They really are amazing dogs. However, one of the main things people need to consider with this breed is their high energy levels! If you do not have a particularly active lifestyle then the Boxer Dog may not be the right breed for you. Boxers are highly energetic and require lots of exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. If you are unable to dedicate time to put into exercising your Boxer Dog or finding ways to give mental stimulation, then you will find it exceedingly difficult to train and get along well with your dog. They also hold a reputation for being stubborn. This can cause problems for when you are trying to get them to do something. You need to have a lot of patience and persistence for Boxer puppy training. They are quick learners but you have to get through that stubbornness first in order to train them really well. Boxer Dogs are really energetic! Many people worry that training their new dog is going to be hard. Here are our top 10 tips for training Boxer Dogs to help you along your way… Make sure to exercise before training Boxers are an energetic breed and can become distracted easily. To help focus their attention on to you, exercise them before a training session. Discover what your dog likes When starting your Boxer puppy training, rewards are crucial. Every Boxer Dog is different and, as a result, they will all be motivated by different rewards. For example, some prefer treats and some prefer toys. You need to find out what your dog prefers and use that as a reward. If your dog likes treats, find their favourite treat. If your dog likes toys, find their favourite game. You can use these as rewards for good behaviour, which will make training sessions far easier! Reward Accordingly Depending on the exercise you and your dog are doing, you need to reward accordingly when it comes to Boxer Dog training. For example, if you are training your dog to walk to heel down the road, it may not be a good idea to reward your dog with a game of fetch. Focus on the good stuff Even though your Boxer may exhibit unwanted behaviour sometimes, you still need to focus on the good behaviour. As we said before, Boxer Dogs are stubborn, so reward their good behaviour and you will motivate them to do it more. The more you reward the good behaviour, the more likely it is that it will happen again. Motivation This is a similar point when it comes to Boxer Dog training. Boxers are known to be stubborn, but if we motivate them then they are more likely to do what we ask them to do. Using their favourite treats and other rewards is the best way to do this. So, we need to structure regular play times in for them. Dogs naturally want to play in the evening after their meal. You may notice that at some point in the evening they get a surge of energy and bounce around and want to play. This is a good time to play with them. One, two, three, and go Boxers are a very sociable breed and often get caught up with wanting to play with other dogs. To help with Boxer Dog training and for them to understand that they do not have to stay and play with every dog, you can teach them the 3-second rule. The rule is they can only meet for three seconds and then they are called away. This allows them a brief amount of time to say hello and then come back to you. If you do this enough, you will condition your dog to say hello and then walk on, making your walks a lot less hassle! Change Direction Boxers can be quite excitable when taking them out for walks and they may pull on the lead. To help combat this, you can change direction every time your Boxer Dog walks in front of you. This key point in Boxer dog training will teach them to follow you. And, if you reward them when they are well behaved and next to you, they will learn that they will get treats when they are beside you. Consistency is key It is very important to be consistent with the rules you are setting in place when it comes to Boxer puppy training. If you do not want your dog on the sofa but someone else allows it, then you will confuse your dog. Everyone in the household has to be reading off the same page in order for your dog to understand what it is you want from them. Set clear rules, and make sure everyone sticks to them! Learning to settle Teaching your dog to settle and relax is important for them so that not only can they unwind and relax, but they also understand how they should behave when you have visitors. This is when your dog lays down but rocks their hips over to one side. When your dog is in this position you can reward them and pair it with the word settle. If you wanted to take it a step further you can teach them to do this in their bed. Taking the time to teach them this key skill will really help the harmony in your home! What can good Boxer Dog training look like? Here at Royvon, we absolutely love working with Boxer Dogs to help them reach their full potential and thrive with their owners! Have a look at the video below to find out more! Meet Pippa! Pippa came to Royvon with obedience issues and problems with keeping her focus on her owner. She worked with our trainer Anna to help improve her behaviour! Anna and Pippa made great progress using positive reinforcement to reward her for ignoring possible distractions. Great work Pippa and Anna! Here at Royvon, we love working with dogs of all breeds, not just Boxers! With options to suit everyone from group puppy classes to intensive one-to-one residential training, we can cater for all needs! Whether your pup just needs to learn some basic manners, or they have issues such as aggression and anxiety, our progressive and science-based training methods are here to help! Want to find out more about what we can do to help you and your dog? Bookmark Boxers are the sixth most popular breed of dog in the United States. Training should be started as soon as possible with Boxer pups. Among the wide range of dog breeds, Boxers are known to be one of the most trustworthy and intelligent. Their suspicion of strangers, alertness, agility, and strength make them formidable guard dogs. Because of their sturdiness and robust personality, they have been employed occasionally on police and military operations. