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Consider Using Deodorizing Litter Cats have famously used litter boxes for a long time, so pet product manufacturers have developed many unique products that absorb pee effectively and suppress odor. By offering your old dog accessible litter boxes, you can almost eliminate the possibility of accidents, all while empowering your aging dog. By giving your dog a huge amount of praise and an immediate reward, you can override any other thoughts they may have, like a compulsion to mark. Watch for Digging or Coprophagia Dog owners encounter some of the most common issues when litter box training their dogs are digging and coprophagia. Unfortunately, the best way to address these issues is using a different potty training method. Buy a Litter Box With High Sides To avoid accidental spills, you should consider buying a litter box made of sturdy material with high sides. These prevent spills with male dogs since they can block any splashing. A flat litter box tray has drawbacks but is significantly better for large dogs. Generally, you will have an easier time litter box training a smaller dog, as a large dog will have difficulty containing their mess in a cat litter box that is entirely too small for their body. If you are set on litter box training a large dog, you will need to get creative with what you use as the litter box itself — using a large metal tray or a shallow plastic storage bin may be your best bet! A small dog can use a standard large litter box and keep the mess in the potty area. High sided litter box, intened for dog use 4. While litter box training a dog is not for everyone, you can teach your dog how to use one with persistence, treats, and positive reinforcement! How useful was this post? Click on a star to rate it! Submit Rating Please give us feedback on this post: Let us improve this post! Tell us how we can improve this post? Throughout the site, you will find a variety of helpful dog training articles, insightful dog behavior tips, and truthful product reviews from nationally-recognized canine trainers and professionals. Post navigation. We all know cats are typically the fur family members to use a litter box. But what about dogs? Are there any good arguments for litter box training your canine friend? A dog litter box? Or an artificial grass pad? So I rarely advise pet parents to skip this opportunity. That said, there are a few instances when using a dog litter box is preferable. Is it right for your dog? This is especially true if you have a small dog, or tiny tinkler as I call them, since they often have more difficulty holding their urine than bigger dogs. This leads to more accidents in the house and bigger frustrations, which puts a damper on your relationship. I wrote an entirely different article that goes into more detail about why your dog is peeing in the house. But if you live in an area that sees several feet of snow or is primarily paved and gets very hot, an indoor dog litter box might actually be safer for your pet. You or Your Dog Have Mobility Issues If you or your dog have mobility issues, dog litter box training might be a good idea. Some companies, like doggybathroom. All you need to do is change out the pads and keep the inside clean. This can be a good option for medium-sized dogs that raise their leg to pee. The downside is the cost. The pee pads are disposable and will need to be replaced frequently. If you want to use dog litter, the sides of the litter box should be low enough for your dog to easily step over but high enough to contain the litter. Now what about artificial grass pads? The initial investment for a grass pad like this one is minimal. Can Dogs Use Cat Litter? Yes, technically, dogs can use cat litter. However, cat litter can be harmful if ingested, which is a risk since our canine friends are known to eat strange things from time to time. Dog litter typically consists of larger, more absorbent pellets, which are safer if ingested. Some are also made with recycled material, like wood or paper. Pin me! Whether you choose a litter box or a grass pad, will your dog really use it? This is the million doggie bone question. Can pet parents actually get their pups to use a dog litter box? In many cases, the answer is yes, you can. Trying to contain a Bull Mastiff in a box while they do their business would be quite a feat! And large dogs tend to raise their leg to pee, so the sides of the dog litter box would have to be very high to avoid soaking surrounding objects. Step 1: Find the Right Spot When house training dogs, we usually bring them outside. Do this by getting a paper towel or pee pad containing a little of their urine and placing it where you want them to go. Step 3: Praise Them for Using the Right Spot Again, just as you would do if training a dog to go outside, be sure to give them lots of praise and some training treats when they do their business in the right spot. But with time, your dog will understand how to use their new pee spot. And of course, you want your home to be sanitary. It can be a rollercoaster of emotions, with several successes combining with moments of failure to finally reach a desired outcome. Some pups love to go outside to use the bathroom, but some individuals may be resistant to that idea. Some dog breeds are quite adaptive to the idea of litter box training. How do you convince your dog that the litter box is the best place to use the bathroom? It may take several months for some breeds to adapt, but puppies and adult dogs will eventually get to know the process. It is very easy to get the supplies that you need. Certain breeds of dog can excel with litter box training. The process is similar to what you would teach a cat, providing them with a large tray as a place to use the bathroom. If you give your pup a lot of positive reinforcement with this process, then it can be a rewarding experience that controls messes for you. Most breeds can adapt to this training option in a couple of weeks, and some individuals may take to it right away. You can eliminate the threat of urine odors and stains. Dogs that need to go to the bathroom will hold it until they no longer can. Litter box training your pup will help you to manage the problems with liquid waste because they can manage their bathroom needs independently of your presence. Litter box training allows for liquid and solid waste. This option gives your pup an opportunity to relieve themselves of the liquid and solid waste when it is time to go. There are several different varieties of litter from which to choose. Dog litter is similar to the products that you can find for kitties in the store. When you need to replace what is in the tray, then you can find everything from activated charcoal to paper pellets. Simple clay litters are sold almost everywhere to provide pet parents with a suitable entry-level option. If you have concerns about the odors that come from the tray, then try sprinkling some baking soda along the bottom of the box every time you empty it to have more control over this issue. It helps senior dogs who may have bladder control issues. If your dog is over the age of 8, then their senior status can impact how and when they need to relieve themselves. Instead of relying on diapers to manage the mess, you can work with your older pup on transitioning to the litter box. You can reduce the amount of physical pain they experience trying to walk outside, especially if you live in a high-rise apartment. They might not have enough time to let you know they need to go at that age too, so having a usable tray gives you mess containment. You will give confidence to some breeds with this training option. Some breeds, with the Maltese being the most notorious for the issue, can struggle to fully adapt to the idea of going outside. Their small bladder size can make it challenging to get them to a patch of grass on time. Instead of dealing with messes or scolding behaviors, you can create a positive environment that involves the litter tray instead. It works well for small breeds only. A bigger pup also means that more waste products must be managed, which could overwhelm the capabilities of this system. If your dog weighs more than 20 pounds, then you might want to look for an alternative solution for their bathroom needs. Some dogs love to dig in the litter tray. If your dog is a digger, then a litter box is not the best solution for your potty training needs. You will want to watch their behaviors during the training process as well since some individuals like to eat the litter or their waste after leaving it behind. There can be severe odors with a litter box. Cats do well with a litter box because the product absorbs their urine and covers up the odors of their waste — to an extent. Because dogs will leave more waste products behind, this training option can be quite odiferous, changing the entire environment of your home if you live in a small place. You might want to consider litter box training if you have a garage, laundry room, or bathroom that has venting in place that will help you to control air movement if it offers easy access and some privacy. The cost for the initial setup can be high for some pet parents. If you have a larger dog, then you must use a bigger container to hold all of the waste. Liquids will absorb into the litter, which means the container must have some capacity to manage the expansion. Male dogs need to have a tray with high sides. If you decide to pursue litter box training for your dog, then you will need to have a product that offers high sides if you have a male pup at home. There can be enthusiastic leg lifting when it is time to go to the bathroom, so something without the appropriate height will still encourage a mess in your home. Since a pup needs the tray to be low enough for them to step over it as well, this option tends to work better with female dogs unless you have a toy breed as a pet parent. You will need separate boxes for your pets. If you have a dog and a cat at home, then neither one will be satisfied with the idea of sharing a little box. Pet parents who try to force this issue will often encourage their cats to spray urine throughout the room with their little box as a way to mark their territory. Dogs can be the same way. You might even need to have separate trays for each pup at home if you have a pack. Placement away from other items that your dog might think is part of the litter box, like an area rug, scratching post, or another upright item, is essential for success. A dog litter box needs to be cleaned every day. Many pups refuse to use this option if their tray is not clean. The only advantage here for some pet parents is that you get to pick up the waste inside instead of outside. The litter can get into the spaces between the pads and their paw. Unless you use paper products, this waste can cause small injuries that can lead to swelling and infections that could restrict their movement. It will take some time and plenty of patience to teach your dog how to use a litter box. Although some pups never take to this idea very well, most small breeds can eventually learn this skill. Do you really have a house dog if they are spending half of their time outside trying to go to the bathroom?

Without something to occupy them, your Dood is likely to quickly get bored. These toys present your pal with a task to carry out in order to receive a reward — this can either be access to a fun toy or tasty treat. Some toys, such as puzzle balls, also work well for rationing kibble with scoffers. Rope Toys Another popular and inexpensive option is the rope toy. Long, colorful fibers are woven together and knotted to create the perfect toy for chewing, tug-of-war games, and fetch. A word of caution, poorly made rope toys can do your pet more harm than good — especially if they are exceptionally energetic chewers. Loose strands can also get tangled around the base of the tongue, which can cause a strangulation-type injury to the tongue itself. Fetch toys Most dogs love playing games with their owner. For the bouncy, boisterous Labradoodle fetch toys such as balls and frisbees are a great way of killing two birds with one stone. Not only do they get to spend quality time with the person they love best in the world, but they also get plenty of much-needed exercise. A further benefit of these excellent toys is the more you can tire your pup out through long walks and energetic games, the easier they will be to handle through the day and into the evening. Burning down their energy this way also helps keep dogs calm during bathing and grooming sessions and trips to the vet. Plush toys Great for anxious dogs and keeping young puppies calm, plush toys make excellent snuggle pals for your four-legged friend. Generally, these are better for light to non-chewers as fabric is more easily ripped and shredded by determined teeth and claws. Always opt for a non-toxic product with reinforced seams, though, just in case. They could cause them health problems if your pup decides to swallow any materials, small parts, or stuffing. In particular, pay attention to: Design While many dog toys have relatively straightforward designs — especially fetch and tug toys, you need to ask yourself whether it will actually appeal to your dog. After all, if your dog loses interest within a couple of minutes, all you have left is a pointless, potential trip hazard. Opt for easy-grip toys with entertaining features if you are looking for something that will keep your pup entertained during solo play. These may include squeakers, added flavors, or a place where you can stash a treat for them to find. Construction This is probably the most crucial aspect of any toy. After all, how many times have you bought what you thought was an excellent toy for your dog, only for them to rip it to shreds in literal seconds? Novice pet parents, be warned! Choose quality toys that are not going to instantly be destroyed the minute you remove the tag. Natural rubber, latex, and nylon are all good robust materials. Kong Classic Dog Toy. And when buying labradoodle toys this is a good idea, as they are known to be quite intelligent, so exercising the mind is equally as important as the body. This ball has an interior tennis ball and makes loud squeaks to make playtime a lot of fun. The built-in handle also makes sure that it is very easy to pick up and shake around for your dog. And also for you to throw for a great time of fetch! Pros: Both fun for brawling for your dog, and as a fetch toy The interior tennis ball also makes it a nice interactive toy Also serves a squeaky toy Cons: Not well suited for puppies or very young dogs, as it is quite large and weighs 1. It makes a perfect sleeping buddy for your dog. Pros: Just look at this thing! The durability of this is the reason they give a lifetime replacement guarantee, so they trust the durability of their product. Many users report back saying that their dog is usually able to destroy most toys in a matter of minutes, but this has lasted them weeks without more than some teeth marks in it. Without much training you will be able to throw this very far, so not only is it fun for your dog, you will also enjoy it. Throw it into a lake and watch your labradoodle jump into the water to try and retrieve it. Adjustable treat dispensing toy Large chamber fits whole meals Weighted bottom wobbles. With a curved, wobbling bottom and a thinner cylinder-like top, this toy is shaped specifically for the mouth of a Labradoodle, making it easier to pick up and walk around with. Goughnuts tough dog toys are long lasting and will keep your dog busy.Our super durable dog toys are nearly indestructible, but if your dog manages to damage them, We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Made in California, this dog toy is shaped like a ring and can float, bounce, flex, and stand up, making it perfect for playing a long game of fetch. With 4 sizes and 6 colors to choose from, this 21 dollar toy is a great investment for your money. With a long-lasting guarantee, Goughnuts also has a replacement policy that says it will send you a new Ring Toy if your dog ever destroys the one you have. Made of a natural compounded rubber in the United States, this toy is great for dental hygiene and is filled with treats to encourage chewing while gradually feeding snacks to your Labradoodle. Labradoodles in particular love this toy because it challenges their intellect. They tend to get bored easily and love the smell of their treats hiding inside this FDA-approved puzzle. Perfect for solo play or playtime with the family, it comes in 2 sizes and 2 colors including red and green. Bring it on. Benebones are tougher than real bones and last for weeks. Trust us, dogs can tell the difference. Want to chat? This toy comes in 3 delicious flavors that will encourage your dog to play and chew it enthusiastically. For meat-loving dogs, chicken and bacon flavors are available. A Labradoodle sits on a couch next to a Pomeranian. Great for.Swivel to hide treats under the.Easy to.Do not leave toys with unsupervised pets. Remove and replace toy if damaged. This toy is considered somewhat eco-friendly because it is made from a wood-plastic composite instead of all rubber or plastic. This dog puzzle is a good stimulation tool for Labradoodles, especially when playing alone because it takes both interest and concentration. To operate and solve this game, your dog must interact by pushing levers and swiveling flippers to reach hidden treats and goodies. By following a series of steps, they will push blocks into holes to release their treats. It also features handles that.Multi-Use Toy: The two-in-one ball toy offers twice the fun, excitement, mental stimulation, and worthwhile interactive play. Its tough exterior makes it super durable and ideal for routine fetch.Hours of fun and bonding are guaranteed between you and your dog. Assorted Colors: Choose from an assortment of fun colors and pick from one of two shape choices: Ball or Football. Available in 2 Sizes: Medium and Large. Available in both medium and large sizes, this toy weighs roughly 1 pound and is great for Labradoodles of all ages. Your Labradoodle will be entertained and occupied for hours trying to figure out how to reach the tennis ball inside of the jumbler itself. They are soft and fluffy, and everyone wants to hold them and play with them. During our Open House we answer many questions that our families have. We discuss potential issues that they may encounter once they bring their puppy home. To ensure a great puppy start, we give our families tips on puppy training and how to intervene and redirect when their puppy starts to chew inappropriate objects, whether it is your finger or your remote control. We use substitution, a simple behavior modification technique to teach the puppy to chew on an appropriate object instead of inappropriate object. To do this, we share with our families some of our favorite healthy and appropriate chew toys for teething puppies. It is high in Collagen, Glucosamine and Chondroitin that support healthy joints with a unique aroma and taste that is very desirable by puppies and grown dogs. These easy to digest but are safer than rawhide and will not cause digestive distress that rawhides can cause. Lamb Tripe Sticks Organic lamb tripe are a great source of probiotics, Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals and support digestive, dental, immune, and musculoskeletal systems. These treats are from grass fed lamb, free of antibiotics or hormones and are perfect for sensitive stomachs that aid digestion and relieve constipation. Untouched, untreated, unbleached tripe with no preservatives, hormones, or artificial ingredients will keep your puppy busy for hours at a time. These sticks are highly nutritious and are excellent alternative to rawhide and other chew treats like antlers that may be hard on the GI tract or the teeth. Larger treats are sufficient to keep your puppy busy for hours enjoying the treat. Sweet Potato Dog Treats- Dehydrated All-natural sweet potato skins are gluten and grain free and are loaded with fiber, antioxidants and natural vitamins and minerals. These healthy treats help complete your puppy meet their nutritional needs without supplements without fat or added sugar. Natural Bully Sticks All-natural beef bully sticks are made from high-quality, free-range, grass-fed beef that are high in protein and other essential vitamins to support a healthy diet. They promote dental health through scraping away tartar and plaque through you Australian Labradoodle puppy chewing action. Free of any additives, hormones or unhealthy chemicals. Bully sticks are fully digestible and an excellent alternative to rawhide and will not splinter. Goughnuts Although this is not an organic product, we have found it helpful as it is virtually indestructible chew toy designed by mechanical and polymer engineers. In addition, this chew toy floats and is perfect an excellent fetching toy. GoughNuts are safe for your Australian Labradoodle and even if your teething puppy chews through the outside layer to expose the red layer puppy should not chew on the red , the manufacturer will replace it. Ensure that it is soft enough to provide relief from sore gums, yet tough enough to last. Wholesale 6 Best Dog Toys for Goldendoodles and Labradoodles Growing in popularity throughout the world, the Goldendoodle is a lovable, energetic bundle of fluff that brings happiness to every home. These adorable teddy bear like dogs are also destructive chewers. In need of a Holiday gift for the special goldendoodle in your life, check out our goldendoodle gift guide. From dog toy giftboxes to mugs, we have everything you need for the dood in your life. These toys are especially fabulous because each toy includes a secret squeaky ball inside so you really get 2 for 1. It comes in sizes perfect for small and large dogs and adorable designs like koalas, cactus and pigs. Our raving fans give this toy a 1 paws up! The Bob-A-Lot is designed to store dog food and kibble but the small openings make it challenging for your dog to retrieve them. The Bob-A-Lot is made of durable, non-toxic materials and is also dishwasher safe for convenient cleaning. Click here to