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What is a Grey French Bulldog? Some of them are recognized by the American Kennel Club, while others are not. Grey is not one of the official Frenchie colors, however, it is considered one of the rarer French Bulldog colors. So what does a Grey Frenchie look like? This gives the coat a beautiful, multi-dimensional appearance that shimmers in the light. Dark face and ears: The face and ears of a Sable French Bulldog may be darker than the rest of the body, with black or dark brown coloration around the eyes and on the ears. This gives the dog a striking and distinctive appearance. Grizzled appearance: The combination of black and brown hairs in the coat can give a Sable French Bulldog a grizzled appearance, with a mix of darker and lighter hairs that create a beautiful and unique coat pattern. The whole coat has a diluted black appearance that ends up looking grey. It is similar to the Pied Frenchie with how its patches look. The grey color of Grey French Bulldogs is a result of a recessive gene that affects the black coat color of a typical French Bulldog. Recessive genes only show their effects if an individual has two copies of the gene — one from each parent. French Bulldogs that have one copy of the dilution gene will have black coats, but they can still pass on the gene to their offspring. Inheritance of the Dilution Gene To produce a Grey French Bulldog, both parents must either be Grey themselves or carry one copy of the dilution gene. Health Concerns While Grey French Bulldogs are popular and unique, the dilution gene responsible for their blue coloration can also cause health issues. Genetic testing can help identify any potential health issues related to this gene. How much are Grey French Bulldogs? Grey French Bulldogs typically cost more than your standard colors. Grey is one of these colors. They cost a lot to breed and are high in-demand… everyone wants a Frenchie nowadays. Is a Frenchie worth it to you? It is for me! Learn if a Frenchie is right for you Is a Frenchie right for me? Unfortunately, Grey is one of these colors. As their Grey appearance is due to a dilution of pigment in their coat, they are prone to a condition known as Color Dilution Alopecia which causes hair follicles to become weakened due to the dilution of pigment, leading to hair loss and skin inflammation. Symptoms of Color Dilution Alopecia Thin hair. About Grey French Bulldog: setting the facts straight Breed standard French Bulldogs are white, cream, fawn, or a combination of these colors. Colors other than these are classed as anomalous, including the blue French Bulldog more commonly referred to as grey or gray. The grey French Bulldog is a standard French Bulldog with a non-standard coat color. Grey fur is simply a diluted version of black and occurs when a French Bulldog inherits a dilution gene from each of its parents. Grey coats are linked to certain health conditions that tend to be misunderstood. CDA is a recessive genetic condition associated with Frenchies who have two copies of the recessive dilution gene which causes their grey coats. It can be managed with prescribed products from your vets such as shampoo and skin lotion. Grey French Bulldogs can also develop any health conditions that other color Frenchies are prone to, including: Allergies. These are often skin allergies and can be triggered by food or environmental factors Brachycephalic-related problems. Dogs with short muzzles often suffer from these problems which include breathing difficulties. Cherry Eye. This is related to the third eyelid that can move out of position. Cleft Palate. This is usually genetic and manifests as a problem with the opening in the roof of the mouth. This is a genetic condition and is more common in the white French Bulldog. Degenerative Myelopathy. This is a serious problem that affects the spine and tends to affect older dogs. A genetic problem related to the eyelid, affecting how it grows. Another hereditary problem affecting the eyelids. Heat Exhaustion. The French Bulldog cannot regulate its temperature easily which can lead to serious health problems if not addressed quickly. This causes deformity of the spine and is present at birth. Hip Dysplasia. A hip condition that causes mobility problems and can require surgery. Patellar Luxation. This is a painful condition where the kneecap dislocates or develops in an abnormal position. Stenotic Nares. This is a narrowing of the nostrils. Tracheal Collapse. A respiratory disease related to the windpipe. A bleeding disorder, similar to Hemophilia. Do grey French Bulldogs shed? All dogs shed, even the short-haired French Bulldog and because grey Frenchies develop CDA, they can lose more hair than other colors. Regular grooming removes loose hair that would otherwise be lost around your home. Correct treatment of CDA can also help to prevent excess shedding. What makes a French Bulldog grey or gray or blue? In order for a French Bulldog to have a grey coat, it must carry two copies of a recessive gene known as the dilution gene. This gene is termed recessive because its effects are only visible when a puppy inherits two copies: one from its mother and one from its father. Grey coloring is, in effect, a dilute version of black and is sometimes referred to as blue because it has a bluish tint in certain lights. There are many different shades of grey Frenchie, ranging from very pale to dark slate. There are also several patterns that include a blue color. The color ranges from light silvery grey to almost black slate grey. This Frenchie coat has no other markings at all and the dog usually has matching blue or grey eyes. A Blue Brindle French Bulldog has blue or grey fur with brindle striping. This pattern is sometimes referred to as tiger-striped. In blue Frenchies, these darker brindle patterns often only become apparent once puppies reach 4 weeks of age. You will see a blue pied Frenchie with a slightly lower percentage of white background at times. Blue Fawn A French Bulldog with mostly fawn fur and a mask of blue fur around its muzzle, eyes, and ears is referred to as Blue Fawn. Blue Fawn French Bulldogs are very sought after and difficult to come by because they are relatively rare. It is rare because merle dogs are difficult to breed. This pretty Frenchie has what is known as a merle gene which removes pigment from random patches of their blue coats. The result is a random patched pattern of white fur among what otherwise would have been a solid blue coat color. Are Blue French Bulldogs rare? A French Bulldog only develops a blue or grey coat if it inherits two copies of the rare dilution gene. Of the five blue coat patterns, the rarest is the blue merle. Dog coat genetics are complex and it takes a lot of selective breeding to attempt to breed-specific colors and still the outcome cannot be guaranteed. Reputable breeders concentrate on producing healthy Frenchies as opposed to specific colors, so coats such as blue or grey will always remain rarer than others. What is a grey French Bulldog called? Blue is simply the official name given to grey-colored fur. Grey is not a breed standard French Bulldog color but when this color does occur as a solid coat or within a coat pattern it is officially referred to as blue. This is the same for grey in any other dog breed. A certain shade of grey does have a blue tint, but many are much paler with more of a silver appearance. How much is a grey French Bulldog? It is difficult to predict an exact price for a French Bulldog because it depends on variables such as availability, color, bloodlines, and demand. Why are grey French bulldogs so expensive? French Bulldogs are not straightforward to breed and this makes them expensive to produce. The fact that grey Frenchies are rare and in high demand means French Bulldog breeders can charge more for them. People whose hearts are set on owning a blue Frenchie are willing to pay extra and so breeders are able to command high prices. If a grey French Bulldog has blue eyes it is often one of the most expensive. Such a Frenchie usually has a blue merle coat which is one of the rarest to find. Do grey French Bulldogs have blue eyes? When they are born, grey French Bulldogs always have blue eyes. This is actually an optical illusion caused by the absence of melanin the color pigment at birth. Though their eyes look blue, they really have no color. Many French Bulldogs develop brown eyes but some of those with grey coats may have pale blue or green eyes. In this breed, the dogs most likely to have bright blue eyes are Blue Merle Frenchies and this is related to their specific genetics. Other useful Grey French Bulldog facts Lifespan The life expectancy of a grey French bulldog is 10 to 12 years, the same as any other color. However, Frenchie owners need to look out keep a close watch for health problems. Annual vaccinations and health checks are essential as is a healthy diet and the right level of exercise. Air travel is not recommended for dogs with short muzzles because of associated breathing difficulties. Also, grey Frenchies and any other color cannot swim for very long because of their large head and short muzzle, so should be kept away from water or always wear a doggie life jacket. Size Like other colors, grey French Bulldogs can weigh up to 28 lbs and reach a height of 11 to 13 inches. Frenchies can become overweight quite easily so ensure you feed one the right amount to prevent it from developing weight-related illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Characteristics A grey French Bulldog has a square head, a short muzzle, wrinkly face, and trademark bat ears. Its body is compact and muscular. In general, Frenchies have smooth, short coats that are easy to care for and require minimum grooming. Their coats tend to have thinned or bald patches and can appear quite dull and mangy. Their skin may also have dry flaky patches. Because of its short muzzle, this breed tends to be a mouth breather and consequently drools more than the average dog! Frenchies can also be a bit smelly but there are ways to manage this. Temperament A grey French bulldog possesses the same gentle, friendly temperament as those with other coat colors. They are great dogs to have around children because of their playful , outgoing natures. Being a sociable breed, the Frenchie prefers someone to be around most of the time and does not like to be left alone. Some find Frenchies quite stubborn and wilful but if one chooses not to go where you want, you can simply pick it up and carry it! Ideal for A grey Frenchie can fit into many lifestyles. Approved colors are:. These dogs come from a sub-family of the Molossus breed , which originated during ancient Grecian times. Other sub-families that came from the Molossus breed include Rottweilers , Newfoundlands , and Pit Bulls. Grey French Bulldogs have always been a part of the mix. As time went on, England, America, and France all had a role to play when it came to developing these dogs. They were originally bred for bullbaiting, in which they would learn how to attack and intimidate bulls that were tethered to poles and trees. Bullbaiting became outlawed in the s, which left most French Bulldogs unemployed. Breeders then developed smaller dogs that became the beloved pets that we know and love today. The goal of a bull-baiting dog is to get a bull to the ground, on its side, by grabbing onto its nose and wrestling with it. After the bullbaiting era of the French Bulldog, the breed became an attractive and sought-after pet in France, England, the United States, and other places around the world. Credit: Angyalosi Beata, Shutterstock 2. These cute little pooches can range in color from light gray to charcoal. Grey French Bulldogs have the same genetics, features, and general personality aspects as any other color French Bulldog. They Have Common Health Problems Just like all French Bulldogs, the grey ones can have health problems that could require extra or special care from a veterinarian. These health conditions include ear infections, conjunctivitis, skin problems, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome , and mobility issues. A post shared by Frenchies of Instagram frenchie. The Grey French Bulldog can make an excellent pet in most situations. They can happily live in an apartment setting if they get walks every day. They can thrive in household settings when they have daily walks and a fenced yard to spend time in. They can also adapt to farm and ranch life easily. They tend to get along well with children and other animals if they are socialized at a young age. Conclusion Grey French Bulldogs are adorable and fun-loving. They get along well in family situations but also make great companions for singles and seniors. Two copies of the dilution gene, a recessive gene, are required for a French Bulldog to have a grey coat. Because a puppy can only inherit two copies of this gene—one from its mother and one from its father—it is known as a recessive gene. Since it has a bluish tint in some lights, grey coloring is actually just a watered-down version of black. Grey Frenchie comes in a wide variety of tones, from extremely light to dark slate. There are numerous other patterns that feature the color blue. From pale silvery grey to almost black slate grey, the tint is varied. The dog typically has matching blue or gray eyes and this Frenchie coat is completely devoid of any other markings. One Blue Brindle French Bulldogs have fur that is blue, grey, or brindle-striped. Tiger-striped is another name for this design. The tongue of a Blue Brindle French Bulldog sitting on grass. You may occasionally see a blue pied Frenchie with a background that is significantly less white. Indigo Fawn Blue Fawn describes a French Bulldog with primarily fawn fur with a blue mask of fur around its muzzle, eyes, and ears. Due to their relative rarity, Blue Fawn French Bulldogs are in high demand and difficult to locate. Because merle dogs are challenging to breed, it is uncommon. This adorable Frenchie carries a gene known as merle, which causes random patches of their blue coats to lose pigment. The end effect is a complete blue coat that has patches of white fur scattered randomly across it. The eyes, nose, and paw pads of a French Bulldog are likewise impacted by the merle gene. Blue French Bulldogs—are they uncommon? Only when a French Bulldog inherits two copies of the uncommon dilution gene will it grow a blue or grey coat. The blue merle is the most uncommon of the five blue coat patterns. Given the complexity of dog coat genetics, attempting to produce breed-specific colors requires extensive selective breeding, and even then, results cannot be assured. Frenchies with blue or grey coats will always be more uncommon than those with other hues since reputable breeders prioritize creating healthy Frenchies over specific colors. What is the name of a Grey French Bulldog? Blue French Bulldogs are the official name for grey French bulldogs. Grey-colored fur is simply referred to as blue in official documents. Grey is not a breed standard color for French Bulldogs, but when it does appear as a solid coat or as part of a coat pattern, it is formally known as blue. While many greys are much paler and appear more silver in appearance, some do have a blue tint. A Grey French Bulldog costs how much? Why do gray French bulldogs cost so much? French Bulldogs are expensive to create since they are difficult to breed. French Bulldog breeders can charge more for grey Frenchies because they are rare and in high demand. Because those who have their hearts set on owning a blue Frenchie are willing to pay more, breeders can charge high prices. A grey French Bulldog with blue eyes is frequently one of the priciest breeds. Typically, such Frenchies have a blue merle coat, which is among the hardest to find. Blue eyes on grey French Bulldogs? Grey French Bulldog puppies always have blue eyes from birth. Due to the lack of melanin the color pigment after birth, this is actually an optical illusion. Despite appearing blue, their eyes are actually colorless. Although many French Bulldogs grow brown eyes, some can have light blue or green eyes if they have grey coats. Due to their unique genetic makeup, Blue Merle Frenchies are the breed members who are most likely to have bright blue eyes. Additional relevant information regarding Grey French Bulldogs Lifespan Grey French bulldogs have the same to year lifespan as other colors. Owners of Frenchies must, however, keep a keen eye out for any health issues. A healthy diet and the appropriate amount of exercise are equally as important as yearly immunizations and health exams. The huge head and short nose of grey Frenchies or any other color make it difficult for them to swim for very long, thus they should never be in the water without a dog life jacket. Size Grey French Bulldogs, like those of other colors, can grow to be 11 to 13 inches tall and weigh up to 28 lbs. Make sure you feed Frenchies the proper quantity to prevent them from becoming overweight, which can lead to diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Characteristics A grey French Bulldog has the typical bat ears, a square skull, a short nose, and wrinkles on the face. It has a compact, muscular body. Frenchies often have short, sleek coats that are easy to maintain and require little upkeep. Their coats can look rather dull and mangy and frequently have bald or thinning spots. They may also have dry, flaky areas on their skin. This breed prefers to mouth breathe due to its short muzzle, which causes it to drool more than the typical dog. There are ways to deal with the smelliness that Frenchies sometimes have. Temperament French bulldogs with grey coats have the same calm, amiable disposition as those with other coat colors. Due to their playful and sociable natures, they make excellent family dogs. Being a sociable breed, the Frenchie does not like to be left alone and prefers to have someone around most of the time. Although some people consider Frenchies to be quite obstinate and wilful, you can easily pick one up and carry it if it refuses to go where you want! Perfect for You? A grey French bulldog may adapt to various lifestyles. It is sturdy enough to put up with rowdy kids and gentle enough to put up with an elderly owner. Living in an apartment with a French bulldog is OK as long as you have access to a secure outdoor area or can take it for a few quick walks each day.