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, and therapy dogs. These canines have interesting traits, in spite of their menacing appearance, that make them easy to take care of and a wonderful family favorite. It is essential to make yourself aware of the type of dog that you are going to handle, as well as the right time to start training your puppy. Ideally, Boxer training is not initiated until the Boxer pup turns three weeks old. During this period, he is able to learn how to obey simple commands which will make the upcoming training more effective. Furthermore, Boxer owners must know the various characteristics that this type of canine possesses. The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands great attention. Boxers are renowned for their great love and faithfulness to their master and households. They are harmless in the family, but distrustful of strangers; bright and friendly at play, but brave and determined when aroused. The Boxer's intelligence and willing tractability, its modesty, and cleanliness make it a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. This breed is extremely loyal, and is never mean or treacherous even in its old age. However, you must keep an eye on the precipitating factors for his anguish when it does appear and find out the reason for his unpleasant behavior right away, so that his frustration does not become part of his personality. TIP 2: Socialization is vital. Boxer dogs need interaction during the entire training process. Boxer puppies, in general, love to fool around, be with other human beings, and need some form of recreation. If integrated into the training environment, your dog will grow up more responsible. Boxers do not like being loners. They need to socialize with others just like humans. If not properly socialized or interacted with on a regular basis, Boxer aggression problems such as biting, chasing and barking loudly might arise unexpectedly and be difficult to correct. TIP 3: Providing regular exercise is absolutely essential. Boxer training should also include having your dog perform exercises. It can be a kind of sport or any outdoor activity. The key is to keep him active and agile, which helps him manage his energy levels when indoors. This exercise can be anything from a nice afternoon walk to playing a sport with him such as tossing a ball or frisbee. Boxers enjoy moving around, frolicking, and playing for hours. More movement means more strength and vigor for your dog. TIP 4: You are the alpha dog! During Boxer training you get to assume the role of a leader. It is imperative that your dog always treat you as his master and have no control over you. Make yourself the Alpha dog, especially during leash training. Leaders should be strict and dominant especially when setting rules. You must have the power over him and not allow him to overtake you. Adhering to this strict regimen until your dog fully learns and understands what behavior is acceptable and required will be worthwhile when taking him for a walk or to a dog park for exercise. Want to learn how to save on veterinary care? Click here TIP 5: Use a reward system. If your Boxer has been conforming well to the rules you have taught him during training, praise him often. Positive reinforcement is also an important element in Boxer leash training. You may give him his favorite bite-sized treat for being a good dog. Foods, toys, and telling him "Good job! Just as important as praise is remembering that if he misbehaves, you should just correct him and not punish. Punishing him violently or excessively may trigger Boxer aggression problems in the form of biting and scratching. The whole idea here is to repay him for his excellence and to reprimand in a firm but friendly manner. TIP 6: Whenever possible, spend extra time with your Boxer, beyond the training sessions. Some owners who do Boxer training might not appreciate the significance of the amount of time shared with their dogs. Insure that you allot time for your pup beyond the training to reassure him you love him and that he is your friend and companion and member of the family. Keeping your dog company is one way to bring your relationship with him to the next level, as well as increasing the success of the training. Avoid letting him feel unwanted or neglected. TIP 7: Teach your Boxer basic tricks. In Boxer training, teaching your dog a new skill is also important. As he learns a trick or two, it will not only impress friends and family, but also helps to increase your dog's mental development and obtain his trust easier. Sit, stand, roll, and kneel are a few examples of basic tricks you can teach your canine. These tricks just need patience and perseverance and he will grow into a very clever dog. TIP 8: Visit your veterinarian for help when needed. Certain problems may come up while training your Boxer. In this case, seek help from your vet for experts in your area familiar with this particular breed. Some of the issues such as proper crate training, ways to prevent Boxer anxiety and how to keep him from jumping on other people might require some extra help. The greatest tip for training your Boxer will be to approach him with patience, persistence and lots of love. Your Boxer will become a remarkably well trained dog, and a wonderful member of your family. Ready to start saving money on pet wellness care? Then take a look at Mint Wellness, the pet wellness plan that provides fast reimbursement on routine pet care. Save on vaccinations, wellness exams, preventatives, dental, and more!