purchase from Amazon. Goughnuts Ring Toy The 1 sturdiest dog toy on the planet hands down. This GoughNuts Ring bounces, rolls and even floats, so it can stand up to extreme games of fetch and all types of outdoor play. Click here for more details. West Paw Hurley Bone This classic bone is a safer alternative to wood sticks and is best for dogs who love to gnaw and play fetch especially in water. Hurley's classic design makes it easy for dogs to carry in their mouthes while its bright colors, make Hurley easy to spot indoors or out. Made in the USA, it floats and its non-toxic. Click here for details. Benebone Chew Toys One of the leading dog chew brands, Benebone is certainly a fan fave. Their chews are all made in the USA and come in yummy favors your pup will love like chicken, mint, peanut butter and bacon! The company is also fully committed to the welfare of dogs through product donations and community involvement. They are sold via amazon or at your local high end retailers. Sodapup Coffee Treat Dispensing Toy Sodapup is one of our absolute favorite toy companies for heavy chewer dog toys. Their toys are made in the USA, are extremely durable for tough chewers and the owners of the company are fantastic. Click here to learn more about their treat dispensing dog toys. If you're still searching for the perfect holiday gift for your dog, our adorable and trendy plush dog toys are always a great gift. If you need a gift for the special goldendoodle in your life, check out our Holiday Gift Guide For Goldendoodle Lovers Brought to you by Patchwork Pet- a leading plush dog toy company based in sunny southern California. Labradoodles are intelligent and have the retriever instinct. They love to chew and tug to exercise their strong jaw. A Labradoodles toy box should include one toy from each of the following categories: Puzzle Toys: Puzzle toys work to occupy your Labradoodles mind rather than enhance their physical fitness. The intelligence Labradoodles inherit from their Poodle parent makes them enjoy all problem solving toys. When choosing a puzzle toy for your Labradoodle ensure the toy will be challenging enough for your dog. A toy that is easily solved will lead to your dog becoming bored and loose interest in the toy. Chew Toys: Most dog breeds love to chew and Labradoodles are no exception. Labradoodles can be strong meaning the chew toy you select should be durable quality. Having a number of different chew toys for your Labradoodle gives them choice and will decrease boredom. Tug Toys: Tug toys requires the owner to pull against the Labradoodle. Tug toys allow the Labradoodle to share bonding time with the owner. If you happen to have two Labradoodle dogs, a tug toy is a great toy for them to play with together. Retriever Toys: Retriever toys or fetch toys are a great way to bond with your Labradoodle. Being an active breed they love to run and also love to please their owner. A fetch toy can allow them to do both of these things. Fetch toys are generally basic balls, plastic squeak bones or similar so it is important to use a fetch toy that is tough enough to survive the strength of a Labradoodle. Labradoodle Treat Toys Below you can find the top toys for your Labradoodle. If you have a medium or standard Labradoodle, you will need to purchase the larger sized toys available, while a miniature Labradoodle will require smaller, lighter weight toys. Not only will this interactive toy keep your Labradoodle occupied; if they are going through a teething stage, it will relieve any teething troubles they are feeling. The objective of this toy is for the Labradoodle to attempt to eat the treats that the owner hides inside. The bottom of the Kong twists off where the owner can stash the dogs favorite treats, or just some dog biscuits. While the Kong is primarily a puzzle treat toy, it can also be thrown in hopes to be retrieved by your Labradoodle. The shape of the Kong means that it will bounce and turn making your Labradoodle need to think to catch it successfully in their mouth. This proudly American made dog toy, is bound to keep your Labradoodle occupied and out of mischief for quite some time. The Kong is made entirely from rubber meaning that it can be hand washed after use. View current price of Kong Toy here. Made from non-toxic plastic, this dog toy is durable, safe and can be easily cleaned. While your dog is being both physically and mentally active playing with the IQ Treat Ball, their teeth are being well looked after. Using an IQ treat toy will ensure your dog is only rewarded if they have been active. This type of toy is great because it can be retrieved, chewed and is a puzzle with treats as a reward. Toys like this can easily become a Labradoodles favorite. This type of interactive dog toy is less likely to be thrown aside like their stuffed toy might have been previously. View current price of the IQ Treat Toy here. This toy will ensure that the Labradoodle is mentally solving the puzzle to receive the prize which can be any kind of dog treat. These type of puzzle treat toys will strengthen your Labradoodles cognitive ability and keep them from mischief making. The Interactive Seek a Treat Toy can be used by a number of puppies at once or alternatively a two pack can be purchased together. The sliding disks can be moved back and forth to reveal treats hidden by the owner. The sturdy wood material used to create the Interactive Seek a Treat Toy is hard for a Labradoodle to destroy, and in the circumstance they do, each of these toys comes with an 18 month money back guarantee. These type of toys can even be used to feed the dog from if they have a tenancy to rush their meals. The slow feeder treat toys will control how quickly the Labradoodle can eat their meals. If you find that your Labradoodle becomes easily bored or rushes their meals, the slow feeder treat toy might be perfect for them. Find out more about the Slow Feeder Treat Toy here. This ensures they will need to use their tongue and mouth to maneuver the biscuits to a place in which they can consume them. This dog bowl is recommend by veterinarians across the globe as it reduces dogs suffering bloating and ingestion. The plastic used to create this toy is chemical free and extremely durable even for the roughest of Labradoodles. While many owners choose to put biscuits in the fun feeder, small bite sized treats can also be used in this bowl. The Labradoodle Fun Feeder comes in a number of colors and designs as well as sizes. When selecting a sized feeder bowl for your doodle, consider how many cups of biscuits you give them daily and then purchase the correct size accordingly. Buy your very own fun feeder bowl for your furry friend here. Providing your puppy with a number of toys that they can retrieve, chew, tug and solve will ensure they stay far away from any mischief that can be caused. No related posts. Different Types of Toys Available There are millions of dog toys on the market these days, but not all dog toys are right for every dog. Some toys are specifically made for smaller breeds while others are made for more aggressive chewers. Others are made with organic materials while others are designed from plastic and include dyes. Most quality dog toys will display the type of dog they are targeting on their packaging. Make sure you heed these instructions, as getting a toy that is not designed for your Labradoodle in his particular life stage could be dangerous. Labradoodles are large dogs that need durable toys. Both parent breeds have a history as retrieving dogs, so may enjoy a toy that you can throw for them. But, you know your Labradoodle best. Ultimately, you are best placed to decide which toys they will enjoy the most. These toys are tough, durable teething toys with nubs and edges designed for those sharp little puppy teeth. They can even aid in overall dental health. This adds a bit more comforting relief when your puppy chews. These toys are softer and made for younger puppies, so they are not ideal for young adult or grown Labradoodle dogs. They come in two different, interesting shapes that will be easy for your Labradoodle to hold whilst they chew. The two toys have different textures, one with ridges, and the other more smooth. So, your puppy has a bit of choice. Chews like this are great for teething puppies to relieve a little of their discomfort, and to save your own skin from painful bites! Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy Puzzle toys can help with chewing, because a lot of chewing behavior is triggered by boredom. Every Labradoodle has their quiet moments. This is a toy designed to be used with treats and encourages your dog to think, in order to get to the tasty treasures. As Labradoodles get older, they become increasingly more intelligent and are more prone to experiencing boredom and anxiety. You can help alleviate this by investing in the best Labradoodle toys you can find. This puzzle toy is made of plastic, so is washable with soap and warm water. But, be aware that this is not a toy to leave with your dog to play with alone. These dog toys include a variety of toys like interactive balls, squeaky toys, treat balls, and puzzles to keep your clever Labradoodle engaged with or without you at his side. The Medium-Large size pack is best for adult Labradoodles, who are large breed dogs when fully grown. These balls are each slightly different from one another, with different textures, shapes, and sizes. So, your Labradoodle has a lot of choice when playing. The Kong is a brilliant invention and comes in a range of different strengths and sizes. The large red variety is perfect for most adult labradoodles to chew on. There is an even tougher black version if you Labradoodle is a power chewer! You can also freeze these toys with food inside, making it a little harder for your dog to get the food out, and encouraging some relaxed playtime. This KONG toy is designed to bounce in unpredictable directions when thrown. Your Labradoodle will love to chase it as it bounces around your house or yard! This toy is specifically designed for large dog breeds. Some Labradoodles are more aggressive chewers than others. If your Labradoodle is part shark, a rope toy like this is a great durable choice. It is knotted with frayed ends, so your dog will love gnawing on the different bumps and textures. On top of this, chewing on rope toys can be a great way for your Labradoodle to clean their teeth. And, it is machine washable, so you can keep your dog healthy and your house smelling fresh. BarkBox Plush Squeak Toy Labradoodle puppies may well enjoy cuddling up with a few soft toys in the first few weeks. Remember, these toys are not suitable for heavy or destructive chewers. But are better suited to very young puppies. You may need to remove them once your puppy reaches three to four months of age This one is a large, plush toy in the shape of a sloth! This toy option has a number of different fabrics that your dog will love the feel of. Plus, inside is a wonderful squeaker, that will make chewing fun and rewarding. Whether your Labradoodle loves cuddling up with their toys or just making as much noise as possible, this is a great option. But, remember to remove any pieces that your dog does chew off. Even fabric can be problematic if swallowed. This is an extremely good toy for puppies as it has a soft surface but the puppy can bite down on the tough knotted rope inside. It has realistic flexibility in its sides, and contains a squeaker. Your Labradoodle will find chewing on this raccoon toy very rewarding. Even if your Labradoodle does manage to completely destroy the outer layer, they can just continue playing with the rope toy hidden inside! Just be sure to discard any loose pieces. This chew toy is covered with interesting textures. You can also hide treats inside to encourage your Labradoodle. Like any other toy, make sure to remove any pieces that get chewed off — although it will be a challenge for your dog with this option! A Classic Tennis Ball! But, in reality, any tennis ball will be great too! And, you can find them in pretty much any pet store. Choose standard sized tennis balls rather than small versions so your Labradoodle cannot swallow or choke on them. Both parents of the Labradoodle the Labrador and the Poodle love to retrieve. So, your Labradoodle is bound to love chasing one of these tennis balls across a field and bringing it back to you. Just remember to remove tennis balls that break open so your doodle dog cannot swallow any pieces. Labradoodles are mixed breeds, meaning they are the offspring of the purebred Poodle and purebred Labrador Retriever. Both of these dog breeds are bred working dogs with lots of energy to burn. Dogs with lots of intelligence and energy to burn can be wonderful companies to the right family. But they can also be more prone to problematic and destructive behaviors if their exercise and mental stimulation needs are not met. These toys can also help soothe anxiety, reduce destructive behaviors, and even keep your Labradoodle entertained and happy while you are away. Is your Labradoodle a chewer? Or does he prefer learning new tricks and exploring? Does your Labradoodle like to cuddle with toys. Or does he enjoy playing tug of war or more destructive games with his plushies? Knowing your Labradoodle will help you be able to better pick out the best Labradoodle toy for him. Puppies, for example, will do well with teething toys and smaller, softer KONGS to help keep them occupied and happy. Adult Labradoodles will likely appreciate toys that help aid in exercise like balls, interactive and puzzle toys. They also love strong chews they can distract themselves with when you are busy or away. If you are choosing toys for your puppy before they arrive, you might want to get a selection — perhaps one toy from each category that we looked at right at the start of this guide. This way, you can see which type your Labradoodle responds best to before investing lots of money into more toys. Other Ways to Entertain Your Labradoodle with Toys Along with investing in the best Labradoodle toys for your Labradoodle, you might also consider a storage container to keep these toys in. Because Labradoodles are so intelligent, only give your Labradoodle a few toys at a time. Then you can switch them out with new ones now and again to keep things interesting. You can also help encourage your Labradoodle to build healthy, independent habits using toys. Keeping your Labradoodle on a schedule and allowing him to have time to himself with a favorite toy can help reduce anxiety and stress, and help your Labradoodle see that being on his own from time to time is actually a good thing. These will last many months, even years. All young dogs like to chew on softer toys too, and the Kong Knots range is perfect for this purpose. Soft toys can work for very small puppies but tend to have a short life. You may also find that puzzle toys and training games, help reduce any destructive behavior around your home. We hope this article has been a helpful guide on the best Labradoodle toys for your playful pup. Now we want to hear from you. What do you think is the best Labradoodle toy on our list? Have you tried any out on your pup? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. References and Resources Paterson, S. Tug of war games can last longer with this durable toy that is nearly indestructible. And if your pup does manage to destroy it? The company will give you a replacement or a refund. The material can hold up against active chewers. This rope can be used by multiple dogs at once for pulling, playing, and chasing. Check the price now! Since these dogs are not couch potatoes, they need ways to burn off their energy and stay mentally and physically stimulated. Labradoodles need enrichment every day or they can turn to undesirable behaviors. They are slow to mature and usually only calm down a bit at around 3 years of age. The Importance of Toys Labradoodles like to chew, chase, run, swim, and play. To avoid these unwanted behaviors, make sure that your dog has plenty of walks, chances to run, and toys to play with. When their chewing instinct kicks in, having their own things to chew on will save your household items. What Are the Best Toys for Labradoodles? Chew Toys Labradoodles are strong chewers and need toys that can satisfy their chewing instincts. Chew toys should be durable enough to last and not break apart instantly. If your Labradoodle is a heavy chewer, always supervise them when they are playing with toys. Chewing apart small pieces of toys and ingesting them put your dog at risk for choking and intestinal blockages. Always make sure the toy your dog is chewing is one that is suitable for them Puzzle Toys Labradoodles are intelligent and enjoy toys that keep them mentally engaged. Puzzle toys can keep dogs from getting bored. They also offer rewards for correctly solving the puzzle, further motivating your dog to work for them. Fetch Toys Labradoodles love having plenty of toys around to play fetch with because they are highly active dogs. Throwing a ball or plush toy will give them a way to get the exercise they need and have fun doing it. You may even notice your Labradoodle bringing you toys to throw for them. The more toys they have to chase, the more you can be sure your dog is getting the activity that they need. Tug Toys Tug toys allow Labradoodles to get exercise, safely release some pent-up energy, and bond with their owners. After all, the tug toy needs to be used with another person in order to work properly. Since these toys require interaction, playtime can also be socialization time. They will need you, another person, or another dog in order to play. They can provide a feeling of comfort to anxious dogs and have a calming effect on puppies. They are fun to snuggle with and can be used as pillows. Some dogs use plush toys like children use security blankets. Rubber, nylon, canvas, and latex are good choices. Plush toys with reinforced seams are ideal. If the toys are going to be used outdoors, notice how they can get cleaned. Some toys can be hand washed or put in the washing machine. Design Not every Labradoodle will like every toy. Some dogs love puzzle toys while others lose interest in them quickly. It can take some trial and error to find toys that your individual dog will enjoy. If your dog loves noisy toys, be sure to offer them when playtime is allowed without restriction. Choosing a toy for your Labradoodle can be tricky because not all dogs like the same things. Some dogs are also more destructive than others. Toys are important for Labradoodles because they provide mental and physical stimulation, decrease boredom, and help your pup have fun. This only happens if the toys are right for your specific dog. Always supervise your dog when they are playing with toys that they can easily destroy to avoid accidental injury from swallowed pieces and parts. She has lived with dogs for over 30 years and spends her days writing, caring for various animals, and enjoying her backyard that has become an oasis for wild creatures. Her passion for animals began at a young age when she would bring home the lost dog or cat. As she got older, she went on to bring home an injured bird or raccoon. This love and desire to help all creatures led to her work as an adult with various animal rescues, where she saved the lives of many domestic and wild animals while learning the necessary skills to care for them. Owning and operating a professional pet care service in Chicago for the past twelve years, Jessica cares for dogs in her home while writing full-time. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

