golden retriever puppies waterloo

A whelping box is a safe, enclosed space where a dog can give birth and care for her puppies. The box typically has high sides to prevent the puppies from accidentally falling out, and it is often lined with soft bedding material to keep the puppies warm and comfortable. The box may also include a heat lamp to provide additional warmth, and it may be equipped with a door that can be opened or closed for easy, safe access, and to regulate the temperature inside. A whelping box should be large enough for the mother to move around comfortably, but small enough to retain body heat and provide a feeling of security. It should be used from the time your dog goes into labor until the puppies are weaned. Once the puppies are weaned, they can be moved to a puppy pen or dog crate. By the way, a whelping box should also have puppy rails. Puppy rails, also known as pig rails, are secured inside the whelping box quite low around the perimeter of the box. This is a crucial safety feature, as it helps prevent the puppies from being crushed against the wall of the box How Does A Whelping Box Help? A dog whelping box is an essential piece of equipment for any dog owner who is expecting a litter of puppies, as it helps to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and her offspring. A whelping box provides a safe, warm environment for your dog to have her puppies. This helps keep the mama calm during the labor and keep stress levels to a minimum while caring for the pups in a safe space. If you have other pets in the house, a whelping box ensures that they do not disturb or hurt the puppies. Using a whelping box also reduces the risk of the puppies becoming injured or lost. A DIY whelping box is an easy and affordable way to provide a safe space for your dog to have her puppies. Building a whelping box is a simple project that anyone can do. There are quite a few different ways to do that — most of them being very simple, quick, and inexpensive. Choose a bin that is large enough for your dog to move around comfortably, but small enough to retain body heat. If the sides are very high, drill or cut holes in the sides of the bin for ventilation. Finally, line the bottom of the bin with appropriate materials to absorb any mess. And there you have it, a cheap DIY whelping box! Find a sturdy cardboard box that is large enough for your dog to move around in. Cut holes in the sides of the box for ventilation. You should also cut an appropriate sized opening for the mama and puppies to get out of the box comfortably. Line the bottom of the box with comfy and cushy materials that absorb any mess. Cardboard is very porous and it can get flimsy rather quickly. However, you may want to opt for something sturdier and less porous instead. Bring Out The Kiddie Pool You can build a whelping box out of many different materials, but one of the cheapest and easiest options is to use a kiddie pool. To create a kiddie pool whelping box, simply clean the pool thoroughly, secure the puppy rails you can use pool noodles for this , and line it with towels or blankets. Place the pool in a quiet, draft-free room in your home and make sure that it is big enough for your dog to move around comfortably. But, a sturdy wood whelping box can be used over and over again, making it well worth your time. Of course, you should carefully consider which type of wood you use. For instance, the popular plywood is actually very porous, making it harder to clean. It also traps in dirt and bacteria, which could lead to infections and illnesses. Start by measuring your mama dog and the area where you want to place the whelping box and cut the wood to size. Be sure to make the opening large enough for your dog to comfortably enter and exit. In addition to that, you should also attach low rails inside the box. But why PVC? PVC is a strong, durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. And if it does get dirty, a quick wipe-down is all it takes to clean it. In addition, PVC is lightweight and easy to assemble, making it ideal for use in a whelping box. Many whelping boxes available for purchase are made from PVC materials thanks to all of their amazing qualities. But, as you may know, ready made PVC whelping boxes can be quite pricey. However, PVC pipes make excellent pig rails for that added safety and security. Obviously, you want to make the DIY whelping box as comfortable as possible for the mama and the pups. Some breeders also use heat lamps to keep the whelping box warm. Even though some people opt for newspaper or wood shavings, we recommend you avoid them. Another popular choice is using old bedding or towels. They may get trapped or accidentally crushed by the mother. However, if you manage to secure the blankets and towels in place, they should be safe to use. In addition to that, you can also opt for a specially designed crate pad that stays in place, provides warmth, and is safe for the puppies. Line the bottom of the box with absorbent material and change it often. Wash bedding in hot water and disinfect surfaces regularly. The bedding should be dry at all times, so whenever an accident happens, be sure to change the bedding as soon as possible. Where you place the box is just as important as the box itself. It should be in a quiet area away from the main traffic flow of your home, and out of direct sunlight. You should also keep it far away from potential hazards like open stairways or fireplaces. The whelping box should also be large enough to accommodate the mother dog and all of her puppies comfortably. The temperature in the area should be comfortable — not too hot and not too cold. If necessary you may have to get an additional heating pad or a heating lamp to keep the puppies warm. To build a basic DIY whelping box, you will need either a kiddie pool, cardboard box, or a storage bin. You should also stock up on bedding material like blankets, towels, or crate pads. Next, line the bottom of the box with your chosen bedding material. This will help to keep the puppies warm and dry. Finally, place the box in a quiet, private area where your dog can feel safe and secure. By following these simple steps, you can easily create a cozy space for your dog to welcome her new puppies into the world. PVC tubes are often used to create puppy rails, a. As we mentioned earlier, a dog whelping box should be big enough for the mama and pups to comfortably move around. Yet, it should be snug enough so that it retains body heat. The general recommendation is that a whelping box should be one foot longer than your mama dog. Only measure your dog stretched out, as the mama has to be able to move and stretch comfortably around the box while caring for the puppies. By the way, you can also get some hints from websites that sell different dog whelping boxes. Just take a quick peek at what sizes they offer! It provides a safe, warm environment for the mama and her pups, and helps to contain the mess. Building a DIY whelping box is a simple project that anyone can do. Do you have any tips for building a DIY whelping box? Share them in the comments below! All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Lay your contact paper out beforehand and measure it. Use a ruler to measure the contact paper and mark the measurements with a pencil. Cut the sections of contact paper using scissors. Remove any air bubbles in the contact paper by rubbing it with your palms. The self-adhesive contact paper should stick to the plywood itself. Even if the contact paper seems secure, it might lift up and the puppies could chew on it. Use the staple gun to secure the contact paper to the floor of the whelping box. Staple as close to the sides of the floor as you can. Place staples between two different pieces of contact paper if you want extra security. Aim the staple gun so the staple pierces the edge of one piece and the edge of another, binding them. Make sure you line the strips up perfectly with the floor of the box. These strips will form the 3 walls of the whelping box. When you're finished, the three strips should form a "U" shape along the sides of the floor. If you need to, have someone stand on the plywood floor and hold each wall as you drill the holes into the plywood. Drill holes at the corners of each wall and another hole in the center of each wall. Use your screwdriver and screws to secure the walls to the floor of the whelping box. Turn the screws to the right to secure them in place. Keep turning the screwdriver until it's very difficult to keep turning it. If they rattle or feel insecure, use the screwdriver to tighten the screws. You might need to drill extra holes between the middle screws and the outside screws in each wall if the walls aren't secure enough. Use the screwdriver to place the screws in these holes. Again, drill holes in the left side, middle, and right side of the doorway strip when you have it lined up with the floor of the whelping box. Use your screwdriver and 1. Here are some ideas for your small dog. Cardboard Box One of the least expensive whelping boxes is simply a cardboard box. Make sure it is big enough that your dog can stretch out in it. The nice thing about a cardboard box is that, once you no longer need the whelping box, you can simply throw it away. To make a whelping box out of cardboard, use these easy instructions: Find a box that your dog can comfortably lie down and stretch out in but not much larger than that. The sides should be at least to inches high. You want the sides to be too high for the puppies to climb over, but not so high your dog can't get over it when she wants a break. Smaller breed dogs will be fine with 12 inches, whereas larger breeds will need 24 inches. Cut a "door" into the side of the box for your dog to move in and out of the box. The width of the doorway should be about twice her body's width, and the edge should be high enough to keep puppies in but not so high she hits her belly on it. You will want to use some sort of covering on the cardboard to keep it from getting wet and to make cleaning it easy. You could line it with duct tape, plastic sheeting, tarps, or plastic drop cloths made for painting. Then cover whatever material you use with newspaper or old towels to make the flooring soft and comfortable. Plastic Storage Bin A plastic storage bin can also be used as a whelping box. You want to use the under-the-bed storage type so that the sides will be short enough for the mother dog to easily get in and out. If you decide to go this route, fold old towels on the bottom to ensure there is no chance that your dog will slip when she is moving around. Be aware that depending on the size of your pups, they may be able to get over the sides of the bin as they get bigger. In that case, you can extend the sides of the bin with cardboard. Ideas that will work for bigger dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers and Rottweiler dogs , include: Appliance Boxes If you have a mid-sized breed, you may still be able to find a cardboard box. Check with appliance stores and home improvement stores that carry items that would require bigger boxes. If you can't find one, you still have some inexpensive alternatives. The downside to using these boxes is once the puppies get large enough, they will be able to get over the sides, which they wouldn't with a traditional whelping box with sides at least inches high. Kiddie Pool A hard-sided plastic kiddie pool usually costs less than twenty dollars, and you can get them in several sizes. They are also easy to clean. These pools will last for several litters of puppies. However, just as with appliance boxes, the problem with the kiddie pool is that the sides may not be high enough to keep the puppies in as they get bigger. There are newer types of kiddie pools made just for dogs that have higher sides. Another option for larger dog breeds is to use a water trough , which has higher sides. They're much more expensive but very sturdy and can be reused for whelping, as well as an outdoor pool or bathing area for your dogs. To make a whelping box out of a kiddie pool, find a pool size where your dog can lay out comfortably with some extra room for the puppies. You can line it with a round whelping pad, old towels, newspaper, or even covers made specifically for kiddie pools used for whelping. An excellent safety precaution