More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article. Dogs are better than popping pills or drinking elixers. Children with dogs for pets have been found to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and fewer overall physical complaints than those without dogs. In fact, there are several diseases where dogs have been used to help those who have the disease. Two of these are: rheumatoid arthritis and emotional disturbance stemming from cases of severe abuse. Samuel B. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… The population of Birmingham is approximately , The distance from Birmingham to Washington DC is miles. The distance to the Alabama state capital is 86 miles. Due to its lack of facilities and businesses, no real damage was done here during the Civil War while other nearby areas were devastated. Named for the industrial city of the same name in England, Birmingham was founded in where two railroads crossed. Due to its location as an industrial center, it grew rapidly and became a magnet for iron and steel production. The Magic City nickname came about because of the quick growth in the beginning. Some said it happened like magic and the nickname stuck. As time went by, more of the economy was shifted from the iron and steel mills to that of manufacturing and service oriented industries. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! This friendly breed is highly intelligent and affectionate and makes a great pet for families with children. They also make excellent service dogs and therapy dogs because of their sweet temperament. If you are thinking of getting a Labrador Retriever in Alabama, you should know that this is a medium to large dog that is typically very active with high energy levels. Moreover, Alabama Labrador Retrievers are talented dogs that love their families. They come in standard colors like chocolate, black, and yellow. While Labrador Retrievers can live in any type of home in Alabama, including apartments, they do need to get about an hour of exercise every day. You will find that if you give your Lab Retriever lots of TLC and plenty of exercise, he or she will be better behaved at home because they got the affection they need and expended all their energy. Alabama is a great state to raise a Labrador Retriever because there so many options for you to have adventures together. You should do your homework though and only choose responsible breeders. We at Puppy Hero are committed to making it super easy for you to find the perfect Lab Retriever puppy in Alabama.

Breeding Labradoodles takes more than just mating two dogs and hoping for the best. It requires lots of research, time, and money to raise the healthiest litters possible. Unfortunately, the soaring demand for Doodles has also attracted Doodle scammers and puppy mills. The Humane Society conducts an extensive review of problematic breeders and puppy mills each year. Likewise, look for breeders who offer at least a two-year health guarantee for all their puppies. Typically, health warranties cover most or all genetic diseases that the parents have been tested for. For more on issues that can plague Labradoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Additionally, many reputable breeders are also recommended by Gooddog. To become a certified breeder by any of these organizations, the breeder must follow strict health and genetic testing standards, and follow ethical breeding protocols. All puppies are handled from the day they are born. The pups are exposed to children, everyday sounds, sights, and household experiences. What Makes This Breeder Unique? With 17 years of experience in breeding Australian Labradoodles, we pride ourselves on selecting only the best dogs for our breeding program, which in turn ensures that we are producing the best puppies imaginable. We work closely with our licensed vet to perform health testing, including hip and elbow testing; eyes, heart, skin, and patella testing; and a series of genetic tests, on all of our breeding dogs. We provide a temperature controlled, in home my master bedroom environment, with sound therapy to expose your puppy to lifes sounds from an early age. This helps desensitize your puppy to the sounds of life traffic, fireworks, outdoor machinery, crying baby, misc appliances, automobiles, etc. We start crate training at 5 weeks with a soothing heartbeat snuggle puppy to comfort them as they transition to sleeping alone and all the puppies love it and sleep better with minimal crying. We add nutrients and special additives for puppies to their drinking water. We add probiotics to their food for a healthy GI tract and immune system. We make special liver water, gruel, with puppy supplements, dog milk formula to their nutritionally dense food to support eyes, ear, bone, joint, coat and heart health. We expose your puppy to sunlight daily on the deck right outside the puppy nursery area. There is always a plush bedding for their cozy comfort in their play areas for those impromptu naps puppies love. Our puppies are held and played with while being bathed and exposed to water, in our walk-in shower, which builds a positive experience, with water, for their lifetime. Bath time is with a human sitting in this large shower allowing plenty of space for your puppy too roam around and enjoy water in a nurturing experience. The puppies love it instead of being in a sink with a dry human just washing them. Water is actual playtime while they get clean and build positive experiences with being wet. Instead we utilize Puppy Culture, Badass Breeder protocols and tons of love from humans that are passionate and dedicated to what they do. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We look forward to providing you with your fury best friend! When full grown, these health tested, Australian Labradoodle puppies will be approximately pounds with wavy fleece coats, curly fleece coats or the occasional straighter hair fleece coats. Our puppies can go home as early as 8 weeks old. We can also hold back a puppy if you are interested in training services. Sugar Pine Doodles on Facebook. Would you like to be a guardian for one of our breeding doodles? Please click for our Guardian Home Program to learn more. Find the Next Member of Your Family. Our Approach Our Approach We approach our Australian Labradoodle breeder program from a foundation of deep knowledge about and love of dogs and puppies. Our family has been raising fine dogs for three generations, and even great-grandma had a hobby litter or two of springer spaniels long before I was born. Our family dogs were always in our home, and they were always beloved members of our family. Here at Blossom Ranch, we continue to raise healthy, happy dogs to be beloved family companions. Many of our puppies also grow to be service dogs and therapy dogs. Lifelong experience with dogs and puppies enables us to develop Australian Labradoodle lines producing wonderful companions with exceptional temperaments, superior intelligence, and innate trainability. Along with a broad base of knowledge regarding all aspects of