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The first step helps you determine why your GSD is barking and then address the underlying issue rather than reprimand the behavior. Top reasons your dog might bark at unknown people might include: Trying to greet the person but having poor greeting manners. Showing territorial behaviors, like protecting their home or yard. Seeing strangers as potential threats. So, they often bark when they notice strangers near their home or yard to protect and alert. They warn their families to threats by barking at people, even when they are not near their home or close to their yard — yet your dog hears them. Your dog will still remain watchful and aware of dangers, even if you discourage excessive barking. The goal is to help them understand the difference between non-threatening objects and threatening objects. If you think your GSD is becoming aggressive, then read up on deterring aggressiveness in your German Shepherd. Harsh punishment—such as hitting, kicking, or using shock—increases aggressiveness in some situations. Other times, owners may use a shock anti-bark collar as a method of punishment for barking. Using painful anti-bark collars and muzzles should be a last resort. Try more positive methods first before adding in negative punishment. Put the treat right up to their nose and let them smell it. Praise him and give him the treat. Repeat this procedure regularly over a period of several days until your dog starts understanding what the command means. Gradually extend the waiting period to five seconds, then 10 seconds, then 20 seconds and then 30 seconds and longer. Finally, work up to the minute mark for the waiting time until the reward. If your German Shepherd barks at strangers when he is outside the house, for example, during walks, then begin a desensitization program. This is a way to find their threshold when they start barking and to work on decreasing the distance to the stimulus the stranger they bark at. Use treats that are soft, like cheese, tiny pieces of fresh-cooked chicken, or even homemade dog training fudge. Reserve these treats only for outside training times, which makes them more high value to your GSD. Be on the lookout for: a stiff body hair standing erect on the back and shoulders attentive staring at the stranger or nuisance object When you see your dog showing these signs, move away from the stimulus stranger. Hold the treat in front of their nose so they can smell and see the treat. As he looks at the treat and walks past or away from the stranger, give him the treat before he has time to bark. You are looking to get their attention away from the distraction. Check out the following for the best German Shepherd training commands for the ultimate in behavior modification. Remember that learning a new behavior takes time, especially a self-rewarding behavior like barking. This means your dog may take weeks and weeks of training to curb its desire to bark at strangers. Keep rewarding them with pea-size pieces of soft treats when outdoors and when they look at you and sit or performs a command you ask , instead of barking. Territorial and alarm barking arise when your dog sees or hears something that excites them. This is why your German Shepherd barks at the living room window or along the fence as strangers walk by. The fastest method to stop barking at the window or in the yard is to control their environment. In your yard, install privacy fencing or place reed fencing to fill in the gaps in the fence and cut off views to adjoining yards or activity in the street. Indoors, leave the curtains or blinds closed. Keep your dog away from the areas where strangers walk past, like your front door and rooms near the street or sidewalk. If your dog barks at strange noises, then install a white noise machine to help blur the background sounds that cause them to bark. Use this guide to exercise your German Shepherd and meet their physical needs to reduce unwanted behavior. Changing a self-rewarding behavior like barking at strangers can take weeks or months of diligent practice. Many forward-thinking German Shepherd owners, like yourself, who want to teach their dogs to listen to them and avoid unwanted behaviors with positive training did so by joining an online training program that uses scientifically-backed protocols found in the online Brain Training for Dogs program. Imagine learning how to control your German Shepherd with kindness, compassion, and science. The step-by-step obedience videos help teach your dog to listen to you and, with time and training, to listen to your quiet command and stop them from barking at strangers. Take a moment to look over the online training program and learn how to use brain training for better behavior. You and your dog deserve a break from their barking to have some fun! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd dogs are known to be vocal. Compared to other dogs, this breed will often let you know about their wants and needs. This dog breed is also energetic, driven, and the most adorable. The common age for German Shepherd dogs to start barking is when they reach months. However, this breed will start vocalizing in weeks. Given the biological structure of a German Shepherd dog, it is natural for its bark to be a lot louder than any other dog. It is always better to know why your German Shepherd dog is barking. Many reasons trigger your GSD. Below is a list of possible reasons that might help you understand your dog better. The dog believes that it is his job to keep the family safe. German Shepherd dogs get alarmed for the slightest sound, moving vehicles, or even for tiny creatures like squirrels or birds in the garden. They think all of these aforementioned are threats to his family members and himself. The first instinct is to chase the sounds away, resulting in the dog barking out loud! This undesirable behavior can be avoided by socializing your German Shepherd well. Excitement Dogs are generally cheerful animals. They do not know how to control their emotions. Sometimes the only way to express and let out the feeling of happiness is to bark. This type of behavior is seen mostly with German Shepherd puppies. They are excited to see you! You know how you scream and jump and hug when you see someone you like? Unnecessary barking can even be for a high-value treat or when they see a friendly dog. This can be done by training him with the help of some yummy treats; eventually, the German Shepherd will learn to control its emotions. German Shepherds are known to be dogs with high energy levels. When they feel lazy and laid back, barking comes to the rescue. Boredom can result due to lack of attention. A tiny pat on the dog and a little playtime in the garden is what your GSD needs. A playful and busy dog is always a happy dog. Feeling Lonely Be it a puppy or a full-grown adult German Shepherd; they feel lonely if they are left alone in your living room. This feeling of loneliness can go from being just sad to intense levels of separation anxiety. Taking your German Shepherd on a walk or socializing more can help this condition. Anger or Anxiety German Shepherd dogs are prone to anxiety. Anxiety coupled with the feeling of fear will make your GSD bark or even bite, for that matter. Making a German Shepherd angry will make him feel nervous. Annoyance is also a reason to make a dog angry. Repeating actions that they do not like or engaging in activities that your GSD gets triggered can cause them to be annoyed. Annoyance often results in a dog barking to express his feelings. Sometimes dogs do tend to bark or howl in a painful way to let the owner be aware of the pain they are going through. The nuisance barking can be due to an underlying health issue. This is often considered a common coping mechanism with any dog breed. Know Your German Shepherd Better — Body Language Guide Most dogs communicate by barking when they want to say something, but knowing their body language is an added point to understand your dog better. It is a sign of submission. The dog knows that you are the boss! Biting Teeth Or Snarling This is a sign of aggression against something. It could be a neighboring dog or a street dog, a cat, a stranger and the list goes on. Right after this, your German Shepherd will start barking nonstop. Knowing what is irritating and distracting him from that can stop unwanted barking. When your dog is in a playful mood, it is always wise to play with it or give a toy to him—not playing when he wants to can lead to a sad or lonely dog which would trigger excessive barking. If your GSDs tail is very high, it means that your dog is very excited, on alert, or even a sign of dominance. It especially shows that he is in charge of the house to other animals or dogs. With this tail position, GSDs often bark out loud. Tail hanging down means that he is relaxed and chilled. Nothing bothers him, so you know you should not aggravate him by annoying him. Tail raised and wagging fast; we all know what this means. This means they are very happy and excited to see someone or feel in a specific way. When your GSDs tail is stuck in between the legs, he feels scared—often coupled with a lot of barking. Fear can cause your GSD to feel very uncomfortable, so you might want to change this feeling for him before his barking worsens. If you see this body language from your dog, just know to give him some space. This is mostly to soothe itself to sleep, or your dog is just having a moment so let it enjoy the time. This is the star question of my article. I understand no matter how much you love your pet, the undesirable barking of the German Shepherd will most likely ruin your peace. There are many ways to overcome the German Shepherd barks. This involves a lot of patience and training. Obedience training must start at a young age. First things first, stop praising when your German Shepherds bark. They are obedient dogs. Chances of them listening to a simple no are high. If your barking German Shepherd stops barking, praise them with a high-value reward. The dog will know that not barking is a self-rewarding behavior. You could get the help of a clicker to train your dog. Clicker commands are easier to follow in dog training. How much training is required to train your dog will depend on each dog. Some German Shepherds are fast learners born with calm behavior, whereas some are born with notorious genes. Another easy way to stop barking behavior is to ignore the barking. The German Shepherd will eventually understand that barking does not do any good when you ignore the barks. They understand simple commands even when they are puppies. It is always better to use positive reinforcement training methods. Training sessions should start in the morning or evening, a more quiet and peaceful time. Find the root cause for the excess barking of your German Shepherd. It would help if you started by triggering his undesirable behaviors. When the dog starts barking, you should command it to stop barking. Once the dog stops the barking, make sure to give it a treat. The next step is desensitizing your dog to whatever triggered its barking. When you see your German Shepherd being sensitive to a particular thing, desensitizing it can stop or reduce the barking next time. Get your German Shepherd to get used to it very often. For example, suppose your dog is sensitive to moving cars. In that case, you can take him on walks and give daily exercises to familiarize your dog with moving cars. It is important to provide this mental stimulation at least every other day to effectively train your dog. Negative reinforcement methods are always discouraged because they inflict pain or suffering. Using shock collars or e-collars on your German Shepherd could make them more aggressive. Do not opt for surgical methods which involve removal of the larynx. It is sad to see dogs go through painful surgeries and be voiceless just because barking is a nuisance. How selfish! Muzzles are not advisable in training dogs. Dogs by nature are animals who need to bark. I mean it! Finally, stop punishing your German Shepherd just because it barks. The first step is to make sure that it is not a medical condition. If that problem is cleared next is to see if the GSD is feeling comfortable enough. If being uncomfortable is the reason, give it some time to familiarize itself. Sometimes aging can be a reason for your GSD to not bark. The level of barking differs from the type of personality. German Shepherds are naturally protective and may bark at night as a form of guarding their territory. This barking can be triggered by a variety of stimuli, such as cats, strangers, or other small animals. Yes, German Shepherds bark more than other breeds because of their strong instinct to guard and protect, as well as their natural inclination towards vocalization. It is recommended to start training a German Shepherd puppy at 8 weeks of age, as they are intelligent and able to learn basic commands easily. However, it is beneficial to start training from a young age, as puppies are able to pick up new skills quickly. No, it is never too late to train a German Shepherd Dog. With the right training techniques and plenty of patience and affection, German Shepherds are always receptive to learning new behaviors, regardless of prior training. To address excessive barking, pet owners should consult with a veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist to determine the cause of the behavior and create a behavior modification plan. German Shepherds typically bark the most when they are puppies and young adults, but can continue to bark throughout their lives if not properly trained. Final Thoughts German Shepherd barks are a problematic issue worldwide with all German Shepherd owners. Not only barking but GSD owners encounter other undesirable behaviors. Unsocialized dogs will take their time to stop excessive barking. In contrast, puppies trained from smaller days will pick up training methods proactively. Even though the German Shepherd barking problems are unbearable they are amazing watchdogs. When your dog stops barking unnecessarily and progresses through its barking problem, make sure to appreciate your GSD. With appreciation and so much love, you can bond better, which will ultimately result in living a stress-free loved life with your German Shepherd Dog! Okay, some breeds don't, but only a few sticklers will argue against the statement "Dogs bark. Some of us know more than others just how bad it can be, especially if you live in a neighborhood with close neighbors, or an apartment. So, what can you do about it? First off, dogs bark for a plethora of reasons. To fix the behavior, you have to start with the problem, and the problem is "Why. The average dog sleeps around 11 hours a day. A tired dog is less likely to bark when you're away at work, so make sure your dog has an adequate amount of physical and mental exercise before you leave. Another big reason is a lack of socialization. A dog that has had positive experiences with people during the socialization process and is taught to ignore them as background noise won't bark at everyone as they simply make their way down the street. Sometimes, something as simple as meeting the mail carrier in a positive way is enough to get a dog to stop barking at them. Use this method to include all different types of people of varying ages and any contraptions that they may be associated with, like bicycles and skateboards, etc. Don't respond to demands from your dog. If your dog barks or whines in the crate, the door doesn't open until they're quiet. If they bark at you to get a treat, you don't give them a treat until they're quiet. A lot of people train their dog to bark at the door to go out, only to realize their dog likes to come in and go outside nonstop. They end up barking all day long. So be careful to not only not respond to their demands when they bark, but not to create your own barking Frankenstein's Monster! This may seem counterproductive considering what I just said about being careful not to create your own Frankenstein's Monster of barking, but.Hear me out before you judge! Teaching a dog to bark on command isn't teaching your dog to bark for no reason or a reason that they choose when to use. You use your command for them to bark when you want them to, they bark, you reward. If you're diligent in your work of training your dog, your dog surely knows what "no" means. Instead of saying "bark," when they bark without you asking them to, say "no bark. Using a "quiet" command is similar to a "no bark" command but a little different. The first entails teaching to control a dog's barking in a roundabout way. Teaching a "quiet" command is a bit more negative, but nothing extreme at all. It simply involves waiting for them to bark and saying in a firm voice "quiet. When they do that, reward. If they start barking again, repeat the process. If that sounds too easy, or you think you know it won't work on your dog, you might be right. But no worries, you just have to find a way to break their concentration from barking to giving their attention back to you having your dog's attention is called "engagement". If a firm, yet normal voiced "quiet" doesn't work in getting them to turn their head to look at you, say it a bit louder and sharp. If that doesn't work, whistle. That'll be your "quiet" command, then reward when they look to you. If that doesn't work, put a long leash and collar on them, when they bark, correct them while saying "quiet. We already went over boredom and anxiety, but what if the exercise doesn't work? No worries, there's a solution for that! T oys and puzzle games. Fill a Kong with treats mixed with peanut butter and freeze it overnight. You instantly have a toy a dog can play with for hours before getting all of the goodies out of it. Sodapup licking mats also do well in this category. You can also use treat dispensing toys of your dog's choice and leave them around as well. As for anxiety, close the windows and blinds, and leave on the radio or TV. Make it feel and sound like you're home and limit outside stimuli. So do as much as possible to minimize the very presence of such stimuli. Get help. There's a lot of help out there for you. If your dog is good for half the day because you go on a morning run, but starts barking halfway through the day? It may suit you and your dog better to hire a dog walker. If you're out of your depth training wise, that's okay too. You can always hire a trainer or look into doggy daycares. If you find a tip or trick or technique or toy or idea that works for you, that isn't found here in the span of this article, that's great! Share it in the comments! Share this article while you're at it. If you love dogs, and dog training, and you don't learn something new every day, make that a new goal. There's always something else to try, or one more thing you can do to fix an issue, or lessen the symptoms of it at the very least. Don't give up! Thank you for reading, and please leave a like and share. German Shepherds have been bred for the sole purpose of protecting their owners and hunting other animals as prey. Even though they have been domesticated to fit into a suburban home, these dogs still carry their instinctive traits with them. Even though the neighbors may be complaining about the chaos they are causing by barking, it is important to understand the meaning behind this behavior