is adding a PVC pipe frame that serves as puppy rails to keep the mom from rolling over and crushing a newborn pup against the sides. Just be sure the puppies can't get stuck under or between the pipes. To keep puppies from getting out of the pool when they get larger, you can run x-pens or playpen panels around the outside of the pool. Make sure you leave a doorway for the mom to come and go! Whelping Box Plans If you want to build your own cheap whelping box but prefer a different style, you can find simple whelping box plans on the Internet. Here are some to get you started: Are you InTheKnow? Sign up for our newsletter featuring all the latest stories and products we love. Invalid email I agree to receive email communications from LoveToKnow. You can adjust the size for your own breed of dog. The plans are for a very sturdy box that is easy to clean and take apart for storage while standing up to a lot of usage. Supplies needed include two 4-foot by 8-foot plywood sheets, four 2-by-4s for the pig rails, polyurethane, and hardware, such as steel three-corner braces, tee nuts, and cap screws. You'll also need a table saw, drill press, router, screwdriver, and drill with several bits. While the website includes detailed plans and instructions, if you're not accustomed to working with tools and lumber, you may want to hire a contractor to build this box for you. How to Build a Whelping Box with Puppy Rails The PetPlace website provides a very detailed set of step-by-step instructions on how to build a whelping box using plywood, wood strips, vinyl flooring, hinges, and corner braces. You'll also need to be handy in order to build this box, as tools required are a circular saw and drill. The floor is optional, and the instructions allow for removing it to create a bottomless box. The puppy rails are made from the wood strips, although you could also improvise and make a set of puppy rails using PVC pipes and connectors. Building a Whelping Box Another excellent set of plans for a whelping box built with plywood and hardware is found in this YouTube video. The box described in this video has the puppy rails built into the sides as well as two shelf areas in the back for supplies and can be placed on cheap vinyl flooring tiles for easy cleanup. The box was made for a labradoodle , but you can adjust the dimensions of the plans shown in the video for your own dog's size. Cheap Whelping Boxes for Sale If you're not mechanically inclined and balk at the idea of building anything with tools and lumber, you can purchase a box. There are plenty of options if you're on a strict budget. Check with local seller websites such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to see if anyone is selling a box. You can also look on eBay. If you know of any breeders in your area, you could try contacting them to see if they might have a box they want to sell or possibly even rent out to you. It's made of plastic and comes with one whelping pad and PVC puppy rails. If you plan ahead, you can check out the websites of some major manufacturers of high-quality whelping boxes to see if they have sales. Easy to Improvise There are a number of less expensive, homemade whelping box ideas that will work for dogs of all sizes. You can improvise to create suitable whelping boxes that won't break your budget without too much trouble. Just spend some time looking at whelping boxes so you know how they are made and pick the most comfortable and safest style for you, your dog, and her pups. View plan 3. DIY Detachable Whelping Box A homemade whelping box will be much more cost-effective than buying one from the store or hiring an expert to build one for you who may or may not be familiar with your breed of dog. Whelping Box On A Budget! Gain new skills along the way: Working on a DIY whelping box project will teach you carpentry, painting, and construction skills — all while bonding with your pet! Easy DIY Whelping Box Be patient as you plan and build: Building a whelping box for your pup requires patience and focus — but it will be worth it in the end! Puppy Whelping Box .Whelping Box for Pregnant Dog .What Materials Do You Need? Building material There are many different options, such as plywood, cedar boards, cedar shingles, and so forth. Insulation Comes in many different types, including recycled newspaper, paper towels, bubble wrap, and so forth. Dogs love to feel cushioned when giving birth, and these items are easily found at most thrift stores. How to Assemble the Box: step by step guide 1. Cut them both from the same board. Stack them together and mark a line 3 inches in from each edge. Line up the marks on each side of the board and clamp them together, so you have a straight line down the center. Once clamped, use your circular saw to run down the line between each pair of marks, making sure not to go too deep into either side of the board. Constructing the Box Once you have your plywood cut, you can begin assembling your DIY dog whelping box. Be sure that all edges line up correctly the two pieces should fit together , and screw or nail them together using 2-inch nails or screws. Do both sides. Step 2 Put the other piece of cedar or plywood in the opposite direction, line up the edges, and then screw or nail them together. Step 4 Take a small scrap piece of wood and attach it to one of the ends. This will be used as a door for the whelping box. You may need to adjust the length depending on your door size, but be sure to measure twice and cut once. Step 5 Nail or screw in place with 2-inch nails or screws. Step 6 Now you have the frame of the DIY dog whelping box. Now we need to insulate and cover it with carpet or old rags. This makes for an inexpensive and simple DIY project, which will keep our pregnant dogs warm and comfortable during the birthing process. Step 7 After the insulation has been placed, get ready to put the rug or cloth on top. Using your staple gun, secure it around every edge. Step 8 Paint paint paint! Place plenty of food and water near the whelping box, as well as a litter pan if necessary. Conclusion A whelping box is a must for any dog owner who wants their pup to feel safe and cozy. Building the box yourself also saves money, which is always a bonus. Preparing to cut out the door for your DIY puppy whelping box You will need 1 piece of melamine for this step and also your circular saw and jigsaw. Measure 14 inches from both ends of the melamine board and cut as shown in the diagram below. Use your square to mark the areas for the cutout. It is important to use the jigsaw on the side cuts and your circular saw for the lower portion of the door. For the lower portion of the door, us your circular saw to create a starting cut and finish with your jigsaw. This will allow you to cut out the door without having any over cutting occur. Do not throw away your cutout as this will be used as your door slides. This should not be much to remove. You can use your circular saw or jigsaw for this step. This will allow the doors to slide easily in the track when installed. For the final step of the door preparation, you will need the Melamine roll of edging. Run a bead completely around the outer edge of both door pieces. Use your heating iron to adhere the edging to the door pieces. Round the edges to prevent any cuts from happening when reaching into the whelping box. Repeat the process for the other side of the door. Make sure the angles are pointing in towards the door opening as shown in the diagram above. This will ensure the door slides to operate properly and prevent them from hanging up on protruding screw heads. Assembling the DIY puppy whelping box Assembling the whelping box is easy! Lay them flat out on the floor side by side as shown in the diagram below. Next you will need the door panel that you cut in the previous step. When finished, countersink the holes and prepare the panel for installation. Stand the panel on end and join it to the front long facing floor panel. Repeat the process for the back of the whelping box. Use the same process for the sides, with the exception of drilling additional holes on both width ends to attach to the front and back panels of the whelping box. Make sure they are level with the panel inside and outside as well as the top and bottom. Assemble the corners as shown in the diagram below. Make a dry run before gluing all of the parts together to ensure a proper fit. The pig rails should easily slide in and out of the whelping box. It should be a snug fit when properly installed. Primer and glue all the PVC pieces together. You have just completed the DIY puppy whelping box. You may want to purchase a few whelping pads to ensure the comfort of mom and puppies. It also makes it a lot easier to clean up. We like to use odoban for easy clean up and odor control. We hope this tutorial was helpful for you. This whelping box design can be adjusted in size to fit your type of dog. They work great for the comfort of mom and also will prevent the whelping pads from sliding around. Add the finishing touches by using the veneer edging and cover all exposed edges of the melamine material. If you enjoyed this tutorial, and decided to build your own DIY puppy whelping box, please let us know how it turned out. What do you line your whelping box with? We like to use these whelping pads for our whelping box. They help ensure the safety and comfort of mom and puppies. You can also use incontinence bed pads , as they are very absorbent and can help keep your whelping box clean and sanitary. Can I use a kiddie pool as a whelping box? A kiddie pool is not a good long term solution for a whelping box. Puppies are able to escape easily, and it does not provide a safe atmosphere. They are very difficult to clean due to the molds that are used for the pools. There are small crevices in the molds that can trap bacteria and pose a risk to your What do you put in your whelping box? We like to use whelping pads inside our whelping box. You can also opt for a puppy nest warmer to keep the puppies warm and comfortable. We like to use a thermostat controlled nest warmer. Pig rails are a very important item to have in your whelping box. These help ensure the safety of your puppies when they are small. Pig rails help prevent mom from laying on the puppies and suffocating them. Do I really need a whelping box? The answer is YES! A puppy whelping box is an essential part of breeding dogs. A whelping box ensures the safety and security of your puppies. This also helps to provide a sanitary environment and a controlled atmosphere for your dog. This post contains affiliate links, which means we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our full disclosure Privacy Policy. To help support these efforts, this page may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Here I show you how I make a whelping box that is easy to take apart, move even up and down stairs and fairly easy to store. I prefer white or woodgrain. You would not need to have to store the platform, then. I prefer a raised platform and our puppies do, too. I also find it is really nice to add sheets of insulation between the support pieces to add warmth to the box. I measured the width of two of the shelving boards together and cut that amount off two of the boards. With the shelving boards cut, I started building the platform. I hope that makes sense! Screw all of your boards on. I took everything inside, wiped it down, and laid out my pieces. Note: I do not glue the vinyl down. I just lay it over the platform and put my side boards on top and it gets screwed down with the brackets. This way there are no glues to harm the puppies and I can throw it away after each litter. I then put it all together with the brackets. I use the flat brackets on the top corners. When the puppies are ready to get out of the box, by weeks of age, I remove one of the sides as you can see in the photo below. So, I do not have exact measurements, but I think most could figure it out. I build mine by first assembling the box, then I lay the PVC elbows in each corner of the box and one tee in the center. Cut the straight PVC pieces according to your measurements and put it all together. I do not use glue and do not seem to need it. The Little Blessings in their puppy room. These whelping boxes worked out fantastic for us and our needs. I hope this helps someone.