raising Labradoodle puppies, I have also been training dogs since early elementary school. I am very good at training dogs and puppies, and at problem solving when behaviors are not ideal. I personally discuss, with every Blossom Ranch adopter, all the training tips necessary to get your new Labradoodle puppy off to a great start. I have simple and effective tips for house-training, crate training, gently eliminating jumping, and every other common puppy challenge. I offer advice and support for all life stages of your Blossom Ranch pup — please call with any questions. We are an Australian Labradoodle breeder, breeding only the finest Australian Labradoodle puppies. Our Australian Labradoodles are outstanding in every way. They not only have regal beauty but soulful natures and outstanding temperaments that are consistent within our pooches. Read More Our years of dedication to breeding selection with an emphasis on conformation, health, temperament, and overall regal beauty are evident in all our Australian Labradoodles. Since , all our breeding dogs were handpicked by me from the finest Australian and American lines. The following colors of Australian Labradoodle puppies with beautiful non-shedding coats can be found here: Red, Apricot, Cream, Carmel, Chocolate, and Black; other colors and patterns available on occasion. It was an honor to serve as President for our breed an organization from to .Prior to that from to I served in various committees as well as the Vice President. We are proud to go to such great lengths to health test ALL our breeding stock! We are honored to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau and offer their seal of approval. You are truly getting the cream of the crop when you purchase one of our precious pampered pooches. Enjoy our website and if at any time you have any additional questions feel free to contact us through our Contact Us page. Be sure to follow us and keep up on the latest news! We started with Bulldogs which is still a great love of ours. Unfortunately in my husband and our son Grant developed terrible allergies, it left us looking and researching a new breed. We started researching other dog breeds that were hypoallergenic or allergy-friendly. We fell in love with the majestic beauty and regal elegance of the Labradoodle and purchased our first breeding Labradoodle in .The minute we saw them it was love at first sight. Here you will find general information on the Australian Labradoodle breed including size, coat, and coat types. Australian Labradoodles are very loving, social, highly trainable and excellent companion dogs with majestic beauty that compares to no other. Their eagerness to please and smart, soulful nature makes them perfect for therapy work or a perfect family pet. Testimonials As a veterinarian I work with multiple breeders. Charl and Jerry Beauchat have been clients of mine for several years. Their dogs are always kept in great condition. Every puppy is health checked and micro-chipped prior to going to its new home. Providing healthy family members remains a priority of mine as well as theirs Jonathan CortezDVM We can not say enough about the integrity of your program. Pete and Jiffy …head and shoulders above the pack when it comes to a quality breeder…. Do yourself a favor and visit Charl and Shadow Mountain Labradoodles if you are considering a new puppy. We have made a full time commitment to our program. Three of us work full time with our dogs, puppies and families. Charl and Jerry are in Southern California, our daughter Jena, has branched out and is now carrying on our work in Oklahoma! We are also currently training 10 new Australian Labradoodle Breeders in California, Oklahoma, Washington, Texas, Utah, Colorado, Missouri and Ohio to bless families and to protect this wonderful breed! Shadow Mountain Australian Labradoodles are bred with love and care in a home environment. We work hard to place our puppies in an environment where both the families and the puppies are set up for success. Quick Links.

Why do German Shepherd puppies need the best dog food? German Shepherd puppies need dog food designed for large breed puppies to ensure controlled joint and bone growth. This is because large-breed puppies are prone to certain health risks like hip dysplasia and other Orthopedic conditions. The best dog food for German Shepherds will ensure your puppy grows healthy, strong, energetic, and with lovely skin and coats. Nutritional requirements for German Shepherds puppies German Shepherd puppies require a balanced diet that contains four types of nutrients below. These ingredients will ensure that your pup grows and develops optimally for a longer quality of life. Proteins Proteins help the puppies in building up their body tissues. Proteins can be found in chicken, salmon, beef, lamb, eggs, and dairy. Fats Fats are important for healthy skin, fur, brain, and vision. The recommended fat level per dry matter basis is 8. Fats can be found in fish oil, chicken fat, and beef fat. Digestible carbohydrates Because puppies are incredibly energetic, they need digestible carbs to provide them with energy. Digestible carbohydrates can be found in rice, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and whole oats. Micronutrients In addition to these key nutrients, German Shepherd puppies also need micronutrients like calcium, phosphorus, DHA, and omega-3, and vitamin A. They also need fiber to promote digestion and bowel movement and clean water to help with bodily functions. For large dog breed only: Foods specially formulated for German Shepherd puppies: Veterinarian and pet advisor Dr. Choose a dog food that is specially formulated for German Shepherds puppies or large breed puppies can ensure your pups are getting the nutritional requirements at every stage of their growth. The opposite side is giving your pup the wrong food that may lead to serious growth and digestive problems. Things to consider before choosing dog food for German Shepherds puppies 1. Their growth Puppies may need different nutrients at different stages depending on their growth rate. For instance, a puppy in the weaning stage between three to four weeks will need more antioxidants which are found in foods containing Vitamin C and E. In contrast, a teething puppy