before you take actions to control it. You see, your dog does not know that barking is disturbing you and other people. Barking is one of the most prominent vocal ways they can communicate to their owner. Although barking cannot be translated for humans to understand, it is important to your dog. They do not mean to cause harm or disturbances; in their eyes, it is part of their protective and loyal nature. So, by an unfamiliar guest entering the house, your German Shepherd is bound to freak out. Barking is then used to take the stranger off guard and make them scared of your dog. Although this sometimes works, it can be annoying if your German Shepherd does not stop barking the entire time this stranger is in your house. This uncontrolled barking is undesirable in certain circumstances, it is wanted in cases of burglary or to alert you of potential danger. This makes it essential to handle the situation in the right way because by discouraging and punishing your dog from barking in unfamiliar situations, you are risking yourself and your family if the case was serious. You want to opt for positive reinforcement and avoid locking them outside, in a room, hitting, or shouting at them in this situation. This allows your German Shepherd to become familiar with the person before being shocked by them entering the house. You can also give them treats during this time to ensure they know that you are happy with them smelling the items. Explain to the person how to treat the dog. Make sure that the visitor knows how to handle being around a protective dog breed. They should never go into pet the dog right away or be at face level where they can be bitten. Get the person to ignore the dog upon entering. This can be done by avoiding eye contact, not speaking to the dog, and making no interest to touch the dog. The dog will get bored soon and figure out they are not a threat. If your German Shepherd barks at strangers during a walk, try to avert their attention by speaking to them and ask the stranger to completely ignore your dog. The only difference between other dogs and people is that dogs can understand what your dog is trying to convey by barking. Unfamiliar dogs will cause your German Shepherd to become protective over you. Larger or more dominant dogs can also cause your German Shepherd to bark out of fear. To discourage this behavior, a few steps should be taken: Do not allow an aggressive dog to enter the premises. This will frighten your dog and may even be potentially dangerous. Let your dog smell the scent of the other dog on your hands. Use a light-hearted voice and gentle actions to show that you are okay. Place the two dogs on leads to ensure that they are not able to get to one another while they are in a protective barking state. This can lead to fighting. Ignore the dog that is being barked at and stroke your dog to show that it is going to be okay. If their neck fur is standing up, they are most likely scared and need reassurance. Speak gently to both dogs and allow them to sniff each other once they have calmed down. This should only be done if their tails are wagging in excitement to meet each other. Allowing the stranger to give them treats Do not allow visitors to give your dog treats or food. Burglars use this tactic to poison dogs upon entering the house. Teach your dog not to accept food from strangers, just like you would do with children. This also applies to not giving them a treat when a visitor is in the house. This may encourage them to bark at people because they associate the treat with barking. Negative reactions pushing, shouting, hitting, fearing, time-out Do not punish your dog for barking. This can include having strangers push them away, hit them, run, or act in fear or even put them in time out. This only makes your dog confused and does not help the situation. It can make it worse. Image Credit: marcin jucha, Shutterstock Conclusion Barking may be an unwanted habit in your German Shepherd but identifying and taking control of the situation as the owner is one of the most beneficial ways to stopping unwanted barking. Related German Shepherd Reads:.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. There are also many others that continue to copy and steal our pictures. You can reach us at: premierdoodles gmail. Introduction to Premier Doodles! We specialize in producing European F1, F1b and Multigen Standard Premier Bernedoodles, beautiful gems that have exceptional conformation, coat quality, temperament, intelligence and health. We have also started an exceptional mini-multigen Bernedoodle project, however, this will represent a small part of our breeding plans. We believe that our quality will be evident when you look thru our website and see the consistency in beauty and elegance we achieve. We are located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain escarpment of the Greenville, South Carolina region, voted one of the best cities in the U. We first started breeding over 30 years ago started with AKC golden retrievers and have been training dogs ever since and have invested considerable time and finances procuring the best champion line standard poodles and European Bernese mountain dogs in the market so that you have dogs that have their champion bloodlines, bred for exceptional temperament, hybrid vigor and exceptional health see "Health" , intelligence, conformation, silky and shiny wavy superior coats, and that are sweet natured, playful and full of love. Our puppies will have completed an extensive training program that starts right after birth thru 8 weeks when they go to their new homes. Our standard poodles and bernese mountain dogs are all AKC registered and have been carefully selected to have exceptional conformation, health, coat and temperament. Our AKC registered bernese mountain dogs are of European descent and exhibit the obvious beauty of European bloodlines and our amazing Standard Poodles come from champion and Kit-Sue bloodlines. Our Premier Standard Poodles consist of champion lines all the way through, exceptionally low COI scores, genetic tested for breed specific diseases, health checked by our veterinarian, OFA hips and elbows normal, and bred for beautiful conformation, colors, markings, and temperament. Once you see our pictures and testimonials, you'll see the Premier difference! All of our dams and sires are raised and kept in our home and we don't use guardian homes outside of our family and we keep them in our home in the main living areas. We all have a common goal to produce the best. We monitor pathogens closely and do lots of routine testing and we have never had a one problem and have long lived healthy dogs. We will followup with our customers during the first 2 years to make sure their puppy is doing well and to help along the way. We are always available for the lifetime of your puppy. We also have a FaceBook page, www. We even have a FB page just for families that have brought home their new Premier Bernedoodle so that they can network and exchange information and ideas with others in our Premier family this one is closed to just our customers. About the Doc Dr. Carmichael's passion for animals no doubt is in large part due to his amazing parents who fostered and allowed Chris and his siblings to grow up with dogs and a menagerie of reptiles and spent countless hours at the nearby zoos. In addition to his dog experience, Dr. Carmichael has experience and has published as an academic researcher in the field of animal behavior and has also spent considerable time as a zoo keeper and curatorial advisor at the Brookfield Zoo and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. We are meticulous when it comes to genetics and producing the best bernedoodle's for you. Please see the tabs at the top to find the information you are looking for and please never hesitate to drop us a line with any questions you may have. We are always here to help! Instagram Feed. Bernedoodles raised with love in charming Charleston, South Carolina. Hello, my name is Julia Martin or "Miss Julia" as I'm known to my friends and I've raised and shown dogs for many years; about 10 years ago, when I should have been retiring, my children and grandchildren developed a love for the Bernedoodle and I'm back doing what has always been my passion; raising wonderful family pets and absolutely loving it! It is our passion and joy to raise the best F1 Standard Bernedoodle puppies on the planet. Choosing a puppy can be stressful, to say the least, but if you want a Bernedoodle who will make you glad you decided to get a puppy, choose a Cobblestone Bernedoodle puppy. Cobblestone Bernedoodles are beautiful, healthy, highly intelligent and have loving and sweet personalities. People often ask why we have Bernedoodle puppies available when other breeders do not. Unlike many breeders, we do not maintain a wait list or take deposits on puppies before they are born. So, our Bernedoodle puppies are available after they are born without a long line of. Why Bernedoodles? Bernedoodles are often much more sensible and laid-back than many of the Doodles. Still jolly and playful, but not hyperactive or noisy dogs that love to bark like many poorly bred Doodles. Bernedoodles are gentle with children and great with other pets. Even the family feline will grow to love or at least tolerate! Bernedoodles are very allergy-friendly. Bernedoodles are an excellent choice for families or individual dog owners because of their calm, gentle personalities and easy trainability. Bernedoodles are playful with children, but still quiet-natured dogs with merry, yet laid-back dispositions. Unlike many of the "Doodles", they are not hyperactive or overly vocal. The Bernedoodle inherits the rather quiet, gracious sweet-natured temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog, while still maintaining the comical, affectionate and highly intelligent personality of the Standard Poodle. I love all of the colors - each Bernedoodle has their own unique markings and the Sables will have stunning highlights! Those tall white stockings and all that crisp-looking trim really accents the lovely background color and make for a Bernedoodle that will turn heads wherever you go. Bernedoodle Conformation and type One of the females in our new litter, isn't she gorgeous!? We have several puppies in this color! Not only rare colors, but correct conformation with lots of substance and bone, correct structure, and balance are essential for a truly classic Bernedoodle puppy. Years of showing purebred dogs have helped this dog breeder develop a keen sense of what a quality Bernedoodle should possess. The temperament, which is profoundly influenced by the way a puppy is raised. A more laid-back personality means your puppy will grow up into a sensible member of the family who can be trusted not to eat the couch when you run out for few minutes. Puppies need to be raised with lots of structure and teaching a puppy basic manners needs to start in the whelping box. Cobblestone Bernedoodle puppies are raised with loads of love but we strive to help each puppy in our care know that the two-footed people are always in charge, so important for baby Bernedoodles or dogs of any breed to understand at an early age. How Bernedoodle size affects personality A word about why we no longer offer the miniature version of Bernedoodle. Well-bred Bernese Mountain Dogs and top quality Poodles are the recipe for outstanding Bernedoodle puppies. If you've been considering a Goldendoodle or perhaps a Labradoodle the same temperment considerations apply. Don't miss the Bernedoodle, a bit more laid-back and easy to train option for a wonderful canine companion. They offer families a beautiful dog that comes in a variety of attractive color combinations all with the same fun-loving yet calm personality that is ideal for families with children. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Charleston South Carolina and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Can chocolate Labradors have blue eyes? This is a very popular question here at Ruffwood Labs. The chocolate Labrador Retriever, initially known as the "ugly duckling" is now among one of the most in-demand dog breeds. With his endearing personality and willingness to please; the chocolate, along with yellow, fox red, and black Labrador, have won first place among the hearts of millions of dog lovers. History of the breed The chocolate Labrador Retriever was admitted to the breed long after the yellow and black Labrador. It was not until the twentieth century that these dogs were recognized in the United States. Until that time both chocolate and yellow were considered outcast. These colors, when compared to the black Labrador, were not considered to be "show quality," when it came to exhibitions. The chocolate color in Labs is not a simple recessive gene. It is even more difficult for breeders to determine a pattern to constantly produce chocolate colored Labs with the same dark shading and color intensity. Many geneticists think that this breed is produced through the action of partial dominant genes. The temperament of a chocolate Labrador Like all Labradors, the chocolate-colored ones have a soft and sweet behavior. The eyes are the passage to the soul of a Labrador. Friendly and loyal, the eyes of a Lab tell the story of this attractive breed. Raised to hunt, recover and rescue, this dog has resilience and energy to spare, which makes it a good hunting partner. Easy to train, these Labradors excel in field trials, agility and obedience. Stable and reliable, this breed is notable as rescue and search canines, assistance for the physically disabled and guide dogs for the blind. His intelligence, kindness, and ability to adapt, make him popular as a family pet. Labradors are among the most popular dog breed in the world. Eye Color Any dog breed can have almost any color eyes. It mostly depends on their genetics. However, for a Labrador to have blue eyes, the genetics has to be very poor. According to basic breed standard Friendly eyes means the dog will have a good temperament, alertness, and intelligence. Yellow or black eyes are undesirable as they give a harsh expression. An eye rim without pigmentation is considered a disqualification. It is hard to disagree, that the green, hazel or golden eyes of the Lab give it a truly outstanding presence. And the different shading in the coats from the light chocolate to the dark chocolate color attracts many owners to the Labrador breed. Ruffwood Labs would love to pair you with your next best four-legged friend, no matter what eye color or coat color you prefer. Post not marked as liked2 Featured Posts. Conclusion Similarly, there are some Labradors that have green or yellow-green eyes. In fact, it is a game of diluted genes. When a puppy will be born, its eyes will be closed for about 14 days. At this stage, their eye color remains mostly blue. Chocolate lab blue eyes can be noticed properly at the age of weeks old. At this time, you can predict the actual coming color of your Labradors. It is often seen that blue-eyed chocolate labs carry a high price. Mostly, these come for show dogs in circuses or in the ring for many purposes. One of the best qualities of Chocolate Labradors is that they are great hunters. Due to exceptional talent and skills, these breeds have won various awards and prizes. There are many questions regarding the actual eye color of chocolate labs. Some of the main questions are discussed below in detail. Can chocolate Labradors have blue eyes? Now the same concept has been changed and blue-eyed chocolate labs are high in-demand dog breeds. Simply, they have endearing personalities and they are always willing to please others. By ranking the Labradors with its coat color scheme, the chocolate, yellow, fox red, and black Labs won the hearts of millions of dog lovers. Now the Labrador Retrievers are considered as one of the top Americas dog breeds. Blue Eyed Chocolate Labrador Breeders You can find Labrador breeders easily in the big towns but finding a specific lab breeder according to coat color is a bit tricky and a difficult task. Or you can find blue-eyed chocolate lab puppies for sale near me and you will also find quality Labrador breeders who produce only chocolate labs. Here is a list of Top Labrador Breeders serving in America. Reason for Chocolate labs blue Eyes The eye color of dogs normally depends on their genetics. It is based on poor genetics. Labrador with blue eyes is the main example of poor genetics. As per basic breed standard, friendly eyes come in terms of good temperament, alertness, and intelligence. Features of a Perfect Chocolate Lab Their eyes should be well apart and in medium size instead of protruding. At the time of birth, their eye color should be brown in yellow and black Labs but in the category of Chocolate Labs, it must be hazel or brown. Eyes should be in normal size and not too small or set close together. It is confirmed that the green, hazel, or golden eyes of Labs make them an outstanding breed. Also, many people love different coat colors including light chocolate and dark chocolate color. Conclusion When a Labrador Retriever puppy is born, apart from its coat color, your Lab will have blue eyes. With the passage of time and as the puppies grow, their eye color starts changing from blue to their permanent color. Normally, blue-eyed chocolate labs remain for weeks. Hope you got the reasons and information for chocolate labs blue eyes. If not, write us back and we will provide you more information. If you like the post, please share it with your friends and other dog lovers. Also, if you want more information, comment below and we will reply to you in detail. When bringing a new Labrador Retriever into your home, it is important to know if you are getting a purebred or if you are getting a mixed Labrador. Can Labradors have blue eyes? All brown Labradors have blue eyes when they are born. When they are about 4 months old, their blue eyes change to hazel or brown. Labradors, according to what kind of Labrador they are, will have different colored eyes. A chocolate lab will have hazel or brown eyes; a yellow lab will have brown eyes, and a black labrador will also have brown eyes. Even though it is very rare, some Labrador Retriever dogs will have green or yellow-green eyes. When a puppy is born, its eyes stay closed for usually up until 14 days. Their color will start to show up, even though it might not completely take over the whole eye at this point. To start with, Labrador puppies have blue eyes. Until they have pigment, puppy eyes are blue for a week or two after they open. About a month old, you can start to see the final eye color forming, and it will take another two months until the pigment is fully developed. If you are thinking about getting a Labrador but you do not know what color Lab to get, here are some tips of what is different between all of the different Labs. Each of these types of Labrador has been associated with different jobs. Yellow Labrador The Yellow Labrador is associated with being a guide dog for people that are blind. This type of Labrador usually has a very good personality and is known to be easy to train and to love everyone that they meet. Even though Yellow Labradors are often times made to be guide dogs, these types of dogs are also very good at just being a pet. These Labs are different only because they have an orange tint to their coats. Even