At just three weeks old, this pup is already showing signs of being a healthy and happy little furball. With a sleek and shiny coat of soft grey fur, this puppy is an absolute joy to behold. But it's those big, bright blue eyes that really steal the show. From the moment you lay eyes on this little guy, you can tell that he's full of life and energy. He's always bouncing around, wagging his tail, and exploring the world around him. And despite his young age, he's already quite curious and adventurous. He loves to play with toys, chase after his siblings, and explore his surroundings. Despite all of his energy and enthusiasm, this puppy is also incredibly sweet and affectionate. He loves nothing more than snuggling up with his humans, giving kisses, and receiving belly rubs. And with those big, blue eyes staring up at you, it's impossible not to fall in love with him. But as much as we adore this little pup, we know that he deserves a loving home of his own. He's already so full of love and joy, and we can only imagine how much more he'll bloom in the right environment. So if you're looking for a new furry friend to add to your family, consider this grey puppy with the blue eyes. He's healthy, happy, and ready to find his forever home. Buy Now Beautiful bully female needs a home beautiful male puppies are 4 months old and healthy playful and ready for new family. If your really interested please let me know he needs to go ASAP! American Bulldog Puppies For Sale. Male and female puppies. Please Serious buyers Text me only at xxx xxx-xxx2. Shipping Included, Text me only at xxx xxx-xxx7. I have 2 chunky pups left 2 girls all ready to leave these dogs will be big and strong make great guard and family dogs so only buy if you no what you are doing with them I have mum and dad as family dogs as u can see in pics mum is white and dad is brown they will come chipped flead and wormed to date 50 NON refundable deposit secures pup if u would like to see you are more then welcome to come see them plz txt for anymore info View Detail beautiful blue fawn boy AMERICAN BULLDOG Majick is a beautiful blue fawn boy that is sure to please! He is a true prince charming. He is just as handsome and lovable as they come. He is always up for anything. He will be the first to run in the yard for a good game of catch or to lie on the couch for a good nap. He is just an all-around great pup! Majick will be sure to come home to you up to date on his vaccinations and vet checks. He will be sure to make that perfect, playful, loving addition that you and your family have been searching for. Big Boned, brawny, muscular dogs. You will not find better bulldogs for this price. The sire of the pups was shown one time and took first place. These pups certainly should be show winners. Puppies will be ready to go the last week in July. Taking deposits now on your pick. Beautifully marked chunky pups. All pups are feeding well. Fantastic pedigree on both side of sire and dam including the infamous Megabulls fifty of fastlane, Megabulls Sixtee of backyard , King Mufassa of MGK, and Massimos Mini Pod pedigree shown in pics puppies are registered with papers. Both mom and dad can be seen. All puppies will come registered having been vet checked, wormed, flead, microchipped and given there first vaccinations. To register an interest please text for more information at xxx xxx-xxx9 View Detail American Bulldog Puppies Ready So Fast American Bulldog Puppies Ready So Fast xxx-xxx-xxxx serious messages for more details and photos on them shipping and delivery is available as well. Me and my wife both have new jobs so our work hours have changed. So there's no one home to care for Chubbz like he needs. Chubbz is a high energy pup that loves to play with other dogs and very friendly with people. Also there is a rehoming fee and I'm not just letting him go to anyone. The mother and father have many champions in their lines View Detail White American Bulldog pup Beautiful American bulldog puppies now ready for their forever homes,not kc reg but are full pedigree only the full white male on the main photo available now,pups have been bought up with other dogs and children, very friendly chunky boys, been vet checked at birth and again at 6 weeks, wormed and fleed, come with bowls, food, toys, blanket, collar and lead, puppy pack, and a lifetime of support.So gentle and affectionate. I have 3 left. This is a great breed for families with children. They are very easy to train and eager to please. Puppy is now ready to go to new homes as they have just received their first shots and de worming. Respond to this ad For more details and pics email xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. They are 12 weeks old, vet checked, dewormed and have all vet records up to date. Our puppies are well trained and very socialized. Puppies come with registration papers and a health guarantee. We specialize in Bully-type, also sometimes referred to as Johnson American Bulldogs. However on occasion we do produce fantastic standard- and hybrid-type American Bulldogs. We breed for functional and balanced temperament allowing for the American Bulldog to be a family member and a companion while having the drive and intelligence to perform desired functions. At Grand Future, we typically produce large American Bulldogs. Males range in lbs and females range in lbs. We have always bred to a significantly stricter breed standard than the current American Bulldog breed standards under U. Dogs with the following characteristics are not shown at conformation shows nor bred in our kennel: 1. Full black mask — this genetic trait is usually a result of another breed having been infused into the gene pool. Usually a dog with a kinked tail itself is not at risk of health complications as a result of the kinked tail. Teeth — dogs missing more than 3 teeth. Dogs lacking full pigmentation are more susceptible to various health problems. Lack of pigment is also responsible for deafness in dogs. We have never produced a deaf dog. Interested in a puppy? We have many repeat buyers — over 30 families have purchased 2,3,4, and even 5 dogs. Our dogs generally love children and have balanced temperament. Having produced over dogs in 7 generations, we have history and data that allows us to make some conclusions that we believe are significant. The very common problem of hip dysplasia that afflicts this breed is nearly non-existent in our kennel. Our dogs tend to have normal locomotion — good movement due to anatomically sound physical structure. Our dogs have never torn ligaments such as the Canine Cruciate Ligament CCL , which leads us to conclude that such problems are likely hereditary in nature. Our dogs have never prematurely died from heart problems, which leads us to conclude that such problems are likely hereditary in nature. Our dogs have never been diagnosed with tracheal hypoplasia — a hereditary genetic defect common in bulldog breeds that leads to potential deadly obstruction of the airway. Our dogs tend to live long. Our foundation dog lived to the age of 15 years and 10 months old. Our dogs have never been afflicted with cancer at a young age. The earliest instance of cancer has been encountered at 8 years of age by one dog. The remainder of cases have been documented at over 10 years of age. The biggest tragedy for an owner is in having to care for a sick dog as a result of poor breeding, and be absolutely helpless as that dog passes in their arms. Exorbitant medical bills end up being paid to prolong the time together even by just a little with the beloved family member. As with any animal breeding program, our kennel is not immune from problems. This drives us to continually improve. We maintain contact and help our owners in any way we can; even at 4AM or during a vacation since we have owners all over the world in various timezones. Our breeding expertise enables us to deliver healthy, beautiful, strong, and intelligent American Bulldog puppies. We provide a contractual health guarantee against the following genetic health problems — hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Canine Cruciate Ligament CCL ruptures, cataracts, entropion, ectropion, heart, kidneys, thyroid, ichthyosis, cryptorchidism, epilepsy, and any neurological disorders including NCL. Our conversation with a prospective owner always involves questions to understand the kind of dog the person would like — the more details the better. If so inclined, the prospective owner can request guidance in picking the puppy based on personality and activity level, temperament, phenotype, and more. We evaluate our puppies at 6 weeks of age on a variety of parameters. We provide lifetime unlimited advice and guidance by phone to owners concerning all subjects relating to dog ownership. You can be sure you will have the information you need to succeed even if this is going to be your first American Bulldog puppy. Because we stand by the quality of our work, we want our owners to participate in our breeding program and we are happy to provide the necessary guidance. Our dogs are also ideal candidates for service animal work. Training a service dog requires a significant investment of time and money, making the genetic health and temperament of the dog even more critical. A service dog needs to be healthy, hassle-free, intelligent and receptive to training, have stable temperament to handle any type of environment, and of course lead a long life disease-free. All of these selective requirements for service dog candidates make Grand Future American Bulldogs an ideal fit. Join us in our mission of producing the best American Bulldogs possible! Professional worry-free shipping worldwide Of course our preference is for you to come visit our home, get acquainted with us, and pick up your new American Bulldog puppy in person. However, we understand that it is not feasible for everyone. Even if you do not live anywhere near Nevada, do not be concerned — we are highly experienced at shipping our American Bulldog puppies worldwide, as even just the list of our Grand Champions and Champions spanning 9 nations attests. We can prepare all necessary export documentation. Search this website. Bay Area Bulldogs Northern California 6. San Diego, CA. Short, cobby, wide and bully Frenchies. Featured Listings. Learn More. Made with Squarespace. We raise them in our homes and provide the best in care. English bulldog dog breeders and dog breeds directory. San Diego French Bulldogs Inc. Pet Breeders. Our puppies are raised underfoot in a loving and caring. .Royal Empire French Bulldogs. Pure French bulldog puppies for pet and akc families. English Bulldog Breeder Details. We take pride in raising all of our dogs in house with a loving environment. We live in Las Vegas and had no luck in finding a breeder locally that we were comfortable with. We are located in Sunny San Diego, California. Back down in San Diego County, French bulldogs, their owners, and breeders were targeted long before Lady Gaga's pooches were snatched up. Providing shelter, care and loving homes for English Bulldogs in Southern California for over 10 years! English Bulldog. We strive to produce happy, healthy, well socialized French bulldog puppies. French Bulldog. We are french bulldog breeders located in San Diego, about 15 minutes from downtown San Diego. We at San Diego French bulldogs are a trustworthy elite breeder-family of French bulldogs, we raise healthy, balanced, and well-mannered furbabies for future owners. We are a small, however, dedicated breeders of the finest quality of rare exotic colored Olde English Bulldogges. Puppies starting at located in California. Our Frenchie puppies are raised in our home and are. We have superb Old English Bulldog and Victorian Bulldog puppies for sale with outstanding health guarantees and customer service 2nd to none. Amunrah French bulldogs. See Available Puppies. Click here to learn about our program to give senior bulldogs loving homes! Akc optional. Home Available Puppies Contact 0. English Bulldog Puppies!! World, International, and Grand Champion Bloodlines. The amount of scams and bad breeders was a little overwhelming and. We are small family owned operation who want to share the love and loyalty that Frenchies have brought to us. About Search Results. Welcome to Left Coast Frenchies. When you choose BigBulldogs. We love French bulldogs and it shows. Adorable Female Puppies Ready for new home. Very sweet and palyful pups. AKC shots and Deworming. In fact, if you choose us as your San Diego French bulldog breeder, you'll be dealing with a former veterinarian. She is low thick an has b she is excellent with children an small pets. That sort of peace of mind is invaluable to many dog lovers. Litter of 3. We specialize in standard colored bulldogs as well as rare and exotic colored such as blues, lilacs and tri-colored bullies. Follow our journey. All of our puppies are raised by us and come with a one year health guarantee , vet check, puppy pack and a lifetime. View fullsize. Beware of scams: If you find a breeder in San Diego, California or an online advertisement on Craigslist advertising a litter of "puppies for free" or to a "good home for free" then run, do not walk away. For more info .Feel free to email, call, or text for more info about my Bulldogges and upcoming breedings in .They are one of the most reputable English Bulldog breeders in California. We specialize in healthy quality French Bulldogs. We are located in San Diego, California. Why choose us for your new bully baby? San Diego French Bulldog Breeders. Top 10 French Bulldog. Tags: French Bulldog english bulldog Bulldog Puppies for sale San diego puppies for sale french bulldog san diego english bulldog san diego exotic bulldog. Have a litter of French bulldog puppies available Completely independent with 2 shots deep and eating dry kibble we use royale canine Located in. Looking for Reputable French Bulldog Breeders? Phone: .I produce muscular, healthy, hearty Olde English Bulldogge puppies for sale. Call us now! Mira Loma. We focus on health, structural confirmation, temperament, and use well known bloodlines. The English Bulldog is small and muscular, with a powerful athletic appearance. I have been french bulldog breeder over a decade. Trip time from San Diego California to our place is about 14 hours. It has strong legs and is. I am about 2 hours from San Diego, about the same distance from Los Angeles. Age: 8 Weeks Old. We also aim at perfecting the Olde English Bulldogge breed. Nickname: Litter of 5 on PuppyFinder. We have Placed many of our French Bulldog puppies with wonderful families. San Diego English Bulldog Breeder. ADN If you are on the wait list and live locally, or happen to be visiting San Diego, if you chose the deposit option you can visit. Our dogs are meticulously chosen and bred from excellent pedigrees and bloodlines, providing you with healthy and exceptional bullies. Adopt A Bulldog, Change a Life! So we began looking relentlessly online. They're super adorable, friendly and lively, and make the best of pets! Puppies can be. Click Here to View Adoptable Bulldogs. French bulldog born on June 11 california, san diego. Lilly Pix. Breeding quality puppies since .Beautiful french bulldog 3 months old and 3 shots in San Diego, health guarantee, delivery is personal and deworming up to date member: lilianafebas area: Chula. We do not allow San Diego breeders, adoption centers, rescues or shelters to list French Bulldogs for free in San Diego. The stocky, tough-looking Bulldog has its origins in cattle-driving, but today's Bulldogs are all about the easy life. Escondido, CA .Default Sorting. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Top quality male and female English Bulldog Puppies availabel for sale. Take a look at the puppies for sale page for pictures of available puppies. Our puppies are now weeks old and are now ready to join their new homes. View phone number. We're about an hour from Orange County, and we serve the entire San Diego area, as well as surrounding cities such as Los Angeles. Website: Big Bulldog California. Bulldog born on June 11 has color eyes. Bernards but have settled on the French Bulldog as our favorite. We are a quality french bulldog breeder in California located in San Diego, about 15 minutes from downtown San Diego. The English Bulldog male weighs around 28 kilograms and ranges from 30 to 36 centimeters in height. If your looking for a quality French Bulldog look no further. We built our foundation with quality adult french bulldogs and breed for quality, not quantity. Cheerful French Bulldogs. Male, Born on .All of our bullies are pure bred and are registered with the American Kennel Club A. We wanted to give our daughter a puppy for Christmas. All puppies are microchipped, vet checked, utd vaccines and dewormed. French Bulldog Puppies in San Diego. Frenchie-thefts and Frenchie-robberies have been. San Diego French Bulldogs. These dogs are about as low-energy as they come, and prefer hanging out with kids. French Bulldogs In San Diego llc. Financing Available. Make a Monthly Pledge to help our dogs! Location: Vista, California. English and French Bulldogs Southern California 7. Has had litter of outstanding puppys an is nice mother She is available to a nice home. Already with vaccine and dewormed. Exquisite female American bulldog Johnson type. The head of the English Bulldog is muscular, broad and the muzzle is slightly upwards. Welcoming everyone puppies are ready to go and completely independent. Our priority here at Family Bullies is to produce healthy, structured French Bulldogs with exceptional. We are passionate and dedicated in raising healthy and socialized puppies that are old enough and ready to form part of someone's family, to grow up and create new unique memories with! Images and co more. How do you screen french bulldog breeders san diego? The price will vary depending on the breeder and location and the dog's bloodline, color, and age, among other things. Full litter of French bulldog puppies Located in San Diego at the moment male and female available completely independent ready for furever Homes Pups start at w akc option and shipping from San Diego to start at 15 day health guarantee for parvo distemper and genetics Standing ears pigs tails quality colors from standard brindle cream and fawn to Merle and blue 2 shots deep. Not all breeders are equal.