will need wet dog food which is easily digestible food on its tummy to minimize intestinal upset. For instance, a younger puppy may have difficulty eating larger food pieces than an older puppy. Teething If your dog is teething, which starts at around three weeks, you may want to consider food that contains calcium like dairy and bone broth for strong and healthy teeth. On the other hand, if the dog has teething problems, wet food may be a better option than dry food until they recover. Alternatively, you add wet canned food to their kibble to make it soft and palatable. The body weight An underweight puppy has different dietary requirements from an overweight puppy. You do not want to underfeed or overfeed your puppy. Activity Level Puppies that are extremely active require foods high in carbohydrates to keep up their energy levels. If your dog is not as active, you want to keep the carbs down to avoid obesity. With all the many dry foods out on the market, it can be hard to choose the healthiest for your pups. Step 1. The Association of American Feed Control Officials developed nutrient profiles to establish minimum and some maximum nutrient concentrations for dogs and cats. These profiles are updated when new findings from research in pet nutrition become available. They provide practical guidance for pet food manufacturers. Adult Maintenance: Dog foods formulated for adult maintenance have the nutrients adult dogs need. Dogs over the age of one are considered adults, except for some large and giant breeds who do not fully mature until age two. You may see variations of these nutrient profiles on dog food packaging. Step 2. Read the food label The label is the most important thing you should check when deciding which puppy food to pick. Here are the 3 things you would like to read on the packaging: a. List of ingredients The list of ingredients should have the main ingredient as the first ingredient then followed by the rest according to their percentage. For instance, in the label below the first five ingredients, are chicken as the main ingredient, ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal and dried plain beet pulp. Feeding guidelines This will show you how much food and how many times you should feed your puppy. Watch this video if you want to better understand the wording on a dog food packaging means: Step 3. Are there any claims of pups reacting to the food? Do the users recommend or warn against the food? Of course, you want to go with what the majority of the reviewers say. You can also check dogadvisor. Step 4. The vet is in a better place to advise on what type of food to go for or what ingredients to avoid. Best dry foods for German Shepherds Puppies There are hundreds of dog foods out there with fancy names and ingredients, which make it so hard for dog owners to find the right food for their pups. To help you narrow down your search, we asked a couple of vets to suggest the best dog food for German Shepherds puppies. Purina Pro Plan — For sensitive skin and allergies Why do we like it? This dog food is ideal for all large breed puppies weighing over 50 pounds, GSD included. It is specially formulated for puppies with sensitive skin and stomachs. It is made with real chicken, among other high-quality ingredients. This dry food has optimal calcium levels to promote proper joint and bone growth. It helps prevent forms of hip dysplasia. Ideal for German Shepherd puppies of all ages. Delicious dry food for large breed puppies like GSD. It is specially formulated for superior vision and healthy brain development. This is an all-natural dog food specially made for large-breed puppies of all ages. It is made with real, wholesome ingredients. Making the right food choice will ensure that your puppy grows healthier, stronger, and more energetic. Weaning for a GSD puppy should start at around 6 to 8 weeks while still maintaining nursing. Complete weaning should be from 8 weeks when the puppy is fed on puppy food only. How is puppy food different from adult dog food? Puppy food contains more protein and fats, and certain minerals than adult dog food to support their growing brain, vision, nervous system, immune system, bones, and joints. When should German Shepherd puppies transition to adult dog food? German Shepherd puppies should transition to adult dog food from 12 to 24 months. The transition should be gradual, and the puppy should be constantly monitored. More posts on feeding your German Shepherds Must read:. It also tends to be high in protein. Food that is high in protein and calories will provide your puppy with the energy that they need and help them gain the right amount of weight as they grow up. Most puppy food also includes vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium and phosphorus, for healthy and strong bones and teeth. You should speak to your vet to ensure that you have the right food and are feeding your puppy the proper amount. We hope that these reviews have helped you decide on the right food for your German Shepherd puppy. Remember to stick with large-breed food because it usually has the correct ratio of vitamins and minerals to give your GSD puppy all the suitable nutrition that they need so they can grow up strong, healthy, and happy. Featured Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock Written by Kathryn Copeland Author Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future — maybe another cat and a dog.Read more Advertisement. This is a question that many German Shepherd owners ask, as they want to make sure their beloved furry friend is getting all the nutrients they need. The good news is that there are plenty of healthy dog food options out there for German Shepherds. You should eat foods that include high-quality animal-based protein sources like lamb, beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes. In addition, the meal should be plentiful in fats, vitamins, and minerals. Are eggs good for German Shepherds? Yes, eggs are a great source of protein for German Shepherds. In fact, they are one of the healthiest foods you can feed your dog. Eggs are packed with nutrients that are essential for a German Shepherd's diet, including vitamins A, D, and E. They also contain omega-three fatty acids, which are important for a