Boston Boxer Highlights Boston Boxers are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Boston Terrier or Boxer parents. The main colors of Boston Boxers are black, brown, fawn, blue, and white. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors, like in a pied or brindle pattern. Boston Boxers are known to be a good choice for families with children. Always supervise playtime. The Boston Boxer is a highly energetic mixed breed. If left alone for too long or without any sort of stimulation, this energy can manifest in unwanted destructive behaviors. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. When it comes to other pets, Boston Boxers can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. Boston Boxer History The Boston Boxer mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Boston Terriers and Boxers in the late s, likely in North America. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to keep the friendly and energetic spirit of the Boxer but in a smaller, Boston Terrier size. They continued to create Boston Boxers as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the Boston Boxer got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide the Boston Boxer is the dog for you. Be sure to check your local shelters, look up Boston Boxer or Miniature Boxer rescues, or check with breed-specific Boxer or Boston Terrier rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. Boston Boxer Size Since the Boston Boxer is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Boston Terrier and Boxer parents, you can expect your Boston Boxer to be on the small-to-medium size. Most weigh in at 22 to 55 pounds and range in height from 15 to 23 inches from the shoulder. However, many can be larger or smaller than average. The Mini Boxer can be somewhat hesitant around strangers, which is why it is very important to socialize your Boston Boxer as early as possible to make sure they are people-friendly. These dogs are prone to attaching to one particular family member, and they can become somewhat protective of them. Even with their protective tendencies, most Boston Boxer enthusiasts say their dogs are complete goofballs. The Boston Boxer is also a highly energetic mixed breed, so they are best-suited with people who can keep up with the pace. Some of the more common health problems Boston Boxer suffer from include: heart murmurs. Where to Find Boxer Terrier Puppies? They make great pets, but of course, not everyone can consider giving a home to this dog. Boxers are large and can be expensive to take care of in comparison to the smaller dogs, and require plenty of space to play. The good news is that you can now adopt the Mini Boxer! Unlike Boxers, the Small Boxer dog is a relatively new breed. The history or origin of this new breed is not clear so we rely on the parent dogs for its characteristics and the personality. Back then, he had a number of names including the American Terrier, Boston Bulldog, bullet head and round-headed terrier. The modern-day Boston Terrier is an active, intelligent and loyal dog. However, he can become stubborn so positive reinforcement training methods should be used. He moved to the United States in and during the First World War, these dogs were used by the military as pack carriers, messengers, attack dogs and guard dogs. The modern-day Boxer is an active and alert dog with great watchdog capabilities. He is good with kids and very protective of those close to him. He is a high energy dog that requires plenty of exercises to thrive. He has a rounded head and his nose is normally black. His coat is short and smooth with the most common colors being black, white, brown, red and silver. When a breeder works on his cross-breeding for a long period, the size of the Mini Boxer keeps on decreasing with each generation. Boston Terrier Boxer Mix Temperament A good dog owner should research the temperament of his desired dog before bringing the pet home. While personality and temperament can vary from one dog to another depending on their pedigree and the manner in which they are trained, most breeds exhibit some basic traits that are found in their specific lineage. However, he is wary of strangers and can be a great watchdog. He is as curious as his Boston Terrier parent breed and is fond of following his master around the home. He can get stubborn but this can be resolved with proper training. Lifespan Sociability Boston Boxer dogs are very popular, resulting in many breeders. We recommend searching for as many as possible to find the perfect puppy before you make your decision. Always ask a breeder to show you the facilities before making any payment. In many cases, you can find a breeder that is willing to sell you a puppy at a reduced cost, but we must caution against prices that are too good to be true, as unscrupulous breeders often create these puppies in unsafe environments known as puppy mills. The best way to fight puppy mills is not to buy their puppies. You can always ask your local shelter if they have a Boxer mix that resembles the Boston Boxer. They are athletic and can run fast and jump quite high and will maintain a fast pace for extended play sessions before tiring. They quickly become attached and protective of their owners and are wary of strangers who might cause them to become aggressive and bark. However, they generally get along with other household pets and small yard animals like bunnies and squirrels. Boston Boxers are sensitive to their environment and prefer a set, predictable schedule, and they can be stubborn if you change things up too quickly. They are very intelligent and easy to train, as long as they think they are in charge. They love the company and will remain at your side most of the day. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are very friendly, energetic, and playful. They get along well with pets including, cats and other dogs. They like to play with children and will provide each other with unlimited amounts of entertainment. Boston Boxers are intelligent enough to follow orders and behave and will even learn tricks and guard the house while you are away. They will require at least one family member to take them out for long walks, though, and these are high maintenance in the exercise department, requiring at least one hour of running and jumping each day. If you live in the city, it can be challenging to find enough room, and you will likely require access to a park or trail. They are even more friendly if you socialize them early and get them used to other animals, but even so, this breed rarely gets aggressive toward another animal. This food should be high-quality without any harmful chemicals or preservatives. High-quality dog food will contain meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits, according to the American Kennel Club. You can expect to take your Boston Boxer for a long walk every day, and on some days, you may need a second walk. You can expect to walk at least eight miles a week spread out over about an hour a day, every day, for the next several years when purchasing a Boston Boxer. In most cases, you will only require patience and a bunch of treats to have your Boston Boxer impressing your friends. To train your pet, simply stand in front of them with a treat ready. Boston Boxers are smart and will know you have it. When they figure it out and sit, give them a treat. Stand them back up and repeat. After several tries, your Boston Boxer will catch on and quickly sit on command. Using the above system, you can teach your dog plenty of tricks, like shaking hands, fetch, rollover, and plenty of others. You can even teach them more complex tricks like retrieving the newspaper with a little practice. They only require occasional brushing and trimming of their nails. But there are a few problems associated with them that you should know about before you make a purchase. Minor Conditions. An average Boston Terrier Corgi Mix can weigh between 10 and 27 lbs. Like other small size dog breeds, they can also be at risk of back problems although some Corgi Boston Terrier Mix does live perfectly healthy and happy for 12 to 15 years. Corgis have been bred in the British Isles over 3, years ago to serve as livestock herders which give them a tendency to be protective. They are widely known for being an athletic and very loyal breed. While the Boston Terrier was initially bred as fighting dogs in the 19th century, they are intelligent and affectionate. Traits that surely helps make them easy to groom and train. Their athleticism and even temperament are perfect for agility training, obedience training, and active sports. They are active and loves to go swimming, jumping and running. But keep in mind not to overexert. A minute up to an hour of walk a day plus some play time inside will be enough exercise. Although energetic, they are non-sporting dogs but does great in tricks, watchdog, agility and obedience training. An occasional visit to the dog park will suffice and be surely appreciated. The Poodle Boston Terrier Mix needs low to moderate grooming depending on its coat. Needs to be brushed only once to twice a week. There is only few information published on this rare breed, but there is much on its parent breeds that can shed some light into what traits they may inherit. It is advisable to give them a healthy raw food diet and avoid overfeeding. Remember to watch their diet as overeating can exacerbate some health issues. This mix breed of German Shepherd and Boston Terrier can be susceptible to allergies and elbow and hip joint dysplasia. To help prevent this you would need to start them on supplements as early as possible: Glucosamine Chondroitin Fish oil Originating from Germany, German Shepherd is a breed created in the 19th century. Their purpose was to assist in police and military work. They are certainly courageous as these dogs can brave through landmines, artillery fire, and tanks to deliver supplies to soldiers. Make sure to research on the health history of both parents so that you can be aware of some health issue like Patellar dislocation and Idiopathic Epilepsy. Few known health issues to this breed are caused by its short face and bulging eyes though, like: Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome Corneal Ulcers Cataracts They are energetic, friendly and a great companion dog. Perfect for families and very good with children. Some of the hunting instinct from the Beagle is passed down, so they are likely to give chase when they catch an interesting smell. That is why it is important to keep them on a leash outdoors. They get their personality from both parent breeds. The Chihuahua Boston Terrier Mix is a famous mixed breed because they are intelligent, lively, eager to please, and companionable. They make a perfect lap dog that loves to have fun. They have pretty simple grooming as well as exercise needs. A good 30 minutes of exercise a day and play time indoors. This also means they can fit well to any size of the home, even for apartments. Depending on their coat, Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix is moderate shedders. They would need occasional baths and weekly brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats. Some of the health issues that can be encountered and should look out for are those similar to other flat-faced dog breeds. Make sure that the puppy has been health screened. They are smart and easy to train, although a bit stubborn. Try giving them ample exercise to make them more compliant and obedient. Their strong Border Collie instinct means you can expect them to try to herd you. Make sure to take them to the dog park to socialize and be around many people. Boston Terrier Border Collie Mix is an affectionate breed. They love to work and run all day. This is good in keeping their energy level down. It is important to get health clearances to make sure they are tested for particular conditions including: Epilepsy Hip dysplasia Allergies Shedding tendencies from its Border Collie side is less intense. Routine baths and grooming can be done as needed. Contrary to its name, the Australian Shepherd who is one of its parents did not originate from Australia but rather from the Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France. They require low maintenance as their short-haired coat sheds very little and their canine smell is hardly noticeable. Make sure to watch their diet carefully as they have a tendency to overeat. Mental and physical exercise is needed every day to keep them active and healthy. They have a strong herding instinct, so better watch out not to trip on them when they do. This hybrid is an intelligent and energetic bunch. They have a tendency to bully other dogs and barks at other animals. They are sweet and very sensitive to human emotions. A bit demanding and bossy, too. A wonderful companion. Lovable, gentle, playful, and good with children. They are full of energy and can be active outdoors as they enjoy playing fetch, running or just walking. But they can also be fairly inactive when indoors, perfect if you live in an apartment or have small space. Very quick to learn tricks but can get bored after too many repetitions. Adjust your training sessions to short periods and give motivations to keep them interested and obedient. They can also sometimes show signs of aggression around other animals as they may be a bit territorial. Always watchful and may bark when they feel wary or suspicious of people who are unfamiliar to them. They are an amusing and charming breed. They can reach a height of 10 to 17 inches, weigh around 25 pounds, and have a lifespan of years. Since both parent breeds are generally known to be calm, loving and friendly, the Boston Terrier Pug Mix is a wonderful companion who likes to cuddle and play. Easily contented with moderate exercise. They can adapt perfectly to the apartment or city living. Has a tendency to overeat. Keep a close eye to the portion as well as the what type and quality of food you serve them. They can be happy and content at being couch potatoes like Pugs, so you need to make sure they get enough exercise. They are an excellent companion that loves to join in on the fun. Keep them on a leash while out as they do have a hunting instinct and may give chase when they see smaller animals. Being alone makes them feel anxious which causes them to act out by chewing on furniture and barking. Enjoys daily short walks, but can be very sensitive to the weather. Must avoid overexerting, more importantly when it is too hot or too cold. Keep your activities under 45 minutes each day. They can also be quite content to stay indoors as long as they get the attention and mental stimulation that they need. A Cocker Spaniel Boston Terrier Mix is a medium-sized dog that would need up to three cups of food per day. Quite affectionate and loves spending time with their owners but can be independent or alone for some time in a crowded house. Initially bred to keep livestock under control, the American Bulldog is a very old breed that may have started before the 15th century. Since then, they have lost some of their aggressive tendencies. Nowadays, they are well-known as faithful, loyal companions and famous among school mascots. A reputable breeder should let you know about some of the health issues that are common among the American Bulldog breed: Cherry Eye Cardiac disease Respiratory disease This mixed breed has moderate energy. They would need daily exercise and loves a physical challenge but may not be able to handle too much. When correctly trained and socialized, they can be great around other animals. Their job was to herd cattle on large ranches. They are resilient and