Our doodles live a 'dog's life'. Originally bred to be allergy friendly service dogs they are smart, calm and love to be with people. Whether it's laying by the pool in the summer or bounding along snow covered paths in the winter conveniently snow blown by their human dad , running through the woods or barking at the deer passing through the yard it's all about the fun! On any given day you can watch the doodle parade with at least 3 puffy tails wagging and noses to the ground as we wind our way through the neighborhood. Our dogs are allergy friendly, sweet with just the right amount of spunk and scrupulously health tested. Labradoodle puppies come with a 2 year genetic health guarantee and we will be available as a guide throughout the life of your puppy. Please visit our puppy page to learn about our current litter and plans for future puppies. You can also contact us today by using the button below. Our promise to raise healthy, happy puppies We take every step to ensure that your puppy has a great beginning. A high-quality diet, vet checks, daily exercise and a happy home life in our home or forever family give our parents a great head start. Prenatal checkups, ultrasounds and x-rays ensure that moms and puppies are safe and ready for the big day! Some experts believe that days are a period of rapid neurological growth and development. We stimulate the puppy's nervous system with position exercises ENS and jumpstart their sense of smell ESI by introducing distinct smells. Our play areas challenge the puppies physically and mentally to overcome fears and obstacles during problem solving playtime. There are wobble boards, climbing steps, boxes to explore, tunnels to run through, agility sections, toys and balls to chase. Sound desensitization begins at three weeks. Before puppies go home, they are exposed to our regular home environment. Most master the stairs. Outside, we wander our several fenced acres, encouraging them to be dogs while learning valuable skills. Follow the leader, coming when called, hiding in the woods and playing with mom are the most fun! Your puppy is carefully handled from birth to provide loving human contact while respecting the bond between momma and puppy. In the critical first 8 weeks we strive to help the puppies become well- adjusted little doodles who easily transition to their new homes. We take special pride in knowing each puppy individually. Before puppy selection we provide a detailed description of each puppy. We know who is frisky, who loves to play 'keep away' and who's the charmer. Your puppy is hugged and loved by grandchildren and selected visitors to begin their socialization. The Labradoodle is one of the most popular, well-known Doodle breeds and for many reasons. Thank you, Poodle genes! Since the Labradoodle comes in both Standard and Mini sizes , almost anyone can expand their family with this adorable Dood. This includes extensive health and genetic testing to rule out any hereditary illnesses that the offspring may inherit. As a result, their puppies are much less likely to inherit any genetic conditions that could seriously alter their quality of life, or even lifespan. In addition to that, pay attention to what type of health guarantees the breeders offer. Generally, responsible breeders offer one or two-year health guarantees that cover any serious genetic conditions that the parents have been tested for. Of course, make sure that the health warranty comes in written form with your puppy purchase documentation. All of these organizations require their members to adhere to their highest standards of health testing and ethical breeding practices. In addition to that, they provide their members plenty of resources on responsible breeding, and help share the best and newest breeding practices amongst their members. Moreover, if you know anyone who has recently adopted a Labradoodle in Minnesota, you can always ask around to hear more about their own personal experiences with various Labradoodle breeders in the area. Choosing a breeder is a time-consuming task that requires a fair amount of work and research on your end. At Grace Kennel, their dogs and puppies are their number one priority. Their goal is to raise puppies with excellent conformation and temperament. They raise their puppies in a loving home environment, where their pups receive lots of love and attention from birth and up until adoption. As you would expect from an ethical breeder, they rigorously test all of their parent dogs. In fact, many of them do therapy work as well. Their puppies sure come from great bloodlines in terms of health and temperament! What Makes This Breeder Unique? They socialize and train the puppies as early as possible. This includes early potty training, basic manners and obedience, and regular grooming. We have TWO puppies looking for loving homes as soon as possible. Our F1 Labradoodles want to be your friend! Our latest F1 Labradoodle puppies will soon become one of your "friends! Phoebe is Mom, a silver Labrador Retriever, who weighs around pounds. Augie, our cream-apricot stand Poodle, is the Dad and weighs about 70 pounds. All our puppies received their first shots and a vet exam. He likes to run and play fetch in the field or splash in the water. Lots of Labradoodle to love! He wants to play and simply show you lots of love. I'll be there for you! To ensure our females have the best possible care and attention they deserve in a family of their own, the Guardian Family Program is an opportunity for selected families to welcome one of our dogs into your family at no initial cost. Guardian family is responsible for any other vet care, as needed. A successful litter is four or more healthy puppies. During her first heat cycle after turning two years old, she returns to the farm to breed. She stays on the farm for days. The gestation period is between 58 — 68 days. About days prior to her estimated due date, she returns to the farm to whelp and nurse her puppies. This is for about weeks. Northern Pine Doodles and our veterinarian, with the input of the family, determine the health and timing of breeding. If we determine the female is unable to successfully breed, she is spayed and becomes the family's pet at no cost. Interested in learning more about our Guardian Family Program? Contact Joe at for more information. Available Females for Guardian Program Call or text Joe at to learn more about becoming a guardian family for a female first-generation chocolate Labradoodle. The parents weigh between pounds and we estimate the puppies will be a similar size. We currently do not breed mini-doodles. Labradoodles, especially F1b, are great for families that may experience allergic reactions from pet dander. The dogs will lose hair, like you and I, but won't shed like other dogs. They are great with kids, friendly, and loving companions. Feel free to read more about our puppies from current owners on our Facebook page. Family-raised, our dogs love people and aim to please. Our owners rave about our puppies' temperament, which are friendly, smart, and loving companions. Because they are three-quarter Poodle, the puppies also are hypoallergenic and low shed. We specialize in Poodle-hybrids, or Doodles. Stud services are also available with a cream or chocolate Standard Poodle. Joe Francis and Sue Brague Wagner are the owners and have a great love for dogs. I am interested in more information about available puppies or would like to be added your litter announcement email list. Here are the 6 best Labradoodle breeders in Minnesota. With their rigorous screening process for breeders, PuppySpot ensures that all puppies are bred in trustworthy and ethical conditions. Additionally, they offer a health guarantee for all puppies and provide ongoing support to buyers to help ensure that the puppies are well taken care of. This support includes helpful information on training, nutrition, and other important aspects of pet ownership. PuppySpot also offers transportation options for buyers, making it easier for them to receive their new puppies, regardless of their location. With these services and their commitment to responsible breeding practices, PuppySpot is a fantastic choice for those looking for Labradoodle breeders in Minnesota. Heather, who spends time with the furry kids, is originally from Connecticut and has been in Minnesota since .Heather places a premium on the health of Labradoodle puppies and offers a three-day general health warranty. Blueberry Cottage Labradoodles, Minnesota, will give you a full refund if your furry pet develops any of the problems mentioned above after you take them home! They are dedicated to creating healthy, attractive dogs with decent temperaments. They hope to find a loving home for their Labradoodle puppies , where they are well-fed and never have to see a shelter. Hidden Valley Doodles are bred primarily for health and temperament. Thus their parent breeds are examined before crossing. Because of their great temperaments, their canines are prospering as fantastic therapy and service dogs. Their Labradoodle pups come with the following features. Age-appropriate vaccinations Examined by a veterinarian and backed by a two-year health guarantee Microchipped Vitamins and a package of dog food a package stuffed with unique delights This breeder has been growing great service and companion dogs for more than a decade, as well as grooming dogs and cats for over 30 years. For more than 15 years, the owner also worked as a horse trainer. The dewclaws will be removed, but this breeder will not dock the tails. All Labradoodle puppies will be vet checked, dewormed, and have their first set of shots before going to their new homes. Labradoodles on the Lake only plan to breed a specific amount of litter per year to keep the lines healthy and give each puppy the attention they deserve. This breeder raises mini Labradoodles and mini Goldendoodles, mini golden Cockerdoodles, and Cockapoo. Their miniature Labradoodles are renowned for their intellect, calm demeanor, devotion, and graceful walk. They have affectionate personalities and enjoy being in the middle of things. They are extremely intelligent and enjoy playing, although they are rarely demanding. They chose to socialize our puppies by playing with them all day, taking them to an Assisted Living facility, and occasionally taking them to daycares and schools. Mini Labradoodles are often a fantastic choice for a first-time dog owner, a family, a service dog, a school program dog, or a guide dog. All puppies are super healthy, joyful, and confident and are provided with: All immunizations as well as all boosters. View fullsize Both our chocolate Labradoodle and our Poodle are beautiful dogs with excellent temperaments. They are our family pets. Because we begin with a Labradoodle and a Poodle, rather than a Lab and a Poodle, our puppies are much more likely to have the non-shedding Poodle coat. A F1b Labradoodle has been back-crossed to a poodle in an effort to insure a non-shedding coat. Even though most f1b Labradoodles shed very little or not all, it is impossible to guarantee that any dog even doodles or purebred poodles will not shed at all. Hypo- means less hypothermia is having a lower than normal body temperature. No dog can be said to be completely non-allergenic. Studies have shown that doodles are less likely to cause allergies, particularly f1b doodles. The ideal is to keep as much of the Lab head shape and super-friendly personality as possible while getting the non-shedding Poodle coat as well as the dignified, less vocal characteristics of the Poodle. Our Labradoodle methodology is quite simple. First, we get quality dogs. This is why we wanted to have pick of the litter for our Labradoodle and our Poodle and why we only obtained puppies from reputable breeders that we knew we could trust. Second, we try to treat our dogs Labradoodle and Poodle well. We feed our Labradoodle and Poodle high quality food with plenty of protein, and give them wonderful socialization and opportunities for exercise. We have 12 acres along the Enoree River with trails, additional property next to a Greenville state park, and property on Lake Hartwell giving us the opportunity to take the dogs kayaking. We recognize the importance of socializing young Labradoodle puppies so they will not be fearful as they mature. Our Labradoodle puppies have lots of opportunities to play with our children, and water games are definitely on top of the list. Labradoodles love the water and so do my kids, as you can see below. Third, we try to find appropriate families for our Chocolate Labradoodle puppies. To learn more about our process, check out this resource that gives a step-by-step guide between the application to receiving your puppy! A Chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle is not for everyone, and a puppy is not for everyone. If your family is not prepared for a Labradoodle puppy financially, time investment, etc. When can you get your puppy? Because we have only one Labradoodle mother and a couple guardian homes , puppies are available only occasionally. Contact us nathan crockettdoodles. We have a flexible waiting list and offer your deposit back if we do not have the ideal Labradoodle puppy for you within a certain window of time. Sometimes with mini Labradoodles we prefer to wait until they are a little older than 8 weeks because accidents tend to happen more easily with really small puppies. We will take several pictures of you with your Labradoodle puppy. We will send you the pictures for free place them on a USB thumb drive for you , and you will have full copyright privileges to all of the pictures to use at your discretion. You have the option of whether or not the photos appear here on the ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Although we never ship puppies, we will sometimes personally deliver puppies for a reasonable fee. Why should you consider getting a Chocolate Labradoodle from us? If a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy is right for your family, and if you are within driving distance of Greenville, SC, you may want to consider getting a chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle from us. If you read our Labradoodle puppy methodology and like what you read, you should consider adopting one of our puppies. We have a three-year health guarantee on each of our puppies if the forever home continues to feed TLC one year health guarantee on all others. How can you get a Chocolate Labradoodle or Labradoodle mini from us? If you think your family would be a good match for one of our Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppies, then start the conversation by emailing us at nathan crockettdoodles. You will have full access to all pictures and hold the copyright to make as many pictures as you desire. You keep all the pictures. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality collar. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality leash. We give you a bag of high quality dog food. We believe that you should give your new Labradoodle puppy or mini Labradoodle puppy the best food. Instructional materials about crate training and house training. Our goal is to do everything we can to assist in the house training and crate training process. A Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy or any puppy cannot be completely reliable in the house until the puppy is about 6 months old. The simple point is that no matter what some breeders tell you you will be partially involved in the house training process unless you buy an older Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle , but we want to help you with that process. A one-year health guarantee; extended to three years for all who continue to feed TLC. We are concerned with finding really good homes for our Labradoodle and mini Labradoodle puppies. Labradoodle Color To see a list of available colors, check out this page. At ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Ultimately we cannot completely control the color of puppies. Even though chocolate is the most desirable color, we sometimes have puppies of other colors even occasional merles. These puppies, will of course, also make excellent pets. These non-chocolate Labradoodle puppies are also available to great families, but we know that Chocolate Labradoodles are the most desirable. The Labrador Retriever has a short coat that sheds. By breeding the F1 Labradoodle back to an unrelated Poodle, the chances of getting the highly desirable non-shedding Poodle coat increase exponentially. Some F1B Labradoodles are bred back another time to a Poodle in an effort to guarantee a Poodle coat. If high quality dogs are chosen to breed that have the head shape of a Labrador Retriever it is possible to get a puppy that is very similar in many ways to a Labrador, but has the beautiful non-shedding Poodle coat. Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, helping Labradoodles excel in smarts, train-ability, and a general desire to always please their owner. If you desire a family-friendly, kid loving, medium energy dog that is comfortable inside or outside, that loves the water and the land, you should definitely consider a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle. For more info about Labradoodle puppies or mini Labradoodle puppies, please email nathan crockettdoodles. Check out our sister site miniLabradoodlePuppies. We specialize in Chocolate Labradoodles and mini Labradoodles, but often we have other colors as well. Occasionally someone travels from Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh-Durham or Knoxville, but our proximity to North Carolina and the popularity of Labradoodles in North Carolina make Charlotte and Asheville our most serviced locations. We also have some who are interested from distant states, but we primarily serve the Southeast U. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Minnesota? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Minnesota. Many dogs are said to be good for allergy sufferers, but our Aussie Labradoodles are truly hypoallergenic and non-shedding. Friendliest Dispositions Labradoodles have a reputation for friendliness, and these dogs simply love doing whatever their families love doing. Perfect Family Pet Doodles adapt and thrive in so many different living situations, from big families with a lot of kids to retirees and everyone in between. Labradoodles are famous for getting along with everyone, especially kids! Premium Network of Labradoodle Breeders in Minnesota To meet the sky-high demand for our Labradoodles without sacrificing the wellbeing of our dogs, we decided to form an elite network of Doodle breeders who share our love of dogs, as well as our vision. Better for our customers, better for our dogs. Highest Minnesota Labradoodle Breeder Standards For maximum health and happiness, we have strict guidelines for limitations on both the age and number of litters for our mommy Doodles before retiring them from breeding. Plus, both our puppies and parent dogs live in the absolute BEST conditions possible. Elite Minnesota Labradoodle Genetic Lines Uptown Labradoodles are known for being healthy and even-tempered, from litter to litter and puppy to puppy. We put a lot of effort into minimizing the risk of illnesses and genetic diseases while simultaneously bringing out that awesome Doodle personality.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Why do I want a show lines pug puppy? I'm only looking for a pet. Experience the ultimate joy of owning a pug puppy from Companion Pups! We go beyond the conventional notion of keeping show-quality pugs exclusively for show homes. We believe that everyone deserves the absolute best when it comes to their furry family members. Pugs were bred to be people's companions, and we are passionate about bringing that exceptional companionship to your home. Purebred doesn't always guarantee superior breeding or adherence to pug standards. That's why our show lines ensure that you not only get a pug with the correct look but also the perfect personality, temperament, and size. Our show line puppies possess a special charm that makes them thrive in a multitude of environments which makes for the best family companions ever —happy, playful, and confident, without being hyper or spastic. They are intelligent, attentive learners, embodying the chunky, wrinkly look and adorable nose roll that pug enthusiasts adore. By choosing a show line puppy from us, you're selecting a well-balanced, fun-loving, and fiercely loyal companion that exceeds all expectations. Experience the beauty and trainability wrapped up in the healthiest pug puppies. Our AKC and International lines are health tested and our pugs are pre-spoiled, ensuring a delightful addition to your family. Welcome to Companion Pups, the home of the Kisses' Line of Pug Puppies, where our pugs literally give you kisses and are eager to shower you with love and affection! We'd also like you to know you can always expect a quick response from us as well so you are never left waiting and wondering when you'll hear back. It's our goal to be here when you need us for the life of your pug. Welcome to the Companion Pups family! From there we began showing dairy goats, angora goats, and pygmy goats in 4-H, FFA, and open shows from .When my son went off to college, we decided to sell off our dairy goat herd and focus on our Pug Breeding Program. Once we were able to focus on our Pug Breeding Program more we began to search for pugs of unique colors that we didn't already own. In I quit my job, and started breeding pugs full time. My new job title is a "Stay at Home Pug Mommy". Instead we retire them and they live out the remainder of their lives here at Tipping Point Farm, playing, eating, sleeping day after day, and spending time with our family. After all, Pugs are the ultimate companion and mans best friend. They will always be there for you no matter what, whether they are trying to cheer you up, steel your food, or give you kisses. With such a large demand for our pugs, I have now brought in my mom's dogs to be a part of my breeding program, so everyone is able to have their own Tipping Point Farm Pug. My Mom owns a farm thirty minutes away from me where she lives and raises her own pugs with help from me. On February 11th, , my first pug, "Cheese", the one who started it all passed away suddenly. The whole family was devastated after learning of her passing and spending so many years with such a great dog. I was heart broken, I lost my best friend. This one dog was the reason behind my whole pug breeding program. I loved this dog so much that I wanted to breed pugs so everyone could have "their own Cheese". After all, Pug love is like no other, you are their world and they become a family member. Even though Cheese is no longer here with us, I know that I am lucky enough to have got to spend so many years with her and have her daughters, grand daughters, and great grand daughters. When it comes to our pugs, Health is our 1 priority and then of course color! From day one, we are directly involved with our puppies, we help them come into the world and love them everyday till they go to there new family. Please feel free to call or email me anytime you have a question or are interested in a pug. Thank you for taking the time to read the Story behind our farm. We are looking forward to hearing from you and your family and to adding a new member to your family. I apologize for this and will be back to keeping up with my website for .As soon as we learned of the diagnosis, we made arrangements to meet with the surgeon. Unfortunately after the scans were taken, a spot was found on his liver which gave him a terminal diagnosis 2 months without chemo, 6 months with chemo. In March of he opted to start a chemo regiment every 3 weeks to hopefully extend his life expectancy. During the next few months him and I created a bucket list of things he wanted to do, which we were able to complete in between his visits to the hospital and chemo treatments. In August his cancer was reassessed to see if the chemo treatments had been working. The results were heartbreaking, the chemo hadn't worked and his body was full of cancer. Within a month of this heart breaking news my fathers health deteriorated, he was back and forth between hospice and the emergency room until he lost his battle to cancer on September 22, .My fathers loss has been extremely difficult, but I am now able to start focusing on my breeding program once again. As of right now we have big plans for .For more information about our plans, please contact me with any inquiries regarding current and future puppies or keep checking back for updates. We appreciate your patience and look forward to adding the newest fur-member to your family. Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article.