This will allow your veterinarian to become more comfortable and familiar with your dog, making it easier for them to detect unusual changes. Aside from vet bills, pet insurance is an important investment that most dog owners tend to ignore. You may not be able to avoid employing the services of pet daycares, dog walkers, and others if you are going out of town or busy with work. These kinds of services are becoming increasingly popular these days. Your pet will be cared for by trained pet handlers at pet daycares. Travel Expenses: If you enjoy traveling with your Golden Retriever, you may need to pay some extra fees because many hotels do not allow pets. Dog Training: This breed has a high level of intelligence. With the right puppy training, your puppy should be able to learn a variety of tricks. Basic obedience training and socialization are important for a growing Golden puppy. Emergency Medical Treatment: Medical emergencies cannot always be avoided. Of course, these scenarios typically come at a high cost. This breed is recommended to visit a professional groomer once every 8 to 10 weeks. All these potential expenses are optional, except for emergency medical treatment. You can learn how to avoid these fees entirely as you go, which will save you even more money if you want to be practical. Make sure to talk to the breeder before adopting or buying, as not all breeders have the best intention for their puppies. They also raise funds for canine health research. Their puppies are sold with a contract for neutering or spaying as well as a registration from the American Kennel Club. This means that the quality of their dog is in their best interests. Sun-Golden Kennels — This Golden Retriever breeder operating in Wisconsin raises all of their dogs in their home, so the temperament is fairly balanced. They allow their dogs to run around inside their home and sleep beside their bed to socialize with them. They also involve them in activities such as playing ball, hiking, and swimming with other dogs. The rescue organization also houses other breeds such as the Labrador Retriever and mixed breeds like the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle aside from Golden Retrievers. Their dogs are ready for adoption and have undergone health screenings, rabies vaccinations, heartworm vaccinations, deworming, neutering, and flea and tick treatment. This shelter is open to long-distance adoption in collaboration with other regional rescue groups, as long as the adoptive family meets specific guidelines and conditions. These fees are usually used by rescues for vet bills, registration papers, and other expenses for their dogs. You can also check out our compiled list of reputable Golden Retriever breeders and rescue organizations that house purebred Golden Retrievers to help you with your search for your perfect dog. You may also want to read our ultimate dog adoption guide to ace your adoption application at any of the rescues listed above. Here are some money-saving tips for Golden Retriever owners: Make your own food and treats. Instead of buying store-bought dog food and treats for your Golden, you can learn how to make them yourself. Recommended dog food for the Golden Retriever includes chicken , healthy whole grain meals, approved veggies and fruits, and unseasoned and natural ingredients. Consider home grooming. Grooming a Golden does not have to be a difficult chore. Grooming Golden Retrievers cost a fortune when brought to a professional groomer. Your dog does not require as much grooming as many other breeds. The simple task of brushing and combing their coat will keep shedding under control and the buildup of mats and tangles at bay. Bring them to the vet regularly and keep an eye out for accidents. Because vet bills can be pricey, you must ensure that your Goldie does not suffer from any significant illnesses or injuries. Try training your own dog. Paying for dog trainers may cost you more money. If you do not want to participate in dog shows or contests, it is preferable to train your Golden yourself. This would save you a few bucks while also providing a bonding opportunity for you and your Golden. Choose quality dog supplies. It is recommended that first-time dog owners get high-quality products for their dogs. Choosing a cheaper item may end up costing you more in the long run because you may need to replace it on a regular basis. You can save money where you can, but make sure your Goldie receives the care and attention it deserves. Always remember that a healthy dog is a happy dog. A healthy Golden Retriever is not hard to maintain. With the right mindset, you could keep your pooch in tip-top shape while saving money. Keep in mind that expenses may vary based on the lifestyle you keep for your Golden. By ensuring their good health and condition as well as applying practical money-saving tips, raising a Golden Retriever is not a difficult task. 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. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for New York Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in New York? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in New York? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. It is also important to understand there are different types of golden retrievers which may affect pricing. For example, if you decide to choose the lowest golden retriever cost option, those puppies almost never have the necessary 3rd-party assurances or veterinarian procedures like dewormings, vaccinations, health-tested parents, or a thorough health checkup. These missing costs and services will be your responsibility, making the total cost ultimately the same. Not to mention the added stress on you these extra expenses and issues create! Adopting vs. Please note that depending on the shelter, you may have to pay additional costs for your Golden certain shots and procedures. Depending on if the golden retriever is a boy or a girl may affect the price as well. Some male vs female golden retriever differences may make you prefer one over the other. This will ultimately save you time and money on your golden retriever price because breeders often pay lower veterinary rates than individuals do. Distemper, for example, is a highly contagious disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no cure — just a lot of expenses and stress which really adds to the overall cost of your Golden Retriever puppy. It is wise to ask your vet for guidance on this decision. Talk with your vet about the procedure, when you should get it done, and how much it might cost. Dental Care for Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers, like many dogs, can be prone to dental issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. These cleanings typically involve scaling, polishing, and potentially extractions if necessary. Some insurance providers offer optional dental coverage as an add-on or as part of more comprehensive plans. If dental coverage is included in the policy, it typically covers a portion of the costs associated with dental cleanings, extractions, and other necessary dental treatments. This typically includes services such as bathing, brushing, trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sometimes additional services like de-shedding or dematting. Some groomers may offer package deals or discounts for regular appointments or bundled services. This monthly expense may seem like an additional cost, but it can be a worthwhile investment when considering the potential savings on veterinary bills for treatments, surgeries, and medications. By having pet insurance in place, you can ensure that your Golden Retriever receives the necessary care without straining your finances in the event of unexpected health issues. Puppy Training and Socialization Classes Attending puppy training and socialization classes is highly recommended for the comprehensive development of your Golden puppy. These classes provide structured learning environments, social interaction, and essential obedience training. By enrolling your Golden Retriever puppy in these classes, you ensure they receive the necessary foundation for good behavior, social skills, and overall well-being. The cost for food will depend on the size, age, and activity level of your companion. Fortunately, the cheaper brands of dog food can be just as good as the more premium brands as long as they meet the standards of AAFCO and are made with minimal processing. When making your decision, make sure to avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives where you can, since they could cause health problems for your dog.

Following the Labrador feeding chart by age will give you a rough idea of how much to feed your puppy. Labradors are known for their playfulness, and sweet disposition, and are good at fetch which is why you should provide them with the best nutrition to support their growth. Ensure that the food contains the right amounts of protein, carbs, fat, and vitamins. You should avoid feeding your Labrador puppy too much food as they are prone to joint issues, but also avoid feeding them less food as they will be malnourished and not reach their growth milestones. Continue reading to understand how much to feed a Labrador puppy. The amount of food that your Labrador puppy should eat depends on a combination of certain factors such as activity level, weight, type, and brand of food. Heavier and bigger puppies need to eat more food than smaller puppies, and dogs that have active lives will need more calories than those living sedentary life. Fortunately, all dog food contains a feeding guideline on the packaging to get you started. It is important that you create and maintain a feeding schedule for your puppy so that they can maintain a healthy weight and develop good habits. Consult your pet nutritionist or vet, to learn more about how much food you should give your specific Labrador. Labrador Feeding Chart By Age A Labrador can be fed between one and six cups of food depending on their level of activity, age, and type of food. The amount will differ from one puppy to the other as every puppy has there own requirements. Therefore, you should follow a feeding guideline that is indicated in the dog food brands or the one designed by your vet. As a Labrador owner, it is important to understand that the nutritional requirements of your puppy are different at each stage as they grow. Therefore, adult and puppy dogs should be trained to eat the correct amount at the right schedule. Ensure that you keep a Labrador puppy feeding chart with you. Calculating the Resting Energy Requirement RER of your puppy and doubling it can help you get the right number of calories to feed them. Feed your puppy a little amount, in the beginning, to ensure that they are ready to eat. If they are not ready, do not force the food on them. Be patient with your puppy and they will be on puppy food soon. The puppy will be relying less on the milk. When your puppy starts eating all the food you offer them, you can reduce the amount of water and increase the food amount. The puppy will start becoming active and start exploring away from the mother as they no longer rely on the mother. By the end of the week into week seven, the puppy will be able to eat just puppy food. Ensure that you feed them dry food that is full of healthy protein. They should be eating three to four times per day and need about 2 cups of food. Avoid free feeding the puppy as it may be hard to know exactly how much they are eating. Create a feeding schedule as early as possible and this will help them develop good habits in the future. Put the food out for only 10 to 15 minutes and take the bowl away if they do not finish. This can be tricky if you are working but it is important that you maintain their feeding schedule as this is a developmental stage. Three meals per day will help your growing puppy develop their digestive system and ensure that they are getting their nutrition. This is also the beginning of the teething stage and they will be biting a lot of things including hard dog food and chew toys. They should eat about two cups of food distributed over three meals. But you should still maintain feeding them two cups of food but can reduce the mealtimes to twice per day. Watch out for the amount of food your puppy eats to avoid them gaining weight. Also, ensure that they are getting enough exercise to burn off the food. So, you should transition them to adult food. Ensure that the switching process is done slowly to avoid causing vomiting and diarrhea to your puppy. Your Labrador can be fed once per day now and the amount reduced to about two cups of food. Understanding Labrador Puppy Nutritional Needs If you stick to feeding your Labrador high-quality food, be assured that they are getting all the necessary nutrients. However, it is useful to know the types of nutrients that they need and the ingredients to watch out for. Carbohydrates — healthy carbs are necessary for providing energy for your puppy. Sources like barley, rice, and oatmeal are great. Healthy carbs can also be found in veggies such as sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. Fiber — it helps regulate the digestive system of your puppy and helps the stool become healthier and firm. Sources include spinach, chicory root, and beet pulp. Sources include fish oils, fish, canola oils, and fish. Vitamins and Minerals — are needed for improving the immune system which helps in protecting your puppy from diseases. Veggies and real fruits like cranberries and blueberries are great sources. The frequency of feeding your Labrador depends mostly on their age. Puppies need to eat three to four times per day while senior and adult Labradors can eat one to two times per day. Labrador is a breed that is motivated by food, meaning that the chance of them turning down food is low. Given their nature, it can be difficult to figure out whether they are really hungry or just food obsessed. Since they cannot regulate their eating habits, it is important that you develop a feeding schedule to prevent them from gaining weight. Both types of food provide your dog with the best nutrition they need to grow and develop. Also, check the label on the packaging and make sure that it contains the perfect balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Kibble is cheaper than wet foods and stores easily as it does not require refrigeration. It also helps clean the teeth by removing tartar and buildup when your puppy chews it. Wet food also provides balanced and complete nutrition for your Labrador. It provides more hydration to your puppy as it contains high moisture content. However, wet food needs to be put in the fridge once opened otherwise it will go bad. Some dog owners mix wet food and kibble to give their dogs the best of both worlds. Therefore, most premium dog food brands have different specially formulated puppy food. Puppies can be fed with puppy food until they are about 12 to 15 months old then transition to adult dog food. When transitioning your dog from puppy food to adult dog food remember to introduce the feed gradually for about seven to ten days by mixing small amounts of the adult dog food with the puppy food. Decrease the puppy food gradually every day with a simultaneous increase in adult dog food. This will helps the pup o adjust to the new meal easily. Experienced Labrador Retriever owners will tell you that not all puppies eat a lot. Studies also have indicated that puppies eat more when fed with other puppies or in a group. When the puppy gets to a new home, they might go off the food for the first few days. They might eat a few kibbles and then leave it. Your puppy may also prefer to eat from your hand and not the bowl. However, call your vet if your puppy refuses to eat for more than four hours. Call immediately if your puppy looks unwell. There are a few reasons you need to keep an eye on because they indicate serious problems: Your pup neither drink nor eat Diarrhea. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. Table scraps and snacks There are so many different brands of Labrador food available! And so many different opinions on dog food generally. Not to mention the alternatives to commercial food. Labrador Feeding Guide The amount you feed your Lab will vary depending on his age and the type of food you are giving him. The Eukanuba Adult Breed Lamb and Rice food suggests these serving sizes: 40 — 45 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 50 — 55 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 60 — 65 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 70 — 75 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 80 — 85 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 90 — 95 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day However, these serving sizes will change depending on the food you use, and only apply to dry kibble! Most experts agree that the best food for any dog is one that keeps him in excellent health at a reasonable price. And choosing the best dog food for Labradors is not straightforward. We will look at the different styles of feeding first. How to feed a Labrador — different methods There are currently two very different approaches to dog feeding that are popular with many Labrador owners. Both methods of feeding have their supporters and detractors. At one time a lot of dogs were fed on canned food with an added biscuit mixer. Nowadays, only a small number of dog owners still feed this way. What about BARF? At one time, raw feeding or what you probably know as the BARF diet was considered to be a cranky and extremist fad. But as interest in raw feeding has grown and more dogs are fed this way, it is becoming clear that they are thriving too. The majority of dogs are now being fed kibble and a substantial and the growing minority are fed raw. Labrador dog food choices — dry kibble By far the majority of Labrador owners nowadays, feed their dogs on kibble. That is the dried pellets of dog food that you can buy in pet stores and online. All major pet food companies now supply a dried version of their brands. Is kibble good for dogs? It is really only a very short time a couple of decades since almost all dogs were fed on canned meat. These are a lot less popular now. The effect that this shift away from wet food and onto dried food, has had if any on canine health remain the subject of intense speculation. Busy modern homes are pressed for time these days. So convenience is an important factor. Storage Not only is kibble convenient, it also stores well, even after opening. Provided that it is stored in an appropriate container and kept in a dry place. Most dogs nowadays are trained with food. But what comes out of a kibble-fed dog smells very unpleasant. These are additional bulking agents that are not fully digested and that pass through straight through the dog. These fillers mean that kibble fed dogs produce much greater quantities of poop and much smellier poop, than dogs fed on raw meat and bones. Kibble fed dogs may also need their teeth cleaning on a daily basis. There may also be a small increased risk of bloat in susceptible dogs fed on a dry food diet. Should I feed my dog raw meat? Over the last ten years a more natural raw diet of meat and bones has become increasingly popular. Some people now believe that raw meat is the best food for Labrador Retrievers and many other breeds of dog. This is despite some websites giving out dire warnings of the dangers of letting dogs consume bones. Unfortunately, raw feeding does seem to attract a few extremists. Plus, it can be tricky to find objective and unbiased discussions of the pros and cons of raw feeding on the internet. The pros and cons Raw feeding is quite a big topic. It is both complicated and simple. Complicated because we tend to worry about the nutrients our dogs are getting. Raw feeding is not as convenient as kibble feeding, It requires plenty of freezer and refrigeration space, a designated preparation surface, and good meat preparation hygiene. Just as with meat preparation for people. Small puppies are growing fast and are vulnerable to diets with a poor nutrient balance. It is very important you do your research before attempting to raw feed a small puppy. This is because raw fed dogs get messy. It is hard in this situation to keep raw meat juices containing pathogens, away from children too small to understand the importance of hand washing The important fact here is that there is no right way to feed a dog. Your family needs to be considered as a whole. The feeding method you choose needs to fit in to your lifestyle