though they do not have their own color category, they are considered to be part of the Yellow Lab group. Even though it is considered a Yellow Lab, many breeders will refer to it as a Fawn Labrador. Chocolate Labrador Chocolate Labradors are known for being either pet dogs or dogs that are show dogs. Chocolate Labrador dogs are known for being show dogs in circuses and in the ring for many years. Now though, Chocolate Labradors are known to be good hunters. Many of the owners have seen a difference in what their Chocolate Labradors can do and many of them have begun to win awards. Black Labradors Black Labradors are known for being good hunting dogs. The great thing about Black Labradors is that they have become very amazing companions and they are perfect pets. Even though we think they are very cute, they are one of the least picked Labrador colors out of all of the other Labradors. Beyond the three popular Labrador Retrievers, there are other Labs that are not as common. The Silver Labrador has come about because they have had their genes diluted which causes some people to not want to have this type of Lab. It is important that you talk to the breeder or our vet before you decide to purchase a Lab that has diluted genes. Even though choosing a certain color is a preference, the real question should be if you want to get a show or a working Labrador. A show Labrador will most likely be a little smaller because and will not be as muscular as working Labradors. They will be lighter, and they will not be as hard of workers as working dogs. A working Labrador is going to be larger and more muscular. If you are looking for a Labrador to be your partner in activities such as playing and long-distance running, then having a working dog will be a better choice for you. Should I Get a Rescue Labrador? Anytime that you are able to get a rescue dog, it is better than purchasing from a breeder. The first reason is that these dogs that are at rescue centers need a forever home. If you decide to take a rescue, you are giving the dog to have a happy life for the rest of its life. Another reason to get a rescue Labrador is if you are looking for a dog that is past its puppy stage and is in adulthood. Rescue dogs will love their new homes and they will work hard to make sure that you are pleased with them, making their life better and making them easier to train and get used to their new home. Rescue dogs are loveable and happy when they get in their new homes because they are desperately looking for a forever family to call their own. Labrador retrievers can be a variety of colors, but most of them have the same type of body. They are considered to be medium-to-large dogs, and they are known for the dual coat that they have. Labrador retrievers have large bodies, up to 24 inches long, and some of them are as heavy as 80 pounds. Labrador retrievers have long legs and webbed feet. Labrador retrievers have medium-sized ears that hang down and a thick tail. They are covered with short hair that sheds a lot in the winter and in the summer months to help them stay healthy and warm. Most Labrador Retriever dogs are very popular because of their amazing personalities. Most Labs are known for being loving, kind, patient, fun, happy, eager, energetic, caring, and loyal. Labrador Retrievers love to play and be energetic. They crave attention and being around their humans. Most Labrador retrievers are able to get along with other animals and pets because they love to be sociable and to get to know new people and other animals. Even though puppies and Labrador Retrievers can be a little bit destructive, if you learn to understand their personality and give them a lot of exercise, your Labrador puppy will learn to be calm and make an amazing pet. Since Labrador retrievers are so large, they are very active. It is important that you take time out of your day to make sure that your Labrador has plenty of exercise and fun. As a rule of thumb, most Labrador dogs that are adults, need to have at least an hour and a half of exercise on a daily basis. If you find that you are not able to give your Labrador the exercise that he or she needs, you will find that your dog will become bored, agitated, and will have a lot of extra energy. This can lead to your Labrador being aggressive and destructive. Choosing the right Labrador Retriever should not be based on what color Labrador you want or based on his or her eye color, but it is important to figure out if you want to have a show dog, a working dog, or just a pet. All of these things can determine what type of dog you are getting. Sometimes, people are looking to be helpful ,and purchasing a Labrador Retriever from a rescue home can be very beneficial both to the Lab and to their new home. Rescue dogs sometimes have the best personalities, and if you want a dog that will be forever grateful, then get a rescue dog. Black and yellow labradors will have brown eyes, and you will find that chocolate labradors can have a mix between Brown and Hazel. Of course, you will see some variations as this is only natural. Brown eyes can vary slightly between a dark brown and light brown color. There are different proportions of green, amber, and brown in hazel eyes. You may see a chocolate Labrador with green eyes toward the other end of the spectrum. This is when you might notice the chocolatey tones making their way through. The process, however, takes time and does not occur overnight. Blue Labs with blue eyes? In fact, there are very few ways for dogs to have blue eyes, and none of them occur naturally in the Labrador breed. But can you picture their eyes without looking at a photo? Chocolate Lab eye color Eye color in Labradors falls broadly into two categories: brown, and hazel. Of course, a little natural variation is allowed between individuals. So brown eyes can vary from dark espresso to warm sepia, and everything in between. And hazel eyes can have varying proportions of green, amber and brown in them. At the furthest possible end of the spectrum, you might even occasionally meet a chocolate lab with green eyes. This is true of the chocolate English Labrador belonging to show lines, and the American Chocolate brown Lab bred from working lines. When there is lots of melanin in the eye it absorbs light, and we see the color brown. When there is very little melanin, light scatters around the tissues of the iris instead, and we perceive that scattered light as being blue. Green, yellow, grey and amber eyes are caused by an intermediate amount of melanin, so that we see a mix of both phenomena. There are four ways dogs can have so little pigment in their eyes that they appear blue, but none of them are associated with Labradors. The blue eye gene Some dogs carry a specific gene for blue eyes called ALX4, which determines the amount of pigment in the eyes independently of the genes determining coat color. Huskies are a well-known example of a breed carrying this gene. Merle coloring Merle coat coloring is closely associated with blue eyes. Dogs with the merle gene have patches of diluted pigment in their coat, and often one or two blue eyes. Common examples include Australian Shepherds and Great Danes. Albinism Albinism is a genetic condition which inhibits pigment formation anywhere in the body. Albino dogs have white fur, and blue or pink eyes. Dogs with white patches covering one or both eyes are also less likely to make pigment in those irises. What about Lab with blue eyes? They are highly pigmented dogs, and that includes their eyes! However, some Labradors with the color dilution gene do make less pigment than others. Silver Labs are chocolate Labs with the color dilution gene. Their coat is lighter brown than a traditional chocolate Lab — think more chocolate milkshake than chocolate brownie. Their eyes are lighter too — usually somewhere between amber and pale green. Baby chocolate Lab with blue eyes All Labrador puppies are born with blue eyes to begin with. The earliest you might start to see their final eye color appearing is about a month old, and it can take a further two months for the pigment to finish developing. They could have inherited the blue eye gene from a Husky ancestor and combined it with the genes for a brown coat. Or, they could have inherited the merle gene from a merle ancestor. If they have the merle gene they will also have a merle pattern coat, so have a look for tell tale patches of dilute fur color. What about a blue Labrador with blue eyes? Blue Lab puppies are something our readers often ask about, meaning dogs with grey fur. Could this be an alternative route to a Labrador with blue eyes? Blue dogs are black dogs with color dilution. Black Labs with the dilution gene are known as charcoal rather than blue. They are not terribly common, and their pedigree status is often subject to heated debate.

Feeding your puppy a high-quality , complete and balanced puppy food helps set him up for a long and healthy life as an adult dog. This raises a lot of questions for first-time and even veteran puppy owners, though. How much should you feed your puppy and when? When should you stop feeding puppy food? Get answers to these questions and more in our complete puppy feeding guide below. Our experts answer your questions and offer advice to help set you and your puppy up for success. What to Feed a Puppy When it comes to feeding puppies, there are a lot of factors to consider. Overall nutrition, breed size and the type of food all play a role. Feeding puppies a complete and balanced puppy food ensures they get the proper nutrition to develop and grow into healthy adult dogs. Puppy foods are formulated with a balance of nutrients to help puppies grow up healthy and happy. Look for formulas rich in high-quality proteins to support their growing bodies. Fat and carbohydrates supply the energy active and playful puppies need, while calcium supports developing teeth and bones and DHA helps support healthy brain and vision development. If you have a large breed puppy, he may benefit from a large breed-specific puppy formula. Small breeds can also benefit from small breed-specific puppy formulas. Regardless of breed size, the food should be complete and balanced for growing puppies. The difference in formulas comes down to the unique needs of large and small breeds. Large dogs have a higher risk of developing joint problems, so a large breed puppy food should include proper levels of nutrients to support their healthy growth and development. Small breeds may prefer smaller kibble so they can more easily chew their food, which helps ensure they get all the nutrients they need. This results in a nutrient-dense, high-energy formula which adults and puppies need to support a healthy lifestyle. As you walk the dog food aisles, you may see both dry and wet puppy food s. This can make it harder to decide what to feed your puppy. Fortunately, as long as both the wet and dry formulas are complete and balanced for growing puppies, you can feed either one to your pup with confidence. You and your puppy may have a preference when it comes to dry versus wet. Feeding a combination of the two is also an option. Use the calories reported on the package to understand how much wet food will replace the dry and vice versa. In this scenario, you could substitute a thirteen-ounce can of wet food for one cup of the daily dry food recommendation. How Much to Feed a Puppy Now you know what to feed your puppy, but just how much food does he need each day? A Labrador Retriever will weigh more at maturity than a Russell Terrier , for example. So, the larger dog requires more food as a puppy. The chart below can help you determine how much dry food to feed your puppy. You should also review the specific feeding instructions on the back of his puppy food and consult with your veterinarian. Puppy Feeding Chart. Naturally, Labrador puppies would require more feeding times. Hence, you should only set a few hours interval between meals. As for adult Labs, optimal feeding times would be one in the morning, afternoon, and night. Almost identical to human eating hours. Along with implementing a time frame for mealtime, owners must be open to modifying combinations of puppy food throughout the first two years of the pup. Abrupt growth spurts may bring changes in their eating habits. Once your dog reaches one year old, its dog food is enough to sustain its energy for longer. Always ensure to follow the correct feeding schedule when feeding kibble or other types of dog food to ensure nutritional requirements are met. Regardless if you have chocolate , red fox , or Dudley Labrador , make it a priority to visit a pet nutritionist to obtain an accurate feeding time and quantity specifically designed for your pooch. They help in hunting, farming, and even therapy. As such, they require an energy-loaded diet and dog foods that are rich in protein and carbohydrates to keep up with their activities. Since they belong to the large breed classification, they are also prone to common health risks such as arthritis and other joint diseases. To prevent this, scour the local pet store with dog food that contains omega fatty acids, B vitamins, beta-carotene , and amino acids. These nutrients are essential to obtain, whether from a raw food diet, home-prepared meals, or commercial dog food. Here are some of the best dog foods we recommend for your Labrador Retriever: Wet Food: Like kibble, commercially available wet dog food is common and already a complete and balanced diet for your Labrador puppy or adult dog. Its smooth texture is well-loved by purebreds and mixed breeds alike. Eating wet food that contains Docosahexaenoic acid DHA , glucosamine, and Eicosapentaenoic acid EPA helps support the condition of their joints and heart. Dry Food: When on the hunt for the most suitable dry dog food, always look for grain-free and made from whole food sources so it can easily be digested. Also, check the food labels and ensure that it has a perfect balance of carbohydrates and fats. Highly fortified and breed-specific kibble is also recommended. Homemade Food: Considering how much your adult dog or Lab puppy eats, a healthy diet made from scratch can be a great alternative to avoid obesity. Just mix everything together with a little water to incorporate them better. Furthermore, this diet opts for low sodium content. Owners should include fish and flaxseed oil, carrots, eggs, liver, and beans into the raw puppy food diet. Since Labrador Retrievers are energetic and active dogs, it is best to give them a moderate to high-fat diet. As long as they are able to exercise daily, they can easily work it off and avoid being overweight. However, if they are more on the lax side, adjust their food intake from low to moderate calories. If they cannot burn off the calories, enroll them in a low-fat or low-protein diet instead. Excessive carbs can increase their blood sugar and may put your dogs at risk for diabetes. It may take extra time and effort, but the investment will definitely pay off. Once you learn the appropriate feeding pattern, then having a healthy dog with strong joints and a better digestive and immune system is easily attainable. That includes sharing our belongings, space, and most especially, our food. However, the American Kennel Club reminds owners to be aware of what human food is safe for dogs. In this section, you will learn which foods are okay for consumption and which food can harm our Labrador Retrievers. Physically, it can block their esophagus if not chewed properly. Moreover, some may also contain salt that can be fatal to their heart. Chocolate: Chocolate in any other form should not be given to dogs. Chocolate has toxic substances called methylxanthines that put a stop to their metabolic process. It can still be toxic even in the smallest amount as it may cause diarrhea or vomiting. Garlic and Allium Plants: Alliums such as garlic, chives, leeks, and onions are not good for dog consumption. Although regularly seen across social media, feeding your pooch ice cream is not recommended. It contains loads of sugar, and some dogs may be lactose intolerant as well. As an alternative, owners can always freeze berries and apples as a regular icy treat. On the contrary, here are some of the most friendly human foods for all dogs, including Labrador Retrievers: Milk: Milk is a great supplement of other nutrients for dogs. Just be mindful that your dog is not lactose intolerant. It should only be given in small quantities as a treat. Popcorn: On a movie night, dogs can also munch on popcorn. However, ensure that it is unsalted, unflavored, and air-popped. In moderation, it is a good source of thiamine and riboflavin for eyesight. Remove any unpopped kernels to avoid choking. Seafood: In addition, seafood such as salmon and shrimp contain good fats and are high in antioxidants. Seafood boosts their immune system and brain health. Be sure to thoroughly cook salmon, fish, and shrimp all the way through to avoid parasites. Eggs: Eggs are also safe for dogs so long as they are also cooked well. Cheese: Cheese can also be given to dogs in moderate quantities. Go for low-fat cheese as a treat. Mozzarella and cottage cheese are some that can be fully enjoyed by dogs without the fat guilt. A small amount of prohibited food is not worth an emergency trip to a vet. Throughout their life stages, a dog will not just undergo one food switch. Age, health, and other factors can fuel a change in their diet. As stated earlier, an abrupt change in their food will only cause an upset stomach and indigestion. There are a couple of reasons to switch food. Add the new food into each meal gradually and reduce the portion of their current food. This method can also be followed when changing from dry kibble to raw feeding and vice versa. Some reasons for change can be prompted by age. Different life stages will require different nutritional requirements for your dog. Other reasons may be caused by allergies, brand availability, and weight management. It is still best to consult your trusted vet about changing their overall food regimen. They just enjoy feeding their pooch with tons of food and love seeing them get fat. However, that is not considered proper care for them. Experienced dog breeders know precisely what an overweight dog looks like and how to feed them properly. Labradors are known for their love of food. They are incapable of switching off their hunger signals even after eating. As a result, Labs have a higher number of overweight dogs in the United States. Like with other dogs, overfeeding a dog can lead to obesity. Thankfully, there are ways to address this and protect the health of our pooch in the long run. An eye-opening first step is to have a handy Labrador food guide. Having this will help you gauge the correct amount of food your dog needs depending on its age and other factors as well. Log what they eat and how much they eat during each meal. Calculating their calorie intake is also helpful for medical purposes and when switching food. Furthermore, avoid feeding overweight dogs table scraps. Many owners are guilty of this habit. Much like table scraps, it is also best to limit dog treats. Entice dogs with treats only on special occasions and during training. These are just some of the simple things you can do to control an overweight pooch. When it comes to other methods, it is always advisable to speak with your vet. Dogs lose their appetite due to some reasons. Do