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German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. They cannot see or hear yet, or regulate their body temperature, and they require a lot of tender care from their mom. The new mom is usually very excited and concerned about each newborn, and sometimes overly enthusiastic about chewing off the umbilical cord, which may later result in an umbilical hernia that will take a little longer to close, but is no danger to the puppy. We record the ribbon color and weight of each puppy so that, when we weigh the pups throughout the next days and weeks, we can make sure that each one is gaining weight. Normal weight for a newborn German Shepherd puppy ranges from g to g 0. We take great care to ensure that our newborn German Shepherd puppies have the best chance for a healthy start. A German Shepherd female can be in active labor for 6 to 18 hours, sometimes even longer if she takes a break while having a large litter, and we of course do not leave her side during this time. I stay up making sure that the whelping box which is always in my office or bedroom is clean and dry after each puppy is born, and that the temperature stays constant 86 - 88 F in the room. We keep the temperature at this level for about 2 weeks, gradually reducing it down to normal F by the end of the third week. Someone is always present with the puppies during the first 5 days. I handle the puppies several times a day, as well as weigh them every other day during this period, to make sure that everyone looks and acts healthy, nurses well, and is gaining weight. I usually buy a dozen fluffy cotton towels, and use two at a time as bedding for the whelping box. I change these towels twice daily at this stage to make sure the puppies are always clean and dry. Starting from day 3, and until day 16, I follow The "Super Dog" Program for our puppies - an early neurological stimulation program described by Dr. Carmen Battaglia. It has numerous benefits later in life for puppies. Often, puppies that were born the smallest overtake the bigger ones. Even at this tender age strong individual differences can be noted among German Shepherd puppies. Also, there is difference in their color and markings, and long-hair German Shepherd puppies can often be identified at this age. The new mom is very attached to her puppies at this age and is very reluctant to leave them even for the shortest time. She spends a lot of time sleeping with the puppies nursing peacefully, and is also very happy to be busy cleaning each puppy several times a day and flipping them around gently with her nose. At about 2 weeks of age German Shepherd puppies actually start looking more like puppies, and not just fat black sausages with feet attached. We use undiluted evaporated goats milk from a can, warmed up to be pleasant to the touch. Most puppies readily accept the bottle, and we consider this to be very important bonding and social time as well. Three weeks of age is my favorite age of all. The puppies now can be recognized as German Shepherd puppies. They are alert, playful, and there is a lot of wrestling, tail-wagging, and even barking going on as they explore their surroundings and interact with each other and their mom, all of which is extremely cute. I will often just sit in the whelping box with them, letting them play with my clothes, climb up on my lap, and generally just enjoying their carefree company. We also provide them with various toys starting at this age, and make sure that they listen to loud music, banging on the door, vacuum cleaner, etc. They weigh around 1. At first, they may not have a lot of success with it, as some of them try to suckle on the meat, but in a few days they master this new type of eating very well. We also continue giving them goats milk, but in a shallow saucer pan now, and with some rice baby cereal added, so that they can practice lapping. At this age, the mom is no longer so keen on constantly staying with her puppies, and only visits them to feed them and for a clean up. We continue changing the bedding twice a day now, knowing very well that in about a week it will become times a day, as the mom will not be able to keep up with her cleaning duties any more. We wash soiled towels with a little bit of bleach and a little bit of perfume-free detergent. Four weeks of age is even more fun as the puppies keep developing, but the amount of cleaning starts to increase in geometrical progression, and it becomes a full time job to keep the puppies well fed and clean. The mom is only visiting now and then at this point, and enjoys spending her time in the office, so that she can hear and see the puppies, but not necessarily be with them. With mom visiting for a few brief feedings each day, we feed them three times a day with the following diet: 1. Cottage cheese 2 tbsp per puppy , mixed with plain yogurt 1 tsp per puppy , evaporated goats milk, rice baby cereal 1 tsp. Raw tripe, or beef liver cooked with all kinds of vegetables At about 5 weeks of age the duty of keeping the whelping box clean becomes nightmarish, and this is a good time to introduce German Shepherd puppies to the outdoors. This is a room that is a part of the house, but has free access to the outside world. This room is equipped with a wooden resting platform so that puppies do not lay on concrete, with a heating lamp above it, and the floor is completely covered with a layer of pine woodchips. The outside area is about 6 x 6 ft and the floor is made of paving stones. There is another wooden laying platform here. This is a very important period when we introduce our German Shepherd puppies to more noises, show them the way in and out of the house, introduce them to the other dogs, play tug-of-war, etc. Also, we introduce raw frozen sardines and "The Honest Kitchen" products to their diet, and will occasionally feed kibble, soaked well in warm water and mixed with green tripe from a can At 3, 5, and 7 weeks of age our German Shepherd puppies get dewormed with a high quality wormer, to be certain that they are free of intestinal parasites. At about 6 weeks of age the puppies get their first combination 5-way vaccine including Parvo and Distemper , and at 7 weeks of age we start welcoming visitors who are interested to come and look at the puppies. Often during weekends we have several groups of visitors of all ages coming to interact with the puppies, which is such a great socialization opportunity for them. Copyright .All rights reserved. Baby German Shepherds growing up! German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular dog breeds out there at the moment, with many devoted fans. They can be large and imposing as adults. But, like every breed, they have a cute puppy phase that many fall in love with. However, since most puppies are bought at weeks old, most of us miss out on this magical period of their lives. So what happens during those first important weeks? A typical German Shepherd litter consists of around puppies. The mean average, according to a study performed in , is 6. When they are first born, they will still have an umbilical cord attached and may be covered in amniotic fluid. Their mother should chew off the umbilical cord and spend the first few hours cleaning their pups. Then mom will focus on keeping her newborn pups warm while allowing them to nurse. At this stage, German Shepherd puppies will just sleep and avoid expending energy. They will frequently nurse from their mother. Newborn German Shepherds When baby German Shepherd puppies are first born, they are completely dependent on their mother. Their ears and eyes will be closed and they will be unable to regulate their own body temperature efficiently. A coat should be present, and the color will depend on the genes they have inherited from their parents. Black with tan markings is the most common for this breed. Additionally, they will be relatively immobile. They will be unable to properly support their own weight. Therefore, they will commonly crawl on their stomach to move about. They will also be unable to urinate or defecate on their own. Stimulation from their mother will be required to help them go to the toilet. One Week Old Baby German Shepherd In the first week, the puppies should bulk up significantly and double their birth weight. However, there will not be much change in their behavior. They will still primarily be focused on nursing and sleeping. To help themselves stay warm, the puppies will normally cuddle close to each other, except for when they are in a hot environment. At this stage, they will still be blind and deaf. While they are still unable to see very well, this is a big step. Eyes should open for the first time at around days of age. They will appear blue in color, but this will change into brown as they develop. They may become a little more inquisitive about their surroundings with their new-found eyesight, and may begin to crawl around a little more. We can expect to see them make some big steps at this stage. Firstly, at around days old, their ears should begin to open for the first time. They should now be able to both see and hear, though not too clearly. Their senses will continue to develop over the coming weeks. They will begin to be able to stand and support their own weight. Walking may still be tough, though! They will likely be pretty wobbly. You can also expect to see their baby teeth come in at around this time. While they still get the majority of their nutrition from their mother, they will begin to show interest in solid food. They will begin to become more independent at this age, being able to urinate and defecate on their own. Beginning Of Socialization With their sight and hearing, they are likely to show a little bit of adventure and courage for the first time, exploring their surroundings as much as their unsteady gait will allow them. This milestone also marks the beginning of the socialization period, a critical phase of their development. Things learned now can shape their personality and behavior for the rest of their lives. They may engage the other puppies in clumsy play and show body language such as tail wagging for the first time. They will form relationships with their den mates, their mother, and humans. This stage is critical in getting the puppies used to humans. This can be achieved by gently exposing the puppies to human presence and contact so that they can see that they are no threat. While their brains are still very much in development, they are still able to learn some simple concepts at this stage. Crate and potty training can begin at this age. They should now be able to walk pretty well. This mobility will allow them to further play with their family and be even more curious about their surroundings. On top of this, their baby teeth should now be fully formed and the weaning process should be fully underway. They should be offered soft but solid food. They may begin to show signs of more complex social behaviors towards their other den mates, and they should learn important skills like bite inhibition. The socialization process should continue, with the puppies gently being exposed to new people, sights, and sounds. The German Shepherd babies will also be further weaned off the mother at this time, slowly moving onto a fully solid diet. Six Week Old Baby German Shepherd At this age, you will begin to see the puppies become even more independent of their mother. Six week old puppies are gaining social skills rapidly, and love to play with people and each other. Seven Week Old Baby German Shepherd When we move into the seventh week of their life, a new significant phase of development starts to begin: the fear period. While this sounds disconcerting, it merely means that this is the time that many puppies begin to show fear towards new things, rather than curiosity. Things that the puppy may find scary or uncertain during this time can make for big changes in their personality throughout life. For example, if a puppy has a bad experience with a human at this stage, it may lead them to becoming fearful and distrustful towards people for the rest of their life. This is why gently exposing the puppies to humans and common sights and sounds beforehand is important. By preemptively socializing the puppies with humans, we can help this period run smoother. The puppies will have reached weights of around pounds and should be around inches tall. Their ears will lie flat but should begin to become erect and upright over the coming weeks. They will be fully independent of their mother at this age. They should be completely weaned, with some basic training and socialization. From here, new owners are expected to continue to train and socialize them, as they are still within a critical period of development. New owners will also need to continue to ensure the German Shepherd puppy is fed a good, nutritionally balanced diet. For more information, you can check out our full puppy development guide here. And make sure you also take a look at this guide to bathing a puppy! She, in that time, will be feeding them. And, if nothing bad happens, she should be close to her puppies for the next 8 to 10 weeks, and should not be separated from them for too long. This is due to the simple fact, that they first get all the basic knowledge of life from their mother, who would train and care for them. Not only they should already walk confidently, but the amount of information they get from their mother is increased drastically! They should start socializing and learning the environment in all the details. They are now also more confident with who they are, what other species of animals are there, and who us, people, are as well. Now, they explore everything around them, as curiously as they can! And, finally, they start developing emotional reactions to things. And, as the puppies eat much more, than adults, it will need a lot of food as well. But full-grown teeth are formed at around 4th week of development. Their development is going as fast as it can, and anything that might obstruct it is the most important enemy. Their mother keeps most of the illnesses from them, and without her they risk getting sick. Not only this, but they can be very allergic to cleaning chemicals. And the utmost important thing is a good, clean environment. You must be very cautious when choosing detergents. If their caring mother is not around, which you should not allow for too long, the problem of feeding is fully on you. And you should be responsible! Ask a vet about what should you give to your puppies before doing anything yourself. Try to keep your puppies in all the same place, as they are socializing with each other, as stated above. And this is everything you need to know about 3 week old puppies. Good luck, an thank You for reading!

Here are the things you need to consider when choosing a leash for your German Shepherd: Write a list of subheadings for the things you need to consider when choosing a leash for your German Shepherd 1. Smaller dogs may be able to get away with a lightweight leash, but for larger breeds, a sturdier option is necessary. The last thing you want is for your dog to break free from their leash while out on a walk. On the other hand, if you have a calmer breed like an English bulldog, you might be able to get away with a less durable leash. Material Another important consideration is the material of the leash. The most common choices are nylon and leather, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Nylon leashes are generally less expensive than leather, and they come in a variety of colors and styles. On the other hand, if the leash is too long, it will be difficult to control your dog and could even pose a safety hazard. Luckily, measuring your dog for a leash is a quick and easy process. Once you have the measurement, simply consult a size chart to find the right leash for your pup. Comfort The fourth thing to consider is both the comfort of the dog and the owner. The leash should also be easy to grip and comfortable for the owner to hold, even during long walks. A padded handle is a plus point if you plan on doing a lot of walking. Budget Leashes come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end designer leashes. On the other hand, if you have a large dog or an active breed, you might need to invest in a sturdier, more expensive leash. Law Where you live will impact what type of leash you need to buy for your German shepherd. It is important to consider the law where you live when choosing a leash for your German shepherd. Depending on where you live, there may be specific rules about leash lengths. Make sure the leash you buy complies with the law. In addition to considering the law, it is also important to think about what type of environment your German shepherd will be walking in. If you live in a rural area, a different type of leash may be required than if you live in an urban area. Style German shepherds are intelligent, versatile dogs that make excellent companions. When choosing a leash for your German shepherd, you need to consider the style of leash that will best suit your needs. Standard leashes are typically made from leather or nylon and are available in a variety of lengths. Retractable leashes are also available, which allow you to adjust the length of the leash and give your dog more freedom to explore. Additional feature Last but not least, you need to consider any additional features that you might want on your leash. This will help make sure you and your dog are visible to motorists. This leash is comfortable, durable, and affordably priced, making it a great option for everyday use. The Carhartt Dog Leash is our top pick for large, strong German shepherds. This leash is constructed from durable materials and reinforced with tough stitching, making it able to withstand even the strongest tugging. It is also equipped with reflective stitching, ensuring that you and your dog will be visible in low light conditions. This guide will help you choose a leash based on your needs and budget. Thanks for reading! Why Trust Us? The TrainYourGsd research team has spent hours researching and testing the best dog leashes on the market. We consulted with experts and considered a variety of factors, including leash length, material, and price. We also took into account the specific needs of German shepherds when choosing the best leashes for this list. German shepherds are strong dogs with a lot of energy, so we wanted to make sure that the leashes on this list could handle their strength. We also considered the different environments that German shepherds might be walking in and chose leashes that would be appropriate for both urban and rural settings. Related posts:. It comes in different sizes and colors to suit your needs and preferences. Since the retractable leash can extend up to 16 feet, your Shep is free to wander wherever they like without getting out of your control. And if you feel they have strayed far enough, you just need to engage the quick lock and brake system with a simple push of a button. Made from woven nylon, this leash is sturdy enough to handle large breeds weighing between 33 and pounds and will not wear out with heavy-duty use. The ergonomically designed handle features a non-slip design to give you a firm and comfortable grip. And the easy-to-use bolt snap is chrome plated for weather resistance. Pros Ergonomic handle with non-slip design The leash can move degrees Can extend up to 16 feet Features a quick lock and brake system Cons It is a little heavy 4. It also has 2 length options 3. This leash is made from polyester but is lined with a nylon webbing for added strength. The Duraflex bolt snap is made from a lightweight zinc alloy with a sturdiness that enables you to attach the leash securely. Thanks to the padding on the ergonomic handle, you can grip the leash comfortably for hours without discomfort. The leash comes in a reflective material that makes it convenient and safer to walk your Shep at night or in dimly lit environments. However, we found it a bit costly for a standard option. Pros Comes in varying sizes and colors Sturdy bolt snap. I'm very pleased with my purchase. Great quality product as always. This strong leather leash for German Shepherd is an essential tool in the collection of any dog owner. If you want to see a bigger photo, click on the picture The Best Dog Leash for German Shepherd We made this genuine leather leash for German Shepherd incredibly strong and reliable. It is thick, full grain, well done for long term reliable use and control over a strong and active dog like German Shepherd. It will also suit other middle and big dogs. Smart and simple design of this leather dog leash with braided tips and brass fittings makes it the most favorite tool with our customers. The brass snap hook has a swivel to avoid entangling. All the fittings are rustproof and smoothly polished. If you want to see a bigger photo, click on the picture German Shepherd Dog Leash with Brass Snap Hook If you want to see a bigger photo, click on the picture German Shepherd Leather Leash with Handle Comfortable handle is safe for your hand and easy to hold and control your dog in walking and training. Metal, nylon, or leather? Retractable, adjustable, or fixed? These are just some of the leash types you will come across either in a shop or online. Not to worry though, because after reading this guide you will have all the information you need. One of the main aspects to consider when buying a leash for your German Shepherd is that it needs to be comfortable for your pooch. A good leash should be long something between 5 and 6 feet; this will help provide comfort for your dog and full control over him for you. German Shepherds are powerful dogs and you need to be able to gain full control over them in any situation. In fact, this leash is made of mountain climbing rope and has a heavy-duty clasp with a classic leather connection. You can go hiking, swimming, running with your German Shepherd and this leash will always be in perfect condition for many years. You can choose the length of this leash since it can be 4, 5, or 6 feet long. Fairwin Leather Dog Leash The Fairwin leather leash is the strongest and most durable one of the bunch. If kept properly this leash will just never go wrong. It is made of genuine leather with a very strong metal clip that will keep your dog safely attached. The length of the leash is 5. It can carry up to Lb pull force, making it the ideal choice for dogs that are big pullers. There is just one downside to this leash. As we said before, the Fairwin leash can last forever, but you must avoid getting it wet. If it gets wet its durability will be seriously compromised and it will probably acquire a funny odor as well. At that point, your pooch will probably fancy a bite of it and… goodbye to your lovely leather leash. So no rainy days, swimming, etc with this leather leash. It in fact has all the key elements of a good leash without having to spend a lot of money. This leash is durable, because made with nylon mountain rope and has a strong metal clasp to ensure long-lasting performance. It is also very comfortable to hold on to, thanks to the padded handle; this is a very useful feature for a leash especially if your dog is a puller. This leash is also ideal if you take your German Shepherd for walks at night because it is made with reflective material that will keep you both safe and visible. The iYoShop leash is a good balance between control over your dog and freedom of movement. The length is between 4. There is a very useful extra handle on the leash thanks to which you can better control your dog on busy sidewalks, bike lanes, or any crowded areas. This leash is thought of especially for large breeds as the German Shepherd, which can be difficult to control without straining your arm or wrist. The bungee works perfectly when you need to halt your dog without the risk of hurting yourself and it eases the pressure for you and your dog. It in fact has an extra handle that will help you take control of your dog whenever you need to. It is a versatile leash that can be perfect if you take your dog to a park and then to a shop and you need to have two different lengths to comfortably manage both situations. The leash is 6 ft long and 1 inch wide, which is thicker and stronger than average leashes. It is made of reflective material that can be easily seen during night walks, granting extra security to you and your dog. It is made of durable nylon and it is 1 inch thick. You and your dog can go together wherever you want