and current circumstances. I fed raw to my dogs for many years. But I did not do this and could not have done this, when my kids were little. Nowadays, I sometimes feed kibble, if circumstances demand it. But prefer to feed raw whenever I can. Remember, many dogs thrive on kibble, and many dogs thrive on raw. Choosing the best dog food for Labs may also depend on your own circumstances. If you have a small puppy you may be happier feeding kibble With children under five, it may be safer for you to feed kibble If your dog has a close relative that has suffered from bloat, he may be safer eating raw If your dog suffers from allergies, he might do better on raw Now may be the right time to feed raw for you, or it may be the right time to feed kibble. Your circumstances are unique so only you can decide. For those of you the majority that will be feeding kibble. Choosing the lowest price Labrador food may not necessarily be the cheapest option. As very often, you will need to feed larger quantities of the cheaper food. Biologically appropriate kibble? It is usually a reasonable option to choose a mid-range in terms of cost food and see how your dog gets on with that. If your wallet can stretch to it, we especially like the Orijen brand. Orijen is what my dogs have as training food, and when I am not able to feed them raw. So if you decide to switch brands, do it gradually over the space of a few days by adding a little more of the new food and a little less of the old, each day. How often to feed your Labrador Many dog owners continue to feed their dogs twice a day throughout their lives. Some people feed their dogs once a day after twelve months of age. We do know that there is an association between bloat and large meals. Though this may only apply to kibble Once daily feeding is probably fine if you decide to feed raw meat. But with kibble it may be too much dry food in one go. I recommend that you feed your adult dog morning and evening. How often to feed puppies The amount of food that your Labrador puppy needs to eat each day must be divided into several portions. But it will almost certainly give him diarrhoea and could damage his stomach as kibble swells after drinking. From eight to twelve weeks your puppy will benefit from four meals a day. Breakfast, lunch, tea and supper. Space the meals at least three hours apart to give him chance to digest them properly. And make sure the last meal is a two to three hours before his last trip to the toilet at bedtime. Once your puppy gets to three months old you can divide his daily ration into three portions, and by six months to two. Breakfast and supper. How much to feed a Labrador? Recommended quantities can be found on kibble packaging and these will vary quite widely from brand to brand. They are also often on the high side. If your dog is a little overweight, feed about a third less than recommended for a few days and then re-assess his appearance. Your dog may well need less food than you think. How long should a dog take to eat his dinner? I prefer my dogs to eat their meals up fairly quickly. Plus, he will eat more enthusiastically at the next meal if he is a little hungry. How to feed a Labrador slowly A much more common problem in Labradors, is the dog that scoffs his dinner in a heartbeat and then begs for more with pleading eyes. There is an association between bloat and rapid eating, so if you can slow down your dog a little, it is probably good thing. The best way to do that is by using a slow feed bowl. Provided there is nothing in there which is unsuitable. Giving leftovers to puppies Puppies need a very well balanced diet to grow up strong and healthy. Unless you are a very experienced dog owner and knowledgable about nutrition and the dietary needs of a growing animal, it is not a good idea to feed your puppy on household scraps. And complete puppy foods contain all the nutrients your pup needs to develop a healthy body. Dog feeding equipment and storage There is a huge choice of feeding bowls available. You can get some very cheap and colorful plastic bowls. I like stainless steel. But I admit it is quite noisy to handle and use. And not as pretty as some of the ceramic products. Think carefully before you buy raised bowls as some studies have associated these with bloat. Storing dog food Kibble is for the most part a convenient food source. To keep your food fresh, an airtight container is a better bet. We like the wheeled pet food storage bins and they enable you to move heavy quantities of food around without putting your back out! This slimline version fits nicely in a cupboard. Well worth thinking about, especially if you have several dogs to feed. There are also some gorgeous storage containers now that beg to be put out on display. Feeding Labrador puppies When you first bring your puppy home, your breeder should have provided you with a diet sheet, some food, and plenty of information on feeding Labrador puppies. It is really important to stick with his familiar food for the first few days. Moving home is traumatic enough for an eight week old pup without giving his tummy a shock too. If you have not been given any food or any information on how to feed a puppy then I suggest you call in to your local pet store and buy a small sack of kibble puppy food that is appropriate for his breed and age. Giving water to your Labrador Puppies and older dogs need water available to them at all times during the day. Provided that it is at least an hour since his last meal. Kibble fed dogs drink quite a lot of water, raw fed dogs may drink very little. This is normal. When feeding problems need veterinary help All puppies need regular veterinary check ups and when you take your puppy to the vet for his vaccinations. This is a great time to ask any questions you might have on his diet and welfare generally. All dogs may eat less in very hot weather. But changes in appetite, especially sudden changes, can be a sign that a dog is not well. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

We Are Dedicated! We simply love German Shepherds! As one of the premier reputable German Shepherd breeders indiana has, we focus on healthy GSD puppies for sale that are exceptional quality. From their amazing working dog traits to their loving and compassionate companion dog personality, we love German Shepherds and have dedicated our lives to the betterment of the breed. Full blooded, sable, solid black, silver, no matter what we love this breed! We are also passionate about training in a variety of working areas including obedience, puppy training and basic training. You have many choices when it comes to who you adopt your new German Shepherd puppy from! We are honored to know that so many people choose us because we believe in healthy, happy and beautiful GSD puppies. From our health clearances to our excellent pedigrees, we take pride to knowing our German Shepherds are top of the line! So no matter if you are searching for a German Shepherd Breeder in Indiana, Michigan or Ohio, we hope to earn your business through honesty, integrity and ethical breeding practices! Puppy Links. One of the other considerations that go along with getting a free German Shepherd puppy is that there will be housebreaking requirements. Free German Shepherd Puppies Indiana You may be in the market to find German Shepherd puppies for sale, and looking on the Internet at free dog adoption sites can sometimes be your best bet. These are not always a scam, but you do have to take the time to find them. You could also check out your local pet store as well, but most of the time if they offer puppies at no cost, they will not be from puppies that were adopted or are going to be adopted. Also, remember that these dogs are going to have to go through training and be brought up with a set of very specific behaviors. When you look at free German shepherd puppies in Indiana, you are not guaranteed to find what you are looking for. There are many reasons why a breeder would want to offer their dogs up for adoption at no cost. They could be having financial difficulties, or they could have bad dogs that are sickly and need to be sent to live with another dog owner in the area. Most of these animals were either abandoned or put up for adoption by someone who could no longer keep them. Once the puppy has been checked over by the veterinarian, they will be to come up with an adoption fee. The fee is usually less than half of what you would pay for a dog at the local pound and sometimes even less. If they are free German Shepherd puppies for sale, there is usually no fee for the training that is needed before they are fully adaptable. These puppies need training just like any other puppy. As soon as the dog is fully grown, they are going to have to get a collar and tags. 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If the puppy that is being offered for free is a purebred dog , it will have all of its paperwork in order, and it should be microchipped and have a tag that can be easily removed. There should also be an interview by the shelter workers. You will want to know what happened to the animal, and what type of health problems it had as a puppy. Ask questions if you have any concerns, and make sure that the dog you get is free from any kind of genetic defects. Most of these puppies will need to go to daycare and be cared for during the day. Make sure that you can meet these requirements, and that the daycare is located near you. It can be hard to travel long distances with a dog, so this is something that you will need to be prepared for. German Shepherds make wonderful pets, and they do make great parents. The longer you wait, the worse your financial situation will become. Get that free German Shepherd for sale today! Share this:. German Shepherds for sale in Indiana Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Indiana with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Indiana. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Indiana There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Indiana, from Indianapolis to Evansville, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers in Indiana that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in Indiana! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in IN We like to think we've made a lot of people in Indiana happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. Her staff is responsive, caring and provides guidance every step of the way. I'm so thankful for her and her guidance. As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. Our focus is on senior and adult German Shepherds. We will never settle for second best — not in our board members, volunteers, fosters or adopters. Our commitment to the highest quality of care for our dogs will Adoption Policy Anyone interested in adopting or fostering a dog from Redemption German Shepherd Rescue RGSR should start out by filling out an application. Every successful adoption starts here! RGSR will contact you and let you know the status of your application and keep you informed every step of the way. We try to match you with the RGSR dog who best suits your lifestyle. If RGSR doesn't have the type of Shepherd you want, we contact other reputable German Shepherd Rescues we work with, to see if they can meet your request. Our goal is to make the best match possible, for the dog and you! All dogs are temperament tested prior to RGSR accepting them. We start basic obedience while they are in foster care, but you will need to follow up with an obedience class or two on your own. It is the best way to insure that you get off on the right foot with your canine companion. Only dogs that pass the temperament test are offered for adoption. What we know about the dog, or discover in foster care, is passed on to y Recommended Pets.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Want to have a Golden Retriever and a cat? Golden Retrievers are usually good with cats because they have friendly personalities and low prey drive. However, they do need to be introduced slowly and carefully and have separate spaces where they can be alone. Also, it largely depends on the individual. How old is the dog or cat? Are you introducing a cat to your adult Golden Retriever , or are you introducing a puppy to your cat? We asked Golden Retriever parents if they also have a cat. They have low prey drive. They were historically bred to retrieve birds after they were shot, not actively hunt small prey, like how beagles hunt. They have friendly personalities. Golden Retrievers just want to be with their families , not off on their own pestering cats. Has your Golden had previous bad experiences with cats? Do they love to chase little furry animals? Are they territorial about their home? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then maybe you should think twice before bringing home a cat. Also, how old is your Golden? Are they a wild puppy? Is your dog trained? Have they been socialized with cats? Having a well-trained, socialized dog will make bringing a cat into your home much easier. Also, what about the cat? Are you going to be getting a kitten or rescuing an adult cat? Does the adult cat have any history of living with a dog that you know of? Asking yourself these questions before you surprise your Golden with a new cat will help make the decision and possible transition easier. Play pens , crates and baby gates are great tools to help you do that. And before you introduce a Golden Retriever to your cat, ask yourself what your cat is like… Are they territorial? Have they had any history with dogs? Are they patient? Do they like other animals? Knowing the answers to all of these questions will help you be prepared before introducing the two new roomies. However, most cats and Golden Retrievers can learn to live together peacefully if you set them up for success. Click here to learn more about Golden Retriever exercise needs. Make sure each animal has their own safe space This is especially important for your cat. Rushing introducing them. Dog and cat relationships take time to develop, so be patient and take it slow. Not giving each animal a safe dog- or cat-free space. Letting the dog and cat alone with each other too early if ever. Not getting professional help. However, always take into cosidering the history of each potential roomate before bringing a new one home, and be sure to take introductions slowly. Do you have a cat and a Golden Retriever? How is their relationship? Let us know in the comments below! Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Related articles. But can golden retrievers and cats get along? When it comes to socializing with cats, Golden Retrievers are friendly and loving dogs. Golden Retrievers Can Coexist With Cats If given the proper obedience training, socialization, and active exercise, Golden Retrievers get along well with cats. They are, in fact, happy, caring, and fun-loving dogs who enjoy making new friends. Furthermore, they appear to have a soft spot for children and smaller animals, including cats. As long as both the dog and the cat are trained and conditioned, the two will get along fine in the same house. Many Golden Retriever owners have seen their dogs cuddling with their cats after the two have overcome their initial hostility. The friendly nature of Golden Retrievers should persuade you to bring home your new pet. Golden Retrievers like cuddling Golden retrievers have a cuddly temperament and are affectionate and loving. Cuddling is one way they can express their affection for their owners. They are known for being gentle, and because of their cuddling habits, you can be confident that they will get along with your pet cats. Adding a Golden Retriever puppy into your home with a cat makes it more likely for the two to get along. Golden Retrievers bark less than other dogs Golden retrievers are one of the friendliest and calmest pet dog breeds. They do bark, but they do so less frequently than most other dog breeds. When they do bark, it is usually a friendly bark rather than an aggressive one. We all know that cats enjoy silence and sleep, so you can be sure that they would make an excellent pair. Golden Retrievers have a lower prey-drive Golden retrievers are gentle dogs by nature, and while they are commonly used as working dogs alongside hunters, they do not have a high prey drive. They are extremely sociable and playful dogs who prefer to interact with other animals they encounter. These bouncy and loving dogs are well-known for their love of playing and their desire to be as close to everyone as possible. Golden Retrievers are friendly The playful nature of Golden Retrievers is one of the reasons they are such a friendly breed. Golden retrievers are friendly and responsive to other pets, children, and new people in the home. They enjoy chasing a stick into the river and returning it to their owner because they enjoy the water. They quickly learn how to play games because they are a smart breed. Their soft mouth ensures that their games are appropriate for children. Golden Retrievers are gentle The golden retriever is a dog that is calm, intelligent, and affectionate. Golden retrievers are active but gentle with children, as well as other pets and strangers. Golden retrievers are gentle, giving them the appearance of friendliness. The Golden Retriever is a gentle companion and playmate for the entire family as a pet. These gentle dogs can hold an egg in their mouths without breaking it. If the first method of introduction fails or you are uncomfortable with it, try another. Proceed with caution during the introduction, even if the dog has previous experience with cats and the cat has previously lived with a dog. Cats and dogs rarely get along, but there are a few exceptions. Cats and golden retrievers get along because they are both friendly and calm. Cats and well-behaved golden retrievers get along swimmingly. These are intelligent, trainable, and respectful animals. Cats are treated as if they are members of their pack. Goldfish that have not been properly trained can chase cats, which cats clearly dislike. Goldfish can also be excessively energetic for cats. The golden retriever is one of the best dog breeds to keep with cats. Your actions and how you train properly can have a big impact. They are intelligent dogs that will adapt to sudden changes if properly trained. Training them can have an effect on their personality, so train them gently and correctly. When teaching them, make sure to reward them. Include dog training in your daily activities to speed up the process. Proper training can help your dogs behave; it can also help when introducing new animals that are slightly aggressive, such as cats. Cats are aggressive, in some cases, for a reason. Cats Can Be Territorial Any cat, regardless of breed, size, age, or gender, can be aggressive toward a new dog. A variety of stressors can contribute to it. The most common reason for aggression toward a new dog is fear. In this situation, your cat may growl, hiss, or swat at your dog. Your cat might appear nervous, fearful, or easily startled. They may attempt to flee and hide, but your dog may pursue them. This could worsen the situation. Introduce Them Gradually Separate the pets for at least the first days. They move their food bowls closer to the closed door with each feeding. Continue until each pet can eat calmly right next to the door. Meet and greet your pets in a common area of the house once they can eat their food calmly right next to the door. Repeat these face-to-face sessions on a daily basis. This training will ensure that your dog is well-behaved and much smarter than the average dog. Improving their memory will also help when interacting with people and, in some cases, new pets in the house. If tension arises, return to the introduction steps and repeat the process. Assure that the cat always has access to a dog-proof safe zone room. Certain dog breeds get along well with cats. However, integrating cats and dogs into a peaceful household takes some effort. The younger the furry kids start out, the better your chances of success. This means 6 months or less for cats and 1 year or less for dogs. Cats and dogs that grow up together learn to play and coexist. That means there will be fewer opportunities for fights and misunderstandings. However, because they are different species, there will be signs of caution. However, they can adapt to changes, and it depends on how well you train your dog. Most people believe that dogs and cats do not get along. Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve fowl from both land and water. These dogs were also popular as hunting companions for hunters and their families. Because Golden Retrievers are one of the friendliest and most gentle dogs, they also have a low prey drive, and with the proper training, they will surely get along with your pet cats. They are either snarling or lunging at them. The following are signs that your cat dislikes your Golden Retriever: Their ears have been pinned back. Their tails sway back and forth. They either hiss, spit, or yowl. When it comes to raising your furry friends, a safe place or environment is essential. It is either a separate or shared location for their safety and health. Inhalant allergies , which typically appear between the ages of one and three years, are one type of allergy that your dog may have. Affected dogs frequently react to multiple allergens and frequently have flea or food allergies. Treatment is largely determined by the length of the allergy season. It may include one or more of the three therapies listed below: In most cases, treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids or antihistamines will quickly stop the allergic reaction. In some cases, dietary fatty acid supplementation can improve steroid and antihistamine responses. Bathing with a hypoallergenic shampoo on a regular basis can be soothing to itchy, inflamed skin. Bathing also removes allergens from the coat that can be absorbed through the skin. Some therapeutic shampoos contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that may benefit your pet even more. Therapy for hyposensitization or desensitization: If the specific offending antigens are identified through allergy testing, the patient can be given allergy injection serum or allergy shots. Weekly injections of very small amounts of the antigen are used in this treatment. This is just one of many diseases and allergies that your pets could be suffering from, and as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. That is why, when you have these adorable pets lying around and running around, a proper and clean environment is required. If you want to introduce one to your pet cat, it is much easier and safer to do so when they are young. Proper training is also required; teach them how to live together and make it fun. How do you introduce a Golden Retriever to a cat? It is important not to rush the introduction of your new dog to your pet cats. If you want to have these adorable puppies and play with your pet cats, check out our golden retriever puppies for sale that are bred healthy by great breeders and are ready to go home after 8 weeks with all shots and documentation. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Nash the golden retriever lives in Minnesota with his owners Ben and Paige. They've had him from when he was a puppy. Around the same time, they also adopted his feline pal, a calico they eventually named Nala. Though it took a little while for the two to get used to one another, in time a lasting friendship formed built on play-fighting and cuddles together on the couch. One of their most recent clips has proven especially popular, having racked up over 33 million views and counting. This combined image shows Nash the dog playing with Nala the cat, left, and enjoying a snuggle up together, right. A video chronicling the intertwined lives of the pair has delighted viewers on social media. Nashypaws "Thinking that adopting a cat and getting a retriever at the same time was a bad idea," an onscreen subtitle reads, while a montage plays clips featuring Nash and Nala wrestling and enjoying some snuggle time together. It's footage that goes some way to further dispelling the myth around cats and dogs disliking one another. In , a study published in the scientific journal PLoS ONE saw 1, pet owners with both cats and dogs polled on their pets' behavior. The findings showed that 64 percent of pet owners noted their dogs and cats played together at least sometimes. More interestingly, 58 percent said they often slept next to each other while 11 percent said their cats and dogs always slept side by the side. They cuddled and laid together more often when they were younger but now it's less common. Judging from the videos posted online, it would appear Nash's high energy approach to life is slightly at odds with Nala's more laid back style. This combined image shows Nash the golden retriever and his feline best friend Nala. Though they don't always see eye-to-eye, the pair enjoy a very special relationship that has touched many watching videos of them together on social media. Nashypaws It's all part of Nash's loveably adventurous personality though. He howls at any siren noise, barks at any squirrel or person walking by the house. He loves to play frisbee or ball. Another said the video was "better than a Disney movie," while a third declared: "They love each other, how sweet. Send them to life newsweek. Read more. Posted on Last updated: June 5, Golden Retrievers are known for their good looks. Along with being handsome pooches, their affectionate and gentle nature has made them one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. But can Golden Retrievers and cats get along? So before inviting a new doggy into your home or introducing a cat to the family, this guide will shed light on what you can expect. Contents 11 Need-to-Knows of Owning a Golden Retriever and a Cat Any new member of the family will take some time to get used to a different environment and an unfamiliar routine. Taking the proper precautions and care in the process is an essential part of being a pet parent. Nonetheless, the journey is exciting, and you can follow these guidelines to keep your pets safe and happy. Golden Retrievers and Cats Can Live in Harmony Golden Retrievers are friendly and loving dogs, which is no different when socializing with cats. Their intelligence also plays a large role in their success with cats. The American Bobtail cat has been credited with being the most similar cat breed to Golden Retrievers. Socialization can be achieved by bringing your Golden Retriever on adventures with you. They love to be a part of family hikes, trips to the beach, and vacations. Socialization is a perk; however, a cat might be a new experience for some dogs. When it comes to introductions, remember to be patient with your pets. Once they start getting familiar with the environment, you can slowly introduce them to your Golden Retriever. You can introduce the two through glass doors or when the family is at home to keep an eye on things. If necessary, you can always keep your Retriever on a leash for the first few encounters. As we all know, cats can be a bit finicky when it comes to new faces, especially when those faces have two big ears, a hairy face, and a wet nose. If your kitty is a fan of catnip , now would be a good idea to bring it out, along with their favorite cat treats. Dog training works well when there is sufficient stimulation to keep the dog focused. A dog treat, chewing toys , and dog puzzles work well to distract your dog as your cat makes its way around the house, taking in all the new and exciting smells. I know it can be challenging when adopting a dog that may not have owners who you can speak to — but finding out as much information about the dog as possible is essential. Shelters and rescue pages will know more about the dog than you. Does the dog get along well with other dogs and children? Have they been socialized with cats? Has the dog had any training, and if so, was it challenging? Is the dog territorial about their home? Training Goes a Long Way Training is the number one way you can bring your Golden Retriever up to be a polite and well-behaved pooch. These happy-go-lucky dogs are always on the lookout for human approval. With the breed naturally being easy to train, you can get a head start by teaching them from puppyhood. Boredom can lead to picking on other housemates, like your lounging kitty. A tired Golden Retriever is a good Golden Retriever. Your pet can retreat to a safe space if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. For cats, an open window or bed on a ledge does the trick. Dogs might have a cage , a kennel, or a bed tucked away somewhere in the house. Scratch posts and toys should also be kept apart. This avoids the chances of the two clashing over territory and food. When cats feel threatened, their first action is flight, fight, or freeze. You should always give your cat the freedom to roam around at its own will. With this freedom comes the chance for the two to establish a natural sense of hierarchy. Each pet will need to learn to respect each other and their boundaries. Cats are the ones who tend to be less inclined to interact with your dogs. They much prefer snoozing in the sun and cuddling up next to their humans. However, both pets should eventually become totally relaxed around one another. For the sake of your pets and your well-being, a professional trainer can assess the situation and work out the best solution for you and your fur babies. Having a household that has a Golden Retriever with cats is very possible, especially if the dog has been well trained. This is because your Golden understands that it needs to respect your cat as if they are the leader of the pack. That said, here are some other suitable cat breeds that will match with your pup: Golden Retriever and British Shorthair — Patient with puppies, but will remove itself from stressful situations and give your dog the cold shoulder. Golden Retriever and Siamese Cat — Particularly active with energy to play with dogs and are naturally curious. Golden Retriever and Ragdoll Cat — Extremely laidback cats, and are less territorial than most cats, perfect for welcoming new pets. This all depends on how accepting your kitty is of your new pup. Some pairings will take only days, and in some cases although rare , they will never get along. That said, it usually takes the two pets around two to three weeks to get acquainted. In truth, you never know how cats and dogs are going to react to one another. However, it takes responsibility to ensure your two pets feel safe and comfortable in their homes. In truth, you never know how cats and Golden Retrievers are going to react to one another. This golden retrievers and cats post contains affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase I will most likely receive a small commission. Just wanted to make sure you knew. Related Posts:.

Yorkshire Terrier When considering the Breed Standards and Average Sizes for collar selection, it is important to note that these measurements are approximate and may vary slightly across individual dogs. The average neck sizes listed above can serve as a general guideline for choosing an appropriate collar size for your lab puppy. It is crucial to measure your lab puppy's neck size accurately before making a collar purchase. Using a soft measuring tape, wrap it around the base of your puppy's neck, ensuring a snug but comfortable fit. Keep in mind that puppies grow quickly, so it is advisable to choose a collar with room for growth. It is recommended to select a collar that is adjustable to accommodate your lab puppy's changing size. This way, you can easily modify the fit as they grow. Always ensure that the collar is comfortable for your puppy to wear, with enough space for two fingers to fit between the collar and their neck. By considering the Breed Standards and Average Sizes, measuring your lab puppy's neck accurately, and choosing an adjustable collar with room for growth, you can provide your puppy with a comfortable and properly fitting collar. Remember to monitor your lab puppy's collar as they continue to grow and adjust or replace it accordingly. Suggestions: When selecting a collar size for your lab puppy, it is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for additional guidance. They can provide personalized advice based on your puppy's breed, age, and growth rate. Remember to always prioritize your lab puppy's comfort and pet safety when choosing a collar. Measuring the Neck Size of the Lab Puppy Measuring the neck size of a lab puppy is a crucial step in selecting the appropriate collar size. Here is a step-by-step manual on accurately measuring the neck size: Ensure that the lab puppy is calm and comfortable before measuring their neck size. Utilize a soft measuring tape or a piece of string to measure around the puppy's neck at the base, where the collar will be positioned. Wrap the measuring tape or string snugly around the neck, ensuring it is not too tight or too loose. Take note of the measurement in inches or centimeters, maintaining consistency with the chosen unit of measurement. If you utilized a piece of string, measure its length with a ruler or measuring tape to determine the neck size. Double-check the measurement to ensure its accuracy. Remember that the collar should fit snugly but not be excessively tight or loose. It is important to allow two fingers to comfortably fit between the collar and the puppy's neck. By accurately measuring the neck size, you can select the appropriate collar size for your lab puppy, ensuring both comfort and a proper fit. Guidelines for Choosing the Right Size Collar for a Lab Puppy When it comes to finding the perfect collar for your adorable lab puppy, it's important to keep a few key guidelines in mind. In this section, we'll explore useful tips and tricks to ensure you choose the right size collar that will suit your furry friend's needs. From adjustable collars to selecting a collar with room for growth and ensuring optimal comfort and fit, we've got you covered. Get ready to make your lab puppy the most stylish and comfortable pup in town! Adjustable Collars Adjustable collars are a convenient option when choosing a collar for your lab puppy. They offer flexibility and allow for easy adjustments as your puppy grows. Perfect fit: Adjustable collars provide a perfect fit for your lab puppy's neck comfortably. This ensures that the collar is not too tight, causing discomfort or restricting movement, and not too loose, risking the puppy slipping out of it. Room for growth: Lab puppies grow rapidly, and adjustable collars provide the flexibility to accommodate their changing neck size. As your puppy grows, you can adjust the size of the adjustable collar accordingly, providing a snug fit without the need for frequent collar replacements. Economical option: Investing in adjustable collars eliminates the need to purchase multiple collars as your lab puppy grows. This helps save money in the long run and ensures that you always have a well-fitting collar for your pup. Durable and long-lasting: Adjustable collars are typically made of high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. They are designed to withstand the active lifestyle of lab puppies, making them a reliable choice for everyday use. Easy to clean: Lab puppies are known for their playful and messy nature. Adjustable collars are easy to clean, allowing you to maintain hygiene and keep your puppy looking smart and presentable at all times. When choosing a collar for your lab puppy, consider the convenience and versatility that adjustable collars offer. They provide a customized and comfortable fit, accommodate your puppy's growth, and are a cost-effective choice in the long run. Choosing a Collar with Room for Growth When selecting a collar for your lab puppy, it is crucial to choose one that allows room for growth. To make sure you get the right size, follow these steps: Start by measuring your lab puppy's neck size using a flexible tape measure or a piece of string and a ruler. Wrap the measuring tape or string around the base of the neck, where the collar will sit. Remember to leave a finger's width of space for comfort. Once you have the measurement of the neck size, add an extra inches to allow for growth. This ensures that the collar will fit comfortably as your lab puppy grows. Look for adjustable collars with multiple holes or a sliding mechanism that can easily be adjusted as your lab puppy develops. Consider collars made from lightweight and durable materials like nylon or leather. These materials can withstand the wear and tear that comes with a growing lab puppy. Ensure that the collar is neither too tight nor too loose when fastened. It should fit snugly around your lab puppy's neck, allowing freedom of movement without causing any discomfort. Pro-tip: Keep checking and adjusting the collar as your lab puppy grows to ensure a proper fit and prevent any potential discomfort or accidents. Ensuring Comfort and Proper Fit Ensuring comfort and proper fit is crucial when choosing a collar for a lab puppy. Here are some guidelines to follow: Choose a collar made of soft and lightweight material. It should be comfortable for the puppy to wear without causing any irritation or chafing. Ensure that the collar is adjustable. This will allow you to find the perfect fit for your lab puppy as it grows. Select a collar with a buckle or snap closure that is easy to fasten and secure. Avoid collars with complicated or hard-to-use closures. Check that the collar is not too tight or too loose. It should fit snugly around the puppy's neck without restricting their movement or causing discomfort. Regularly check the collar to make sure it remains properly fitted as the puppy grows. Adjust the collar accordingly to ensure a comfortable fit at all times. Recommended Collar Sizes for Lab Puppies at Different Ages When it comes to choosing the right collar size for your lab puppy, it's important to consider their age and growth. Collar Sizes for Lab Puppies up to 3 Months Collar sizes for lab puppies up to 3 months are determined by their age and weight. Lab puppies up to 3 months of age are typically smaller and lighter compared to older puppies. It is essential to choose a collar that fits a lab puppy neither too tightly nor too loosely. An adjustable collar is recommended to accommodate the puppy's growth. Ensure that the collar is comfortable and does not cause any discomfort or irritation to the puppy's neck. Before selecting a collar, accurately measure the puppy's neck size. Collars with room for growth are ideal for lab puppies up to 3 months as they experience rapid growth during this stage. To determine the appropriate collar size, consult the breed standards and average sizes for lab puppies. Consider the lab puppy's weight and neck size when selecting the collar size. Collar Sizes for Lab Puppies from 3 to 6 Months When choosing collar sizes for Labrador puppies aged 3 to 6 months, it is important to consider their growth and comfort. Here is a table outlining the recommended collar sizes based on the weight of the lab puppies: Weight Range. Collar, Harness, Or Both? Lab puppies start tiny but grow up extremely fast. Every pup grows up at its own tempo. If it has started to get too constricting at that point — either loosen it up if possible or get a new collar. If you get a collar with a lot of resizing leeway, it can last you a few months. This is very easy to judge if you just stick a couple of fingers under the collar. The risk of keeping an overly loose collar on your dog should be clear — the dog will be able to back out of the collar. Many others, however, including a lot of labs, love to back out of their collars whenever possible. Adult Labrador Neck Size So, what size collar will your lab puppy end up wearing when it grows up? If your puppy is smaller than average it may grow into a smaller-than-average adult lab or it may just be a slow grower. Different Types Of Dog Collars For Labs The main non-cosmetic differences between dog collars are in the materials and the fastening mechanism. Plus, they always allow for multiple different size settings. As for materials, these are the basics: Metal — a lot of people love metal, especially for mid-sized to large breeds like Labradors. Leather — this is the classic choice for dog collars. Its main drawback is that it can get stinky over time. This is especially true if your dog loves to swim and Labrador retrievers are a water dog breed. Fabric collars can come in a lot of different designs and compositions. Some of the more colorful ones are especially fun for puppies. Synthetic polyurethane-type materials — these intuitively put off some people but are an excellent choice. Training collars used to be very popular at one point for both puppies and adult dogs. These collars take many different forms — they can be pronged, pinching, and electro-shock collars. Their idea is simple — teach your dog not to pull on its leash with the negative reinforcements of the collar. Dog harnesses today are viewed as a better and