Labrador Retrievers Eat a lot? Yes, Labrador Retrievers are a food-motivated breed. This is why owners need to control their food intake. Can Labrador Retrievers Eat Bones? Bones are a good source of minerals, so they can be good for Labrador Retrievers. However, it may come with serious physical trade-offs. Give only large, raw bones and supervise them from time to time. Dispose of the bone after 3 to 4 days. Can Labrador Retrievers Be Vegetarians? Yes, Labrador Retrievers can thrive with a proper vegetable diet in place. In fact, soy and other whole grains are perfect substitutes for meat for protein. However, a vegetarian diet is something that needs professional input from vets. Final Thoughts Labs are the most popular dog breed in the United States. Thus, there are a lot of available materials on how to take care of and feed this easy-going pooch properly. For starters, it is highly recommended to have a Labrador feeding schedule to guide you with the amount and frequency of feeding. Although Labrador food is accessible for purchase anywhere, you can also introduce them in a raw diet or homemade meals. Regardless of what type of food you choose to give, you need to ensure to feed your dog a complete diet that supports their growth and overall health. As an owner, it is a big responsibility to provide them with only the best, so these high-spirited companions can have a happy and longer life. Will you follow this Labrador food guide? What are your feeding methods with your pooch? Share and comment your thoughts below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. Although I am not a veterinarian myself, I have been a lab owner for 11 years and been in the pet food industry for the last 6 years. However, if this is not the case for your pupper, no need to worry. Be sure not to feed normal cerelac or cow milk as that will result in loose motion as well as stunted growth. At this tender age, you need to feed your lab pup via feeding bottle like you would feed a human baby of age 2 months. Milk is the only food apart from purified water which your dog is gonna need till 1. After this age, till 3 months you have two options. You can either continue with milk or look at starter food options like Royal Canin Maxi starter , Drools starter, Farmina Puppy Starter, Canine Creek Starter , Orijen puppy and plenty of other brands which are available in the market. The kibble for starter food is small and most probably, your puppy will be able to chew it. Certain dry food can be extremely hard to chew, so depending on the toughness of the kibble you might have to break i. Puppies of age 1. You should be following this diet of starter food till 3 months age at least. Also, make sure you are vaccinating as well as deworming your pup at the right intervals. So, a proper nutritious diet is essential to achieve good growth. You can either go for Royal Canin Maxi Junior or Royal Canin Labrador Junior or puppy variants of other brands like drools, canine creek, Orijen Puppy and Junior Recommended , Acana large breed puppy, pedigree not recommended at this age. If you are giving a good diet like Royal Canin, farmina or even home-made food, growth should be good. For those who can extend their budget, you can go for something even more premium like Acana, Orijen, Arden Grange and the likes. No need to add additional supplements. If you are feeding home-made food like boiled chicken which itself is a very good food option, consider adding some fish oils like Beaphar Salmon Oil. However, a good diet is recommended to ensure a good life span above 12 years and muscle development. Homemade food can be a healthy option as well. Feeding guide amount to feed in grams depends on dog weight and varies from brand to brand. You will find the recommended portion for your brand based on the calories it carries on the packet you will buy. At other times, you can give chews or treats but whole meal should be fed not more than twice a day. Do not keep food available in front of the dog except during his eating time. However, you can keep water available in a bowl all the time. Sticking to schedule regularly is recommended. Wait, till now we have been speaking about commercial dry food. Yes, this happens to many dogs. While some dogs like pugs are voracious eaters, labs or goldens can be extremely choosy. They will eat whatever liquid you put in the feeding bottle at this age. However, once puppies mature and learn to eat themselves, they may not like dry food, rarely touch it. In these cases, the best option is to first add a home-made additive with the dry food. You may add many things dog like in small quantities of chicken stalk, chicken pieces boneless for puppies , curd, egg and others to the dry food. Changing or trying out another brand helps as well. I have seen many dogs who hate Drools but like Canine Creek although they are manufactured by same company. Every dog has a mind of his own. Most common diseases of Indian bred dogs like canine hyp dysplasia, ear infections, bent hind legs can happen to any dog. Take your dog to a registered veterinary practitioner in case such situations arise. Lack of appetite is also observed during this age at times. For not-so-severe cases, you may administer Himalaya Liv52 syrup or tabs or other appetite stimulants of various brands twice a day for days. In case, your dog has gastrointestinal disorders, referring to a prescription diet under the guidance of a veterinarian can be immensely helpful. This entry was posted in Pet Blog. Bookmark the permalink. You are planning to adopt a Labrador puppy, or already are a proud pet parent of one, you must be anxious about how best to assure optimum growth and health to your pup. This piece of writing is an attempt to give you some useful information about the kind of food which you can feed and also about how best you can feed it. In earlier times, the breed was mostly utilized and appreciated for being a versatile hunter. It can hunt on land as well as water; besides, this intelligent dog is a possessor of a gentle temperament, which makes it easily fit into the role of a friendly family dog. Types of Dog food Broadly speaking, the food for your pet is available in three forms — Wet, Dry and Raw. Wet food is the commercially manufactured food which offers chunks of meat, with or without gravy, with added vitamins, minerals and other important elements to make it nutritionally complete and balanced. Dry food consists of pellets called kibbles of food, which are easy to store and convenient to serve. The ready-made food bits meant for puppies consist of nutrients in the right proportions to support a healthy growth. Raw diet consists of raw meat, bones, fruits and vegetables. There are benefits and risks involved in administering a raw diet, which one should be aware of before adopting a fully raw diet. You may go for dry, wet or raw diet, or a combination of them. You may also consult your vet to guide in case you are confused about your choices. Labradors are always hungry and that is because of their huge appetites. As a pet owner you need to monitor the amount of food they eat, as their greed for food can easily drive them towards obesity, and consequently towards various diseases. Commercially made food Many companies categorize their foods on the basis of life stage puppy, adult, senior , breed large, medium or small , or may offer pet food specifically targeting a particular breed like Royal Canin Labrador Junior , which seeks to take care of a Labrador dog up to 15 months of age. The formulation of diets like this are based on the assumption that all pure breed dogs have their unique needs, which if addressed would bring the dog to an optimum level of health. Information from the breeders If you have brought the puppy from a breeder, then he would supply you a diet routine which needs to be followed, some food or may be some information regarding feeding. Follow it religiously for some days to give some sort of familiar touch to the puppy that is undergoing the stress of being separated from its mother and siblings. In absence of any information from the breeder, best thing would be to consult a vet. Milk for the puppy? Beware of confusing food labels Learn how to read a food label. The food label is given in decreasing order, making the first ingredient the biggest element in the food. That is why it is very important to know what the first two or three ingredients of the food are. Ideally, the first element of any dog food should be a specific kind of meat like chicken, duck, beef ; meat-by-product, meat or animal should not be mentioned on the package as they present an ambiguous picture. Leftover of slaughter houses can find its way to your dog food, something which cannot be classed in the category of healthy and complete food. So if you care for your dog, be aware and make the right selection. Water Make sure that water is available to the puppies at all times of the day, except for one hour before sleeping time. Divide the daily diet The daily dietary requirement of your Labrador pup should be properly divided into portions of meal to be fed at regular intervals. This would help in managing digestion and for keeping its overall health at a good level. You can begin by feeding four meals a day to your 8 to 12 weeks old puppy, and have a time marked for each. Have a gap of at least 3 hours in between each meal so that the little doggie is able to digest it well. Two meals a day is also something which most dog owners continue to feed even after the dog grows up. Feeding your dog once a day after 12 months of age can work as long as you feed it raw meat. The dry kibbles tend to swell once the dog drinks water, and this may cause bloating and also damage its stomach, hence is strictly not recommended. Teach the dog to eat at meal times Your dog would learn to eat the food when it is offered to it if you take back the bowl after a specific interval of time, say 15 to 20 minutes. Household scraps Avoid giving leftovers from your own meals to your puppy, unless you have enough knowledge and experience in dealing with the nutritional requirements of a growing canine. The nutritional needs of your puppy are different than that of humans; also it may differ from one breed of dog to another. The growing pup needs complete and balanced diet to achieve its potential growth, otherwise lifelong disabilities or problems can find easy entry into its life. As, your heartfelt, but nutritionally lacking edible additions might unbalance the diet of your dog. How much to feed? How much food to feed your dog each day is something no one can precisely tell. But the guidelines on the package of the food you are feeding, along with your observation of how the dog is doing with the quantity fed, would help you decide an adequate quantity. The important thing to remember is that the dog should neither be too fat or too slim. Following some instructions related to diet, regular appointments with vet, observing the puppy and showering it with lots and lots of love would give such environment to the little canine in which it would thrive. About Petsworld Team The blog editor of Pets World is a pet aficionado and fervently follows her pet-obsession. A pet parent to animals big and small for the past two decades. The sum of all experiences gathered is an amalgamation of useful knowledge and research. More like this.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. It will be easier for you to come to meet and pick up the puppies in Southern California, rather than having to drive to our primary location in Newcastle. The dam and sire of this litter are our own adults in the breeding program, but are being hosted by a very caring, nurturing and experienced dog family. We work hand in hand to assure the puppies are cared for and socialized in the way our customers have come to recognize as the "best. If puppies stay for extended training, that is done at our Newcastle, CA. Below you can read more about the upcoming puppies and their loving host. If you would like to be included on the reservation list for the puppies, in our SoCal location, do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to welcome you to the CHGR family! Southern California is expected to have a litter due in December, .Puppies will go to their new homes in mid to late February. Place your reservation now as spots fill up very quickly! What a wonderful girl she is! We love Lexi and her pups, as she passes along her incredibly sweet temperament to all of her fur babies. She is beyond sweet and loves to lay her head on your lap, foot, or wherever she can to get close to everyone she meets. Incredibly smart, she loves to perform her skills, especially for treats! Lexi loves to play ball and adores people, especially children. Lexi loves to play with other dogs and also loves to sleep with the cat. She has a beautiful cream coat between a silky and cotton texture and is one of our larger girls, at a little over 75 pounds. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for California Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in California? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in California? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

I can give you some examples of how much a Bernedoodle costs from specific breeders. What Factors Affect the Price of a Bernedoodle? This means that certain puppies will end up being more expensive than others. How much does a Bernedoodle cost? Coat Color Although Bernese Mountain Dogs all have the same three colors in their distinctive pattern with a white stripe down the nose, Bernedoodle coloring is much more variable. There are four primary color profiles for Bernedoodles, each of which has a price range associated with it. Tri-Color Bernedoodle The hybrid dogs that most closely resemble purebred Bernese Mountain dogs are the most in-demand and, therefore, also the most expensive. This is clear white, rust, and jet black. Clearly defined areas with little to no blending. Instead, most of their fur is white, with large brown blotches on their body and brown fur around their eyes. Since they have such a distinctive look, these are the second most expensive Bernedoodle. Phantom Bernedoodle A Phantom Bernedoodle also has two colors, with the main color being black, usually with inconsistent brown coloring. In many ways, they resemble the look of a Rottweiler or Doberman. These are often the least expensive. Merle Bernedoodles A Merle Bernedoodle has the most inconsistent coloring, but they pull it off. They have one solid base color, but many lighter grays and browns are speckled throughout. If you look at breeders based in laces with high average salaries and a generally expensive cost of living, you can expect to pay much more for a puppy. The price drops when you take a look at regional centers like Nashville. Prices can go even higher if we start talking about the even smaller teacup and micro mini Bernedoodle sizes bred with a toy Poodle. Type of Coat There are three different types of coat that a Bernedoodle can have: curly, wavy, and straight. Dogs with curly coats ate the most expensive, those with wavy coats the second most expensive, and those with straight coats the least expensive. Watch more dog videos on the Oodle Life YouTube channel. These have the greatest chance of inheriting traits from either parent breed. The hypoallergenic coat is from the Poodle parent — so if the Bernedoodle ends up mimicking this trait expect non-shedding. If bred with a Standard Poodle these are still very large dogs. A multigen or F2 Bernedoodle can have more predictable characteristics — just look to the parents. A reputable breeder will clearly identifiy which generation your hybrid dog is. The quality breeder will have an idea of the apperance and coat type your dog will have no guarantees. A cruddy puppy mill will not have as much info on each litter. Putting it All Together All of these factors interact with one another as breeders are deciding how much to charge for their puppies. That means that puppies that combine the most desirable features will be the most expensive. Check Out Their Website The first step is to see what the online presence of a breeder looks like. Who would you pick in the Bernedoodle Vs Goldendoodle battle? Go For a Visit Unquestionably, the best way to tell whether a dog breeder is reputable is by visiting them and seeing how they operate. Issues like a lack of cleanliness, knowledge, or care can bring about adverse outcomes for a Bernedoodle pup in the long run. Adopting from a Bernedoodles Rescue? You will be hard pressed to find a Bernedoodle puppy in an adoption centre or Bernedoodle rescue. They are too in demand and rare. The best bet is to follow the groups listed in our Cockapoo rescue guide. These Poodle mix rescues are where you would be most likely to find a rare Berendoodle rescue. Pro tip: Join local and statewide Bernedoodle dog owner groups. Put your name out there as an option for a belived Bernedoodle that needs rehoming for a reason typically it is size and when owners are forced to move to small quarters or a city. Summing Up Buying a dog is a big decision and a big responsibility. When it comes to Bernedoodles, the newness of the breed, runaway popularity, and comparative lack of options mean that the breed is very expensive. Just how picky you are with what you want yourmmixed breed puppy to look like will significantly impact the price. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. About Bernedoodles About Bernedoodles The bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle. This hybrid blends the clever goofiness of the poodle, with the placid loyalty of the Bernese. I believe the bernedoodle is the perfect companion dog. Although many are stunning, they are not bred for the show ring. They are meant to be at your side no matter whether you are hiking, snowshoeing, or lying on the couch watching a movie. Their only job is to be your best friend. No two bernedoodles are identical. That said, prospective owners must understand that there can be a lot of variation in a hybrid litter, and must therefore choose a breeder who can help match them with the best dog for their circumstances. Purebreds may be the preferred choice for people who want predictability. When I was writing descriptions of my dogs, I was struck by the consistency of the traits among the purebreds. With some minor variations, one well-bred Berner is very similar to the next: sweet, loving, and calm. One well-bred poodle is also very similar to the next: playful, intelligent, and goofy. This has led not only to health problems, but also to temperament issues. Poorly bred Berners may be extremely stubborn and skittish. Poorly bred poodles may be hyper and neurotic. It is incredibly difficult to find healthy Bernese and poodles with calm temperaments that also happen to be gorgeous. They are completely dedicated to their families, with a special fondness for children. In fact, they are so loyal that it can be difficult to re-home an adult Berner and break its original bond. Berners are known for leaning on people to soak up all possible attention. Berners are exceptionally beautiful dogs with their distinctive tri-coloured coats. Bred in the Swiss Alps as farm dogs that pulled carts or drove cattle to market, the Bernese thrives in cold weather, and has a double coat that sheds quite heavily. This versatile breed does well in agility, tracking, herding, and therapy work. A significant number of Bernese are afflicted with hip and elbow dysplasia, or succumb to inherited cancer, heart disease, or epilepsy in middle age. While cancer is the leading cause of death for dogs in general, Bernese have a much higher rate of fatal cancer than other breeds. Overall, the Berner is one of the shorter-lived dog breeds, with a life expectancy of just seven years. This is particularly sad when the Berner is known for being slow to mature, and somewhat challenging to train. Without proper socialization, these naturally cautious and reserved dogs can become skittish and suspicious and may develop separation anxiety. They can also be decidedly stubborn. Yet, the Bernese also has a deep need to please their humans and are surprisingly sensitive. As a result, training a Berner requires a great deal of patience and a gentle hand. The Poodle Everyone knows that the poodle ranks high on the canine intelligence scale. They are very trainable and excel in obedience. Most people are also aware that their low to non-shedding coat makes poodles a great choice for those with allergies. But the poodle is more than a clever show dog; it is believed to have originated as a water retriever in Germany. Poodles come in three sizes and a wide variety of colours. Where most dogs have double coats, poodles have a single-layer coat of dense, curly fur that sheds minimally, but does mat without proper care. A typical poodle is lively and playful, with a bouncy prance to its walk. It thrives best in a busy household, where it can get plenty of attention and stimulation. If bored, poodles may get into mischief. They are also quick to sound an alert, and have earned a reputation for barking. Some poodles are high strung and sensitive to stress. They may have serious health problems, including eye, skin, and digestive diseases, as well as immune system diseases. Bernese Meets Poodle…Magic Ensues If a breeder does their due diligence in selecting the right parents, crossing purebred dogs of different breeds results in puppies that are healthier than either of their parents. This is because the two breeds are generally prone to different genetic problems. Hybrids such as the bernedoodle are only likely to inherit a health problem that is common to both the poodle and the Bernese — two breeds that share few common diseases. A hybrid dog combines the traits and characteristics of its purebred parents. With careful, conscientious breeding, the resulting pups may end up with the best attributes of each. In the case of the bernedoodle, the blend of the Bernese and the poodle produces a smart, friendly, playful dog. They tend to have the sweetness and loyalty of the Bernese, and the goofy liveliness and intelligence of the poodle. Like the Bernese, they are gentle around children and the elderly, and because they love to work, they often make excellent therapy dogs. Most bernedoodles have a moderate activity level. Most of them have little need for personal space. My clients most commonly describe their bernedoodles as happy, goofy, smart, charming, curious, friendly, social, enthusiastic, cuddly, and loving. Despite my efforts to breed only the best purebreds, some offspring may inherit stubbornness or sensitivity from the Bernese. Their training requires patience, a light touch, and positive reinforcement. Further, from the poodle they can inherit an extremely high level of energy. In general, the bernedoodle is an intelligent, social, fun crossbreed with character and charisma. On the whole, bernedoodles tend to be quite similar to goldendoodles in nature, with the most notable difference being that the bernedoodle can be headstrong. This is more pronounced at the puppy stage, and tends to disappear when the bernedoodle is older and trained. Every dog has a different personality, but the two breeds have much in common, and those traits make them excellent family pets. Appearance Bernedoodles are usually pure black, black and white, black and brown, or tri-colour black, white and brown , but I have seen other colours. Their overall appearance combines elements of the Bernese and the poodle. Beyond colour, well-chosen parents tend to blend the traits of the poodle and the Berner in a fairly consistent way. In short, bernedoodles tend to look like shaggy teddy bears! Many clients want a tri-color bernedoodle, with markings as similar as possible to those of the Bernese mountain dog. That look is challenging to achieve, and people may have a long wait for it. Personally, I love bernedoodles of all colours. Temperament is far more important to me than colour and colours can fade. Coat Every bernedoodle has a different coat. The majority have a wavy coat that sheds minimally, if at all. Most people with allergies to dog dander i. However, the straighter the coat, the more it sheds, and the less suitable the dog will be for people with allergies. Bernedoodles with a curly coat are similar to the poodle and will not shed. While there are no guarantees, even if you have serious allergies to dander, you should do well with a curly-coated bernedoodle. Breeders can often tell by the time a dog is a few weeks old what type of coat it will have, and can help match you to the best coat type for your situation. If you are allergic to dog saliva, and your skin breaks out in hives when licked by a dog, you will most likely be allergic to all bernedoodles regardless of coat type. Since there are no absolute guarantees with coat type, responsible breeders will give you some time to see if you are allergic to your puppy and will allow you to return the pup if it is not working out. Since most bernedoodles shed little, if at all, they need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting, and must be clipped every few months. Sizes Bernedoodles come in different sizes, depending on the parents and the vagaries of genetics. Females are usually smaller than males. A Standard Bernedoodle results from crossing a standard poodle with a Bernese mountain dog. They will generally be 50 lbs and up, and around 23 to 29 inches at the shoulder. Most standards are in the 70 to 90 lbs range. A mini bernedoodle results from crossing a miniature poodle with a Bernese mountain dog. They generally range from 25 to 49 lbs, and are 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder. A tiny bernedoodle results from crossing a toy poodle with a mini bernedoodle. They range from 10 to 24 lbs, and are about 12 to 17 inches at the shoulder. These ranges capture the averages, but sometimes a pup will fall outside the expected height and weight. In terms of temperament, mini and tiny bernedoodles may have a slightly higher energy level than the standard, to reflect the same in the miniature and toy poodle parents. However, using calm poodles, regardless of size, tends to produce docile bernedoodles. Different Generations F1 is a first generation cross in which the pup is 50 percent Bernese mountain dog and 50 percent poodle. The F1 cross is considered the healthiest, as the parents have the least likelihood of contributing genes for common inheritable diseases. F1b is a backcross in which a bernedoodle is bred with a poodle. The puppy is 25 percent Bernese, and 75 percent poodle. F1b puppies are the most likely to be non-shedding and allergy-friendly. Some breeders have backcrossed a bernedoodle with a Bernese, which results in a dog with more of the Bernese traits. I prefer not to breed this backcross as there is a greater likelihood of shedding. F2 is a second-generation cross in which an F1 bernedoodle is crossed with another F1 bernedoodle. If this is done for seven generations, a breeder could apply to register this dog as a purebred. The closer the generations come together, the more consistency there will be in the lines, but the genetic problems of the purebreds are more likely too reappear, and hybrid vigor diminishes. Some F2 pups may have an improper coat instead of the fleecy softness we love in the doodles. While bernedoodles vary in appearance and coat type, an experienced breeder will be able to give you an idea of what the pup will look like as an adult, based on what the parents have produced in the past and what traits they see in the pup. Health and Lifespan As a breed, the bernedoodle is still young, so there is limited information about longevity and health concerns. Of the hundreds of bernedoodles I have bred in the past decade, only few owners have reported a genetic health concern. Therefore, I am confident that hybrid vigor is indeed creating a healthier dog that will be with you for a long time. At this point, I can only estimate an average lifespan: I predict standard bernedoodles will live years, mini bernedoodles up to 17 years, and tiny bernedoodles up to 18 years. Usually, the smaller the dog, the longer it lives. While bernedoodles tend to be healthier than their parent breeds, they can still be prone to conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia and certain eye problems. Skin problems, such as hot spots and allergies, are also seen in this mix. Like any other breed of dog, they may get cancer. Genetic testing can reduce the risk of many diseases. A reputable breeder will perform a number of tests and provide evidence of the successful results. This investment is usually reflected in the higher cost of the puppy for the buyer. A higher upfront cost will most likely reduce vet bills down the road. Bernedoodle Mismatch I believe the bernedoodle is a suitable dog for most people, with a few caveats: This is a very social dog that thrives on plenty of human interaction; if you have limited time for a dog, this may not be the breed for you. A low- to non-shedding coat means more time, effort, and money spent on grooming. If your bernedoodle should happen to inherit the higher energy of the poodle or the stubbornness of the Bernese — or both! But if you have the time and enthusiasm, I predict your bernedoodle will become the best friend you ever had — at least of the canine variety. Watch me Grow. With two decades of experience in breeding dogs, 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 perform a series of strict health tests, including hip and elbow testing; eyes, heart, skin, and patella testing; and a series of genetic tests, on all of our breeding dogs. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We look forward to matching you with your next best friend! We wrote the first book on Bernedoodles buy now This comprehensive, easy-to-read and entertaining book covers everything you need to know about this amazing hybrid. Since Bernedoodles can vary significantly in size, build, coloring, and even personality, prospective owners need advice from someone who knows the breed inside out. Who better than the breeder who created them? Often people will want one of my dogs because they are irresistibly adorable. Please take the time to consider if this breed is the right choice for you and your family. Click the link above to answer some questions to help you see if our doodles are the best match for you. Trained Dogs Available Available Now Below are puppies that we kept from previous litters and are selling with training and no wait times! Ariel Ariel is a Golden Mountain Doodle out of Rue and Henry She comes with 8 weeks of training buyers choice where she will learn the commands: sit, down, come, stay, leave it, watch me, walking on a leash and place. She will learn puppy manners and will be crate trained and started with house training. The trainers also do a handling exercise with the puppies and get them used to grooming. She is microchipped, up to date on vaccines, dewormed and comes with a 2 year health guarantee. Both her parents have all their required health clearances which can be viewed on our website. She enjoys meeting new people and exploring her surroundings. Ariel will make one lucky family a happy and loving little companion. Ariel loves playing with toys or exploring her environment with curiosity and a sense of adventure. She brings a sense of fun and excitement to those around her. Ariel has an affectionate, happy, and loving nature. She often seeks closeness and enjoys cuddling, snuggling, and receiving attention from everyone. Ariel is not only social, happy, playful, and affectionate but also quite intelligent and a fast learner. She loves training sessions and loves to please. Ariel has a remarkable ability to pick up on commands and learn new things. Her young mind is receptive and eager to please her people, making training sessions an enjoyable experience. Potty and crate training are important aspects of raising a puppy, and Ariel is doing well in both areas. Ariel is an extremely intelligent and well-rounded puppy. She has the personality that will do well with just about any family! She comes with 8 weeks of training where she will learn the commands: sit, down, come, stay, leave it, watch me, walking on a leash and place. The trainers also do handling exercises with the puppies and get them used to grooming. She is extremely loyal and joyful once she comes to trust you and is compliant and content once she is comfortable in the hands of her handler. Once that trust is earned you will have an unbreakable bond with her. A pup like Pip benefits from long term training to give her a positive task to focus on which is the perfect way to keep her mind busy and create positive associations to different scenarios, while also forming an unbreakable bond between her and her owner. While training in different environments, she is indifferent to her surroundings as she is focused on the task at hand, always giving her something to do in public settings and encouraging focus and engagement regardless of her surroundings. She does enjoy interacting with people as long as she chooses the pace and initiates the interaction and they do not come on too strong. She is goofy and happy and often dances around the training room or the yard and is welcome to be her complete self. She loves being outdoors and there is nowhere she is happier than an open field or on outdoor walks. She is great with other dogs and often sets a good example for the younger pups as she is very well behaved and relaxed in the crate, car and around the home. Her focus is easily directed to a bone and she has amazing food drive, making her easy to work with and teach behaviors. I think Pip would do well with either someone who is experienced with dogs or lives in a country or suburb setting. She would do well with other dogs, especially confident ones. She is ready to go to her new home this week! He comes with 8 weeks of training where he will learn the commands: sit, down, come, stay, leave it, watch me, walking on a leash and place. He will learn puppy manners and will be crate trained and started with house training. He is microchipped, up to date on vaccines, dewormed and comes with a 2 year health guarantee. Both his parents have all their required health clearances which can be viewed on our website. He is carefree which makes him easy to engage with and train. He showcases his manners when meeting new people, making him a delightful companion in any social setting. Thor is a social butterfly and would jump in any strangers car! He has a very adaptable personality and adores everyone he meets! He loves to explore and fearlessly embraces unfamiliar surroundings, all while remaining responsive to commands. He will be ready on September 23rd. Please message if you have further questions about Thor. Pictures coming soon. Playful is an understatement when it comes to describing Phoebe. Her days are filled with enthusiasm, as she eagerly explores her surroundings, always on the lookout for new adventures. Her silly antics are sure to bring laughter and smiles to anyone around. Outgoing and social, Phoebe is a natural charmer. She thrives on human and canine companionship, making friends wherever she goes. She has a very friendly nature as she approaches each new interaction with a wagging tail and a bright sparkle in her eyes. Her zest for life is unparalleled, and she will inspire those around her to live in the present moment. In summary, Phoebe is not your average puppy. She is a bundle of joy and has a warm and outgoing personality. With Phoebe by your side, life will become a journey filled with love, laughter, and adventure. A family who wants to involve their dog in their adventures. She will be ready for her new home September 16th. Please message if you have further questions about Phoebe. Here is a little more information about Peppers personality from her trainer! She has a more reserved personality, and we are working on building up her confidence. Once she is comfortable around someone then she is a very happy, excited puppy. We are working on building up her food drive and motivation to do training. For the most part she is quiet and content in her crate. She adapted to the crate very quickly. Pepper has gone on some car rides and sat in the crate in the back with no issue. She just relaxes. Pepper is incredibly sweet with every child she has met. She will curl up on their lap and stay with them for as long as they want. I have young kids in the house and she is always approaching them wanting to play or lay with them. Although she can be a bit hesitant to approach some adults, she always eventually warms up to them. She is a puppy who will love and be devoted to her owners but is not a dog who will love to be pet by every stranger on the street. As I walk around the house, she loves to follow me around but she is also happy to hang out in the gated off area and play with some toys without any humans this shows her affection towards people she knows, but also shows that she can be independent. Pepper loves smaller sized dogs and plays very well with them. She is a little nervous of the larger sized dogs. She will be best for a family who wants a quiet dog and a family who does not live in a busy environment. A calm environment in the country or suburbs with a fenced yard is best. She will be perfect for a family who wants a house dog that they can cuddle with and spoil. She is ready to go home September 9th. He has an outgoing personality, and he enjoys meeting new friends. He is active but not high energy; he is perfectly content to just go with the flow. He is cuddly and loves to be around people. He has a funny personality that will make you smile. He likes being held and will try to curl up in your lap if you let him. He is being raised around both dogs and cats. He loves to play with other dogs, and he quickly makes new canine friends. He enjoys going for brief strolls and he loves to explore outdoors. He is not much of a chewer, but he does like to carry toys around the house. Bernard is smart but he can be a little stubborn when it comes to training. He is food motivated and he responds well to praise, however, he gets distracted often. This will get better as we build more on engagement. He learns best during shorter training sessions that are kept interesting and engaging. His potty training is coming along very well! He is doing well with his loose leash walking, and he is eager to go out and explore. Bernard has had some brief interactions with children, and he would be comfortable in a home with kids. He loves other animals and would do well in a house with other pets too. He is already starting to sleep through the night in his crate 11 PM to 6 AM. He is rocking his potty training and he will