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Welcome to Miniature Labs! Labs have been on the top of the list when choosing a family pet therapy dogs and hunting companions. The Miniature Labradors are really no different when it comes to temperament, looks and being family friendly. They are a bit smaller so they take up less space! They still have all the great attributes as a standard lab like great coats, webbed feet for swimming and otter tails. There have been a couple of good breeders that have invested a lot of time into the Miniature Labrador Retriever. We hope that these dogs will continue to bless all of us with their GREAT personalities and their zest for life for a long time to come! We breed our miniature Labrador puppies using many of the breeds listed on our miniature lab breed origen page. However, we do try to keep "Lab" as our primary breed. By doing this, it helps to preserve what past miniature labrador retriever breeders have started as well as help build the future of the mini lab breed. Above is a 15 month old standard labrador Chocolate Left lbs next to one of our miniature labs 15 months right merle 34lbs www. All breeds of Labrador Retrievers are known for being kind and gentle — and this trait runs especially strong with the chocolate-colored sweeties. While these dogs are very friendly to strangers, they have even more affection to give to their beloved families. Your Chocolate Lab puppy or adult will be happiest spending time with their favorite people. If you have young children, a lab is a great fit, as this breed is usually quite tolerant of the horseplay of small children who are still learning how to interact with pets. Just like many people, Chocolate Labs enjoy both downtime — especially if it involves being pampered by their family — and active high-energy fun. We recommend daily exercise, which can include anything from fetch, to tag, or even frisbee games. The average Chocolate Lab lifespan is between 9 and 11 years. The most common Chocolate Lab health problem is hip dysplasia, which occurs more commonly in older and overweight dogs. This is just one of the reasons to make exercise a common part of your time with a Chocolate Lab puppy or fully grown adult. Another problem that occurs in overweight labs is joint and movement issues. The other most common Chocolate Lab health problems are: Progressive Retinal Atrophy Cataracts Elbow Dysplasia As is the case with any dog, when you bring home a Chocolate Labrador, make sure that you have a good vet to handle routing vaccinations and check-ups as well as emergency health problems. Learn more about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! Chocolate Lab Coat Care In general, Chocolate Lab coat care is easy compared to many other dog breeds which require weekly or daily work. Labrador Retrievers all have double coats, which includes an under layer of short hairs and a slightly longer top layer. This coat is useful for repelling water and keeping them cool in warmer temperatures — and warm in cooler ones. Their coat is also noted to be slightly dry and oily. Chocolate Lab coat care is fairly minimal and considered low maintenance. The coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush 2 — 3 times per month to minimize shedding. In addition to that, baths are needed fairly infrequently. What is more crucial is ensuring that their toenails are well cared for throughout the year. Meet Chocolate Lab Puppies for Sale. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article. They are also regularly tested for parasites and preventively treated. All puppies come with a full written health guarantee which covers hip and elbow dysplasia, heart murmurs, EIC, CNM, and eyes. All of this health testing insures you have a healthy, sound family member for years to come. You can pay up front for a sound guaranteed dog, or you may pay MORE later for a puppy that has one of these medical problems. Please do not support unexperienced breeders that are not properly testing their dogs. This leads to the potential of so much pain and suffering that is preventable. My love for animals has been life long. I was a Certified Veterinary Technician for 15 years, mostly working in a small animal hospital. I also received an Animal Science degree. My husband and I are Arizona natives and are located in the beautiful desert of North Phoenix. We live on property with our dogs and horses. Our labs enjoy our swimming pool and room to run. They are truly part of our family. Our puppies are raised in our home with us where they received lots of love and attention by our 2 daughters and many nieces and nephews. Contact us to schedule a visit and for our physical address. This is our mailing address but we live near this location.

Without something to occupy them, your Dood is likely to quickly get bored. These toys present your pal with a task to carry out in order to receive a reward — this can either be access to a fun toy or tasty treat. Some toys, such as puzzle balls, also work well for rationing kibble with scoffers. Rope Toys Another popular and inexpensive option is the rope toy. Long, colorful fibers are woven together and knotted to create the perfect toy for chewing, tug-of-war games, and fetch. A word of caution, poorly made rope toys can do your pet more harm than good — especially if they are exceptionally energetic chewers. Loose strands can also get tangled around the base of the tongue, which can cause a strangulation-type injury to the tongue itself. Fetch toys Most dogs love playing games with their owner. For the bouncy, boisterous Labradoodle fetch toys such as balls and frisbees are a great way of killing two birds with one stone. Not only do they get to spend quality time with the person they love best in the world, but they also get plenty of much-needed exercise. A further benefit of these excellent toys is the more you can tire your pup out through long walks and energetic games, the easier they will be to handle through the day and into the evening. Burning down their energy this way also helps keep dogs calm during bathing and grooming sessions and trips to the vet. Plush toys Great for anxious dogs and keeping young puppies calm, plush toys make excellent snuggle pals for your four-legged friend. Generally, these are better for light to non-chewers as fabric is more easily ripped and shredded by determined teeth and claws. Always opt for a non-toxic product with reinforced seams, though, just in case. They could cause them health problems if your pup decides to swallow any materials, small parts, or stuffing. In particular, pay attention to: Design While many dog toys have relatively straightforward designs — especially fetch and tug toys, you need to ask yourself whether it will actually appeal to your dog. After all, if your dog loses interest within a couple of minutes, all you have left is a pointless, potential trip hazard. Opt for easy-grip toys with entertaining features if you are looking for something that will keep your pup entertained during solo play. These may include squeakers, added flavors, or a place where you can stash a treat for them to find. Construction This is probably the most crucial aspect of any toy. After all, how many times have you bought what you thought was an excellent toy for your dog, only for them to rip it to shreds in literal seconds? Novice pet parents, be warned! Choose quality toys that are not going to instantly be destroyed the minute you remove the tag. Natural rubber, latex, and nylon are all good robust materials. Kong Classic Dog Toy. Adjustable treat dispensing toy Large chamber fits whole meals Weighted bottom wobbles. With a curved, wobbling bottom and a thinner cylinder-like top, this toy is shaped specifically for the mouth of a Labradoodle, making it easier to pick up and walk around with. Goughnuts tough dog toys are long lasting and will keep your dog busy.Our super durable dog toys are nearly indestructible, but if your dog manages to damage them, We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Made in California, this dog toy is shaped like a ring and can float, bounce, flex, and stand up, making it perfect for playing a long game of fetch. With 4 sizes and 6 colors to choose from, this 21 dollar toy is a great investment for your money. With a long-lasting guarantee, Goughnuts also has a replacement policy that says it will send you a new Ring Toy if your dog ever destroys the one you have. Made of a natural compounded rubber in the United States, this toy is great for dental hygiene and is filled with treats to encourage chewing while gradually feeding snacks to your Labradoodle. Labradoodles in particular love this toy because it challenges their intellect. They tend to get bored easily and love the smell of their treats hiding inside this FDA-approved puzzle. Perfect for solo play or playtime with the family, it comes in 2 sizes and 2 colors including red and green. Bring it on. Benebones are tougher than real bones and last for weeks. Trust us, dogs can tell the difference. Want to chat? This toy comes in 3 delicious flavors that will encourage your dog to play and chew it enthusiastically. For meat-loving dogs, chicken and bacon flavors are available. A Labradoodle sits on a couch next to a Pomeranian. Great for.Swivel to hide treats under the.Easy to.Do not leave toys with unsupervised pets. Remove and replace toy if damaged. This toy is considered somewhat eco-friendly because it is made from a wood-plastic composite instead of all rubber or plastic. This dog puzzle is a good stimulation tool for Labradoodles, especially when playing alone because it takes both interest and concentration. To operate and solve this game, your dog must interact by pushing levers and swiveling flippers to reach hidden treats and goodies. By following a series of steps, they will push blocks into holes to release their treats. It also features handles that.Multi-Use Toy: The two-in-one ball toy offers twice the fun, excitement, mental stimulation, and worthwhile interactive play. Its tough exterior makes it super durable and ideal for routine fetch.Hours of fun and bonding are guaranteed between you and your dog. Assorted Colors: Choose from an assortment of fun colors and pick from one of two shape choices: Ball or Football. Available in 2 Sizes: Medium and Large. Available in both medium and large sizes, this toy weighs roughly 1 pound and is great for Labradoodles of all ages. Your Labradoodle will be entertained and occupied for hours trying to figure out how to reach the tennis ball inside of the jumbler itself. And when buying labradoodle toys this is a good idea, as they are known to be quite intelligent, so exercising the mind is equally as important as the body. This ball has an interior tennis ball and makes loud squeaks to make playtime a lot of fun. The built-in handle also makes sure that it is very easy to pick up and shake around for your dog. And also for you to throw for a great time of fetch! Pros: Both fun for brawling for your dog, and as a fetch toy The interior tennis ball also makes it a nice interactive toy Also serves a squeaky toy Cons: Not well suited for puppies or very young dogs, as it is quite large and weighs 1. It makes a perfect sleeping buddy for your dog. Pros: Just look at this thing! The durability of this is the reason they give a lifetime replacement guarantee, so they trust the durability of their product. Many users report back saying that their dog is usually able to destroy most toys in a matter of minutes, but this has lasted them weeks without more than some teeth marks in it. Without much training you will be able to throw this very far, so not only is it fun for your dog, you will also enjoy it. Throw it into a lake and watch your labradoodle jump into the water to try and retrieve it. Labradoodles are intelligent and have the retriever instinct. They love to chew and tug to exercise their strong jaw. A Labradoodles toy box should include one toy from each of the following categories: Puzzle Toys: Puzzle toys work to occupy your Labradoodles mind rather than enhance their physical fitness. The intelligence Labradoodles inherit from their Poodle parent makes them enjoy all problem solving toys. When choosing a puzzle toy for your Labradoodle ensure the toy will be challenging enough for your dog. A toy that is easily solved will lead to your dog becoming bored and loose interest in the toy. Chew Toys: Most dog breeds love to chew and Labradoodles are no exception. Labradoodles can be strong meaning the chew toy you select should be durable quality. Having a number of different chew toys for your Labradoodle gives them choice and will decrease boredom. Tug Toys: Tug toys requires the owner to pull against the Labradoodle. Tug toys allow the Labradoodle to share bonding time with the owner. If you happen to have two Labradoodle dogs, a tug toy is a great toy for them to play with together. Retriever Toys: Retriever toys or fetch toys are a great way to bond with your Labradoodle. Being an active breed they love to run and also love to please their owner. A fetch toy can allow them to do both of these things. Fetch toys are generally basic balls, plastic squeak bones or similar so it is important to use a fetch toy that is tough enough to survive the strength of a Labradoodle. Labradoodle Treat Toys Below you can find the top toys for your Labradoodle. If you have a medium or standard Labradoodle, you will need to purchase the larger sized toys available, while a miniature Labradoodle will require smaller, lighter weight toys. Not only will this interactive toy keep your Labradoodle occupied; if they are going through a teething stage, it will relieve any teething troubles they are feeling. The objective of this toy is for the Labradoodle to attempt to eat the treats that the owner hides inside. The bottom of the Kong twists off where the owner can stash the dogs favorite treats, or just some dog biscuits. While the Kong is primarily a puzzle treat toy, it can also be thrown in hopes to be retrieved by your Labradoodle. The shape of the Kong means that it will bounce and turn making your Labradoodle need to think to catch it successfully in their mouth. This proudly American made dog toy, is bound to keep your Labradoodle occupied and out of mischief for quite some time. The Kong is made entirely from rubber meaning that it can be hand washed after use. View current price of Kong Toy here. Made from non-toxic plastic, this dog toy is durable, safe and can be easily cleaned. While your dog is being both physically and mentally active playing with the IQ Treat Ball, their teeth are being well looked after. Using an IQ treat toy will ensure your dog is only rewarded if they have been active. This type of toy is great because it can be retrieved, chewed and is a puzzle with treats as a reward. Toys like this can easily become a Labradoodles favorite. This type of interactive dog toy is less likely to be thrown aside like their stuffed toy might have been previously. View current price of the IQ Treat Toy here. This toy will ensure that the Labradoodle is mentally solving the puzzle to receive the prize which can be any kind of dog treat. These type of puzzle treat toys will strengthen your Labradoodles cognitive ability and keep them from mischief making. The Interactive Seek a Treat Toy can be used by a number of puppies at once or alternatively a two pack can be purchased together. The sliding disks can be moved back and forth to reveal treats hidden by the owner. The sturdy wood material used to create the Interactive Seek a Treat Toy is hard for a Labradoodle to destroy, and in the circumstance they do, each of these toys comes with an 18 month money back guarantee. These type of toys can even be used to feed the dog from if they have a tenancy to rush their meals. The slow feeder treat toys will control how quickly the Labradoodle can eat their meals. If you find that your Labradoodle becomes easily bored or rushes their meals, the slow feeder treat toy might be perfect for them. Find out more about the Slow Feeder Treat Toy here. This ensures they will need to use their tongue and mouth to maneuver the biscuits to a place in which they can consume them. This dog bowl is recommend by veterinarians across the globe as it reduces dogs suffering bloating and ingestion. The plastic used to create this toy is chemical free and extremely durable even for the roughest of Labradoodles. While many owners choose to put biscuits in the fun feeder, small bite sized treats can also be used in this bowl. The Labradoodle Fun Feeder comes in a number of colors and designs as well as sizes. When selecting a sized feeder bowl for your doodle, consider how many cups of biscuits you give them daily and then purchase the correct size accordingly. Buy your very own fun feeder bowl for your furry friend here. Providing your puppy with a number of toys that they can retrieve, chew, tug and solve will ensure they stay far away from any mischief that can be caused. No related posts. Labradoodles are very intelligent and naturally curious, which makes them eager to learn. Providing them with interactive toys is an excellent way to keep these delightful pets entertained and mentally sharp. These pets need activities that keep them interested and mentally stimulated, similar to exercising their brains. It benefits you and your pet equally! Here are some interactive toys that Labradoodles will love: KONG Wobbler Kong Wobbler Dog Treat Toy: Fill this durable dog toy with your pet's favorite treats to create a dog treat puzzle that dispenses food while offering interactive playtime Food Dispense Dog Toy: This fillable dog toy wobbles, spins, and rolls to dispense treats, making it a fun way to offer mental stimulation for dogs Dishwasher-Safe Slow Feeder: This dog enrichment toy extends mealtime while supporting healthy eating habits; made of food-grade, high-strength polymer Click to Check Price on Amazon! The KONG Wobbler offers a unique and interactive treat-dispensing experience to keep Labradoodles entertained for hours! This versatile toy combines a treat dispenser and a toy, so your pup can have hours of fun playing and snacking. The Wobbler can be filled with tasty liver treats and is more challenging than a toy dispensing ball. This interactive toy keeps Labradoodles engaged and mentally stimulated and can help with boredom and destructive behavior. Flip lid compartments open and slide to reveal two separate treat hiding spots while removable brick bones conceal the third hidden compartments in this puzzle dog toy. Click to Check Price on Amazon! The Nina Ottosson Dog Brick offers mental stimulation and positive play habits for your pup. The Dog Brick also encourages positive play habits by reducing anxious and destructive behaviors. With three types of treat-hiding compartments, your pup must work to get the treats. Trixie Flip Board Trixie Flip Board As one of our most popular dog enrichment toys, the TRIXIE Flip Board interactive dog puzzle will keep your dog focused and mentally stimulated as they search and sniff out tasty treats; great dog accessory for a boredom buster Does your dog get bored quickly? This Trixie Flip Board is perfect for Labradoodles who love a mental challenge. High-value treats can help motivate them. Chew Toys for Labradoodles Labradoodles are typically strong chewers, and need durable toys that can handle rigorous chewing. Smaller Labradoodles usually need smaller chew toys, while larger dogs enjoy playing with bigger toys. Bring it on. Benebones are tougher than real bones and last for weeks. Why go with the imitation stuff? The Benebone Wishbone is tough, durable, and made in the USA with real peanuts for a paw-friendly grip! While no dog toy is truly indestructible, but this one comes very close. Unique Design Shape Toy for Boredom - Unique fruit shape with hollow seductive pineapple flavor and real texture surface, can attract the dog to chew and play. You can fill the pet toy with food and give it to the dog to play with and it will also make a squeaky sound, this is better to attract the attention of the dog, great dog toy for boredom. Your Labradoodle will love the Fairwin Ultra-Durable Pineapple toy, an interactive treat puzzle designed to keep them entertained and engaged for hours! This toy is sturdy, making it a great choice for even the most aggressive chewers. Not only is the Fairwin Ultra-Durable Pineapple toy tough and durable, but it also provides a fun challenge for your pup. Puzzle Toys for Labradoodles Investing in high-quality puzzle toys for your active Labradoodle is worth considering. This brings them a happy and healthy life. Rewarding your Labradoodle with treats while teaching them to follow directions and think strategically can be a delightful experience. Fill it with his favorite treats or kibble and challenge him to get them out. This deters vomiting and bloat caused by swallowing too much air at meal time. It can be filled with treats or kibble, and the difficulty level can be adjusted by using the sliding door. The toy is made of non-toxic thermoplastic rubber, making it safe and durable for your Labradoodle. It can provide up to 30 minutes of distraction, and because of its shape, it can easily be picked up and thrown. The only downside is that it can be a bit tricky to fill, but I use a funnel which helps. Knitly Dog Puzzles Knitly Dog Puzzles [More Challenging Dog Treats Puzzles] The dog puzzle toys is Level-3 which is designed with 3-Difficulty Levels and it's not only easy slide steps, but require your dog's ability to learn sequential steps and combinations to seek hidden treats while keeping mental active. You would enjoy the time of puzzle game with your pets, which will greatly improve relations with your pets and get fun during interactive dog games. Knitly Dog Puzzles are the perfect choice to keep your pup busy and engaged. This level-2 puzzle has 16 holes and is made of high-quality food-grade PP material, making it safe and durable enough to last for many years of use. It has a built-in squeaker under the middle button that will increase interactivity and engagement, and the puzzle can be used as a slow feeder to promote healthy digestion. Great for dogs who have mastered level 1 puzzles. Swivel to hide treats under the flippers or place them in the blocks through the top opening for an added challenge! Your pup will need to take sequential steps to release the final rewards! Train your pup not to chew on the toy by removing it after the treats have been eaten. Non-removable parts make it a safe and easy to clean choice. It helps reduce boredom and destructive behavior, and it has a non-slip base. Choose a toy that is easy to spot in grass or water to prevent losing it while your dog plays energetically. Ultra Balls ChuckIt! Ultra Balls Super High Bounce: Better than standard tennis balls, the Ultra Ball is made of durable rubber yielding an ultra bouncy, exciting fetch experience on land or on water thanks to lightweight, bouyant design. Compatible with size Medium Chuckit Launchers Tough and Durable: This rugged dog fetch toy has a textured surface and a thick rubber core that can stand up to rough play yet is soft on dog's mouths. Not intended as a pure chew toy, always supervise your dog when playing with this toy Sizing matters: Size medium measures 2. Dog balls should be small enough for your dog to carry, but large enough that the ball can't completely fit in their mouth. When in doubt, buy a size up Click to Check Price on Amazon! These ChuckIt! Made from tough and durable rubber, the textured surface and thick rubber core make these balls great for Labradoodles who are tough chewers. Thrower ChuckIt! Dog ball launcher, increasing the range and speed of your throw and exercising your dog in a fraction of the time Lightweight And Portable: Chuckit. .My Labradoodle will play fetch until my arm falls off, so to make things easier on my shoulder, I got a ChuckIt! As a bonus, I can throw the ball much further with the thrower than I could without it, allowing my Labradoodle to run farther! Each floatable dog flying disc from West Paw is injected with air technology so it is high-flying and able to use on water or land. The Zogoflex Zisc has plenty of features that make it great for Labradoodles. The lightweight construction makes it easy to carry and throw, while the durable construction ensures it can take a beating from even the most aggressive chewers. Plus, the Zisc doubles as a pet bowl in a pinch, making it the perfect toy for trips to the park or beach. It boasts a durable and non-toxic rubber construction that can last for years with proper use. Perfect for aggressive chewers, this toy is safe for your pup to play with and provides hours of excitement for both of you. Dogs love the texture and material of this toy, and it comes in various shapes and sizes so you can find the perfect fit for your Labradoodle. Ultra Tug ChuckIt! Ultra Tug. This toy is specifically designed to fit medium ball launchers and can be used for a variety of activities, such as fetching and tugging. Feeding Toys for Labradoodles Thanks to their Labrador parent, Labradoodles are known for being ravenous eaters. My Labradoodle scarfs down his food, so to slow him down, we use feeding toys that prevent him from eating too quickly and make him work for his meal. Our Fun Feeder Slo Bowls both challenge and engage your dog during mealtime while helping reduce overeating behavior. Make mealtime more enjoyable and healthy for your Labradoodle with the Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl, a slow feeder bowl that helps reduce overeating and comes in multiple sizes and designs. This bowl is designed with meal-lengthening ridges to slow down eating up to 10X, promoting proper digestion and preventing obesity. The non-slip base keeps food in place, while its food-safe materials make it suitable for dry, wet, or raw food diets. This dog feeding mat keeps your dog happily engaged as they lick peanut butter, yogurt, pumpkin puree, and other pet approved treats from the slow feeding licking mat. This dog treat mat is a safe alternative for your dog to lick. Great for stressful times such vet visits, bath time, nail clipping, injury recovery as well as thunderstorms and fireworks. The Ulmpp Lick Mat is a great way to reduce anxiety and boredom. It has plenty of powerful suction cups to secure the mat and is made of high-quality silicone. It can be used as an alternative to a dog bowl, encouraging endorphin release through licking. This helps to reduce stress during vet visits and thunderstorms. Slowing down eating also improves digestibility, and the raised edges prevent food from spreading. I put things like mashed up sardines and peanut butter on my lip mats. Sounds gross—but the dogs love it! Just try to avoid buying toys with actual stuffing—I prefer stuffing-free toys. No fluff dog toy means that no mess, no choking risks, keep your pet always in a safe condition when they are chewing or playing. Crinkle paper makes a noise, so that dog will never get bored with these floppy toys. Feature two internal squeakers which protected by a fabric to prevent it from ripping out, creates