safer alternative to training collars. These are used mostly for training and for adult dogs, however. You should start using those as soon as your pup is big enough. CHECK OUT 9 Things that are 4 meters long As your dog grows and begins to reach its adult weight, you can still use the weight method to figure out a rough collar size. When should a puppy first wear a collar? Some puppies may have already been wearing soft breakaway collars for training or to distinguish them from their littermates. This can make training, particularly leash training, much easier in the future. Collar Types There are several collar options available, and picking the right type is often as important as choosing the correct size. Leather collars are durable and stylish. Nylon collars are also comfortable for the dog and are available in a number of colors and patterns. Plastic collars are also available for dogs that tend to swim a lot or are frequently dirty. Harnesses are an excellent training tool for puppies that are just learning to walk on a leash. They can curb bad leash habits, such as pulling. Harnesses can be switched out for a collar as the dog grows, or you can upgrade to an adult harness size. Sharing is caring! When it comes to puppies, particularly short-haired breeds, you should look for a soft collar made of a non-abrasive material. Fabric collars are a good option, and collars made from a breathable fabric that is also machine washable are even better. When should a puppy wear a collar? Even if your puppy is still too young to go outside for walks, getting them used to wearing a collar is a good idea and will prevent any tiny tantrums further down the road! Collars should be worn most of the time, even around the house, but taking it off every so often to let the skin breathe is recommended. Try leaving the collar off for a couple of hours every time you brush or bathe them. Can an 8-week-old puppy wear a collar? Responsible breeders recommend puppies should not be brought home until 8 weeks old, and you can start getting them used to their collar shortly after this. It may be a good idea to let them settle into their new environment before introducing something new, but getting them used to their collar in their second week at home is a good idea. Should puppies wear collars at night? Most dog collars are designed to be non-abrasive, and perfectly safe for pups and older dogs to sleep in. This can also help puppies get adjusted to wearing a collar for the majority of the time. However, many vets also recommend including a contact telephone number, in the event your dog goes missing. Although microchipping has been mandatory for pet dogs since , tags are still a legal requirement and provide a quicker way to get in contact with you if your dog is found, without their microchip needing to be scanned first. We hope our puppy collar size guide has been helpful, as well as our dog collar FAQs! If you enjoyed our puppy collar size guide, you might like our other article, What do I need for a New Puppy? Make sure the tape or string is snug but not too tight. Add extra space: Once you have the measurement, add approximately inches 2. Consult a size chart: Different collar manufacturers may have slightly different sizing guidelines. So referring to their specific size chart is helpful. Check adjustability: Pay attention to whether the collar is adjustable or comes in various sizes. Remember that Labrador puppies grow at different rates. Monitoring their growth frequently as they mature is a must. Benefits Of A Properly Fitted Collar For A Lab Puppy A properly fitted collar for a lab puppy is crucial for various reasons, providing comfort, maximizing safety, and promoting healthy growth. One key benefit of a well-fitted collar is that it prevents the risk of choking or injury to your furry friend. Another advantage of using the correct collar size is that it makes training your young labrador easier and more effective. A snug but not too tight fit lets you control your puppy during walks without hurting them, ensuring they develop good walking habits early on. Collars with reflective materials can also improve visibility during night walks, safeguarding you and your pup from accidents. Another significant indicator is visible wear and tear on the current one. For dogs between 26 and 55 pounds, the collar length should be between 13 to 18 inches. Not all labs have the same neck size; some may require larger or smaller collars. Additionally, when fitting an adult dog with a collar, ensure it is snug but not too tight. A right-sized collar can prevent injury and discomfort for your labrador retriever. A well-fitted collar can ensure proper control while walking or training your dog without restricting breathing or movement. Biothane collars are also lightweight and flexible, making them comfortable for dogs to wear for extended periods. Moreover, they come in different sizes and colors. Neoprene Neoprene is a popular collars material known for its durability, strength, and water resistance. This synthetic polyurethane type materials can handle the rough-and-tumble play of active dogs like labs who enjoy running through water or snow. Neoprene collars are soft and lightweight, making them comfortable for your pup to wear all day without irritation. Also, neoprene is easy to clean with just a damp cloth. Leather Leather collars are popular for lab puppies due to their durability and classic look. Although they may cost more than other materials, good quality leather puppy collars will last you years before needing replacement. Leather collars come in different styles, such as padded ones that provide extra comfort for your pup while training or walking. Lab puppies grow at different rates, and the size of their necks can vary greatly depending on age and weight. Planning for a growing puppy and investing in multiple collars throughout its development is essential. Finding a collar with room for your puppy to grow into ensures they remain comfortable and safe as they mature. When selecting a collar for your lab puppy, choose one that leaves room for growth while still fitting correctly. Avoid the common misconception of purchasing just one collar for your pup that they will wear throughout their life. A collar that fits too tightly can cause injury, while a loose one may slip off during a walk or become caught on something. A well-fitted collar with identification tags is still essential if your pup gets lost without their GPS device. Some trainers caution against using electronic training collars that mimic shocks and vibrations as they harm dogs and do not build trust between the owner and the pet. The Blueberry puppy collar for lab puppy checks all these boxes with its sturdy construction and reflective threads stitched into the webbing to provide visibility during nighttime walks or activities. This collar comes in various sizes, including sizes suitable for growing puppies. It is made of high-quality nylon material that can withstand wear and tear from active pups. It also comes in various colors and patterns, which means they serve a practical and fashionable purpose. These collars help identify the puppies in a litter to ensure that each one gets proper care and attention. They also allow a dog owner to keep track of individual puppy weight gain and monitor any potential health issues. Puppy whelping collars should be lightweight, adjustable, easy to clean, and made from non-irritating materials such as soft nylon or neoprene. This collar comes in various colors and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your furry friend. The collar also features reflective stitching, which makes it visible at night or in low-light conditions, adding another layer of safety. The Joytale Dog Collar for lab puppy is an adjustable collar made of durable and comfortable nylon webbing. The collar features a reflective stripe that makes your puppy visible during low-light conditions. It also has a secure buckle that stays fastened even if your pup pulls or tugs on the leash. One essential feature is its ability to provide comfort and security while being stylish at the same time. Training collars, such as choke chains and prong collars, are controversial among dog owners. While some trainers believe they can be effective training tools when used correctly, others argue they can cause dog pain and injury. Before considering using a training collar on your lab puppy, evaluate why you want one in the first place. Positive reinforcement methods like using treats or toys are more humane and less invasive options worth exploring. Thus, make sure any training collar fits correctly so as not to harm him while being efficient at the same time. There is no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between a collar or harness for your lab puppy. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. However, a harness may be more suitable if your puppy pulls on the leash or has breathing issues. The collar should sit snugly around their necks without being too tight. It is ideal for a puppy to wear a collar when they come home with you. This will help them get used to wearing one and also serve as identification if the pup were ever to escape or get lost. Yes, an 8-week-old puppy can wear a collar. It is recommended that puppies wear collars when they are young to get used to the feeling of wearing one. Choosing a flat collar with adjustable straps is best to loosen as your pup ages. It is generally safe for puppies to wear collars at night. It helps identify them if they wander off or get lost. Including your name, phone number, and address on the tag is recommended. Consider adding information about any medical conditions your puppy may have or if they require medication. A good rule of thumb is to measure a few inches down from their head and add two inches, ensuring the collar fits snugly but not too tightly. If your labrador puppy is eight weeks old and weighs around 16 pounds, it may require an inches long collar. The most critical factor is ensuring the collar fits correctly and comfortably. Some dogs with larger necks may benefit from wider collars to distribute pressure more evenly, while smaller breeds do well with slimmer options. A wide collar may be suitable if your dog pulls on their leash as they can lessen the risk of choking. Generally speaking, puppies need a smaller collar than adult dogs, but their neck size varies depending on breed and age. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. It is all rather bewildering, but there is no need to worry! This is where you can find the answers to those questions, and get some ideas and inspiration too. Collars are a great way to identify similar Lab puppies in a litter Labrador Dog Collars and the Law In many parts of the world, dogs must legally wear a collar when out in public. This is usually a disk attached to the collar, with your phone number and name on it. Collars can display IDs in a number of different ways. Some collars come with a brass or stainless steel plate attached to the surface, others have a metal ring for you to attach a tag onto. Others will embroider the ID into fabric or tool it into leather. Are Personalized Dog Collars Safe? But others feel that this is a dangerous thing to do. But most dogs are always supervised when outdoors, and many dogs are also microchipped so proof of ownership is more easily accomplished. Unless your dog is very friendly and spends time outdoors on his own, having his name on his collar is unlikely to put him at risk. Collars as a Fashion Statement A collar is the traditional way of attaching a restraint to a dog, for the purposes of keeping him safe. Before harnesses were invented this was an essential feature of life in a modern world, where cars and other hazards are everywhere. But in many homes and families, a collar has become something of a fashion statement too. A whole industry has arisen to meet the demand for different fabrics and styles. Training Collars for Labs Many people look on a collar, as an aid to training their dog how to walk on a leash. A way to get their dog to tread along nicely next to them, without dragging or pulling them along. They want to choose a collar that will best help them in this goal. Prong collars and pinch collars have been designed that are uncomfortable and even painful when a dog leans into them. The problem of course, is that pulling is often very rewarding for a dog he gets nearer to the destination he likes. So collars usually have to be quite painful if they are to successfully stop the pulling. Collars that can be used to pinch and choke dogs, are becoming less popular, as more and more dog owners want to train without using unpleasant aversives. And fortunately there are now excellent ways of teaching a dog to walk nicely without using collars at all. And in the meantime you might find it helpful to have a strong pulling dog fitted with a body harness that will give you more control without damaging his neck. Before you set off on a Labrador collar shopping expedition, you will need to think about sizes. And to know your Labrador neck size. Labrador Collar Size Not all collars are made in sizes large enough for an adult Lab. And one adult Lab will not have the same neck size as another. So you do need to whip out your tape measure in order to avoid disappointment Both my Labs have an 18 inch neck. They are medium build slim Labradors. But it really is best to measure. If you find it difficult to keep your dog still, just get someone to dip their fingers in some butter and let the dog lick it off while you take his measurements! Collars for adult Labs are usually about an inch wide — this allows enough space for a small ID plaque if desired. What Size Collar for a Lab Puppy? If you buy a puppy collar two or three inches longer than this it will last him a few weeks. Puppy collars are usually narrower than adult collars, half an inch is fine. And they come in some very cute designs. We have put together a collection of our favorite puppy collars to inspire you! So what kind of collar should you buy? Which Labrador Collar Style? We recommend that you buy your Labrador a flat collar with a buckle fastener. You can choose one to suit your taste and wallet. Especially if your Lab likes to swim. You can buy waterproof collars made from synthetic polyurethane type materials. Waterproof collars tend to resist odor and are easy to clean. They often come in striking bright colors — we love them and think they look cool! But not so loose that he can back out of it. You should be able to fit two or three fingers under it quite easily, but not much more. A collar that is too loose can be slipped by a lively dog very easily. It is also worth considering alternative forms of restraint. Especially for puppies and lively young dogs that can get very sore necks if leashed to a collar. Buying a Harness The breadth of choice in body harnesses for dogs has burgeoned in the last couple of years as people discover how great they are. A body harness is an excellent way to restrain a young dog that has not been taught to walk to heel. It has several advantages over a collar. It is almost impossible for the dog to slip out of. And most importantly, a puppy that wears a harness is not learning to lean into or pull, on his collar. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. It can be challenging to understand where to begin! Labrador Puppy Collars are available in a wide range of colours and sizes. Your puppy will have a comfortable, stylish collar with your name on it. Find the perfect size and colour dog collar for your new Labrador, with more durable, comfortable, and fashionable. Our labrador puppy collar size is one step guide for you. Measure The Neck Size Of Your Lab Puppy It varies from puppy to puppy in terms of neck size, in the manner of how people vary in terms of their physical characteristics like size and shape. You can use this guide to figure out what collar fits your pup. You should always measure the neck of your lab pup rather than guessing its size to ensure a perfect fit. Simply start measuring from his head down a couple of inches and then add an extra inch. It will be easier to pick the right collar size for your labrador puppy if you know what to look for. Numerous aesthetically pleasing, durable, and cost-effective collars are available to choose from. A variety of materials, such as leather, nylon, and cotton, are available. You can also get a breakaway collar that lights up at night to make sure your puppy or dog is safe. It is also possible to find no-pull collars which are extremely effective in preventing a hyper-active puppy from yanking out of control while also teaching them how to walk properly. With a few of the top collars for lab puppies available on the market today, we have taken the time to cut through the clutter and provide you with a selection of well-made, durable, and highly-rated collars. As there are two different types of collars you can use on your canine companion. The collar you choose depends on your personal preference and budget. And if your lab loves swimming, then use cotton collars. These cotton waterproof collars contain polyurethane-like synthetic materials. In addition to being odor-resistant, waterproof collars are easily washable. Our favorite thing about them is that they are usually bright in color, which is something we love about them. Leather Collar — This is a luxurious and traditional collar for dogs that offers the perfect balance of functionality and style. In spite of their higher cost, a leather collar is likely to last for many years to come. Keep in mind that you should only buy a collar made of genuine leather. The leather bonded together consists of scrap leather, which glued together using an adhesive. Although the leather of this type might resemble the feel and appearance of genuine leather, it provides less durability and is dreadful in quality. Dogs, especially those with thick coats that tend to matt around collars, generally preferred to wear collars made of rolled leather. You can choose from a wide range of color choices, designs, and sizes. Lab puppies can wear these on walks as well as at home. The nylon collar is a standard collar that can be worn for many purposes. Neoprene Collar — Neoprene is an extremely flexible rubber material used to make wetsuits, bolstered with nylon mesh to provide extra durability, flexibility, and strength. If your dog spends a lot of time in the water, a neoprene collar is a perfect choice. Biothane Collar — Dogs who enjoy swimming will love biothane collars too. Contains non-toxic materials composed of polyester weave and powder coatings composed of polyurethane or polyvinyl. Neoprene and leather collars are expensive, while biothane collars are more comfortable, easier to wear, and more affordable. A collar needs to be checked every two to three weeks. Look for indentations and signs of wear and tear. The collar should replaced immediately when you notice any defect that may upset the dog or endanger his safety. If it does, your dog will suffer from pain and discomfort. When your puppy is indoors, it is best to remove its collar. It attracts bacteria when it is damp. Additionally, a dog collar not being clipped onto furniture or choking hazards in a crate will be avoided. As a general rule, puppies should be taught to wear a collar and leash around 10 weeks of age. As a result, you will be able to get started in a week or so after they have settled in. FAQs Question 1: Do lab puppies always need to wear collars? Although there are some puppies who seem perfectly happy to wear a neck collar, it is important to consider that wearing one for prolonged periods of time could harm their coat and their skin due to the friction created by the collar. Question 2: Which collar size is best for my puppy? For dogs under 10 pounds, a collar up to 12 inches long is adequate. The collar length should be from 13 to 18 inches for dogs between 26 and 55 pounds. Question 3: Are dogs better off with wide collars? There are many benefits to using wide collars for your dog, including strolling, training , and even playing with. Wider dog collars provide your pup with a better fit around the neck while walking or training. For dogs that like to play rough, a wide collar can provide a better level of safety from other dogs or potential neck injuries. Question 4: Does my labrador puppy need a smaller collar? While many people will just go ahead and get the next size up, that could be a mistake. Make sure you choose a collar that will fit your puppy as he grows into adulthood. Post navigation.