This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. Yes, German Shepherd puppies are actually born black! They can also be born gray and white, as the coats will gradually change color as they grow older. By about eighteen to twenty-four months of age, a German Shepherd puppy should have its final coat color , and it will stay that way! However, many German Shepherds can be born black, and their coats may stay black. Some German Shepherds that are born black will never gain their color, and will remain with a black coat forever. However, this is incredibly rare, and it is said that only about 6. It may surprise you that German Shepherds can actually be born in three different colors. They are typically either born black, white or gray in color, and you will see the color change from the age of 8 weeks onwards, but it can take up to two years to see the final color. Black and tan German Shepherds are the most common, and they will gradually get more tan as they age, with the browner colors appearing around the face, tail, ears, and stomach as time passes. In addition, a German Shepherd that is born black can either grow up to be black all over, or they may fade to another color such as Sable, Gray, Black and Tan, Brown, Black and Silver, or other variations of the breed. Even if you have a puppy that has been black for more than 8 weeks, it is very unlikely that it will stay entirely black as it grows. Black German Shepherds are extremely rare, and most will turn more Sable colored or Tan as time progresses. Whilst German Shepherds can come in a few colors , their coats also vary in length and thickness. The most common German Shepherds will have very thick, long, fluffy hair, but some can be short-haired. The German Shepherd breed has two pigments in their fur called eumelanin and pheomelanin. How these pigments interact with other genes in the German Shepherd puppy determines how the coat will turn out! For example, the pigment called eumelanin is responsible for the color black. On the other hand, pheomelanin defaults to red, which can create Red Sable, or deep brown tones and pale gold colors. If you are hoping to find yourself a black German Shepherd, then you may have a tough job in doing so. A black German Shepherd is actually very rare, and is down to genetics and pigmentation, so even with a black parent, it is not guaranteed that the puppies would be black in color, or remain black in color as they grow. The most promising combination for a black German Shepherd puppy is if both parents of the puppies are black themselves. This will give you the greatest chance of achieving all black puppies. However, some black puppies can come from parents that are both black and tan, or if one parent is black and tan, and the other is black. It sometimes is just down to luck. That being said, if both parents have the solid black color recessive gene, meaning they are fully black all over, and not even slightly black and tan, then it is likely that the puppies will be born black, and will stay black as they grow older. As black German Shepherds are incredibly rare, some people are under the impression that they are a different breed altogether, but the black variant is a recognized version of the regular German Shepherd dog. Although they are the same breed, there can be some differences between the Black and Tan German Shepherd and the Black German Shepherd. For instance, a black German Shepherd can quite often be much larger than the regular German Shepherd. They may also have a much straighter back than a normal German Shepherd. In addition, black German Shepherds can sometimes have a thicker coat, especially at the neck and on the front and back legs. You may also notice that some black German Shepherds will have thicker fur at the ears and around the tail, which is why some people think that they are a different dog breed as they can sometimes look more like wolves than German Shepherds! Some black German Shepherds may also have much fluffier coats, or a stronger, more athletic build and erect, pointed ears, however it does depend on the dog itself. As previously mentioned, the black German Shepherd is a much more rare occurrence than the more common Black and Tan German Shepherd, and as such, they can be harder to come across and much more expensive than any other type of German Shepherd. However, you should exercise some caution when trying to purchase a black German Shepherd, as many breeders may advertise a black version of the breed, which may not exactly turn out to be. In addition, purchasing from a reputable breeder will ensure that the dog does not have any health issues or problems later in life which can also cost you thousands of dollars, too! To ensure that you get a good quality dog, you should always find out the parentage of the puppy. This means either asking for documentation to prove the father of the puppies, and checking to see if the mother is with the puppies, and properly cared for. You can also research which breeders are trustworthy by looking at registered breeders on the American Kennel Club website. Some people are under the misconception that black German Shepherds are highly different to regular German Shepherds, and have different temperaments and health issues or ailments. However, this is not always the case. A great number of people seem to think that black German Shepherds are more aggressive than regular German Shepherds, and may be more prone to angry outbursts or aggressive behavior. German Shepherds are typically very active, intelligent, alert, friendly, loyal and loving animals, but there may always be some that show signs of aggression or misbehavior. This can be solved with a solid routine and expert or professional training. You have to keep in mind that because German Shepherds are so intelligent, they need a lot of mental stimulation and attention to keep their minds engaged and active. This means giving them a lot of exercise, time, energy and toys to keep them focused and interested. Otherwise, you may notice some aggression, anti-social, destructive or bad behavior as they tend to act out and become naughty if they are bored. Summary To summarize, German Shepherd puppies can be born black, but not all are. Some German Shepherd puppies can be born black, white or gray, and may stay this color for about 8 weeks. After this period has passed, the puppies will begin to show their true colors shall we say, and turn their final color. At this point, most German Shepherd puppies will become that common Black and Tan color that we know and love, however some will have different genes and pigments, which will result in a black German Shepherd, but this is very rare. In order to get a black German Shepherd, both parents would need to be black, or one would have to be black and the other black and tan. This is why all black German Shepherds are considered a rarity, and are therefore much more expensive than normal ones. However, the black variant of the German Shepherd is no different in temperament, health or breed. To see some German Shepherd puppies with their beautiful black colors, check out this video!

When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Well-bred Labradors are relatively low maintenance, fit and healthy dogs. But your Labradors continuing health and well-being does depend entirely on you. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, grooming, preventive measures and regular visits to the vet are the real key to maintaining a high level of wellness and good health. All these actions are your responsibility and solely under your control. Daily routines will be diet control, exercise and physical inspections. Weekly routines will be grooming, ears, eyes, teeth and nail care. Quarterly routines could be shared between visits to the vet, a canine dentist and bathing. And the annual routine will be vaccinations. Just remember that prevention is always better than cure, so doing your best to prevent any illness and catching problems at the earliest possible stage is the goal to aim for. The following are all areas where you only need a little knowledge to effectively take care of your Labrador well. And if you cannot dedicate this time and effort, then in the nicest possible way, you might be better suited to a pet with less demanding care requirements such as goldfish. Making Safe Your Home and Garden Labradors are a lively and inquisitive breed, especially during their first three years so you need to keep dangerous household items out of their reach. Conceal electrical wiring…we all know of their infamous love for chewing. Sharp teeth and electricity do not mix! A Labrador can easily choke on wrappings or trash that may be swallowed along with edible scraps. Labs are smart and opening cupboards and drawers soon becomes easy for them. Be mindful of the toxicity of certain plants — Over plants have been identified as toxic to dogs , so be sure to research any plant before bringing it into your home. Fence of any ponds or pools in your yard. These are just a few points to consider around your home and garden, there are many more. Just try to put yourself in your Labradors shoes and take a good look at his environment as he would see it. Try to see how he could get into trouble and take measures to prevent it. Click here for a more detailed guide on puppy-proofing your home and garden. Brushing also helps to shake loose dirt out of and spread the natural oils throughout their coat for that desirable, healthy glossy look we know and love. Related article: The Best vacuums for removing pet hair from your home. Frequent baths will strip their oils, leaving them prone to wet and cold in winter, causing dry skin and making their coat look dull and not shiny. Keeping Nails Trim Most Labradors will need a nail trim every 2 to 3 months, although some may never need it. Regularly walking your dog on hard ground, especially sidewalks and roads, will have a natural filing effect and keep your dogs claws in order. This can make them sore and bleed. Ear Care What with a Labradors slightly drooping ears and their love of water, the inside of their ears can sometimes retain too much moisture, causing bacteria to build up and infections to form. I shall be writing an article on this very soon. Just some of the problems a Labrador may have with its teeth are gum disease, loose teeth, cracked or broken teeth, root abscesses and a build up of tartar. These can be very uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to further problems if neglected. Therefore, you need to inspect their teeth regularly, take measures to clean their teeth and even visit a professional canine dentist every 6 months or annually for a thorough check up and any necessary treatments. Treat their teeth like you would your own. Dealing with Parasites Controlling fleas, ticks and other parasites is essential for keeping your Labrador healthy. Immediate problems include extreme irritation and skin sores, but extreme infestations can lead to more dangerous problems including Lyme disease and tape worms. If you stick to a regular grooming schedule as you should! Simply brush your hand against the lie of your Labradors fur and watch for any small moving dots and check for any clearly visible ticks. There are many safe and effective over-the-counter flea control products , many of which contain formulations to prevent ticks at the same time. Finally, depending on where you live in the world, you may need to put your Labrador on medication for heartworm. Where mosquitoes are a problem, they can pass on heartworm and this can be fatal. Even the medicine for heartworm makes your dog very ill so prevention is definitely better than cure! Diseases such as distemper, rabies, hepatitis and parvoviros to name just a few. Your puppy will have had his first shots at five or six weeks before you got to take him home, and he will need a few further shots over a period of up to 18 weeks. A rabies shot usually follows at 6 months of age or so. After this, your adult Labrador will need just a single booster each year to stay protected. For many facts on vaccinations and the schedule you should follow when vaccinating your puppy, please click here. Dogs need a balance of vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins different to that of a human and feeding them on human leftovers can lead to malnutrition, as can a diet based on cheap filler packed dog food. You should perform a little research to find and use a recognized healthy brand of dog food that will cater to your Labradors needs. To help with this, please see our articles that list 4 of the best foods for Labrador puppies opens in new window or the best dog foods for adult Labradors opens in new window …yours really will thrive on these handpicked, quality foods! Additionally, the best thing you can do is set up a feeding schedule for your dog, twice per day being the recommended, and be mindful of any extra treats. Your Lab should always be well fed but not over-fed. I shall discuss this more in a later article. An Important Note On Drastic Changes In Eating And Drinking Habits If your dog is off their food, drinks way too much or way too little for a period of time more than 36 hours, you should call your vet as this is almost surely a sign of an underlying problem. They are voracious eaters and will eat just because they can, not because they need it. Excess weight can lead to all sorts of issues including arthritis and heart problems. To prevent this, control their diet and give them plenty of exercise for them to burn off those calories. They really do need very little exercise of just a few short minutes a couple of times per day. Too much exercise for a puppy can cause skeletal formation issues and plays a large part in joint problems. Take it easy until your puppy is at least a year old. Bedding and Shelter A Labrador should always have a soft surface to lay upon. To prevent this you should get your Lab a large sized dog bed or line a crate to offer a soft and comfortable place to rest. If your Lab spends any amount of time outside, you must provide shelter to offer an escape from the sun in summer, and preferably the shelter should have a raised floor so the wet and cold is kept away in winter. If your Lab puppy gets used to sleeping in a bed of yours or your children, it will be a hard habit to break and will more than likely end in separation anxiety and night-time whining. You want your Labrador to be comfortable alone for periods of time and should start forming this habit ASAP. Training The importance of training your Labrador cannot be overstated. A dog is a dog and not a human. You need to teach your dog how to behave and what your instructions are asking them to do. Before a puppy can become a trusted, well-behaved dog they have a lot of learning to do…and you a lot of teaching! To learn from the written word, I am part way through building the ultimate resource in the form of this site. Routines for feeding, exercise, grooming and visits to the vet are all easily managed with a little knowledge and by planning a schedule in advance and sticking to it. Spending quality time with your Lab is also key, especially regular grooming sessions. You should also attempt to learn your dogs normal living habits, how much he eats, drinks and sleeps. Anything To Add? As always, if you have any questions, would like to offer feedback, suggestions or further advice on the subject, please do so in the comments section below. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. They help you find the information you need right now. You might also want to check out our sections on Labrador Puppy Training. Do let us know what you would like to see added to the site. We are always happy to have your comments and suggestions. When To Collect Your Puppy We highly recommend that puppies are not removed from their breeder until they are 8 weeks old. There are lots of good reasons for this. It helps puppies develop good bite moderation skills before they are adopted into a family, ensures that they are ready to adapt quickly to their new life. And it helps to reduce the sad numbers of puppies bred for a quick profit. Puppies sold under seven weeks old often have health problems and need special care, and extra veterinary attention. Check out the following articles for further information: When can puppies leave their mother Your first puppy Your first puppy is a huge adventure. You have so much fun ahead. Labradors are generally very friendly dogs, but they can also be very distractible. So do start daily training games, using plenty of food. You can get regular training tips from Pippa by email, using the box below.

Are Morkie Poos aggressive? Generally speaking, Morkie Poos are very loving and affectionate pups and they usually bond extremely well with their humans. On the other hand, Morkie Poos may exhibit a stubborn streak from time to time. But all in all, Morkie Poos are wonderful little companions with so much to give. However, due to their somewhat clingy nature, Morkie Poos are prone to separation anxiety. For this reason, leaving them alone for the majority of the day is a big no-no. See Also: Click the image Furthermore, as both the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier are rather yappy breeds, the Morkie Poo may be slightly more vocal compared to some other Doodle breeds. Do Morkie Poos have health problems? The great thing about hybrid breeds like the Morkiepoo is that these pups tend to be healthier than their purebred parents. The term used for this is hybrid vigor, which suggests that crossbreeds have superior health thanks to their more diverse genetic pool. In addition to that, Morkiepoos usually live long and healthy lives. Of course, you should also take your pup to regular vet checkups. Although Morkipoos are generally healthy dogs, they are still susceptible to certain genetic conditions that they may inherit from one or more of their parental breeds. The most common health issues in Morkie Poos include joint problems like patellar luxation and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases like progressive retinal atrophy PRA , cataracts, and glaucoma, tracheal collapse, hypoglycemia, heart diseases, and thyroid issues. Many Doods are also at a risk of digestive issues , ear infections , dental problems , skin allergies , and food intolerances. See Also: Click the image Furthermore, as the Morkie Poo is such a small pup, they can easily get hurt. For this reason, these pups should always be handled with utmost care, especially if you have young children in your household. In fact, we recommend you keep a close eye on their interactions to avoid any unfortunate accidents that may require urgent veterinary care. As long as you stay firm and consistent, you should have no trouble training your pup. You should also keep in mind that Morkiepoos, like any other dogs, respond well to positive reinforcement. So, if your pup is acting up a little bit, never scold them, and only reward good behaviors. Obviously, the key to raising well-behaved and confident adults lies in early socialization , obedience training , and potty training , all of which you should start from the moment you bring your new puppy home. As an added bonus, all of the classes are online and you can easily follow them at your own pace from the comfort of your own home. Need help with training? About 30 minutes of exercise twice a day would suffice. These pups also need their daily mental stimulation so make sure your pup has plenty of interactive games and puzzle toys to play with. Otherwise, they might get bored and start exhibiting bad behaviors. Are Morkie Poos high-maintenance? Like other Poodle mixes, the Morkie Poo is praised for its low-shedding coat. The Poodle, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier are all single-coated breeds and tend to shed very little. Naturally, the Morkie Poo inherits its low-shedding coat from its parents. On the flip side of the coin, Morkie Poos are often considered high-maintenance dogs. They need regular hair trims, daily brushing sessions, and regular bathing. Morkie Poos, especially the curly-haired pups, are prone to matting , and the easiest way you can combat this is by brushing your Dood regularly. If your pup has inherited more of a wavy or straight coat, you might get away with less frequent brushing sessions, about 3 to 4 times a week. The brushes we recommend in our Maltipoo brush guide also work great on Morkie Poo hair. These pups require hair trims every 4 to 8 weeks. You can either take your pup to a professional groomers or instead groom your Dood at home. The latter is going to cost you a lot less money in the long run. In addition to that, light-colored Morkie Poos are also prone to beard and tear stains , but also ear infections, which you can easily prevent with good ear hygiene. How much does a Morkie Poo cost? Where can you adopt Morkie Poo puppies in the US? These breeders do charge more for their puppies. Morkie Poos make excellent companions for singles and families alike. The Morkie Poo is a toy-sized breed that typically weighs between 4 to 13 pounds and has an average height of 7 to 10 inches measured from the shoulder. From the Yorkie and Maltese parent, Morkiepoos often inherit their tendency to bark. The Morkie Poo would definitely make a great guard dog. Morkiepoo Final Thoughts To sum it up, the Morkie Poo is one of the newer Doodle breeds that we expect to become more and more popular in the next few years. Hopefully we managed to answer all of your questions about the Morkie Poo so you can make an informed decision before committing to a decade or more with this wonderful little companion. You Might Also Like. More info: 1. Since the Morkie is a crossbreed, you are not guaranteed the exact looks you would if it were a purebred. However, as pointed in the first paragraph the average full-grown Yorkie Maltese mix usually measures in at around 6 to 8 inches at the shoulder and from 4 to 8 pounds. Teacup Morkies, on the other paw, are on the smaller side of that average. The coat of the Maltese Yorkie is a beautiful blend of its genetics, being soft and slightly longer. They can be solid black, white, tan, or a combination of all three. What about grooming? The Morkie will need to be brushed several times a week to prevent the hair from tangling or developing mats. You will also want to bathe your canine companion once-a-month with a high-quality doggy shampoo and conditioner. This YouTube video shows how you can use grooming tools to give your Morkie a haircut. Note; not all dogs are going to be as calm and compliant as this little fella. It loves to run, play and fetch toys, despite its tiny size. It does like children, but due to its delicate nature, older kids are recommended. This social pup even does well with cats and other small dogs. This little guy can bark up a storm, especially when left alone for long periods-of-time. This separation anxiety is best controlled by having a person home most of the time or one that can bring the dog with them wherever they go. What about training? Being half Terrier, the Morkie does tend to have a stubborn side. Morkie Medical Concerns As with any dog, there can be health issues involved. Since this dog is a Maltese Yorkie mix breeders know that they are susceptible to the following conditions; Eye, ear, and oral issues Collapsed trachea — when the rings of the trachea are weakened and collapse in on itself Reverse sneezing — air is pulled rapidly into the nose Hypoglycemia — low blood sugar Portosystemic shunt — a liver problem where there is an abnormal connection between the portal vein or one of its branches and another vein. Patella Luxation — slipped knee joint. Regular veterinarian checkups and a good diet can help catch these conditions before they become a problem. Exercise or Destruction, You Decide Even though the Morkie is considered a Toy breed , it will still need a certain amount of exercise and play each day. It is recommended to take your pup on a brisk walk around the block or for playtime at a park. If you choose a dog park to exercise your Yorkie Maltese, be aware of the other dogs, as a bite or jump on your little guy takes only a moment for a serious injury to occur. Left without exercise and companionship, the Morkie tends to get destructive. How much damage could a little dog do? You will be surprised. Pet parents have reported their Morkies ripping up sofa cushions, urinating and defecating all over the home, scratching at doors until their paws bleed and barking incessantly. Be sure someone is home to keep your pooch out of trouble. You will want to feed your dog a high-quality kibble. This will provide your pup with the required nutrients for growth, health and a beautiful coat, as well as protect its teeth from plaque and tartar buildup. Be sure to find the appropriate kibble size. A smaller food made specifically for toy breeds will prevent a choking hazard and allow your Yorkie Maltese the ability to chew and swallow her food properly. Once your pooch has packed on those extra pounds, it puts her at risk of other Morkie health issues such as slipped knees and even hypoglycemia diabetes. Since the Morkie is part Yorkie, you will also want to consider tummy issues which is a common problem in the Yorkshire breed. Foods that contain less artificial dyes and preservatives are your wisest choice. First of all, if your Morkie is a Teacup, you will have to be extra careful. Hugging it too hard or rolling over onto it in bed can cause injury or even death. Second, early socialization of your puppy is key to having a happy dog versus a shy and frightened one. Many breeders and pet experts recommend puppy kindergarten or puppy training classes. These are controlled environments where your Morkie can learn from other dogs, go over some basic training and maybe even make some lifelong doggy friends. Since the Yorkie Maltese is a hybrid finding a puppy may be more difficult. You can check with your local animal rescue and leave your name at the front desk in case one were to come in or use a search on the internet. Petfinder is an excellent place to start as you can narrow down your options to include the distance you want to travel. Here are some fun facts about the Morkie that you will want to know: Maltese Yorkies are super-tiny at birth weighing in at around 4 to 5 ounces As mentioned above the average lifespan of this breed is from 10 to 13 years-old The Morkie hybrid was founded in America for a lapdog This dog can live in apartments quite nicely. This little dog is perfect for seniors and would even make a good therapy pooch Since this dog is so small, the litter size can range from only two puppies up to five puppies. Morkies bond quickly to their family members and want to be a part of the day-to-day happenings. The Morkie is a designer dog that is a mix of the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier. Go ahead and browse the sections we have about their looks and temperament! Both the Maltese and Yorkie are known to be low shedders, which the Morkie will inherit. It is said that they are hypoallergenic because they have hair and not fur. But you may want to rethink that when you feel like giving this cute little furball a tight hug or if you plan on sleeping with it in your bed or couch. Are you also aware and prepared for the health issues that this fido may have? Conclusion Is the Morkie right for you? Carefully consider all of our information from its temperament to grooming requirements, to exercise and to training. I think the Maltese Yorkie mix is a delightful blend of adorableness, a great personality and a coat that is relatively easy to manage. Yes, it does tend to have a stubborn side, but that only makes pet parenting a Morkie all that more fun. If you have a Morkie, please feel free to share your thoughts and information in the comment section. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But Only if Scared or hurt they are great with children after the toddler stage. What Is a Morkie Poo? Image credit: henry. They are a cross between a Maltese, a Yorkshire Terrier, and a Poodle, so they are inherently active and energetic. Compared to other crossbreeds, their size is relatively small. Another trait of these dogs is that they shy away from strangers at first, but when they are given enough time to socialize, they get along pretty well. They rarely shed, too, which is another plus factor in owning them. Some Morkie Poos who take after their Maltese and Yorkie parents have domed skulls. Note that these physical traits may still vary because they are a crossbreed. Here are some videos for you to have a better visual of Morkiepoo puppies. Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, and Poodles are all dog breeds of a small variety. This is why the cross between these three is also relatively small. Fully grown Morkie Poos only weigh 4 to 12 pounds on average. However, it is necessary to add that their size also depends on their gender. Usually, a male Morkie Poo weighs 6 to 12 pounds, while a female pup is around 4 to 8 pounds. There is also a slight difference between the male and the female Morkie Poo in terms of height. An adult female has a height range of 6 to 8 inches, while an adult male is normally 7 to 10 inches tall. Meanwhile, if they have gotten the hair characteristic of their Poodle parent, their coat is more frizzy but equally adorable. This gives them a more vulnerable yet pristine appearance. Black Image credit: bentleys. Brown Image credit: mamba. There are other shades of this color, but the pup in the picture below is medium brown. Tan Image credit: kali. Its coloring makes it look fluffier and gentle. The two-colored coat gives it a soft but edgy-looking appearance. If you are looking for a pet who is both visually pleasing and stress relieving, this hybrid may be the right one for you. They will keep following you and always ask for your cuddles. They are territorial, so it is best to socialize them with other animals while they are still young. They are very playful and energetic. They will enjoy going for a walk or a jog. They are brave and self-confident. They are smart, thanks to their Poodle parents. You can teach them a few tricks and simple commands. They have natural chase instincts like their Yorkie parents, but they are not that aggressive. A cousin of mine has a 2-year-old Morkie Poo, and he is very affectionate, even with strangers. It has a habit of jumping on your lap and positioning its head on your palm so you can give it a good head scratch. Either that or it will lie flat on its back, asking for a belly rub. However, it has always been an issue when my cousin leaves for work as it becomes very vocal, and when he gets home, a lot of his stuff is on the floor, like tissue paper, shoes, slippers, and rugs. Crate training has helped him manage this behavior in his Morkie Poo. Morkie Poo Lifespan and Health Issues If you are wondering how long can a Morkie Poo serve as your friend and companion, the answer is 10 to 13 years. When you choose to bring home a Morkie Poo, know that you are committing a decade of your life to take care of them. You should ensure that they are brought to a licensed veterinarian occasionally for necessary health check-ups. This is usually inherited from their parents and can eventually lead to blindness if left untreated. This is prevalent among most mixed breeds, not only the Morkie Poos. Treatment for this condition depends on its stage, but the initial solution is using eye drops. Tracheal Collapse: The trachea connects the throat to the lungs. The best way for this to be treated is through a combination of medication and surgery. Mixed breeds, such as the Morkie Poo, can also have low blood sugar which can affect their energy level. Though the Morkie Poo is prone to these illnesses, being disciplined with their regular vet routine should help you in optimizing their lifespans. This involves their feeding and diet, cleaning and grooming, and exercise and training. If you want to know more about its basic care, read on. Make sure that you offer them good quality kibble that does not contain too many carbohydrates. Gaining too much weight can lead to some health conditions like diabetes and slipped knees. Also, choose an appropriate kibble size for your Morkie Poo to avoid chances of choking. Cleaning and Grooming You need to groom your Morkie Poo to maintain its beautiful coat. One simple way of doing this is by trimming their hair regularly and brushing them to remove tangles and knots. You should also trim their nails, clean their eyes and ears, and bathe them every 15 to 30 days. Training and Exercise Since Morkie Poos are active pups, you should always walk them or give them time to play. You do not need to engage them in strenuous activities. Simple dog exercises will do as long as they consistently do it daily. However, some of them are stubborn, so you have to be persistent with your commands. This will make them realize that you are the boss and they have to obey you. This said, always ensure that you are only dealing with reputable breeders and avoid puppy mills at all costs. These unscrupulous breeders do not practice ethical breeding standards and can even sell you unhealthy puppies of poor quality, which is why their prices are usually much lower. Well, look no further since this section lists some breeders and rescue centers that you can contact if you are interested. Let us first look into places where you can find reputable breeders of Morkie Poos: Greenfield Puppies : Greenfield Puppies has been around since .They advertise reputable breeders of different dog varieties, including the Morkie Poo. Lancaster Puppies : Lancaster Puppies is another advertising website that offers both male and female Morkie Poos. Keystone Puppies : Keystone Puppies connect reputable breeders to dog enthusiasts. They do not raise or rescue puppies, but they offer a platform where breeders can post their dogs. Alternatively, you can also look into adoption to acquire your Morkie Poo. Here are some legitimate rescue organizations where you can source a Morkie Poo: Pet Rescue by Judie : Pet Rescue by Judie is an organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating companion animals. You can check out their website for Morkie Poos and other dog breeds. If you have decided to adopt one, you can set an appointment with them and meet the pet you are interested in. They were established in the year , and they have already rescued 13, dogs since then. You may browse their pets for adoption to check for Morkie Poos. You can also decide to foster or work as a volunteer for their organization. Check out their website if you want to learn more. Even with these suggestions, it is up to each future fur parent to thoroughly research the background of the puppy and the breeder you are dealing with. Morki Poos do not shed much, which makes them the best option for those who have allergies. However, they require constant brushing because their hair can quickly become unruly. Full grooming, which includes trimming, is also recommended every 2 to 4 weeks. Are Morkie Poos aggressive? Morkie Poos are not aggressive hybrids. However, they can become destructive if they are left alone for a long time. It would be better to have someone look after them if you leave for several days. You can also bring them with you if you are going somewhere that allows pets because they can easily fit inside your bag. Are Morkie Poos hard to potty train? Morkie Poos can be challenging to potty train because of their Maltese roots. You should also be patient and stay consistent for them to learn. Final Thoughts Morkie Poos are an ideal pet for those who love highly energetic dogs. You can practically bring them anywhere because they are small, and they would love that because they are clingy and very affectionate. Another good thing about owning them is that they are hypoallergenic. Just ensure that you groom them properly and occasionally bring them to the vet to check their overall health. What do you think of the Morkie Poo? Let us know your thoughts in the comments field 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. A Maltipoo Yorkie mix is a hybrid breed that consists of not one, not two, but three different dogs. All these dogs are somewhat similar in size, mannerisms, and characteristics. Combined, they create a unique dog perfect for families and children. Overall, these three dogs mixed are very social and enjoyable to have as a companion! A black and white Morkie Poo dog. Maltipoo Yorkies are a relatively new hybrid breed. Often, the closest thing found to a Maltipoo Yorkie is a Maltipoo , which is just a Maltese and Poodle mix. Rather than wait for a Maltipoo Yorkie to become available at a rescue or shelter, the smartest thing is to find a breeder that sells both Maltipoos and Yorkies and inquire about breeding them to create the perfect Maltipoo Yorkie mix. With Maltipoo Yorkies becoming more popular, this is worth a try. Dog breeders are constantly trying to breed the cutest, most in-demand dogs and Maltipoo Yorkies are just that. A young woman taking care of dogs in an animal shelter. As far as the coat color of Maltipoo Yorkies, again, there is a wide range of possibilities. Depending on how the genetics formulate in a particular dog, Maltipoo Yorkies can be entirely white like their Maltese parent, or they could be brown, tan, or black like their Poodle parent. Maltipoo Yorkies could also be black and brown like their Yorkshire Terrier parent. This feature is the beauty of hybrid dogs. An entire litter of Maltipoo Yorkies can be diverse and provide the buyer with more options than with a purebred dog. Maltipoo Yorkies are especially diverse. While Malteses, Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers are similar in size and temperament, their physical characteristics will always create a unique and attractive hybrid dog! Maltipoo Yorkie mixes are known to be loving, affectionate dogs. They take on the characteristics of most small lap dogs. A Maltipoo, which is a Maltese and Poodle mix, is known to be an intelligent , playful, and kind dog. Yorkshire Terriers are known to be confident, independent, and sassy dogs! While they are well-behaved, they exemplify strong personalities. When all three dogs combine into a Maltipoo Yorkie, they may dibble and dabble with these temperaments and characteristics. This average is expected since Malteses, Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers are all small to medium dogs. Yorkshire Terriers , one of the smallest dogs in existence, will weigh no more than 7 pounds and be no taller than 9 inches. Lastly, Poodles will weigh around 17 pounds and be no taller than 11 inches. Maltipoo Yorkie mix sits on the grass with his owner. Grooming should not be mistaken for receiving a simple haircut. Grooming a Maltipoo Yorkie consists of bathing , brushing, keeping nails up to par, cleaning eyes, and keeping fur trimmed. As mentioned before, Maltipoo Yorkies can have a wide variety of fur coats and textures. How often they need to be brushed depends on the texture of their fur. If a Maltipoo Yorkie has more Poodle characteristics than a Maltese or Yorkie, their fur will need to be brushed and detangled more frequently to prevent matting. The same rules will apply to bathing a Maltipoo Yorkie. Both Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers require weekly or biweekly washes. Because of their thicker, curlier hair, Poodles will only need to be washed once a month to prevent dryness, fur falling out, and other skin problems. For a Maltipoo Yorkie, it is recommended they are washed twice a month to find a middle ground between the three dog breeds. If their fur is curlier like a Poodle , wash less. Additionally, Maltipoo Yorkies must get their nails trimmed just as frequently as their hair because the two should go hand in hand. Both Maltese and Yorkies are known for eye tearing and staining. If not regularly cleaned, they can develop serious eye problems. Dog grooming tools for your dog. Maltipoo Yorkie owners should also consider common health issues with Malteses, Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers. These are just a few of the health concerns for Maltese. Heart Disease. Lively, intelligent, and downright loveable, Morkie Poos are the perfect mix of the Maltese, Poodle, and Yorkshire Terrier breeds. These little pooches love being […] Although their name may sound like a cartoon character, Morkie Poos are an adorable, sweet-natured designer breed. Lively, intelligent, and downright loveable, Morkie Poos are the perfect mix of the Maltese , Poodle , and Yorkshire Terrier breeds. These little pooches love being around humans. This, along with their adorable charm and looks, makes them wonderful furry companions to come home to. Here a few things to know about the lovable Morkie Poo! Description Morkie Poos are famous for their charming personalities, which they get from their Maltese and Poodle heritage. Morkie Poos crave human companionship—in fact, their favorite activity involves cuddling up to their loved ones on the couch. And who can resist these little furry cuties? Their beautiful dark eyes and soft fur can make anyone melt into their little paws. Their heads are small yet well-proportioned with folded ears. Depending on their heritage, Morkie Poos may have a domed skull like a Maltese or Yorkie. They may also possess a long, narrow muzzle like a Poodle. Their soft coat rarely sheds and comes in various colors. Size Morkie Poos are small dogs. Their average weight ranges between 5 to 11 pounds. This makes it easier for owners to carry their Morkie Poos in their purses or other dog carriers. Exercise Level Like most dogs, Morkie Poos enjoy a quick walk or playtime in the yard. They do not require strenuous exercise, and they can meet their exercise needs inside their homes. This breed is great for owners who live in apartments. Just make sure to set aside some time to play with your Morkie Poo on a daily basis. Morkie Poos are very social so they must have your attention as much as possible. Temperament Morkie Poos are loving, playful dogs that grow strongly attached to their families. Their never-ending desire for your love will manifest in different ways—they may follow you around, cuddle with you, and pepper you with their yummy kisses! Like their Yorkie parents, however, Morkie Poos can be a little stubborn or aloof with strangers. They usually get along well with other pets if socialized young, but they can be pretty territorial. Morkie Poos are also aloof with strangers, and despite their small size, they are fiercely protective of their loved ones. They become destructive around the house if left alone for a long time. Morkie Poos are prone to excessive barking and will be vocal about their loneliness until you come home. This may not sit well with your neighbors. If you are planning to go out, leave someone at home to keep them company. It also comes in various colors, with their most common colors being black, brown, or tan and white. They also need their ears and eyes cleaned to remove stray hairs. Nails should be trimmed as necessary. Morkie Poos do not need to be bathed unless necessary. If they become dirty, use a wet towel to clean off dirt and residue. Training Morkie Poos are highly intelligent and eager to learn anything you want to teach them. Due to their loyalty, they should not present any problems when training. They thrive off of positive reinforcement so be sure to reward good behavior with treats and praises. Some Morkie Poos have a stubborn streak a trait that many Yorkies possess and may try to upstage you. Stay persistent with your commands. Is the Morkie Poo the right breed for you? It all depends on you. Before bringing home your new pooch, prepare yourself with the necessary dog supplies. Discuss the breed with your family members, especially the younger ones. Puppy-proof your home by closing doors and eliminating harmful chemicals. Interested in a larger dog? No worries! Beagles may have been bred to hunt in packs at the behest of their English gentleman owners a few hundred years ago, but today this small-sized purebred has become a hardy companion dog. Willful dog breeds are difficult to train unless the owner dedicates a lot of time, patience, and consistency with dog training. We at Petland Florida have been obsessed with this athletic, impressive, and highly intelligent breed for a while. Life Span Did You Know? The Morkie-Poo is a cross between a Morkie and a Poodle. Although a mixed-breed dog can inherit any combination of traits from their parents, Morkie-Poos tend to be small, energetic, and playful dogs that love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. A Morkie-Poo craves human companionship and thrives on attention, especially from their favorite human. They are affectionate little dogs that love to cuddle and will tend to follow you from room to room to stay close. In this way, they can be clingy, but are a great fit for someone who wants a constant companion. Although they will love being the only object of your affection and attention, they do tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets as long as they are socialized properly. If not socialized properly, they can become territorial and overly protective of their favorite human. As a tiny dog, they can be easily injured by young children who are still mastering motor control and coordination. Because of this, they are generally a better fit for single owners or families with older children who know how to properly interact with a dog. Morkie-Poos can be wary, suspicious, and shy when it comes to strangers. But, as long as they have been properly socialized, they tend to warm up quickly and are happy to receive the extra attention. They can be prone to barking, especially if you train them into it or do not train them to stop barking. Keeping this in mind and starting training early can keep barking from becoming a nuisance behavior. The Morkie-Poo is a highly adaptable dog breed. They can thrive in almost any living situation as long as they get the attention, affection, mental stimulation, and exercise they need to be happy and healthy. Their small size and short muzzle make them particularly sensitive to heat and also make them sensitive to cold. Making sure you have the right mix of winter dog products on hand can help your Morkie-Poo stay warm on walks when temperatures drop. Because they thrive on attention and affection, Morkie-Poos do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They are prone to developing separation anxiety , so you will want to work with them when they are young to build confidence with some alone time to avoid it. They also tend to have a high prey drive, so you may only want to let them off-leash in securely fenced areas. Otherwise, they may ignore your recall commands in favor of chasing after something interesting. As with any dog breed, the Morkie-Poo can be prone to developing health issues. Some conditions to be aware of include glaucoma , hypoglycemia, cataracts, and tracheal collapse. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies, so make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. As a small dog breed, the Morkie-Poo is more prone to developing dental diseases, like gum disease , tooth decay, and tooth loss, later in life. With good dental care at home and regular visits to the vet, you can help keep their teeth and gums healthy. Although these dogs are intelligent and pick up on things quickly, they can also be stubborn despite wanting to please their owners. They will also sometimes try to use their cute face to push boundaries and get away with things. They can be a good fit for first-time dog owners as long as training is consistent and focused on praise and positive reward. Puppy training classes are always an option and can be a big help. A Morkie-Poo will have a low-shedding coat that can come in a variety of colors and can range from silky to curly depending on what coat texture they inherit from their parents. Either way, you will need to brush them daily to remove tangles and prevent mats from forming. You will also need to take them to the groomer every weeks to keep their coat healthy and looking great. Checking ears weekly to make sure they are dry, clean, and free of debris or pests is a good idea. In doing so, you can identify issues early and either carefully clean their ears or get to the vet. This can help prevent ear infections. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste daily is ideal. Although they will have bouts of high energy and will be energetic while playing, they are a small dog that will tire themselves out quickly. Because of this, a Morkie-Poo tends to sit in a low to moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this small pup. But, because they love spending time with you, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. A fully-grown Morkie-Poo usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Morkie-Poo generally lives for years on average. The Morkie-Poo is also sometimes called a Morkie Doodle. They are considered a tri-breed as they are a cross between a designer breed and a purebred dog. Featured Morkie-Poo Article.