clever enough to outsmart their owners. Running, walking, or playing games; they love the physical and mental stimulation. Obedient, very responsive to training and performs well in competitions. They excel in sports and work that involves chasing, hunting, and herding. Great around children, loyal, calm, protective yet gentle, and also enjoy some downtime while being cuddled. They are dedicated to their families and loves receiving all their attention. Their coat requires minimal brushing and easy to care. Keep in mind to use a mild dog shampoo as they can be prone to skin irritations. Use a soft, moist cloth to wipe on the folds of their skin gently. Hot weather can cause them to suffer from heatstroke, and cold climates make them uncomfortable. Boston Terrier English Bulldog Mix puppies have more energy which declines as they age. They require only an hour of active play each day. This hybrid likes playing games but is also calm and inactive when indoors. They are one of the famous breeds in the United States. This small and muscular medium-sized dog can weigh up to 25 pounds and reach a height of 20 inches. The Boston Terrier Pitbull Mix can leave for as long as 12 to 16 years. Can be easily trained to be a guard dog as they are loyal and has a good understanding of people. But they do lose their interest quite quickly if the commands are repeated too many times. It is best to start their training while they are still young. Establish a feeding schedule serving only a cup for each meal three times a day. This can help avoid overeating and help in maintaining a healthy weight. Choose foods that are rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Serve raw vegetables and meats with your dog food. A walk or play time of up to 45 minutes a day is sufficient for this crossbreed. With a small body and short-haired coat, this hybrid is best suited for climates with moderate temperatures. Their coat is not well-equipped for the extreme cold. Grooming is quite easy as only 2 to 3 times a week of brushing to keep their coat shiny and clean. The French Bulldog Boston Terrier Mix is a famous breed as some claims that this cross eliminates some of the health issues that are common to both parent breeds. But unfortunately, this is not true, as this hybrid is still at risk of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome caused by their short skull. The Shih Tzu Boston Terrier Mix is a challenge to house-break, but with patience, it can be rewarding. Can be an ideal watchdog who understands human emotions quite well and very loyal to their owners. With proper and adequate socialization, they can play nice with kids as well as other animals, too. Some of the health issues they have inherited are: Patellar luxation. Light brown, black and brown, white and cream, black, brown and white Suitable for: Active families, families with children Temperament: friendly, alert, affectionate, loving, intelligent, loyal, social, protective Although not recognized by major kennel club registries, these non-aggressive dogs make excellent companions for adults and children alike. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. This characteristic makes them quite similar to other dogs. Miniature Boxers are also known for their sociability and desire to be around others as they dislike being alone. Their lifespan can be anywhere from years with the possibility of certain health conditions developing during the course of their life. Overall, Miniature Boxers can be trained to be excellent household pets. They are best described as being intelligent, friendly, affectionate, alert, loving, playful, gentle, loyal, protective, and social. Miniature boxers are seen as an excellent choice for a family pet because of their friendly and protective nature. Keep in mind that Miniature Boxers can become verbal and aggressive when they meet a stranger and associate it with a sense danger to their human family. However, once they are assured that there is no danger, they will go back to their usual behavior. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They can prove to be a great addition to the household for people from all walks of life including active families, novice dog owners, singles, couples, and active retirees. For kids, having a Miniature Boxer will give them the opportunity to learn practical life lessons about responsibility, patience, and compassion. These high-energy dogs have no issues getting along with other dogs so long as they are properly trained and socialized. The training process begins in the Miniature Boxers first few years of life so by the time they are a bit grown, they will have no issues interacting with others and being social. Furthermore, Miniature Boxers that have been trained get along well with family cats and other animals. This is a great perk because if you have more than one pet in your house, you will not have to worry about your Miniature Boxer getting into a fight or injuring the other ones. Because a mixed-breed dog can inherit any combination of traits from their parents, you want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed so you have a better idea of what to expect in a specific Boston Terrier Mix. Boston Terriers are known for being a great companion dog and a fantastic family pet. They tend to have a gentle nature and a friendly, energetic personality. They also tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. They can be prone to barking, which can become an issue if it is not curbed with early training. If the other parent breed has similar traits, then you should be able to expect a similar temperament in a Boston Terrier Mix. In addition to asking the breeder about the other parent breed, you can also meet the mother dog in-person. This will give you a chance to see what sort of temperament she has, the behavior she is modeling for her puppies, and the manners she is teaching them. The breeder should be socializing puppies while they have them, but it is up to you to continue training and socializing a puppy once you get them home. Boston Terriers are moderately adaptable dogs. They can adapt to almost any type of housing, but they are very sensitive to heat as a brachycephalic dog. If the other parent breed has similar traits, then you should be able to expect a similar level of adaptability in a Boston Terrier Mix. But, you do want to make sure you talk to the breeder about the other parent breed so you know what potential range to expect and to prepare for in your Boston Terrier Mix. A mix can inherit the potential health conditions common to one, both, or neither or their parent breeds. From the Boston Terrier side, potential health concerns include luxating patella , allergies, cataracts, and deafness. They also tend to have a sensitive digestive system and are prone to snoring and reverse sneezing because of their short muzzle. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies, so they should be able to answer your questions. Boston Terriers tend to be a good fit for dog owners of all experience levels. They are intelligent and eager to please, so they pick up on things quickly. It also means they get bored easily and they can have a stubborn streak. Although this can be a challenge for first-time dog owners, puppy training classes can help them handle it. The other parent breed could make a Boston Terrier Mix easier or more difficult to train. You want to make sure you ask about them so you know what potential range of trainability to expect. A Boston Terrier Mix could inherit a coat that is similar to one of their parents or one that is truly a combination of both. Should they end up with a Boston Terrier coat, they will shed a little year-round, require weekly brushing, and bathing as needed. Plus, if you do see anything concerning, you can get to the vet before it becomes a bigger problem. Because many dog owners overlook it, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. A Boston Terrier is an energetic, playful dog with moderate exercise requirements. Daily walks plus some playtime throughout the day are usually enough for this dog. They will have moments of high energy, but they are a brachycephalic dog and they are small so they will tire out quickly. The other parent breed could result in a Boston Terrier Mix that requires more or less exercise. A fully-grown Boston Terrier usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent could affect this, so you do want to ask the breeder about them and note which breed is the mother. A Boston Terrier generally lives for years with some living well into their teens. The other parent breed may affect this slightly, but you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Boston Terrier Mix. Featured Boston Terrier Mix Article.

Welcome to TrustedPuppies. Known as the Buckeye State due to its abundance of buckeye trees, Ohio is located in the Midwestern region of the United States, and is a fantastic destination for dog lovers and their furry companions. Our primary mission is to connect you with the best Ohio Boxer breeders and puppies for sale throughout Ohio. Our site features a wide variety of reputable breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. With an estimated population of over 2. Ohio has a thriving dog community with a wealth of dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and events available for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy. Dine with your pup at popular spots like The DogHouse in Columbus, where you can savor delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our trusted breeders offer safe and affordable flight delivery, with a dedicated flight nanny accompanying your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip as they make their way to their new home in the charming state of Ohio. In addition to flight delivery, most breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option guarantees your puppy is safely transported to your doorstep by a professional who understands the unique needs of pet travel. Please begin your search for the perfect Boxer puppy today on TrustedPuppies. Email: [email protected] 4. Boxer Blvd The simple story of Boxer Blvd. All this family wanted was to breed and raise future best friends and equal family members. They wanted to show the world that Boxers, despite some stigma around them, can be wonderful pets. Boxer Blvd. They can offer you Euro and German Boxers, as well as many different Boxer coat colors , including brindle, reverse brindle, black and white, mahogany, and black. All you have to do is pick a puppy! You will need to contact the breeder for information about the price since every litter can be submitted to changes. Ohio State Boxers I always appreciate an honest breeder who sells puppies with limited registration paperwork. Raising high-quality Boxers is the main goal of every good breeder, and Ohio State Boxers is one of them. Meeting new families and making them happy by allowing them to adopt one of the Ohio State Boxers is what keeps the people behind this small breeding business going. You will appreciate the fact that you can drive there to pick the puppy in person. Video calls are fine, too, as long as you show great interest in enriching your life with a Boxer puppy. When the time comes for a puppy to leave for its new home, it will be checked by the vet, dewormed, vaccinated, and have its dew claws and tail fixed. You get a puppy ready to face its new world. All you need to do is love him and take great care of his health. Ohio State Boxers invites you to come over and see their modern kennels and green fields where their puppies spend their days playing around and exercising. She fell for his Boxer who was competing in dog conformation shows back then! All jokes aside, the couple joined forces and began breeding Boxers, with lots of prior experience coming from Glenn. Just a year after they first met, Cindy bought her first Boxer. Many breeders claim they want to produce only show-quality Boxers, but not Cindy and Glenn. Over the years, the couple kept on learning how to become the best Boxer experts in the state of Ohio.

Welcome to the Alabama state page on TrustedPuppies. Known for its rich history, warm hospitality, and southern charm, Alabama is an excellent place to find and raise your new German Shepherd companion. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional German Shepherd breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable AL breeders who specialize in raising amazing healthy puppies. Our Alabama breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the dynamic dog-friendly scene in Alabama, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Birmingham Kennel Club Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of German Shepherd canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. In the rankings of dog ownership among the states, Alabama occupies the 33rd position, boasting an estimated thousand dogs. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable German Shepherd breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Alabama. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your German Shepherd puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect German Shepherd puppy on TrustedPuppies. Will separate them but they would be better together. Buy and Sell in Dothan, Alabama. Small adoption fee. Dothan, AL. I have a female chiweenie puppy needing a new home, she is 10 weeks old and ready to go. Stop in today and see why Dothan's oldest pet shop is still going strong. Dream Puppys, Dothan, Alabama. We are moving and can't take them with us. Dothan, AL .Wide selection of pets. Wet Pets Dothan, AL We carry a wide range of pets for the pet enthusiast including fish, puppies, birds, and exotics. Instagram page opens in new window Facebook page opens in new window. Female dorkie 7 monthes no papers came from two registered parents was promised papers lost contact with them she is housebroken and kennel broken good with kids loves to ride has had shots and worming not fixed yet we just moved and have to rehome her there will be a fee to good home only. Buy, Sell or Adopt Pets in Dothan. Dogs for Sale in Dothan, AL. Find it via the AmericanTowns Dothan classifieds search or use one of the other free services we have collected to make your search easier, such as Craigslist Dothan, eBay for Dothan, Petfinder. I have a female miniature poodle I need to rehome three three four three four three two six nine zero. We also have all the habitats and supplies for your new pet. Female dorkie 7 monthes no papers came from two registered parents was promised papers lost contact with them she is housebroken and kennel broken good with kids loves to ride has had shots and worming not fixed yet we just moved and have to rehome her there will be a fee to good home only do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers. If you don't see the pet. Contact ads friendship, love, etc. Pets in Dothan - Local Dothan Pets for sale or adoption and wanted ads for pets in your area. We have collected the best sources for Dothan deals, Dothan classifieds, garage sales, pet adoptions and more. Pet Shop with Puppies for sale, Grooming and Boarding. Our puppies are raised as part of our family following puppy culture to ensure the best care, love, and socialization possible. Do you know of any female muscovy duck that is looking for a lifetime mate - please contact me. Will need vet reference before adopting. And remember Craigslistt is a portal where you can find totally free or find the ads you want, from jobs, cars, homes, etc. Also you can search our Alabama Classifieds page for all state deals. Both parents are here to view and our personal pets. Longhaired miniature dachshund puppies. Will separate them but they would be better together do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers. Adoption Center for Rescued Kittens Finding forever. Dothan, Alabama Puppies For Sale. Puppies, kittens, chicken coops, livestock for Adoption in Dothan, AL. If you are unable to find your puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog. Training and employment ads job offers, online, book, online seminars, etc. Craigslist of adoption of animals Dog, Hamster, Rabbit, Parrot, etc. They will have their first set of shots, wormed, and vet checked. Craigslist - Animals, adopt Pets. They will have shots and have been wormed. See us in yoyr city, Dothan! Whirlpool Washer And Dryer Set. At Toys and Teacups we have very high standards when it comes to the health and happiness of our puppies! Why is Uptown puppies for sale in Alabama under different from other puppy finder websites offering puppies for sale in Troy Alabama? The internet is a breeding ground. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Proven cross of some great parent more. Pomeranian puppies for sale in Alabama from trusted breeders. Will be utd on worming and shots. Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppies. Yorkie and Shih Tzu Breeder. Puppies for sale. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Find Pomeranian puppies for saleNear Alabama. All parents on site, Sire is CKC registered. Find dogs and puppies from Alabama breeders. Descendent of large sled dogs, the Pomeranian is a sociable dog with a lush coat of hair. Beautiful Puppies in Alabama At To contact me for a puppy at this time at , for your baby! Puppies for Sale from Alabama Breeders. Great Dane Puppies .Dogs for Sale in Decatur, AL. Puppies for Sale in Alabama, AL. Small puppies, large puppies, all sorts of puppies… we have a premier selection of cheap puppies for sale, of various breeds. This breed is playful and requires regular exercise, and a home with a yard or a walkable location, such as a nearby park, is ideal for this kind of active dog. Address — AL Suite , Spanish. If you are unable to find your puppy in. Find your Toy Poodle puppy for sale in Alabama. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details. Contact us today to learn more about our. If you are unable to find your puppy in our. Miniature Poodle Puppies for Sale in Alabama. If you are looking for puppies and dogs for sale or adoption in areas other than Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery or Alabama please use the search box! Shes eager to learn and would do great in a home that more. English Bulldog Puppies in Alabama. Contact us today to learn more about our adorable puppies. AKC English Bulldog puppies available. If you are unable to find your puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Dogs for Adoption. Dogs for Sale in Birmingham, AL. She is so adorable! Valley, AL dandbgardner charter. Take a peek at all our featured breeds to get more information on our breeders and puppies for sale in. Now, Taver is looking for another person or family to love. Find your puppy for sale in Alabama. Ultra-petite, the Pomeranian is active, easy to train and enjoys the outdoors, but also loves to curl up on the couch. These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Alabama. All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. Our Girls Did Us Proud! The Labrador Retriever Puppies for sale in Alabama is a large breed dog who weighs between 55 and 80 lbs. Find Pomeranian puppies for sale Near Alabama Descendent of large sled dogs, the Pomeranian is a sociable dog with a lush coat of hair. We look forward to helping you find your next family member. Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in Jackson, Alabama and nearby cities. Puppies for Sale in Alabama. She is housebroken and walks well on a leash. Here is my address so you can go to maps and see how far I am from you. Advertise your dogs and puppies for free! We want to bring fun, love and smiles to a family. PatsysPups LaFayette , Al. Puppies for Sale from Birmingham, Alabama Breeders. Find Puppies and Breeders in AL and helpful information. Designer breed bugg puppies Pug and Boston terrier. Pomeranian Puppies in Alabama. Dogs for Sale in Opelika, AL. We live in Cullman, Alabama easily found from I.Heart Song Standard Poodles is located just outside of Huntsville, Alabama on 4 acres where the poodles can watch our horses, bark without fear of bothering the neighbors and enjoy the natural outdoors. Our puppies are raised as part of our family following puppy culture to ensure the best care, love, and socialization possible. We have six beautiful puppies, five females and one male. Learn more puppies available certified breeders Transportation Location Color. Dogs for Sale in Tuscaloosa, AL. We have one solid white, one with brindle colors, several white with the black and brown ey…. Cocoa is a precious little chocolate poodle. Find Pomeranian puppies for sale. They will be ready for their forever homes May 13, BamaPups — Puppies for Sale. Small Puppies for Sale in Alabama. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Black male and female available. They will be ready to their new homes about the of June. Location: Rainsville, AL. They have first shots, wormed and flea treatments. Shes eager to learn and would do great in a home that … more. By Joey Kennedy jkennedy al. They knew he was part Labrador Retriever, and thought maybe he had some German Shepherd. We thought maybe border collie or Great Dane. So a few weeks ago, the Fromholds decided to end the guessing. Karen Fromhold sent for a Wisdom Panel 2. Milo is a Lab mix. He's also got some German Shepherd. But the big surprise, said Fromhold, is that the breed Milo tested mostly for is Alaskan Malamute. Milo did, after all, show Lab and German Shepherd. It seems like the Alaskan Malamute and Lab have similar personalities: Loyal, affectionate dogs. He's definitely that. And he doesn't like the heat very much. He's a big dog. If he doesn't know somebody and they come to the house, he doesn't run right up to strangers. He's the only dog I've ever had who likes to watch TV mostly the Disney channel. When my daughter is practicing piano, he's there. And the way he barks -- he talks. He doesn't really sound like a Lab. At the time, the Fromholds bought a book on Labrador Retrievers to help them know how to raise Milo. And that's Milo. Milo's Wisdom Panel If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Footer Navigation.

German Shepherds of all ages are typically heavy year-round shedders. The reason for their noticeable increase in shedding is that this is when they start to grow in a new adult coat. For this to happen, their baby fur has to go. Yet, unlike other breeds where they shed their hair all at once. It happens gradually over the course of a week or two. It then gets replaced with a new, coarser, denser coat. Keep reading to learn more about when these adorable puppies and their coats. Losing the Puppy Coat At Birth German Shepherd puppies are born with a dense, fluffy coat that keeps them warm and snug. It was also thick enough to keep him protected from bumps and falls. That soft, but highly dense, coat helps reduce their risk of injury. You probably know by now that German Shepherds are big shedders anyway. Although, during that time, there will be a distinct increase in shedding. GSDs have a medium-length coat that consists of two layers: an undercoat and an outer coat. The undercoat is the one closest to their skin. This fuzzy layer is thick with fluffy hairs that are relatively short, measuring less than two inches on average. It serves one primary purpose: to keep the dog comfy and cozy all winter long. Then, you have the outer top coat. It comes in three different lengths: short, medium, and long. Even though GSDs shed non-stop all year long, there are two times during the year when their shedding becomes excessive. They do this again in the fall to make room for a new, thicker coat to grow in preparation for winter. This ability to adapt is one of the reasons why GSDs are great at functioning in all kinds of various weather conditions. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. That said, they still do a lot of shedding, and their fur is just as susceptible to getting tangled and matted up. Thus, the best type of grooming brushes for this short-haired breed is pin brushes. It helps remove tangles and dirt. They also work to eliminate pests, such as fleas and ticks. Slicker brushes work best with dogs that have wiry hair. They have short, thin wires placed close together on a flat surface designed to effectively remove mats, dirt, and pests. Those with hair on the longish side will also benefit from an undercoat rake. Long-Haired To keep their coats slick, shiny, and tangle-free, long-haired GSDs do well with an undercoat rake. As the name suggests, this grooming tool has many tiny, curved, sharp blades placed close together. It also helps break up mats and remove loose hairs. Dogs with a long outer coat will also need a slicker brush to ensure their fur is clean, knot-free, and shinier than ever. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. This is especially important because GSDs are such people lovers. So, being the friendly, fun-loving dog that he is, grooming becomes a special way for the two of you to spend quality time together. Check out more emotional benefits grooming has on your German Shepherd: Increases the special bond you have with your furry four-legged friend It makes your pooch calmer and more relaxed The positive reinforcement dogs get during grooming makes them more confident Fosters positive behavior Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. How to Grow German Shepherd Hair? Their diet will also have a huge impact on their overall growth and coat growth and composition. Many topical oils can also improve hair growth in dogs such as vitamin E and evening primrose oil. Below, we will go over exactly how to care for, maintain, and grow out the coat of your German Shepherd. Follow these simple steps, and before you know it, your canine companion will have a lovely and lustrous fur coat to show off at the dog park. German Shepherds come with four different types of coats. Shedding leads to matting, and matting leads to stunted coat length. Brushing does more than just remove any excess hair that your pooch sheds. It helps keep their skin healthy in general. Brushing your dog distributes oils from their glands to the rest of their fur. It also helps their skin. Healthier skin leads to a healthier coat. You can either brush and bathe your dog yourself or find a quality groomer. We recommend brushing your dog daily and scheduling regular appointments with a grooming service. A monthly grooming appointment will go a long way toward managing any undercoat shedding that your German Shepherd exhibits. If you are trying to give your German Shepherd a clean and healthy coat, bathing them on the right schedule is key. How much you bathe your dog will depend on a few factors. How much outdoor time does your dog get? How long is their coat? Will you be showing your dog professionally or are they mainly your family pet? Bathing your German Shepherd too often can cause skin irritation, drying, and even hair loss. So, you can expect to give your pooch a dip in the tub no more than every 3 weeks. Not bathing your dog often enough can also cause issues. Going more than 12 weeks between baths can cause excess coat oil build-up. If your dog spends most of their time indoors, a bath every weeks will usually do the trick. Brushing before the bath can help ensure that their coat gets evenly washed and brushing after bathing prevents matting and reduces shedding. This will help any shampoo and conditioning treatments you use penetrate evenly. To keep your drain from clogging with dog hair, you might want to consider taking your pooch to a groomer or bathing them outside. This can inhibit fur growth over time. Wait until your dog is completely dry, and then thoroughly brush them out to distribute the oil from their skin glands through their fur. This will also help with any potential matting and shedding. If you blow-dry your dog, use the lowest possible heat setting. There are many dog foods available that claim to help with fur growth. In many cases, these claims are accurate. Since German Shepherds can be prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis, a high-quality diet is a good idea no matter what. Healthy fats play a very important role in preventing hair loss. Key nutrients can prevent dullness as well. Health Many dogs can suffer from skin or coat issues at some point in their lifetime. But, certain breeds seem to be more prone to them. German Shepherds, for example, are predisposed to food and environmental allergies, while Golden Retrievers are known to suffer from canine atopic dermatitis caused by allergies to food and environmental irritants as well as fleas. For dogs, skin health manifests in the coat, which could shed, present hotspots bald spots , or become dull. If your dog is suffering from skin and coat issues, or simply has lackluster hair, talk to your veterinarian about adding supplements to their diet. Skin and coat supplements provide vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support skin health and encourage healthy coat growth in all dogs. If you make a purchase through one of the links I get a small commission at no additional cost to you :. What to Look for in a Supplement for Dog Coat Growth Certain vitamins and nutrients are proven effective in supporting coat growth. When choosing supplements for dog coat growth, make sure you look for the following: Omega Fatty Acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are commonly found in fish oil, although they can also be found in non-animal sources like flaxseeds and nuts. They help the body absorb crucial fat-soluble vitamins, strengthen the immune system, control hormones, and support cellular growth. Because of all this, they are vital to controlling inflammation within the body. In particular, Omega-3 fatty acids are scarce in the typical canine diet. So, taking it in supplement form is incredibly beneficial. In fact, skin and coat issues are often the first noticeable sign of canine vitamin A deficiency. Over time, a chronic lack of vitamin A can also lead to poor eye health and deteriorating vision. In fact, it is one of the most common causes of night blindness in dogs. Additionally, this vitamin plays a huge role in muscle and nerve health. So, it supports cell reproduction, minimizes the risk of cancer, and slows down the natural aging process. Although it offers a host of benefits to the body, it is most often given as a supplement to dogs that are prone to allergies or have itchy and dry skin. When the problem is localized, vitamin E oil can be applied topically, but oral supplements are better for widespread cases or for prevention. Biotin As early as , a study had scientifically proven that biotin is useful in improving a variety of fur and skin conditions in dogs. Zinc Zinc is essential to cellular regeneration and so affects organ health as well as that of the skin, nails, and coat. Additionally, it plays a vital role in sustaining a healthy immune system. Typically, a zinc deficiency starts with digestive distress along with shedding and coat dullness. It could also lead to crusty skin around the muzzle, eyes, and groin. Thankfully, dogs usually show significant improvement within weeks. It also contains vitamins C and E, biotin, and zinc, making it an excellent