with this leash. You can go just for a walk around the block, a day hiking in the mountains, or for a swim at the beach; this leash is really made for heavy use. It has a strong metal clasp and a padded neoprene handle which will guarantee comfort to your hand even if your German Shepherd is a puller. The stitching is made with reflective material which will give you and your dog extra visibility and safety at night. This leash comes in many different bright colors that will suit all tastes. This is a really nice plus! It is made of chrome-plated metal that is guaranteed against rust, tarnish, or breakage. This leash could definitely last forever since even the clip is made for heavy-duty. The leash is 6 ft long and 0. Choosing The Material For German Shepherds Leash When it comes to choosing the best leash for German Shepherds based on the materials it is made of you have 3 choices: leather, nylon, or metal. Leather Leather leashes are very strong and durable. They are also the most comfortable leashes to hold on to. If you have a large dog such as a German Shepherd you will soon realize how important this aspect is. For this reason, if you have a leather leash for your dog, it cannot be the only leash you own. You will have to have a backup lash made either from nylon or metal. Nylon Nylon is the most common material for leashes. This is a great plus if your dog should ever run away. It will be easy to spot him even at nighttime. The only inconvenience with nylon is that it is not as durable as the other materials. This is why you will have to go for the thicker nylon leashes for heavy-duty; they are made to last longer than ordinary nylon ones. Metal If durability is your main concern, then your best choice will be a metal leash. This type of dog leash will last years and years, or probably forever. There are at least 3 types of leashes you will see in any pet shop: retractable, adjustable, and fixed. So which one would be the most suitable for a German Shepherd? Try to do it with a German Shepherd and in the best-case scenario, your pooch will take you for a not very nice run, or worse you will completely lose control of him. Fixed A fixed leash is instead a good choice for a powerful dog; it gives you complete control over her and it will be less easy to get overbalanced whenever she pulls. The downside of a fixed leash is that you cannot give more way to your dog if you are going for a walk together in a park or hiking on a mountain. Adjustable An adjustable leash is the best leash for German Shepherds. It has 3 or 4 rings to which you can attach one end of the leash and regulate it as you please. Adjustable leashes can be adjusted to be from about 1 meter to 3 meters long. Ideally, having more than one leash is a winning choice. Shorter leashes give you more control over your dog, so if you are walking on a busy street your best choice would be a short leather leash. If you love going on hiking trips or to the beach with your pet, you might want to consider buying a long leash made of climbing rope; this will allow both of you to explore the surroundings comfortably. You could use it on a harness made especially for hiking. Is Your Dog A Chewer? Another aspect to consider when buying a leash is if your dog is a chewer. In this case, leather leashes would not be the best choice, especially if they get wet after a rainy day. Remember that if a leash gets chewed by your dog, this will definitely make it less safe for him, and he could run away on a busy street. Your best choice if your dog is a chewer is a metal leash. Product Reviews You know you need a collar and leash for your German Shepherd — but with so many choices, where do you even begin!? Welcome to my complete guide to all the best German Shepherd collars and leashes. Even well-trained dogs run the risk of not behaving under stressful or exciting circumstances. If your dog gets loose, you want it to be easily identified and returned quickly. Collars are also an essential training tool. Some are specifically designed for behavior training and help you teach your dog good leash manners. Always remember, a collar and a leash is only a tool to help you train your dog — it is not a substitution for training! Types of Dog Collars When it comes to choosing a dog collar, arm yourself with a little knowledge before hitting the pet store or you can easily get overwhelmed. There are a ton of options out there, and most pet stores dedicate an entire aisle to just dog collars and leashes. Flat collars This is your basic, everyday dog collar, typically made from nylon or leather with metal or plastic buckles. You can find these at just about any store, and they often come in fun colors and patterns. Because of this, Martingale collars are also known as limited-slip collars. Choke chains A choke chain or choke collar is a chain link collar that tightens when your dog pulls. If used correctly, choke chains can be used effectively for training purposes — but rarely are they used correctly! And if used incorrectly, they are not safe for your dog. Instead, they tighten and choke your dog, interfering with its breathing and possibly causing injury to the neck. There are simply better options out there for teaching good leash behavior. Pinch collars Pinch or prong collars are similar to choke chains but are actually safer in many ways. These chain link collars have metal prongs around the inside of the collar. Allie does own a pinch collar, but I used it only for training purposes, as recommended by her trainer. Like choke chains, a pinch collar can cause injury if used incorrectly. But if you have a strong-willed German Shepherd, it can be an effective tool to learn a behavior. Just keep in mind that a pinch collar should be used for training purposes. An adult German Shepherd will typically wear a large-sized collar. But not all German Shepherds are the same, and of course, a growing puppy will have different size requirements. Measuring is simple. You can use a sewing tape if you have one. Take the measurement around the neck where the collar normally sits. Then, measure that length against a tape measure or ruler. Also, if you have a growing puppy, keep in mind that you will need to check the tightness of the collar regularly. The Soft Touch Collar is handmade from genuine, high-quality leather and comes with a lifetime guarantee. I can attest to the quality — Allie wears hers every day and it still looks new after years of use. And the soft padding on the inside of the collar is a nice touch as well. What I love:.

Showing 1 - 40 of 47 resultsPage 1 - 47 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. She is the last puppy of her litter, and honestly we are surprised she was not the first to go. Callie - Female, Microchipped and guarantee! Affectionate, cuddly and intelligent breed. Mom is a mini cockapoo 16 lbs Dad is a mini poodle .Both parents are purebred and are amazing family.These little sweet hearts are very gentle, cuddly and loveable. They absolutely love our young children. They come with their first.Dewormed, first vaccinations and clear health check. These babies are desensitized to.Dad is a miniature poodle. The estimated weight of an adult puppy will be lb. The puppies received their first vaccinations and deworming.They have.They have been vaccinated and dewormed and have their vet records. Trois adorables mini chiots.Thank you for your understanding! Ready to go! Look no further than our delightful Cockapoo puppies! These adorable, He is not an.The female has a bow on the head and male does not have anything. The birthday is July 03, The mom is a.Happy, healthy and playful. They are well socialized, played with daily and spoiled by their mom! They should be approximately 20 to 25 pounds fully.This intelligent breed thrives on attention, so a family with someone available to give them lots of love and care is a perfect.Toronto Ready to go! I hope you're having a great day. Please take a moment to read through the information provided before asking.One of their other names, the Shichon Teddy Bear refers to their.Only females available. Known for their intelligence, curiosity, and playful nature, these clever canines inherit the best qualities from both Pomeranians and Huskies. Now ready to go!! They are here!! Sweet, adorable Cotoncocker babies. Ready to go Now. Similar to a cockapoo or cavapoo these babies are hypoallergenic , non.Parents are family dogs with prefect demeanors and are great with children and chickens : even cats Pick up is an option in.They are a happy go lucky bunch with a lot of energy and love to share! They received first vaccines and are.When fully grown, they will reach a compact size of .Male first and last picture Ready for their forever homes now, each pupper has been vet checked, dewormed, first set of shots and.Located in the Edmonton.Look no further! We have a litter charming Cockapoo puppy that is ready to find his forever home. A cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, the Cockapoo are the happiest of dogs. They are smart and loyal pets with a cheerful.They have their first 2 puppy vaccines and are up to date on all deworming and flea prevention. There are 4 puppies still.Kingston Hello from Teddybear Australian Labradoodles! We have puppies available NOW! We are a small in-home breeder of Registered Australian Labradoodles in Kingston, Twister Mini Poodle. They will be lb as adults. Ship Australia Wide. Spoodle Puppies are cross breeds between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel. The first cross of the hybrid dog gives breeders the maximum benefits. Alternatively, you can say that a cocker spaniel and a purebred poodle hybrid from one parent has fewer genetic diseases than a spoodle cross from another parent. This crossbreed is often known as a spoodle or cockerdoodle portmanteaux of cocker spaniel and poodle or Miniature Poodle. Cockapoos were bred in the s by designer dog breeders in the United States in order to develop a healthy companion dog without many of the health defects common in the two parent breeds. If they receive adequate daily exercise, they can adapt to living in a small home or apartment. Dogs with high energy who enjoy romping around in the park or walking daily. They tend to bark a lot and love to keep you informed of every sound or movement they see. Spoodles do not shed often, but their coats require lots of attention. A Spoodle is very sociable, and should not be left alone for long periods of time. As long as they have access to a decent park or garden every day, they are happy in both small and large homes. Furthermore, they can bark but not attack , making them good guards. Spoodles are available in a number of colors, including black, tan, cream, white, silver, roan, beige, red, and spotted. Spoodle puppies for sale Spoodle puppies appearance The Spoodle is a small-medium dog similar to the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, a perfect companion dog. A typical Spoodle is 30 — 45 cm tall and weighs between 6 and 11 kilograms. Depending on its parents i. The Spoodle is bred from two distinct purebred parents, each with a strict genetic makeup and appearance standard for the breed, A designer dog, such as the Spoodle, will not necessarily fall perfectly between the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel; in other words, each Spoodle may differ in appearance. Poodles, on the other hand, resemble the Cocker Spaniel more than others, and others find a more. Spoodles come in many different colours, including black, tan, cream, white, silver, roan, beige, red, spotted, and mixed colours. The Spoodle is associate degree intelligent dog and likes to be a part of the action. Generally, spoodles make loving and affectionate companion dogs—they are said to be intelligent, loving, and outgoing. Since they tend to get along well with people and animals alike, they are ideal as family pets because they have a gentle disposition. As well as being patient and well-behaved, they love playing with children and interacting with them. Additionally, it is very important to show children how to respectfully treat an animal. It is wise to socialize them as early as possible by taking them to a dog park to make friends with other dogs. A Spoodle are often pleased with a family, a couple, or with one adult. They like to please their human companions and are known for being loyal and trustworthy to their families.

They are ethical breeders who want to breed for the betterment and improvement of health in all French Bulldogs. They are specialized in french Bulldog and famous for their hand-raised bullies. The mother dog receives ultimate care and attention while preparing for her litters. They limit the number of puppies in a litter to guarantee both mother and puppies are well cared for. The puppies receive all kinds of training and socializing lessons from them. So you can be assured that your little bully is not going to harm your other pets or children. All of their puppies are AKC registered and they come from the champion bloodline. You will also get a health certificate and necessary vaccinations done on your puppy. Your puppy will be vet checked before handing it over to you. You can check all the beautiful photos of their French bulldogs on their website. You can check for available puppies and book your desired one from the website. You can also book a puppy from their upcoming litters. But make sure to check the parents pedigree or even two generations pedigree before doing this. You will get 1 years guarantee from them. You will also get papers of AKC registration along with your puppy. Before confirming your booking, make sure you read the agreement details from their website. You will get shipment for your puppy anywhere in the USA. They are one of the premium breeders of French Bulldogs in Missouri. You will find a lot of testimonials and reviews about them on the internet. So you can be assured about the health and breeding quality of their Frenchies. The best thing about them is they focus on French Bulldogs only. They try to upgrade each litter with better quality. Each of their litters is better than the previous one with their scientific methods. All animals are treated as her own child. She has experience with French Bulldog for more than 16 years. She is very passionate about breeding her favorite breed. They inspect very carefully if the family is eligible to give the French Bulldog their best life. You will get a 1-year health guarantee from them. You will also up to date shots of your puppy from birth to eight weeks old. You can also get food and toys for your Bully from their farm. If you book a puppy from their upcoming litters, you will have to pay a non-refundable deposit. The puppy is also guaranteed for 1 year against congenital defects. You can check their puppies on their website. Box , Wheaton, Missouri Phone: Email: spoiledpuppies yahoo. For them, health is the top priority in any breeding session. They are very careful about the health of both mothers and puppies while breeding. They promise their clients to provide the puppies with the best health and temperament. Most of their dogs are from the champion bloodline. All of their dogs are AKC registered. Their puppies are always kept inside their kennels. They keep the new puppies in the nursery with 24 hours care and attention. They have a small playground inside their beautiful kennel where they maintain the puppy kindergarten. The 6 weeks or older puppies spend at least 2 hours there. They train them about potty training, leash training, and socializing training. They have professional dog trainers on their staff who train the puppies. They always make sure that the new owner does not have to face any hassle with an untrained puppy. In a similar way, they also make sure their puppy is going to the best home where they will get love and care. They inspect all puppy applications very carefully They select those eligible families who will be able to give the puppy a better life with unconditional love and care. They also send the diet chart and instructions along with the puppy so that the owner will follow this very easily. They also provide shipments all over the USA so you can get your puppy delivered to your doorstep. She is an experienced and long-time breeder of a french bulldog. Chitawee Frenchies has produced more than champions. Their puppies are superior in genetics. This farm is located in Southwest city. They always update about available puppies on their website. You can also visit their farm before confirming for any french bulldog puppies from them. The owner always encourages the customers to pay a visit to her farm before confirming the deal. So I would suggest you pay a visit to their farm next weekend. I bet your kids will love this trip and spending time with beautiful and energetic little Frenchies. The owner Larry Watts and his wife Monty Watts share a very special bonding with bulldogs. They are specialized in English bulldog breeding. But they also breed french bulldog too. So I added them to this list if anyone in Greenwood wants to get a French bulldog from a nearby breeder. They provide genetic health guarantees, the pedigree of parents, and health certificates along with all of their puppies. All of their puppies are AKC registered and you will get the registration certificate too. They update about upcoming litters on their website. So you can book your Frenchies from them. As they are a small home breeder, all puppies live with them in their home. The puppies get habituated with children and other pets. Your puppy will get socialized with them very soon. French Bulldog Puppy Breeder Details:. For the complete list please see our French Bulldog List page. However, prices can vary depending on the breeder and the age, gender and color of the puppy. Most people who are looking for a French Bulldog puppy are willing to pay a price for one that has been well-raised and is healthy. There are some breeders who will give away puppies for free, but these puppies are usually not registered with the AKC and they may not be as healthy as those who have been bred by a professional breeder. You may also want to consider adopting a dog from your local animal shelter or rescue group. There are many homeless dogs who need homes, and you may be able to find the perfect French Bulldog pup there. Here are a few tips to help you find a responsible breeder: Find out how long the breeder has been in business. A reputable breeder will have been in business for several years and will have a good reputation. These breeders have met certain standards of care and breeding and are more likely to be responsible than those who are not members of a club. Ask the breeder about their experience with French Bulldogs. Breeders who have been raising French Bulldogs for many years are more likely to be knowledgeable about the breed and will be able to better match you with a healthy, well-adjusted puppy. It will also give you a chance to ask questions about the breed and the puppies. Visiting your breeder in person will also help you to determine if the breeder is responsible and ethical. If the breeder seems disinterested in the puppies or unwilling to answer your questions, it may be best to look elsewhere. A reputable French bulldog breeder will have healthy dogs and plenty of information about the breed. They will also be willing to provide references from previous buyers. Reputable breeders often have long waiting lists. They should also have health certificates for both the parents and the puppies. A reputable Missouri French bulldog breeder should be happy to let you meet some of their previous customers. A reputable breeder should be happy to let you meet some of their previous customers. If the breeder does not want you to meet past customers, it could be a sign that they have something to hide. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to ask your Missouri French bulldog breeder. They should be more than happy to answer any questions you have. Reputable breeders want to make sure their puppies go to good homes, and they will be happy to help you find the perfect puppy for your family. When looking for a French bulldog breeder, it is important to ask if they have a good veterinarian they use. If the breeder you are considering does not have a good veterinarian they use, it is best to avoid them. A good veterinarian is important for the health of your dog, and you want to make sure your breeder uses one. One of the most important things to look for when choosing a French bulldog breeder is whether or not the puppies are raised in a home environment. A reputable Missouri French bulldog breeder should have their puppies raised in a home environment, where they are socialized and handled often. If the breeder you are considering does not have their puppies raised in a home environment, it is best to avoid them. Puppies that are not raised in a home environment are more likely to be shy or aggressive. Some warning signs include: Breeders who are only interested in making money and not in the welfare of their animals. Breeders who do not health test their animals or allow prospective buyers to do so. Breeders who have a lot of puppies available and are not willing to place them with carefully screened homes. Breeders who are not registered with the AKC or any other legitimate breed registry. It is important to remember that not all breeders are created equal. There are many responsible, ethical French bulldog breeders in Missouri who are breeding for the love of the breed and the betterment of the puppies. It is important to do your research before buying a puppy and to be sure that you are dealing with a reputable breeder. If you encounter a breeder who exhibits any of these warning signs, it is best to walk away and find another breeder. You can also contact the proper authorities. The breeder should be able to provide you with a health certificate from a qualified veterinarian. The breeder should also be willing to provide you with references from other people who have purchased puppies from them in the past. Be sure to contact these people and ask them about the quality of the puppies and the level of care that the breeder provided. How to Prepare Your Home for Your French Bulldog Puppy When you bring your French bulldog puppy home, there are a few things that you will need to do to prepare your home for him. You will need to provide your puppy with a safe place to sleep and play. The best place for this is in an exercise pen or a small room that can be blocked off from the rest of the house. You will also need to provide your puppy with plenty of toys and chew bones to keep him occupied. Be sure to provide fresh water and food at all times. In order to potty train your French bulldog puppy, you will need to set up a designated area outside where he can go potty. Be sure to praise your puppy when he goes potty in the correct area. It is also important to keep your puppy up-to-date on his vaccinations and to take him to the vet for regular check-ups. If you are not prepared to handle the energy of a French bulldog puppy, it is best to reconsider adopting one. Daily walks and plenty of playtime are essential for keeping your French bulldog puppy happy and healthy. If you do not have enough time to devote to a dog, it is best to adopt an older dog that does not require as much exercise. The best way to do this is by establishing a routine and sticking to it. Toilet training usually involves taking your puppy to the designated potty area outside several times a day and praising him when he goes potty in the correct spot. Be sure to keep an eye on your puppy so that you can take him outside as soon as he has finished going potty. If you catch your puppy having an accident inside, do not punish him. Simply clean up the mess and put him in the designated potty area immediately. This will help him learn where he is supposed to go potty. It may take a little bit of time, but with patience and consistency, you will be able to successfully potty train your French bulldog puppy. The Benefits of Purchasing A French Bulldog from A Reputable Breeder When you purchase a French bulldog from a reputable breeder, you are getting a dog that has been bred for good health and temperament. You will also be able to get help from the breeder if you ever have any questions or concerns about your dog. It is important to do your research before purchasing a French bulldog puppy and to be sure that you are dealing with a reputable breeder. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter.