hours and hours fun for your dogs, interactive dog toys for boredom. These Sharlovy plush squeaky toys are stuffing-free and come in a pack of five making them a great deal. Labradoodles are brilliant and active dogs, so investing in top-notch toys is important. I love having a mix of different toys on hand to keep my Labradoodle entertained and enriched all day long. Which toys does your Labradoodle like playing with? Drop a comment below! Amazon Associates Program This article may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchase. The cost is not inflated to account for the commission earned. Veterinary Disclaimer: travellingwithadog. Please consult your vet for any questions you have regarding your pets health. She has years of experience fostering dogs and has helped find homes for a variety of different breeds, both large and small! Learn more about her here. Wholesale 6 Best Dog Toys for Goldendoodles and Labradoodles Growing in popularity throughout the world, the Goldendoodle is a lovable, energetic bundle of fluff that brings happiness to every home. These adorable teddy bear like dogs are also destructive chewers. In need of a Holiday gift for the special goldendoodle in your life, check out our goldendoodle gift guide. From dog toy giftboxes to mugs, we have everything you need for the dood in your life. These toys are especially fabulous because each toy includes a secret squeaky ball inside so you really get 2 for 1. It comes in sizes perfect for small and large dogs and adorable designs like koalas, cactus and pigs. Our raving fans give this toy a 1 paws up! The Bob-A-Lot is designed to store dog food and kibble but the small openings make it challenging for your dog to retrieve them. The Bob-A-Lot is made of durable, non-toxic materials and is also dishwasher safe for convenient cleaning. Click here to purchase from Amazon. Goughnuts Ring Toy The 1 sturdiest dog toy on the planet hands down. This GoughNuts Ring bounces, rolls and even floats, so it can stand up to extreme games of fetch and all types of outdoor play. Click here for more details. West Paw Hurley Bone This classic bone is a safer alternative to wood sticks and is best for dogs who love to gnaw and play fetch especially in water. Hurley's classic design makes it easy for dogs to carry in their mouthes while its bright colors, make Hurley easy to spot indoors or out. Made in the USA, it floats and its non-toxic. Click here for details. Benebone Chew Toys One of the leading dog chew brands, Benebone is certainly a fan fave. Their chews are all made in the USA and come in yummy favors your pup will love like chicken, mint, peanut butter and bacon! The company is also fully committed to the welfare of dogs through product donations and community involvement. They are sold via amazon or at your local high end retailers. Sodapup Coffee Treat Dispensing Toy Sodapup is one of our absolute favorite toy companies for heavy chewer dog toys. Their toys are made in the USA, are extremely durable for tough chewers and the owners of the company are fantastic. Click here to learn more about their treat dispensing dog toys. If you're still searching for the perfect holiday gift for your dog, our adorable and trendy plush dog toys are always a great gift. If you need a gift for the special goldendoodle in your life, check out our Holiday Gift Guide For Goldendoodle Lovers Brought to you by Patchwork Pet- a leading plush dog toy company based in sunny southern California. They are soft and fluffy, and everyone wants to hold them and play with them. During our Open House we answer many questions that our families have. We discuss potential issues that they may encounter once they bring their puppy home. To ensure a great puppy start, we give our families tips on puppy training and how to intervene and redirect when their puppy starts to chew inappropriate objects, whether it is your finger or your remote control. We use substitution, a simple behavior modification technique to teach the puppy to chew on an appropriate object instead of inappropriate object. To do this, we share with our families some of our favorite healthy and appropriate chew toys for teething puppies. It is high in Collagen, Glucosamine and Chondroitin that support healthy joints with a unique aroma and taste that is very desirable by puppies and grown dogs. These easy to digest but are safer than rawhide and will not cause digestive distress that rawhides can cause. Lamb Tripe Sticks Organic lamb tripe are a great source of probiotics, Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals and support digestive, dental, immune, and musculoskeletal systems. These treats are from grass fed lamb, free of antibiotics or hormones and are perfect for sensitive stomachs that aid digestion and relieve constipation. Untouched, untreated, unbleached tripe with no preservatives, hormones, or artificial ingredients will keep your puppy busy for hours at a time. These sticks are highly nutritious and are excellent alternative to rawhide and other chew treats like antlers that may be hard on the GI tract or the teeth. Larger treats are sufficient to keep your puppy busy for hours enjoying the treat. Sweet Potato Dog Treats- Dehydrated All-natural sweet potato skins are gluten and grain free and are loaded with fiber, antioxidants and natural vitamins and minerals. These healthy treats help complete your puppy meet their nutritional needs without supplements without fat or added sugar. Natural Bully Sticks All-natural beef bully sticks are made from high-quality, free-range, grass-fed beef that are high in protein and other essential vitamins to support a healthy diet. They promote dental health through scraping away tartar and plaque through you Australian Labradoodle puppy chewing action. Free of any additives, hormones or unhealthy chemicals. Bully sticks are fully digestible and an excellent alternative to rawhide and will not splinter. Goughnuts Although this is not an organic product, we have found it helpful as it is virtually indestructible chew toy designed by mechanical and polymer engineers. In addition, this chew toy floats and is perfect an excellent fetching toy. GoughNuts are safe for your Australian Labradoodle and even if your teething puppy chews through the outside layer to expose the red layer puppy should not chew on the red , the manufacturer will replace it. Ensure that it is soft enough to provide relief from sore gums, yet tough enough to last. Different Types of Toys Available There are millions of dog toys on the market these days, but not all dog toys are right for every dog. Some toys are specifically made for smaller breeds while others are made for more aggressive chewers. Others are made with organic materials while others are designed from plastic and include dyes. Most quality dog toys will display the type of dog they are targeting on their packaging. Make sure you heed these instructions, as getting a toy that is not designed for your Labradoodle in his particular life stage could be dangerous. Labradoodles are large dogs that need durable toys. Both parent breeds have a history as retrieving dogs, so may enjoy a toy that you can throw for them. But, you know your Labradoodle best. Ultimately, you are best placed to decide which toys they will enjoy the most. These toys are tough, durable teething toys with nubs and edges designed for those sharp little puppy teeth. They can even aid in overall dental health. This adds a bit more comforting relief when your puppy chews. These toys are softer and made for younger puppies, so they are not ideal for young adult or grown Labradoodle dogs. They come in two different, interesting shapes that will be easy for your Labradoodle to hold whilst they chew. The two toys have different textures, one with ridges, and the other more smooth. So, your puppy has a bit of choice. Chews like this are great for teething puppies to relieve a little of their discomfort, and to save your own skin from painful bites! Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy Puzzle toys can help with chewing, because a lot of chewing behavior is triggered by boredom. Every Labradoodle has their quiet moments. This is a toy designed to be used with treats and encourages your dog to think, in order to get to the tasty treasures. As Labradoodles get older, they become increasingly more intelligent and are more prone to experiencing boredom and anxiety. You can help alleviate this by investing in the best Labradoodle toys you can find. This puzzle toy is made of plastic, so is washable with soap and warm water. But, be aware that this is not a toy to leave with your dog to play with alone. These dog toys include a variety of toys like interactive balls, squeaky toys, treat balls, and puzzles to keep your clever Labradoodle engaged with or without you at his side. The Medium-Large size pack is best for adult Labradoodles, who are large breed dogs when fully grown. These balls are each slightly different from one another, with different textures, shapes, and sizes. So, your Labradoodle has a lot of choice when playing. The Kong is a brilliant invention and comes in a range of different strengths and sizes. The large red variety is perfect for most adult labradoodles to chew on. There is an even tougher black version if you Labradoodle is a power chewer! You can also freeze these toys with food inside, making it a little harder for your dog to get the food out, and encouraging some relaxed playtime. This KONG toy is designed to bounce in unpredictable directions when thrown. Your Labradoodle will love to chase it as it bounces around your house or yard! This toy is specifically designed for large dog breeds. Some Labradoodles are more aggressive chewers than others. If your Labradoodle is part shark, a rope toy like this is a great durable choice. It is knotted with frayed ends, so your dog will love gnawing on the different bumps and textures. On top of this, chewing on rope toys can be a great way for your Labradoodle to clean their teeth. And, it is machine washable, so you can keep your dog healthy and your house smelling fresh. BarkBox Plush Squeak Toy Labradoodle puppies may well enjoy cuddling up with a few soft toys in the first few weeks. Remember, these toys are not suitable for heavy or destructive chewers. But are better suited to very young puppies. You may need to remove them once your puppy reaches three to four months of age This one is a large, plush toy in the shape of a sloth! This toy option has a number of different fabrics that your dog will love the feel of. Plus, inside is a wonderful squeaker, that will make chewing fun and rewarding. Whether your Labradoodle loves cuddling up with their toys or just making as much noise as possible, this is a great option. But, remember to remove any pieces that your dog does chew off. Even fabric can be problematic if swallowed. This is an extremely good toy for puppies as it has a soft surface but the puppy can bite down on the tough knotted rope inside. It has realistic flexibility in its sides, and contains a squeaker. Your Labradoodle will find chewing on this raccoon toy very rewarding. Even if your Labradoodle does manage to completely destroy the outer layer, they can just continue playing with the rope toy hidden inside! Just be sure to discard any loose pieces. This chew toy is covered with interesting textures. You can also hide treats inside to encourage your Labradoodle. Like any other toy, make sure to remove any pieces that get chewed off — although it will be a challenge for your dog with this option! A Classic Tennis Ball! But, in reality, any tennis ball will be great too! And, you can find them in pretty much any pet store. Choose standard sized tennis balls rather than small versions so your Labradoodle cannot swallow or choke on them. Both parents of the Labradoodle the Labrador and the Poodle love to retrieve. So, your Labradoodle is bound to love chasing one of these tennis balls across a field and bringing it back to you. Just remember to remove tennis balls that break open so your doodle dog cannot swallow any pieces. Labradoodles are mixed breeds, meaning they are the offspring of the purebred Poodle and purebred Labrador Retriever. Both of these dog breeds are bred working dogs with lots of energy to burn. Dogs with lots of intelligence and energy to burn can be wonderful companies to the right family. But they can also be more prone to problematic and destructive behaviors if their exercise and mental stimulation needs are not met. These toys can also help soothe anxiety, reduce destructive behaviors, and even keep your Labradoodle entertained and happy while you are away. Is your Labradoodle a chewer? Or does he prefer learning new tricks and exploring? Does your Labradoodle like to cuddle with toys. Or does he enjoy playing tug of war or more destructive games with his plushies? Knowing your Labradoodle will help you be able to better pick out the best Labradoodle toy for him. Puppies, for example, will do well with teething toys and smaller, softer KONGS to help keep them occupied and happy. Adult Labradoodles will likely appreciate toys that help aid in exercise like balls, interactive and puzzle toys. They also love strong chews they can distract themselves with when you are busy or away. If you are choosing toys for your puppy before they arrive, you might want to get a selection — perhaps one toy from each category that we looked at right at the start of this guide. This way, you can see which type your Labradoodle responds best to before investing lots of money into more toys. Other Ways to Entertain Your Labradoodle with Toys Along with investing in the best Labradoodle toys for your Labradoodle, you might also consider a storage container to keep these toys in. Because Labradoodles are so intelligent, only give your Labradoodle a few toys at a time. Then you can switch them out with new ones now and again to keep things interesting. You can also help encourage your Labradoodle to build healthy, independent habits using toys. Keeping your Labradoodle on a schedule and allowing him to have time to himself with a favorite toy can help reduce anxiety and stress, and help your Labradoodle see that being on his own from time to time is actually a good thing. These will last many months, even years. All young dogs like to chew on softer toys too, and the Kong Knots range is perfect for this purpose. Soft toys can work for very small puppies but tend to have a short life. You may also find that puzzle toys and training games, help reduce any destructive behavior around your home. We hope this article has been a helpful guide on the best Labradoodle toys for your playful pup. Now we want to hear from you. What do you think is the best Labradoodle toy on our list? Have you tried any out on your pup? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. References and Resources Paterson, S. Tug of war games can last longer with this durable toy that is nearly indestructible. And if your pup does manage to destroy it? The company will give you a replacement or a refund. The material can hold up against active chewers. This rope can be used by multiple dogs at once for pulling, playing, and chasing. Check the price now! Since these dogs are not couch potatoes, they need ways to burn off their energy and stay mentally and physically stimulated. Labradoodles need enrichment every day or they can turn to undesirable behaviors. They are slow to mature and usually only calm down a bit at around 3 years of age. The Importance of Toys Labradoodles like to chew, chase, run, swim, and play. To avoid these unwanted behaviors, make sure that your dog has plenty of walks, chances to run, and toys to play with. When their chewing instinct kicks in, having their own things to chew on will save your household items. What Are the Best Toys for Labradoodles? Chew Toys Labradoodles are strong chewers and need toys that can satisfy their chewing instincts. Chew toys should be durable enough to last and not break apart instantly. If your Labradoodle is a heavy chewer, always supervise them when they are playing with toys. Chewing apart small pieces of toys and ingesting them put your dog at risk for choking and intestinal blockages. Always make sure the toy your dog is chewing is one that is suitable for them Puzzle Toys Labradoodles are intelligent and enjoy toys that keep them mentally engaged. Puzzle toys can keep dogs from getting bored. They also offer rewards for correctly solving the puzzle, further motivating your dog to work for them. Fetch Toys Labradoodles love having plenty of toys around to play fetch with because they are highly active dogs. Throwing a ball or plush toy will give them a way to get the exercise they need and have fun doing it. You may even notice your Labradoodle bringing you toys to throw for them. The more toys they have to chase, the more you can be sure your dog is getting the activity that they need. Tug Toys Tug toys allow Labradoodles to get exercise, safely release some pent-up energy, and bond with their owners. After all, the tug toy needs to be used with another person in order to work properly. Since these toys require interaction, playtime can also be socialization time. They will need you, another person, or another dog in order to play. They can provide a feeling of comfort to anxious dogs and have a calming effect on puppies. They are fun to snuggle with and can be used as pillows. Some dogs use plush toys like children use security blankets. Rubber, nylon, canvas, and latex are good choices. Plush toys with reinforced seams are ideal. If the toys are going to be used outdoors, notice how they can get cleaned. Some toys can be hand washed or put in the washing machine. Design Not every Labradoodle will like every toy. Some dogs love puzzle toys while others lose interest in them quickly. It can take some trial and error to find toys that your individual dog will enjoy. If your dog loves noisy toys, be sure to offer them when playtime is allowed without restriction. Choosing a toy for your Labradoodle can be tricky because not all dogs like the same things. Some dogs are also more destructive than others. Toys are important for Labradoodles because they provide mental and physical stimulation, decrease boredom, and help your pup have fun. This only happens if the toys are right for your specific dog. Always supervise your dog when they are playing with toys that they can easily destroy to avoid accidental injury from swallowed pieces and parts. She has lived with dogs for over 30 years and spends her days writing, caring for various animals, and enjoying her backyard that has become an oasis for wild creatures. Her passion for animals began at a young age when she would bring home the lost dog or cat. As she got older, she went on to bring home an injured bird or raccoon. This love and desire to help all creatures led to her work as an adult with various animal rescues, where she saved the lives of many domestic and wild animals while learning the necessary skills to care for them. Owning and operating a professional pet care service in Chicago for the past twelve years, Jessica cares for dogs in her home while writing full-time. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

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Very cute and playful! The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Every one of their Boxer puppies for sale in California comes with a health guarantee and lifetime support. Boxer puppies for sale in California from trusted breeders. Boxer Breeders in California! Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Murrieta, CA Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. While these dogs are definitely brave and smart, If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Boxer Dogs for Adoption. Bakersfield Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Bakersfield, CA Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near California Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Boxer breeders directory Enter your 5-digit U. The first step is looking through the darling doggies that are featured on the site. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Banning, CA. We are a small hobby kennel in Southern California that focuses on the Boxer as a loving companion and a working dog. Shipping options are available upon discussion with the breeder. Address: Fountain Valley, California. As such we strive to improve health, temperament, correctness of structure and intelligence. Boxers are also known for being intelligent and playful, making them a. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Ventura County California? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter 9. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Indio, California. Boxer puppy for sale in Banning, CA. Website: Soleil Boxers Northern California. This pet is currently being fostered but is available for adoption! Please email XXXX longbeac more. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Bakersfield, CA. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in California. New puppies soon please check out our website at www. Boxer puppies for sale in Murrieta, CA from trusted breeders. XXXX for a pre adoption questionnaire. Dam comes from Anchorage, Alaska. The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. When you come across the one, contact the company or breeder with your questions. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Boxer puppies for sale Redding, California Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Twentynine Palms, California. Boxer puppies for sale from trusted breeders. See real-time photos and information about dogs currently available by clicking or tapping on FETCH below. We recommend speaking directly with your breeder to get a better idea of their price range. Boxer puppies for sale in Fresno, CA from trusted breeders. If you want one of the Boxers for sale, Los Angeles breeders are ready to talk! Click to browse available Boxer puppies from 5 Star Breeders. The American Boxer Club was established in .We have puppies available. Black Dymond Boxers California. Purebred Boxer Puppies. Boxer puppies for sale in Bakersfield, CA from trusted. Location: San Francisco, California. He even likes to play tug of war with a small rope. Soleil Boxers Northern California Details. They are well-rounded with excellent temperaments! It's usual for a male boxer to be around 25 inches and to weigh between 65 to 80 pounds. Also noteworthy Encore has produced 8 dogs who have gone on to be Registered. The cost of a Boxer puppy can depend on its coat color, eye color, gender, size, pedigree, as well as other factors. Best Boxer Breeders in California! Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. Next on our list is HeartNSoul Boxers, a breeder committed to providing puppies that will excel and thrive in their forever homes. You have found your new baby boy. While these dogs are definitely brave and smart, there's more to it—the breed is also famously affectionate and goofy with their families, too! Wilma is a playful pup who loves t Powered by Petfinder at www. History of the Boxer. Boxer dogs for sale in Ireland. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Fresno, CA. It's really that easy! If you want one of the Boxers for sale, Los Angeles breeders are ready to talk! Boxer Puppies for sale in California. With California Puppies, you will be able to find Boxer puppies for sale in Southern California and Boxer puppies for sale Northern California in a whole array of different sizes, genders, colors and pedigrees. Tank is exactly what you have been looking for because he is perfect in every way. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. You will find a place that truly cares about animal welfare, and will connect you with the best breeders, companies and businesses out there, making sure you end up with your. Boxer puppies and dogs in Indio, California. Boxers were bred to be intelligent and noble guard dogs. They have an interesting jaw and shape to. Boxer Puppies for Sale in California. You can expand the distance to find items using the location bar on the left. We offer beautiful European Boxer puppies from health-tested parents. Pups will come with health guarantee, 1st set of shots, dewormed at 4 and 6. Boxers for Sale in Los Angeles. Wilma Boxer Dog. This is a small but professional Boxer breeder in California that specializes in breeding family companions and working dogs. Find a Boxer for adoption at dog rescues or shelters near California. Boxer puppies sale Ventura County CA. Boxer For Sale in California .Boxer puppy for sale in California. The cost of a Boxer puppy can depend on. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Sacramento, CA Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. The puppies in the litter have been socialized to develop positive behavior characteristics. Nickname: Puppy 3 Lula on PuppyFinder. Each pup comes with a health guarantee, AKC registration papers, a chew toy, and lifetime support. Boxer puppies and dogs in Twentynine Palms, California. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near California. See Available Puppies. West Coast Boxer Rescue rescues and adopts out stray, abandoned, neglected, abused and surrendered Boxers, primarily pure bred, but som. We know your heart is set on a beautiful Boxer puppy, and it will be yours in no time at all! What are the origins of Boxers? We offer 32 Boxer puppies for sale in California. Lake Elsinore, CA .He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. Females tend to be between 21 to 25 inches, and generally weigh from 50 to 65 pounds. Boxer puppies for sale in Ventura County CA. We hope you will enjoy meeting us and our Boxers. Boxer Puppies in California. She is a fun, active dog, who enjoys going for walks, and zooming around the play yar… more 1 week ago on Adopt-a-Pet. If interested in these fur babies please text at .Boxers for Sale in Bakersfield. Boxer Boxer dogs for sale Showing 10 of 10 ads for sale Search Ads The Boxer breed of dogs is a popular breed that is known for its loyalty and protective nature. Females tend to be between 21 to 25 inches tall, and they usually weigh from 50 to 65 pounds. His main purpose is for hunting large game. California: Boxer Breeders. Their Boxer puppies in California also receive vaccinations and deworming. Boxer Puppy Alumni Finding the perfect Boxer puppy has never been easier. Wilma is a beautiful boxer mix at approximately 6- 7 years young. Boxer Puppies california, victorville. White Paw is the puppy that gets the puppy party started. They will have their first shots and dewormed. He is loving, obedient and gets along with everyone and. Their head is proportionate with the body and has a short. Browse these Boxer rescues and shelters below. We are dedicated to improving the lives and welfare of homeless Boxers. When looking for Boxer puppies for sale in Northern California and Boxer puppies for sale in Southern California on California Puppies, you will find something different. Socializing a puppy at an early age may make them more confident, Boxer California ready!!