Written by Sydney Heupel A poodle feeding chart is the perfect tool to help you keep your furry friend healthy and happy! Knowing how much food to give them, what kind of food to feed them, and when they should eat it can be a tough job. As always, discuss the best diet regimen with your vet before making any major changes. Poodle Feeding Requirements Poodle feeding requirements vary based on the size and age of the dog. Smaller Poodles, such as toy or miniature varieties, should be fed smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Larger Poodles may need larger portions spread out over two or three feedings per day. The same is true for puppies versus adult dogs; puppy portion sizes should be adjusted accordingly. In addition to this, high-quality proteins are essential in order to provide your pup with all the necessary amino acids they need to grow healthy and strong! Omega fatty acids found in fish oils help keep their coat looking shiny and healthy too! Feeding time should always be supervised by an adult so that only designated food items are eaten by your poodle — no human snacks allowed here! How Much to Feed a Poodle Poodles are highly active dogs that require ample amounts of nutrition to stay healthy and happy. Feeding a poodle the correct amount is essential for maintaining their wellbeing. When determining how much to feed your poodle, it is important to consider their age, size, activity level and health condition. Generally speaking puppies should be fed three times per day while adult poodles should have two meals per day. Additionally, if your dog is overweight you may need to reduce their portions slightly. Lastly, always make sure freshwater is readily available for optimal hydration levels! Best Dog Food for Poodles When it comes to selecting the best food for Poodles, there are several important factors to consider. It should provide balanced nutrition with plenty of protein from animal sources and the right amount of healthy fats plus complex carbohydrates. Avoid processed foods with too much sugar or preservatives as these can be unhealthy for your pup. You also need to factor in any existing health conditions like allergies or sensitivities which may require alternative ingredients such as sweet potato or oatmeal instead of grain-based fillers. When preparing homemade meals for your poodle it is important to remember that dogs require certain nutrients in order for them to stay healthy. Animal proteins such as poultry or fish should be included in each meal along with complex carbohydrates like brown rice or barley. Additionally some health experts recommend adding omega fatty acids from sources like salmon oil or flaxseed oil for optimal health benefits. It is equally important to remember that there are items which should never be fed to a poodle including onions, garlic, chocolate and grapes which could cause serious illness if ingested by your pet. Be sure when formulating the recipe you take into account any allergies or dietary restrictions your pup may have before giving them the meal so that you do not unknowingly put their health at risk! Benefits of Proper Nutrition for Poodles Poodles require specific nutrition to reach their maximum potential and stay healthy. Proper nutrition for poodles is essential in order to ensure they have a long and happy life. Proper nutrition also supports cognitive development and keeps their energy levels up throughout the day. Calcium from dairy products or supplements helps maintain joint health while other nutrients like phosphorus support cellular growth in bone tissue. Weight control: Feeding your poodle the right amounts of good quality food will help them maintain a healthy weight which reduces stress on their skeleton due to excess body fat accumulation — especially important for toy breeds such as Poodles who are prone to obesity if not monitored closely! Longer lifespan: Quality dog foods contain ingredients specifically designed to promote longevity by providing all the nourishment needed for a well functioning body systems over time with minimal supplementation required. This means less visits and costs at the vet later down the track! Creating a Balanced Diet Plan for Your Poodle Creating a balanced diet plan for your Poodle is an essential part of keeping them healthy and happy. The best way to achieve this is by understanding the nutritional needs of your pet, as well as the different foods available. Generally speaking though, most poodles should eat two or three meals per day consisting primarily of high quality proteins such as poultry, fish or lean meat along with carbohydrates such as rice or pasta and fresh vegetables. Fruits are also nutritious additions that can be included occasionally in moderation but should never replace any other food groups from their diet. Providing balanced nutrition will give them energy throughout the day while helping them stay fit and active throughout their lifetime! Sample Weekly Meal Plans for Adult and Puppy Poodles Poodles are a highly intelligent and active breed that require plenty of food to stay healthy. Including several meals throughout the day will ensure your adult and puppy poodle is getting enough nutrients for their individual needs. For adult poodles, our recommended weekly meal plan includes two full meals per day, followed by snacks in between if desired. A high-quality protein source should be the main focus of each meal such as chicken or fish. For additional nutrition, consider adding vegetables like kale or carrots along with complex carbohydrates like brown rice or oats. Supplementing with probiotics can also help promote better digestion over time while providing beneficial vitamins and minerals to keep your poodle feeling energetic all week long! As puppies grow quickly into adulthood, they need more frequent feedings than adults do… typically three times a day including breakfast lunch and dinner until they reach twelve months old when they may downsize to twice daily feedings instead. Puppies may also benefit from supplements specifically formulated for growing dogs, but always consult your veterinarian before starting any supplementation regimen with your pup! At the end of the day, proper nutrition is key when it comes to keeping both adult and puppy Poodles healthy, so creating weekly meal plans that include variety helps ensure their nutritional needs are met every single week! Related posts:. Some final words There is a little bit of leeway in their feeding schedule as all standard poodles are not the same. Each individual dog will require different amounts of food at different times of the day. The following information is a guideline as there is no set rule on when or how much to feed your pet each day. Before they are 6 months of age, you can feed your little pet up to 4 to 5 times. After they reach the age of 6 months, you can lower that total to 3 times every day. Just because you serve them multiple times throughout the day, it does not mean their serving size is huge. You are looking at feeding your puppy about 2 cups of dog food each day. This serving size can be equally measured out so that your little feller or gal gets enough food at each meal. It will take a little research to find the perfect food for your pet. If you are in doubt, you can always ask your vet what is the best type of dog food to use. The key to feeding your dog its food is that you cannot change it from week to week or day to day. You must pick one and stick with that brand. Changing the food often and without mixing it with their old dog food will upset their stomachs and cause accidents to happen. If you are worried about the number of calories your puppy is eating, those are listed on the side of the package under the heading kcal. Just look at the number next to that box to get the actual number of calories your dog is receiving. Also, the amount of food you feed your pet depends on how active they are. If they are not very active you can cut their portions down a little bit. This will help avoid your pet from becoming overweight. If he or she is very active, then you should feed them a little bit more food than the recommended amount. Puppy Food Tips There are some guidelines to help you find the right pet food for your puppy. Here are a few of those guidelines to direct your search: 1. Try to Avoid Fillers and Additives- Look for those options that contain more meat and vegetables 2. Grains are Good- Unless your vet recommends against it. Grains help your pet have more energy. Be Heavy on Glucosamine and Chondroitin- These ingredients will help your pet if it has a family history of dysplasia or joint problems. Make Sure the First Ingredient is Meat- The first ingredient tells you that it is the dominant ingredient and the more meat the better for your puppy. Look for Vegetables as Well- These ingredients provide needed nutrients your puppy needs to grow healthy. Provide a Mix- A little wet food on the dry dog food will help your picky eater build their teeth and get needed nutrients. Wet food alone will not do this but it does help with dry dog food consumption. What Foods Not to Feed Your Poodle There are some ingredients you should avoid so that your puppy gets the healthiest meal possible. MSG- It is not good for humans, and it is not good for pets. In fact, not only can it give you a UTI, it can do the same for your dog. Artificial Colors and Preservatives- These are hard to avoid but try if you can. Foods with Animal By-Products- The reason to avoid this ingredient is that you do not know where those by-products came from. Some final words Be careful when you feed your pet. There is always the danger of over-feeding them. If they act like they are always hungry, give them something else to do. They could have just arrived in your home, have a toothache, upset stomach , or they do not like the taste of the food. When you give your pet a bone, there is always a chance that bacteria may be on it. So be careful when raw feeding your pet any food item. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Eagle Pack Holistic These standard poodle dog foods contain ingredients that are not of questionable origin. These dog foods are not likely to cause allergies in your standard poodle. They also contain all the nutrients that your standard poodle needs to properly grow. Particularly, I feed my Standard poodle the Taste of the Wild. This is the best food for Standard Poodle based on my experience and my research. Taste of the Wild does not trigger allergies in my standard poodle. Also, I have had no problems feeding my poodle the Taste of the Wild. Also, her coat has always been smooth and shiny, and her poop does not get watery. She has always been in good health. Check out the price of Taste of the Wild here on Amazon. But you should feed your standard poodle the oldest food bag in your stock. This is because sometimes accidents happen, and dog food gets recalled if the food is found to be harmful. By having an extra bag of old dog food in stock, you will always be a step ahead of a dog food recall. How Many Times to Feed a Standard Poodle in a Day Standard poodles should be fed two times a day at scheduled times rather than having food available to them all the time. This is because standard poodles can sometimes be picky eaters. If a picky eater knows that food is always available, the picky eater will even be pickier. However, if your standard poodle knows that his or her food is available at particular times of the day, then your standard poodle will be motivated to eat his or her food on a schedule. Another reason to feed a standard poodle twice a day is that most breeders are of the opinion that feeding a standard poodle twice a day on a schedule helps reduce the chances of your standard poodle developing a fatal illness called bloat Gastro Dilation Volvulus. Bloat occurs when the stomach of a standard poodle accidentally twists. Bloat, when it occurs, escalates really fast and it can kill a standard poodle in less than one hour. Another way to prevent your standard poodle from developing bloat is not to feed them immediately after they exercise rigorously. Wait for an hour after your poodle exercises before giving your poodle food. Also, do not let your standard poodle drink too much water before or after food. To learn how much water a standard poodle needs, check out our article on how much water poodles need. When we humans eat a balanced diet, we get the nutrition our bodies require from a variety of nutritionally packed foods. Our pets also have those needs; however, those needs are much simpler and do not include our human foods. Pets require a specific amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals as well as vitamins to keep them healthy and happy — just like we do — but their diets must be very different from ours. When it comes to our furry friends, we have no need to prepare special recipes or worrying about bioavailability. Conclusion I hope you have learned enough to help you decide on what to feed a standard poodle, how much and many times to feed a standard poodle in a day. I hope our standard poodle feeding chart and feeding calculator will help you properly feed your standard poodle. As your Toy Poodle puppy is maturing and growing, it is crucial to provide it with the proper diet and our Toy Poodle feeding chart will help you. This comprehensive manual is packed with advice that will assist you in providing appropriate portions. Provide a healthy and well-balanced diet tailored to the specific requirements of your Toy Poodle puppy. Until they are six months old, Toy Poodle puppies should eat three or four small meals a day. The six-month mark marks the time when you should begin reducing their daily intake to two meals. Toy Poodle Feeding Chart RER is the amount of energy a Toy Poodle puppy needs at rest to keep their vital organs working, including their respiratory system, digestive system, and cardiovascular system. Hence, your Toy Poodle puppy would require about calories per day in order to keep its body running normally while at rest. You should talk to your vet about how much food and how many calories your Toy Poodle puppy needs. Begin feeding your dog wet puppy chow and other solid foods around week 5. Have patience as your dog undergoes the transition to a new diet. Provide quarter cup of food at each of three to four meals a day. Maintain a regular feeding schedule, and transition your puppy to a dry kibble diet. Keep an eye out for signs of diarrhea and make sure they have plenty of water. Provide plenty water and keep an eye out for symptoms of food intolerance or gastrointestinal distress. It may be beneficial to eat only twice or three times a day instead of six or seven times a day. Maintain a steady supply of fresh water and watch for signs of diarrhea or weight gain. Toy Poodle puppies require a high-quality meal that has been developed just for them. Keep an eye out for symptoms of bloating, gas, or constipation. You should start transitioning your Toy Poodle to an adult diet as soon as possible. Keep an eye out for any signs of bloating, gas, or an allergy. Never stop providing a healthy, age-appropriate diet and plenty of fresh water. Maintain a healthy, age-appropriate diet while keeping an eye out for tummy troubles, allergies, or excess weight gain. Toy Poodles are prone to being overweight, so take care not to overfeed or underfeed them. You should feed them twice a day, each time with about a half cup to three quarters of a cup of food. Adjust feeding amounts based on indicators of gastrointestinal distress, food allergies, or weight gain. High-quality protein, vital fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals are all components of a healthy diet. A 4-pound Toy Poodle puppy would need roughly calories per day, or calories per pound of body weight. Their calorie requirements will rise as they get taller. Try to eat meat, fish, and eggs as protein sources. Puppies need DHA and other essential fatty acids for proper brain and eye development. Before they reach about six months of age, Toy Poodle puppies should be fed three to four small meals every day. Take into account their age, and degree of activity when determining the appropriate portion size for their meals. To find out how much food your puppy should be eating, talk to your vet. You should also provide your puppy access to clean water at all times and steer clear of feeding it any human food or table scraps to prevent them from becoming overweight or nutritionally deficient. Kibble vs Wet Food For Toy Poodle Puppies Puppy kibble and wet food are both good options for feeding your toy poodle, but they are not identical. Kibble is practical since it can be stored easily and it helps maintain dental health by stimulating jaw movement and cleaning teeth. Nevertheless, puppies of the toy poodle breed may have trouble chewing and digesting this food if they have dental problems or a sensitive stomach. Conversely, wet food may be more appealing to fussy eaters because of its quicker digestion and higher moisture content. More moisture is provided, which is great for toy poodles because they often become dehydrated. It can get pricey and go bad rapidly if left out for too long. Toy poodle puppies can do well on either dry kibble or wet food, or a mix of the two, but the best option will ultimately depend on your dog and his or her preferences and dietary needs. The changeover is expected to take around a week. As the puppy becomes older, they can transition to adult food by eating a combination of the two, with the amount of adult food increasing as the puppy food decreases. You should also be sure to provide your toy poodle with high-quality adult dog food. There are a number of potential causes if your Toy Poodle puppy is not eating. Puppies often lose their appetite at times of rapid development, teething, or stress. But, if your puppy refuses to eat for more than a day, you should take him to the vet to rule out any serious health problems. If your dog is picky eater, consider breaking up their meals into several smaller servings and giving them more often. You may also try moistening their kibble with warm water or chicken broth. You should also make sure your puppy gets lots of activity and drinks plenty of water. Toy poodle puppies, should not be freefed, or let to graze on food left out all day. Puppies have special dietary demands that must be met in order to guarantee they grow and develop normally. Overeating, obesity, and behavioral issues including food guarding and hostility are all possible outcomes of a freefeeding regime. Providing your toy poodle puppy with measured meals at set times throughout the day is advised. This will control their eating habits and make sure they have enough to eat to be healthy. This dry dog food is made for developing puppies who like smaller kibble. DHA from fish oil promotes brain, vision, and learning health. An antioxidant and vitamin E and C mix also boosts immunity. Pros DHA from fish oil for brain and eyes Healthy immune system form antioxidant and vitamin E and C No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives Comprehensive and Balanced Nutrition 2. For If you have a small-breed puppy like the Toy Poodle, this is the perfect supper for them. This dry dog food is designed for your growing small-breed pup. The first ingredient, farm-raised chicken, delivers quality protein to help your little companion grow strong muscles. It contains 22 essential nutrients, including omega-3 DHA, which improves cognition and makes your pup smarter and more trainable. However, you should keep the intervals between meals similar. Best Dog Foods for Poodles To keep your dog healthy and happy, choose the right food. A feeding guide should include the best food to feed your dog, whether raising a puppy or caring for an older companion. Poodle owners have several choices when it comes to feeding their pets. They can buy commercial dog food, prepare a homemade diet of raw food or raw meat, or opt for a combination of the two as the best food for their pup. Poodle Homemade Food: A homemade diet can provide your dog with all the nutrients it needs, as long as you know what to include in a balanced meal. You can consider giving ingredients like grain-free foods for those with a sensitive stomach. You may also feed a Poodle puppy sweet potato or add cooked meats to their diet. Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet BARF : BARF , also known as raw diet or raw feeding, is a type of diet that mainly consists of raw meats, eggs, crushed bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. If feeding raw food is done correctly, it can be very healthy for your puppies and adult dogs since it is free from preservatives. Consulting an experienced vet is strongly recommended when looking for the best diet for your Poodle. Sometimes, they get curious too. If you love coffee, keep it out of reach of your Poodle. It contains caffeine , which may cause high blood pressure, stomach upset, and heart problems. Another human food that should not be a part of your puppy food is chocolate. Theobromine , found in chocolate, can cause abnormal heartbeats, seizures , and even death in your puppy or adult dog if consumed. Toy, Mini, and Standard Poodles can also be harmed by gum, peanut butter, and candy containing xylitol. This can cause disorientation , hypoglycemia , seizures, and collapse. Most kinds of toothpaste also contain xylitol, so make sure not to drop any on the floor when you brush your teeth. A small amount can be fatal to your Poodle. Moreover, it is not advised to feed your Poodle avocado or cherries. The pits, skins, and leaves of avocados contain a toxin called persin. It is essential to always check the food label on any treats or ingredients to avoid giving toxic foods to your pets. Additionally, do not feed your puppy too fast and too much as it can result in bloating. You should also consult a vet if you have questions about safe human and puppy foods to ensure they live a long life. Start by adding more of the new food and eliminating some old food at each meal until your pet eats only the new food. This also applies when you switch from puppy to adult food. Feeding a Poodle Overview Ensuring that your Poodle is on a well-balanced diet is one of the most important elements to keeping your canine family member healthy, both now and into the future. This section will cover all Poodle feeding guidelines including how often to feed a Poodle, serving sizes, dry vs wet, grain vs grain-free, and top recommended kibble. Don't need all of the details and just want to know which brands are recommended? New Puppies - The Importance of Gradually Switching Foods Before you even bring your Poodle home, it is very important to discuss with the breeder or shelter worker if you are adopting a rescue exactly which brand of food they have been feeding to your Poodle. A fast change in food can cause upset stomach and digestive problems. Breeders and shelters are buying food in bulk and have to feed many dogs which is a factor in which brand they choose; so there is a good chance that you will want to offer your Poodle something different. Have both the current food and the new food on hand and make a gradual switch over the course of 3 weeks. Though you will be leaving food out at all times, it is important that the food is fresh. Do not just top it off throughout the day, rinse and clean the bowl as necessary so that old food is not stuck at the bottom of the dish. Puppy: Starting at just about the 3 month mark, Poodles of all varieties should be eating 3 meals per day, plus snacks. Adult: When a pup matures into an adult, this does not necessarily mean that they should suddenly be given only one meal a day. Smaller dogs such as Toy Poodles and Miniatures often do best with 2 or even 3 meals per day. Standards have a bit more tolerance to a single dinnertime feeding, however many can also benefit from having food split up into two servings. Several snacks can be given in between meals and this is particularly helpful is a Poodle is a fast eater. How Much to Feed a Poodle Exact serving size varies quite a bit depending on the type of food. There is a big difference in calories between wet vs dry and low quality vs high quality. And, the amount of food that a Poodle should be eating depends on the dog's age, activity level, individual metabolism, and health status. Even the weather can play a role since dogs tend to eat a bit more in the winter and a bit less in the summer. In regard to calorie requirements, puppies need more calories per pound than their adult counterparts, approximately 40 to 55 calories per pound, daily, compared to adult dogs that need about 35 to 45 calories per pound, daily. S enior Poodles typically have slower metabolisms and reduced mobility and therefore usually require slightly fewer calories, in the 40 calorie per pound range. If you are feeding your Poodle a commercial food, follow the suggested feeding guidelines. These are usually pretty spot-on. Since these are based on both age and weight, do not estimate how much your Poodle weighs but rather know what this is within a pound or two. If you are feeding your Poodle homemade food, a rough guideline for serving size is 1 ounce of food for each 1 pound of body weight, daily. As you can imagine, this can vary quite a bit depending on the exact ingredients. Using the 1 to 1 rule as a starting point, what your Poodle consumes within 15 minutes is usually a good amount for each meal. Wet vs Dry If a Poodle had their way, most would opt for wet food. However, dry food is recommended since this is much better for the gums and teeth. In addition, dry kibble tends to be easier on the stomach and intestines and a diet of all wet canned food can lead to runny stools. Grain vs Grain-free Until relatively recently, there was not much debate on this subject; if a dog tended to have gastrointestinal or allergy issues when on a diet with grains, they were switched to a grain-free recipe. However, this changed when it was discovered that several dogs that were breeds not prone to dilated cardiomyopathy developed that particular heart disease and also happened to be fed grain-free kibble. Lots of pet parents immediately thought that they needed to change their dogs back to grains; however, many more studies need to be done. In fact, the most recent update from the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University suggests that 'grain-free' alone may not be the issue at play. For now, it is theorized that a certain diet dubbed a BEG diet may be to blame. This stands for boutique small local brands with exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, bison, ostrich, venison, and kangaroo and grain-free along with peas, legumes, or potatoes as one of the top 5 ingredients. Currently there are no recalls of grain-free dog food brands and the FDA is still investigating any possible links including the BEG theory. If your Poodle does not do well with any grains at all, you may wish to stick to a brand that has traditional meats like chicken, turkey, or beef or a fish-based recipes. And, if you are not sure about which grains your Poodle may do okay with, you may wish to opt for wholesome non-wheat and non-gluten grains like rice brown or white , oatmeal, quinoa which is technically a seed. Exact recommendations for the best foods include both grain and grain-free options. Elements to Keep in Mind When Choosing Food for Your Poodle What to avoid: It's no wonder that pet parents have a difficult time navigating the many choices of dog foods in their quest to find the best brand to give their Poodle, there are a lot of ingredients to avoid: Artificial flavoring like MSG which can cause terrible allergic reactions. Artificial coloring. Some of the worst are Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 which are linked to very serious issues including neurological and behavioral issues like insomnia and hyperactivity and serious health issues including some cancers. Chemical preservatives. This can be tricky to avoid since these do not always need to be labeled; if these are added to protect 'protein meals' in low levels, you'll never see it listed as an ingredient. These are meats and animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption. Examples are lungs, spleen, spinal tissue, genitals, hooves, beaks, intestines, and more. Generic meats or oils. This can, by law, be any species of animal whatsoever and are usually 4-D animal parts: Sourced from dead, diseased, dying, or disabled zoo animals, farm animals, or even roadkill. These are very common in cheaper subpar brands and are inexpensive ingredients that are added only to plump up the food but offer little to no nutritional value. Examples of fillers include corn, soy, wheat middlings, peanut hulls, oat husks, and cereal grains. Ingestion of fillers is a contributing factor in coprophagia eating feces and is linked to malnutrition. High grain count. Though some wholesome grains may be desired next section , high levels of wheat or gluten can cause upset stomach issues and allergies. What to look for: Knowing what to avoid can help you identify some of the better brands though exact recommendations are below. This means zero artificial additives. Natural preservatives. Wholesome ingredients. For meats and proteins this includes chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, and many types of fish including whitefish, haddock, salmon, and cod. You'll also want your Poodle to have some vegetables and fruits which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Zero fillers. Every ingredient should serve the purpose of providing nutrients and never added simply to bulk up the recipe. The right balance of healthy grains. Though some Poodles will need to avoid all grains, most do very well with select non-wheat, non-gluten options including oatmeal, quinoa, and rice. Added extras. Next, we'll cover exact recommendations that fit all of the above criteria. Best Food for Poodles: Recommended Brands Please note that if you have not yet read ' Grain vs Grain-free ' section, you may wish to do so before continuing. Top recommend food with grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry. For larger miniatures and standards, you'll want to opt for their regular Complete Health. There are also puppy, adult, and senior formulas. All of these have no wheat, corn or other fillers, artificial coloring or flavoring, soy, meat by-products, or chemical preservatives, so you can feel very confident that your filling your Poodle's bowl with truly wholesome, healthy food. These recipes also have excellent levels of omega-3 fatty acids. And, this is made in the USA. Halo Natural Holisitc Dog Food. This top brand has found its niche by offering a purely holistic, organic recipe with non-GMO veggies and fruits and meats with no antibiotics, no hormones, and no factory farming. The protein base is chicken and liver, the two grains in this are oats and barley, and vegetables and fruits include peas, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potato. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve the kibble or are vitamins and minerals. This particular recipe is for small breeds, however there is also an original for larger dogs. Halo is made in the USA. Top recommended food without grains: 1. Merrick is a great brand which offers this recipe for small breeds, like toy Poodles and another option for larger dogs which would include miniatures and standards. Protein bases include Texas beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. There is no corn or other fillers, wheat, gluten, artificial additives, or chemical preservatives. And, there are excellent levels of omega-3 and both pre and probiotics. Merrick is also made in the USA. The CORE formula from Wellness is, by far, one of the very best grain-free foods on the market today. It hits very single checkbox of what you are ideally looking for in a food for your Poodle and it has some superior extras. There are excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is both a small breed formula and an original formula for minis and standards as well as puppy recipes and a reduced fat option. Wellness is made in the USA. What to Feed Your Poodle if Home Cooking You will want to have a mix of protein, healthy grains, vegetables and fruits. Proteins can include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, and fish cod, flounder, salmon, whitefish. Vegetables can include sugar snap peas, green beans, lima beans, spinach, peas, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and regular potato. Fruits can include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apple, and pear. Extras can include eggs, salmon oil, extra virgin olive oil, certain cheese with low levels of lactose Colby, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and cottage cheese and plain whole white yogurt. Note that if you home cook, you will want to include a daily vitamin and mineral since it is near impossible for any combination of foods to offer a dog every nutrient that they need. Snacks Snacks and treats are also an important part of a dog's diet. Dry treats often labeled as baked or crunchy are best to tide over the appetite in between meals. Moist or chewy treats are best when used as training rewards and to reinforce good behavior. Rapid ingestion of food can lead to gas, vomiting, or upset stomach and is linked to killer bloat. Types of Nuts that a Poodle Can Eat - If you are snacking away on some nuts and want to share them with your Poodle, see which ones are safe and which are not. Poodle Begging Behavior - Giving into begging for table scraps or extra snacks contributes to this bad habit. See how to react if your Poodle won't stop begging. Overly Picky Poodles - Read how to address finicky eaters to make mealtime less stressful for both of you. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. They may also learn how to walk for the first time so be sure to place their food or drink bowl within short distances. However, not all puppies are the same and it depends on various factors. As with all puppies, your Standard Poodle pup should be dewormed and vaccinated during this period. After the weaning process has finished, they can be separated from their mother and sent off to a new home. Socialization is, therefore, crucial in this period to avoid behavioral problems. They might need obedience training and they also need a proper schedule for feeding to avoid obesity and begging behaviors. Keep in mind, though, that this might also result in the puppy eating much more than they did before. Ready some stock food! They might not play around as much when compared to their puppy days. Recommended Food Are you having trouble with choosing the right food for your Spoo pup? Choose puppy food without additives or fillers A Standard Poodle puppy will benefit more from a puppy food that has no fillers or additives. We recommend getting organic puppy food instead of commercial brands because they have more meat and veggie content rather than just fillers. Foods rich in glucosamine and chondroitin You will find these in fishes like animal bones and seafood. First-ingredient meat Among the most common meat choices for puppies include chicken, beef, turkey, and even salmon and whitefish. Look for these as the first ingredient of your Standard Poodle puppy food. In the wild, after all, they tend to eat a bit of grass. They get tasty food and strong teeth as a result. Here are the foods to avoid for them: 1. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to wheat that can be a source of carbohydrates, such as quinoa and oatmeal mentioned above. We will try our best to answer the most common ones below: Help! My Standard Poodle is still hungry! What should I do? Begging behaviors are sometimes caused by infrequent feeding or too much free time on their hands. Perhaps you can try to increase the feedings per day? A Standard Poodle puppy is very likely to get obese compared to other breeds so always restrict their diet in the right way. Obesity in Poodles also comes with all sorts of health issues, such as joint dysplasia, heart problems, sore backs, and tummy aches. You can try using a slow feeder discussed below or a puzzle feeder to help your Standard Poodle puppy slow down in terms of feeding. Likewise, you can also ask your veterinarian for an expert opinion. They might give your Standard Poodle puppy a recommended diet plan to avoid overeating and excessive begging habits. Any puppy not eating for a while is usually okay as it might just be stressed or full. But there are also times when not eating for a long time will make you panic. Here are the most common reasons why your Standard Poodle puppy loses appetite: 1. They just moved in Anxiety can cause any puppy to not feel well, which will result in loss of appetite. If you think about it, bad breakups and troubles with friends, family, and finances also make you not want to eat sometimes, right? They have a toothache Dental issues are also a factor that could make your Standard Poodle puppy lose their appetite. Get your puppy to a vet if you suspect that they have abnormally bad breath as that could be a sign of teeth problems. They have a bad stomach Perhaps your Standard Poodle puppy ate something bad? Talk to your vet right away if you suspect that your pup has some sort of digestive issue, which can usually be examined through their stools. To avoid your puppy getting a bad stomachache, you should be careful when feeding them new food. They might not like the food A Standard Poodle puppy can be a picky eater, much like all other Poodle types. Most pet owners like to mix part dry and part wet food, as well as some home-cooked meals and raw meats in the dish. This might attract your puppy to eat. However, keep in mind that raw feeding should be done properly to avoid bacterial contamination in meat. Most pet owners who start out feeding raw only tend to focus on the meat side, leaving behind certain vegetables and whatnot. Always make sure that your Standard Poodle pup gets balanced nutrition and research first on raw feeding before you begin. Slow-feeding a Standard Poodle puppy As mentioned above, a Standard Poodle puppy has a high risk for obesity due to quickly eating. In this case, a slow feeder can work well. Slow feeder bowls are available in the market and your local pet store — their job is to make your puppy work harder to get their food rather than gobbling it all at once. Aside from that, a puzzle feeder for your Standard Poodle pup works similarly but also adds a fun factor to their food. This will be easier for them to chew and swallow than large pieces of kibble. Weight ranges can vary quite considerably, so some puppies will naturally need a lot more food than others. One way you can adjust your meal sizes is by working with your veterinarian. If you struggle to feel any definition, your puppy could benefit from smaller meal sizes. But, if their ribs are very prominent, they could benefit from slightly larger meal sizes. You should always work with your vet when adjusting meal sizes to ensure that everything is done in a safe and healthy way. But, since Poodles have so much curly fur, seeing them can be hard even if they are overly prominent! As they get a little older, this can decrease to 3 meals. And, when your puppy is at their adult size, this can decrease to two meals per day. How to Choose the Best Puppy Food? There are a lot of commercial options to choose from when searching for the best Poodle puppy food. You will find dry options, wet food, grain free varieties, limited ingredient recipes, and more. Some owners even choose to make homemade meals for their dogs, or raw diets. However, homemade diets are more likely to be nutritionally imbalanced, which can lead to health problems. Commercial food brands offer a lot of choice. There are pros and cons to every food type, so it can also help to speak to your veterinarian. For instance, wet food is often the most palatable, but it can be hard to use in training and has a shorter expiry date than other types. Grain free food is associated with some health-related concerns, but studies have determined the need for more research into a link, and this food type can be better for puppies with allergies. And, kibble food is easy to store and use during training, but can contain unwanted ingredients, like unnecessary fillers. Slowly substitute in your new food over the course of a week, until the old food is completely removed. Doing this too quickly can result in stomach upset and digestive issues. You will also need to transition to an adult food variety when your puppy has stopped growing. Toy Poodles will often finish growing somewhere between 6 and 8 months. Miniature Poodles can take between 8 and 12 months. And Standard Poodles can take up to 18 months. The transition to an adult food should also be gradual, taking space over the course of a week. Is My Poodle a Healthy Weight? However, all Poodles are different. They will grow at different rates and will have different healthy adult weights. They will be able to help you make any suitable adjustments if your puppy needs to increase or decrease their weight to remain healthy. Obesity and excess weight can cause and worsen some serious health problems in our pet dogs. They can help to adjust meal sizes where necessary. And, they can look for any underlying causes to high appetite levels in your Poodle. This often happens when people first bring their puppy home, leading to panic and stress! However, puppies can also feel stress and fear when moving to their new homes. And, this can cause a loss of appetite. Or, if they think something better might be on offer. For instance, if you tend to feed them table scraps, they might leave their food to try and get more tasty treats. Doing so will prevent obesity and weight gain. Completing all of your training in the morning will pose the same problems as feeding your puppy a very large meal first thing in the morning. Another benefit of this is that your puppy will be extra hungry and motivated to work for their food if training is before each mealtime. How Much to Feed a Poodle Puppy — A Summary All Poodles are different from one another, so the amount of food they need each day and at individual meal times will vary. But, they usually need some adjusting. Have you got any tips for raising a healthy Poodle puppy? Let us know in the comments! Readers Also Liked. Category : Puppies When you take your puppy home usually around weeks of age they will need to eat 3 or 4 times a day. At 8 weeks old we feed small meals 4 times a day at 7 am, 11 am, 2 pm and then at 5 pm. We allow them free access to water until 7 pm in the evening. An alternative is to feed 3 times a day at 7 am, 12 noon and at 5 pm. If your puppy is hungry split the meals to 4 times a day. By the time they are 10 weeks old they can go to 3 meals a day. If your puppy feels thin you can feel all the ribs and backbone easily increase the amount of food. If your puppy feels fat you should be able to feel some of the ribs reduce the amount of food. Some puppies are very active and burn up every calorie they eat, some are prone to being a little rounder and their food intake needs to be carefully monitored. Research has shown that dogs that are not overfeed have a much lower risk of developing hip dysplasia. Keep your puppy thin and healthy. We do not recommend free feeding of puppies as this makes it more difficult to housebreak your poodle and regulate their diet. Better to move to free feeding after housebreaking if you choose to. It is harder to monitor how much food they eat when free feeding and a glutunous puppy may quickly become fat. Remember a thin puppy is less likely to develop hip dysplasia. We strongly encourage you to keep your puppy on the same food we provide for the first month. Both coccidia and giardia may live in the gut of a healthy poodle and they never have an outbreak. When their bodies are stressed they are more likely to develop an unhealthy balance and the result may be a sick puppy. Moving to a new home, leaving their Mother and siblings and diet changes are all stressful. We encourage you to make as few changes as possible to your puppies diet the first month. Changing to a different dog food — go slowly. It may take a month or longer to switch foods. If at any point your puppy develops an upset stomach go back to the level of food mix that they were doing well on. Should your puppy develop bloody diarrhea take them to the veterinarian, they have most likely developed gastroenteritis and may need some medication or possibly fluids. Go slowly, new protein sources require time for the stomach to adjust. This is true not only in puppies but also adults. We continue to feed our puppies 3 meals a day until they are 6 months old. Our belief is that in keeping food moving through the puppy it allows for better consistent growth and health. At 6 months of age we start to feed 2 times a day with snacks throughout the day. We continue to feed our dogs 2 times a day throughout their life. We feed snacks several times a day to both puppies and adults which may be carrots, green beans, eggs or chicken or pieces of their kibble. We feed our poodles both kibble and home cooked food. Bully sticks are given occasionally for chewing. No Comments.