dog's coat and skin health. What is the best food for German Shepherds with allergies? If your German Shepherd has allergies, it's important to find a hypoallergenic best dog food for German Shepherds that will not trigger their symptoms. There are many brands of hypoallergenic dog food on the market that use alternative protein sources, such as duck or venison. These foods are often grain-free as well, which is ideal for German Shepherds with allergies. What is the best food for German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs? If your German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach, you'll want to find a dog food that is easy on their digestive system. There are many brands of dog food that offer formulas specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs. These foods often have limited ingredient lists and use easily digestible ingredients, such as chicken or potato. What is the best food for German Shepherds with joint problems? If your German Shepherd has joint problems, you'll want to find a dog food that is rich in omega-three fatty acids. These essential nutrients help to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. There are many brands of dog food that offer formulas specifically for dogs with joint problems. These foods often contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which are known to help relieve joint pain. Now let's chat in more detail about the best dog foods for your furry friend. It is made with all natural ingredients and has no fillers or preservatives. The kibble is also enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for dogs' skin and coat health. The addition of zinc proteinate and other chelated minerals to the formula is a plus, as it leads to better absorption and nutrition. We also note the inclusion of various probiotics for better digestion and salmon oil, which is beneficial to both skin and coat. Highly suggested! All of their recipes are made with whole ingredients and cooked in small batches. The meals are portioned according to your dog's weight and activity level. Wilderness is a grain-free and protein-rich product with over a dozen options and recipes, which makes it ideal for people who want to rotate their diets. It's reasonably priced, and it gets high marks from consumers. Probiotics, high-quality fiber, and digestive enzymes are included in this formula to aid your dog's digestive health. These components create mouth-watering, healthy food that will sustain your canine companion throughout the day. The foods in this recipe include multiple probiotics for improved digestion, chelated minerals for maximized absorption, and nutrient-dense food. It's inexpensive to buy as well as simple to suggest. Eagle Pack Power Adult Dog Food Image courtesy Eagle Pack The majority of the animal protein in Adult takes the form of fresh chicken and pork meal, as confirmed by the nutritional label. The all-time classic, fully grain-inclusive design that is free of legume concentrates. Antioxidant preservatives are used in a safe and natural manner. There's no BHT or ethoxyquin. It has high animal protein levels, as well as vitamins and minerals that have been boosted through the use of freeze-dried raw pieces. It's designed to unleash your dog's potential to thrive and put the advantages of raw nutrition into every bowl, using cage-free duck as the first ingredient for powerful, lean muscles. It also contains a probiotic boost for digestive health, greater amounts of omegas for healthy skin and coat, and more antioxidants for immune health—all from the highest-quality ingredients from all over the world. This high-protein, low-carb diet is designed for sporting dogs and plush animals with rigorous exercise requirements. It's also perfect for growing pups and pregnant or nursing females. This formula has DHA to support cognitive development, as well as calcium for strong bones and teeth. Iams ProActive Health also has 22 essential vitamins and minerals to keep your puppy healthy and strong. It's nice to discover a Southwest Canyon recipe that includes natural preservatives, which implies the food does not contain any BHA, BHT, or other harmful chemicals. A major brand and a healthy all-age option for any German Shepherd. Champion Petfoods, the well-known maker of Orijen, has long promoted a meat-based "biologically appropriate" diet. This is a tried and true design that makes this particular dish an excellent choice for developing Shepherd pups. This natural dry food is developed to give complete-body nutritional support for puppies of all sizes. It's made with high-quality proteins and whole grains, all of which are complemented by omega fatty acids—such as DHA—necessary vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics. This balanced, nutritious dry dog food is intended to promote teeth and bone strength, healthy brain growth, general health, energy and vitality, optimal nutrient absorption, and healthy muscle development. It's free of GMOs, by-products from processing animals into pet food ingredients meat meal , fillers, or artificial preservatives to ensure that your dog gets the healthiest food possible. This is a tried-and-true approach that has been developed and studied for decades. It includes controlled calcium and phosphorus ratios, making it ideal for German Shepherd puppies. This large-breed dry food is made with high-quality proteins and whole grains. It's free of chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives. This recipe is designed to support the health of large breed puppies with an optimal balance of calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. It also includes DHA from fish oil for healthy brain development. This recipe includes DHA for brain development, calcium and phosphorus for bone growth, and antioxidants to support the immune system. It's also free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. You can feed your dog either dry or wet food, and he may sample two distinct flavor profiles: rice and oatmeal for salmon. Because it contains no allergens like wheat, corn, or soy, there's less of a chance that your dog will suffer an upset stomach. It also includes omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which help to promote skin, coat, and joint