Share 0 Shares Finding the right breeder for your Golden Retriever is important. You might be shopping for pet-quality puppies, but most AKC-registered breeders also sell pet-quality dogs out of each litter. This means that there is no reason not to buy from a breeder that is AKC-recognized to ensure that you get a healthy dog that will be free of genetic flaws. In rare instances, there are breeders who intentionally create a litter of pet-quality puppies each year. You might pay less for these dogs, but you will need to make sure that the breeder is still doing all the right genetic testing and care for the litter of puppies before and after they have arrived. Getting a Golden Retriever puppy is exciting, and you will want to be sure that none of the fun is taken out of the process by working with a poor-quality breeder. You will just need to use this guide to help you to track down the right breeder for your needs. Remember that there are different types of Golden Retrievers , and you might need to verify that the breeder you are interested in has the dogs that you are looking for. You can never ask too many questions of the breeders that you are planning to get a puppy from as this is a very important decision. Arkansas River Golden Retrievers are managed with pride by the family, and they work hard to create healthy litters of puppies that can be AKC registered or that can be enjoyed as family companions. They manage a large group of breeding dogs that offer different coat patterns and textures as well as different conformations and temperaments. This breeder is very busy, and you will be added to a waiting list when you are looking for a puppy. You will need to fill out an application on their site and then discuss your goals and plans for your dog with them. You will be able to select from pet-quality as well as show-quality dogs with this breeder. The price for puppies varies depending on the quality of the puppy and the care that was needed to create the litter, plus any added fees for outside stud dogs. The breeder promises to send AKC registration papers with each puppy they sell, but you are not required to pay to register your puppy. Pet-quality dogs must be spayed or neutered so that they cannot be bred. Puppy deposits are not refunded for changes of heart, but the breeder promises to refund the money if the litter does not get bred that year or they themselves do not choose to sell the puppy. Puppies and parent dogs are carefully tested for any genetic conditions, as well as provided care for parasites and given routine health checkups. Depending on the age at which the puppy is released to its new owner, vaccinations may or may not have been completed for the puppy. This breeder wants every dog they breed to have a lifelong home. If you feel that your puppy is not working out, the breeder will take the dog back. People love this breeder for its affordable prices, their commitment to their dogs, and their passion for creating pets and show-quality animals. They are easy to work with and love what they do. Name of Owner. Choosing the right food to feed your new pet is crucial to their overall health and well-being and should be done with careful thought and consideration. Delivering the ultimate balance of quality meats, animal fats, vitamins, and minerals, TLC provides everything your pet needs to develop into a strong, healthy, and energetic companion. Premium quality pet food, made using wholesome, natural ingredients Delivered fresh and delivered FREE to your door No risk, money-back guarantee Schedule using Autoship and never worry about running out of food! You can change, adjust and cancel Autoship anytime, giving you the flexibility you need as your pet grows. This starts as soon as you bring your new puppy home! Puppies express their wants and needs through certain behaviors - and not all of those behaviors are considered "desirable" by typical dog standards. Most owners try to redirect those behaviors and aim for the "desirable" one without pausing to think about why the behavior is occurring in the first place. Click the button for a fantastic article about mand training and how it can benefit the bond between you and your puppy. What is an English Cream Golden Retriever? Read the answer to this common question here: English Cream Golden Retriever The relationship between a potential new family member and us is special. Our website includes information about us, our facility and Golden Retrievers, and how we raise our puppies with our Foundational Start program. Our program has years of experience working with veterinarians, trainers, and training programs. We love that our program has allowed our families to achieve a wonderful companion dog and, in many cases, a service and therapy dog working with them. I have personally been to their facility, and the cleanliness and loving environment blows me away every single time. The amount of veterinary care and health testing to ensure they meet quality standards is second to none. Plus have a beautiful pond for our Goldens to swim. We meet most of our families in Dallas DFW that fly in from all over the country, coast to coast, from Alaska to Maine. We raise our English Golden Retrievers in the comforts of a home environment. We built a dog home, we call the Wisteria Golden Lodge with a bedroom, kitchen, and living room they share with us humans. While their environment, food quality, vitamins, love, and care are essential for providing families with a well-balanced socialized puppy, health is a priority. As genetic testing progresses, some of our younger dogs will have DM Degenerative Myelopathy. Our complete panel of tests includes health tests for the heart, eye, and elbows, and we do PennHip testing for their hips. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We are serious hobby breeders of beautiful Golden Retrievers, located in central Arkansas. Let us introduce ourselves, Julie and Randy Lewis. We are natives of Little Rock, Arkansas and both grew up in the country just west of town. Our families both had dogs from day one. We learned to love them and realize that life would never be as full without paw prints on the floor and sloppy doggie kisses to make us smile. We are thrilled to be able to fulfill a lifelong dream of raising fabulous Golden Retrievers to enrich the lives of others. Julie's Dad, Tery Baskin, did a lot of duck hunting and usually had a Golden Retriever by his side during those hunts. After graduating from college, she was involved with animal rescue groups, fostering many dogs of all breeds and placing them in homes. They have the combination of temperament, personality, intelligence, looks, and a desire to please that is unsurpassed by any other breed. Julie decided that if she ever had the chance she would love to raise happy, healthy, well adjusted Golden Retriever puppies to enrich the lives of well deserving families. After spending years in banking, Julie decided the time was right to make her dream come true. She now is a stay at home doggie mom. She loves having the time to interact with her older dogs, compete in the confirmation ring, dock diving, and other dog sports, socializing the puppies and provide the best home she can for her beloved Golden Retrievers. We are lucky enough to live out in the country with acres of land where our dogs can romp and play daily. We also love taking our dogs to our lake house for swimming and boating! She has made lifelong friends through her love of this breed. Julie is fortunate to have a husband who loves animals as much as she does. Randy was an automotive mechanic for 13 years and then sold Auto parts for 6 years. He is now working at Paramount Metal Systems as an Estimator. His passion in life is everything to do with cars and trucks. When he is not in his shop tinkering with his antique car, he enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with the dogs, cats, and horses. Our entire life, before and during marriage we have had a passion about animals. You name them, we had them. Big birds hawks little birds parakeets dogs, cats, horses and a few hampsters. Then came the big life changer. Our oldest son got a Golden Retreiver and named her Bear. He took her with him to Jonesboro, Arkansas where he was living at the time. When Bear died at about 14 years of age, a part of our hearts went with her. She waited until the family was all around her, looked at us and collapsed. Our vet told us she had everyone she loved around her and knew it was okay to go ahead of us. It took us over two years to heal enough to start looking for another Golden. I started searching out Golden Retreivers. I called Veternerians to ask for their advice. I called ads in the paper and had some horrifying results. Finally I found one vet that referred me to a breeder, who referred me on to her mother. This is when I learned about English Creme Retreivers. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. There is an essence about a Golden that has to be felt as opposed to described. They seem to see right into your soul. In Goldens I have found my passion. We want to do all that we are able to improve the breed. We have searched and still are searching to find just the right Goldens to add to our family. We also have two of our homegrown girls. Isabella our beautiful girl from Augie and Annie is living separate from us with her family, our son and daughter in law, Michael and Eleshia. Our four legged family is family and will always be a part of our family…forever. Willows are graceful, peaceful, yet very strong trees. They like to grow near ponds, lakes or bodies of water. They grow very quickly. They have many of the same attributes of our Goldens. Cross, well, cross is pretty much self explanatory. Our dogs are family, they live with us, play with us, snuggle with us. We do not have outside kennels, although I know many very nice breeders do. Our goal is to raise, healthy, well adjusted, bright and beautiful goldens that will enhance your family as they have done ours. Because we are very careful about who we breed and when we breed, if you want one of our puppies, you just might have to wait. If you choose to wait, you will not be disappointed. We live in the beautiful Ozarks among lakes, mountains and lots of trails. Personal visits to meet our beautiful golden family are available by appointment. Please enjoy our website. It is still under construction — but if you have any questions or comments you are welcome to contact us anytime. Your comments, questions and inquiries are always welcome. You can contact us by phone: Cell Phone: Or feel free to email us at nancyanneziegler gmail.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. This is especially true with dogs like German Shepherds because they have a strong prey drive, but this nipping and biting can also quickly get out of hand. This often comes out as biting and nipping, but puppies will also bite when they are teething and to taste the world around them. This can, of course, quickly get out of hand if not taken care of swiftly. In this article, we look at the reasons behind German Shepherd puppies biting and seven steps to help stop the behavior. Training The first and most important step in stopping your puppy from biting is early and focused training. Beginning training at an early age is vital for powerful dogs like GSDs, as without it, they can easily develop problematic behaviors and even become aggressive. An important part of training is socialization, and getting your GSD to interact with other dogs will help teach them boundaries, as any biting too hard will have instant consequences for them. Image Credit: AnjaGh, Pixabay 2. Toys Toys are ideal for your GSD puppy to exercise their teething. There is a massive variety of suitable chew toys available, and whenever you notice your pooch getting the urge to chew, you can gently offer them a chew toy instead. Commands Basic and simple commands should be taught to your GSD from a young age. Whenever they get overexcited and bite down too hard, you can then simply issue a verbal command that catches their attention. After you issue the commands, leave your puppy alone for a few minutes so they learn that this behavior is unacceptable. Image Credit: Jim Sluder, Pixabay 4. Redirection Redirection is a useful tool in training and can work well with biting too. This method is simple and works by keeping your pup from unwanted behavior and offering them appropriate behavior instead. Whenever your pooch bites or nips, try to offer them a chew toy of some kind instead, and this will gradually lead them to chew toys as opposed to your hands. Squeak toys are great for this type of redirection, as the noise is enticing to most puppies and dogs. Reward good behavior Positive reinforcement training methods are best for leading your puppy toward desired behaviors and away from unwanted ones. These methods involve no scolding or harsh treatment, so they are ideal for cementing the bond between you and your pup. When you offer your dog a chew toy instead of biting and they take it or you issue a command that they instantly follow, you simply reward that behavior with either a treat or praise. You ignore any bad behavior. They will swiftly associate treats with good behavior and stop the bad behavior that gets them no attention. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 6. Games Since GSDs are such powerful and athletic animals, they need to be mentally and physically stimulated through games and interactive play. Games are also the best time to engage and enforce training techniques and get your GSD accustomed to them before biting gets out of hand. Stick to simple games like fetch or frisbee, where you can train your pooch to give the ball back when you tell them to. Harsh treatments like hitting or shouting are highly unlikely to solve the problem and will probably just make it worse, as your dog will simply become nervous and wary of you. With a powerful dog like German Shepherds, trust is vital. They are highly intelligent and aware animals, and the smallest of sounds or movements are enough to set them off. There are several reasons for this, including: GSD puppies will begin teething as early as 2 weeks old, and this can be uncomfortable and even painful for them. This behavior can go on until your puppy is 6 months old, and they will chew on almost anything that they can find — including your hand — in an attempt to try and soothe their discomfort. Separated too young. The first 2 months of your GSDs life is vital to their socialization and learning, and if they are taken away from their mother and litter too young, this may cause a lack of understanding of boundaries. Puppies will play and learn with the rest of their littermates, where they learn to control the force of their bite. GSDs should be at least 8 weeks old before they are re-homed. Fear or overstimulation. Fear, anxiety, and overstimulation are common reasons for puppies to lose control of their bite because this can cause them to become irritable or defensive and lead them into the habit of biting. Conclusion Since German Shepherds are such powerful dogs, proper training is vital, and bite inhibition is an essential part of that training. Proper training is the vital first step and will set the tone for all other methods. With time, consistency, patience, and gentle leadership, your German Shepherd puppy should kick the biting habit in no time. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! Hopefully, we will have the answers to all of your questions in this guide. But, all that cuteness quickly disappears when the biting phase starts. Puppy biting is normal in all breeds, including the German Shepherd. And, luckily, we have some great tips and tricks to minimize the painful biting period. In fact, it could have a number of causes. Here are a few of the most common reasons, in a little more detail. Teething One reason why puppies of all breeds may bite is teething. This stage often starts at around 3 or 4 months of age — only a few weeks after your puppy will arrive at their new home. Luckily, it only takes a few months for your puppy to have their full set of adult teeth. So, biting from teething is not permanent. If your puppy is biting or chewing because of teething, you may notice other symptoms like drooling, irritability, and going off their food. Boredom or Getting Attention Bored puppies may learn that biting gets some fun responses from you! Just like barking can. If your puppy has learnt that they can get some attention from you when they bite, they may do it to alleviate boredom. This can explain why puppies concentrate most of their biting on one family member — the person who gives the most fun response. Natural Play Biting is a natural part of puppy play — as much as some owners might not want to hear it! German Shepherd puppies, just like any other breed, will bite whilst they are playing with you or with other dogs. If this behavior continues into adulthood, the biting can be more problematic. Responding to Rough Play Some people like to play with German Shepherd puppies in quite a rough manner. This can include pushing them, or rolling them over. Behaviors like this can make puppies very excitable, and encourage biting during play. Encourage calm play between your family members or friends and your puppy. Herding Instincts The German Shepherd breed has a history as a herding dog. The creator of the breed, Captain Max von Stephanitz, bred the German Shepherd in an attempt to create the ultimate all-round herding breed. This was all the way back in the late s. Although the history of the breed has changed over time, from herding to working dog, their origins remain the same. Many herding dogs are prone to natural chase instincts. They may chase small children or other animals — particularly those that are making lots of noise. And, these herding behaviors can include nipping at heels. Once again, your behavior can minimize biting from this cause. Exploration Another common explanation for young German Shepherd biting is their natural curiosity. And, they may do this partly with their mouths. What you really want to know is, when will it stop? However, you can minimize the period by making a few easy changes to your behavior when biting occurs. The best ways to stop puppy biting and minimize the biting period are training and prevention. This means training your puppy to be gentle with you and other people, and taking away opportunities for your excited puppy to bite humans. You may need to go as far as to completely separate your GSD puppy from small children and people who insist on rough play with puppies. We know that this can only encourage biting. Remove Yourself Calmly If your puppy starts to bite you, during play or any other time, the best solution is to calmly and quietly remove yourself. You can use tools like baby gates to keep your German Shepherd in a puppy-safe room. In fact — your puppy will learn that biting during play or cuddles only results in you leaving, and them ending up on their own! Not only will this help to show your puppy that biting is not an acceptable part of playtime, but it can also help your own sanity to remove yourself from those sharp teeth occasionally. Think About Clothing You should also think about the type of clothing you wear around your puppy. Loose, hanging clothing can be appealing to your puppy, and provide something easy to grip on with their sharp teeth. Wear tight fitting clothing to minimize the number of things your puppy can bite at. Use Distractions If you, or young children in your household, are keen to pet your puppy without being bitten, you should make the most of distractions like treats or toys. You can hold a chew for your puppy to keep their attention and mouth distracted whilst someone pets them! Often, puppy owners only think about biting whilst their puppy is actively gnawing on them. One method is to reward them with treats when you are petting them and they are not biting you. Another is to reward them for calm behavior around the house. This way they learn that acting calmly and letting you touch them without biting will earn them good things! One popular method to stop puppy biting is to squeal, squeak, growl, or make another loud noise. Some people claim that this method replicates natural puppy play and tells your GSD when they are being too rough. For some owners, this may work. If this is the case, making a noise when your puppy bites will act as a reward, and encourage your German Shepherd puppy to bite you even more. This is one reason why puppies biting children is so common. Many children will make lots of noise, especially if a puppy bites them, which can lead to further nipping. This is similar to the method above, if used alone. This is why training has to be done in small stages — first you must teach the puppy what action you want, and then you can give the action a name, or command. Punishment Methods The best methods to stop your puppy from biting involve positive rewards for the behaviors you want. Studies on dog training and behavior have shown that punishment based methods are often associated with an increase of problematic behaviors. Punishing your puppy for biting can lead to distrust and fear from your puppy. The causes of puppy biting that we looked at earlier in this guide apply to all GSD puppies. In fact, they apply to all puppies of any breed. Biting and chewing is a normal puppy behavior, and a normal part of play. As long as you react to this behavior in the right way, it is a period that will pass. The biggest fear for most German Shepherd puppy owners is that their puppy is aggressive when it bites. German Shepherd puppy biting can be accompanied by ferocious growls or snarls. It can even draw blood. So are behaviors like snarling and growling. And, if your puppy is biting hard enough to injure you, they may not have learnt proper bite inhibition yet. This is the process where your puppy learns to be gentle with his teeth on your skin. The positive reward methods we discussed earlier in this guide are the best way to teach your puppy bite inhibition. Remove yourself calmly and quietly whenever your puppy bites. And make sure to reward any calm behavior — including when your puppy lets you pet it without biting. Speak to a Behaviorist If you think your puppy is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, such as guarding their resources, you may want to speak to a behaviorist. They will be able to look at your puppy as an individual case, and analyse their behavior properly. Do Adult German Shepherds Bite? The German Shepherd breed is known for being aggressive in some circumstances — they make popular guard dogs, and are number one candidates for working dog roles in the police and military. Since puppies lack the dexterity that you and I have, they use their mouths to explore the world around them. By understanding the behavior of biting itself, you can begin to see just how normal biting is in German Shepherd puppies. Just because biting is a normal behavior in a puppy does not mean we should tolerate it or promote it. Since biting is a form of communication for German Shepherd puppies, there are many things our puppies could be trying to say! So why do Shepherd pups bite? Puppies often communicate with their siblings through biting and pawing, especially when they are trying to incite a play session. Your pup may gnaw on your hand as if it were a chew toy, especially when you are a moving target. Puppies play and bite their siblings from the moment they are old enough to do so. This is why the behavior is so common, and why our Shepherd pupswill need to learn how to transition to playing with appropriate chewing options. Not only are our hands and feet tempting enough, but even more so when a puppy has a high prey drive. A prey drive is an ingrained need to chase after moving objects, whether it is appropriate or not. A swinging hand as we walk by can be extremely tempting for a growing pup, causing them to jump up and nip. If it seems like your Shepherd puppy is always biting you when you are in motion, it may be due to their high prey drive! They Are Curious As we mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies use their mouth to explore the world around them. Biting can help them examine and understand an object, and our hands and feet can fall into that category as well! If you catch your puppy gnawing on everything around your home, it may be their curiosity getting the best of them! A dog quickly learns what behavior gets a reaction, causing them to do it over and over again. Even if their bites result in a negative reaction from you, it still counts as attention. They Are Teething Similar to teething babies, a German Shepherd puppy experiences teething pain as well. If your Shepherd pup seems to find relief when chewing on objects, they may be biting you due to teething discomfort. They Are Herding You If your German Shepherd puppy is constantly biting at your ankles, they may be displaying some herding behaviors. German Shepherds are ingrained with a need to work, especially in dogs with a working bloodline. If your German Shepherd is always nipping at your feet, running to your side when you are moving, or showing signs of anxiety or frustration when you are moving around your home; it may be herding behavior. So how can you stop this normal puppy behavior? Redirect The Behavior One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting is by redirecting the behavior. An effective distraction is a wonderful way to end the behavior without punishment, and show them how much fun the alternative to biting can be. The next time your Shepherd pup is displaying undesirable nipping, try to pull out their favorite toy. Since this will need to be a toy that your dog enjoys, be sure to offer them the option that they find most exciting. This can be a Kong toy , rope, bone, or any other chewing option that your dog loves. By doing this each time your Shepherd puppy begins to bite you, they will begin to understand that they would much rather play with an acceptable chew option. Having a variety of chew toys can alleviate their need to bite our hands and feet, and offer them the relief they seek in this uncomfortable transition. There are so many toys created for teething puppies, that it should be easy to fill your home with plenty of appropriate options. One of our favorite chew toys is the Kong Teething Binkie. Any attention can validate the behavior, causing them to make it a habit. This shows them that the behavior is unacceptable, and does not involve any harmful negative reinforcement. Our attention is important to a puppy, and they do not want to be ignored. By showing them that biting will only result in us pulling away, they will learn to ditch the undesirable behavior. Interrupt The Behavior Sometimes a Shepherd puppy needs a sharp and sudden sound to pull them out of a bad habit. By giving a quick interrupter cue ouch, yip, eek , you can pull your puppy away from the action and gain their attention. Because of this, it is so important to offer plenty of mental and physical activities throughout your home. For example, if your puppy nips at strangers each time they walk in the door, it may be best to limit their time around the guest and send them to a separate play area. Once they begin to understand that biting is unacceptable, you can refrain from using their separate play area as often. Similar to what we discussed above about being proactive, a separate play area can help them calm down and collect themselves. Once your German Shepherd puppy begins to mature and understand that biting is unacceptable, they should require less time away. Just as there are effective methods in canine training, there are counterproductive actions as well. Do Not Hit Or Yell Since biting is a normal behavior that puppies must learn to grow out of, it is not productive to hit or yell at your puppy when they bite. Doing this can show them from a young age that interaction with you results in something negative, and can hinder your training process. By using other distractions and training methods when they bite, you can turn every bite into a learning experience for your pup! This can seem like a fun game to your pup, and can actually encourage the behavior. Try your best to go limp when they bite you, and pull your attention away from the pup. By doing this, you show them that this behavior does not offer them any extra fun. Extra attention can validate their undesirable behavior, making it challenging to break. Try your best to refrain from reacting to a bite outside of your interrupter cue, and pull your attention away from your furry friend afterward. Biting is a normal behavior in puppies of all kinds. Puppies begin to bite their siblings from the moment they can move, and will continue this behavior until they learn otherwise. A biting German Shepherd puppy is to be expected, and should not result in any discouragement on your part. As long as you are following the tips we mentioned above, your puppy should shy away from this behavior in no time! Biting in puppies is not usually a sign of aggression. Mild biting is usually a form of play, and should be easily corrected. However, there are some rare cases where biting in German Shepherd puppies is a sign of something more. If your pup is displaying any snarling, growling, ears pinned back, stiff posture, or any other signs of canine aggression, your pup may be biting in reaction to fear or pain. If you are unable to make any progress within a month of implementing the tips we discussed above, it may be time to contact a dog trainer. A trainer can not only help your pup refrain from biting, but offer other obedience training as well. Final Thoughts As you can see, biting is a normal behavior for our beloved German Shepherd puppies. Be sure to review the tips we discussed above on proper canine training, and you can banish puppy biting for good!