It commonly occurs anywhere from eight weeks to six months. So, any German Shepherd parent would know that these adorable dogs have floppy ears when they are just puppies. However, stronger cartilage will be developed as you give them the proper nutrients. It might mostly occur as a response to your call or noise in the surrounding area. It can be a result of poor nutrition or slow development. Your German Shepherd needs abundant vitamin D, calcium, and protein. Lacking these nutrients in their diet will result in weak cartilage. Switch to better food or visit the vet for a checkup. They are still incredibly cute, anyway! If you want to ensure that you have a pooch with perky ears, make sure to look for parents with standing ears. Do all German Shepherd ears stand up? Even if you have already, you can know whether your pooch will have floppy or perky ears when it grows. It can compromise their health and adversely affect their growth, including strengthening the cartilage. Regular checkups and fecal exams can help prevent or abate that problem. Your vet can give your dog deworming medicines to see that your growing furry friend is free from parasites. Any traumatic injury to the ears can cause permanent damage and prevent the ears from growing strong enough to stand. It can be caused by a child pulling its ears and rough play among its littermates. Regularly monitor your pup and keep anyone from playing with its ears when they are in its developmental stage. But there are things you can do to help it get strong and healthy ears. These steps will also protect the ears from possible damage. Get high-quality food for your puppy to boost their development. Cheap foods usually have more fillers that contain negligible nutrients. Keep the puppy away and safe from other puppies that play bite with their ears. Educate your children and everyone else at home on how to handle the puppy carefully and gently. Giving your puppy chew toys will give their head, jaw, and surrounding muscles some exercise. It can lead to better ear development. Make sure to buy durable ones, as German Shepherd pups are stronger than you think! Clean their ears gently if you notice dirt. Keep your dog happy! A happy dog is a healthy dog. It will have fewer or no health problems if you keep the dog fit. Using the tape too early or during its growing stage can harm its natural development. However, the 7th to 8th month might be a little too late. But that may not be true for all, as some German Shepherds are just built differently. Their looks come second when you experience how good of a companion they can make. But the young ones carry cute floppy ears that eventually stand up. Some take longer. Remember that floppy ears do not affect their health negatively. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Aug 18, Share German Shepherds have a distinctive look that includes alert, erect ears. For most pups, the ear cartilage begins to harden around week 20, or when the pup is finished teething. At that point, it can take up to 20 weeks for the ears to stand up fully. This can vary by the individual, however. Like human ears, dog ears are made of cartilage. As they grow and gain nutrition, German Shepherds develop stronger and stronger cartilage to support those ears. Typically, puppies at weeks will have floppy ears that occasionally stand up but quickly fall back down. Around week 20, or 5 months, your pup is done teething and its ears will begin to harden and stand. Your vet may have some suggestions to help the process along. If your pup reaches 8 months and still has floppy ears, the chance of them standing on their own is slim. Some breeders try to breed for larger ears, leading to ears that are too heavy to stand up. If strong, alert ears are important to you, be sure to look for a pup with parents that have erect ears. If the ears sustain trauma during that time, it can cause permanent damage to the cartilage. If your puppy gets parasites, it can impact healthy development, which includes the hardening of its ear cartilage. Be sure to take your puppy to the vet regularly and have routine fecal exams to check for worms and other parasites. Your vet can recommend an appropriate deworming protocol for your growing puppy and treat parasites if they occur. However, if you want your puppy to have strong, alert ears, you can help the process along in a number of ways. In an effort to move ear development along, some owners will add supplements like calcium. Chew toys are also good for teething and keeping your puppy occupied. German Shepherds are strong, even as pups, so be sure to choose solid, durable chew toys that are safe and appropriate for your puppy. It should only be used as a last resort, however. If you use tape too early, it can hinder natural development. That said, if you wait until the seventh or eighth month, it may be too late to help. Glue the ends of the popsicle stick to the tape on both ears, horizontally. Once a week, remove the popsicle stick, foam, and tape. If the ears stand on their own, leave them. Related Reads:. However, some adult German Shepherds will have floppy ears. There are several causes for this. There is also a genetic trait in some German Shepherds to have floppy ears. When one or both of the parents has floppy ears, there is a strong chance that the offspring will inherit this trait. If this is the case with your dog, there is not much you can do about his floppy ears. Rough play. GSD puppies play rough , and a lot of times, this can affect their ears through nips and bites. Cartilage is not like the skin because it is not highly vascularized. You can support the healing times by offering him a healthy, balanced diet. You may even consider food specially formulated for German Shepherds. Ear infections. Because they have such dense fur, German Shepherds are highly susceptible to ear infections. The coat interferes with the air circulation of the ear canals, setting up the perfect circumstances for infections and mites. Signs of these problems include shaking the head and pawing the ears. The ears may go up for a bit during the teething process and then return to the floppy position. After more time passes, the ears should return to the upward position again. However, even after nine months, there are several methods that you can try that will assist in training his ears to stand. When your puppy reaches eight months old and still has floppy ears, you can try giving him chew toys to work out his jaw muscles. Chewing on toys will work his temporalis muscle, which is one of the muscles involved in supporting upright ears. Ear taping can be done at home, while surgical implants will need to be administered by a veterinarian in a sterile environment. The ear may be set in its position at this stage, and the procedure may not have much effect. Discard the hard plastic clip from the inside of each roller and only keep the spongy foam parts. Steps to Follow The first step is to insert the pencil into one of the rollers roughly one inch to create a handhold. Ensure it is well-covered, but do not use it so much that it oozes or drips off the roller. Then tape the ear into a fairly firm roll in an upright position. The roller must be placed inside and near the bottom of the ear flap. Remove the pencil from the roller. You will have to keep your puppy distracted for a few minutes until the glue has time to dry. The rollers will fall out on their own in roughly a week. You can remove them before this if you need to. Taping is intended to provide support to the cartilage of the ears so that it can form adequately and be strong enough to make the ears stand up. It is a painless procedure, but it can cause some discomfort for your dog. Additionally, if your German Shepherd is genetically predisposed to having floppy ears, no amount of taping will override his genes. His ears may perk up and flop back down during teething, which begins around 3 months old. Once teething is over, his ears will once again perk up. At this stage, they may be somewhere in the middle. One ear may be standing while the other is floppy, or both may be half-standing. You may even have a German Shepherd who has both ears fully upright at this age! If they are not, you will have to visit your veterinarian or breeder for advice on what to do. German Shepherd Ear Positions There are several German Shepherd ear positions that you will observe as your puppy grows from a newborn to 8 months old. First, he will have teensy ears from birth to 7 weeks of age. This is when his ears will flop to both sides. His ears will experience the flying nun position from 10 to 14 weeks. For this position, his ears will still be flopped to the sides but will be slightly lifted. Starting at around 14 weeks, his ears will be in the comb-over position where both ears will flop to one side of his head or the other. Anywhere from 15 weeks on, his ears will go into the seashell position. This position has the ears mostly upright but not quite all the way. At some point, one ear may flop over while one is upright in the one-up ear position. This position may be concerning because an ear that was previously upright suddenly flops over. However, it is temporary, and the ear will return to normal. Finally, once these stages have been cycled through, the ears will go into the perfect upright position. Note that not all stages will be experienced by every dog. Age in weeks. Bright eyes, strong profiles, and of course, those perky, attentive ears! When you first bring your German Shepherd puppy home, its ears will probably be floppy and droopy — at times, those ears may try to make a stand, only to fall back down again. What gives!? As your German Shepherd grows and gets the right nutrition among other things , the cartilage gets stronger and stronger. And voila — straight, pointy German Shepherd ears! But is it really that simple? Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. German Shepherd puppy ears can be unpredictable! The key is to be patient and give those ears time to develop on their own before stepping in. Those ears should perk back up after teething is over. If you want to learn more about the timing of teething and what to look for, check out this article on German Shepherd puppy teething. When went to visit my German Shepherd, Allie pictured above at 7 weeks old , her ears were floppy and undeniably precious. I brought Allie home at 8 weeks, and those ears still had their ups and downs, but by 10 weeks old, her ears were up permanently. So, the key is to catch it in time. This flip-floppy stage is completely normal. Genetics can also come into play when some breeders try to breed specifically for German Shepherds with larger ears. As a result, those big, oversized, heavy ears may be too much to stand up. If pointy, perky ears are important to you, then choose your breeder and puppy carefully. Make sure to check out the parents — how do their ears look? Any significant trauma to the ears during this time can cause permanent damage — which may also cause droopy ears. Try to have everyone keep their hands off those adorable ears as much as possible. Parasites: Yuck. Puppies need chew toys, as it exercises their jaw and their head and neck muscles. Those muscles are important for perky puppy ears. So, let your puppy chew, chew, and chew on the right things of course. If you need some ideas for durable dog toys that can withstand those chomping jaws, then check out this article for my picks of the best tough German Shepherd chew toys. Stick to a high-quality, natural diet instead. Cottage cheese and yogurt both have plenty of calcium without overdoing it , and chicken feet are a natural source of glucosamine, which helps strengthen cartilage. Give those ears time to develop on their own before you resort to taping. At the end of the article are some sources that go over common methods of taping. Note: There are several options that you can use for this — there are even foam dog ear forms. Thin, white surgical tape that tears easily. A 2-inch wide tape works well, and you can also get this at Walmart, CVS, or somewhere similar. Note: Do NOT use duct tape or electrical tape — these will do way more harm than good! An unsharpened pencil or popsicle stick. Adhesive — either skin bond adhesive or eyelash glue are good choices. Give those ears plenty of time to develop and get stronger before taking action. How old was your German Shepherd puppy when its ears finally stood up? Let me know below! I get a lot of emails about taping German Shepherd puppy ears. The majority of these emails come from people who are jumping the gun and worrying too much. By that, I mean their pups are 3 or 4 months old and they are starting to panic because their puppy's ears are not standing. I tell these people that they need patience, they need to wait until their pup has finished teething. I caution these people not to jump the gun and tape the dog's ears too early or in the wrong way. I know people who have screwed their dog's ears up for life by doing this. I have had puppy customers who go ballistic on me and panic. So I issue a word of caution here. With that said, the other side of the spectrum of taping ears is something that many people do not take seriously until it's too late. When ears are taped at 7 and 8 months, there is very little chance of it working. This is an unfortunate fact of life. German Shepherd puppy ears can come up between 8 weeks and 6 months. If they are not up when the dog is through teething this varies from dog to dog but in general between 16 weeks and 20 weeks of age , I tell my puppy customers to get very interested in their ears. While it's not time to panic, it is time to sit up and take notice. The first thing to do is make sure that your puppy is in good health. This means no intestinal parasites. Take a stool sample to your vet to have it analyzed. It's also important to make sure the pup is getting good quality food. We feed and recommend a raw diet but if you do feed a commercial diet, I strongly recommend researching all the options available and feeding the highest-quality food you can afford. View our list of all-natural kibble alternatives. In fact, a lot of times, a pup will have both ears up and all of a sudden, they will come back down when the pup starts to teeth. Many owners panic when this happens. But not to worry, I have never seen a pup whose ears did not go back up when this happens. If a pup does not have his ears up by 5 months, I strongly recommend that you get involved with taping your dog's ears. Use the thin white surgical tape the kind that's paper-thin and tears easily. The 3M Micropore tape, 2" wide, works well. I like to use women's hair rollers. Take the plastic out of them and just use the foam. Wrap the ear around the foam and tape them into a tight roll. In a vertical position. Take a popsicle stick and attach it to the top part of both ears. In a horizontal position. The pup is going to tear the tape or stick off the ears several times. The key is to continue to re-tape the ears. Sooner or later, the pup will forget the tape and ignore it. About once a week, take the tape off and see if the ears will stand on their own. Continue to re-tape until the ears stand. If the ears are not up by 7 or 8 months, they are not going to come up. The ears should look like this once taped. The same dog with ears now up. I have seen ears that did not stand, which in my opinion would have stood had they been taped. So this process is not something to take lightly. I also need to say that many ears will be a little weak right after taping but with time, they will strengthen. So when an ear does not stand perfectly after taping don't panic. Just have patience and see what happens. You will really not have an idea exactly what you have until the pup is 12 months old. When ears do not stand, there are ear implants that can be surgically added. I have no experience with this and do not know anything about them. If you are unlucky enough to have a dog whose ears will not stand, I would point you toward a vet that has some experience in this area. I don't think it's something that normal small animal vets know how to do well. In my opinion, too young to tape. The material to use to tape German Shepherd Ears The pup with its ears taped I prefer taping German Shepherd Dogs ears after the dog has finished teething. This usually means the dog is older than 4 - 6 months. Maybe waiting another month would have been a better idea for this puppy. Especially during the first six months, be extra careful not to aggressively clean their ears. They will be more prone to lesions in the ear cartilage at this time. Yet it would be understandable if you are reading this and feel dismay or even horror. How can that possibly be a good thing? But understand we are not talking about doing anything harmful or invasive. The techniques you are about to read about will not harm or hurt your German Shepherd puppy at all. They will simply support the ears to grow into the upright position without having to work so hard to get there — or stay there. You want to give your pup enough time to try to do this naturally. But you also want to intervene before the cartilage in the ears starts to harden usually around seven to eight months old , leaving the ear flaps in the wrong position. You will need the following supplies: Some type of surgical tape NOT duct tape or any super-adhesive tape. Foam roller inserts or foam pipe insulation cut to size. Two plain popsicle sticks or unsharpened pencils. Wrap the surgical tape around the outside of the ear to hold the insert in place. Be prepared for your puppy to find a way to paw off this strange contraption several times before they finally get used to it and forget about it. You want to leave this in place for a week and then remove it to check the ear position. You may notice the ears start to stand a little straighter week by week. But if you see them flop over again, you need to re-tape them until they are strong enough to stand up on their own. Ear gluing Another option you can try is puppy ear gluing. This is actually not nearly as awful as it sounds and is far easier to do than the ear taping method. Another perk of puppy ear gluing over taping is that you are not going to cut off any air circulation to the inner ear canal. The key is to pick some kind of fabric glue do NOT use super glue or super-bonding glue that may not come off. What you need to do for this method is to add a dab of glue to the outside of the inner ear flap about two-thirds of the way down from the ear tip point. Then press the two ear flaps together for 30 seconds to allow the glue to set. Wherever possible, if you have multiple dogs in your household, try to keep your German Shepherd puppy from playing rough games with the other dogs. Rowdy playtime can easily cause the ears to separate. The glue will wear off on its own after a while and you can observe if the ears are able to remain upright and erect when this occurs. If you need to, keep reapplying the glue until the ears are strong and stable to remain in the correct position without glue. It may take a few weeks or longer for this to occur. Do not worry if the ears are not in a perfect position. As long as they stay upright, the inner muscles and tissues will naturally self-correct over time. Surgery Certain situations may even require surgical implants, like when ear cartilage damage occurs. Massage the Ears Massaging the ears helps by increasing blood flow to the ears, helping your form strong ear: Muscles Cartilage Chew Toys Chew toys are not only great for keeping your pup occupied, but they can also be great sources of collagen. This will help build strong ear cartilage capable of holding the ears in the upright position. Chew toys also work the ear muscles. This will strengthen the surrounding tissues. This is especially true for dogs prone to health issues, like German Shepherds. Foods rich in nutrients like calcium and glucosamine will help your dog form strong and healthy ears. These nutrients are vital for developing sturdy ear cartilage. Stimulation Dogs communicate a lot with their ears. Just think of German Shepherds that are alert and focused on something, like an odd noise they heard outside. Chances are, their ears will be standing erectly. Stimulation like this encourages the use of the ear muscles. There are two areas where you will definitely want to pay closer attention. Bath time and during playtime with other dogs. Keeping water out of the ears will reduce infections and head shaking. Using a headband is an easy way to do this, and can also prevent injuries when playing with other dogs. What causes German Shepherds to have floppy ears? The most common ones include breeding issues, teething, cartilage development issues, trauma, and poor nutrition or hygiene. Breeding Pointy German Shepherd ears are among the top distinct features of the breed. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to improper breeding practices. Teething Floppy ears are a common occurrence when the dog is teething. Developing cartilage German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears. As their bodies develop, their ear cartilage and muscles also develop up to the point that they are able to support the weight of the ears, keeping them upright. German Shepherd ears typically start to perk up when the dog is about 6 to 10 weeks old. They can also sometimes flop back down while the dog is teething only to stand up again. Trauma Trauma is a common reason for floppy ears in German Shepherds. Physical trauma caused by an accident or injury to the ears can cause one or both of them to drop. If you suspect trauma, visit your vet to address any wounds and prevent infection. However, their ears need to be kept clean in order to prevent infections that could cause their ears to drop. Dogs not getting enough calcium and vitamin D during puppyhood may have trouble keeping their ears up as their skeletal support structure is not developed properly. They should be well-aligned, symmetrical namely just as wide as they are tall , and carried upright. However, not all dogs will have perfectly standard ears and some may have ears that are too large, too small, too high, too low, or just ears that point in the wrong direction. In fact, there are at least 12 different German Shepherd ear shapes , each with their own distinct characteristics. German Shepherd ears will usually stand up at around 4 months of age. But this can happen as early as the 1-month mark, or as late as the 6-month mark when teething finishes. But more than anything, they tell you how the dog is feeling at any given time. The ears really are the window to the soul for not just GSDs, but all dogs. During this time, more calcium is being directed to the growing teeth, and away from the ear cartilage. When teething is over, and more calcium can be directed back to the ears, they will most likely stand back up again. This is especially true if your pup has sustained an ear injury in the past, and broke the ear cartilage as a result. German Shepherd puppies are especially prone to this during the first 6 to 8 months, since their ears are still developing. These injuries can occur during rowdy play with other dogs and people, or from excessive scratching. This will help their ears develop faster and stronger, and will help prevent ear injuries in the future. But in most cases, if you act fast enough, even the floppiest German Shepherd ears are capable of being corrected. Ear development can vary from puppy to puppy. If they stand up when the puppy is scared or excited or when they bark, you can expect to see fully erect years by the time they are six months old. Will my German Shepherd mix ears stand up? Depending on the genes they inherited, your German Shepherd mix may have erect ears or not. You can support their ear development by giving them chew toys, massaging the base of their ears, and giving them calcium and vitamin D supplements. The ear flap is the outermost ear and is often called the pinna plural is pinnae. A dog has two pinna — one for each ear. Each pinna can work independently of the other, which is part of what gives dogs such keen hearing. This is the same reason all German Shepherd puppies are born with their ears down and floppy. It takes time for the cartilage to form, thicken and then harden into the characteristic erect ear position of the German Shepherd. The ears might pop up as early as four weeks old only to flop back down around four months old. Not only is the cartilage in the outer ears still forming and hardening, but the many muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tissues that help the ears move and function are still getting coordinated as well. This is why it is wise not to get concerned about ear position or stability until after your German Shepherd puppy has finished teething. There is just too much growing going on to expect your little puppy to look like a full-grown adult dog yet. This video gives you some unique tips to help their ears get stronger and stand up without human assistance like some of the tips you read about in this article.