health. Image courtesy Blue Buffalo If you're searching for high-quality, all-natural wet dog food, Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a wonderful alternative. This dog food is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for an entourage diet. It's made with real beef and chicken, can be served as a delicious treat, or blended into your dog's regular dry food. The Blue Buffalo puppy food contains no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives; making it a healthy choice for your dog. All dishes are prepared in collaboration with veterinarians and come in a variety of delicious flavors, including beef, lamb, and turkey. All of the meats are imported from the United States, although only lamb comes from Australia. It's also gluten-free, so if you're allergic to grains, you'll be safe. There is a large selection of carbohydrates, which are mostly in the form of potatoes, and there are numerous healthy vegetables and superfoods including lentils, peas, salmon oil, and flaxseed. It's made with real meat, vegetables, and fruit. This recipe is grain-free and free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It's also high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It's made with real beef, vegetables, and fruit. It also contains sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, and flaxseed. This formula provides your German Shepherd puppy with the high protein diet they need for proper development and growth. Taste of the Wild is one of the most popular brands among dog food reviewers. It's included as our last on this list but has ranked high among some of the best dog foods for German Shepherds because it's high in protein and free of grains. What foods are German Shepherds allergic to? German Shepherds are known to be allergic to a variety of things, including wheat, corn, soy, and even some meats. If you're not sure what your German Shepherd is allergic to, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend the best food for your dog based on their specific allergies. If your German Shepherd is having any sort of adverse reaction to their food, such as scratching, biting, or licking themselves excessively, then they may be allergic to something in their food. Consult with your veterinarian if you're not sure what's causing the reaction. What is the best dog food for German Shephard puppies? Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so it's important to find a food that's specifically designed for puppies. Look for a food that has high levels of protein and fat, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Puppies also need more calories than adult dogs, so make sure the food you choose has a high calorie content. As your puppy grows, they will need less calories and protein, so you'll need to switch to a food that's designed for adult dogs. Consult with your veterinarian to find the best food for your German Shepherd puppy. What is the best food for an adult German Shepherd? The best food for an adult German Shepherd is a diet that is high in protein and fat. This breed of dog is known for its high energy levels and need for exercise, so a food that can help them maintain their energy levels is important. A diet that is too low in calories can cause your German Shepherd to become overweight or obese, which can lead to health problems. When choosing a food for your German Shepherd, it is important to read the label carefully and choose a food that is right for their age, weight, and activity level. Can a German Shepherd drink milk? Yes, German Shepherds can drink milk. Milk is a good source of calcium and other nutrients that are important for this breed of dog. However, it is important to choose a low-fat or skim milk to avoid adding unnecessary calories to their diet. What is the best way to feed a German Shepherd puppy? The best way to feed a German Shepherd puppy is to start them on a diet that is high in protein and fat. Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, so it is important to choose a food that will give them the nutrition they need without making them overweight. As your German Shepherd puppy grows, you can slowly transition them to an adult dog food. It is important to make sure that they are getting the right amount of calories and nutrients for their age, weight, and activity level. What are some common health problems German Shepherds face? Some common health problems German Shepherds face include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and allergies. This breed of dog is also susceptible to obesity, so it is important to choose a food that will help them maintain a healthy weight. German Shepherds are also prone to joint problems, so a food that is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin is important for this breed of dog. What is the life expectancy of a German Shepherd? The life expectancy of a German Shepherd is between nine and thirteen years. This breed of dog is known for being a healthy and hardy breed, but there are some health problems that can shorten their lifespan. It is important to feed your German Shepherd a diet that will help them maintain their health and keep them at a healthy weight to help ensure a long and happy life. Is it OK to put a raw egg in dog food? The answer is complicated. While some experts believe that raw eggs are perfectly safe for dogs, others believe that they can be dangerous. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. If you decide to feed your dog raw eggs, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure the eggs are fresh. Second, only feed your dog eggs that have been properly refrigerated. Finally, don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw eggs. If you're still not sure whether or not to feed your dog raw eggs, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you make the best decision for your pet. What are the benefits of raw eggs for dogs? There are a few potential benefits of feeding raw eggs to dogs. Some people believe that raw eggs can help increase a dog's energy levels, improve their coat, and even help with joint pain. While there is some anecdotal evidence to support these claims, there is no scientific evidence that raw eggs offer any health benefits for dogs. Our Criteria for Ranking the Best Dog Food Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet's health and well-being. With the plethora of options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which dog food is best for your furry friend. To simplify this process and help you make an informed decision, we have established a set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and the specific nutritional needs of dogs. Ingredients Quality: High-Quality Protein: The primary ingredient should be a high-quality animal protein source, such as chicken, beef, or fish, to support your dog's muscle development and overall health. Whole Grains and Vegetables: Whole grains and vegetables should be included to provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Absence of Fillers and Artificial Additives: No Fillers: The best dog food should not contain fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, which offer limited nutritional value and may cause allergies. No Artificial Additives: It should be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can harm your dog's health over time. Meat Meal vs. Whole Meat: Preference for Whole Meat: Whole meat sources are preferred over meat meals or by-products, as they are less processed and retain more nutritional value. Digestibility and Allergen Consideration: Hypoallergenic Options: For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, hypoallergenic options that avoid common allergens like poultry or grains should be available. High Digestibility: The dog food should be highly digestible to ensure your pet absorbs the maximum nutrients from each meal. Life Stage Appropriateness: Age and Size-Specific Formulations: The best dog food should offer formulations tailored to your dog's life stage puppy, adult, senior and size small, medium, large. Transparency and Sourcing: Transparent Labeling: Brands should provide transparent information about ingredient sourcing and processing methods. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: A commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients reflects a brand's responsibility toward animal welfare and the environment. Health Benefits and Special Considerations: Support for Special Health Needs: The best dog food may offer formulations to address specific health concerns, such as joint health, dental care, or weight management. Customer Feedback and Reviews: Positive User Experiences: Customer feedback and reviews are valuable indicators of a product's performance, safety, and palatability. Price and Value: Affordability: The cost of the dog food should be reasonable and commensurate with its quality and ingredients, offering good value for pet owners. Recall History and Safety: Safety Record: Brands with a history of recalls or safety issues should be viewed with caution, as the safety of your pet is paramount. But with our list of the 25 best dog foods for German Shepherds in , you can rest assured that you're giving your furry friend the best possible chance at a long and healthy life. When choosing dog food, consider factors such as your dog's age, size, activity level, any allergies or sensitivities, and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. What is the difference between dry and wet dog food? Dry dog food kibble is convenient, has a longer shelf life, and can help with dental health. Wet dog food contains more moisture and can be more palatable for picky eaters. Some owners choose to feed a combination for variety. Is homemade dog food a good option? Homemade dog food can be an option but requires careful research and balance to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients. Consulting with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is recommended. How can I tell if a dog food is of high quality? Look for high-quality protein sources, whole grains and vegetables, minimal fillers and additives, and adherence to AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. Checking customer reviews and consulting experts can also help. Should I choose a dog food based on my dog's breed? While some breed-specific formulas exist, it's more important to consider your dog's individual needs, age, and size when selecting dog food. What should I do if my dog has food allergies or sensitivities? If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient dog foods. Is grain-free dog food a better choice? Grain-free dog food isn't necessarily better. While some dogs may benefit from grain-free options, it's essential to ensure the food still provides balanced nutrition, as some grain-free diets have been associated with certain health issues. How often should I feed my dog, and in what portion sizes? Feeding frequency and portion sizes depend on your dog's age, size, and activity level. Puppies typically require more frequent meals. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging and adjust based on your dog's needs. Can I mix different brands or types of dog food? Mixing different brands or types of dog food can be done, but it should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best way to transition your dog to a new diet. Should I be concerned about recalls when choosing dog food? Yes, it's important to stay informed about recalls. Check the FDA and manufacturer websites regularly for recall information. Brands with a history of recalls may be worth avoiding. What is the role of my veterinarian in selecting dog food? Your veterinarian can provide valuable guidance on selecting the right dog food based on your pet's specific needs, health conditions, and dietary requirements. How can I ensure my dog stays hydrated when feeding dry dog food? Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Wetting the dry food or incorporating wet food into the diet can also increase moisture intake. Can I give my dog human food as part of their diet? While some human foods are safe for dogs, it's essential to know which ones are and to avoid potentially toxic foods. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding human food to your dog's diet. Remember that each dog is unique, and their dietary needs may vary. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and open communication about your dog's diet are key to ensuring their health and well-being. Related Content.