bark in his crate when he needs to be let outside. Bernard would be the perfect addition to any family looking for a puppy to join them on a new adventure! Please message if you have further questions about Bernard. On a side note I noticed with this pup is his bottom k9 teeth are going into the upper palate just a tad, which if I has to guess, I think this will self correct. This can correct itself when the adult teeth come in, sometimes if I see this in pups and they go to 8 weeks of training, when they come back the teeth are the way they should be. This is caused either because the canines come in a bit crooked or the lower jaw is a bit narrows and as the puppies continue to grow and develop that self corrects. Saje Saje is a Standard Bernedoodle. She has learned the commands sit, down, come, stay, leave it, watch me, walking on a leash and place. She has learned puppy manners, is crate trained and well on her way to being house trained. Here is a little more information about Sajes personality from the trainer! She has so much personality and carries it with her everywhere. She likes to meet new people given she initiates the interaction and absolutely adores dogs of all ages and sizes. She can be vocal at times, in the yard or alert when people enter her environment but is easily redirected into work. She is willing and excited to learn new behaviours and has incredible food drive. I feel this sets us apart as we are truly going the extra mile to make sure our dogs are clear of every possible disease that we are able to test for. A deeper look into the genetic testing: OFA — Hips and Elbows: Hip and elbow dysplasia are common diseases in many dog breeds, and all breeding dogs should be tested for this before they are entered into a breeding program. Hip X-rays are taken to ensure the hips are well seated within the hip socket and that the hip joints are not loose or arthritic and are well formed. OFA rates hips as excellent, good, fair, borderline, mild, moderate, and severe. Elbow dysplasia can involve many abnormalities within the elbow joint. The two most common forms of elbow dysplasia are osteochondritis dissecans OCD , which is the separation of a piece of cartilage off the joint, and fragmented or ununited medial coronoid process FCP or FMCP , which is caused by a developmental defect of the coronoid processes, two small bony protrusions on the end of the ulna within the elbow joint. In this condition, one of the coronoid processes develops a fissure or crack and separates from the rest of the bone. OFA — Cardiac: The heart is a huge muscle that pumps blood throughout the body. If it is not working properly, it can cause many problems throughout the body, including death. All breeding dogs are cleared by a board certified veterinarian for any heart murmurs. OFA — Patellas: The patella is the kneecap, which is part of the stifle joint knee. If this joint luxates, it can pop out and dislocate. This causes pain and may require surgery if severe enough in some dogs. Patellas should be tight and not able to move off the stifle joint. Hair loss can occur and skin can become scaly, have a musty odor, or develop lesions, and a secondary skin infection can occur. Poodles are most commonly affected with this disorder. There is no DNA test. A biopsy of the skin is taken to make sure all breeding dogs are clear of the disease. See a list of all the diseases the dogs are cleared for on this form. To date, the major mutation associated with this disease has been detected in breeds, with a second mutation, SOD1-B, limited to the Bernese Mountain Dog. The test for this second mutation is DM-exon1. The disease is an adult-onset condition that has ALS-like symptoms: progressive limb weakness and muscle loss, tremors, difficulty rising, and stumbling. Affected animals develop spinal and hind end problems later in life. It is inherited as a recessive disease based on these mutations, but there is also ongoing work to determine other factors that may play a role in severity and age of onset. PRA is a general term encompassing many diseases which all progress over time and eventually lead to blindness. The first sign of this disease is typically night blindness. There is no pain associated with PRA and dogs seem to adjust very well to their blindness. There are many types of PRA that affect different breeds. PRA rcd4 is seen in standard poodles. It is characterized by low platelet values and the presence of some larger than normal platelets in circulation. Unlike acquired macrothrombocytopenia thrombocytopenias secondary to infectious agents, medications, immune-mediated causes , this form does not respond to treatment. A mutation in the beta-1 tubulin gene has been identified as the cause in a number of breeds. Affected pups exhibit extreme weakness, and those that survive the first week generally develop progressively worse ataxia, or inability to move properly. This is often accompanied by severe seizures. None have survived to 7 weeks of age. EIC is most well known from the Labrador Retriever but has now been identified in a number of other breeds. The test VetGen offers is based on the findings at the University of Minnesota that identified the causative mutation. The group of European researchers identified a mutation in a collagen gene responsible for a very mild form of dwarfism. While originally described in Europe, we have detected this in the U. This is a recessively inherited condition. Labradors affected 2 copies with this mutation will have a shoulder height that is on average only about 5 centimeters lower than the breed standard accepts. No other joint or ocular problems seem to be associated with this condition. It is found primarily in working lines. Failure by the kidneys to reabsorb amino acids results in the formation of cystine crystals and sometimes stones in the urine, which can lead to blockage of the urethra. While the disease is not genetically sex-linked, it is diagnosed in male dogs more frequently than females due to anatomical differences. We offer a test based on the research done at the University of Pennsylvania which identified mutations responsible for cystinuria in several breeds. Doodles require a moderate amount of exercise. Most will do well with three half- hour walks per day. They are very versatile and social dogs. You can take them almost anywhere and they acclimatize well to new situations. This is why their popularity is growing. They are the perfect overall family dog with moderate exercise requirements. If you would like a dog for breeding, I make exceptions in certain situations. All dogs are sold with non-breeding agreements, unless arrangements are made beforehand. If anyone who has signed a non-breeding agreement subsequently breeds the dog, there are serious consequences. Back to top What is your health guarantee? SwissRidge guarantees all dogs for two years against hip dysplasia or any hereditary disease. If your dog develops a hereditary disease that makes them unsuitable as a pet or in need of extended veterinary care, please contact me immediately. I am extremely concerned about the health and welfare of each and every pup, and need to be informed so that I can make decisions about future breeding. I will require a note from a board certified veterinarian. I will either replace the dog or refund half the purchase price of the pup to cover any extended veterinary care. This is your decision. We also give clients the option to purchase a four- or six-year health guarantee with their puppy at the time of purchase. Please note that puppies may pick up common parasites, such as giardia, coccidia, roundworm, etc. I do everything in my power to prevent and eliminate these parasites by putting dogs and pups on a strict deworming program. However, mother dogs tend to be more vulnerable to parasites when they have puppies, and may pass parasites along to the pups. Depending on the life cycle of the particular parasite, it is possible that a few pups will go home with one. You must have your puppy checked by a vet within 72 hours of taking them home. Please make sure the vet checks for parasites. Are Doodles registered with any associations? Doodles are mixed breed dogs and therefore cannot be registered with the American or Canadian kennel clubs. Back to top What is your long-term goal for your breeding program? I intend to continue to produce healthy, gorgeous, great-tempered Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, and Golden Mountain Doodles, in all sizes, as long as they are beloved by dog owners. At the same time, I have developed a unique SwissRidge Doodle that is currently representing my kennel by combining my favorite breeds in a perfect, medium-sized, multi-colored, non-shedding package. It goes without saying that the SwissRidge Doodle has an excellent pedigree. I had my first litter of SwissRidge Doodles in and have had several litters since. I used dogs from my own thoroughly tested, long-lived lines to produce this special hybrid. I expect this line to continue to evolve. I consider myself a breeder-inventor and, as such, am never fully satisfied. Back to top Why are you adding Australian Labradoodle lines to your breeding program? Health testing is a priority for me. I like to make sure all my lines are health-tested at least generations back — and most go back much further. Despite great effort, I have had a hard time being able to accomplish this with Poodles. In particular, it is very difficult to find breeders who do all the required health testing on Miniature Poodles. It is also difficult to find Miniature Poodles with the calm, docile temperament I need for my program. In view of these challenges, I decided to explore a different approach to creating Doodles. In addition, reputable breeders can produce docile dogs with the fleece coat I need for my lines. The pups have blocky builds, with great proportions and square heads. The temperaments are amazing, calm, playful, loving, easygoing family dogs. They also have beautiful, soft, wavy, non-shedding coats. Subsequently, owners have given nothing but rave reviews. The pups are sweet and easy to train. To see what owners are saying about them, look at the Australian Bernedoodle and Australian Goldendoodle testimonial sections of this website. Back to top Why do I need to get on a wait list? I wish I could meet the demand for Doodles more quickly, I really do. As I explained in my book, however, it takes time to create a great breeding program. There are no short-cuts. I must track down breeding dogs with potential from reputable breeders, wait like everyone else for pups to be born, raise them, test them for health and temperament, and only then can I breed them. Dogs come into heat only twice a year. Bernese more so than other breeds are known for unpredictable heats and for failing to conceive when expected. Even when they do, their litters may be smaller than hoped, and the sad truth is that they are not the best moms. Despite diligent interventions bottle-feeding is more the rule than the exception , not all pups thrive. Even if the litter produces a pup with the right specs, but it has the wrong temperament for your circumstances, I will encourage you to wait. The few months to a year you might have to wait for that perfect dog is worth it. But please do keep in mind that a pup with the ideal temperament for you may come earlier if you are open-minded about gender, coat type and color. Eventually, nature will produce a pup to your exact specifications. If you can be flexible, however, chances are good that your number will come up faster. The wait is worth it. I realize more and more people are wanting one of these amazing dogs, but I also recognize that there is a limit to the number of puppies that can receive this screening process. SwissRidge cannot just increase puppy production without sacrificing the quality of care and the unique matchmaking process. I hope that everyone gets a dog, but I also hope that Sherry will never expand beyond her capacity of providing the individualized adoption process that has been so successful. You will have a wonderful doodle! All the time and work that goes into producing a quality pup will pay off when a client tells me their long-awaited pup exceeds their expectations. While the wait may be frustrating, it does allow people to think about their decision very carefully. Getting a puppy is a major life change, and not something to be done on impulse. During the wait for your SwissRidge Doodle, you can do some reading, find a vet and a trainer, get all the necessary supplies, and figure out exactly how you will handle your pup day to day. I will say that people appear to be far better prepared now for their pups than they used to be. So the wait has had an unintended upside! Many breeders allow clients to choose their puppy from a litter, often in the order of deposits made. I used this approach myself when I started out, but I found that people tended to choose pups with their hearts, rather than their heads. This is not the best way to select a companion that will be with you for well over a decade. No matter how much I tried to steer people towards the pup I thought would best suit their circumstances, they usually chose the puppy they found the cutest. While this temperament suits some people, for many, a more low-key puppy is a far better fit. I knew there was a better way to match people and puppies, so I devised a system that has allowed me to improve the success rate of puppy placements. I take this process very seriously, because I know that the wrong puppy can bring stress to a family. I consider that trust an honor and I do my very best to live up to it. Happily, my approach has worked amazingly well. And several of those involved allergies or changes in family circumstances. We handle pups from day one to get them used to human touch and to enhance bonding. Because my kennel is large and I often have multiple litters at the same time, I have staff who help with this important aspect of puppy care. I make sure to consult with everyone to gather perspectives, as we may see the pups at different times in the day. Like most breeders, I have an intuitive understanding of puppy temperament from observing so many litters over the years. From the age of weeks, in particular, I look at where they rank in their litter, and how they interact with their mother, their littermates, and their caregivers. Do they sit back as you come in, or are they the first to come up, jumping at your hand? Are they starting the fights, stopping the fights, or just walking away? The answers to these questions tell me a great deal about their personalities. A puppy that is relentlessly picked on by its littermates, for example, is likely to have a more submissive nature as an adult and be the omega of the pack, regardless of all the socialization and training it might receive. But that personality will be perfect for one of my clients, perhaps a retired person with a quieter lifestyle. The boldest pup in the litter, on the other hand, will be perfect for an athletic young couple that is constantly on the go. Most of the puppies — like most of my clients — rank somewhere in between. While I understood much of this intuitively, I wanted a way to formalize and quantify it. Jack and Wendy Volhard are internationally recognized experts in dog training, health, and nutrition. Although I have adapted the test slightly to suit my needs, like the Volhards, I assess the following in each puppy: attraction to people; comfort with restraint; startle response; acceptance of social dominance by a person; acceptance of dominance while in a position of no control; willingness to do something for you; and degree of sensitivity to touch, sound, and sight. Each element is scored out of 6, with 1 being the boldest and 6 being the most timid. A pup that scores mostly in the range will be quite dominant and best suited to experienced dog owners who know how to lead. A pup that scores mostly in the range will be quite independent and shy, and will suit a quiet, structured home. I average the results across all elements of the test to get an overall ranking for each puppy. Since I began using the test, all of my pups have fallen within the range of about 2. The majority fall between 3. In fact, I work very hard to find the right breeding stock to produce exactly those middle-of-the-road puppies. Subtle variations in the scores can make all the difference in matching dogs to owners. A puppy that ranked 3 is likely to be significantly more active and dominant as an adult than the one that ranked 4. Training actually plays a critical role in helping a dog achieve its full potential and become your perfect dog. Obedience training will improve your bond, and will help the puppy integrate into your lifestyle. Even with a well-matched puppy, it takes work to raise a good dog. Back to top How do you decide which puppy best suits my circumstances? People generally provide a very detailed description of their lifestyle, as well as their preferences in terms of color, coat type, size, and gender. I look at their family composition, experience with dogs, day-to-day schedule, and activity level. I also need to take into account any allergies to determine the best coat type. Then I find the optimal pairing of the available puppies with the prospective owners. When I am torn between two potential pups, I will often describe both and allow my client to make the final decision. Even a slight nuance in personality can make a difference in fit, so I do my very best to consult and include the client. I stand behind my dogs and my decision-making, and if, for any reason, someone needs to give up their dog, it always has a home with me. I have successfully re-homed the very few dogs that have been returned. Back to top How do I go about adopting a puppy? The information you supply will help me decide which puppy would suit your needs. If you decline a pup when it becomes available, you may lose your deposit unless you roll your deposit towards a future litter. You will also lose your deposit if you cancel at the last minute and I have already booked the flight. Back to top Why are deposits non-refundable? I base the number of breedings each year on the deposits we have, so that supply never exceeds demand. I want to be certain that all my puppies have good homes. Making deposits non-refundable also encourages people to think long and hard about whether getting a puppy is the right choice for them before taking the step and getting on the waiting list. I run a very structured breeding program — and it works. I have never not placed a puppy in a good home. Further, you may defer adopting a puppy until your life circumstances are just right — even if that takes years. As an example, if you reserve a puppy in , but decide to wait three years to adopt, your deposit will still apply in .However, if my prices have risen in the meantime, your deposit will be deducted from the higher price. The price quote you are given at the time of deposit applies for only one year. Back to top Can I visit the kennel and see my puppy and its parents? I only allow visitors to my kennel on the day people pick up their puppies. My first priority is protecting the health and safety of my dogs, and I cannot risk introducing disease. Many breeders have been devastated by Parvo that was unwittingly carried in by visitors. I understand that people want firsthand knowledge