supplement for dog coat growth and shine. Neither is it formulated with any artificial flavorings or preservatives. Dogs tend to love this because they come as bite-sized, chicken-flavored chews that resemble high-value treats. Its Omega 3 content comes from fish oil, while the Omega 6 comes from sunflower oil. The Omega 9, although not an essential fatty acid, comes from primrose oil, which is especially beneficial for dogs with dull and dry coats. These chews are small in size, and dogs should generally be given three chewable tablets daily. They come in a bacon and liver flavor, which most dogs seem to love and enjoy as a treat. This supplement harnesses the power of known superfoods like flaxseeds and kelp to support optimum skin health and manage issues like itchiness, dryness, and shedding. Additionally, it is formulated with phytonutrients and dietary fiber to aid proper digestion. The Missing Link has always been known to provide wholly healthy products, and the Original Superfood Supplement is no exception. Its ingredients are cold-pressed to avoid the need for artificial preservatives. Taking these supplements will not only make their coats look more lush and beautiful; They will also be healthier and less prone to illness. For German Shepherds, in particular, the Omega fatty acids in these supplements will also minimize the risk of hip dysplasia and joint inflammation. Apart from supplementation, you might want to consider switching to grain-free dog food. High-quality kibble that uses alternative grains is excellent for dogs that have skin and coat issues, including allergies, shedding, itching, and dull fur. Let me know in the comments. Best of all? Maintain an optimal diet. Are you feeding your dog food specifically made for their skin health? Providing a healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce excessive shedding. Lower quality dog food is largely composed of ingredients that German Shepherds have a hard time digesting, like wheat,s soy, or corn. GSDs are also prone to dry skin and allergies, some of which are linked to a lack of a balanced diet. A balanced diet builds a strong immune system in your dog — and a healthy immune system is able to better fight diseases and maintain skin health. Look for dog food that lists meat as the main ingredient, as meats are easier to digest and absorb. Quality ingredients reduce shedding and help with dry skin as the nutrients are more readily available. For excessive hair fall and shedding, feed Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach dog food to help nourish their skin and coat while limiting irritations. Did you know that dehydration can lead to dry skin? And dry skin can cause shedding and contribute to other illnesses. Make sure your German Shepherd always has access to clean, fresh drinking water. One simple and often overlooked German Shepherd shedding solution is to ensure your dog is drinking enough water. Hydrated, supple skin resists excessive shedding. Inadequate water intake could lead to dry skin, which in turn could lead to skin irritation, constant itching, hair follicles weakening, and hair falling out unnecessarily. How much water is enough for a German Shepherd? So, if your dog is thirsty because she has been outside playing, let her drink. Some owners even supply their dogs filtered water, which is great. But as long as the water is clean and fresh, tap water is just as good. Adding in a portion of wet food to their regular kibble is a good way to help keep your dog hydrated source. If you take long walks or play intense games, be sure to have a travel water botter to give your dog the hydration they need when on the go. Brush thoroughly and frequently. Brushing more frequently can trap hairs on your brushing tool, instead of your couch. This means that fur winds up on your brush, which you can throw away, as opposed to your clothing, floors, and furniture which is harder to clean. Use a grooming tool that is designed specifically to remove shedding undercoats on a German Shepherd called a rake brush. The Conair Pro Undercoat Rake Brush removes dead hair from the undercoat and spreads healthy skin oils, resulting in a glossy coat. Brush frequently, but gently The more often you brush your German Shepherd, the more hair you will remove to avoid excessive hair loss. During the shedding seasons of fall and spring, brush your German Shepherd daily. At other times brush your dog at least twice a week—more if you have time. Make grooming a habit that your dog enjoys by keeping your shedding removal sessions short, 5 to 10 minutes, positive, and using gentle strokes with a light hand. Brush your dog outside or on walks. Want to learn a quick routine for brushing your German Shepherd? Bathe them with a de-shedding, moisturizing shampoo. Did you know there are shampoos and conditioners which can reduce hair fall in your GSD? This also prevents irritation and scratching from developing — which can lead to your German Shepherd losing hair. Bathing with de-shedding products loosens and removes the excess undercoat and dead hair. Overbathing can cause dry skin, which causes itching and shedding by stripping their natural skin oils. German Shepherd hair fall shampoo and conditioner Many GSDs need conditioner to prevent dry, itchy skin and further hair loss. The soap-free formula is safe to use with spot-on flea and tick products. It also contains no dyes or parabens for dogs with sensitive skin, while helping to maintain normal shedding and reducing doggie odor. After bathing your dog, towel-dry him to remove excess water. A damp coat is a breeding ground for bacteria on the skin — which can increase hair loss! Keep brushing and wiping them with the towel until they are no longer damp. Check and control fleas and ticks. Fleas can cause your dog to scratch continually, which causes fur to fall out. So, make sure your dog is free of fleas, ticks, or other parasites that cause skin issues. A flea-free dog prevents dandruff, irritated skin, hair loss, and decreases overall shedding. In many cases, a safe flea treatment that your vet recommends should be enough to prevent parasites. However, fleas can induce Flea Allergy Dermatitis FAD , which is one of the most common dermatologic diseases in household dogs throughout the United States source. This irritation, in turn, can lead to itching, excessive shedding, and even hair loss or bald patches of hair. If you notice redness, patchy balding areas, scabs, or have any concerns at all, contact a veterinarian. Keep a de-shedding spray on hand. This lightweight de-shedding spray helps prevent shedding. Always keep a lightweight de-shedding spray on hand to add back moisture and prevent the skin from drying out. The spray contains conditioners that coat the hair, preventing unnecessary hair loss. Moisturized hair is harder to come loose easily. Also, the moisture in the de-shedding spray keeps your dog from scratching at dry skin which helps inhibit hair fall. The combination of the spray and rake brush is an easy, powerful way to reduce German Shepherd hair loss. Look for sprays that contain healthy skin oils, such as jojoba, safflower, sunflower, or coconut to aid in skin health. Give them a stress-reducing massage. Stress causes hair loss — which directly adds to a shedding problem. You might laugh, but an anxious or stressed dog loses more hair than a calm, relaxed dog. As an added bonus, massage provides a daily dose of bonding! Massage for stress and shedding reduction Sit next to your dog on the floor in a quiet, comfortable room. Using very light hands, stroke your dog softly from head to tail for 15 minutes. Do this every week. Not only is this relaxing for your dog, but petting a dog is shown to decrease your blood pressure and increases bonding. Use these double-duty grooming gloves for extra hair removal. The innovative design features the perfect combination of rubber nodules on the fingers and palm, which feels like a massage, and helps to promote bonding. They work specifically as a heavy-duty de-shedder to capture hard to reach hair. While this seems like a simple shedding solution, proving a massage with the right type of grooming tool reduces stress in your German Shepherd and goes a long way to keep them healthy. Feed a shed control nutritional supplement. Shed-X claims to stop excessive shedding in only 3 to 6 weeks! Created by a certified veterinarian, the Shed-X Dermalex Shed Control Nutritional Supplement reduces and even eliminates excessive shedding. The specially formulated nutrients focus on an optimum coat and skin health for fast-acting results. In only 3 to 4 weeks A more manageable and healthier coat with less hair fall, while your German Shepherd enjoys the tasty flavor and essential fatty acids to reduce itchy, scaly skin. Combine fish oil into their daily diet. If your dog is lacking in fatty acids, then adding fish oil may help be a simple solution to reduce their shedding. Fish oil contains omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, which significantly decreases hair shedding. Given daily fish oils can help aid in excessive shedding. Look for a natural supplement that also contains other proven skin-healthy oils, like flaxseed oil. Zesty Paws contains both salmon and hemp seed oil and is great for a healthy coat. Moreover, a blend of wild Alaskan salmon and refined virgin hemp seed oils work together to pack a powerful punch of nutrients and omega fatty acids. These ingredients may improve coat health, joint mobility, heart health, stress levels, and immunity. A strong coat starts with supple skin that prevents excessive hair loss and protects your GSD from irritations. Keep in mind that positive effects take a few months to notice. So stay consistent with daily use for the best results. See more fish oils for German Shepherds. Reduces itching, scratching, and hair loss from food allergies. Always have clean, fresh water on hand. Even during cooler weather the skin can become dried out due to lack of water intake. Bathe with a de-shedding shampoo. Apply parasite prevention to avoid skin issues and hair loss from irritation caused by bug bites. Apply a de-shedding spray. De-shedding sprays reduce hair fall by keeping the skin moisturized and adding nutrients to the skin. Give a stress-reducing massage. A calm, relaxed dog is a pet that sheds less. And, using massaging and grooming gloves packs a double-punch of hair removal power! Feed a shed control supplement. Combine fish oil into their diet. Use this helpful table to find the best ways to de-shed a German Shepherd. German Shepherds are heavy shedders and their coat requires regular maintenance to show optimum health. Watch out for hair loss and skin disease that needs to be addressed and treated by your vet. Ger your dog evaluated by a veterinarian when you see any unusual hair or skin problems. Is there a permanent German Shepherd shedding solution? However, many of the shedding solutions listed give you the steps you need to understand how to stop German Shepherd hair fall in huge amounts. Include a few or all of these shedding tips into your routine and results will happen, but not overnight. And, when all else fails or you feel like giving up, just buy a shedding bodysuit for your German Shepherd like so many other dog owners have! The biggest factor in excessive hair loss is the overall health of your dog. But, an overall healthy skin and coat health routine decreases hair loss and makes cleaning your home more manageable. When all that fur flying has got you down, just remember… Why not get this funny magnet as a gentle reminder to yourself and your family? Shed Happens! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Providing your German Shepherd with a healthy diet is also essential to hair growth. There are several health problems, such as alopecia, to look out for if you notice hair loss in your dog. Long-Haired vs. Short-Haired German Shepherds German Shepherds can have different hair types , or in this case, coat types. Although the hair is different on each German Shepherd, caring for their fur is relatively the same. Their coat differs from the short-haired German shepherds because it grows up to two inches and is silky. Short hair: Short-haired German shepherds are the most commonly seen type. Short-haired German shepherds have a double coat which is close and dense with a thick undercoat. Short-haired differs from long-haired because their hair is short, thick, and rough. Depending on the amount of time your German shepherd spends outside will determine how often you should bathe it. Typically, German Shepherds only need to be washed times per year. Because their coats are so thick, they build up natural oils that are healthy for their skin. Therefore, too frequent bathing strips away those beneficial oils. If your German Shepherd is outside more often than usual and gets dirty quickly, then bathing every two months or so is acceptable for their skin. Too much oil, however, can cause skin problems and prevent hair growth. Bathing your dog will help clean out its fur and pores, which will allow the hair to grow once again. German Shepherds are big dogs, so getting them into a bathtub or a kiddie pool might end up in you getting wetter than your dog. However, if not, slowly introducing your German Shepherd and training as you do so is the best course of action. Eventually, your dog should get used to bathtime. This shampoo is great for German Shepherds because it helps with shedding and promotes a healthy coat and skin. Because of the oils that build up in hair, brushing distributes these oils all over. Shedding is a natural cycle among dog breeds. Deshedding is especially important for German Shepherds because of their naturally thick coats. So, regularly brushing your dog is essential. However, similar to bathing, if your German Shepherd is outdoors often, brushing more might be preferred, especially if you notice more shedding. Without a healthy diet and the proper nutrients, it will stunt hair growth. Therefore, you might be depriving your German Shepherd of essential nutrients that it needs for proper hair growth. Zinc deficiency, for instance, is common among dogs. Zinc is an essential element for the skin in everyone, not just dogs. Zinc deficiency causes hair loss, skin ulcers, and areas of skin thickening and cracking in dogs. This product is excellent for supporting healthy skin and coat in dogs because of the Omega 3 fatty acids, and it even comes in liquid form, which makes it easier to serve it to your dog mixed with food. Alopecia Alopecia, characterized as a varied or symmetrical hair loss, is usually seen as missing patches of fur, and the skin can become red and inflamed. One of the leading causes of alopecia is mange. There are different levels of severity to look out for when it comes to alopecia. If you notice hair loss in multiple areas with scaling on the patches, this is a more severe case and should be looked at by a vet. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism in dogs , is when the immune system decides the thyroid is abnormal or foreign and attacks it. While hair loss is a sign of hypothyroidism, other symptoms include excessive weight gain, pigmentation of the skin, and lethargy. If you notice any of these signs along with hair loss, take your German Shepherd to the vet to get checked out. Final Thoughts If your German Shepherd is having trouble with hair regrowth or hair loss problems, taking simple steps such as bathing, brushing, and paying attention to its diet can encourage hair production. While numerous health problems lead to hair loss in dogs, these problems will be noticeable and easily treated by a veterinarian.