Rabies Vaccine Rabies is a viral infection caused by a virus secreted in the saliva. According to the Humane Society , because the infection affects the nervous system, most rabid animals behave abnormally. When should puppies get rabies shots? Generally speaking, puppies should get their first rabies shot around 16 weeks of age and again between years old. Rabies Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every 3 years Non-core Vaccines Non-core vaccines are important, but they are considered optional for dogs with less risk of infection. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on lifestyle and where you live or travel. Bordetella Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium associated with respiratory disease in dogs and is known to cause the most severe form of kennel cough. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, congestion, etc. Some veterinarians may recommend Bordetella as a core vaccine for puppies based on their living environment, especially for social dogs who spend time in areas where they might come into contact with the bacteria like the dog park, boarding facilities, or doggy daycare. The vaccination can be given orally, intranasally, or by injection. Bordetella Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every year Leptospira Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by infection of the genus Leptospira, which are found in water and soil. The zoonotic disease spreads easily from animals to humans and is more common in warm climate areas with high annual rainfall; the Leptospira vaccine may be considered core in these areas. Signs of leptospirosis may include shivering, fever, muscle tenderness, increased thirst, dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, kidney failure, liver failure, etc. Leptospira Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 3rd shot: 1 year Booster: every year There is also a 5-way vaccine known as DHLPP, which is a combination vaccine of distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvo. Lyme disease Lyme disease is caused by infection with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The most common symptoms in dogs include loss of appetite, lameness, joint swelling, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. More serious cases can also develop kidney complications. The Lyme disease vaccine is highly recommended for dogs that live in or frequently travel to areas known for Lyme disease, as well as those living in areas with a high risk of tick exposure. Lyme Vaccination Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 2nd shot: weeks later Booster: every year Canine Influenza Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a contagious viral infection affecting dogs. The virus is spread through aerosols or droplets containing respiratory secretions from barking, sneezing, and coughing. Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places like daycare facilities, groomers, and kennels are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. CIV causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs, with the most common clinical sign being a cough that persists for up to 21 days. Vaccines are available for both H3N2 and H3N8 canine influenza. A bivalent vaccine offering protection against both strains is available as well. Dogs become infected when they swallow the parasite that may be present in water or other substances that have been soiled with feces leading to the disease Giardiasis. Giardia in dogs usually causes diarrhea, weight loss, or even death. Giardia is an available vaccine for puppies 8 weeks of age and older for 6 months of immunity against giardiasis. Most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Young dogs are at a high risk of contracting the disease, so the vaccine is highly recommended for puppies under eight weeks. Rattlesnake vaccine A rattlesnake vaccine can help dogs build antibodies to rattlesnake venom from bites that are often deadly and severely painful to dogs. The antibodies work to neutralize the venom, thereby significantly extending the window of time you have to take your dog to the emergency room , increasing their odds of survival. Protect yourself from heartbreak without breaking the bank. Compare quotes to find the best deal for your budget. After that, puppies should receive a series of vaccines every two to four weeks until actual protein can be achieved between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks old. Your vet will determine a safe vaccine schedule for your puppy based on their weight, health, age, etc. Some pet parents prefer getting multiple puppy shots in one vet visit to minimize stress on their pet, whereas others prefer to spread the shots out to reduce possible side effects and soreness — talk to your vet to create a safe vaccine schedule that works for you and your puppy. Rabies depends on local laws but is usually given by the time your dog reaches 3 to 6 months old. When should puppies have all their shots by? Most vets prefer giving the final DHPP shot at 16 weeks or later; however, new recommendations suggest up to 20 weeks out. When do puppies need booster shots? Abstaining from booster shots can put your puppy at risk. However, not all vaccines require yearly boosters. DHPP vaccine booster: every two weeks for a total of three sets, then every three years Lepto, Canine influenza, and Lyme disease vaccine booster: one month after the initial series, then annually Bordetella booster: 1 year or every 6 months where there is a concern Rabies booster: every 1 to 3 years after the initial round, depending on state laws Puppy Vaccine Schedule There are several types of puppy shots your pet might get in their first year. In addition to a deworming schedule, your vet will suggest a vaccination schedule for puppies based on their age, environment, and medical history. Most vets recommend this general timeline for first-year puppy shots: weeks of age Between 6- and 8-weeks-old, puppies get their first shot of the DHPP distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus vaccine. They might also receive their first round of vaccinations for Bordetella and Lyme disease. Leptospira Lepto is a common puppy vaccination administered around this time frame. They'll also get their first rabies vaccine depending on state-mandated vaccine schedules for puppies, as well as a second shot of the Lepto vaccine if applicable. Boosters Every Years Puppies will need a booster shot for all vaccines at age 1. Dogs need booster vaccinations for Bordetella, Lepto, Lyme, and Giardia annually receiving their first immunization as an adult. The vaccination schedule for DHPP and rabies is every 3 years, but check your local laws and defer to your veterinarian's advice to ensure your pet stays free of disease. How much are puppy shots? Non-essential vaccines your vet may recommend will also increase the price. Note that puppy shots cost more or less depending on several different factors, including your location. For instance, vets in crowded urban areas tend to charge more than vets in smaller towns and rural areas. Also keep in mind that you'll need to budget for booster shots in one- or three-year intervals to ensure your pet stays protected from disease. Fortunately, vaccines for dogs are less expensive than first-year puppy shots because boosters are administered in one dose every few years, as opposed to multiple doses every few weeks. All puppies need to get the core vaccines, i. Your veterinarian will consider the risk factors and advise you on which vaccines are best for your puppy during the first vet visit. No, but both vaccines for puppies are often combined in one shot. Distemper and parvovirus are two different illnesses that are potentially fatal if not treated quickly. What is the 5-in-1 shot for puppies? Do puppies need 3 or 4 sets of shots? It depends on their age; vets may recommend a shorter puppy vaccination schedule for dogs over 16 weeks old and not yet fully vaccinated. How many shots do puppies need before going outside? A titer test is a blood test showing whether your puppy has antibodies for a particular illness. The test can be used to determine the effectiveness of a vaccine and help determine if or which booster vaccines your dog needs. Most doggy daycares and boarding facilities do not accept a titer test in lieu of a puppy vaccination record. When should puppies get dewormed? Because worms are very common in puppies, veterinarians recommend deworming them for the first time when they're two to three weeks old. Is there a heartworm vaccine for puppies? Preventatives can either be administered as monthly medication or every six months by injection. How can you save money on puppy shots? One way to save money on puppy vaccines is by visiting a low-cost vaccination clinic. These clinics typically offer packages that combine a bundle of vaccinations into a lower price point, but also offer individual options if your dog is due for a specific vaccine. Another way to save money on puppy shots is by purchasing a pet wellness plan through a pet insurance provider. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. What's the Cost of Dog Vaccinations? Here is a breakdown of the expenses by individual vaccination and state. Pet vaccinations start around 6 to 8 weeks of age, with doses given every two to four weeks until 16 weeks of age, which enables the puppy to make their own antibodies. Puppy vaccinations are customized to each pet depending on their current and expected lifestyle and needs. Core Vaccines Vaccines are broken down into core and non-core categories, based on disease severity and prevalence. Core vaccines are considered necessary for all pets because they protect against often-fatal diseases and help protect the community from outbreaks. Core vaccines for dogs include: Canine parvovirus vaccine : Canine parvo is highly contagious and attacks the gastrointestinal tract and immune system, leading to severe dehydration, systemic infection and shock. Most puppies will survive with treatment, but treatment requires intensive care, which can become costly. Distemper vaccine: Canine distemper virus attacks the nervous system and respiratory tract and is often fatal. Dogs who survive typically have permanent neurologic damage. Wildlife can carry and transmit the virus, serving as a reservoir of infection. Canine hepatitis vaccine: Canine infectious hepatitis , which is caused by an adenovirus, attacks liver cells and can cause secondary clotting problems or kidney disorders. The virus is prevalent in many wildlife species, such as raccoons and bats, and is transmitted through bite wounds. The rabies vaccine is extremely effective and is required by law to protect pets and humans from infection. What Is the 5-in-1 Vaccine? The 5-in-1 or 4-in-1 vaccine for dogs combines core vaccines into a single injection. Parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus and canine parainfluenza comprise the 4-in-1 vaccine; the 5-in-1 vaccine also includes protection against leptospirosis. Most veterinary clinics use the combination vaccine rather than the individual components to minimize the number of injections required. Optional Dog Vaccines Optional dog vaccines are also known as lifestyle or non-core vaccines because they are administered only to dogs at high risk for contracting each disease. Optional vaccines for dogs include: Bordetella vaccine: The Bordetella vaccine protects against the bacteria that commonly causes kennel cough and is recommended for dogs who spend time at dog parks, daycare, boarding kennels, dog sports or training classes. This vaccine does not completely prevent infection, but lessens infection severity and helps dogs recover faster. Canine influenza vaccine: Dogs at risk for Bordetella infection are also at risk for canine influenza , an airborne infection. The canine influenza vaccine does not completely prevent infection, but it can lessen disease severity, reducing the likelihood of complications, including pneumonia. Leptospirosis vaccine : Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that dogs can pick up from water sources contaminated with infected urine. Leptospirosis causes severe liver and kidney damage and can be fatal for some dogs. Vaccination provides effective immunity. Lyme disease vaccine: Ticks transmit Lyme disease , which is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. This vaccine is recommended for pets who spend time outdoors, and especially those who go hiking or camping with their owner. What's the Best Puppy Vaccination Schedule? Expect vet visits every few weeks until your puppy is at least 4 months old. Here is an overview of a typical puppy vaccination schedule. After the initial puppy vaccination series, adult dogs need vaccine boosters throughout their life. The first vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies to fight the targeted disease, while boosters help to reinforce this response. All vaccinations are boosted one year after the puppy series ends. Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule This table shows a typical booster schedule for adult dog vaccinations. Are Dog Vaccinations Required? Rabies vaccination is required by law and is regulated by individual states and counties. Each county legislature sets rabies control laws and rules. In contrast, the animal control department typically enforces these laws and works with local veterinarians to protect pets in their communities. No other dog vaccinations are required; however, the DAPP combination, which includes four core vaccines, is highly recommended to protect your pet and others in your community. You probably also have an inkling about the overall costs of owning a dog , but one primary aspect to always budget for is your dog's vaccination cost and their annual veterinary exams. After that, individual boosters will cost approximately the same but could be administered on a different cadence, depending on your dog's needs. Let's break out what you can expect to pay. Grace Canaan Make sure to follow the vaccination series established by your vet, a process that starts when your pup is approximately 6—8 weeks old. Some vaccines are administered once at that time, but many have follow-up applications before the age of 16 weeks. She recommends three core vaccinations, usually given in stages as part of a puppy's vaccination schedule: The DA2PP or DHPP series , also known as the "5—in—1 vaccine," protects against numerous highly contagious and often deadly viruses, including canine adenovirus types 1 and 2, distemper , parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Leptospirosis is an infection caused by bacteria commonly found in water and soil. Technically, this is a non-core vaccine , but leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease , which means it's easily transmittable between animals and humans. Left untreated, leptospirosis causes permanent kidney and liver damage. Rabies , another zoonotic disease, is considered the deadliest infectious disease in the world. Without prevention, rabies is almost always fatal. A hunting dog who travels is exposed to many dog diseases, parasitic infections, and other diseases. For this pet, frequent and full vaccination plus parasite preventives would be key," Bragdon says. These may include: Bordetella , also known as kennel cough , is a common respiratory infection that's highly contagious and might lead to pneumonia if left untreated. The vaccine is often administered in stages or as one shot with annual boosters. More social dogs, like those who can't get enough of the dog park , are often better protected with this. H3N2 and H3N8 influenza , frequently called the "canine flu," is another recommended dog vaccine for pups who compete in show competitions or sporting events, attend doggy daycare , or are boarded frequently. Similar to the human flu shot, this vaccine might not completely prevent your pet from getting canine flu, but it should lessen the symptoms and prevent the onset of pneumonia. Bragdon adds some canines might also require the Lyme vaccine as a precautionary measure, even though it's technically a non-core vaccine. Your vet may advise it for hiking or hunting dogs , farm or herding dogs , or those who live in high-risk tick endemic areas , such as the Northeastern United States, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. As you and your vet develop a preventative care plan, make sure to clarify how much dog vaccinations cost when first performed as well as the cost and frequency of any boosters. Overall, a veterinarian's fees vary based on their location and competitors' costs—and the particular needs of your pup. The eventual cost depends on the dog, where you live , and the shots they need. You may adopt a puppy after they received their first round of vaccines, for example. The cost varies based on which vaccinations are given and whether they are done at a veterinarian's office or a low-cost vaccination clinic run by a local government or humane organization. Dogs adopted from a shelter often already have up-to-date vaccinations, or a shelter may offer vaccinations at a discounted price. Unvaccinated adult dogs receive two rounds of vaccinations about three weeks apart. After that, dogs usually receive boosters annually. The basic shots -- for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and sometimes leptospirosis and coronavirus -- usually are administered together in a combination vaccine. The rabies vaccine is given separately in accordance with local laws. The American Kennel Club[ 1 ] provides an overview of dog vaccinations. Additional costs: Some dog daycare facilities or kennels require vaccinations not included in the standard round of shots, such as for bordatella, known as kennel cough. In certain parts of the country, veterinarians recommend extra vaccinations, such as for Lyme disease. Discounts: Most humane societies and shelters include the first rounds of vaccinations in the adoption fee. Tip: It is possible to order vaccines online and vaccinate the dog yourself, but be sure you order from a reliable company. Depending on local laws, rabies vaccinations can now be given on a three-year schedule rather than yearly. Shopping for dog vaccination: Vaccinations protect dogs against life-threatening diseases, but side effects can include injection-site swelling, or fever and sluggishness that resolve within a day or two or, rarely, a serious allergic reaction. And the American Veterinary Medical Association[ 4 ] lists the benefits and risks of vaccinations. To find a good veterinarian, ask fellow dog owners, breeders or humane associations. Or, search at the American Veterinary Medical Association[ 5 ] website to find your state's veterinary medical association for a referral. Then ask how long the veterinarian has been practicing and how much continuing education he or she receives per year. Tour the clinic to check on cleanliness, attitude, policies and prices. This risk assessment should be undertaken with your veterinarian. Vaccination risks are a hot topic, and it is not a legal requirement in most places to get your pet vaccinated, with the exception of rabies vaccinations. However, most studies show compelling reasons to get your dog vaccinated regularly. Pros of vaccinating your dog The biggest argument for vaccination your dog or puppy is the prevention of life-threatening illnesses. While most pet owners today have never experienced a pet who has contracted parvovirus or distemper, these illnesses are devastating. Young puppies are the perfect targets for viruses and bacteria. This is why veterinarians place such high importance on puppy vaccinations. Image Credit: gorillaimages, Shutterstock Vaccines, however, are becoming the victims of their success. Many of the diseases dogs are vaccinated against are now virtually non-existent. The majority of dogs are vaccinated, which gives non-vaccinated dogs protection. This is the same concept as the human Poliovirus. The virus has been virtually eradicated due to vaccination , so even unvaccinated individuals are unlikely to contract it. The concept of herd immunity can give pet owners a false sense of security. Diseases, like canine distemper , for example, still exist in wild animals. Risks of vaccinating your dog There is risk involved in almost anything, including vaccinating your dog. Vaccines do have some side effects, most of which are mild and short-lived. Common vaccine reactions include a small lump at the injection site, which disappears spontaneously in about two weeks. This is relatively common as it occurs in about one in 10 dogs. Uncommon side effects affecting one in 1, dogs may include a temporary, self-resolving lack of appetite and energy. One in 10, dogs which means this is considered very rare may experience an immune or allergic reaction to ingredients in the vaccines Image Credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock Risk Assessment Serious side effects of vaccines are very rare. It is a certainty that vaccinations protect your dog from potentially life-threatening diseases. These diseases have a very high mortality rate, and your dog is at risk if he is unvaccinated. The vaccines themselves have a very low risk of causing a serious reaction in your dog. For this reason, your veterinarian will often ask you to stay at the clinic for a period of time following vaccine administration so that any reaction can be reversed. Summary We have given you the average costs of dog and puppy vaccinations to help you include this in your budget for your pet. Vaccinations that are recommended for your pet should be discussed with your veterinarian based on your lifestyle and the laws and region in which you live. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. Ear Mites Heartworm Preventatives Heartworm is a parasitic roundworm that is spread from host to host through the bites of mosquitoes. The heartworm is a type of filarid, a small thread-like worm. The definitive host is the dog but it can also infect cats, and other animals, such as ferrets and even, under very rare circumstances, humans. Heartworm infection may result in a serious disease for the host. Heartworm disease is preventable with such products as Tr-Heart Plus! Protect your dog or cat from heartworm disease by giving medication once monthly, year-round or as directed by your veterinarian. Contact us for pricing. It can happen. Fleas and ticks can silently invite themselves onto your pet and into your yard and families home. These pests can then harm your pet by laying eggs and maturing into adult fleas and ticks. Ticks in some cases carry such diseases as Lyme Disease which can infect both you and your pet. A simple to use once a month spot on or tablet can help kill fleas and ticks on your dog or cat and prevents re-infestation. Please contact us for pricing to help with controlling an infestation before flea and tick season hits! Microchipping Not all pet microchips are created equal. There are important differences to consider when selecting a microchip. Using these microchips safeguards pets and helps to increase the chance that the pet will be reunited should it ever become lost, compared to pets that only wear collar tags. There are several different pet microchip systems in use today in the United States. They differ according to the frequency of the microchip and whether the microchip is encrypted. Encrypted microchips are not ISO-compliant, and can be read only by a scanner designed to read that specific, encrypted microchip. If a veterinarian or animal shelter does not own that specific scanner, it limits the chance of that microchip being read and the possibility of that pet being reunited with its owner. At TLC we only use microchips that contain an individual, preprogrammed code that is permanent, unique worldwide, and cannot be altered. Please go to www. Distemper Canine distemper virus CDV is a contagious, incurable, often fatal, multisystemic viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Fortunately, vaccines are very effective in reducing its presence to very small numbers in well cared-for dogs. Stray dogs can be a source of the virus, as well as ferrets, skunks, and raccoons, which can also be affected by this disease. It is possible for humans to contract an asymptomatic CDV infection. Anyone who has been immunized against measles, which is a related virus, is protected against CDV as well. The virus is spread primarily by direct contact to a susceptible dog from a dog with the disease. Coughing can spread the virus. The discharge from the nose is highly concentrated with the virus. As with many infections, the clinical signs can vary from one dog to the next. The main signs are fever, loss of appetite, a thick yellow discharge from the nose and eyes, coughing, and seizures. There are many diseases that cause coughing, fever, loss of appetite, or seizures. However, this combination is unique to canine distemper. If the diagnosis is in doubt, a blood test should be performed for confirmation. Dogs usually develop encephalomyelitis, which is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, the symptoms of which are variable and progressive. Most dogs that die from CDV, die from neurological complications. Antibiotics can be used because to treat secondary bacterial infections that may occur. Intravenous fluids, cough suppressants, and drugs to control seizures may be used. Intensive nursing care is essential as there are no drugs to kill the virus. This is best accomplished with the dog in the hospital. A very effective vaccine is available to protect dogs against distemper. It is given to puppies, as young as 6 weeks of age, in a series of injections. An annual booster vaccination should be given for life. The disease often kills. The virus is especially lethal to puppies. The main source of the virus is the feces of infected dogs. CPV is stable in the environment and is resistant to the effects of heat, detergents, and alcohol. CPV has been recovered from dog feces even after three months at room temperature. Due to its stability, the virus is easily transmitted via the fur or feet of infected dogs, contaminated shoes, clothes, and other objects. Direct contact between dogs is not required to spread the virus. It is transmitted by contact with parvovirus-infected dog feces or with an object that has come into contact with infected dog feces. Dogs that never leave their home or have no direct contact with other dogs should still have the parvovirus vaccination. The disease does not affect people or cats. Certain breeds of dogs are resistant to parvovirus vaccination and can be more susceptible to parvovirus infection. It is recommended that puppies of these breeds be given an additional parvovirus vaccination at 20 weeks-of-age. Individual dogs of those breeds that go to dog shows, dog classes, dog parks, or dog runs or visit any location which dogs have frequented may benefit from receiving a parvovirus vaccination every six months rather than just annually. The symptoms of CPV disease are somewhat variable, but generally take the form of severe vomiting and diarrhea. The diarrhea may or may not contain blood. Affected dogs often exhibit a lack of appetite, depression, and fever. Many dogs may not show every clinical sign, but vomiting and diarrhea are the most common signs; vomiting usually begins first. Parvo may affect dogs of all ages, but is most common in dogs less than one year of age. Young puppies less than five months of age are often the most severely affected and the most difficult to treat. There is no treatment to kill the virus once it infects the dog. The virus does not directly cause death; rather, it causes deterioration of the lining of the intestinal tract. This results in severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and infection of the bloodstream. When the bacteria that normally live in the intestinal tract are able to get into the blood stream, chances are greater that the animal will die. Dogs with CPV infection can recover if aggressive treatment is used and if therapy is begun before severe septicemia and dehydration occur. Some breeds, notably the Rottweiler, have a much higher fatality rate than other breeds. The first step in treatment is to correct dehydration and electrolyte levels. This requires intravenous fluids containing electrolytes. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are given to prevent or control septicemia. Antispasmodic drugs are used to reduce the diarrhea and vomiting that perpetuate the problems. Vaccination of puppies should begin at six to eight weeks-of-age and be repeated every two to four weeks until 16 weeks-of-age. Corona Virus This virus is airborne and passed from dog to dog. Corona virus is highly contagious and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, and occasionally death. The disease is similar to parvovirus disease. Corona virus disease is a viral intestinal infection of dogs, which is usually of short duration. However it causes considerable discomfort to the dog for a few days. Corona virus does not affect people or cats. The virus is usually ingested from contaminated food bowls or by direct contact with the infected dog. Crowding and unsanitary conditions can also increase transmission. The incubation period from ingestion to display of symptoms is one to five days. There are many causes of diarrhea in dogs, all of which may appear similar to corona virus disease. Severe cases of corona virus can be easily confused with parvovirus, and they may occur together. See your veterinarian promptly if your dog has diarrhea that does not resolve in a few days or is associated with significant loss of appetite or energy. Many infections are mild and transient. Infections and outbreaks are more severe in young puppies. Mixed infections, for instance with parvovirus, may intensify the disease. Diarrhea is sudden in onset, accompanied by lethargy and decreased appetite. The stool is loose, mushy with a strong odor, and red-orange tinted. It may contain blood or mucus. As with most viruses, there are no medications to treat this disease, it will run its course in a few days. Antibiotics are used because secondary bacterial infections are common. Withholding food until 24 hours after the diarrhea has ceased and gradually reintroducing it may be sufficient. Dehydration may occur and must be corrected with intravenous fluids. It is best to seek veterinary assistance in treating this disease. Vaccination of puppies should begin at six weeks-of-age and be repeated every two to four weeks until 16 weeks-of-age. Leptospirosis Vaccination Minimum age — 6 weeks: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease affects the blood, liver, or kidneys. Canine leptospirosis is a bacterial disease which attacks the kidneys and the liver, causing uremia, jaundice, and death. The disease is highly contagious. It is carried by many species of wild and domestic animals, including rats. It is transmitted to dogs and people via contact with infected animals or through contaminated drinking water. Ingestion of infected urine is the most common means of transmission, but some forms of the bacteria can penetrate damaged or very thin skin. The incubation period is usually days. Cats are extremely resistant to leptospirosis. Many infections go undetected, but other cases can be life threatening. There are three main forms of the disease: hemorrhagic bleeding , icteric liver , and renal kidney. In the hemorrhagic disease there is high fever with lethargy and loss of appetite. Multiple small hemorrhages occur in the mouth and on the whites of the eyes. Bloody diarrhea and vomiting may occur. This form is often fatal. The jaundice form begins much like the hemorrhagic form, and many of the signs are the same. It differs in the presence of a yellow color in the mouth and whites of the eyes. In severe cases in dogs with white hair, the skin will turn yellow. The renal form causes kidney failure. These dogs are very lethargic, anorectic, and experience vomiting. Their mouth may have a very bad odor, and the ulcers often develop on the tongue. This form may be fatal, but recovered dogs often have chronic kidney disease. If medical treatment is begun promptly, antibiotics are reasonably effective. For dogs that are extremely sick hospitalization for treatment with intravenous fluids, is necessary. The vaccine for leptospirosis should be included in the routine vaccination program by veterinarians. This usually results in lethargy for several days and possibly loss of appetite. These dogs recover and are then protected against the disease. Bordetella Also known as Kennel Cough or Infectious Bronchitis The Bordetella organism causes inflammation of the tubes in the lungs and bronchi, making infectious bronchitis a much better term. This air born virus attacks the upper respiratory tract and is passed from dog to dog. If you plan to board your dog, the kennel may require this vaccination. Several viruses and bacteria may cause it. These include the adenovirus type-2 virus, the parainfluenza virus, and the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica Bb. The infection, an extremely contagious respiratory disease of dogs spreads rapidly from dog to dog in kennels, grooming shops, shows and training classes. The disease is spread by direct contact and via airborne transmission. Other symptoms include discharge from the eyes and nose, swollen tonsils, wheezing, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Although coughing is usually mild, it may persist for several weeks. Bordetella is often a complicating secondary part of other diseases such as canine distemper. Bordetella vaccine is given once yearly, except for the first time when it is given injections, two to four weeks apart until 16 weeks-of-age, and then once a year for life. Intranasal drops in the nose vaccines give faster and better protection than do injectable vaccines. The disease is treatable but may last for up to eight weeks, during which time the affected dog is highly contagious to other dogs. If untreated, the disease can progress to pneumonia and death. At TLC we only use the intranasal in the nose type of kennel cough vaccine as it is quicker and more effective than injectable. We recommend this vaccine to all dogs, especially for dogs that are to be boarded within a week or so of vaccination and thus do not have enough time to get the two bordetella injections three to four weeks apart with injectable. Dogs in their own back yards that never may leave are still susceptible up to yards from an infected dog. The virus easily carries on the air current infecting the animal. Viruses must run their course, which may take weeks. Antibiotics are useful against the bacteria involved, although some resistance to some antibiotics has occurred. Cough suppressants are used to break the cycle of coughing. Epidemiological evidence shows that the isolation of Bordetella bronchiseptica Bb from cats is frequently associated with the presence, in the same household, of dogs with recent respiratory tract disease. Bb infection in cats has been reported following outbreaks of kennel cough in dogs within the same households. There have been cases that prove molecules from both cats and dogs were shown to be identical. This suggests that infectious bronchitis may be transmitted between dogs and cats. Rabies Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the brain. It can affect any warm-blooded animal, including dogs and humans. It is almost always fatal. It is primarily transmitted from animal to animal and from animal to man through the bite of an infected animal. In order to control the spread of rabies, all pets must be vaccinated routinely. Rabies is a viral disease which affects all species of warm-blooded animals, including dogs, cats, and humans. It is transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal that has rabies virus in its saliva. Rabies virus travels in the nerves from the site of the bite to the brain and spinal cord. Rabid animals undergo personality changes during the course of the disease; these changes may include aggression and biting or increased friendliness and affectionateness. Rabies is ever present in the South West in wild animals such as skunks, raccoons, and bats. Law in all states requires rabies vaccination of dogs. Rabies vaccination of cats is not, but should be, because there are more reported case of rabies in cats than dogs, which also expose more humans to the disease. Puppies and kittens should be vaccinated against rabies at four months-of-age. The absolute minimum age is 16 weeks. If in doubt about the exact age of a puppy or kitten, wait until tooth eruption indicates that the patient is at least 16 weeks-of-age. Dogs and cats that are under one year-of-age when they receive a rabies vaccination will be protected for only one year. The next rabies vaccination must be given one year after the initial one. Dogs and cats that are over one year-of-age when they receive a rabies vaccination will be protected for three years. There are three stages of the disease. The first is the prodromal phase in which there is a marked change in temperament. The quiet dog becomes agitated, and the active dog becomes nervous or shy. Other symptoms include dilated pupils, excessive drooling, and snapping at imaginary objects. After days, the second phase begins. It is called the excitatory phase. There is an exaggerated response to any stimulus. Dogs may experience changes in appetite including eating and swallowing sticks, stones, and other objects. The dog may roam aimlessly, inflict trauma upon himself, and have a change in voice. There will often be vicious, aggressive behavior, even towards his guardian. Seizures may occur. His mouth may gape open with the tongue protruding. A progressive paralysis sets in resulting in total body paralysis. There are a number of diseases that can cause some of the signs of rabies. A few conditions can be very similar. Confirmation of rabies can only be made with special tests performed on brain tissue. This requires that the dog be euthanized and its head sent to a special diagnostic laboratory. Rabies is only transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal to another mammal. But even then, the virus is present in saliva of the infected animal for a limited time. If you are bitten by any animal of which you do not know the rabies vaccination status, you should immediately wash the wound with soap and water. Try to establish who owns the animal and whether the pet is currently vaccinated for rabies. In any case, seek the advice of your physician. Post-exposure rabies treatment with serum or vaccine may be recommended. This is very successful when begun quickly. Rabies vaccines are very safe and very effective. It is recommended for all dogs, and, required by law in many locales. The public health concern is so significant that even totally indoor dogs should be vaccinated. Vaccination for rabies is usually performed at three to four months of age, and then every one to three years depending on the vaccine and the local laws thereafter. Giardia Giardia infections can cause significant gastrointestinal disease including diarrhea, weight loss and poor weight gain despite normal appetite. Giardia is a parasite that lives in many unexpected sources. Your pet can be infected with Giardia simply by drinking contaminated water or by licking its paws after walking in an infected area. Once ingested, Giardia lives in the intestines of the pet, and is returned to the environment through feces. This disease frequently occurs in dogs and cats, and is the most prevalent protozoal disease in humans according to Centers for Disease Control reports. Symptoms of giardia in humans and pets include diarrhea, weight loss and poor weight gain despite normal appetite. Many pets contract the disease and do not show signs of it. However, they can pass the parasite to other animals. Although the potential for pain in infected pets is not known, humans with giardia can suffer from intense abdominal pain and cramping. Dogs and cats are susceptible to disease caused by Giardia, especially puppies and kittens. Their maturing immune system often leaves them unable to protect themselves from diseases. As a result, puppies and kittens are considered among the highest risk groups. Most dogs that are infected with Giardia do not have diarrhea or any other signs of illness. When the eggs are found in the stool of a dog without diarrhea, they are generally considered a transient, insignificant finding. In puppies and debilitated adult dogs, they may cause severe, watery diarrhea that may be fatal. Giardia is diagnosed by performing a microscopic examination of a stool sample. Occasionally, the parasites may be seen on a direct smear of the feces. A blood test is also available for detection of antigens cell proteins of Giardia in the blood. This test is probably more accurate than the stool exam, but it requires several days to get a result from the laboratory performing the test. The antibiotic drug used to kill Giardia is metronidazole. Medication should be given for days. Other drugs are also used if diarrhea and dehydration occur. Giardia can also cause diarrhea in humans. Environmental disinfection is very important. The use of chlorine bleach, one cup in a gallon of water, is effective if the surfaces and premises can be safely treated with it. Lyme Disease This disease is carried by ticks, so any dog you will be taking camping, hunting, or anywhere ticks are found should be vaccinated. Lyme disease not Lymes is a bacterial disease transmitted through tick bites. It takes 24 hours-or-so after attachment to your dog for an infested tick to transmit the disease. The disease can damage many body systems but most often causes fever, loss of appetite, arthritis, and lameness. Lyme disease is contracted via the bite of an infected tick. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States, and it continues to spread to new areas. The signs of Lyme disease include a bulls eye rash at the site of the tick bite, flu-like symptoms, fever, fatigue, joint and muscle aches, and lameness. Complications of this disease can include heart and nervous system. Treatment with antibiotics is usually effective if begun early, but diagnosis of the disease is difficult, so treatment is commonly started too late to be fully curative. Lyme disease can affect people; however they do not get it directly from pets. They get it from being bitten by the same ticks that transmit it to cats and dogs. Therefore, preventing exposure to ticks is important for you and your pet. Many people with Lyme disease notice a rash at the site of the bite within 3 to 30 days. For these people, the disease can be easily diagnosed at an early stage. Symptoms of Lyme disease are more difficult to detect in animals than in people. This rash does not develop in dogs or cats. Because the other symptoms of the disease may be delayed or not recognized, and because they are similar to those of many other diseases, Lyme disease in animals is often not considered until other diseases have been eliminated. Some pets are affected with the Lyme disease organism for over a year before they finally show symptoms. By this time, the disease may be throughout their whole body. Pets with lameness, swollen joints, and fever are suspected of having Lyme disease. Other diseases may also cause these symptoms. There are two blood tests that may be used for confirmation. The first is an antibody test. This test does not detect the actual spirochete in the blood but detects the presence of antibodies created by exposure to the organism. A test can be falsely negative if the pet is infected but has not yet formed antibodies, or if he never forms enough antibodies to cause a positive reaction. This may occur in animals with suppressed immune systems. Some pets that have been infected for long periods of time may no longer have enough antibodies present to be detected by the test. A positive test is meaningful, but a negative is not. The second test is the polymerase chain reaction PCR test. This is also known as DNA testing. It is very specific and sensitive. Not all pets have the spirochete in their blood cells. If a blood sample is tested, a false negative may occur. The best sample for testing is the fluid from an affected joint. The initial antibiotic selected to treat an infected pet may not be effective against the disease, especially if the infection is long-standing. In this situation, a switch to another antibiotic is often effective. Occasionally, the initial infection will recur, or the pet will become reinfected after being bitten by another infected tick. There is no vaccine available for cats. A vaccine is now available for protecting dogs against Lyme disease. This vaccine is initially given twice, at two-week intervals. Rattlesnake Vaccine Rattlesnakes live a variety of habitats. They are found in wetlands, deserts and forests, from sea level to mountain elevations. Rattlesnakes are most active in warmer seasons, from spring to fall. Dogs can encounter a rattlesnake anytime they are in rattlesnake habitat. You and your dog may live in rattlesnake habitat. Perhaps you travel through or frequently visit places where rattlesnakes are found. Maybe rattlesnakes are around when you take your dog hiking, camping or hunting. Like people, dogs may stumble over the location of a snake by accident. Curiosity or a protective instinct can place your dog at risk. In each case, vaccination helps to protect her. The damage caused by a rattlesnake bite can be serious. When injected into an unprotected dog, the toxic components of snake venom are very painful and can have serious consequences. Even if your dog survives the immediate effects of a rattlesnake bite, she can be permanently injured. The treatment of a rattlesnake bite is expensive. The treatment of snakebite may include antivenom injections that can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Other costs of snakebite treatment may include hospitalization, intravenous fluids or other medicines. Vaccination is safer than antivenom treatment. Vaccination can reduce the overall effects of snakebite, reduce or eliminate the need for antivenom, and decrease other treatment costs as well. The first year your dog is vaccinated, she should receive two doses of vaccine spaced one month apart. Subsequent booster doses are recommended annually in the Spring, or about a month before you take your dog into rattlesnake habitat. This process makes vaccination safer than antivenom treatment. Protective antibodies made by your dog in response to the vaccine start neutralizing venom immediately. Antibody levels in recently vaccinated dogs are comparable to treatment with three vials of antivenom. This means vaccinated dogs experience less pain and a reduced risk of permanent injury from rattlesnake bite. Snakebite is always an emergency. Even after your dog is vaccinated against rattlesnake venom, it should be immediately taken to a veterinarian for evaluation and care as soon as possible following snakebite. Even bites by non-venomous snakes can lead to serious infections and antibiotic treatment may be needed. A veterinarian can determine if your dog is sufficiently protected for the specific type of snake involved and the amount of venom injected, or whether additional medical treatment would be helpful. Because there are many different poisonous snakes, Red Rock Biologics is developing a variety of vaccines to provide the best protection against poisonous snakes for dogs in each part of the country. Ask your veterinarian which available vaccine formulation is best for your dog. The most common types of these parasitic worms are roundworms and hookworms. They are both intestinal parasites that live and grow in the intestines of your pet. Most pets show no sign of infection, however, some may vomit, lose their appetite, sustain severe weight loss and heavy infections in puppies and kittens may be fatal. These roundworms and hookworms can also infect people and are known as zoonotic infections. People get roundworm and hookworm infection with direct contact with infected feces that are often found in soil, sand or plant life and hookworms can actually penetrate the skin. Children are more vulnerable than adults as they are more likely to put dirty objects in their mouth and play on the ground with dirt that may be contaminated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate more than 10, cases of human infection with roundworms alone per year. Inside the human body, roundworms may cause damage to tissue and sometimes cause permanent nerve or eye damage and even blindness. Hookworms typically move about within the skin of humans, causing inflammation or can penetrate into deeper tissues and cause more serious damage to the intestine and other organs. Heartworm Disease Heartworm disease dirofilariasis is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs. A worm called Dirofilaria immitis causes this disease. Heartworms are found in the heart and large adjacent vessels of infected dogs. One dog may have as many as worms. Adult heartworms live in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected dogs. It is unusual, however they have been found in other areas of the body. They survive up to five years and, during this time; the female produces millions of young microfilaria. The microfilaria lives in the bloodstream, mainly in the small blood vessels. The immature heartworms cannot complete the entire life cycle in the dog; the mosquito is required for some stages of the heartworm life cycle. The microfilaria are not infective cannot grow to adulthood in the dog — although they do cause problems. There are many as 30 species of mosquitoes can transmit heartworms. The female mosquito bites the infected dog and ingests the microfilariae during a blood meal. The microfilariae develop further for 10 to 30 days in the mosquito and then enter the mouthparts of the mosquito. The microfilariae are now called infective larvae because at this stage of development, they will grow to adulthood when they enter a dog. The mosquito bites the dog where the hair coat is thinnest, but having long hair does not prevent a dog from getting heartworms. When fully developed, the infective larvae enter the bloodstream and move to the heart and adjacent vessels, where they grow to maturity in two to three months and start reproducing, completing the full life cycle. Most dogs infected with heartworms do not show any signs of disease for as long as two years. By the time symptoms are observed, the disease is well advanced. Adult worms cause disease by clogging the heart and major blood vessels leading from the heart. They interfere with the valve action in the heart. When the main blood vessels become clogged, the blood supply to other organs of the body is reduced, particularly the liver, kidneys and lungs, which leads to the malfunction of these organs. The signs of heartworm disease depend on the number of adult worms present, the location of the worms, the length of time the worms have been present, and the degree of damage to the dogs organs. The most obvious signs are a soft, dry, chronic cough, shortness of breath, weakness, nervousness, listlessness, and loss of stamina. All of these signs are most noticeable following exercise, when some dogs may even faint. Listening to the chest with a stethoscope will often reveal abnormal lung and heart sounds. In advanced cases, congestive heart failure may be apparent and the abdomen and legs will swell from fluid accumulation. Severely infected dogs may die suddenly during exercise or excitement. Destruction of lung tissue leads to coughing. Cirrhosis of the liver causes jaundice, anemia, and general weakness because this organ is essential in maintaining a healthy animal. The kidneys may also be affected and allow toxins to buildup in the body. In most cases, diagnosis of heartworm disease can be made by a blood test that can be run in the veterinary hospital or by a veterinary laboratory. Further diagnostic procedures are essential, in advanced cases particularly, to determine if the dog can tolerate heartworm treatment. Depending on the case, your veterinarian will recommend some or all of the following procedures before treatment is started. Blood tests are the most widely used test because it detects antigens proteins produced by adult heartworms. Dogs with less than five adult heartworms will not have enough antigens to turn the test positive, so there may be some false negative results in early infections. Because only the female worm produces the antigen detected, a pure population of male heartworms will also give a false negative. There must be at least five female worms present for the most common test to be positive. A blood sample is examined under the microscope for the presence of microfilariae. If microfilariae are seen, the test is positive. The number of microfilariae seen will suggest the severity of the infection. However, the microfilariae are seen in greater numbers in the summer months and in the evening, so these variations must be considered. Because of this, the antigen test is the preferred test. Also, there is another microfilarial parasite that is fairly common in dogs; on the blood smear, these can be hard to distinguish from heartworm microfilariae. There is some risk involved in treating dogs with heartworms, although fatalities are rare. In the past, the drug used to treat heartworms contained arsenic so toxic effects and reactions occurred somewhat frequently. Now a newer drug is available that does not have the toxic side-effects of the old one. An injectable drug to kill adult heartworms is given for two days. It kills the adult heartworms in the heart and adjacent vessels. Complete rest is essential after treatment. The adult worms die in a few days and start to decompose. As they break up, they are carried to the lungs, where they lodge in the small blood vessels and are eventually reabsorbed by the body. This can be a dangerous period so it is absolutely essential that the dog be kept quiet and not be allowed to exercise for one month following treatment. The first week after the injections is very critical because the worms are dying. A cough is noticeable for seven to eight weeks after treatment in many heavily infected dogs. Approximately one month following treatment to kill the adults, the dog should return to the veterinian for administration of a drug to kill microfilariae. Seven to ten days later another blood test is performed to determine if microfilariae are present. If they have been all killed, the treatment is complete. If there are still some present in the blood, treatment for microfilariae is repeated. Although a dog has been successfully treated for heartworms, the dogs can be reinfected. It is essential to begin a heartworm prevention program immediately after the treatment is completed. Roundworms As their name implies, these are worms that have round bodies. On average, they are about inches long. Unlike hookworms, they do not attach to the intestinal wall; instead they swim in their food. Like hookworm eggs, they must be found with a microscope. Puppies born to mothers that have had roundworms at any time in the past can transmit them to puppies before birth. Swallowing roundworm eggs that contain infective larvae may infect both puppies and adult dogs. After several weeks, the larvae make their way back to the intestine to mature. They are not highly harmful to adult dogs, but large numbers can cause weight loss and a pot-bellied appearance to puppies and weak adults. Decreased appetite, vomiting or diarrhea will be observed on occasion. Roundworms can be fatal to puppies. They pass a moderate number of eggs, so examination of more than one stool sample may be necessary to find them. Treatment is very safe and effective drugs are available to kill roundworms in the intestine. Some of these drugs temporarily anesthetize the worms so that they pass out of the dog with a normal bowel movement. The live or dead worms are found in the stool. Because of their large size, they are easily seen. At least two or three treatments are needed; they are typically performed at week intervals. None of these treatments will kill the immature forms of the worm or the migrating larvae. The eggs are highly resistant to most commonly used disinfectants and to even harsh environmental conditions. This does not, however, kill the eggs. The roundworms of both dogs and cats pose a health risk for humans. As many as 10, cases of roundworm infection in humans have been reported in one year. Children, in particular, are at risk for health problems should they become infected. A variety of organs may be affected as the larvae migrate through the body. In suitable environments, the eggs may remain infective to humans and to dogs and cats for years. Most heartworm prevention products contain a drug that will prevent roundworm infections. These products will not kill the adult roundworms so they must be treated if present. Hookworm Infection Hookworms are parasites that get their name from the hook-like mouthparts they use to attach to the intestinal wall. Despite their small size, they suck large amounts of blood from the tiny vessels in the intestinal wall. A large number of hookworms can cause anemia. This problem is most common in puppies, but it will occasionally occur in adult dogs. A dog may become infected when it swallows hookworm larvae immature worm. The larvae may also penetrate the skin and migrate to the intestine to mature and complete its life cycle. If a pregnant dog has hookworms, the pregnancy may reactivate larvae. The most significant problems appear related to intestinal distress and anemia. Blood loss results from the parasites attaching to intestinal capillaries. Some dogs experience significant weight loss, bloody diarrhea, or failure to grow properly with hookworm infection. Skin irritation and itching can be one of the common signs of a heavy infestation. The larvae burrow into the skin and cause the dog a great deal of itching and discomfort. Hookworms are diagnosed with a microscopic examination of a stool sample. Since there are so many eggs produced on a daily basis, they are rather easily detected. One adult female hookworm can produce as many as 20, eggs a day. In puppies, large numbers of worms usually must be present before eggs are shed into the stool. For this reason, fecal examination may be less reliable in very young puppies than in adult dogs. There are some available that are safe to use on grass. Adult hookworms do not infect humans, although the larvae can burrow into human skin. This causes itching, commonly called ground itch, but the worms do not mature into adults. Direct contact of human skin to moist, hookworm-infested soil is required. Fortunately, this does not occur very often if normal hygiene practices are observed. There are several very effective drugs that will kill hookworms. These are given by injection or orally and have few, if any, side effects. However, these drugs only kill the adult hookworms. Therefore, it is necessary to treat again in about weeks to kill any newly formed adult worms that were larvae at the time of the first treatment. A blood transfusion may be necessary in some dogs because of the rather severe anemia that can be produced. Puppies should be first treated at weeks of age. A nursing female dog should be treated with her pups; nursing may reactivate infection in the female. Prompt deworming should be given when parasites are detected; periodic deworming may be appropriate for pets at high risk for reinfection. Most heartworm prevention products contain a drug that will prevent hookworm infections. However, these products will not kill the adult hookworms, so dogs will need to be treated for adult hookworms first. Tapeworms This parasite attaches to the small intestinal wall by hook-like mouthparts. Adult tapeworms may reach 8 inches in length. As the tail end of the worm matures, the terminal segments break off and pass into the stool. Occasionally, the mobile segments can be seen crawling near the anus or on the surface of a fresh bowel movement. These segments look like grains of rice and contain tapeworm eggs; the eggs are released into the environment when the segment dries. In order for a dog to become infected with the common tapeworm, the dog must swallow a flea that contains tapeworm eggs. The process begins when flea larvae swallow tapeworm eggs. Next, the dog chews or licks his skin as a flea bites; the flea is then swallowed. Tapeworms are not usually harmful to your dog. They may cause debilitation and weight loss when they occur in large numbers. Sometimes, the dog will scoot or drag his anus across the ground or carpet because the segments are irritating to the skin in this area. The adult worm is generally not seen, but the white segments that break away from the tapeworm and pass outside the body are almost always noticeable. Occasionally, a tapeworm will release its attachment in the intestines and move into the stomach. This irritates the stomach, causing the dog to vomit the worm. When this happens, a worm several inches in length will be seen. Control of fleas is very important in the management and prevention of tapeworm infection. Flea control involves treatment of your dog, the indoor environment and the outdoor environment where the dog resides. If the dog lives in a flea-infested environment, reinfection with tapeworms may occur in as little as two weeks. Because the medication that treats tapeworm infection is so effective, return of the tapeworms is almost always due to reinfection from the animals surroundings. A flea must be ingested