about the parents and kennel before they purchase a puppy. That is why I include so many references on my website and I encourage prospective owners to contact them. In addition, there are 5, members on the SwissRidge Kennels group on Facebook, where you can engage with owners directly. Many owners have visited the kennel and met me and the parents of their pups. Please join the group and ask questions about anything on your mind. Back to top Do you ship and is it safe? Yes, we ship our puppies all over the world. Our pups are world travelers. If you live in Canada or the US we will have no issues getting your pup to you. We work with a really great shipping company that will help make the transition from our kennel to your home seamless! Prices vary so please contact us for prices. Shipping is safe, and, in my opinion, much safer than traveling a long distance in a car. I have been shipping puppies for almost two decades and all of my puppies have arrived safe and secure at their new homes. What are your prices? Do you have a contract? You can find a copy of my contract here. Back to top Do you recommend pet insurance? Yes, I think pet insurance is very important. Even though we do everything in our power to make sure you are getting a healthy puppy, accidents can happen. With every puppy I sell, I provide a trupanion form for a day free trial of pet insurance. To sign up your puppy for this trial, please visit the Trupanion website. Back to top Why are your prices higher than those of some other breeders? The price of my dogs reflects my credentials, knowledge, skills, investment, and excellent track record as a breeder. I am fully confident in the quality of my dogs and my ability to provide excellent service to my clients. While I constantly strive to improve, clients are so satisfied with their SwissRidge experience that they are increasingly coming back for a second dog, or even a third. I source dogs from all over North America and Europe, and have visited hundreds of kennels in person. Few breeders go to such lengths to find their stock, but this approach has allowed me to gather some of the finest dogs from varied, quality lines. I raise my breeding dogs to maturity and then invest more in testing for genetic diseases. I work very hard to breed the best dogs to produce healthy, happy pups, and then I individually match them to your unique circumstances. Creating the Bernedoodle breed and building a solid program over the past decade has been very rewarding, but also complicated, labor-intensive, and costly. I know what to look for in breeding dogs, how to match the right dogs, and what my matches will produce. On top of all that, I operate a large, busy kennel. My dogs live in immaculate conditions, get plenty of exercise and individualized attention, and are fed very high-quality food. As a veterinary technologist, I know how to provide the best care for my dogs. The key to providing this level of care is great staff, and plenty of them. They work very hard to keep adults and pups happy and healthy, and provide the socialization and playtime the puppies require to develop into well-rounded pets. Staff are on duty from 7 a. I even employ a full-time groomer to make sure my dogs always look their best! Beyond this, I also make sure we offer high-quality customer service to all SwissRidge clients. With my partner being an expert dog trainer, I find we can address nearly every issue that comes our way. In short, I believe my prices are appropriate. When buying a puppy from SwissRidge, you are choosing to go with the breeder with the deepest knowledge — a breeder with premium breeding dogs, and one who stands behind her dogs and her clients for life. Investing upfront in this important member of your family will likely avoid costs down the road. A well-bred, carefully raised puppy will be a healthy member of your family. There are few surprises with a SwissRidge pup. Ask about the temperament of the parents. And speak to as many references as possible. Several factors come into play when determining the price you may have to pay for a Bernedoodle. A new puppy requires a lot of gear. What about a small mountain of puppy chew toys? This 12 pack is perfect for active little mouths, has an awesome variety of toys, and is a terrific bargain — it even comes with an IQ treat ball! Here are a few things to consider when researching your Bernedoodle. Color and Size Coat color and size can have a big impact on the cost. Typically Bernedoodles with a tri-color coat and mini Bernadoodles are the most expensive. Generation Type The cost of the Bernedoodle can be affected by the generation or the make-up of the parents used in the specific liter. An F1 first generation Bernedoodle is one where one parent is the Poodle and the other parent is the Bernese Mountain Dog. An F2 is where two F1 dogs are bred together. Coat If the buyer requests a certain coat type, this can cost more money. Generally, expect to pay more for curly-coated dogs. Different coat types will require a slightly different approach to grooming see what I use on my Doodle dog in this article and will display differing shedding tendencies. However, I found this well-recommended book on Amazon that is actually written by someone who is intimately familiar with these dogs. New Breed The fact that Bernedoodles are a fairly new breed has added to the cost. Almost anytime something new comes out on the market, it comes with a higher price tag. This is bound to change with time, but for now, the lack of breeders is one reason these dogs are on the pricey side. When trying to produce Bernedoodles, breeders want to make sure that both parents are healthy. Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to several health issues , and their life span is only 6 to 9 years. Therefore, it may be difficult to find many healthy Bernese Mountain Dogs, which can drive up the price. Reputable Breeders Breeders who have been in the business longer and raise only high-quality Bernedoodles tend to charge higher prices than someone new to the business. Reputable breeders go to great lengths researching their breeding stock, traveling to see them, and even import them from other countries. High-quality breeding stock can easily fetch 5-figure dollar amounts. Health Screenings Breeders invest a great deal of time and money finding and testing their breeding stock to ensure they are free from genetic disorder and disease. Maintenance Costs Female Bernese Mountain Dogs do not have a high success rate with pregnancy and often require extra care to breed and care for the puppies. They often charge higher prices because of the additional maintenance costs. Geographic Location Bernedoodles generally go for higher prices in larger cities. Therefore, it might be a little more difficult finding quality Bernedoodle breeders and you may need to be open to traveling a bit to get one. Check Their Website Not everybody has a website today, but most businesses do. Are they informative? Do they get back to you right away? What kind of support do they offer after the puppy goes home with you? Check Reviews The internet can be a wealth of good information for people looking for reviews. All you have to do is some research. Visit Their Pups How the puppies and the parents behave is often an indication of how the breeder takes care of the dogs. Bernedoodles can be stubborn dogs that require training and socialization. Are They Responsible Breeders? Responsible breeders truly love that particular breed of dog. They will want to get to know a little about the people buying their pups. If possible, always check out the place where the puppies are born and being raised. The place should be clean, and the breeder should be only breeding Bernadoodle dogs and not several other breeds, which can be an indication of a puppy mill. Knowledge Bernedoodles are a popular dog breed but still relatively new, and you may have many questions about the breed. A quality Bernedoodle breeder is not going to know everything but should be able to answer most, if not all, of your questions. Do you have to give up on your dream? Not necessarily. Check Dog Registries — Check with registries where the Bernedoodle dogs might be registered. Get References — If the breeder is a reputable and quality breeder, he will have no problems providing you with at least two references. This is where Facebook can come in handy too! Visit in person — If possible, avoid telephone conversations over the phone. Ask to meet in person at the place where the dogs are kept. Quality breeders will not only be happy to answer your questions but will expect you to want all the information you can get. Ask to see the parents — Always ask to see the parents of your pup in person. The way the parents behave says a lot about how the puppies will turn out as adults. Develop a relationship — Get to know the breeder as much as possible and develop a good relationship with them so you can always feel free to contact them with any concerns or questions you may have now or in the future. Many times, dedicated breeders are willing to lower their price if they know the dog is going to a loving home and will be well taken care of. Related Questions: What coat colors and types do Bernedoodles come in? Bernedoodles come in one of three coat types: straight, wavy, or curly. Bernedoodles come in a variety of colors , and most of them have a base or background color. The base coat may be cream, chocolate, or red, but black is the most common base coat. There are sable colored, tri-colored, and solid-colored, but the most common is the tri-color Bernedoodle. This much-talked-about term has been used more frequently since the practice of breeding and creating hybrid or designer dogs has become so popular. Hybrid vigor is used on various types of breeding, not just dogs. Among dog breeders, the term hybrid vigor is one some believe as fact and others believe as a myth. Summarizing Bernedoodle Cost… With so many dogs available today in shelters, rescues and reputable breeders, you would think that it would be easy to get a good dog for a good price. Finding a good breeder is the most important step in finding the ideal Bernedoodle at the right price. Related Posts:.

We are located in Nottoway County just 45 miles west of Richmond, Virginia. We have been breeding quality English Labrador Retrievers since .Am Ch. Pointed Mtn Meadow Duck Naked Here at Piney Creek we are dedicated to producing quality Labrador Retrievers with strong bloodlines, calm disposition, sound health and great looks. All puppies produced at Piney Creek are very well socialized to people, sounds and sights. They are handled by us from the day of birth. All puppies are vet checked twice, given all required dewormings, first vaccination, dew-claws removed and are micro-chipped before being placed in their new homes. All puppies come with a hip and health guarantee. In the interest of preserving the integrity of the breed, all breeding stock is AKC registered with final OFA on hips and elbows at 2 years of age and eyes are cleared annually by CERF. Our puppies are placed on limited registration, unless otherwise discussed and agreed upon, to protect their quality of life when they leave our home. Limited registration confirms your pets lineage, it is a non-breeding registration. Any puppies produced by a dog on limited registration will not be able to obtain AKC registration. We will always take back a dog of our breeding at anytime in the dogs life if the owner for any reason can no longer care for the dog or puppy, it does not have to be the original owner. Of course the owner will not receive a replacement puppy. We are members of the National Labrador Retriever Club and support their standard and code of ethics as well as the American kennel Club. We welcome all visitors and hope you enjoy our dogs as much as we do. Feel free to contact us by phone or e-mail anytime. E-mail us at pineycreeklabradors gmail. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. 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: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Furthermore, telling a dog to sit, and then watching the dog do what he was told, provides children with tons of confidence. By giving children the confidence needed to consistently practice reading, they become better readers by virtue of the practice. Dog-owning children have fewer sick days off school, and children who own them often have better self esteem. 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… Richmond has been an official city since .Richmond became the confederate capital in .At this time the capital building housed both the state legislature and Confederate. The distance from Richmond to Washington DC is 98 miles. The distance to the Virginia state capital is miles. Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. My husband is fourth generation on this land and we truly take pride in the beauty of where we call home. We are lovers and breeders of quality yellow, chocolate and black Labrador Retriever puppies. Genetic research and personality testing has been a must to make sure the puppies we raise will live long, healthy, and happy lives. They are an excellent companion with beauty and personality that compares to no other. They have an eagerness to please in addition to their smart nature which makes them perfect for therapy work, a hunting companion or a perfect family pet. Our puppies are home raised with the meticulous care that is needed to produce well rounded, happy and healthy puppies. We have 3 children ranging in ages from 5 to 12 who help us to socialize and raise the puppies. This ensures that they receive proper care, get a jumpstart on training and receive the socialization that they need. All puppies are closely monitored from the time they are born until they go to their new homes at 8 weeks. We monitor daily weights for the first few weeks and then weekly to ensure optimal growth is occurring. Puppies are dewormed every 2 weeks for parasite prevention. At weeks all puppies will receive a complete health check and receive first vaccinations by our veterinarian. They have been tested, and are free and clear from all genetic diseases completed on their Labrador Retriever breeders panel. Please contact us by phone or email for an appointment.

Get Free Downloads! A whelping box should be in a room that is fairly quiet, climate controlled and has a door that can be closed. Animals should be kept away unless mom shows no signs of stress by their presence and they are past their two week quarantine and are are healthy. To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, you will need to be able to sanitize the floors and, possibly, the walls with either high heat or chemicals. A room with carpeting may not be a good option. How to Interact with Mom and Puppies in the Whelping Box For the first few days after the puppies are born, keep things pretty calm and only familiar people should visit. Shoes should be removed before entering the room. I use a pair of Crocs as my puppy-safe shoes because they slip on easily and can be disinfected with bleach. Once the puppies are days old and showing no signs of illness, strangers from all walks of life should be invited to handle the puppies Read about Neonatal Handling. Dura-Whelp is made of corrugated plastic which makes it light, fairly inexpensive and easy to fold up and store. Plus, if you need to contain a medium to large breed mom, you would still have to add a wire pen around the box. Although Dura-Whelp is less expensive than some of the others, it is still a bit of an investment for something that is only useful for a few weeks. View fullsize Dura-Whelp whelping box with weaning pen extension View fullsize Prototype of fence rail frame and EPDM waterproof pond liner flooring Next we tried to build our own. I wanted something modular that could easily grow with the puppies and also contain mom. I also needed a way to keep the puppies from pushing the pen all over the place. I used horse fence rails attached by metal brackets around the pen and also as the bumper rail and I tried EPDM pond liner for the durable, waterproof flooring. Overall, this design worked pretty well except that the frame was a bit heavy and the pond liner flooring did not work because poop stuck to it like cement. Plus, the 6 inch tall bumper rail was not high enough to contain the puppies for more than 13 days not sure their eyes were even open when they started escaping! I made a bumper rail with PVC pipe which I zip tied to the wire pen. Then I used linoleum for the floor which I clipped to the pen with A-clamps. View fullsize This was one of our ideas for a whelping box and weaning pen. It worked ok but there were a few challenges But I discovered a few problems with this design. First, my most obvious mistake was that, under the bumper rail, there was just the wire pen no barrier and newborn puppies are small enough to easily fit through the spaces in the bars. This worked really well. Another problem is that when Mom leaned against the PVC bumper rail, the pieces would come apart. Unless you are careful to keep it clean during the whelping process, you will probably need a second, clean box for the weeks the puppies will live there. Baby pools are handy, relatively cheap options. It is important to add the bumper rails to prevent mom from accidentally suffocating or injuring her puppies. This is another style of bumper rail for a baby pool whelping box. NOTE: If pieces of the foam noodle come loose, they could be a choking hazard. For this size dog, this pool might be a little small but it seems to work. One problem with baby pools is trying to keep blankets in place so this is a clever homemade solution. This is a very simple, down and dirty design. This box appears to be painted wood. What is clever about this one is that it looks like the corner brackets are removable making this easy to assemble and disassemble. About products and suppliers: What are the advantages of whelping boxes? Some custom-made whelping boxes can be tailored to your customers' needs. Find some of the best whelping boxes wholesale on Alibaba. Wholesale whelping boxes come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. There are many different types of whelping boxes, including custom printed, late, and eco-friendly. Some wholesale ofl boxes with horns are one of the most popular choices. What are the benefits of whelping boxes? Customers can also choose a whelping box with logo so that they can transport your products from the weight and type of products they need. It is a great packaging of longevity and durability. Another whelping box helps people to carry a great range of cooking, pasta boxes, and boxes more with the help of wholesalers. In the construction of a custom whelping box, many people use the whelping box as a box, helping people to stretch their muscles and move freely. A weight whelping box is a great option for people who need to carry their items on the move, truck example, and also to expand the muscles. Thus, a weight whelping box is a great solution for people who carry heavy loads of theirounds at a gym, or many other uses, as thelping box helps carry people around their shoulders and to stay theirdrates and on a move. Regardless of how many weight a person can use, as a weightlifting box can help to carry weight, luggage boxes, and many other items at the same time. Related Searches:.