Females are about 21 to 22 inches tall and weigh about 55 to 65 pounds 25 to 29 kilograms. The golden retriever has a water-repellent coat that is wavy or flat and gold to cream in color. One of the most attractive features of this breed is the feathering on the neck, legs, thighs, underside and tail. The dog's head is strong and broad. The ears are not very large, but they sit high on the head and hang just below the jaw line. The chest is deep, and the body is well balanced. Golden retrievers live about 10 to 13 years. Personality: The golden retriever is even-tempered, intelligent and affectionate. Golden retrievers are playful, yet gentle with children, and they tend to get along well with other pets and strangers. These dogs are eager to please, which probably explains why they respond so well to obedience training and are such popular service dogs. They also like to work, whether it involves hunting birds or fetching their guardian's slippers. .Golden retrievers are not often barkers, and they lack guard instincts, so do not count on them to make good watchdogs. However, some golden retrievers will let you know when strangers are approaching. Living With: This breed likes to be active. Remember, golden retrievers are bird dogs at heart, so they love a good game of fetch or a swim. If exercise is provided daily, golden retrievers can adapt to any type of home, even if it is a city apartment. Golden retrievers are considered average shedders. Brushing about once weekly will keep the coat looking nice. History: In , the golden retriever was the second most popular AKC breed. This ranking is no surprise, because the dog has many qualities that make for a perfect family pet. The golden retriever's roots are in the fields and waterways of Great Britain, however. The golden retriever was bred to be a bird dog, particularly for hunting water fowl, and the breed resulted from crossing a number of other breeds thought to include spaniels, setters, and the Newfoundland but not the Newfoundland we know today , and perhaps even a bloodhound. The combination created a hardy, strong swimming dog that could withstand cold water, track wounded game and deal with crippled birds. Today, golden retrievers are not only good bird dogs and family pets; they also are popular as service dogs for the blind and disabled, and as search and rescue dogs and contraband detection dogs. Few dogs can claim this breed's versatility. Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. The Golden is slow to mature and retains the silly, playful personality of a puppy until three to four years of age, which can be both delightful and annoying. Many keep their puppyish traits into old age. Originally bred for the physically demanding job of retrieving ducks and other fowl for hunters, the Golden needs daily exercise : a walk or jog, free time in the yard, a run at the beach or lake Goldens love water , or a game of fetch. And like other intelligent breeds who were bred to work, they need to have a job to do, such as retrieving the paper, waking up family members, or competing in dog sports. A tired Golden is a well-behaved Golden. As well as giving your Golden Retriever physical and mental exercise , you should also be prepared to include him in your family activities. Golden Retriever Highlights Golden Retrievers shed a lot, especially during spring and fall. Brushing their coat daily helps remove loose hair, preventing it from spreading on your clothes and around your home. Living with a Golden means embracing their shedding. Golden Retrievers are active and require minutes of vigorous exercise every day. They enjoy obedience training, agility classes, and other dog activities that provide both physical and mental stimulation. While they are gentle and reliable around children, Golden Retrievers are large and exuberant, which might accidentally knock over small kids. Goldens have hearty appetites and can become overweight if overfed. Manage treats, measure their daily food portions, and feed them regular meals instead of leaving food out all day. Due to their popularity, some breeders prioritize profit over the well-being of the dogs. To ensure a healthy pup, avoid irresponsible breeders, puppy mills, or pet stores. Look for reputable breeders who test their breeding dogs for genetic diseases and focus on good temperaments. Golden Retriever History For many years, there was a legend that Golden Retrievers were descended from Russian sheepdogs bought from a circus. In fact, the breed was developed in Scotland, at the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth. Tweedmouth, like many gentry of his day, bred animals of all kinds, trying to perfect different breeds. He also wanted the dog to be loyal and even-tempered in the home. Tweedmouth kept mostly the yellow puppies to continue his breeding program, and gave others away to friends and relatives. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in .Today, the Golden Retriever is the second most popular breed in the U. Golden Retriever Size Males are 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh 65 to 75 pounds. Females are generally .Golden Retrievers usually reach their full height by one year of age, and their mature weight by two. Golden Retriever Personality A sweet, calm nature is the hallmark of the breed. The Golden was bred to work with people, and is eager to please his owner. Though hard-wired with a good disposition, like all dogs the Golden must be well-raised and well-trained to make the most of his heritage. Socialization helps ensure that your Golden puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia: This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Cataracts: As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis: This heart problem is caused by a narrow connection between the left ventricle out-flow and the aorta. It can cause fainting and even sudden death. Your vet can detect it and prescribe the proper treatment. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Allergies: Golden Retrievers can be allergic to a variety of substances, ranging from food to pollen. If your Golden is licking his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, have him checked by your vet. The main symptom is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. There is no cure, and a blood transfusion from the blood of normal dogs is currently the only treatment. Research is underway for new treatments, including medication. A vet can test your dog for the condition. Dogs with this condition should not be bred. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in his stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Epilepsy : Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes periodic seizures and convulsions. Your vet will need to know how severe the seizures are and how often they occur to determine what medication to prescribe, if any. Hemangiosarcoma : This is a very dangerous form of cancer that originates in the lining of blood vessels and spleen. It most commonly occurs in middle-age and elderly dogs. Golden Retriever Care Golden Retrievers are built for action and love outdoor romps. If you like to hike or jog, your Golden will be happy to join you. Slacking on the activity, however, could lead to behavior problems. These dogs grow very rapidly between the age of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. Normal play on grass is fine, and so are puppy agility classes. Golden Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Golden in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. For more on feeding your Golden, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Some coats are wavy, some are straight. The fur feathers on the back of the front legs and underbody, with heavier feathering on the chest, back of the thighs, and tail. Golden Retrievers come in all shades of gold, from light to dark gold. Golden Retrievers shed moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and fall. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangling, and once a week is the bare minimum. Your Golden will also need a bath at least once a month, often more frequently, to keep him looking and smelling clean. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. Fold-over ears create a warm, dark environment for bacteria or fungus to grow in, and breeds that have them — such as the Golden — are prone to ear infections. His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Check them every time he gets wet, too. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. He enjoys the companionship of other dogs , and with proper introductions and training, can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Golden Retriever Rescue Groups Goldens are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Goldens in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Golden Retriever Club of America, Inc. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. Pin it Pin on Pinterest Golden Retrievers are considered to be some of the most lovable and gentlest types of dogs in the world. Because of this, they are a popular breed for many homeowners to add to their family. However, while these bundles of joy are a great addition to the family, they come with a few needs, especially if you plan to get Golden Retriever puppies. It is believed that Tweedmouth bought a yellow-coated retriever from a litter of mainly black retrievers. He then bred the retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel which eventually produced four yellow puppies. Eventually, the breed came to have the characteristic it is known for today, such as a bright yellow cup and long wavy coat. Golden Retriever puppies will eventually grow to be very large dogs, although how big depends on their gender. Males will grow to be anywhere near 23 to 23 inches tall and weigh about 60 to 75 lbs. Females will grow to be about 22 inches tall and weigh about lbs. Puppies will usually reach their full height and weight after a year. Types of Golden Retrievers Believe it or not, there are three different types of Golden Retrievers which range based on fur color and breed type. Fur can range from golden, light golden, and dark golden. The three types this breed comes in include American, Canadian, and English. So, how do you tell the difference between the types? An American Golden Retriever will look like your average Golden Retriever with a thin body and golden to dark golden coat. On the other hand, a Canadian Golden Retriever will have a thinner coat compared to the American version, although they will usually have the same fur color. An English Golden Retriever is a bit stockier compared to the other two and their coat tends to be very light in color. They are Affectionate These dogs are considered to be one of the most affectionate types in the world. They are very calm and enjoy sitting and being around people. They are also very patient and will gently play around with you because they want to be around you. These dogs also enjoy cuddling. They are Eager to Please Golden Retrievers want to be your best friend, and because of this, they will almost anything to please you. This can range from bringing you things to trying to be around you often. This makes them the perfect breed to consider if you want a faithful companion. They are Gentle While they might be big dogs, Golden Retrievers are very gentle, even when playing. Because of this, they are perfect to keep around children. They are Playful Golden Retrievers are very happy dogs and love to play. For those who want a dog to stay active with them, this breed is ideal to consider because of this. However, despite being playful, they also know when to stop because they want to please you. When they see that you are upset or sense they are causing pain , they will stop and calm down. Keep in mind though that this might be a little harder for puppies to understand as they are happy to play. The older the dog gets, the more relaxed they become. Food for Golden Retriever Puppies Golden Retriever puppies have a strict diet that needs to be followed so they stay healthy and grow. While there are some pre-made food products you can buy for them, you can also add some other healthy food options like vegetables for dogs to their meals. Carrots While carrots should be given in moderation due to their sugar content, they have many benefits. This includes keeping their teeth clean, improving their digestive system, and are high in Vitamin A which helps their immune system. When giving carrots to a puppy Golden Retriever, you should ideally grate them or cook them and mash them up. Green Beans Green beans can be given to dogs raw, cooked, or steamed. However, they need to be plain and without any type of seasonings. Sweet Potatoes Dogs tend to love sweet potatoes which is good as they are filled with fiber and can help their digestive system stay healthy. They also contain beta-carotene which is a rich antioxidant which helps to improve their skin. You can mash this small fruit up or give it to your dog whole. Bananas Bananas contain Vitamin K and potassium which can help with skin issues your dog might be having. However, keep in mind that they should only be given occasionally as they are high in fiber which can result in diarrhea. Pumpkin Pumpkins are a healthy sweet treat to give your retriever puppy thanks to its fiber content, high water content, and impressive levels of antioxidants. This supplement can also help to reduce inflammation in their body and keep their coat shiny. Check the Fillers Many dog foods contain fillers, used to cut down production costs, like corn and rice flour. Some fillers are used to provide extra volume and vitamins. This means that your dog might be getting some benefits from eating it, they are also eating fillers and other animal by-products which are generally not good for them. This can help to prevent them from getting medical conditions such as arthritis. While calcium is important, too much of it can also lead to problems like kidney disease and even some types of cancer. Retriever puppies usually need to eat about three times per day to ensure they get enough vitamins and nutrients for their body. Keep in mind that because these dogs love to eat, it could end up leading to obesity. This could end up causing health problems down the road, such as heart disease and painful joints. Below are some important things to consider. By doing so, it can make your training a bit easier. Some things to start teaching your puppy are potty training, basic commands like sit , and stopping leash tugging. These might take some time to do, but they are very simple. After doing so, let them sniff the treat and then bring the treat up over their head. This will cause them to sit down. Keep doing this process until your puppy is able to do it without needing the treat. When they indicate they need to go outside to use the bathroom, reward them. Eventually, they will learn the right behavior to use because of this. Make Sure to Stop Leash Tugging Most Golden Retriever puppies do not like leashes and will tend to pull in their leash to try to get out of them. If not stopped, this can lead to it making it difficult for you to walk your dog down the road. To help with this, you can use a harness and fixed-length leash. The harness will wrap around the front section of their body which will let them walk around, but help you to maintain control over where they go. A fixed-length leash will also help to keep your puppy in one place as it will only give them a certain distance they can go. When they start to pull on the leash, they will only be able to go as far as you have set the length to be. Eventually, they will get tired of the strain on their body when trying to pull away which can stop leash tugging. Many dog trainers also recommend tiring your dog out before they walk. This can include letting them play and run around for a few minutes. This can help them to stay calm when walking which can result in less leash tugging. Golden Retrievers are considered bird dogs, so they need to move around and stay active to get their energy out and to stay happy. You can let them run around in a dog park or take them for a swim, something which they tend to love doing. This can help to keep their coat smooth and healthy while removing any dirt or particles from their fur. On the other hand, you could also take your puppy to a groomer who will bathe your dog and give them a haircut. However, this might be a little expensive. Be Sure to Brush Them In addition to giving them baths and haircuts, you also need to make sure to brush them daily. This will help to remove excess fur and any other particles that might be in their coat. Otherwise, they will get very itchy and could end up shedding even more on furniture and floors. Carefully Consider Spaying and Neutering Your Puppy Golden Retrievers will have a little more issues when it comes to spaying and neutering. In fact, some vets have found that neutering Golden Retrievers could end up causing them to have joint pain or even cancer down the road. Because of this, some vets recommend that you consider using other means of preventing breeding. Because of this, they could end up chewing electrical cords, getting caught in window cords, or sniff household cleaners which could contain harmful chemicals. Give Them Things to Chew These dogs love to chew, something which many pet owners are surprised to find. You could also consider giving them a puzzle toy which can help to keep their brain active and healthy. However, how do you know which breeder is best to buy from? You can tell by keeping a few things in mind. One to look for is a contract that they will write up. This will tell of important things both the breeder and the buyer need to know. This way, you can tell that they are serious about the work and intend to provide you with healthy puppies. You should also make sure that the breeder has health certifications. Another thing to consider is the history of the breeder. Do many recommend them? Do they have years of experience? You should also consider looking at Golden Retriever puppies for adoption who might be at your local animal shelter. Adoption can also help to provide these puppies with a happy home rather than have to stay in a depressing kennel. Golden Retriever puppies are great dogs to have, but they have certain needs that need to be followed. For instance, they require plenty of exercise and a healthy diet. However, this will help them to stay healthy and give you many years together of fun adventures. Join them outside for playtime to help them burn off their endless puppy-like energy. Ideal Environment Golden Retrievers adapt easily and can thrive just as well on a sprawling farm as in a congested city, so long as there are plenty of opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. Remember, they have a natural instinct to retrieve, so offer them many positive outlets for that behavior. Back to Top Golden Retriever Health Golden Retrievers have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but the Golden Retriever lifespan can vary greatly depending on many variables, such as weight, fitness level, and illness. Some dogs can live to 14 without issue, while others can develop health problems well before that. The best thing you can do is follow preventative health protocols and know what those potential health problems are, so you can recognize and treat the signs quickly. Cancer: The biggest health issue for Goldens is cancer. According to a study conducted by the Golden Retriever Club of America, cancer was identified as a cause of death in .If your pup has cancer, your vet can help you determine the best course of action to treat your pup. Ear Infections: Those adorable floppy ears? They can trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Clean those cute ears regularly with a non-irritating solution like Epi-Otic to prevent ear infections. If your pup develops a skin infection, contact your veterinarian. Hip Dysplasia: Roughly 8. Check with your veterinarian for the best treatment options if your Golden suffers from this condition. Heart Conditions: They are also prone to certain heart conditions, like subaortic stenosis , which is a narrowing of the area just below the aortic valve the valve where blood leaves the heart and travels to the rest of the body. This can sometimes be detected as an audible murmur during a veterinarian exam. Your veterinarian will determine the best treatment. Marjoribanks selectively bred different dog breeds to create an energetic pup who could retrieve objects from the water and on land. He eventually developed a retriever with speed, agility and loyalty. Goldens began arriving in the United States in the early s and gained recognition from the AKC in .Now, many organizations are dedicated to the breed, such as the Golden Retriever Club of America. So, where is the best place to find Golden Retriever puppies today? When selecting a breeder, make sure they screen their dogs for health and temperament issues. You can also reach out to Golden Retriever rescues to adopt a Golden, or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter. Are Golden Retrievers Labradors? Goldens were originally bred in Scotland, while Labradors were bred in Newfoundland. Are Golden Retrievers aggressive? However, there can be exceptions if they were poorly socialized or abused by a previous owner. Like any dog, they can be territorial over food or high-value toys. What are the different types of Golden Retrievers? All Golden Retrievers are simply Golden Retrievers, and variations in color and body composition are results of breeding for specific traits. As mentioned above, dogs who are bred for field work might be redder and leaner than those bred for the show ring, but beyond that there is little difference in types. What are the most common Golden Retriever mixes? These are the most popular names among Chewy customers who have Goldens. For more name inspiration, check out our dog name guide. Sure, they need a lot of exercise, attention, and daily brushing to be at their happiest and give them the best chance of living well into their senior years. Female Names. Golden Retriever Personality and Traits Posted on June 22, by Galen Kauffman Share: Golden retrievers consistently rank within the top ten most popular dog breeds for a good reason! These dogs have become a hallmark of American families, along with white picket fences and warm apple pies. Goldens have a wide reputation for being affectionate, gentle, and intelligent pets. There are an estimated , breed-registered golden retrievers in America alone! Are you thinking about adding a golden retriever to your family? Wondering what to expect from the golden retriever personality? Keep reading to learn more about these beautiful, loyal dogs and their lovable characteristics! In general, golden retrievers are very sweet, friendly dogs. These are the common characteristics found in the golden retriever breed, but your dog will be unique! Golden Temperament The golden retriever temperament is generally very friendly, relaxed, and even-keeled. Goldens are eager to please and easily entertained. Golden retrievers are not an aggressive breed. Although they can be police dogs or personal security dogs, they are not the best breed for providing physical protection. Golden retrievers are very loyal but not strongly defensive. Goldens are often trained as therapy dogs and support animals because they have sweet, gentle personalities! Many goldens work with first responders to comfort victims of traumatic events. Because they are patient and tolerant, golden retrievers are great dogs to keep around children and people with disabilities. Minimal Barking When you own any kind of dog, some barking is inevitable, but barking will vary between breeds. Golden retrievers will bark, but they are not a breed prone to incessant barking. If you have a golden retriever, your dog will not likely wake you up by barking at night. High Energy Levels Golden retrievers are not a lazy breed. Golden retrievers are incredibly intelligent, so engaging with them mentally and physically every day is essential. You will need to exercise your golden daily by going for walks and playing with toys. Goldens also enjoy playing with mind puzzles and treat games! If they do not have a healthy outlet for excess energy, golden retrievers can be destructive or annoying to their owners. Unless you can commit to exercising your