for humans to become infected with the most common tapeworm of dogs. Most reported cases have involved children. The most effective way to prevent human infection is through aggressive flea control. The risk for infection with this tapeworm in humans is quite small but does exist. Treatment is simple and, fortunately, very effective. A drug that kills tapeworms is given, either orally or by injection. It causes the tapeworm to dissolve within the intestines. These drugs should not cause vomiting, diarrhea, or any other adverse side effects. They live in the colon of dogs where they cause severe irritation. This results in watery, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and an overall decline in health. They are one of the most pathogenic worms found in dogs. Whipworms pass microscopic eggs in the stool. They mature and are able to reinfect the dog in days. The eggs are swallowed and return to the lower intestinal tract to complete the life cycle. Whipworms are diagnosed by finding eggs with a microscopic examination of the stool. Multiple samples are often required because these parasites pass small numbers of eggs on an irregular basis. Any dog with chronic diarrhea can be reasonably suspected to have whipworms, regardless of several negative stool examinations. It is customary practice to treat for whipworms based on assumption of infection. Response to treatment is an indication that whipworms were present but could not be detected on fecal examination. There are several drugs that are very effective against whipworms. Two treatments are needed at a week interval, but because reinfection is such a problem, it is advisable to treat again every months or to put the dog on a heartworm prevention product that contains an ingredient that prevents infection with whipworms. Whipworms are not nearly as common now because of widespread use of the types of heartworm prevention products. Whipworms are not infectious to people; they are parasites of dogs. Ear Mites Ear Mites While there are several types of mites that may infect cats and dogs, Otodectes cynotis is the mite most commonly seen. Ear mites are an external parasite that causes significant discomfort. Ear mites can live on any part of the body, although they generally live in the ears. This is the most common cause of inflammation of the outer ear canal in the animals. They are most often seen in kittens and puppies, but they can affect cats and dogs of any age and are extremely contagious. The mites feed on tissue debris and secretions from the ear canal lining. With repeated irritation, the ear canal thickens and debris builds up within the ear canal. This debris, caused by mite waste products, dead tissue and fluid resembles coffee grounds. In long-term cases of ear mites in cats and dogs, there are often secondary bacterial and yeast infections creating even more stress on the animal and making treatment more difficult. Other indications the animal may display are head shaking, scratching the ears, which leads to sores, reddish-brown to black discharge in the ears, and an odor from the ears. Sometimes there may be no observable signs of ear mites. In chronic cases of ear mites in cats and dogs, there are often secondary bacterial and yeast infections that complicate the treatment, creating more stress on the animal. Damage to the ear could include a thickening of the skin or infection that is caused by the cat or dog damaging the skin by scratching, and bacteria entering these wounds. The life cycle of an ear mite lasts about twenty-one days from egg to adult, entails going through four stages: 1. The Eggs — Female ear mites usually lay about 5 eggs daily during their entire adult life. Deposited on the surface lining of the ear canal, the eggs hatch within 4 days. The Larvae — Once hatched from the eggs, the larvae feed for 4 days then rest for 24 hours as they molt. The Nymphs — Two stages of nymphs are recognized. Each feeds for 3 to 5 days and then rests and then molts to the next stage. There can be literally thousands of mites crawling about the ear canal and external ear surfaces. Ear mites do not burrow into the skin. They are communicable from one animal to another by direct contact. A diagnosis of ear mites by the veterinarian is usually made by either visualization of the mites with an otoscope or microscopic examination of the ear discharge. Although some cats and dogs show no outward signs of ear mite infestations, the mites can be diagnosed as described above. In most cats and dogs with ear mites, if you briskly rub the ear canal area the animal will respond by automatic scratching movements of the back leg. Triggering this automatic scratching movement seldom occurs in animals that do not have ear mites. Your veterinarians will check for ear mites as part of the routine physical exam, especially in multi-pet households. There are a number of medications used to treat ear mites in cats and dogs. Your veterinarian will prescribe an effective product, be sure to have a follow-up exam done four weeks after prescribed treatment. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Functional Functional Always active The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Preferences Preferences The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. 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Remind children to be calm and gentle. One of the healthiest things you can do for your puppy is give pup lots of love and attention lots and lots of attention. Dogs are extremely loyal by nature and are happy when they please you. Studies show that emotionally, dogs benefit from being petted by humans as mush as humans do from petting dogs. So spend time with your little companion. Melanies Gorgeousdoodles Puppies, my loving passion The first few months are very important for establishing good habits. It is always best to be prepared and read up on the best early training skills. Remember you have to train yourself and your family to be consistent! Here are some things you can do to help your Labradoodle pup feel as comfortable as possible. Teach children to always when hand feeding puppy dog a treat to do so with food in palm -of -their -hand. Many commercial foods are acceptable but be sure to choose a well-balanced one without any grians and no corn meal. Exercising doodle puppy Exercise is an important part of labradoodles overall health Puppy develops good motor skills and balance and life skills from being out and about. Playing games such as fetch challenge a puppy mentally. Remember, exercising helps puppy go poop so take a poop scoop. Rinse thoroughly and stand back — doodle will shake and shake! Grooming Brushing or combing with a wide tooth comb your Labradoodle regularly keeps his coat looking nice and it feels good to your doodle. And just as important, this is time for you puppy to bond. Important that you keep or have a groomer your doodle hair trimmed a little around their eyes, month and privates. There are lots of good book on dog training! Her website has a lot of excellent resources. Click to find link to order Virbac products for the best price. Fatigue Behavior changes loss of appetite, reluctance to engage, etc. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet so they can perform screenings such as chest x-rays, blood tests, and an echocardiogram an ultrasound of the heart and nearby blood vessels to assess the issue. The condition can be serious if left untreated, but thankfully there are many treatment options available, such as diet therapy and medication. What To Feed a Labradoodle To live a long and happy life, Labradoodles must consume the proper amount of high-quality dog food and have access to fresh water. A balanced diet will help your pup maintain a healthy weight and avoid health conditions such as heart disease and hip dysplasia. If a pet parent is willing and able to cook for their dog, Whittenburg suggests a fresh, homemade diet that has been formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Boutique brand and grain-free foods should be avoided. That includes servings of food in the right amount that provides more than 40 nutrients that pets require in their respective life stages, including proteins, fats, carbs, and vitamins, minerals, and independent amino acids, according to the Pet Food Institute. While there is no one-size-fits-all way to feed a Labradoodle and a consultation with your vet is recommended, Whittenburg says Labradoodle puppies under 6 months old should generally be fed a minimum of three times a day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. Unless recommended by a veterinarian, dogs fed a complete and balanced commercial food diet should not need any nutritional supplements. However, Labradoodles that are fed a homemade diet may require supplements to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary to thrive, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and a variety of antioxidants. Behavior and Training Tips for Labradoodles Labradoodle Personality and Temperament The high-energy, attention-seeking, intelligent Labradoodle requires frequent exercise, interaction, and play. While every Labradoodle is different, proper socialization is a must for helping your dog become a well-behaved companion. These dogs are not known to be excessive barkers, but the right amount of training and exercise is required to ensure they learn to behave appropriately. Labradoodle Training Because Labradoodles are a hybrid of two highly intelligent breeds, they are eager to please and highly trainable, according to Philippou. They can be taught to excel at everything from basic tricks like sit, stay, and roll over to running agility courses. Always use positive-reinforcement techniques, like using treats to reward good behaviors, during training. Due to their gentle and sharp-witted nature, Labradoodles can even be trained to become service dogs. Fun Activities for Labradoodles. But in the early days, we recommend keeping them close to you at night. It will help them feel safe and cared for — leaving their litter is quite a big step, after all. Your puppy may be unsettled and will most likely need at least one toilet break through the night. It will all be okay in a few weeks time, though. The crate should be a cosy warm den for your puppy. Soft blankets and a cuddly toy should do the trick to help them settle. It is also a good idea to cover over the sides but keep the front uncovered so your pup can still see out. Just before bed, take your pup out for one last toilet stop. With that beautiful voice of yours, gently reassure them and rest your hand in the crate so they know you are there. When your puppy wakes up in the night they definitely will at some point , listen to see if they are settling back down. Expect to be out at or am to take them straight to the loo. They will be bursting! That just about covers the first steps of Labradoodle sleep training. Very tired. But early mornings, late nights and disturbed sleep are all part of owning a puppy. As they mature emotionally and settle into their new home they will be happy in other parts of the house, and even outside of their crate. Having them in your room does not cause separation anxiety later on. Stick to a routine! Consistency is everything. It will backfire on you. Check out our guide on how to get a puppy to sleep through the night for more tips. Alone Training Labradoodles are very sociable. That can mean two things — they will always be happy to see you and that being alone can be challenging for them. This will help them feel at ease without you and also help them love their crate a little bit more too. While they are eating, go and do something close by. No need to go completely out of sight, but try not to focus on your puppy either. Labradoodles love to eat, so use this time wisely to distract them away from you. Just a few seconds is good enough in the early stages. Repeat: Practice makes perfect! Do this exercise at least once a day to build up alone time, and check out our guide to puppy separation anxiety. We expand on our little secret in our puppy toilet training article. Every 30 minutes, after eating, sleeping or playing. Socialization Exercises to do This Week Early socialisation is important for all puppies. It gives them confidence and teaches them to view the world in an optimistic way. Here are some puppy socialisation exercises to do with your Labradoodle. Let your Labradoodle Puppy Explore the Garden The garden is a great way to introduce your puppy to the great outdoors. They will also get used to walking on different types of surfaces such as your tiled, wet lawn or open flower beds. To get them there, here is a quick exercise you can run through: Exploring different surfaces exercise Have plenty of treats ready. Only use safe surfaces, nothing too slippery. Gather surfaces such as: A piece of carpet A large tray with a thin layer of water A large piece of tin foil or cardboard, something that makes a noise. Put the surfaces out on the floor and let your puppy investigate. Let them take their time and go at their own pace. In our experience Labradoodles are quite food motivated, and you can probably use a low or medium value treat for this. You can even try to use their kibble as many will be delighted to work for their food. For more info on what rewards to use check out our article on rewards and treats. Teach your puppy their name One of the first things your puppy will learn from you is their name. Fortunately, teaching a Labradoodle puppy their name is rather simple. Pretty easy, right? Practice this a few times everyday until they start flipping their head at you every time you call their name. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name too! Teach your puppy to sit Labradoodle training is often started by teaching them how to sit. We call this a marker word. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow with a tasty treat. Bits of smelly sausage or cheese will definitely do the trick. If this happens, try to keep it simple at first and just use their own kibble if they are motivated to work for it. Save the big guns in treat terms for when you really need it! How to do it Always begin training at home. The outside world is far too exciting at the moment, and your puppy will probably not focus on you. Stand in front of your pup with a treat in your hand and place the treat on their nose, then bring it up to your waist. Recall — How to teach your Labradoodle puppy to come back when called Your puppy should have a good grasp of their name by now, which should make recall training pretty straightforward. Pun intended. How to do it You will need plenty of those high value treats and your best cheery voice. Call your puppy only once! This is super important as you want them to learn that their name only has to be called once for them to react to it. How to do it Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Once they are interested in the toy, throw it a short distance away from you. With that lovely singing voice of yours, encourage them to bring it back to you. When they do, swap the toy in their mouth for another identical toy. Repeat about 5 times and practice everyday. Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Prevention of Resource Guarding This part of Labradoodle training is important — it will prevent resource guarding by teaching your puppy how to give up items willingly. Resource guarding is this thing that happens when dogs are unwilling to give up items back, or when they get protective over something from humans or other dogs. From the training tips above, preventing resource guarding always comes down to a good swapping. Resource guarding starts when we force our dogs as puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. To avoid that, resist your temptation to reach deep inside their mouths to get whatever it is they have. Ultimately, we want our puppies to be willing to give things up when we need them to. What we really mean is care, handling, health and grooming. Start by just showing them the brush and running it over them with the flat side so they get used to the sensation minus the bristles. Hand Touch and Handling If you handle your puppy too roughly or grab at them, not only are they going to have a bit of a fright, but it could make them feel scared about being touched in the future. Use plenty of treats, and remember to stop if they walk away. Touch should be a pleasant thing not forced. Week 2 — Training your Labradoodle puppy Week 2 already! Socialisation exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Training We Recommend: A Great Beginning: We start to train and work with our puppies from the first day, socializing as well as following the suggested guidelines of the best trainers in the US. We have a well researched program of using sounds, small tasks, toys and other materials to influence and help your puppy be an easy going, fun loving, social and well trained adult. Trainers tell us that the most important time for your puppy is between 8 and 11 weeks so we work with you to understand what you can do to continue to prepare your puppy for the world. Training: We recommend training your puppy as much as possible. The best puppies know their boundaries and are taught what is expected with love and devotion. The sooner your puppy is trained the sooner it is given more freedom. Therefore, strict training results in big rewards for puppy and owner. Labradoodles are easily trained. They should be completely potty trained within 4 to 6 weeks after pick up. Most are sitting, staying, shaking paws, and retrieving by 3 months of age, many can get the newspaper and more by then with proper attention. Puppies will jump up and it takes time and consistency to break this habit early. Crate training or room training is recommended: First I will cover crate training then room training. Crate Training: First get over the fact that to you it is a cage, to them it is a safe place when they are alone, safe from outside things and noises puppies have yet to become fearless of. They view it as their cave, a place they can sleep with the peace of mind. The crate should be just big enough for them to stand up, walk in a circle, and lay down. This is a different size at 8 weeks as it is at 4 months. Therefore I like something like the Life Stages Ultima Triple Door Folding Dog Crates from Petsmart where there is an additional wall that can be adjusted to increase the crate size as the puppy grows. It should contain toys. Bedding is typically used to pee on so do not use bedding until later once the dog can easily go all night without "going". I think the crate should be in a room, a selected safe room that later when the crate is no longer used becomes the place that when visitors come over who are not "dog people", the dog would stay in while these visitors are there. The first night the crate can be in a bedroom close to people and then later moved into the safe room if you desire. Some puppies pee in their crate at first and some don't, have patience. The point of the crate is to discourage peeing for a period of time. First crate the puppy for an hour or two and at night, then gradually longer. The point is to take the dog out before it has to go to the bathroom and as time goes by it can hold it longer and longer. Never more than 4 hours except at night when at first I recommend you get up twice during the night and let the puppy out, after two days wait and let the puppy out once in the middle of the night, gradually extend the wait time an hour until finally they have gone all night. After a few months I recommend graduating to room training. Remember to remove food and water an hour or more before leaving the dog in the crate, the puppy should be let outside and empty when left in the crate. Room Training: Select a safe room that when visitors come over who are not "dog people", the dog would stay while the visitors are there. For example, an extra bathroom or utility room. It should contain a wee pad if needed and toys. Bedding is typically used to pee on so do not use bedding until later. Some puppies pee in their space at first and some don't, have patience. This is the reason for the wee pad, see "wee pad" for how this is used and gradually removed. The point of the room is to discourage peeing for a period of time and keep them out of trouble. First confine the puppy for an hour or two and at night, then gradually longer. The room should be used up to a year when you are gone and at night. The sooner the puppy is trained and you can trust them the sooner they have free roam of the