Courtesy of United Schutzhund Clubs of America. It refers to a sport that focuses on developing and evaluating those traits in dogs that make them more useful and happier companions to their owners. Schutzhund work concentrates on three parts. The Schutzhund standards for the third part, protection work, are similar to those for dogs in police work. While dogs of other breeds are also actively involved in the sport of Schutzhund and often follow similar criteria for breeding purposes, this breed evaluation test was developed specifically for the German Shepherd Dog. It is a sport enjoyed by persons of varied professions, who join together in a camaraderie born of their common interest in working with their dogs. Persons of all ages and conditions of life even those with significant disabilities enjoy Schutzhund as a sport. Often, it is a family sport. When approached closely on a loose leash, the dog should not act shyly or aggressively. The track is laid earlier by a person walking normally on a natural surface such as dirt or grass. The track includes a number of turns and a number of small, man made objects left by this person on the track itself. At the end of a 33 foot leash, the handler follows the dog, which is expected to scent the track and indicate the location of the objects, usually by lying down with it between its front paws. Obedience The obedience phase includes a series of heeling exercises, some of which are closely in and around a group of people. During the heeling, there is a gun shot test to assure that the dog does not openly react to such sharp noises. There is also a series of field exercises in which the dog is commanded to sit, lie down, and stand while the handler continues to move. From these various positions, the dog is recalled to the handler. With dumbbells of various weights, the dog is required to retrieve on a flat surface, over a one-meter hurdle, and over a six-foot slanted wall. The dog is also asked to run in a straight direction from its handler on command and lie down on a second command. Finally, each dog is expected to stay in a lying down position away from its handler, despite distractions, at the other end of the obedience field, while another dog completes the above exercises. The exercises include a search of hiding places, finding a hidden person acting as a decoy , and guarding that decoy while the handler approaches. The dog is expected to pursue the decoy when an escape is attempted and to hold the grip firmly. When the decoy attempts to attack the handler, the dog is expected to stop the attack with a firm grip and no hesitation. The dog is sent after the decoy who is threatening the dog with a stick and charging at the handler. The protection tests are intended to assure that the dog possesses the proper temperament for breeding. Schutzhund 1 SchH1 For SchH1 the dog must be at least 18 months old and pass an initial temperament test by the judge. The dog must heel off leash, demonstrate the walking sit, the walking down, and the long down under distraction, as well as the send-out. It must retrieve on the flat and over a hurdle, and over the scaling wall. In tracking, it must be able to follow a track laid by its handler at least 20 minutes earlier. There are also protection tests. It must again pass all of the obedience and protection tests required for the SchH1 degree, but those tests, for SchH2, are made more difficult and require greater endurance, agility, and, above all, control. There is an additional walking stand exercise required. In tracking, the SchH2 candidate must be able to follow a track laid by a stranger at least 30 minutes earlier. Again, the tests now are made far more difficult. All exercises in obedience and protection are demonstrated off leash. The Walking stand is replaced by the running stand. In tracking, the dog must follow a track that was laid by a stranger at least 60 minutes earlier. The track has four turns, compared with two turns for SchH1 and 2, and there are three objects, rather than two, that must be found by the dog. The picture of obedience, strength, eagerness, and confidence presented by an excellent SchH3 team is a beautiful illustration of the partnership of human and dog. Every one of our sires are SchH3 titled dogs. Quick Find. It was designed to test the natural instincts of the breed and to weed out the dogs that were either unstable or untrainable. Over the past century Schutzhund has remained a breed test but has also evolved into a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all walks of life, from new dog owners to seasoned competitors. Persons of all ages and even those with significant disabilities are able to participate and enjoy the sport. Often it is a family hobby. Schutzhund dogs are safe, stable companions in the home and in public, good with children, under control, and at peace with their surroundings. Dogs that show shyness or aggression are dismissed from the trial. This basic temperament test is repeated and must be passed before each trial. This helps to ensure that the dog is safe with strangers and in a crowded situation. The three parts of a Schutzhund trial are tracking, obedience and protection, and the dog must receive passing scores in all three phases to be awarded the title at a trial. Dogs that are out of control or show sound sensitivity are dismissed and this is noted in their scorebook. Dogs that show aggression towards other dogs may be dismissed as well. A Schutzhund 1 track is laid by the handler, approximately paces long, and aged approximately 20 minutes. The most advanced tracking titles are over paces, aged for 3 hours, and involve complex angles, varying surfaces, and are laid by a stranger. The working out of the track must be methodical and precise. The obedience phase requires many of the same exercises that are seen in other venues, such as heeling, sits, downs, and retrieves. In a Schutzhund routine, the paired handlers must report with their dogs off leash. One dog performs a long down while the other does the routine. Later the dog must be heeled through a moving group of people. Dogs must retrieve large dumbbells on flat, over a 1 meter jump and an A Frame, and must be under voice control with no hand signals. Handler help is penalized, and may result in dismissal from the trial. The protection phase tests a dog ability to react appropriately and be under control at all times. The dog must find a hidden decoy and hold him in place with strong barking without a bite. The dog and handler are required to heel next to the decoy, and transport him to the judge, yet remain ready for defense against an attack. Dogs that are out of control are dismissed, as well as dogs that do not release the bite. Recently it has become possible to obtain titles in single phases, and a new Rescue Dog suitability title can be obtained at some trials. Rules for Schutzhund titles are based on internationally accepted rules. Judges are often brought from Europe, and The United Schutzhund Clubs of America maintains a judges program as well, licensing judges from within the organization. United Schutzhund Clubs of America has developed a certification program for helpers, and nearly have participated. A helper must demonstrate proper equipment, an understanding of the rules, and most importantly, the ability to move and catch each dog safely. This promotes fair testing of the dogs and vigilance with regards to safety. USCA also offers conformation shows, where the physical attributes of a dog are judged against the international standard. Dogs may be shown as puppies, allowing a chance for those with very young dogs to participate, and classes extend up to adult dogs with Schutzhund titles showing in the conformation ring. This promotes breeding for correct and sound physical structure. Breeders are encouraged to adhere to strict standards, involving a show rating, a Schutzhund title, an endurance test, and an acceptable hip rating on each dog being bred. In many countries, litter registration is not permitted unless the parents have met these criteria. This promotes consistent quality of the dogs being bred, and allows potential buyers to review generations of hip ratings, conformation, and working titles. Why is Schutzhund important to the future of the working breeds? A dog that performs well in Schutzhund should demonstrate a solid temperament with a foundation of intelligence and utility. He will show a high level of trainability and happiness for his tasks. These traits are highly sought after in police K9s and Search and Rescue dogs. By participating in Schutzhund, we are keeping an important genetic pool alive for the dogs which serve and protect us. It also allows owners opportunity to enjoy an internationally recognized sport with their dogs, creating a stronger bond, and a safe, well mannered member of society. By Yuliya Matvyeyeva Usually, when buying a German Shepherd puppy, a person already knows if the puppy is to be a Schutzhund prospect. Even as a pet, your German Shepherd should be intelligent, confident, loyal, protective of your family, and healthy, so make sure you get your German Shepherd puppy from a good quality breeding. A German Shepherd puppy that comes from lines with Schutzhund or other titles also comes from lines with healthy temperaments. Many people ask: can a German Shepherd trained in Schutzhund be a good family pet and protector? A good Schutzhund titled German Shepherd makes a confident, well-trained, and obedient family member. The key difference is not in the way the dog behaves as an adult, but in the way that you raise your German Shepherd puppy. Raising a Schutzhund prospect may require a lot more patience and time investment on your part. There are certain things that you will have to put up with and certain things that you will have to teach your puppy early on. First and foremost your Schutzhund German Shepherd puppy will require very extensive socialization. Early socialization is important with any German Shepherd puppy, but a Schutzhund prospect will need to go through a much more extensive regimen. A Schutzhund German Shepherd puppy will need to learn to deal with stress and to conquer difficult situations with confidence and eagerness, rather than just giving up. You should start with taking your German Shepherd puppy to public places where he can meet adults and children. Normally, puppies are happy to meet people, but sometimes a puppy may become very careful and suspicious about one particular person, for example a motionless person. If the puppy acts scared - talk to him in an excited voice and encourage him to go closer and investigate. Never drag your German Shepherd puppy against his will if he is scared - he will panic. Let your puppy take his time and investigate the object. If necessary, come up close to the object while your puppy is watching you and touch the object while speaking to your puppy in an encouraging way. Eventually curiosity will win and your puppy will come closer to examine the object. Praise him excitedly! It is better to encourage your German Shepherd puppy to come to people, not vice versa. Ask your friend to sit down and clap his hands. Encourage your puppy to come up to your friend and ask your friend to give the puppy a treat and to pet him when he approaches. Another way you should socialize your German Shepherd puppy is to take him to places that are challenging for him. For example, turn off the path and walk into the high grass. Let your puppy follow you and conquer this difficult for him situation. He should be able to overcome them and to learn that his efforts lead to success. If you choose obstacles too difficult, your puppy will feel helpless - not exactly what you need. There is another way to encourage curiosity in your German Shepherd puppy, and this is where the conflict between raising a Schutzhund prospect and a pet usually arises. From his point of view you are hunting, and you are teaching him how to hunt. His instincts tell him that in order to survive he needs to take part in everything that you do so that he can learn all of the wonderful skills that you have, without a doubt, as his pack leader. Now, what usually happens when puppy tries to learn and investigate the world so what that it means stealing your seedlings? He gets yelled at and chased away! This can be OK if you are raising a pet, but this is exactly what needs to be avoided if you are raising a Schutzhund prospect. This applies to all family members. Another essential aspect that may require you to exercise your patience is obedience training. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is very smart, and it is tempting to start teaching him all kinds of tricks, but you should be very careful. There should be no compulsion training in sight until your German Shepherd puppy matures enough to withstand it without loosing his confidence and independence. Some German Shepherd puppies are harder than others, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Not every German Shepherd is born with the set of drives necessary to do well in Schutzhund, but most likely, if you get a puppy from proven bloodlines, he has those inherited drives. All human babies are born very flexible. This is why you should not lose the moment: you should play catch and tug-of-war with your pup to encourage drive development. Instead, play for a few minutes at a time, let your puppy win, and leave your puppy wanting more of this game and looking forward to the next time. When developing ball drive - try a two-ball game. Here is how: get two rubber balls-on-a-string. Attract the attention of your German Shepherd puppy with one ball and throw it not too far at first. When your puppy runs to get the ball - get the second ball ready. When he gets closer, show him the second ball swing it for more dramatic effect. Hopefully it will cause your puppy to drop the first ball. As soon as he does, throw the second ball in the opposite direction from where the first was thrown. When puppy runs after the second ball, you quickly pick up the first one and repeat everything. Be careful not to overexercise your pup. This game may require considerable space. Copyright .For information on making use of this article see Terms and Conditions This website was created by Template-Online. All rights reserved. She is our "Watchdog extraordinaire". Jayla is always te first to let us know when anyone or anything sets foot on our property. Her obedience is fast and flashy. She is also started in IPO protection and she takes it very serious. Jayla has a lot of energy but calms right down when she comes in the house. We would reccomend Jayla to someone who likes an active dog and needs a great watchdog. He is very a happy and fun dog. Nieno is great with friends and family and gets along great with other dogs including the small annoying ones LOL! Nieno was a show dog in Germany as well as a working dog. With hours of schutzhund training he has earned IPO 2 and his Korklasse breeding title. He has lots of energy. Nieno would make a great jogging companion on or off leash. He will stay right by your side. Nieno is a very friendly and affectionate and just wants to please his handler which makes him easy to handle. He is calm in a house. He is a beautiful dog with great conformation and coat pigment. Nieno can fit into and family nicely. He is our company demo dog — the one German Shepherd we take to trade shows, school presentations, public seminars and any other venue where we need to demonstrate the best traits available in a German Shepherd. Although he is our demo dog, Aslan is available to the right family. He is a large, stunning dog with impressive rich black pigment with red highlights. His muscles are well toned from years of obedience, protection and tracking competitions and training. He is simply an impressive display of top German Shepherd breeding and training. Aslan is affectionate, playful and loves kids of any age. He is living with a year old toddler at the present time and he adores the little boy. Although he looks serious to outsiders, Aslan enjoys meeting new people that his owners bring into the home. Titles Bh, APR 1. APR is an obedience and protection title. He is definitely in the XL category as far as size. Despite his size Eddy is very active and agile. He is very playful and full of personality. Eddy is a VERY formidable watchdog. He welcomes guests that check in with the family but will bark ferociously if strangers come unannounced. He is very obedient and well trained. Loves to play ball and run. Very affectionate to his family. We think Eddy is a very special dog. Lasslo is a very beautiful looking male. He is a medium size dog. Lasslo is very well trained and loves to work for a ball. He is very devoted and affectionate to his family but sometimes takes a few minutes to warm up to new people. He gets along with other dogs including small ones. He comes from show lines. He has a wonderful disposition and great work ethic. He has been raised with children. Falco is very affectionate and is a fun dog. Falco loves to chase and retrieve a ball for his handler and is a great watchdog. He is a medium large dog and has and exceptionally large and beautiful head. His looks attrack a lot of attention. This dog comes directly from Slovakia. He is just an all around great dog. He recently won his regional schutzhund championship. Great family and sport dog. Has been raised with children, cats and other dogs. Bochy was impecably trained by one of the top trainers in the USA from one of the most successfull schutzhund clubs in the USA. He is very playfull and is naturally obedient. He does excellent obedience, tracking and protection. He is well socialized and friendly with people that his family welcomes. On the property and on his own, Bochy is a formidable watch dog.