dog every hours, golden retrievers will not make good apartment pets. Easy Trainability Put all that high energy to good use! Golden Retrievers can be easy to train. When they are adequately trained, golden retrievers can be incredibly hard-working dogs. They are frequently trained to be service and support dogs. Because they are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, golden retrievers are relatively easy to train. Like most dogs, golden retrievers will see the best training results if they are trained from a young age. Your golden may have specific motivations, but this breed is relatively easy to encourage with treats, affection, and playtime. Sometimes babies and young children can be stressful for dogs, pulling their hair, grabbing their ears, and shouting their names. Not all dogs are up to the task of babysitting, but golden retrievers make excellent family pets. Kids and golden retrievers will enjoy playing outside together for hours. Their high energy and intelligence make them the perfect companions for playing fetch and tug-of-war! Teach children how to approach a dog with kindness. Any dog can react negatively when they are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Cooperative Companions Because of their easygoing and friendly demeanor, golden retrievers are also well-behaved around other family pets. They are not likely to display aggression towards other dogs in the home and are not prone to tormenting housecats. Golden retrievers may actually benefit from the company of other animals. Having another dog or even a cat! Goldens are usually very easy to take into public spaces as well. They are obedient when walking on the leash and quite friendly towards strangers. Of course, every dog is unique! If your dog displays aggression or unease around other dogs in public, practice safe dog-walking habits and avoid dog parks. Golden Retriever Breed History The history and breeding of golden retrievers play a lot into their modern-day personalities. Golden retrievers originated in Scotland in the mid to late 19th century, making them a relatively new breed! The natural landscape of Scotland is wet in many places, and hunters had trouble retrieving wildfowl from dense marshy areas. Standard hunting dogs at the time were not very well equipped for finding and returning wild game. Thus, the hunting dogs were bred with tweed water spaniels to make them more adept in marshlands. Although water spaniels have wavy black coats, some of the puppies were born with distinct yellow coats. These dogs became known as golden retrievers! Today, their lovable personalities have made them one of the most adored dog breeds in America. Physical Characteristics Golden retriever characteristics are easily recognizable. Goldens are medium-to-large-sized dogs with distinct wavy coats and floppy, triangular ears. Golden retrievers can be cream-colored, light golden, or dark golden. Because their lips are quite relaxed, they can have some tendency to drool. They love to show affection with big, sloppy kisses! Strong Sense of Smell Golden retrievers have incredibly keen senses of smell. Historically, they would use their strong noses to locate game in the marshy hunting grounds of Scotland. Today, they are sometimes trained as drug-detection and travel security dogs. Golden retrievers love to play games of hide-and-seek with treats. These dogs have slick, water-shedding coats inherited from their water spaniel ancestors. Their double-layered fur keeps water from penetrating down to bare skin! Golden Retriever Care Tips Golden retrievers are a friendly, easygoing breed, but they do require some special treatment from their owners. Many people know that these dogs eat ravenously, drink a lot of water, and require special coat care , but their unique personalities deserve attention too. Here are a few essential takeaways for taking care of your golden pal. Exercise Your Dog Often Golden retrievers are an active, extroverted breed. They do not deal well with feeling cooped indoors for hours at a time. Invest in Early Training Golden retrievers are an intelligent breed, but their energy can be misdirected if untrained. Consistent, early training will keep your dog from destroying your house and annoying your family. Keep treats nearby to reward your dog for obedient behavior! They love to travel , explore, and learn new things. Make sure your dog can find space when needed, and teach children how to interact appropriately with pets. Golden Opportunity The golden retriever personality is legendary for a reason. This breed is affectionate, loyal, intelligent, and endlessly friendly. Are you determined to adopt after reading this golden retriever guide? All of our puppies have certified genetics and are sourced from local, loving breeders. Ready to meet your new best friend? Check out our available puppies! 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. They are simultaneously wonderful family pets—thanks to their friendly, tolerant attitude—and capable, intelligent working dogs. These sturdy, medium-sized dogs grow to about 55—75 pounds and typically live to be about 10—12 years old. Outgoing, trustworthy, eager-to-please, and easy-to-train, they are especially popular with families with young children. Goldens often maintain their fun-loving puppy attitudes and signature smile into adulthood. Part of the sporting dog group, golden retrievers are active dogs that require at least an hour of daily exercise. They live up to their name; they love retrieving just about anything thrown for them. This makes them excellent hunting companions and skilled service dogs. They love to eat, run, spend time with their owners, and even participate in obedience and agility events. Their coloring ranges from light golden to cream, and dark golden to golden, and their physique can vary from broad and dense to leaner and more sporty. According to AKC standards,goldens move with a smooth, powerful gait, and the feathery tail is carried, as breed fanciers say, with a "merry action. Thanks to their breeding as hunting and waterfowl-retrieving dogs in the Scottish Highlands,their outer coat is dense and repels water. They also have a thick undercoat. Their coats can vary in texture from wavy to straight. Heavy feathering appears on their chest, the backs of their legs, and tail. Temperament In general, golden retrievers are outgoing, playful, and gentle. They are also friendly, intelligent, and devoted. As they get older, most golden retrievers become docile and calm. Bred to be working retrievers, goldens have a lot of energy and require a lot of activity. They are best suited for owners with an active lifestyle and they thrive in a home where someone is around during the day to spend time with them. They don't do well when left at home on their own; they love their humans too much. Their happy demeanor often draws attention from other people when you are out and about—goldens get along well with strangers and other dogs. While they are not considered good guard dogs—they'd be more likely to show an intruder where the treats are than send the intruder running—golden retrievers are excellent service dogs thanks to their loyalty, intelligence, and stable temperament. They see themselves as part of the family and need to be treated as such. Luckily, goldens are not bothered by noise, commotion, and activity, making them very tolerant of children. Golden retrievers also take a "the more the merrier" approach to having other pets in the home. With proper introductions and training, goldens can be trusted with other dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals. A golden retriever would do well reigning over a large fenced-in yard , so if you don't have a lot of outdoor space or you live in an apartment, make sure you get your golden outside regularly. A lot," Steen says. Owners should get used to having a fair amount of dog hair on clothing and furniture around the home. They have a thick, water-repellant double coat that sheds moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and fall. However, if you brush your golden daily, you can prevent tangling and remove some dead hair before it covers everything in sight. Baths can also help and are recommended about once a month, but make sure the golden is fully dry before brushing begins. Golden retrievers will also need their nails trimmed about once or twice a month. A good indicator of when they need to be trimmed is when you can hear them clicking on the floor. Teeth should also be brushed at least two or three times a week. Ear checks are important as well; goldens have fold-over ears, which create an environment that encourages bacteria and fungus to grow. Look for redness or a bad odor and simply wipe out the outer ear with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Exercise is an essential part of a golden retriever's day. At least one hour a day of rigorous activity is necessary, even if that happens over several different outings or play times throughout the day. Goldens can be taken on long runs , bike rides, hikes, and swims. They also enjoy hunting trips, field trials, and other canine sports like agility, obedience, and tracking. A golden that doesn't get enough exercise is likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors like digging and chewing. Mental challenges, such as learning tricks and playing with puzzle toys, are also appealing to goldens, but should never replace physical activity. Take it easy with exercise in a golden retriever's first two years of life, as their growth plates are still forming. Don't go for long, strenuous runs or hikes until the dog is fully grown, and always opt for grass over concrete. Early socialization and puppy training classes are important with golden retrievers. Puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, and situations to help them become well-adjusted in their young life. When it comes to feeding time , owners need to help golden retrievers manage their intake; they have a tendency to become overweight. Food should be measured out and given twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. Dog treats should be given in moderation. If you're unsure whether your golden retriever is overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he likely needs less food and more exercise. Chat with your vet about the best course of action. According to Steen, they are a generally healthy breed, but goldens are at a slightly increased risk of hip dysplasia and cancer when compared to other dogs. Other health conditions, although not particularly common, include elbow dysplasia, cataracts , progressive retinal atrophy —or gradual deterioration of the retina—hypothyroidism, gastric dilatation-volvulus otherwise known as bloat , and allergies. Golden retrievers should also have their ears checked often and teeth brushed regularly for optimum health. History Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord of Tweedmouth, developed golden retrievers in the mid-to-late s. Although at one time a rumor indicated that golden retrievers descended from Russian sheep dogs, they were, in fact, bred in the Scottish Highlands. Marjoribanks bred the dogs for more than 50 years to create an ideal gundog—he was an avid hunter of waterfowl. Tweedmouth wanted a dog suited to the rainy climate and rugged terrain of the area, so he crossed his "yellow retriever" with a breed that is now extinct, the Tweed water spaniel. He also wanted the dog to be even-tempered in the home. A golden retriever was first shown at the British dog show in .The Kennel Club in England officially recognized the golden retriever as a distinct breed in .At that time, they were classified as "retriever — yellow or golden. Fun Facts Considered one of the most beloved dog breeds, golden retrievers gained popularity with American families in the s when President Gerald Ford had a golden named Liberty. Tucker Budzyn is currently the most recognized golden retriever on the Internet, with more than 3 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Golden retrievers are regulars on big and little screens. Golden retrievers love tennis balls. Just ask this 6-year-old golden named Finley , who is the Guinness World Record holder for carrying the most tennis balls in his mouth at a time. He can hold six! Was this page helpful? This is one of the finest family dogs in the world: cheerful, demonstrative, trustworthy with everyone, and forgiving of any mistakes made by inexperienced owners. Give this breed two brisk walks each day, play fetch games, and take him out for a good run once a week, and he is adaptable to almost any lifestyle. Friendly with everyone strangers, children, dogs, cats, smaller pets , his bark is welcoming rather than protective. You must control his tendency to chew on objects and to mouth your hands -- provide a box filled with toys so he can carry things around in his mouth. A Golden Retriever remains enthusiastically puppy-like for many years, so early obedience training is required to instill calmness and good manners. Eager to please and wonderfully responsive, he is nonetheless distracted by exciting sights and sounds, so you must be both patient and persistent. The mind and heart of a Golden is sweet and gentle, but his body is robust -- until he's taught not to pull on the leash, you'll need good biceps to walk him. If you want a dog who.Is large, athletic, and natural-looking Has a pretty feathered coat Has a cheerful, tail-wagging nature Is steady-tempered and dependable with everyone Is peaceful with other animals Is eager to please and very responsive to training A Golden Retriever may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with.Providing a goodly amount of exercise Exuberant jumping, especially when young Mouthiness -- chewing on things, carrying things around Regular brushing and combing to avoid mats and tangles Heavy shedding Concerns about a multitude of serious health problems A Golden Retriever may not be right for you. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Golden Retrievers have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Books by Michele Welton "Respect Training for Puppies" or "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today. High energy when young. Young Golden Retrievers up to two or three years old romp and jump with vigor. They don't mean any harm but things can go flying — including people who are not steady on their feet. If you have toddlers, or if you or anyone who lives with you is infirm, consider adopting an adult Golden Retriever from a rescue group. Adults have a wonderfully settled temperament and you can specifically look for a calm one. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Golden Retrievers were developed to be hunting dogs, which mean they are athletic and smart dogs. They need regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. You can't just let them in and out of the back yard and think that qualifies! They will become bored — which they may express by becoming rambunctious and destructive. You can control your Golden Retriever's bounciness AND keep him mentally stimulated by enrolling him in ongoing agility classes an obstacle course for dogs. Also follow the training program in my book Teach Your Dog English Words , which includes lots of fun exercises for your Golden. Shedding and doggy odor. Golden Retrievers are heavy shedders — you need to be okay with this reality. You'll find a lot of hair on your clothing and furniture. Golden Retrievers also have a noticeable doggy odor and produce a lot of dander. Not the breed for anyone with any type of allergies! Some Golden Retrievers have a medium-length coat that's not difficult to groom, while others have a heavier coat with lots of feathering. These latter dogs need regular grooming to comb out tangles before they become painful mats. Goldens also need occasional clippering and scissoring, especially around their "bathroom parts" in order for those to remain sanitary. Serious health problems. Unfortunately, the Golden Retriever has lots and lots of potential health problems. Many Goldens do live to 12 or 13 years old, but they're not necessarily healthy during those years; chronic health issues can really take their toll. Many other Goldens are lost at age 6 or 7 or 8, to crippling joint and bone diseases, heart disease, epilepsy, or cancer. Golden Retrievers should not be fed a kibble diet, as this can cause or worsen skin disorders and allergies, which are all too common. I recommend feeding a homemade diet of real meat and vegetables and absolutely no grain. Read more about Golden Retriever Health. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Golden retrievers are such great family dogs. And they tend to have some behavior problems because of their great characteristics. Most goldens want to be near their people. And they love to be petted and get attention. They may jump, grab our hand or arm, or engage in some destructive behaviors. Many of these are normal dog behaviors that can be modified through training and exercise. Normal Dog Behaviors Versus Abnormal Behaviors Dogs naturally dig, bark, express fear in certain situations, mark territory, chase small animals, and jump. They may steal food. Or want to be with us all the time. Goldens were bred to be sociable, high-energy dogs. My rescued golden Spencer almost always had to carry something in his mouth. So I made sure there were safe toys for him to happily tote around. Unfortunately, many dogs are given up to shelters because of behaviors that can be modified. To have a great companion takes a lot of work, patience, and time. And to meet those needs. These should be dealt with by behavior specialists who can evaluate the individual dog and determine the best behavior modification plan. These abnormal behaviors include aggression to those around the dog, obsessive-compulsive disorders, shutting down, and severe separation anxiety. Why Behavior Problems Develop There is no one reason why some behavior problems occur. Unfortunately, goldens are so popular—the third-popular breed ranked by the American Kennel Club—they are often poorly bred. There are too many back-yard and puppy mill dogs who are more likely to not be the examples of what the breed should be. Jumping on People Golden retrievers usually love everyone and never met a stranger. Goldens are the greeting committee of the dog world. Many dogs want to jump on people when greeting them. The golden can, of course, unintentionally injure someone, knocking them over in his exuberant greeting. Engaging in Destructive Behavior In addition to friendliness, goldens were bred to hunt. They have energy to spare. And they were bred to retrieve and have something in their mouths. They may dig up the garden. Or chew up our furniture. Or they may steal the food on the counter. And the food they eat may be toxic, such as chocolate or raisins. Or they may get a blockage from ingesting a towel or sock. A bored, under-exercised golden can get very creative in meeting his needs. They often need to have something in their mouths. That is, he may constantly try to hold our clothes, arm, or hand in his mouth. Biting is a natural canine behavior. But puppies should be taught bite-inhibition. And it can be dangerous. Someone can be badly bruised or even pulled down. Pulling on the Leash Goldens love to go places and greet all their new admirers. But they want to get there sooner rather than later. Many dogs pull on a leash, but not all are as friendly as goldens are known to be. And they can be lazer-focused on getting where they want to go. Being a rather large dog, a golden pulling on a leash can injure someone. An owner can be pulled down and get injured. Or the dog himself can get free and get lost or injured—or worse. Demanding Attention Because of their natural friendliness, goldens may want to be the center of attention. They are so family-oriented, they love to be with us. Some goldens may bark at you for attention. They may nudge you and grab your arm to be recognized. Some may even engage in unwanted behaviors like taking something off the table. Even negative attention is attention. Hyperactivity Some goldens seemingly bounce off the walls. They are like a hurricane passing through the living room. Tables are cleared of bric a brac. Pillows are shredded and on the floor. But your happy golden is furiously wagging his tail, looking for the next item he can use to help expel his excess energy. Separation Anxiety Because of their innate friendly, family-oriented behavior, goldens may suffer from separation anxiety at a higher rate than some other breeds. Their need to be with us can lead to some unwanted behaviors. Dogs with mild separation anxiety may drool, pace, whine, and generally behave in a distressed manner. Dogs with severe separation anxiety may become very destructive. They may try to get out of doors and windows, feverishly digging at door and window frames. They may even severely harm themselves in their attempts to get free. Dogs with separation anxiety may need professional behavioral help. We owe it to our goldens to do all that we can do to meet their natural needs. A bored, untrained, under-exercised, unsupervised golden is going to develop some problem behaviors. Some of the tips below will even help your golden from developing any of the potential problems cited above. I wrote the ways to help fix a problem separately from the problems because it will probably take more than one item to successfully change an unwanted behavior. All of the favorable interactions we have with our goldens also help further our bond with them. Physical Exercise Goldens were bred to hunt. They are highly-energetic dogs. Walks, fetching, jogging, agility, and swimming can all be great ways to physically exercise your golden. A vet check-up is advisable prior to starting any exercise program. Physical exercise can help decrease or eliminate the above-named problems. Of course, you want to exercise your dog enough but not over-tire them. Dogs who have been sufficiently exercised are less likely to jump or engage in destructive activities such as digging or chewing. Also, dogs who are exercised and calm before we leave are less likely to develop separation anxiety. Obedience Training Obedience training helps us communicate with our dogs and informs them what behaviors are desired. So we can teach them to sit before they receive attention. Or to lie down next to us and settle. And we can show him what toys he can put in his mouth rather than destroying items or turning us into his chew toy. Redirection works. And we can teach them to not pull on a leash and to walk on a loose leash. Part of the training should include how to leave your dog alone. This will help prevent separation anxiety from developing. Start with short sessions. Make leaving a happy opportunity—when great things appear. Leave a frozen, stuffed Extreme Kong with him as you leave. If your dog has already shown signs of separation distress, get the help of a qualified behavior specialists. As far as your golden inappropriately seeking attention is concerned, you can ignore your dog. Turn away or get up and leave. But do give him the attention he needs on your terms by calling him over to you occasionally. Pet him. Have him do a command or trick. Praise, pet, and treat. You should also play games with him. Teach him to tug a toy like a rope or long fleece to and give. You can have him play fetch. You can play hide-and-seek where you go and hide and call him to you. Make a big deal when he reaches you YES! Good boy! And not at all with a dog who has separation anxiety. But, to goldens, this is what they often enjoy most. Everyone is a potential friend. Goldens will thrive if they are fed the same times each day, are exercised as needed routinely, and receive attention from their people every day. No dog should be just put aside like a statue. Goldens especially need attention through positive daily interactions—play, training, exercise. If ignored, their sweet, golden personality will wilt. Final Thoughts Golden retrievers are such happy, affable, family dogs. But they are prone more than some breeds to certain problem behaviors because of their genetic purpose to retrieve and their desire to be with people. By doing so, their lives—as well as ours—will be full and happy. Does your golden engage in any unwanted behaviors? How have you handled them? Please tell us about it in the comment section below. Related Article:.

Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. If you were thinking about purchasing one of these wonderful pets for your home but would like to know how to find the best breeder, keep reading while we answer that question and several more to help you make an informed decision. The 7 Labrador Retriever Breeders in the United States Finding a Labrador Retriever breeder in the United States should not be difficult, and with a little research, you should be able to find one near you. The only problem you might run into is the long waiting list you might need to get on due to the high demand for this breed. Waiting lists not only increase the time you need to wait for your puppy, they can also bump up the price significantly. It will also help you find any other kind of dog just by putting in your zip code. This site can be a pain because it requires you to download a browser extension, but it is easy to use after that. Labrador Puppies Village Labrador Puppies Village will be happy to ship your pet to you, and they have a wide selection. All puppies come with a health guarantee and have a complete checkup before you purchase them. Windsor Kennels English Labs Check waddelldogbreeding. They produce several litters per year, and they have a waiting list you can get on and they will notify you when new puppies arrive. The Labrador Retriever Rescue Check humanesociety. Many people can no longer take care of their pets for one reason or another and turn to the shelter for help to rehome their pets. Some dogs will even have their vaccination shots. Adopting a puppy from a shelter also frees resources so the shelter can use them for other pets in need. Skye Labradors Skye Labradors is an authenticated breeder who has been creating puppies for more than 25 years and produces several litters per year. Tonmar Labradors Tonmar Labradors are officially sanctioned breeders that produce several litters each year using numerous queens. The current demand can produce a waiting list which might drive up costs, and if you want breeding rights, you need to pay more. If you do not get breathing rights, you will need to get the dog spayed or neutered, and it will require several vaccinations over the first few years, which will require visits to your vet. You will also need to regularly buy food, treats, and toys to keep your dog healthy and happy. We recommend asking to see the health certificate of the parents as well as the puppies to rule out any hidden issues. We recommend asking if you can see the whole litter to make sure the rest of the dogs are healthy and happier. We recommend asking if the puppies had any vaccinations and if they take deworming medication. We recommend asking the breeder about their experience breeding these dogs. Laboratory Retrievers like to run, and since they are fairly large dogs, they will need plenty of space to move around without knocking things over or getting into trouble. Labrador Retrievers are clumsy animals, and since they can weigh as much as 80 pounds, they may not be suitable to have around small children. Laboratory Retrievers have a long lifespan with many specimens lasting 15 years or more, so you need to be committed to the long haul before purchasing one of these dogs. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent animals and are easy to train once you get them into a routine and stick with it. Next on your reading list: Labany Conclusion Labrador Retrievers make great pets. They are affectionate, intelligent, and relatively healthy with long lifespans. Finding a breeder is not difficult, and there are many high-quality ones spread across the United States that can create the perfect dog for you. We recommend checking the animal shelter first because you can usually get your dog at a much lower cost, and these animals tend to be grateful and better behaved. However, there are plenty of options if there are no dogs in the shelter. Related read:. He must have been thinking of a Lab! Labrador Retrievers have been the most popular dog in the USA year after year since .For good reasons considering they make gentle friends, are great with children, have outgoing personalities, are very intelligent, eager to learn, easy to train with a high natural retrieving instinct, and are excellent hunting companions. Here at Southern Flight Retrievers we raise and focus on working retrievers. They are bred and built for endurance, speed, and agility in the field. While most of the puppies we raise go to Field Trial , Hunt Test, and Hunting homes, we also have sold and continue to sell pups for the other useful work Labs are quite capable of doing. Labs are becoming increasingly popular for the use of Guide Dog services for the physically handicapped or for Search and Rescue dogs. Their excellent sense of smell makes them highly effective in Detection work as well. All in all, it is hard to go wrong with choosing a working Labrador Retriever. We look forward to helping you find the perfect lab puppy to fit your need and situation. American Labs are typically bred to compete and hunt. They tend to be taller and more athletic with muscular body conformation. American labs are preferred for better mobility in marshes, waterways, and muddy fields. A true British Labrador is short and stocky. They would typically be found in show rings. If a person sees American and British Labradors side by side, there is a noticeable difference. For a good idea of what a puppy from us will look like grown up please visit our Client Gallery under the Photo Gallery tab. Life Span Did You Know? Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. The Chocolate Labrador Retriever is not a distinct dog breed from other Labs, but it is a separate coat color variation that is specifically bred for. Similar to the other standard coat colors of Labrador Retrievers, Chocolate Labs are energetic dogs that get along well in a family setting. As a Retriever, they also make great hunting dogs and have also been known to fill other working dog roles including service dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more. They are even one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. A point of interest is that all modern Chocolate Labrador Retrievers can be traced to three specific Black Labradors that lived during the s. Chocolate Labs are industrious little pups. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. They are also one of the most affectionate dog breeds and absolutely love being with their favorite humans. Properly socialized and well-trained, Labs are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are famously even-tempered and playful. This makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family, as they tend to be gentle and patient with little ones. They can have a high prey drive. They usually do well with small pets within the family that they have been raised with or socialized around, but likely will still have the urge to chase other animals while out and about. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. After all, strangers are just more people to give them attention and play with them. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers may be high-energy dogs, but they are also highly adaptable. They will thrive in homes with fenced yards where they can run freely. They can adapt well to apartment living as well as long as they get plenty of daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. Their natural urge to dig and bark when they are bored or agitated can be quelled with a little training and exercise. Although they can handle some alone time, Labs love to be with their families and thrive on attention from them, so they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Chocolate Labs also have a water-resistant double coat that makes them well-suited for most habitable climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat. Although they can handle some cold and will likely love to play in the snow, they are not a snow dog breed and may need to bundle up while out on walks in areas with harsher winters. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chocolate Labrador Retriever can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hereditary myopathy, and heart disease. There is also a condition with a genetic link called exercise-induced collapse EIC , which can occur in young adult Labradors. Carriers of this can be identified by DNA tests and it is advised that breeders test for this and avoid practices that would produce the disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can quickly become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are incredible companions and are also one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Their energy can make them a handful at times, but their intelligence, adaptability, patience with people, and eagerness to please make them easy to train. Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds , so they pick up on things easily. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, a Chocolate Lab will do their best to respond as expected and will often exceed expectations. Chocolate Labs have a short, water-resistant coat that will shed year-round. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are all that are needed to keep a Lab coat healthy and looking great. They may need baths more often if they are avid swimmers, go on a lot of outdoor adventures, and get dirty a lot. Floppy ears tend to trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Proper dental care for dogs is imperative to help prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease or tooth decay later in life. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene chews. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds and need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but your Chocolate Labrador will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood and tend to maintain that puppy-like energy and maturity until they are years old. Swimming can be a great lower-impact activity and Labrador Retrievers are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water. Between that, their water-resistant coat, and webbed toes, you may have trouble getting your Chocolate Lab out of the water. Fully-grown Chocolate Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Chocolate Labs generally live for years on average. Fourteen years later, the American Kennel Club did the same in .Featured Chocolate Labrador Retriever Article. Life Span Did You Know? There is a reason that year after year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. The history of the Labrador Retriever dates back to the early s in Newfoundland, just off the Atlantic coast of Canada. Had these families not played a vital part in the continuation of the breed, the loving and affectionate Labs we have all grown to love may not exist today. The first recognized Yellow Labrador Retriever was born in .One of the friendliest breeds out there, Yellow Labs are great companions and love to be a part of the family. While the color yellow is part of their namesake, their coats range from fawn or cream to butterscotch or a deep golden hue. Coming into popularity during the midth century, the Yellow Labrador Retriever has been a staple for hunters and family homes alike ever since. These dogs are patient and kind when faced with energetic young ones. Yellow Labs delight in big spaces, opting to run and play wildly. However, they will happily lounge on the couch after having a long, hard run outside. When given a little training, they can easily learn to control barking habits and restrain themselves from digging. Their double coat also makes them a good fit for just about any climate. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Generally speaking, Labradors are healthy. They can develop certain inherent conditions, along with cataracts and kneecap displacement, but will remain healthy overall. As long as they are taken to their vet appointments with regularity, Labs will usually feel just fine. Yellow Labs are loyal companions with few drawbacks. Treats never hurt, of course. This, paired with their eagerness to please, makes them a highly trainable dog breed that is a good fit for owners of any experience level. With minimal training, these dogs can control their barking and digging without much trouble. Labs have very short, double-layered, and water-resistant fur. Its density protects them from the cold, so they will often try to swim any time of year. They experience heavier seasonal shedding twice a year and slight shedding throughout the year. Giving them a good brush once a week or a few times a week should keep their coats shiny and healthy. Other grooming tasks include nail trimming, ear care, and dental care. Proper dental care for dogs includes brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day. This helps prevent the tartar buildup that causes dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. This breed tends to be very active. They were bred to be working dogs and need exercise. A few daily walks and some time to run should help assuage their energy levels. Yellow Labs also need a fair amount of mental activity as well; they like to stay sharp. Yellow Labs are classified as medium to large dogs. They reach an average height of 23 inches and an average healthy weight of 75 pounds. A Yellow Labrador Retriever generally lives years. It was traditional in Newfoundland for every fishing boat to have a Labrador Retriever that would help retrieve the fish as they came in off the trawl. Featured Yellow Labrador Retriever Article. A furry companion who will be by your side for years to come? Look no further than our adorable Labrador puppies! These dogs are sweet, gentle, and affectionate. Lab puppies are the perfect option for individual companionship or a family pet. These pups will make you feel right at home! They love nothing more than spending time with their owners and making new friends. These dogs are known for their sweet and gentle nature, and they make excellent companions for both adults and children. They are also very playful, which makes them an ideal pet for anyone who wants to have fun with their dog. In the past, Labrador Retrievers have been used for many purposes including guide dogs, therapy dogs, as well as search and rescue dogs. The fact that they have the ability to learn quickly and easily makes them a popular choice for many types of work. English Lab puppies can be very energetic when they are young but as they grow up, they become more laid back and relaxed around the house. They tend to be very loyal to their owners but not overly aggressive towards other people or animals and their gentle nature makes them great family pets for families with small children. English Labrador Retrievers — The Perfect Family Pet If you are looking for a great family dog that loves to play, then you should consider getting an English Lab puppy. Our Yellow Lab puppies for sale are a dependable and pleasant breed that is excellent with children. Their high intelligence and eagerness to please their owners have made them one of the most popular breeds in the USA. All of these factors combined make English Labrador Retrievers the perfect family pet. We do this by intentionally breeding only the healthiest dogs from a well-researched bloodline. Learn more about how we keep our Yellow Lab puppies for sale healthy by visiting our health guarantee page! What our clients say.He has a clean facility for the dogs and takes excellent care of all of them. His family are all involved in with the puppies so they are used to children. Our Lacie white as lace loves everyone and has picked up commands quickly. I would highly recommend visiting Richard is you are looking for a lab puppy.

There are a variety of reasons to crate train your dog. Use your crate: [25] X Research source To keep your puppy safe when you cannot watch her. To keep your belongings safe when you cannot watch your puppy. When your puppy is home alone. To give your puppy a place to calm down. When traveling. To keep your puppy away from children or other dogs. To aid in house training and other behavioral training. Never use your crate to punish your dog. And once your dog is no longer a puppy and can be trusted not to destroy the house, do not crate your dog when you are away. Save the crate for special times — i. For the most part, your dog should enter her crate voluntarily. The type of crate you use is up to personal preference, though many find that wire crates are the most durable and comfortable long-term solutions for dogs as well as being used at most kennels where you might board your dog. The most important thing is that you get the right size crate. If it is too small, your dog will not be comfortable. If it is too large, it will provide the den-like space dogs crave. Your dog should be able to stand in the crate without hitting her head, to turn around comfortably, and to lie on their side with their paws stretched out. Also buy a divider if purchasing the crate for your puppy. Your dog should enjoy her crate. It should provide a comfortable place for her to relax, so much so that she should choose to spend time there. Make sure to: [28] X Research source Put the crate in a room where you spend lots of time, so your puppy does not feel abandoned. Keep it a comfortable temperature: out of direct sunlight and far from fireplaces and radiators. Place soft bedding inside. Place chew toys inside to give your dog something to do. Cover your wire crate with a towel or crate cover. This will give it more of the den-like feel your dog craves. If you do it well, crate training will be much easier. Throw some new dog toys in, too. Let your dog explore the crate on her own. Let her go at her own speed. Every hour or so put more treats in the crate when your dog is not looking. Be sure to subtract all these treats from their daily food allowance. Also start feeding your dog in the crate. At first, put the bowl just inside so they only have to poke their head in. After 2 or 3 successful feedings, move it to the middle, then all the way back. Show your dog a treat and toss it in the crate. Move away and wait for her to leave the crate. Always use your cue words. Repeat the whole ritual several times a day until your dog is happily entering the crate to fetch treats. After tossing a treat in once or twice to warm your dog up, use your command word without a treat. If she enters, praise profusely and give a treat or two. Also praise her when she leaves. Repeat this training several times a day for two or three days, until your dog is entering and leaving the crate on command. If your golden puppy struggles with this step, go back to the previous one. Ask your puppy to enter the crate and sit. Slowly close the door. If you have to bang it shut before your dog escapes, then she is not ready for this step. When the door is closed, praise and give treats, then open the door and let her leave. Gradually lengthen the time they must sit in the crate before you let them out. Do sessions of training where they wait ten seconds, then 30, 45, and a minute. When your dog can comfortably stay in the crate for a minute, you will want to start moving away while she is in the crate. In the first session, move only a few feet away before you come back. Move to different areas of the room and keep looking at your dog. Next, try training sessions where you move around the room without paying attention to your puppy. Add moments when you step out of the room briefly and return. Finally, leave the room. At first, stay out for only five minutes. Gradually increase the time you are gone to 30 minutes. Go back to the previous step or reduce the time you are leaving her. Always remove your puppies leash and collar before putting her in the crate, as they are choking hazards. For a puppy, these will need to be shorter trips, as a puppy cannot be expected to go more than 3 hours or so without urinating. She needs to be able to get up and stretch her legs. Vary the time you put your dog in the crate. Sometimes do it ten minutes before you go. Sometimes five. Sometimes right before you head out the door. Praise your dog for entering her crate, then go. Now that your puppy is comfortable in her crate, she can sleep there overnight, but be sure you can hear her. Puppies often need to pee in the middle of the night. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cosy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden coloured retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Schools Hospitals The veterinary clinic. Plus puppies are a great stress relief and your puppy may be just what the staff need to get through a hard day. Not only does it keep them healthy but it may also decrease the tendency toward poor behavior and helps them sleep. There are many things you can do with your Golden Retriever beyond just neighborhood walks, here are some suggestions: Swimming. Even puppies can swim, just take the time to introduce them slowly to deep water. Throwing a toy helps. Playing catch. Playing ball is great exercise, just avoid tossing things like discs where they may try to jump and injure them selves Tug of War. Gentle tug of war is a great game that most Goldens love. Playing with other puppies or similarly sized dogs Chasing the kids around the yard. Have them drag a rope toy and run let your pup catch it every once in a while. This has the added benefit of exercising your kids too. Training your Golden Retriever puppy is essential, he or she needs to understand what is good behavior and what is not. Golden Retrievers are very smart dogs who learn quickly and enjoy training with their people. House training and teaching basic commands is an essential part of raising a Golden Retriever puppy. Additional training, whether that is advanced obedience or training them to do tricks, can be a great way to enjoy your puppy and creating a lasting bond. Golden Retriever puppies are able to learn as well as adults by 8 weeks of age. Even younger pups can learn basic behaviors like sit with just a little patience. Here we give a few suggestions, but we have a fantastic article on Training your Golden Retriever that goes into detail. Here are some commands every dog should know. Your Golden Retriever puppy should come right away every time you call. Carry treats in your pocket and practice this command everywhere you go. Coming when you call could save your dogs life one day. This one is critical for when you want your Golden to stop jumping on guests or when you want your pup to calm down. It can also be used in place of sit for not jumping on guests. Leave it. This one is important to get them away from that dead animal they want to roll in, the goose poop they want to eat, or the pacifier that your neighbors toddler dropped in front of your pup. Yes wait not stay. This means walk by my side without pulling on the leash. Some Fun Tricks and Commands to Teach Your Dog One of the best parts of raising a Golden Retriever puppy, is seeing first hand how smart they are and how much they love learning new things. Here are a few just for fun things you can teach your dog. Bring it. Point to a toy or object and have them bring it to you. Turn off the light once they are big enough to reach the switch. Off is easier than on but they can learn that too. Jump through the hoop. All you need is a simple hula hoop and a partner. Note Golden Retriever puppies should not jump higher than a inches before 6 months. They should not jump more than shoulder height before 1 year of age when their growth plates are closed. High five. Yup this is exactly what it sounds like, having your pup give you a high five. Be careful not to use the same hand signals for other commands. For example holding your hand up by your shoulder usually means sit, so you should hold your hand in a different spot for high five. If you are loving teaching these tricks, AKC has a Trick dog title you can earn with your dog. Or if you love dancing, canine freestyle, dancing competitions for you and your dog might be fun for you. Again, this could be an entire article on its own, but since I have not written one, I have included a link to a video that I think will be helpful. What I like about this trainer is his emphasis on positive reinforcement rewards and NO punishment negative reinforcement. This is exactly the technique I used to train my own dogs. See what you think. For other helpful tips see our article on article on Training your Golden Retriever. Also, you will discover while raising your Golden Retriever puppy, that they can be a bit exuberant or really hyper in the case of some field bred lines , check out this article on How to Train your Golden Retriever to be Calm. Dogs are by instinct more comfortable sleeping in a den a confined space with only one opening. Staring crate training early will make sure everyone in your household gets the right sleep. Even if you plan on letting your Golden pup sleep in your bed again I remind you they will be big dogs, so prepare for a bed hog , crate training can be helpful as a safe place for your pup to stay while you are not able to watch them. This is especially important if you plan on raising a Golden Retriever puppy while working. See our article on How to crate Train a Golden Retriever for tips. That is where some really great dog toys come in. This critter is on of our favorite toys for Golden Retriever Puppies. It is fairly sturdy so it can handle a lot of shaking and a little bit of tugging. Plus it is just really cute and will pose well with your pup for all sorts of photos. Make sure to watch your puppy carefully. You may need to change types of toys as your puppy gets older. Many companies claim their toy is chew proof but there is no such thing. However if your puppy becomes a moderate chewer, here are two that my dogs enjoy. Best Ball Toy View on Amazon This ball is made of tough rubber and is a different texture than the ever ubiquitous tennis ball. My dogs can pop, skin and take apart a standard tennis ball in about 5 minutes, making it both a hazard and a waste of money. They come in a couple of sizes so you can get the larger ones as your puppy grows. Here I have recommended the 3. It comes as a set with a ball thrower and a ball but you can get the balls separately if needed. The good news is that inside is a regular Kong toy so even after they remove the fabric, your pup will still have a toy to play with. The Wubba is great because they or you can throw it around, play tug, or just fetch it. They do come smaller for younger puppies. For more dog toy ideas and recommendations, check out our article on the Best Dog Toys for Golden Retrievers. This needs to start early with letting them get used to normal things like brushing, bathing, and dental care. You should gently brush your Golden Retriever puppy as often as times a week for just a few minutes. It is not that they need it, as much as you are training them that the brush is nice and feels good. Wait until they are sleepy and treat it like a petting session at first until they get used to the idea. For the rest of the list of recommended brushes here is the Full article, Best Brushes for Golden Retrievers. When to bathe and groom your puppy might become obvious. I find that there is not much of a need to put dates in the calendar because they find something to get into that necessitates a bath every couple of weeks. The first veterinary visit should be right after you bring your puppy home even if the breeder or shelter has already started their puppy shots. At that visit your veterinarian will make sure your pup is healthy and recommend the preventative care your pup needs. This may include a series of vaccinations to protect against common infectious diseases, heartworm and intestinal worm preventatives, and flea and tick medication. It takes tons of time, money and dedication. If you are not a professional breeder or are not willing to do all of the things necessary to become a responsible breeder, then your puppy should be spayed or neutered. For detailed information in this required surgery and when do have it done, see our article on Spaying and Neutering Golden Retrievers. Conclusions on Raising a Golden Retriever Puppy Following these essential steps when raising a Golden Retriever Puppy will help you to have a happy, healthy family member for years to come. As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life. They are gentle but need to be treated with respect by all members of the family, including young children, as like any dog their patience will eventually run out. Common health problems in Golden Retrievers Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight. Eye problems — screening tests are available and dogs should be screened on a yearly basis, especially if intended for breeding. Multifocal retinal dysplasia - abnormal development and growth of the back of the eye retina which can lead to blindness. Generalised progressive retinal atrophy GPRA — slowly leads to progressive blindness over months or years. Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy RPED, or central progressive retinal atrophy — a genetic problem which causes issues in the back of the eye retina and loss of vision. Glaucoma — high pressure within the eye causing pain and loss of vision. Ichthyosis — a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair. Caring for your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are usually real big softies and can make a great addition to a home. How much noise they make will be down to the individual dog. Training and socialisation Golden Retrievers thrive off training and are very intelligent dogs. They love nothing more than to be given tasks to do to keep them occupied and have fairly good problem-solving skills — for a dog! As long as your Retriever is properly socialised from a young age , they should be confident around new people and situations. Retrievers also like their chill out time but will be more than happy to show you plenty of affection on their own terms. Exercise Golden Retrievers are very active dogs and need plenty of opportunities to exercise , play and get rid of excess energy. Your Golden Retriever will need a minimum of two hours of good exercise per day. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together. Because they are intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers can get bored easily so make sure you keep their brains active as well as their bodies. As their name suggests, retrieving is what they were bred for, so nearly all Golden Retrievers love a good game of fetch! Grooming Golden Retrievers have medium to long coats and generally do shed a lot. They are not a dog to take on if you hate hoovering! Ideally, they should be brushed or combed three times a week at a minimum. Where necessary you can trim their coat with the right tools, but seek advice from a professional dog groomer or vet first. You may also find that your Retriever loves water including any and all muddy puddles and swimming. Make sure they stay safe around the water and if they get mucky, use a dog safe shampoo. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate Golden Retrievers and children If you have a young family then Golden Retrievers can be fantastic with children. If socialised properly from a young age, Retrievers can be quite calm and tolerant. Always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Golden Retriever and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Golden Retrievers and other pets Well-socialised Golden Retrievers are very easy-going, which usually means they can be great around other dogs and pets, too. Any introductions should be done carefully and following the right advice for your other pet, too. Always supervise your dog with other pets, even if they have known them for a long time. Obesity can cause other health problems for your Golden Retriever, so keeping them in shape is extra important. Make sure to monitor their weight and keep an eye out for any sneaky snacking. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. Use healthy treats in moderation instead. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap before exercising and after eating. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you want to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they have to do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts As they were bred to fetch game, they have a naturally gentle grip, called a 'soft mouth', so they don't damage the birds they carry back in their mouths. Golden Retrievers have an amazing sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs in other parts of the world. They absolutely love water well, most of them do. Most Retrievers will take any opportunity to have a swim. Luckily, their coats are thick to keep out water and keep them warm. Golden Retrievers make really good assistance dogs and are often a top choice for training to be Guide Dogs for the Blind. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Golden Retriever. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Golden Retrievers are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if the Golden Retriever is the right pet for you? My husband and I are bringing home our first puppy in September a goldendoodle and this was super helpful! Emily June 29, , am Thank you so much for this, Jen! I look forward to the post on favorite dog toys! We just got a puppy and, while its only been a week, we are definitely having some issues getting puppy to embrace his crate. He is doing really well with potty training, and has yet to have an accident in his crate, but soon after he enters his crate the howling begins. This way he associates it with a positive place. Also, leave treats in there. Some dogs do better with their crates covered so like drape a blanket over the sides so it feels more like a cave. You might also try placing a t-shirt or something that smells like you in there. Also, leave the door open all the time and praise him if he goes in on his own. Good luck! OH, what a difference! Long after they no longer needed their crates, we kept them and always left the door opened. They would go into them when they were tired, knowing they were in a safe place; their place. Friends always said to us that they would have a dog if it behaved like our dogs. Be consistent. Fun for all of you. I can definitely see how teaching while a puppy can make a huge difference. Looking forward to your next dog related posts :. Reply Link Megan June 29, , pm Ahh thank you for this post! My husband and I are looking into getting a pug puppy soon and these tips are so helpful. Looking forward to reading more posts on this, especially the crate training. Love the tips, we are still trying to stay the course with the UD group classes! Golden are the best! It has been such an eye-opening month with our new puppy. Our other dog is 8 so everything feels brand new. I actually wrote about it in my post for tomorrow, but a puppy is like a baby. My boyfriend and I are getting a golden pup in the fall and while I grew up with the breed I have never trained a pup on my own. We made the choice to get a puppy mostly to instil good habits and behaviour long term. So long story short, I would never put a puppy or young dog or any age in airplane cargo! Reply Link Megan June 30, , pm Good tips! Socializing him right away and crate training him were so key to having an awesome, well-adjusted dog! Reply Link Josi August 20, , pm Hello! Just wondering where you got your goldens? This really helped me figure out what to do when she gets here. Jen May 3, , pm YAY! Our 3rd Golden in about 33 years and know he has some big paws to fill Taegan was wonderful for 14 years. We are so excited!! I have a new English Cream Golden. I feel like I need to work for his affection. Great otherwise! Not super energetic. Bursts of energy followed up by lots of naps but never really interested in walks. First timer here. Your pup could really benefit from basic positive obedience! I would recommend seeking out an experienced trainer in your area to help you as your pup grows! Having a puppy in the home can be fantastic, but you also need to make sure that you can offer it the best as well. She has been really easy to house break. We are excited to bring her home. Thank you for the helpful tips. That is a good idea to make sure that we are committed to doing the work to train this dog. We do really want him to be well trained. Thanks for the tips! Thank you so much for this super informative post! Reply Link Jen January 22, , pm I always made sure she went before we got to the gym and walked her frequently. Meghan January 29, , am Thank you so much for the reply!! We kept each of our puppies on a leash in the house, never out of our sight except when they were in the crate for 4 months before we gradually gave them independence. We always messed with them and held them. They had accidents as you would expect until fully house trained at about 4 months, but never any destructive or aggressive behavior. We gave them plenty of tough chew toys. Also training classes. They were never nervous or skittish. They love to lay on us and never have had any trouble with grooming, food guarding, loud noises, children or other animals. Goldens are great dogs but like any dog, they can only know what you teach them. Great article!! Kathrinne May 5, , am Hi Jen, how old are your puppies when you let them go out? Jen May 5, , am What do you mean? Reply Link Carly September 8, , pm Thank you so much for your article! What would your input be? Do you think they would focus on each other more than their humans? Would 2 puppies be so much more difficult than 1? Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Love the name Zoey!! Any tips to Prevent that?? Reply Link Christine November 1, , am About to get golden 3. Learning all over about everything. Reply Link Jen November 1, , pm It is like starting over again but you will figure it out! Every pup is different but be patient and consistent! This is my first large dog breed so a little nervous. I read your post and you give wonderful tips that I will follow. Please let me know if it is safe to put a flea collar on the puppy. Thank you. Reply Link Jen January 29, , pm I would consult with your vet to see what they recommend for flea prevention and treatment. Also, about the scratching. It could be due to something else like an allergen outside. I have not had a dog in 3 years because I lost my last one in a painful way for me and I am afraid to get another one. I am now ready to get one and this page has helped me prepare for my new puppy. I am a 74 yr old male in pretty good shape no health issues, and retired so I should be around a while to look after a dog. My wife passed about four months ago so I guess I am looking to fill a void. I live in a single family home and have plenty of time to spare. Thanks Reply Link marion duffield April 14, , am I am picking my pup up in 2 weeks! This is the best AND most realistic article I have read about training…. My pup Tank will be 4 months when we get him. He is absolutely adorable. Have only seen photos. He lives with his breeder in Missouri and we live in Canada…. I am so excited for you!!!! Puppies are intense but so much fun. And wow, that is going to be an adventure! Reply Link Theresa April 30, , am Do you have suggestions about golden retriever puppy biting? We got ours at 7 weeks. She is now .How do we stop her from snapping and biting? She is smart and loving. The biting has been rough though. Can you help? But I love dogs soooo much. This info is everything to me. I love this post Soo much. Thanks a ton. You left puppy in car? Or what? Reply Link Madeline October 31, , pm I am picking up my 7 week old golden in 2 days! I am so excited! How did you go out taking him places before he had his full shots? I want to socialize him, and of course potty train him immediately, but obviously there are risks. Whats your take on this? So the whole crate training thing is not going so well. She hates it. Emily Camalo April 2, , pm Hi! Really appreciate you sharing all of this advice! It was super valuable. Reply Link Julie April 11, , am Loved your comments. I have a 9 week double doodle. I have crate trained since day 1 and she has been really good, day 1 upset for a couple of minutes. Day 2 no problem at all. Now just the occasional cry when I leave her but that is over with in a very short space of time. I also leave a low radio on for her. She uses the garden most of the time for toileting, but occasionally she will come into the house and do another wee. The problem I have at the moment is trying to stop her biting. I have tried the gentle command which she listens to some of the time. And I have tried standing and turning my back on her so she realises I am not playing when she bites, but she will then go for trousers or feet, which I try my best to ignore, or she will just go off and do something else like chew a mat or something which is a no no. Any ideas? Regards Reply Link Stephanie January 25, , am Really great info, thank you for your article. Our puppy arrives in 5 days and we have been preparing for months. Your advice is. Very helpful. Blessings to you.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Imagine you knew how to discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way so that your bond with your dog grew instead of fell short! Learn how to communicate with your pup and get the behaviors you want using these simple and easy methods for training a German Shepherd puppy. They may become frightened of you or fear your presence, depending on how severe your discipline is. Anxiety may even develop with too much punishment or useless corrections. Training a German Shepherd puppy at 8 to 12 weeks old? Yes, you can! A GSD pup of 8 to 12 weeks of age or older still needs positive reinforcement for the best behavior changes. Disciplining your GSD should not involve hitting, kicking, slapping, intimidation, or yelling. Do you want your German Shepherd puppy to stop their unwanted, bad behavior and turn into the sweet angel you want them to be? You can easily learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy if you work smarter… Not harder! Start early and remain consistent with your expectations. Training a German Shepherd means knowing what to do when your puppy acts up. Shepherd pups are one of the smartest dogs on the plant and learn quickly what you expect of them. But the best way to learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy at home is to work on your own behavior first. You should show them what behavior is unacceptable in your house. This means that you must stay consistent when responding to their behavior. For example: If your pup jumps on you and you redirect their attention to a toy to chew on instead. But, then your pup jumps on your friend and your friend lets them and you say nothing. This makes it likely that your dog will jump on whoever they feel like in the future. Use reward-based training. Use reward-based German Shepherd training techniques to get the quickest results. Reward-based training helps your puppy recognize when something is a bad choice source. When your pup performs what you ask, offer a tasty treat and words of praise. For example: Have your pup sit when you are by the front door getting ready to go for a walk. This teaches them that when they behave, they are more likely to get what they want. The best way to train your German Shepherd is by following a fun, engaging program that teaches not only the basics but covers problem behaviors, too. Sound difficult? It teaches you how to get your pup to learn positive behaviors. You can also have fun right at home with these games for German Shepherd puppies. Offer your puppy another option when they begin jumping on you for attention. Think about what your puppy is trying to get when engaging in jumping and bad behavior to determine when to ignore them. When your pup jumps on you when you come home, they probably want your attention. Withholding your attention when they are acting out shows them they need to act differently to get your approval source. Instead, offer them pets and praise when they have all 4 paws on the floor. You can also place them behind a puppy gate until they learn not to jump in order to avoid them scratching or nipping house guests when they arrive. After you teach them their basic obedience, ask them for a competing behavior like a sit or down when they begin to jump. Always remember to reward the behavior you want to see again! Ultimately, your puppy learns that good behavior earns your affection and attention more quickly. Your dog soon understands that they get nothing from you when they act badly. Here are some great commands for a German Shepherd that you can work on training. Redirect bad German Shepherd puppy behavior. Does your puppy jump, nip, chew, bite, or dig and you want to know the right discipline? The noise and disapproving tone distract your dog from bad behavior source. Showing them a favorite toy. Offering them another option you would like that is more constructive. You want to remember to watch out for: If your dog chews inappropriately on a pair of expensive shoes, get their attention by making noises or calling them to you and immediately offer the correct approved chew item. If you know your dog tends to bite you during play, have a toy nearby you can show them that you want them to bite instead of your arms. If you know they get wild and crazy in the evenings, have a list of these easy German Shepherd brain games to distract them and funnel their energy. Use time-outs appropriately when training a German Shepherd puppy. When your dog engages in bad behavior, remove them from what is causing the unwanted behavior. Put them in a different environment that is more calming and quiet instead. Respond immediately to the bad behavior and use the same routine every time to maintain correct discipline. Time out should: Not be done with force or yelling. Not be in a closet or other dark, scary area. Work to calm your puppy down, not frighten or stress them. Give your puppy a break from over-excitement. Not be a long punishment. Timeouts are generally recommended for only 1 to 2 minutes for puppies. Also, remember that closed doors can cause anxiety in dogs, so use a reliable pet-safe baby gate so that your puppy knows that you are still nearby. Remember, when training a German Shepherd puppy: Time out should not last over minutes. Watch for when your puppy is calm and quiet for a very brief period seconds long of calm. Then let them out quietly, without scolding them. This can cause anxiety. Remember to use a pet gate to separate them from the excitement that caused the unwanted behavior, while still allowing them to see you and not feel trapped. Ignore the unnecessary barking. German Shepherd puppies bark, but there are positive ways to help train them to bark and whine less. When they finally quiet down, even if only for a few seconds, reward them with a treat or praise. To have success, wait until they are quiet and stop barking, even if only for a few seconds in the beginning source. For example: If your puppy barks at joggers out the window every morning pull the blinds or curtains. If the behavior continues, place your dog in another room for a couple of minutes and repeat the previous time-out procedure every time they bark at the joggers remember to use the pet safe baby gate and to not shut a puppy behind a solid door because it can give them anxiety. If they are whining and crying at night, this could be a warning they need to potty. Make sure you read this post to know how to potty train a German Shepherd before you ignore all whining, barking, and crying. If your puppy barks during play they might be too excited and you can offer them a chew toy instead or cut your playtime short to allow them to calm down. Puppies bark for a number of reasons. But it does get easier to train your GSD over time as they learn what you expect. Keeping your pup from nipping and chewing. Puppies have sharp teeth, especially German Shepherd puppies! Puppies are energetic and must learn their limits for playing too rough source. Puppies view you jerking your hand back quickly as part of a game and could also tear your skin. And physical punishment should never be given! Show them what they can chew, instead, such as their favorite chew toy. Have plenty of safe chew toys to grab nearby to give your pup when they get wild and decide to bite you. Always use toys that your puppy can chew and bite to play with — pick from this list of German Shepherd Chew Toys to Prevent Boredom so you have a safe puppy toy that can take their bites. When they stop biting or nipping reward them with verbal praise and pets. Return later to try playing with your pup again and repeat the procedure. Read this information for more helpful tips to stop your German Shepherd puppy from aggressively biting and nipping you. Catch your dog being good and reward them out of the blue. See your puppy acting the way you want? Reward them out of the blue! Keep small bits of treats in jars around the house out of reach of your pup or in your pocket or a treat bag on your waist and use any opportunity your catch your pup doing good to reward them. If they sit and wait at the door, instead of dashing out ahead of you, reward them! Aim for one of these healthy treats that are the best for German Shepherds and pick carefully to ensure your dog stays athletic and fit. Food-based rewards are very motivating when training and disciplining a puppy. Avoid physical punishment and harm. Your German Shepherd is your companion for life. Research shows that physically punishing your dog for example hitting, kicking, growling, or staring them down increases aggression in your dog study source. Never use physical punishment to correct undesirable behavior. Not only can this punishment injure your puppy, but it also ruins your relationship and causes anxiety. It means setting expectations that they understand and staying consistent. Physically hurting your German shepherd will ruin your relationship with them. They will lose their trust in you and begin to avoid you. In the worst case, your dog could develop anxiety disorders, health issues, or even more problem behaviors. You could even accidentally injure your dog and they need vet care! Use the right tone and body language to communicate. Different commands and body language conveys information for training to your German Shepherd. The different tones of your voice and body movements are better understood by your dog. The actual command words are of less importance to your puppy. Use a direct tone and body language that matches what you want to say to your dog. Even pointing to a missed treat on the ground is body language your dog learns to understand. Still not convinced? Try out your training with this extensive list of helpful German Shepherd commands and watch how much your dog is capable of understanding. Shepherd pups want to please and have order in their home. To do this, stick with your training. Begin with a plan in place and disciplining your GSD will go smoother from the start. Persevere with your training and discipline. Remember that your German Shepherd is highly intelligent and needs your help to get the best from them. If you feel like giving up, take a break from training for a day or two. In order to avoid training frustration, remember that just like you a German Shepherd needs time to learn the rules of the house and new commands. This is true especially of puppies or rescue dogs. If you want to take a break from training and have fun, then include a few days a week of puzzles. German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs in the world, so training them generally takes a short time. Never discipline a German Shepherd puppy for having accidents during potty training. Whether your German Shepherd is potty trained or not, never push their faces into their potty accidents. Your dog is counting on your leadership to show them the rules in a positive manner. Work on setting a consistent schedule with feeding and walks to avoid potty accidents indoors. German Shepherds are easy to train given the right attention. And they need to understand their schedule by having you teach them using consistent patterns, rather than receiving punishment or discipline. Keep a potty schedule posted nearby so all your family can see it and help prevent your puppy from having an accident. Use your bond with your puppy to your advantage during recall training. Use your positive bond with your German Shepherd puppy to work on early recall training. Especially when there are so many natural pleasures to see and explore outside. When you call your German Shepherd, its obedience simply depends on whether the motivation to obey your commands outweighs what your dog is focused on at the moment. Use this to your advantage! Tips for great German Shepherd puppy recall training: Begin calling your puppy in as many locations inside as you can. Give them a tasty reward or play a game with their favorite toy when they come. Work your way up to a perfect recall by having others try to distract your puppy while indoors. Next, move to your back or front yard with your dog on a long leash like this so they stay safe nearby and do the same. You can disciple them by showing them your tasty treat and walking backward a few steps to encourage them to move toward you. Train the come command in all situations, including the home and outdoors, from the time your puppy is 6 to 8 weeks old to avoid discipline problems later on. Need to train your German Shepherd on their recall? Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. Although any German Shepherd dog is trainable, they are very strong and powerful animals. If you start out with a puppy, you have the opportunity to shape and mold its personality and develop your relationship early. German Shepherds can be very protective of their family members, so you want to socialize your puppy early in puppyhood. This will get them used to interacting well with a wide variety of people and animals, which is essential. This will be a big dog, and you want to prepare the dog when they are young and small for future grooming and veterinary visits. They may need nail trimming, ear cleaning, temperature taking and other procedures. These procedures will be difficult to accomplish should your full-sized adult German Shepherd dog object. You will need to train them to sit, stay, and heel, in addition to house training them. Your puppy will not understand your commands immediately. Have patience with your dog when they don't do exactly what you ask right away. German Shepherds love to learn and they are highly motivated to follow your commands if they are rewarded with treats. Pet your puppy while they're eating, as long as they do not stiffen and stop eating when you are petting the puppy. If the puppy stiffens, stops eating or growls, you have to deal with this aggressive response immediately. Do this by removing the food bowl and feeding the dog by hand. There is no bowl to guard. Make the bowl no big deal. If a piece of food is dropped inside, let the puppy take it and praise them. Then feed nearby again. The bowl will not always have food inside. Gradually increase the amount of food you drop in the bowl as you stand or sit there with the puppy. You can also add high value treats like roasted chicken breast into the bowl if your puppy seems to need more reassurance that you bring goodness to the food bowl. Resource guarding can be a very serious symptom of fear aggression and, if you are seeing this in a puppy, it needs to be addressed ASAP so it does not escalate. You can gradually ask the puppy to look at you to get more food, then sit and wait for more food, etc. .The humans controls the resource of food and rewards the puppy for good behavior. You still praise your dog, just not offer a treat each time. If you are working to modify a command to create a faster response, add in treats again to shape the behavior until they have it down. Then start using treats to reward truly outstanding performance. Do not yell at your pet. Learn to recognize when you are losing patience and stop the training session on a happy note. Your dog can sense your frustration in your body language and tone of voice. Try another day when you are both fresh. If you continue to have problems, get a professional trainer involved. Typically, as puppies are first learning commands, one adult family member will be responsible for training. Later, when the puppy is consistent and understands the basics, other members of the family can participate in formal training. It is important for the dog to understand that not only one person in the household is to be obeyed. Your puppy should be weeks old and started on their vaccine series for this first class. There are puppy preschools designed for puppies who have not yet finished receiving all of their vaccines. The school will have certain requirements for enrollment and you will likely have to provide proof of vaccination. Working with your dog on German Shepherd training can be very rewarding, so read on to find out more about our tops tips and tricks! German Shepherd Characteristics The German shepherd is both intelligent and sensitive, which means in the right hands they make great family dogs. Likewise, if you want a dog in order to get fresh air and exercise, then a German Shepherd is one option. They love to be active and need an outlet for that energy. Their quick learning means they will thrive when challenged with advanced obedience training or physical activities such as agility trials. Not for nothing do the police and security forces use German shepherds. Their imposing presence makes them an ideal family guard dog. It is indeed a foolhardy burglar who breaks into a house where a German Shepherd resides. Your guard dog is also a devoted and loyal companion who loves to be with you and worships the ground you walk on. In short, a German Shepherd is a great match for the experienced dog handler who craves exercise and wants to be involved in the challenge of advanced German Shepherd training. In addition, they make a devoted companion and an imposing guard dog, for the right person. The dog will just as readily learn bad habits as good, and so the hesitant trainer could quickly get out of their depth. Some form of training is likely to be essential! The GSD is an energetic breed, and if left for long periods of time without a chance to run and chase, can develop bad habits. These include barking, chewing, and destructive digging. They also have certain character traits such as a tendency to mouthiness. This needs correcting at an early age in order to reduce the risk of serious bites, which even when done in play can be painful and dangerous. Another quirk of the breed is a love of their own voice. Beware the bored German Shepherd! He might make his own amusement by singing…and not in a way that the neighbours enjoy. This can be corrected with training and the help of a confident owner who knows how to react and when not to react! These conditions include hip and elbow dysplasia, lack of pancreatic enzymes, inflammatory bowel disease, and allergic skin conditions. Treatment can be costly, especially for a large dog like the German Shepherd. When you meet his needs to run, chase, jump and retrieve on a daily basis, you have a happy dog that is eager to please. Know that boredom is the enemy when it comes to training. Take stock and see what adjustments you can make to schedule at least two, minute active exercise sessions each day. The 3 Cs: Clear, Consistent, Cues! Proper German Shepherd training requires a combination of exercise and mental stimulation. To be effective, you need to stick to certain basic rules, which include the 3Cs. Be clear and make sure you have a simple set of commands that everyone uses. Decide on command words and stick the list on the fridge door so the family knows the correct cues to use. Be consistent and apply all house rules consistently. No feeding from the table means just that 7 days a week! Use cues, too. This means using your tone of voice to guide your dog and give verbal cues to mark good and bad behaviour. Reward-based Training Dominance theory has been disproven. Yes, German Shepherds need a firm hand, but alpha rolls and harsh punishment are liable to create a nervous, subservient dog that behaves unpredictably and resorts to aggression. Instead, try German Shepherd training by rewarding their good behaviour. The rules are easy! You use a treat, praise, or play to reward the dog when they correctly carry out a command. This way they learn that the way to earn goodies is to be a good boy, and training becomes fun. This is the basis behind our own training techniques here at Royvon. When attempting German Shepherd training, use compassion, kindness, and knowledge to teach your dog how to behave. For example, if they love playing ball, use this is a reward for a command well done. Likewise, remember German Shepherds are capable of learning complex routines as long as they are broken down into individual steps. For example, provide mental stimulation by teaching your dog to put their toys away in a box. Teach one step at a time Pick up and drop a ball, fetch and drop a ball, fetch and drop a ball into a box. They thrive on firm, consistent, fair, leadership when it comes to German Shepherd training. A happy dog looks for guidance and finds routine reassuring. Once again, write down the house rules and stick them to the fridge for all the family to use. Know that treating your dog to the occasional cuddle on the sofa will only confuse them! Health Matters German Shepherds are unfortunately prone to joint disease and hip dysplasia. The developing joints of a young dog must be protected by feeding them a good quality diet that is designed for large breed growth. Also, avoid over strenuous exercise and training such as agility training until their bones have finished growing at around 12 — 18 months of age. Weighty Issues German Shepherds are wedge-shaped with a tucked up waistline. Watch out for hidden calories in training treats. Keep up the rewards but be sure to cut back on their meal-time kibble, and weigh out their ration at the beginning of the day, putting some aside in a pot to use as training treats. Be realistic and take the pressure off yourself by using the right tools for the job. For the non-responsive returner, attach a long line to their collar. Likewise, if your dog is over-reactive and behaves aggressively, consider using a muzzle. The peace of mind that they can do no harm will relieve your tension, which in turn helps the dog be more relaxed. Seek Professional Help German Shepherds are strong, demanding dogs. Putting a plan into place before bad habits become entrenched is much better! Otherwise, they may be too hard to correct. Here at Royvon, we love working with this energetic breed and seeing hard work pay off. They can be fun-loving, friendly family pets. Take a look at our YouTube video that shows you what a fully-trained German Shepherd can look like: Do you need help with training your German Shepherd? Royvon offers a variety of training options to help you and your dog. These range from sessions to residential stays to get your furry friend on the right track. Please contact us to find out more about what we offer and to find the right one for you! Want to find out more about all different dog breeds? Check out this post about Jack Russell Terriers next! Or what about this one on Shiba Inus? Share This Post. To train a German Shepherd puppy dog you must be consistent, kind and clear. German Shepherd dog puppies are divinely cute and for a reason! Just like babies are cute, puppies will win your heart even after destroying your favorite pair of shoes or that expensive carpet! Making sure you use them will start you on the right side of training and pave the road for you to get an obedient dog. The good news is that you do not need any special equipment to have an obedient GSD puppy. All you need is love and treats. The most important German Shepherd puppy training tip is socialization. Some vets will tell you to keep the pooch inside until the full set of vaccines is completed. Unfortunately, if you do keep your pooch safe inside until he is months of age, his socialization period will have closed forever and your chance to raise a friendly and confident dog drops significantly! That said, it is ultimately your decision whether you want to take the risk to take him outside or not. Most large US cities do not have too many disease problems and taking your puppy to a class where the trainer checks that every puppy has had the first set of shots is mostly safe. However, if you leave in a rural area, make sure there is not an outbreak of a disease that can affect your pooch. Of all the German Shepherd puppy training tips, I suggest you really think this one through. As a dog trainer, I recommend you find a safe puppy socialization class because this developmental period is critical to prevent behavior problems in the future. Apart from that, you also need to socialize your puppy daily on your own, this link will explain the process and give you a list of things to check as you go! Tip 2: Teach your German Shepherd puppy to use his mouth properly. You may have noticed that your German Shepherd puppy likes to chew on your shoes, toys, boxes, carpets, pillows, your hands…well, pretty much everything! Before you loose your mind and all your precious possessions let me tell you that this is normal puppy behavior. At this age dogs explore everything with their mouths and even though annoying, it is a great time to teach your pet what is appropriate for his mouth as well as how to soften the bite. The reason German Shepherd dog puppies have sharp teeth is because they are capable of learning how much or how little pressure to apply when biting different things. This is good news! To train a German Shepherd puppy to do this follow this link! Tip 3: Potty train your German Shepherd puppy the right way. Right around now you are also probably dealing with potty training, the best German Shepherd puppy training tips for potty training are outlined below. You should know how many times, and when to take you puppy out. I am sure you have heard all sorts of things against the use of food for training. To do this, you need to find the things that your dog likes most and use them as rewards. Food will be one of them, so use it. But also use anything else, like walks, petting, play time, toys, etc. So, of all the German shepherd puppy training tips here, I don't want to hear any excuses for this one! Done the right way, your pooch will respond to your command even when empty handed. Hope my website is helping you better understand and train your dog. Do you want to help? Be a modern philanthropist through Patreon. This is a hard concept to understand for us, clever human beings. When we learn something new, we can very easily generalize the concept to any situation, that is what makes us creative creatures. Fortunately, you have a German Shepherd puppy, they are clever and chances are they will need less repetitions than the average breed. To help you out on this matter, this link will take you to a step-by-step guide to train a reliable command. Tip 6: Train your German Shepherd puppy to ask for permission. Dog commands and fun and useful and you can probably find hundreds to teach your GSD. This one though - Ask for permission - is technically not a command, because you will not ask your canine to do it every time, instead you want to teach him to do it on his own every time the occasion requires it. Take time to do this with your puppy, it will be worth it! This is another one of the most important German Shepherd puppy training tips because a dog that asks for permission is an obedient and safe dog. To prevent a dog from jumping on people it is imperative to teach that same dog not to jump when he is a puppy. If he jumps again, then ignore again. When I say ignore, I mean it! No eye contact, no pushing or kneeing…nothing. Keep turning around if you have to. Pulling on the leash is another of those dog behaviors that people think come out of the blue, but actually they happen because there was never formal training done. To prevent pulling on the leash all you have to do is make sure your puppy understands that he gets rewarded food, petting, attention, verbal praise, keep on walking, etc. Pay close attention to what he does during those first few walks together and make sure you reward him for staying close to you! Got any German Shepherd puppy training tips to share with us? Tell us about them here! Those ideas came from research done in wolfs in captivity and have now been debunked by new research done in wolfs in the wild. The new research says that you need to be a good leader, kind of like a parent. Alphas are most often the parents of the group. Provide shelter, food, safety and limits. This article tells you more about it! Tip The best German Shepherd puppy training tip is… Reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior. This rule is amazing and will work wonders, besides it is really easy to apply, all you have to do is pay attention to your German Shepherd puppy and reward the good things he does. You need to figure out what the reward is and remove it. For example, when a dog is laying down, it is harder to bark. This Form cannot be submitted until the missing fields labelled below in red have been filled in What is your DOG's name? Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in. Check Price on Amazon 1. If the puppy is running towards you, for example, you can begin clapping. For now, notice the following and set distinct anchors for each. For the time being, you should avoid anchors that are excessively similar to one another. My German Shepherd Willow — 8 weeks old 2. As you train your pup to understand and respond to more complex commands, this helps eliminate a lot of the resistance. As a result, the initial step should be to persuade your German Shepherd to stick close to you. We all know that dogs are descended from wolves, and wolves follow the pack leader, which means you! Needless to say, when training a 2-month-old German Shepherd puppy, you have to incentivize him to follow you. You need to build a positive reinforcement loop and let your German Shepherd establish an association between following you and receiving a pleasant experience. You can start taking unexpected turns and training your puppy to follow you despite the direction changes after your puppy has become motivated to follow you for the reward. At a young age, you should take your puppy out and about and allow him to utilize his sociability potential. One method is to pay visits to friends and family. You might also look for a dog park and take him there. Keep in mind that your pet is still learning to walk with you and follow directions. Make sure your pup has a positive experience outdoors. It is worth noting that you should socialize and introduce him to new experiences as often as you can, preferably daily. Start Potty Training You should start potty training your German Shepherd puppy the first day you bring him home. Start by showing your pup where you want him to potty, such as a sectioned-off area of your yard or garden. I cordoned off a small area and added some bark chippings. Even now, my GSD will not go on the sidewalk or hard surfaces! It has to be grass or somewhere soft. Next, you need a potty training schedule. Always take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, hourly, and before retiring to bed. Deter Biting If you read my blog regularly, you know that I am opposed to punishment-based training. In any case, using physical force or yelling at your pup will only instill fear and distrust and can actually cause aggression. If someone recommends such negative approaches, you should approach a qualified trainer and learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy not to bite. Instead, you can wait until your GSD bites during a positive activity before stopping it. This will help to anchor the result better. For example, if your German Shepherd puppy fiercely takes a treat from your hand, you can withhold the second treat until he learns to take it gently. You should act upset and convey that what he has done has hurt you. Use positive reinforcement to encourage proper behavior by rewarding with a treat. Your German Shepherd will quickly learn that good behavior is rewarded with good things. Puppies must continue to learn bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the work their mother taught them and what they learned from their littermates. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Instill Patience You have to use your best judgment and patience when training your dog. In general, by the tenth week, your German Shepherd will be mature enough to understand self-control. Teach the Heel Position While your 3-month-old German Shepherd puppy will initially follow you, adjusting your pace will soon have him walking alongside you in the heel position, on your left side, without a leash, harness, or fear of punishment. To train your puppy to assume the natural heel position, use a clicker, whistle, or use your voice as a marker. Chances are, at first, your German Shepherd will also try to change his pace to walk behind you because of habit. You can avoid this problem by walking where your dog is used to. Assume Positions on Command — Sit, Down, Stand Your 3-months old German Shepherd puppy is now old enough to learn how to sit, stand, or hold a down position. You can teach him these new skills and assume a heel stance, which you have previously taught him. So by the time he is four months old, you can use the position cues and positive reinforcement to get your dog to follow. These included a clicker, whistle, clap, or saying a specific word to show your German Shepherd is doing a good job, generally followed by a well-deserved treat. Now is the time to see whether the anchors work! You used to whistle when your GSD approached you; now, you must whistle for him to start his run. This is the foundation of his recall training. While this allows the puppy to be more social when visitors arrive, an adult dog must learn to walk outside without behaving badly. Whether it is a cuddle, a pat, attention, or something tasty, you must teach your pup target training, for example, teaching him to touch a target with a specific part of his body, such as his paw or nose. Remember that your German Shepherd may end up biting or clawing to communicate if you do not teach him more acceptable communication methods. I recommend teaching your German Shepherd to use his nose to touch your hand. This is a fantastic bite substitute! Hand targeting is a fun way to train your dog to trust you while also getting him to use his brain! Begin by asking him to sit for a few seconds and gradually extend the time. Train Your Dog to Fetch If you have taken your German Shepherd to public parks and he has watched other dogs play fetch, it will be easier to teach him to retrieve whatever you throw. Your GSD may not bring the toy back to you for a second time, but he will eventually figure it out. Over the next few weeks, you can gradually turn it into a game of fetch, rewarding your puppy with high-value training treats. Continue Potty Training In the fourth month of German Shepherd training, you will continue toilet training to a degree of independence. Maintain a regular schedule and match your walks with his natural cycle to coincide with when he needs to go. Teach Your German Shepherd to Walk on the Leash Learning to walk on a leash outside is an important element of dog training. Use it to control your German Shepherd and then test his ability to follow commands off-leash. Many dog owners will opt for a rear attached harness. How to Train a 5 Month Old German Shepherd Puppy You have adequately socialized and trained your dog to recognize and associate attention, toys, walks, and food as rewards. Your five-month-old German Shepherd puppy is now ready to be put to the test for general obedience and the capacity to deal with distractions. These could be other dogs, strangers, or animals like squirrels or birds. But, if you introduce distractions gradually, your five-month-old puppy can deal with them. You must be ready for your dog to run ahead of you now! Assume, however, that you have built a strong bond with your puppy and worked on his training. In that case, he will stay close to you and prove his loyalty by sticking by your side. The good news is that all of your past training will make it easier for your dog to obey your instructions. Conclude Potty Training Your German Shepherd has had months to learn how to tell you his need to go potty. He has also likely refined how to hold his bladder instead of peeing on the floor. As a result, if your dog makes a mess, you can express your displeasure through your body language. But, all dogs can still have the odd accident up to one year old. Besides, you must be prepared for your dog to relieve himself indoors if he is excited or frightened. This is known as either excitement or submissive urination. During this time, energy levels increase , especially in larger breed dogs. While the average exercise for a pup before this is generally five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, a six-month-old German Shepherd can exercise for one hour if you split his walks into two thirty-minute sessions. To train your 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy, start with two commands that will be most useful. As previously stated, you will be exercising your German Shepherd much more frequently from now on. You can teach these commands or tricks in any order from six months onwards until your German Shepherd is a well-trained adult. This is an excellent skill to teach your GSD and is one of the commands taught to police and protection dogs. This is a difficult task, but your German Shepherd will eventually master it if you practice and keep consistent. The eighth month is the time for training your German Shepherd to go to different places upon hearing your command word. This could be for practical reasons or to maximize the intellect of your dog. Alternatively, you might spend the ninth month teaching him a fun party trick! Teach Your German Shepherd to Spin By dangling a tasty treat in front of your German Shepherd and moving it in a circle until he starts to spin, you prime him for a command anchor. After a week or so, you teach your German Shepherd to follow your finger without first using a treat. Of course, you will still need to reward him after he obeys the command. By the third week, you should be able to ask your dog to spin without using your finger to guide him. It might take an extra couple of weeks, but I recommend this as an addition in the ninth month because it allows you to continue training your dog to learn previous commands better. You can train him to go to different places, hold or release objects, and fetch toys. You can now develop this further and teach him to roll over on command. Your one-year-old German Shepherd continues to learn at the same rate as he has since he was six months old. What will change is that your dog will interact with other people more frequently. You can train him to do additional tricks to give him a more appealing presence. This will deter him from merely barking for attention. You should also review previously taught commands and see any weak associations you can reinforce. If anything, this is the period where you tailor his training to your convenience. But now is the time when your German Shepherd must learn to be harmonious with your life. From the month mark onwards, you must train your doggo to be compatible with modern adult life within reason. Do not be alarmed if you have an month-old German Shepherd who appears to have had no previous training! Start by establishing authority by having a positive yet commanding presence. Once your new friend recognizes your authority and sees you as his leader, treat him as a six-month-old, albeit on an accelerated schedule, and train him accordingly. You should train your German Shepherd puppy for short and frequent sessions, ideally minutes, several times a day. As your puppy grows and matures, you can gradually increase the duration and complexity of the training sessions. What are the most important commands to teach my German Shepherd puppy? Come command helps to call your puppy back to you in case of an emergency or when you want to end a play session. Heel command teaches your puppy to walk calmly beside you on a leash, and Leave It command helps to prevent your puppy from eating something harmful or dangerous. German Shepherds are a highly trainable and intelligent breed. Your job as a trainer becomes even easier once you have a workable training schedule in place and stick to your routine. My month-by-month German Shepherd puppy training schedule will help you successfully train your doggo and make him into the cherished companion you always desired. Good luck with your training! Related Posts You May Like:. How can you resist the adorable face of a German Shepherd puppy? Aside from the fact that they are among the most versatile dog breeds… They are also intelligent, loyal, and protective dogs that make great family pets. Now, before you can get started on all that training, there are some things you need to know about how to train a German Shepherd puppy effectively. Keep reading to find out more! German Shepherd Puppy Behaviour Understanding how german shepherds behave will help you train them more effectively. You see, these dogs are known for being full of energy. They are also very curious, so you may notice that they will be exploring everything around them. But hey, since German Shepherds are naturally intelligent, they quickly learn new things. And you must also understand that German shepherd puppies have a short attention span. They require more patience, and it is crucial to be consistent with your training. There must be rules that they need to follow. Another thing you should know about German Shepherd puppies because they are very social creatures. They love being around people and other dogs. Which is why it is essential to socialise your puppy early on. When it comes to puppy training , you need to have specific goals in mind. Here is a general timeline that you can follow: By the time your German Shepherd is three months old, he should be able to learn some basic obedience commands such as how to sit, stay, come when called, and lie down. Between two to four months, your training goals should be about House Training, Crate Training and Socialisation. We discussed all of these during our previous blog posts about Puppy Training Guide. You should also continue with their socialisation training and make sure they are comfortable around different types of people, animals, and situations. You must understand that during this time, the goal of the puppy training should be about Obedience, Impulse Control, and Shaping Calm Behaviour. If you want to train your puppy to be obedient, it can be helpful to enrol them in an obedience class. It will help them learn how to follow commands, and you can also support them in socialising with other dogs and people. Now, about Impulse Control, this is all about teaching your German Shepherd puppy to resist his urges. This is an important skill for German Shepherds simply because they are energetic. While Recall Training is about teaching your German Shepherd to come back to you when called. But we will probably discuss that in more detail in another blog post. Remember this: At this stage, you MUST still continue working on their obedience, recall, and impulse control training. So, those are some general training goals that you can follow per timeline. Of course, every German Shepherd is different and will learn at his own pace. But this timeline should give you a general idea of what to expect and when to start teaching specific commands. A Few Tips for Socialising your Puppy with Other Dogs and People The best way to socialise your German Shepherd puppy is by exposing them to as many different people and animals as possible. And this can be done by taking them to a well-run obedience school. You should also expose them to different people such as men, women, children, and seniors. The more exposure they have early on, the better adjusted they will be when they grow up. Another tip is to make sure you keep training sessions short and fun. And always remember to practice positive reinforcement. Praise them and give them treats when they do something good. Just remember to go slowly and expose them to different things one at a time. Eventually, they will be comfortable around anything and everything. The takeaways from this blog post are pretty simple… First, in order to train your German Shepherd puppy effectively… you need to make sure you understand their behaviour. Second, establish the training goals per timeline. That is so you can have a general idea of what to teach your German Shepherd puppy and when to start teaching them. Lastly, you should be socialising your German Shepherd puppy with other dogs and people. Let us know in the comments below! If you find this helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and family whom you think will find this beneficial. Or if you have a puppy that needs professional training, book with our indoor puppy school. Chris Loverseed As long as I can remember, I could be found with a dog and lead in hand. I have had a lifelong interest in the way dogs act, and have constantly wanted to bring the best out of every pet. The trainers at Positive K9 Training are experienced and dedicated to getting great results for you as a dog owner. Recent Posts.