house. Remember to remove food and water an hour or more before leaving the dog, the puppy should be let outside and empty when left in the room. Wee pads: We put wee pads in the utility room when the puppies move into there, the wee pad is placed to one side. They have some chemical that draws the puppies.Take them out as much as possible; the point of the wee pad is an emergency situation only. Eventually they only use the wee pads at night. I suggest the wee pad be placed close to bed, in their "room" or at the back door in case someone doesn't notice them at the door. It works like this, and please don't punish them for using the wee pad but don't congratulate them either, congratulate them when they go outside. Eventually they select to please you versus the wee pad and then they just stop using the wee pad. When it is dry for a few days take it away.Food: We recommend free food and water all day if you are home. We use the best puppy food available. We do not feed people food to our dogs ever, some things you would never imagine are actually toxic listed below. When you pick up your puppy we give you a bag of food so you can continue it or mix it with whatever you desire slowly decreasing the amount of our food over time. But understand what you are feeding your dog. To find a good food read the first 5 ingredients on the bag. Now ask the following questions: What are the protein sources? We believe the primary source should come from quality animal protein, not vegetable protein or grain. Foods that list 2 or more grains in the first 5 ingredients may have more vegetable protein than animal protein. We prefer Chicken as the main ingredient. What about grains? Two or more grains listed in the first 5 ingredients means your food may have more vegetable protein than animal protein. Grains such as soy, corn, corn gluten and wheat gluten can be difficult to digest, which means less nutrition, possible allergic reactions and more clean up. Wheat, barley, rice, corn and oats are all man-raised crops that a dog would never eat in the wild. These ingredients are not properly digested and in many situations cause a dog to show allergy symptoms. Are there by-products? Some manufacturers consider by-products inferior sources of protein and, depending on the source, they can be difficult to digest. These ingredients contain meat sources that are typically unsuitable for human consumption. What are the fat sources? Some fats are better than others. We believe the primary fat source in dog food should be animal based because animal fats contain a profile of fatty acids that are easily metabolized and thus are generally more available to the body. We use Madden pin brushes on our labradoodles and have found this brush to be excellent quality. If you catch them in play mode during the day, you will only be reinforcing that brushing time is something to get all riled up about. Nail Clipping Clipping their nails is also a good exercise to do when you find them tired out. They tend to care a lot less about things. You can start by just clipping the nails on one paw. This way your pup learns this is quick and no big deal. It also gives you the opportunity to practice this exercise 4 days in a row, rather than once and then having to wait for them to grow again. When clipping, clip just the tip of the nail where it starts to curve downward, holding the nail clippers parallel to the bottom of the paw. Be careful not to clip too much, otherwise it will hurt and the nail will bleed. Lean towards clipping little bits more often than trying to get a lot off all at once. Ear Cleaning Ear cleaning is something that labradoodles need since they have those long ears that trap and hold in moisture. Check their ears every few weeks and if you notice they look dirty, then get a cotton ball or makeup remover pad, etc. Never push anything down in the ear, you could damage the ear and cause your puppy pain. Do the other side, and finish with an ear drying powder. In fact, over bathing can harm this quality in their coat, and actually cause you to need to bathe more often. If they get dirty, let them dry and simply brush the dirt right out. It is good to get them used to getting wet though, and when you do use shampoo, we recommend a tearless shampoo specifically designed for dogs as their PH balance is different than humans. A good minute walk daily will meet this need your new family member has. Up until then, their joints are developing and jogging on pavement would not be good for their joints. However, this does not mean you have to limit their activity. Running across the yard chasing a ball at their own pace and will is good for their developing body, and talking walks through the neighborhood is an excellent way to meet their exercise needs. Contact General Information and Canine Behavior The pages within the Homecoming Prep segment of our website are private and can only be accessed through the link provided through email and through the link on the Prepare For Puppy page. The button on this page is titled Homecoming Prep. Once you are in the Homecoming Prep section of the website you will need to use your back button to navigate the pages and return to this Homecoming Prep home page. General Information The following links and attachments include general information concerning your puppy. This will help you prepare for your puppy's arrival and get you started on the right foot. Click each page above to see a larger image in a readable size. Puppy Behavior The following links and attachments include general information on caring for your puppy. Please be sure you, your children and all family members understand the signals your puppy is giving you. The puppy is not a toy and not meant to be held at will. Set limits on how many times a day no more than 4 that your child can hold the puppy. Children should only be allowed to hold the puppy if they are seated. Too much handling can physically hurt the puppy as well as begin the process of the puppy not tolerating your child. No walking around carrying the puppy. This is true for all children under 8. Puppies will chew on and sometimes ingest toys. If ingested, the pieces can lodge and cause your puppy to have to undergo surgery that is not always successful. Puppies generally do NOT like to be hugged. Puppies will jump up on people. There are two primary responses that most dogs will respond to. The first is to cross your arms, hiding your hands, and turn around showing the dog your backside and being very still. If your dog continues to jump on you they are not responding to this method and you should not continue trying it. Instead, step right into the space where there front paws are on the ground, being careful not to step on their feet. Repeat this behavior each time your dog jumps and instruct all people who your dog interacts with to do this same thing. Puppies and dogs in general will feed off of the people around them. Those who are very exciteable and talk in high pitched tones will create a dog who responds to seeing people by becoming super amped up and difficult to follow simple commands. Try to limit this. It's not in the puppies best interest to repeatedly be encouraged to escalate the excitement level to this high level. This is when the dog will become less focused and less able to follow your guidance. Keep in mind that your dog will feed off of you, your tone and your energy level. But will you recognize the signs? Imagine your puppy is growling at a child. Could you have prevented this from happening? Perhaps, but you have to know what to look for. Click below to learn more. The Family Dog: Stop the 77 Puppy Development Stages Click the link below for a great resource to learn about your puppies development. Once you get to this site, click on Puppies, then development stages. Use your back button to return to this page. This is usually the first place pictures and video show up. We also have a private Facebook page for owners of our puppies. At this time, you can join this group by answering a few short questions. It is titled Legendary Labradoodles Owners Group. There is info about grooming, vet care, training and all sorts of topics. There are links in the footer of this page to our main Facebook page, not the owners group and our instagram account. If you click on the icon it will take you to our pages. Follow this labradoodle puppy care guide to help with the transition. A few things you might want to have with you when you pick up your puppy are a bottle of water, some baby wipes, and a towel or a blanket. If you are meeting your puppy at the airport, your puppy may be thirsty from the trip. We put a frozen dish of water in the crate, but it is usually long gone by the time your puppy arrives. The wipes are needed in case the puppy may have soiled the crate. The towel or blanket also, in case the puppy has soiled the crate, is for you to hold your puppy or to put in the crate. Using a Leash to Bond with Your Puppy When your puppy first arrives to your home, we suggest you keep the puppy on a leash for the first couple of days. Do your best to have the primary caregiver be the main person handling the leash. We also suggest you not have outside visitors to the home for the first couple of days. Give your puppy some time to adjust to her new family first before she meets your world. Your puppy is going to be a little confused at her new surroundings. From the beginning your puppy needs to learn that she is at the bottom, below even the youngest child. She needs to learn who her main leaders are and what the boundaries are in her new home. Labradoodles are people loving dogs! Your puppy will want to bond. Your puppy is smart and will quickly learn that the person attached at the other end of the leash is important to her. Your Labradoodle will look to you for example and comfort. She will learn that you are her source of not only example and comfort, but also food! Using the leash these first few days will help your new puppy learn who to trust and who to please. Other Advantages of Leash Training Your New Puppy Even if you are not holding onto the leash, you can control where she goes easily by stepping on the dragging leash. This is much more comfortable to a dog than having you lunge over her to get her. Keeping her on a leash also allows you to monitor where your puppy is in the house, and help her learn which rooms you would like her to be in and where she is not allowed. Lastly, having her on a leash helps her adjust to the idea of a leash so that she is ready to be trained to heel on a leash. A crate can be a useful and comforting tool or it can be an overused source of misery for your puppy. We suggest using a crate for very short periods of time during the day and for your puppy to sleep in at night. During the day there will come short periods of time where you have a task to do that requires your full attention. While your puppy is still in the house training stage, the crate can be very valuable to you. By putting your puppy in the crate for short amounts of time during the day, say an hour, maybe two, you can accomplish what you must do and also help puppy control her bladder. As soon as you let her out, immediately take her outdoors to relieve herself. Using the crate this way will encourage her to only go to the bathroom where it is appropriate to go. If your puppy is not crate trained already, you will have to work up to the hour or two hour mark. By the time your puppy arrives, she should be able to sleep around 7 hours through the night in a crate. Of course all puppies are individuals and so the time can vary. Your Golden Xpress Labradoodle puppy is used to being in a crate, but she is also used to smelling and hearing her siblings nearby. She may have adjustments to make in her new home because of this. Another factor in labradoodle puppy care is that their little tummies often get upset over the first couple of weeks in their new homes. To help her adjust to your home atmosphere and sleeping during the night, keep her crate in your bedroom at night. Keeping your hand down by the wire door is comforting to her. Responding to her cries with talking or tapping encourages your puppy to cry and whine more. Tapping on the crate lightly is ok, but not in response to her noise making. Another thing to think about with regard to labradoodle puppy care is if your puppy starts to wet her crate, you need to first check and see if her crate is too big. Generally, dogs do not relieve themselves in their sleeping places. If so, either use a smaller crate or block part off with a box. If her crate seems the right size, you may need to take out anything like blankets or soft materials. When your puppy has successfully kept her crate dry for a couple of weeks, try putting the bedding back in. Feeding Your Puppy At first, your puppy will need to be fed 3 times a day. Once they have adjusted, offer food to them all day so they learn not to gorge at meal time, and always make sure your puppy has clean, fresh water available to her. Feed your puppy in a quiet place, free from distractions. Put a good amount of food in her bowl and let her eat as much as she would like. After about 20 minutes or so, remove the food. Repeat this morning, mid-day and evening. It helps keep teeth and gums in better shape than wet food does. DO NOT feed your puppy people food. Your food does not provide the nutrition that your puppy needs. She will choose to have the people food and not eat her own. Feed your dog people food and you will have one unhealthy puppy. Just make sure you choose high quality dog treats with some nutrition. At Golden Xpress Labradoodles we give our dogs and puppies different kinds of treats: dog biscuits, dog turkey or chicken jerky. The jerky is good for a training aid around the house — to teach the puppy to come or to sit, or down. They are very intelligent and very willing to learn, and this makes them easier to train. Just remember that they are puppies so be patient. Lots of Loves Above all labradoodle puppy care requires lots of love. Make sure you pet her and hold her so she knows she belongs to your family. Labradoodles are loyal, loving dogs — give your puppy your love and she will return it tenfold.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All of them are well-known in the state as ethical breeders whose top priority is producing healthy and happy puppies for loving families. Of course, you might get lucky and stumble upon a great, ethical breeder on your first try. However, we do recommend you take this process seriously and have done extensive research before choosing a breeder. In fact, some Labradoodle breeders in this guide offer a three-year health guarantee! Health warranties should cover any serious genetic conditions that the parents have been tested for. Additionally, you might want to check if a breeder is recommended by Gooddog. In addition to that, you can always ask around your friends and family members about their own experiences with specific Labradoodle breeders in the area. For more in-depth information on this topic, we recommend you check out our article on How To Choose A Responsible Breeder. All of the pups come from health screened backgrounds and their parents have been cleared for genetic problems. Although their goal is to breed hypoallergenic and low-shedding Doods, they occasionally have scruffy pups who might shed some hair. What Makes This Breeder Unique? As the Doodle Ranch is a family breeder, all of their dogs are full-fledged members of the family. She doesn't shed at all and has an extremely nice, soft coat. Her temperament is outstanding and she gets along great with our old lab and loves kids - she was truly a great pick and we couldn't be happier with her. We're thinking she'll probably end up around 60 because she just weighed in at 52 at her last vet visit and she still has a lot of filling out to do. Paul Michigan Hi Karri- just a little update on Jet. Since picking him up on Thursday, he has been the perfect puppy. He has only had one accident in the house, sleeps through the night, only waking once to go outside, he is crate training quickly, and has been on road trips to Spring Lake and as far as Up North Cadillac.He is a little cuddle bug and is beginning to play a lot and becoming more independent. I absolutely love this little guy. Thanks for breeding such great pups! She really helped make the transition of my new puppy to my home a breeze. I was able to meet and visit with my puppy for the first time at 4 weeks old and it was love at first site. What a beautiful boy, with a brown curly coat that feels like silk. We were already bonding at this visit and it was pure bliss. I anxiously waited while he grew old enough to bring him home, all the while in contact with Karri as she answered any questions I may have had and also gave me updates. The day finally came where I was to bring him home, Lance was now 9 weeks old and when we reunited he was so excited as if he recognized me and this just melted my heart. What a pure joy he is. Lance also loves to snuggle which is my favorite. He met and visited with my children, grandchildren and their dogs and cat on several occasions, who all love him to pieces. He plays nice with them all. He is a big part of our family now and is adjusting so nicely. Sir Lancelot is the best gift I have ever given myself! I look forward to our future together. Thank you Rozey K9 Farm! We are experienced Labradoodle breeders with 6 years of working with Australian Labradoodles. Our puppies are non-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them not just a family pet but a perfect addition to any family. Quality - At Michigan Labradoodles, we have the best team! Our dogs , are members of our family—they are all descendants of experienced selective family- based Labradoodle breeders in the business. Our business is centered around our family, including our dogs—you can always expect an exceptional experience with our family based company. We are a recognized ALAA breeder, our goal is to breed our wonderful Australian Labradoodles to provide you with an excellent addition to your family. Service - Honesty is a foundation of our family that stretches far beyond our business. We understand that it takes a lot of trust to buy a puppy online. At Michigan Labradoodles, we are committed to making this a fun and memorable experience for you and your family. When you buy a labradoodle from us you can expect constant communication through the puppy adoption process. While our labradoodle puppies are born in Michigan, we provide delivery service anywhere in the US. We provide updates through our Facebook and Instagram page and email variety of forms, including detailed descriptions, pictures, and videos. Why Authentic Australian Labradoodles? Consistent - Our dogs and their puppies are consistent, they are descendants of a multigenerational breed. The pedigree is true back eight plus generations, breeding Authentic Australian Labradoodles with the same great qualities of their breed. This gives us the ability to closely predict the size, shape and color of your puppy. On top of that we breed for excellence and closely adhere to the ALAA standard. They were originally bread as service dogs and therapy companions with an allergy friendly coat dating back to the 's. Coat - Our Australian Labradoodles all possess a soft fleece coat that has been developed over generations - a quality that you will only get with experienced dog breeders. It provides the allergy friendly coat qualities of the poodle, without sacrificing the amazing soft to the touch feel you will love. Temperament - Originally the Authentic Australian Labradoodle was bred as the ideal therapy dog. They interact well with adults and their playful personality makes them a fun addition to families with children. They are a great mix of playfulness and cuddly. The organization promotes responsible dog companionship for labradoodles for sale in Michigan and the United States by cataloging helpful information about the breeds making it easier to buy a dog online by offering networking services to breeders and owners. The organization protects our breed from inhumane puppy mills. This status recognizes our commitment as a breeder to maintaining a high health standard for our dogs, as well as our recurring investment in health testing of our breeding dogs. It assures potential adopters that our litters have come from the healthiest parents possible along, with a strong level of health guarantees that can be maintained. Thank you for your interest in this wonderful breed here at South Mitten Australian Labradoodles! Our