An 8 week old German Shepherd puppy is a bundle of antics and endless energy! Your 8 Week Old German Shepherd Puppy An 8 week old your puppy requires a daily routine and training to help them become the dog of your dreams. This article will not only help you understand your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy but will also explain to you why your little puppy has certain behaviors. Raising a German Shepherd puppy can feel like an overwhelming task at first! Just remember, your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy is also adjusting to its new life with you. You should expect your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy to feel stressed and uncertain. They may seem timid and unsure of their surroundings. They might cry, whine, and not want your attention. Having structure and consistency will help create a bond and help you both in getting along more peacefully and calmly. Introducing A Puppy Crate Many dog owners choose to use a crate when it comes to caring for their 8-week-old puppy. While some people consider crates unnecessary, or even cruel, crate training is a useful skill to offer your dog. With the right training your pup will see its crate as their private safe space and will even go there to relax. Leaving your puppy at home unsupervised can get them and you into a heap of trouble. Crate training helps prevent your home from being a destruction zone. This useful guide to crate training a German Shepherd puppy gets you on the right track to success! Crate training your puppy can: help speed up housetraining teach your dog to settle calm down offer your dog privacy But you must introduce the crate slowly and positively so your puppy builds a strong connection to the benefits of the crate. Never just shove or push your young German Shepherd into the crate without using positive training. Your new dog also needs a routine and schedule to help them through the early days with you and set the expectations you have for them. Having a schedule helps your puppy to know what to expect in their daily routines. It keeps you from losing your mind and helps ease a worried puppy. While you might work from home or have other obligations, try to follow a schedule that looks similar to this: Early morning: Take your puppy out for the first potty break of the day! So, they may need to go outside even before the sun rises. Breakfast time: Your puppy may want to go back to sleep after going outside and this is perfectly normal. On the other hand, some puppies are wide awake and ready for their breakfast. Either way, always take your puppy back outside shortly after their breakfast so they can sniff and have another potty break. Mid-morning: Puppies should eat 3 — 4 small meals a day. Mid-morning is a good time for another small meal. Afternoon: This is a good time for their lunch followed by a potty break and plenty of sniffing time to work off some of their energy. Late afternoon: Puppies need another potty break in the afternoon, and some puppies need more breaks outside. Evening: Their dinner meal and their evening potty time. Remember to let them explore outdoors in a safe area to help build their confidence. Scheduling exercise, potty breaks, and play at the same times every day helps ensure that your puppy learns their daily routine more quickly and settles in nicely. And, even young puppies can learn basic training in their first weeks with you. Try training your German Shepherd puppy at home to start with. In the beginning, you may find a few accidents in the house. But, stick with your potty training and remember to always watch your puppy to keep them from having messes in the house. When you stick to a regular potty schedule, the likelihood of potty training mishaps decreases, and you and your puppy are less stressed. Always, always, always… Supervise your puppy indoors when you are potty training. Your toughest time together with your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy might be the first few nights. Your puppy has only known the comfort of his mother and siblings before. Having your puppy sleep away from you will only scare them more. And, although they are little, their cry is loud! Having a place for them near your bed is the best way to avoid a night full of tearful cries and howling. Can I let my German Shepherd puppy sleep in bed with me? Plus, when your puppy is an adult and tries to sleep in bed with you there will be no room for you! A full-grown German Shepherd can weigh up to pounds and will push you right out of your own sheets. Your puppy sleeps most of the day. A new puppy sleeps more often than they are awake. An 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy may sleep as many as 18 hours a day! Sleeping this much allows your puppy to have the energy they need to grow and keeps them ready to explore their new world. Feeding An 8 Week Old German Shepherd Your puppy should stay on the same food they were eating before you brought them home to keep them less stressed. This helps keeps your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy from having an upset stomach and becoming ill. Sometimes, you might want to switch them over to a different food. If you choose this route, do it slowly and in stages over a few weeks. At 8 weeks old, German Shepherd puppies should eat 3 to 4 small meals per day. Although their stomachs are small if you overfeed them they could get sick and have stomach problems. Spreading their meals out throughout the day in regular intervals is best to avoid any upsets. Look for a balanced, complete puppy food for large breed dogs. As a large breed dog, your German Shepherd you should only feed your puppy food that is specially formulated for large breed puppies. Large breed puppies have different nutritional needs that are not found in ordinary puppy food. Feeding a commercially available food that is formulated for large breed puppies helps them to grow at a sustained rate. Steady growth in a large breed puppy helps to avoid stress on their bones and gives them a strong skeletal foundation for their athletic muscles. Limiting food intake in growing German Shepherd puppies has also been associated with fewer signs of hip dysplasia. This is of extreme importance in this breed due to the high incidence of hip problems and the pain associated with this joint disorder. A growing puppy is best fed a proprietary pet food that has been specifically formulated to meet its nutritional needs. Foods that are available as dry kibble are especially suitable to rear even the youngest of puppies. Opt for this specially formulated food for large breed puppies to keep your dog growing at a healthy rate that helps them stay strong. It is a complete balanced diet so nothing is missing. Within the first few days of arriving to their new home with you is a stressful time. Your puppy has just made a drastic life change and left everything they knew to be with you. Diarrhea and other stomach issues are sometimes stress induced. You can help your puppy by keeping to a regular feeding schedule and feeding them the same food they were on before coming to you. Sometimes diarrhea is also a sign of an underlying health issue and, if left untreated, can become life-threatening. If your puppy vomits blood, has bloody stools and diarrhea, becomes lethargic, or refuses to drink, call your vet immediately! To an 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy biting and nipping are all part of playing with their siblings. And, your puppy will most likely bite and nip you at some point too. They may even growl at you and tug at your hands or nip your ankles. This is all part of puppy play. But… It can really hurt you or make you bleed! Understanding bite inhibition means they know how to control the power of their play bites and how hard or soft they nip you. Preventing Nips and Bites If you know the right way to prevent and stop German Shepherd puppy biting, you can train your puppy to understand how to keep their razor-sharp tiny teeth from sinking into you. Instead… Offer them plenty of puppy-safe chew toys appropriate for their size. When they bite or nip you, calmly show them the toy to chew instead. Get their attention by moving the toy in a playful way around them so they begin to chase and bite the toy, instead of you or your furniture. Use these links to help you stay on the right track throughout their life. Your German Shepherd Puppy: 8 Weeks To 1 Year Old Apr 08, If you're interested in what the progression of your puppy from 8 weeks to 1 year should look like, and how to achieve it; you've come to the right place. If you're expecting a timeline of what achievements you should hit at specific times, this isn't it. All puppies and dogs learn at different rates based on everything from the drive level, interests in reward, your level of training skill etc. Instead of focusing on what tricks and obedience positions your puppy learns, focus on building a relationship with your puppy. Millions of people have adult dogs who won't let them cut their nails or bathe them and must go to a professional groomer. There's nothing wrong with using a groomer's services, but if you must because your dog won't allow you to, it's because you didn't bond with the dog and condition it as a puppy. To begin building a foundation takes a lot of treats, time, socialization, conditioning, and focus training to get engagement. Let's start with socialization. Socialization doesn't mean you let your puppy play with random dogs and strangers. It's quite the opposite. Socialization means you desensitize your puppy to the presence of other dogs and people to the point it doesn't acknowledge them. Other dogs and people become background noise that they're uninterested in. If you view socialization as getting a puppy to love everything, everyone, and every dog they see, you won't have their engagement. If you don't have their engagement on you, they aren't going to listen to you. You'll be the owner who gets drug down the street every time your dog wants to say "hi" to a stranger or new dog. Not only that, but not every stranger is friendly, nor is every dog. It's better to train your puppy to completely ignore everything except you on your walks. Since we've brushed up on what socialization should be and why, let's get into engagement. Engagement means that your dog looks to you. When you say their name, you have their undivided attention. They are looking at you, waiting for instruction. If you've ever had a dog, not come when called, 9 times out of 10 it was doing something it deemed more engaging than looking to you. That means to your dog, that other thing they were doing was more important than anything you had to say or wanted them to do. That becomes life threatening if a dog deems that engaging with the dog across the street is more important than coming when called. So how do you build engagement? Well, thankfully, it's easy! Start from day one by saying your pup's name. If they look at you, click your clicker or say "yes" and give them a treat. If they come to you, even better, give them a treat for looking at you, and another for coming. Your job is to court their attention and reward every time you get it. Before long, your puppy will look to you for everything. Once that happens, training can begin. If you skip this step, you will notice that during training your puppy may sit for you, take the treat, then decide to run around or sniff the ground etc. Those things means that training will take longer because you don't have engagement. Now that you've gotten the engagement you need, start training by making everything a learning experience and a game. You should be upbeat and excited. When you teach your dog to sit, mark the behavior with a click or a yes and reward with a treat excitedly. This only serves to increase engagement. You're not only a treat machine, you're also a fun friend. The more fun you are, the less fun distractions are. You can even begin to blend this into socialization. For example, your puppy sees another dog being walked across the street and starts to focus on them. You call their name, they look at you because you give treats for engagement, and you're way more fun than playing with another dog they don't even know across the street. This is the corner stone of having a dog who obeys commands every time, and not just when there's no distractions around or when they feel it's convenient. We've all either said, or have heard people say "Well, he usually does it when it's just us! Remember, while you're building this bond, trust, and engagement, you also need to start conditioning your puppy. Lift all 4 paws. Open the mouth. Check their ears. Touch their undersides. Open their eyes.This is the time to condition your puppy to being examined, medicated, temperature checked, bathed, nails clipped or dremeled etc. Lastly, during this time, you should be trying your hardest to build drive to play tug with a ball on a rope or tug. Food is great, but many dogs have more prey drive than food drive. If you have such a dog, a ball on a rope or tug is a powerful training agent. It also helps build a bond because puppies love food, but puppies also love to play. Later in life, you'll find it easier to stuff a ball in your pocket than a full pouch of treats as well. All of this sounds like an informal amalgamation of building trust, building a bond, training, desensitization, conditioning, building engagement and drive etc. But that's because this is exactly what raising a puppy in the most efficient and most reliable way possible is. Taking your time and blending all these aspects together until they're one and the same. Trying to create a schedule of when a puppy should know this, or that will not nearly be as fun for you or the puppy. It'll only make you both frustrated and feel like you're failing. But if you take your time, by 12 months, your puppy will know everything you would've put on that schedule, have bonded with you, think training and learning new things is fun, and be a pleasure to groom and vet! If you enjoyed this article, please leave a like and share. Thank you. Check Price on Amazon 7. Make Commands Only Once When it comes to training, what you give is what you get. Teach your pup to heed a command at its first mention. If a command is not executed the first time, show your puppy what you want them to do and make the command again. Repeat that until they can learn to obey the first time the command is made. Unless he is born with a hearing defect that is detected by a vet, your German Shepherd puppy has a perfect hearing ability. If you do, you will train him to be anxious or eventually create the idea that shouting is the norm. Otherwise, your poor puppy will be confused about what you expect and will not know how you want them to behave. Eventually Wean Your German Shepherd Puppy off Training Treats At some point, your puppy needs to learn that skills and commands are not learned or obeyed for the sole motive of a treat. For this reason, it is important to wean your puppy off treats when the time is right. The AKC Pet Insurance advises that this should be done when your dog has repeatedly performed the behavior or trick that you are training him in and mastered it completely. Nonetheless, your German Shepherd puppy is still a dog in training, and you need to replace the treat with some emotional reward. With these ten principles, you can now apply them to the key areas that your German Shepherd puppy needs to be trained in. It might be training for a sport in their early adult years or training to cope with an age-related life change. But, as a puppy, there are five key areas in which you must appropriately train your 8-week old German Shepherd. In the next section, I tell you what training entails for each of these areas. If you are looking for a step-by-step guide on how to train a German Shepherd , I have just the article for you. Humans become social through socialization. Canines become social with training. Humans who are well trained in the first years of life will be well behaved as adults. If you want some scientific proof to the rule that training your German Shepherd young is important for their adult life, here are two key findings from this study: Dogs that are well socialized as puppies will behave more positively with humans and are less likely to display behavioral problems such as fear and aggression. These dogs learn better how to play games with humans than those without proper socialization as puppies. Your dog will learn social skills throughout his life, depending on the situations that he gets exposed to. As a puppy, however, you can teach your German Shepherd socialization through intentional training moments in the family, in public places, or by sending the pup to socialization classes. Taking your German Shepherd out often to social places like parks exposes him to other people and dogs. This helps the canine to be less wary or aggressive around strangers. Being among other puppies also helps your little furry friend build confidence. The earlier mentioned study indicates that puppies can learn social skills better when put in socialization classes with other puppies. So, what does that mean? Usually, dogs will need to relieve themselves early in the morning and once they have had their meal. Use that natural rhythm as a reference for his daily pee or poop walks. Dogs hate messing up their sleeping space and will usually hold it. Nonetheless, young puppies might be unable to do so. If they learn that a relief walk happens first thing in the morning, though, they will eventually make an effort to hold it. Walk your dog after his morning meal and hang around for 15 minutes or so to give him time to do his thing. Repeat the same in the evening. In addition to this for dogs that have had their shots , a short walk every hours is an ideal routine to prevent your dog from peeing around the house. If you crate your puppy because you are out, find someone to help you stick to the routine. The best dog crates will give your pet enough room to stand, sit, turn, and lie down comfortably on his side with paws outstretched. When purchasing a crate for your puppy, you might go for the standard metal model with either a single or double door. I like the double door one as it gives you more options where you can place it in your home, and this one has a carrying handle which makes it easy to move around. Travel kennels like this Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel check Amazon for the latest price are also hardy when you are on the move with your dog, and this one even meets the cargo specifications for airlines. Here are five key things you should practice when crate-training your German Shepherd puppy: Keep your puppy in the crate at night always. Letting him into your bed should be a complete no. Initiate crate training from the very first day you bring your puppy home. It will be harder to succeed in crate training if your puppy gets the idea that there are other options. You will likely hear your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy cry during the first night, but after that, he will be just fine. Keep your dog in the crate when you are out of the house and for his own safety, such as cooking in the kitchen or in exceptional situations like when you have visitors. Instead, reward good behavior in the crate. A blanket and some toys will offer some comfort for your dog. Older dogs may refrain from biting because they have been trained to. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Contrary to the widespread idea that we should yelp like a puppy and quickly withdraw our hand or clothing when a puppy bites, the best way to teach your German Shepherd puppy that his bite hurts is to cry like the human that you are. If you watch the video, you will see what I mean. Do the same when they bite your clothing and other parts of the body like ears or hair. While doing this training, let your dog differentiate between a bite that hurts and one that is soft and part of playing. Also, training your puppy to soft bite is best initiated early in the first six weeks and continued until 4 to 5 months, or when they have mastered the art of soft biting. The best way to do this is to practice at home first before going out for walks with your pup. Consider the following steps: Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to a harness or collar and leash by first allowing him to get used to it gradually. You can play with your puppy for a while and give a treat before or soon after removing the leash. I find the best no-pull harness to be those that are not rear-attached. Give a treat when the command is obeyed. Introduce your puppy to short walks outside on a leash. Your puppy will get distracted during the walk and may try to pull. Do not pull back; instead, stand firm until he gives up and walks back toward you. Timing is crucial here. Reward every time commands are obeyed and gradually reduce the rewards as the art of walking on a leash is perfected. You can learn how to stop a GSD from pulling on the leash in this article. Final Thoughts 8-weeks-old is a good time to train a German Shepherd puppy in key areas such as socialization, crate training, potty training, leash training, and not biting. To successfully train your puppy in these areas, you must train them young and follow other good training principles like not shouting at your puppy, being consistent in your commands, and rewarding obedience to commands, among others. Always bear in mind that a puppy is just starting. So, be patient and begin with basic commands before introducing the more complex trick commands. Good luck with your new friend! Related Posts You May Like:. This article is designed to help you along your way. This is completely normal. Every new puppy owner has their moments of frustration and doubt. Remember that your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy is going through a big life change, too. She may be feeling stressed and out of sorts when you first bring her home. Consistency and structure will go a long way toward helping both of you. Introducing The Puppy Crate A crate can be your best friend when it comes to caring for your 8-week-old puppy. While some people think of crates as cruel, the reality is that with the right training, your puppy will think of her crate as a safe, quiet space where she can go to relax. If you leave your puppy unsupervised at home, you may come back to find a whole lot of destruction. Puppies can get into all kinds of trouble on their own, with their natural curiosity and desire to chomp down on just about everything in their path. A crate can help you keep your German Shepherd puppy — and your belongings! While every puppy is different, chances are your daily schedule for the first week will look a little bit like this: Early morning: Time for the first potty break of the day! Breakfast time: You can feed your puppy breakfast right after her first potty break, or wait a little longer and let her go back to sleep first. Mid-morning: Time for another small meal, and another potty break. Afternoon: Lunchtime followed by a potty break. Late afternoon: Another potty break! Evening: Dinner, and then — you guessed it — potty time. Just before bed: One last trip outside before you turn in for the night. In between potty and mealtimes, your puppy will probably be playing or napping. Scheduling play and exercise at the same times every day can help ensure that you get that nice, quiet naptime right on schedule, too. Potty Training an 8 Week Old German Shepherd Potty training can be one of the most daunting tasks of raising a brand new puppy. It may take a bit longer than you expected for your puppy to get the hang of things! Your puppy has never been apart from her siblings and mother before. The best way to avoid a night full of mournful wailing is to let your puppy sleep in your room, at least in the beginning. Safer ways to keep your puppy comfortable and contained at night include keeping her crate beside your bed, setting up a puppy playpen, or even just using a tall cardboard box. In fact, an 8-week-old puppy can spend as many as 18 hours a day sleeping! This helps keep some element of consistency in her routine and her stomach. If you do decide to switch over to a different food after a few weeks, do so in stages. You can then increase that slowly over time. At 8 weeks old, German Shepherd puppies should be fed three to four times per day. Because the German Shepherd is a large breed, you should also feed your puppy a diet formulated specifically for large breed puppies. There are many commercially available diets made to help large breed puppies grow at the right rate. This helps to avoid skeletal abnormalities like hip dysplasia. Want more information on what to feed your 8-week-old German Shepherd, and how to change her diet as she gets older? We have everything you need to know right here in our guide to feeding a German Shepherd puppy. The stress of such a drastic life change can manifest in different ways, and an upset stomach is a pretty common reaction. You can give your pup a better chance of having a settled stomach by keeping her on the food she was eating before you brought her home, and feeding on a consistent schedule. Diarrhea can also be a sign of an underlying issue besides stress, however, and severe diarrhea can be life-threatening if left untreated. Your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy is likely to bite you too, for exactly the same reason. She may even growl. And it really can hurt! Your Growing Dog As your German Shepherd puppy grows, our guides will help you care for her throughout her life. Here are a few links to get you started:. Can a German Shepherd puppy start training at 8 months? How to Potty Train Your 8-week-old German Shepherd Puppy Potty training your 8-week-old German Shepherd can be stressful at first, but with a bit of persistence and patience, your puppy will learn correct behavior in no time. The potty area can be outdoors or indoors. Having a designated potty place will help your dog understand that this is the only place they should go to poop or pee. Watch Out for Signs One of the first signs is usually an increased awareness of their surroundings. You may notice that your puppy starts sniffing around more often or seems particularly interested in certain places of the house. Watch out also for changes in behavior. If your pup suddenly starts having accidents inside or seems antsy and restless, they may be trying to tell you that they need to go outside. Use Cue Words One way to help your new puppy understand what you want him to do is to use cue words. Cue words will help your German Shepherd puppy learn the connection between the words and the action. You can also use cue words when rewarding him for going in the right spot. Give Training Treats When potty training your puppy, use treats as a form of positive reinforcement. Doing this teaches your puppy that good things happen when they go outside to do their business. When choosing treats for potty training, select something small and easy to eat. This way, the puppy can eat the treat quickly and then get back to playing. It would be best if you also chose training treats that your puppy finds irresistible. Otherwise, they may not be motivated to keep trying. Puppy Crate It is an enclosure to confine your new puppy for short periods. It is also helpful in transporting puppies from one place to another. German Shepherd owners use it for crate training as they can also help with separation anxiety and boredom. Puppy crates usually have a removable tray on the bottom for easy cleaning. They also have wire, plastic, or fabric as the primary materials, and they typically come in different sizes to accommodate puppies of different ages and breeds. When buying a crate, it must be big enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down but small enough so that the puppy does not have too much space to eliminate in one corner and sleep in the other. When used correctly, it can provide a safe, comfortable space for your new furry friend. Early Morning: Bring your Puppy Outside When your German Shepherd is a still puppy, he may have trouble holding his bladder throughout the night. If you do not let your puppy out early enough, it might create potty accidents because he cannot control their bladder. Morning: Time for a Nutritious Breakfast Puppies need a lot of nutrients to grow up healthy and strong. A nutritious breakfast helps them get the energy they need to start the day. Even though puppies spend most of their time sleeping and cuddling, puppies require several daily feedings. Place your puppy on your lap and snuggle while sleeping. It would be best if you also let them rest throughout the day. Afternoon: Lunchtime Take your puppy outside after lunch to relieve themselves. Allow your puppy time to exercise and release any built-up energy. Feeding your puppy .Between naps, you can do playtime and training activities to help release energy, encourage physical activity, and develop a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd. Evening: Last meal of the Day During the evening, feed your puppy their fourth and last meal. Afterward, take your puppy for a short stroll. Before returning, have your puppy go potty outside, then snuggle up on the sofa for some quality time. Night: Potty Break Before Bedtime Take your puppy out for one more potty time before putting him to bed. Remember that you should establish a reasonable bedtime for your puppy early on. Moreover, an 8-week-old German Shepherd may develop a better appetite for other solid meals. These include constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. Diarrhea Diarrhea is a common problem that many German Shepherd puppies face. This condition has several possible causes, including dietary indiscretion, viral infections, and intestinal parasites. In most cases, diarrhea is not a serious concern and will resolve itself within a few days. However, seek veterinary care if your puppy displays other symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, or lack of appetite. Constipation A young German Shepherd is particularly susceptible to constipation due to their large, muscular build and fast metabolism. If your puppy is constipated, you may notice that he has difficulty passing stool and seems uncomfortable or restless. If your puppy is constipated, take him to the vet for treatment. The vet may give him a laxative or enema to help relieve constipation. Bloating Bloating occurs when the stomach fills with gas, causing it to swell. German Shepherds are especially prone to bloating because of their deep chests. There are several possible causes of bloating, including eating too fast, drinking too much water, and exercising immediately after eating. Stress can also be a factor. To prevent bloating, feed your German Shepherd several small meals daily instead of one large meal. It is also important to avoid exercising immediately after eating and ensure that your dog has access to fresh water. Yes, a German Shepherd puppy can start training at eight months. But remember that every puppy is different and will learn at its own pace. Consistency is key, and with patience, your puppy will get the hang of obedience training in no time. Training should be a bonding experience for you and your pup! Remember to have fun and keep it light. At eight weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy sleeps for around 18 hours daily. It may seem like a lot, but puppies need a lot of sleep to grow and develop properly. As they get older, German Shepherds will sleep for less time each day. German Shepherd puppies use their mouths to explore their surroundings and socialize with other dogs and people. In addition, puppies typically start teething around eight weeks old, which can cause them to bite more as they try to relieve the discomfort caused by their emerging teeth. Puppies also explore the world with their mouths, and biting is a way for them to learn about their environment. In addition, puppies may bite out of excitement or frustration, especially if they are not getting enough exercise. If your puppy is biting excessively, provide him with plenty of chew toys and opportunities to run and play. Also read:.

Due to their high energy and intelligence, they take lots of time and attention. They are also high maintenance in the grooming and exercise departments. Despite all the time they require, they are worth every minute. Their love and loyalty is unmatched and there is no greater companion than a faithful German shepherd dog by your side. Whether you own one or are planning to get one in the future, there are 17 items that you must have if you own a German shepherd. They are: 1. Good Quality Crate There are many good reasons to teach a dog to use a crate and very few excuses not to. Just a few reasons why crate training is a good idea include, they may be crated at the vet so being familiar with one will help them be calm; they may at some point in their life need to travel in a crate; during an emergency, they may need to be crated for their own safety; a crate is the perfect place to keep your dog when home repair is being done and other strangers are going in and out of the house; when recovering after illness or injury; it is a great training tool, a safe place for an unsupervised puppy. Strong Leash and Collar German shepherds are incredibly strong and very determined. The last thing you need is a collar or leash that will break at the wrong moment. Even better, owning several leashes and collar styles can come in handy. Some tools that can help are educational books, videos, clickers , tugs , treat bag , high value treats , crate, leash , and slip collar. Since German shepherds are so intelligent, there are many things you can teach them so these tools are just the tip of the iceberg. Your plans will depend upon the tools you need so these are just the basics that everyone can use. Chews and toys German shepherds have powerful jaws and they love to chew, especially puppies. There are some companies that make durable rubber dog chews such as Ruff Dawg and Westpaw that are great for German shepherds. Some of these can hold treats to help keep their interest. German shepherds also need lots of exercise and love to play. You can do both at once by playing games of fetch, Frisbee , tug , and more. Nothing will make your German shepherd happier than spending time playing with you and their favorite toy. Good Brush German shepherds shed and shed a lot. To reduce the amount of pet hair in your home, a good deshedding brush is great and a slicker brush will also help remove loose fur. Shampoo and conditioner Despite their shedding, German shepherds are relatively clean dogs unless they get into something that makes them dirty. However, they will need to be bathed so a good Ph balanced moisturizing shampoo and conditioner will help keep them clean and remove dead fur. Since they are also known for their sensitive skin and some have allergies, there are special shampoos that can he kept on hand to reduce itching, seasonal dry skin, or to heal skin irritations. Fenced Yard German shepherds need lots of exercise and a place to safely run and burn off some of their energy. They also have a high prey drive and many love to chase small animals and such so a fenced yard will also help keep them safe should they encounter wildlife or see neighborhood animals. Healthy Food Notorious for their sensitive digestive systems, German shepherds do best on a high-quality diet formulated for large breed dogs and puppies. Storage container for food To help keep food fresh and preserve nutrients, an airtight storage container is perfect. They make them large enough to store an entire bag of food, which is a huge plus. But they are also yummy and fun and like all dogs, shepherds love them. Food and water dishes Depending on the dog, the best food and water dishes are either stainless steel or ceramic. If your dog likes to dig in their water, a heavy bottomed bowl can help reduce spills. If your dog eats too fasts and gulps their food, a slow feeder can help slow them down and make mealtimes more enjoyable. Some bottles have a built-in dish that the water squeezes into so they are super convenient. Our favorite is a bowl with a leak-proof lid for the car that also helps keep the water cool. Dog poop bags Another must for going out with your dog is a supply of dog poop bags. There are containers you can attach to their leash or you can just keep a supply in the car and put one in your pocket. Either way, to avoid embarrassment, they are a great to have on hand. Dog bed Since German shepherds are over 50 pounds when grown, they are considered large dogs. They love a good dog bed that is comfy but also supports their back and joints. Even if they sleep in your bed, their own dog bed is a great idea. Nail clippers Since German shepherds are so active, their nails should be kept trimmed unless they wear them down themselves. Even if you have someone else trim their nails, a good quality nail clipper is good to have on hand in case you need to trim or cut a nail. If you prefer, a nail grinder tool can be used. This is not a complete list but things to consider putting in your kit include the phone number for animal poison control, blood stop powder , bandages, ace bandage, Gas X and Benedryl, Zymox Otic Ear Treatment, etc. Tags and microchip One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to keep their Identification tags and microchip information up-to-date. With no way to reunite them with their family, they are lucky if they are rescued but many dogs are euthanized simply due to overcrowding or they are injured before arriving at the shelter. To protect your dog from becoming a statistic, always keep their ID on them and your contact information current. No one thinks their dog will be the one to get lost but, sadly, it happens all the time. We hope you find this list helpful. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. Feeding and grooming 1. Traditional leather collars with an engraved tag are a popular choice. They can be personalised with up to 25 characters of information which will help someone return your pup to you. But here at Happy Puppy HQ, we love them! If your puppy reaches the end of their leash quite suddenly, a harness distributes the impact over a large area of predominantly muscle, rather than concentrating it on a small area of delicate throat tissues. And they make it easier to safely control your puppy during training. Travel Restraint Most people want to be able to travel with their dog. But there are some things to buy German Shepherd puppies that will make this easier. Puppies who travel unrestrained in vehicles can be somewhat mischievous however! It can be all too tempting to try and climb into your lap or your footwell, for a bit of attention. Furthermore, unrestrained dogs are more likely to sustain serious injuries in a collision. However, if your GSD puppy is a destructive chewer, this kind of crate might not last long. Another Alternative A great alternative is anchoring their harness securely to the seat belt plug. This will keep your puppy in place, and distribute the impact of a crash as safely as possibly over his body. So one of the things to buy a German Shepherd puppy is a leash. Young puppies are very receptive to new experiences, so teaching them to accept wearing a leash is easiest while they are still young. Most GSD puppy parents find that they need two types of leash. The Two Types First, a short lead for keeping their dog under close control near traffic and whilst walking on the sidewalk. Crate People tend to have mixed feelings about dog crates. But used responsibly, they have heaps of advantages. They can become a cosy den for your puppy, which he will learn to associate with being safe and relaxed in. They can make toilet training quicker and easier. And they prepare your dog for being unavoidable crating in the future, for example if they ever need to stay at the vet, or travel by air. Our crate training article is all about how to choose the best crate, and use it correctly. And this article is all about choosing the right size for a German Shepherd. So add some bedding to your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy! If you decide to move onto something more supportive as they grow up, our review of the best beds for German Shepherds will help you find the perfect next step. Many of them are available in standard crate sizes too — perfect for making the bottom of a crate as luxurious as can be! Puppies are curious, playful, and at times even total trouble-magnets! Creating a safe place in your home where you can leave them for a few moments to visit the bathroom or answer the door protects them from harm and gives you peace of mind. Your puppy zone should ideally have wipe clean floors in case of toilet accidents, and you should invest a little time teaching them to associate it with good things — by leaving treats in it for them to find, and returning their favorite toys there when they leave them lying around. Toys Like all puppies, German Shepherd pups have stacks of energy. So, toys should be a priority on your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy. They love to play, and playing plays a valuable role in developing their muscles, motor skills and coordination. In fact, GSDs have pretty tough teeth and jaws, even from a young age. So we recommend choosing toys designed with durability in mind. Food and Water Bowls All puppies need access to clean, fresh water. And whilst we recommend using most of their daily food allowance as rewards during training, you might also like to give them small meals in a bowl. In fact it is estimated that bloat causes the death of approximately 1 in 7 GSDs. Food Your puppy should come home with a modest supply of the food they were weaned onto by their breeder. This will minimize the possibility of them etting an upset tummy. Our article on the best diets for German Shepherd Dogs will give you some food for thought. Are they just the start of a slippery slope towards canine obesity? Well, we think treats have an important role to play in successful German Shepherd training! But the best way to capture a new behavior, or advance an established area of training to the next level, is by offering a high value food reward at first. Pieces of cooked chicken or small cubes of cheese are equally effective. Some we Like You may need to experiment with a few brands to find out which your GSD will work the hardest for. These basics belong in every dog owners kit: A brush, for removing loose hair, debris, matts and tangles — German Shepherds need their coats brushing at least two or three times a week. Shampoo, for when they roll in in something stinky. Toothbrush and Toothpaste These could be considered part of general grooming supplies. Medical procedures such as setting broken bones and corrective surgery for bloat cost several thousand dollars. Most insurance plans have the added bonus of including public liability cover. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.