labradoodles are allergy-friendly, meet rigorous health standards and have wonderful temperaments, making them the perfect addition to families of all shapes and sizes. Located in southern Michigan, our dogs are raised in our home as cherished and spoiled members of our family! Our puppies are given the utmost care and researched-based attention and stimulation right from the start. This ensures you are not just getting a puppy of impeccable bloodlines, but one that has an optimal start and a superior advantage. We strive to produce healthy well-socialized puppies from multi-generational lines with amazing temperaments. South Mitten Labradoodles follow the strict health guidelines and strong ethics of the Australian Labradoodle Club we belong to. We specialize in the true Australian Labradoodle with wonderful coats and temperaments with bloodlines originating from Tegan Park and Rutland Manor in Australia. This is a different dog and usually a different temperament than the Australian Labradoodles. True Australian Labradoodles average generations of labradoodles back in their pedigree that all originate from either Rutland Manor, Tegan Park, or Sunset Hills in Australia. We strive for nothing less than excellence in breeding and raising our precious puppies. We love and are devoted to this very special breed. Why do we believe that certified Australian Labradoodles are the ultimate breed? You are getting the best of the best! Virtually Non-Shedding Greatest ambition is to be with "their people" Incredibly intelligent and easy to train Loyal Low to no odor even when wet Comical and endearing. They were bred to get a less allergic and less aggressive breed. It was mostly achieved, but some exceptions exist. These curly balls of fur have become quite popular today for having a warm temperament and adaptability. Properly bred Labradoodles prove to be the best company, if not the best guard dogs. A lot of households with children prefer having a Labradoodle in the USA. Features Labradoodles are an easy-to-go breed with a life span of years. They adapt quickly but can be hyper-energetic. They are available in various sizes and colors with good characteristics. One should always opt for a trusted and ethical breeder to get the healthiest dog. Labradoodles have these basic features. Appearance A standard Labradoodle is inches tall, while the medium one is inches tall, and the miniature Labradoodle is inches tall. They generally have long, wavy hair, making them look like little teddy bears. They can be found in a combination of chocolate, red, gold, black, and cream colors. Weight The weight varies for each dog, but there is a broad range for each size of Labradoodle available. The standard Labradoodle weighs anywhere between pounds, the medium Labradoodle weighs between pounds, and the Miniature Labradoodle weighs between pounds. Personality Labradoodles are one of the friendliest breeds you can ever find. They are loyal and have a warm temperament. Full of energy, these bundles of joy like surrounding people all the time. They adapt to the living conditions well and can be left alone for some time. Labradoodles are an intelligent and calm breed and with proper training. Training and grooming Labradoodles of all types are easy to train and groom. They require regular grooming and exercise. They are both hot and cold weather tolerant and trained for better tolerance. Based on the proportion of characteristics of both the breeds required, the various types of Labradoodles bred are: It is the original Labradoodle. In addition to being a Labradoodle, it has another characteristic of the pure breed. F2 Labradoodle F2 is the second-generation Labradoodle. A cross between two F1 Labradoodles gives F2 Labradoodle. F2B Labradoodle It is almost .F3 Labradoodle Also called the multi-gen Labradoodle, it is the third or more generation Labradoodle. Why Labradoodle? Labradoodles are not only intelligent and active. If you want more reasons to get yourself Labradoodle puppies in Michigan, here are other features that make them a good choice. Less shedding: The deliberate mix with a Poodle makes a Labradoodle shed lower than the standard breeds. The choice for novices: Labradoodles are easy to train and quickly adapt to their surroundings, making them a good choice for new learners. Although it is not a difficult procedure, their energy levels might make it difficult sometimes. Some tips below might help take care of a Labradoodle. Exercise Labradoodles require minutes of exercise every day. Their wanderlust makes them require regular walks. If in a small apartment, it is necessary to take them outside in parks or gardens to keep them happy and healthy. Socialization Early socialization is a pompous activity with a Labradoodle. It means keeping them around lots of people. This helps them become friendlier, and they pick up recognizable traits. Grooming Labradoodles require grooming, like brushing, combing, and bathing regularly. They have a great liking to water, so it is easy to groom them. Generally, getting professional grooming kits is a good option. Family Environment It becomes imperative to keep the Labradoodle inside with the family. They are sensitive creatures and cannot sleep outside. Any comfy place near the bed or in the living room works well with the breed. Final Words With its warm temperament, loyal and adaptable nature, Labradoodle is a perfect fit for company, even on tours and travels. Michigan provides numerous options to choose from, but as a matter of concern, most of the dogs may not have a healthy lifestyle in which they are raised. To find good Labradoodle puppies in Michigan for your family, you must trust only credible breeders. You should also be aware while looking out for dogs from mills as they may not be healthy. The article familiarizes readers with the 6 best Labradoodle breeders in Michigan MI. So, ensure you choose from the best breeders to raise a healthy and active Labradoodle that fits into your family fully! These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products.

Cancer Progressive Retinal Atrophy The primary recommendations we make when someone is shopping for Miniature Goldendoodles are fairly standard. Getting your dog the right amount of exercise and keeping them at a healthy weight can prevent many chronic problems and make them overall happier. In addition, taking your dog in for regular checkups, and to stay current on all shots and vaccinations, encourages health as well. One other reason that puppy parents trust Keystone Puppies when looking for Mini Goldendoodles for sale is that we make dog health our top priority! Not only do we only work with responsible breeders that prioritize healthy practices, but we also offer a no-hassle puppy health guarantee. Because they are bred to have the coat qualities of a Poodle, these pups are a popular option for owners looking to adopt a hypoallergenic dog. Their curly coat should be soft to the touch. The signature coat of pretty curls is one of the places where the Poodle ancestry truly shines through. To keep the coat looking its most beautiful, make sure to brush it two to four times per week. Not only is brushing a nice bonding experience for the pup and their person, but it also prevents tangling and matting. Owners can maintain a healthy Goldendoodle coat by bathing them every other month. Meet Mini Goldendoodles for Sale. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Colorado Springs Colorado and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! Life Span Did You Know? Although this breed is very popular, it is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. As long as they are well-socialized, Miniature Goldendoodles tend to make excellent family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they will alert you of strangers at the door, they tend to warm up quickly as they are more interested in making friends and receiving attention. Mini Goldendoodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their smaller size makes them a great fit for apartment living or for bigger homes with yards where they can run. As long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well. These little dogs tend to do well in just about any climate. However, like any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their smaller size, you may need to gear up with some dog-friendly winter gear when temperatures start falling. Because this dog breed is loyal and people-oriented, they love to be in your company and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. This means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early on. Instead, make sure your new Mini Goldendoodle puppy has an active role in your life. If you do need to leave them alone for a bit, make sure they have some comforting toys or challenging puzzles to keep them from getting bored. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests and clearances that have been done. The Mini Goldendoodles is a highly intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please. They tend to be sensitive to tone of voice as well. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, a Mini Goldendoodle will strive to be obedient and impress you and tends to excel at almost any task. These traits make the Mini Goldendoodle one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Bathing is occasional and can often be relegated to the dog groomer that is recommended you visit every weeks. The groomer can help handle some of this during visits, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although the parents of this breed have a lot of energy, a Mini Goldendoodle tends to sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough for them. But, they are also likely to match their energy level to yours, so be prepared for some bursts of energy as well as plenty of cuddling on the couch. Fully-grown Mini Goldendoodles usually stand inches tall at the shoulder. A Miniature Goldendoodle puppy can vary in size based on the generation of the dog. The result is generally a dog that will range from pounds. Looking at the size of the parents for an F1 or F1-B puppy can be a good indication of what size to expect in a fully-grown Miniature Goldendoodle. Mini Goldendoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Goldendoodle Article. We offer a personal touch to breeding and raising our puppies, ensuring that every customer feels like a part of our family. If you have any questions or concerns, we are just a phone call, text, or email away. About Our Miniature Goldendoodles Our Miniature Goldendoodles are an exceptional hybrid breed, resulting from a purebred Golden Retriever and a miniature poodle cross. At maturity, they typically average 25 lbs. Our mini puppies embody the best characteristics of their parent breeds, including the amiable temperament of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the miniature poodle, making them ideal allergy-friendly pets. While our puppies are generally low shedding, some shedding may occur when the puppy coat transitions into the adult coat. Our female, Paislee, has abstract pups. Our puppies are wormed at weeks 4, 5, and 6 and receive their first puppy vaccine at 6 weeks. Before leaving our possession, each puppy undergoes a veterinary check to ensure their health. If any issues are detected, we will assist you in moving your deposit to another litter, if you choose to do so. If you wish to purchase a puppy for the purpose of breeding multiple litters, the cost is double the pet price. Our Happy Clients Our puppies have found loving homes all across the country. Take a look at the map below to see where our Mini Goldendoodle puppies have been placed and join our community of happy puppy owners! We got our mini golden doodle here and had a great experience. Neely was amazing and so helpful in answering all my questions. Highly recommended! They have been more wonderful than we could have ever imagined. They are the sweetest and smartest puppies ever! I highly recommend Cheryl at Walters Mini Golden Doodles if you are looking for the perfect addition to your family! The team would send me weekly updates and provided the 1st round of vaccines for us. I would recommend using this breeder and would purchase another puppy from them again! This is Benny, whose parents were Mars and Bella. He just turned 2 in April and weighs 37lbs. I would highly recommend her services. We had the opportunity to bring our precious little puppy home on .Teddi Belle is such a joy to have and our family is blessed to add her to our addition. First, and all subsequent vet check-ups were excellent. Our niece has also purchased a Mini Goldendoodle from Walters and is experiencing similar enjoyment. I would recommend this breeder to anyone who asks me. Do not hesitate to consider Walters Mini Golden doodles as your breeder. We are here to help make your forever home complete with a happy and healthy Miniature Goldendoodle puppy.

Now taking deposits for litters going home October or call Bill Mays at For the latest news regarding available puppies, please visit the SouthWind Labrador Facebook page! These dogs will be great family companions as well as your best hunting partner for many years. Southwind Labradors have both Fox Red and yellow lab puppies for sale. Our fox Red puppies are brilliant red and our yellow puppies are usually yellow with red highlights. We are home-based breeders and focus on quality. My dogs are my companions and join me in the field for hunting. I am an Outdoor writer for hunting magazines, I duck hunt, upland game hunt, and my dogs give me their all in the field. We breed a Labrador Retriever you can hunt with for 3 months and live in harmony as a calm well-adjusted family dog. We work very hard to maintain our dogs and our kennel. Our females have a secure environment with temperature control so they are stress-free as they care for their litter. Our females are well adjusted and have excellent temperaments. Over the past 25 years of raising puppies we have made many new friends and have sold puppies to parents and now their children. Families who have purchased puppies from us have kept in contact and sent us letters and pictures of their puppies as they grow up. We raise Labrador Retriever puppies for the love of the breed and to bring love and happiness into your household for years to come. Thank you, Life Span Did You Know? One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that there are a few distinct color coat variations. Fox Red Labradors are a rare-colored version of the Labrador Retriever. Despite this, they can be registered as purebred Yellow Labrador Retrievers , as the darker-colored coat is not considered to be a disqualifying factor. Due to their unique and certainly eye-catching color, the Fox Red Labrador continues to grow in popularity. Labrador Retrievers are known for being exceptionally sweet and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. These dogs yearn to be a part of a family, and fit right in when joining one. In fact, Labs are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. Well-socialized Fox Red Labradors tend to get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. After all, every person they meet is a potential friend that they can play with. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Despite their energy, Fox Red Labradors can adapt to most settings. As long as this dog breed has a chance to get in daily walks, go outside to run and play, and they get plenty of attention, they are content. They are not overly affected by cold weather, but they have a dense double coat. Fox Red Retrievers are also happiest when in the presence of people and they love to be with their families whenever possible. They also have a lot of energy and get bored easily. Potential health concerns to be aware of in Fox Red Labrador Retrievers can include hereditary myopathy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, heart disease, and cataracts. There is also a condition with a genetic link that can occur in young adult Labradors called exercise-induced collapse EIC. Carriers can be identified by DNA tests. Good breeding practices can reduce the risk of potential health issues and make a big difference in the health of Fox Red Lab puppies. 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. The national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an EIC DNA test, and an ophthalmologist evaluation at a minimum. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, the Fox Red Labrador Retriever is at a higher risk of bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Labrador Retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds and are highly trainable. Although they can become stubborn at times, they are eager to please and pick up on training quickly overall. Their energy and intelligence mean they can lose focus in training and get bored easily. However, training that is kept clear, consistent, and focused on positive rewards usually keeps them focused and responding well. Any color variant of the Labrador Retriever is ideal for beginner dog owners. Fox Red Labrador Retrievers have a short, dense double coat that is water-resistant. They shed year-round and more heavily as the seasons change. Brushing their coat a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and looking great. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Because their coat tends to protect them from the cold and they are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water , your Fox Red Lab may try to go for a swim regardless of the season. If they are an avid swimmer or tend to get into a lot of things, you may need to bathe them more often. It is highly recommended to give them a bath or at least rinse them off thoroughly after going swimming with your dog. Their nails should be trimmed once or twice monthly. This will help prevent ear infections. Proper dental care for dogs is essential for preventing the tartar buildup that lends to dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is a good start. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. Like other Labs, Fox Red Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for this dog. However, they will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Often, they are just happy to be spending time with you. Labs tend to have an extended puppyhood until they are around years old. They will mellow out a little, but also tend to maintain a puppy-like exuberance even in their senior years. Once they are done growing and your vet has cleared them for more activities, you can try a lot of different things. Labs are athletic and versatile dogs. They are one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures and tend to enjoy a variety of activities. They tend to excel in swimming, running, obstacle courses, and several dog sports. Fully-grown Fox Red Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Fox Red Labs generally live for years on average. Click Here For Available Puppies! Blackfork Labradors breeding quality English AKC registered fox red labs, including yellow, chocolate and black Labradors. Our lab puppies are bred for companions, hunting, showing and therapy. Blackfork Labrador Retrievers specializes in breeding the fox red shade. We have fox red lab puppies available through out the year, along with black, chocolate and yellow Labrador pups. Blackfork Labs takes great pride in striving to improve our fox red labs taking into consideration health, temperament, soundness and the Labrador Retriever Breed Standard. Fox red is not a separate color of the Labrador but a shade of yellow. In the early years of the breed development, fox red or dark yellow was the original yellow shade of the Labrador Retriever. Fox red is the darkest shade of yellow Labradors. Tap the photo below for Fox Red Labrador Information When looking for a breeder that produces fox reds in their breeding program, it is very important that the following questions be asked: Do you have an overall goal for your breeding program? This goal should be more than just producing wonderful pets for families. Ask to see copies of clearances. It is very important that your breeder is doing annual eye CERFs to be certain that eye issues have not developed over time. Here at Blackfork Labradors we are striving to improve the overall standard of the fox red. I do not breed solely for depth of color. I spend hours researching pedigrees and calling other breeders to ask questions. That means there will be times that my fox reds will be bred to black stud dogs and yellows of all shades.