They are a loving and sensitive breed. One of the most common questions asked by new French Bulldog owners is how much food they require, and how often should they be fed. French Bulldogs typically will eat as much food as you give them. The amount of food required depends on their age, weight, and activity level. Source Feeding French Bulldog puppies When puppies are born they get all of their nutritional needs by drinking milk produced by their mothers. Breeders typically start to wean the puppies off their mother's milk by weeks and by six weeks they are eating kibble 1. When your puppy is home with you at 8 weeks old they will typically require 1. I recommend splitting this up between meals over the day. When our puppy was at a very young age we would mix the kibble with a little bit of water to soften the food for them. As your puppy is at a stage of rapid growth over the following year we recommend feeding your dog the best nutritional food you can afford. Active Frenchbuilldogs based on a weight of 15kg 33lb requires caloiuries a day. This can be split over several meals and would be approximately 3cups of kibble. How much should I feed my elderly French Bulldog? As your French Bulldog ages and activity levels decrease they will require less food. Typically they will require calories per g 1lb of body weight. However, if your dog is showing they are still hungry and underweight feed them. How much should I feed my underweight Frenchie? Increase the amount of food you are feeding your dog up to between calouries per g 1lb of body weight until they are at their ideal weight. What can you feed your dog? Kibble Dry food is very accessible and can be purchased at most supermarkets. Nutritional values provided by kibble differ by product sold. We recommend doing some research to provide good quality kibble to your dog. Some of the benefits listed for kibble are: Increased dental health Reduced risk of bacteria Raw diet Raw food can be homemade, and or store-bought. Meticulous care and planning need to be done to ensure your dog does not get sick. Some studies have found many benefits of raw diets: Healthier coat and fur Increased longevity Fresh diet Cooking for your dog at home allows you to provide nutritionally valuable ingredients of your own choice. The downside is that it does take up time and requires planning to make. If you decide to feed your dog fresh food we highly recommend that you consult an animal nutritionist. Some of the benefits of feeding your dog fresh food are below. Avoids fillers Allows a variety of food Food quality To learn more about your dogs microbiomme and gut health visit our blog post here. If you are after dog shirts, or cooling shirts for your French Bulldog visit our shop here. Three to four times a day 4 — 5 months 6 months and above Two times a day Pregnant or breastfeeding French Bulldogs may eat up to three times a day within eight hours. Meanwhile, puppies require more frequent feedings than adult dogs due to their rapid metabolism. In general, a French Bulldog puppy should be fed three times daily between two and six months. Once the French Bulldog puppy reaches the age of six months, the feeding frequency can be reduced to two meals each day. As developing puppies, your Frenchie requires a consistent daily feeding plan. The feeding plan should incorporate at least three measured meals per day. Its dinner schedule is vital, as it allows ample time to digest the food and go pee or potty before bedtime. Between 14 and 18 weeks, you can begin accustoming your French Bulldog puppy to two meals each day. If your veterinarian advises you to keep your French Bulldog on a three-meals-a-day diet, this must be properly followed. Senior dogs can be fed on the same schedule when given three meals a day. Since elderly dogs do not move as much, they may develop too much weight. Consequently, you should ensure that the food contains fewer calories, more fiber, and an appropriate balance of fat and protein. Your veterinarian should have a recommended amount of treats you should give your dog. Again, it will vary according to its weight and level of activity. If you must frequently use treats for training, use tiny bits or give them a licking mat. Best Dog Foods for French Bulldog A feeding guide for Frenchie dog lovers would be incomplete without the information on the best dog food for their furry companion. There are numerous food options available for French Bulldogs. The best pet food varies from one Frenchie to another. Perhaps your French Bulldog is a fussy eater or suffers from food allergies. It is feasible to provide a balanced diet for your French Bulldogs if you use the best store-bought or homemade dog food that contains all the nutrition needed by your dog and as prescribed by your veterinarian. The list below shows the best dog food options you can provide your French Bulldog: Dry Food: Dry dog food is commercially available kibble. This can be an excellent alternative for French Bulldogs with sensitive stomachs. French Bulldog puppies require high-quality dry food that is high in animal protein to aid in growth and muscular development. Wet Food: Wet food is contained in a can; it is primarily composed of water and is considered highly mushy food. However, wet food expires more quickly than dry food, making it the least practical alternative. Home-Cooked Diet: A home-cooked, protein-rich diet like a chicken meal is excellent for French Bulldogs. Unlike ordinary kibble, it contains no additives or preservatives. It supports healthy digestion and may help avoid various problems related to a bad diet, including obesity, dry skin and coat, pancreatitis, diabetes, and a low immune system. French Bulldogs are prone to developing a variety of joint and back issues. Along with other joint problems, they may develop luxating patella or hip dysplasia. Both glucosamine and chondroitin are critical components of a high-quality French Bulldog dog diet. These essential vitamins assist your French in developing the connective tissue necessary for healthy joints and spine support. Omega-3 fatty acids can assist your Frenchie to keep muscle mass and strength by reducing inflammation and soreness. Also, this can promote healthy skin by preventing itchy and flaky skin. Whether wet and dry food, raw food, or a homemade diet, each dog food offers several benefits and drawbacks. Consult a veterinarian before deciding to know exactly what food option suits your Frenchie. Any French Bulldog owner will attest that vomiting is far more common in this breed than in other dogs. While it cannot be totally prevented, you should know what human foods are toxic to French Bulldogs. Some of the foods to avoid are not only bad for Frenchie; many of them can be fatal. They may result in poisoning and, in the worst-case scenario, death. This section enumerates some of the most dangerous foods for French Bulldogs. I will discuss why these foods are poisonous and when you should contact a veterinarian. The first and most prevalent is chocolate. It contains a toxin called theobromine , which can cause a variety of health problems when consumed in large amounts. This can cause irregular heartbeats, seizures, and sudden death. Garlic and onions should also never be included in the diet of your Frenchie puppy or adult dog. Even a trace of these vegetables can result in anemia and red blood cell failure in your pup. Poisoning symptoms include lethargy, fatigue, vomiting, rapid breathing, and an increased heart rate. However, remember that you may not immediately notice poisoning symptoms because the toxic consequences may take a few days to manifest. Additionally, grapes are one of the most toxic foods for your Frenchie. A dog that has consumed grapes may exhibit stomach bloating and diarrhea. They need to be taken to a veterinarian immediately. In severe cases, gastric lavage is the best course of action. Candy, artificial sweeteners, corn on the cob, roasted bones, avocado, raisins, almonds, cherry, peach, plum, coconut oil, mustard seeds, alcohol, coffee, blue cheese, and tomatoes are also regarded to be unsafe for French Bulldogs. Furthermore, there are certain foods that you should avoid giving your Pitbull owing to the negative side effects they may cause. While they are not considered dangerous, they can cause nausea, diarrhea, and weight gain. Numerous dogs wind up at veterinarian clinics due to improper food intake. While prevention is always the best course of action, it is critical to understand emergency care and medication expenses. Read our article on French Bulldog costs to learn more about the medical expenditures associated with a French Bulldog. These adjustments should ideally take place over 5 to 7 days. Consult a veterinarian in this scenario, especially if you intend to switch to a raw or homemade diet. Feeding an Overweight French Bulldog French Bulldogs can quickly gain weight, resulting in various health problems. Thus, dog owners need to notice when their Frenchie gets overweight to assist the dog in maintaining a healthy weight and living a healthy life. Average adult French Bulldogs should have a body weight between 19 and 29 pounds for males, while 18 to 28 pounds for females. The most common indications that your Frenchie is overweight include lack of muscle definition and difficulty breathing during brief exercises. In terms of visual indicators, a Frenchie within their healthy weight will have a thin layer of fat covering their ribs. Meanwhile, those with excess fat have noticeable deposits in the chest and stomach area. Also, you should be able to see and feel their spine as they bend and curl into a sleeping position. Furthermore, Frenchies have an hourglass form, with a visible waistline that is smaller than their chest when they are not overweight. Regardless of these symptoms, it is always advisable to seek confirmation from a professional veterinarian. Feeding an obese Frenchie means maintaining a consistent food plan throughout the day to aid in weight loss. Additionally, this stops your dog from eating more than it requires. Apart from planned feeding times, serving the correct meal proportions is essential. If your Frenchie is overweight, owners should focus on how much food is offered to them. Reducing their daily kibble intake by half a cup can help them significantly reduce weight. Moreover, you should offer them foods with fewer calories, more fiber, and more protein. As a result, your Frenchie will burn more calories and lose weight more quickly. It is preferable to give your dog treats that contain only one ingredient, are low in calories, and contain no added sugar, such as sweet potato and blueberry bites. Alternatively, you can treat your dog with items that are already in your refrigerator, such as tiny portions of sweet potatoes, apples, and bananas. Regularly weigh your dog, monitor how many calories they intake, and establish a target body weight for them. Also, pain can make a Frenchie nervous and unable to eat, so keep an eye out for evident signs of injury. Another common reason for your French Bulldog not to eat is discomfort in the mouth caused by dental issues. Furthermore, gastrointestinal conditions, certain medicines, vaccination, overfeeding, or other serious health problems can cause a French Bulldog not to eat. As a result, you must keep an eye on your Frenchie and contact your veterinarian if the condition persists for weeks. Do French Bulldogs Eat a Lot? French Bulldogs are opportunistic feeders by nature. Thus, they will continue to eat as long as you provide pet food. They may begin to require more than is necessary to fulfill their appetite due to this behavior. Also, when a French Bulldog is agitated, it may begin to overeat. The most effective strategy to combat stress-related overeating is to thrive in a calm environment. At times, your dog may become bored and eat more than usual to keep itself occupied somehow. Thus, you must keep a watch on any of these factors. Can French Bulldogs Eat Bones? Dogs should not consume cooked bones of any kind. The bones may splinter, resulting in deadly shards that might cause injury due to choking hazards. Thus, if you wish to offer your Frenchie a bone, vets recommend raw meat bones, preferably from farm-raised chicken. These are best given after a meal to prevent them from eating too much. Remove it after around ten minutes and store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for tomorrow. To avoid bacterial contamination, it is recommended to discard it after a few days and keep it separate from other raw meat and food. Can French Bulldogs Be Vegetarians? Each Frenchie is one-of-a-kind. Simply because your French Bulldog likes veggies does not mean it can go full-on vegetarian. Also, bear in mind that many veggies are dangerous and toxic to your French Bulldog. Certain vegetables are acceptable to be fed to a French Bulldog, but only in small portions. Final Thoughts French Bulldogs are, without a doubt, playful, intelligent, and compassionate dogs. On the other hand, Frenchies are greedy eaters, and food serves as their primary motivator. Thus, a critical component of owning this breed is understanding how much, how frequently, and what food to feed a French Bulldog. You can supply dry food, wet food, raw food diets, or a homemade diet for your pet. Since Frenchie pups and adults may have food sensitivities, providing or making the best dog food for their age and nutritional requirements is critical. By doing so, you can help your Frenchie prevent undesirable health problems. This can help guarantee that your Frenchie receives the safest and healthiest diet as much as possible. Let us know in the comments below about your experience with feeding your French Bulldog! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Pin64 71 Shares When we first brought Claude home, we had no idea on how much food we should be giving him. We spoke to our vet, and this is what he told us about how much you should feed a French bulldog puppy. A French bulldog puppy should be fed 3 times a day whilst there are still 2 to 6 months old. Once the French bulldog puppy reaches 6 months, you can reduce the feeding schedule down to 2 meals a day. But now having been a French bulldog owner for 3 years, I can now look back and give you some more detail on exactly what our French bulldog puppy feeding schedule was like and how it worked for us and him. French bulldog puppy feeding chart Below you can see a French bulldog puppy feeding guide I put together. It contains some rough guidance on how you should schedule and plan his feeds, and what other factors you might need to take into account. Please do print it out and put on your fridge. How many cups of food should I feed my French Bulldog? Before you look at the French Bulldog feeding chart below, you might want the quick answer to how many cups of food to feed your French Bulldog. As a general rule of thumb, you should feed a French Bulldog puppy aged 8 to 12 weeks around 1 and a half cups of food a day, in 3 separate meals. As your Frenchie gets older, the number of cups of food you should feed them will change. You can see the cup amounts and frequencies in the French Bulldog feeding chart graphic below. This French bulldog puppy feeding chart tells you how much you should feed them Source: Canin The French bulldog puppy feeding chart shown above is taken from the Royal Canin dog food range. This is exactly what we fed Claude as he was growing up. They range a specific French bulldog puppy food, and on the packaging you will see a version of the chart above, including how best to feed your own puppy. Handy Hint: To stop your Frenchie from bloating and possibly choking you should use a suitable feeding bowl. Here are the best French Bulldog food bowls that vets recommend. When you take your puppy to his new home, he should already be used to eating puppy food. As I mentioned earlier, you should be feeding your French bulldog puppy 3 times a day. They need that regularity as they are growing and burning a lot of calories. You know how energetic they are! How much you feed them at each mealtime will typically be half a cup of their dry puppy food. Across the day, that will equate 1. However, their weight and health will then determine how much you feed them as they get older. Calories matter, but are hard to count As French bulldogs get older, you should try to feed them according to their weight. For every pound, they should be fed between 25 and 30 calories. However, for the rest of this French bulldog puppy feeding guide, I am just going to talk in cups. Puppy weight How can weigh your puppy at the vets or, and this is can be a more interesting and fun way if your puppy already knows how to sit, have them sit on a scale at home. It will not be as accurate as a scale at the vet, but it could be a cheap and fun experience for you and your pet. Because of this, your puppy may be a little stubborn about eating dry and wet food if they were only just recently weaned. Here is where the math gets a little more detailed, but not too complicated. When they are between 8 to 12 weeks old, the puppy should be fed about 1. This food should be high in calories since they need extra nutrients that they are no longer getting from their mother. This kind of follows the main rule when it comes to spreading out the meals to 3 times a day. But for younger pups, many owners will split the 1. Because feeding them 0. Once they are between 6 and 9 months old, they should be used to their eating routine. That is when the main rule is applied because by then, the pup will be maturing into its adult size and should weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. What about older dogs? Also, if you are wondering how much they should be fed once they start hitting their senior years, they should be fed a little less as long only if they are not as active. Make sure you still stretch out the meals to 3 to 4 times like when they were puppies because it is not uncommon for their stomachs to weaken with old age. Overweight or underweight? French bulldog puppies usually weight between 8. Once they reach 6 to 9 months, they are just at or are closer to reaching their adult weight, .If the puppy is underweight, then add very small increments to each meal every day until they are no longer underweight. It is important to not add too much food because of the possibility of them getting a twisted stomach. If the puppy is overweight, you can either slightly reduce the size of their meal until they lose weight, or you can give them more exercise. Many people prefer the later since it helps the pup to get stronger and adds more bonding time. The same methods apply to grown French bulldogs as well. Handy Hint: Read this guide which explains how to check if you have a fat French Bulldog who needs to lose weight, with tips on how to get the pounds down. If the dog does not appear to be gaining weight when they are underweight or vice versa if they are overweight, you might want to take them to the vet since it could be a sign that something is affecting their health. Health conditions Since not every animal is the same, ask your vet the next time your pup has a check-up what a French bulldog of their size and age should weigh. Health factors like diabetes yes, dogs can have diabetes , can make your pup need a more strict diet or feeding routine. Here are some different diets and feeding routines. Raw food vs. Many dog lovers say that there are too many preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and protein in dry and wet food. While the raw food diet can be more natural, especially if it is organic, you also have to make sure your pup would be getting more foods with vitamins and minerals mixed in with the raw food that your pup would need. Raw food diets can be more expensive, require more storage room for the meats and veggies, and take longer to prepare. However, you would be personally ensuring that your little French bulldog pup is getting their full daily nutrition without harmful by-products and additives. Is there a good dry food diet? Possibly the biggest questions out of all of them: is there any good dry dog food out there and how do I find them? The answer is yes, there can be some healthy dry dog food products, but it takes some time to look for. The key is to look for dog food that does not contain any preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and too much protein. Fillers basically do not provide any nutritional value and can even harm your dog since most of the ingredients they use as fillers are common allergies for dogs that can cause skin conditions, bowel issues, and more. Wheat and corn are included since they are also a popular allergen for dogs. Too much protein is even more dangerous for them since it can put more pressure on the organs, throw off nutritional balance, increase the likelihood of diabetes, and can harm dogs that already have diabetes. To see the safe and dangerous fruits list, click here. Another two meat choices would be duck and turkey, but these are a little less common to find, especially if you are looking for a French bulldog specific dog food. Your dog eats his food too quickly Another common problem is how do you control how fast your French bulldog puppy eats. French bulldogs love to eat their food and eat it fast, which is one of the primary causes of GDV. Frenchies will stop eating for a number of reasons, some more serious that others. Conclusion So there you have it, your guide to how much you should feed your French bulldog puppy. Everything in this feeding schedule and the French bulldog feeding chart you see is based on personal experience. Once in the morning, and once in the early evening. Keep a regular feeding routine, and your Frenchies will stay as healthy as ours has! In this article, I will cover some key information about feeding your French Bulldog puppy, including how much you should feed them and a suggested outline for a feeding schedule that you can adapt as they grow. Keep reading to find out more. Typically speaking, the breeder that you have bought your French Bulldog puppy from should provide you with all of the information that you need on feeding your puppy. This includes what food your new puppy has been eating as well as how often your puppy has been fed throughout the day. French Bulldog puppies have high caloric and nutrient needs. Generally speaking, French Bulldog puppies aged anywhere from weeks of age need a total of 1. That being said, you will need to bear in mind that the quantity your dog eats depends on a number of factors, including their size, metabolism, and activity levels. Spreading out the meals is the key to a healthy, happy puppy, as it minimizes the peaks of energy your French Bulldog will experience due to dramatic rises and decreases in blood sugar levels between meals. Ensuring you feed them in these intervals will allow your puppy to maintain a healthy amount of energy and nutrients throughout their day. Once your French bulldog puppy reaches 6 months, you can reduce the number of times that you feed them down to 2 meals a day. Puppies can have sensitive stomachs. You will need to feed a puppy the same type of food, the same amount of food, and feed them at the same times of the day to ensure that their stomach can cope. To come up with a feeding plan for your specific puppy, you should consult with your veterinarian and come up with a suitable feeding schedule in conjunction with their advice. Age You will need to consider when feeding your French Bulldog puppy is their age. As a result, your puppy may initially be a little stubborn about eating dry and wet food if they were only just recently weaned. In this circumstance, you will need to ensure that you remain patient and consistent when it comes to meal times. Alternatively, you could try adding a dash of water to the dry kibble to make a type of gravy. Not only will the meaty aromas tempt them to the bowl and encourage them to eat their food, but it will also soften the dry kibble slightly and make it easier for them to chew. French Bulldog puppies are allowed to be separated from their mothers at 8 weeks, at which point they will weigh somewhere between 7 to 12lbs. How much your French Bulldog puppy weighs will depend on their gender, as male French Bulldogs typically weigh more than their female counterparts. They are considered fully grown around 12 to 14 months old, but may continue to put on muscle until they are two years old. They are a greedy breed by nature, and you need to be wary of overfeeding your French Bulldog as this can lead to a variety of health conditions if they become overweight. When assessing whether your Frenchie puppy is overweight, you should be able to see a little rib and they should have a defined waistline. When it comes to choosing to give your dog treats, fewer high quality treats on special occasions are much better than feeding them many lower quality ones more often to train them. When it comes to training your puppy, positive reinforcement in the form of praise also works. Calories As your French Bulldog puppy gets older, the number of calories they are eating should increase according to their weight. You should feed your puppy 12 to 30 calories per pound of their body weight. However, if you are not sure how much to feed your French Bulldog puppy, consult your vet. Nutrition One of the most important factors to consider when feeding your French Bulldog puppy is nutrition, as a healthy, well-balanced diet is essential for their growth and development. This simply comes down to the fact that puppies have higher energy requirements and are actively developing muscle and other tissues. Energy comes from the breakdown of protein fats and carbohydrates. Health Conditions When feeding your French Bulldog puppy, you will also need to bear in mind any health conditions that your Frenchie could be prone to developing. Diarrhea Stomach upsets are very common in Frenchies, so monitoring their diet is absolutely essential. Signs of a digestion problem include wet, runny, and loose stools. If a food allergy is suspected, the only treatment is an elimination diet. As a result, you will need to watch out for any food sensitivities your dog has. Reflux Flat-faced breeds such as Frenchies can suffer from reflux or struggle to swallow their food. You will need to monitor this when it comes to giving them their food. Dental Problems Flat-faced dogs often have crowded teeth which, in turn, can cause dental problems when it comes to chewing. While some French Bulldogs are hyperactive, others are lazy and love nothing more than lying on the couch all day. As your French Bulldog edges closer to adolescence, the amount of exercise they need will increase. Around 60 minutes of daily exercise split into two walks is plenty for your fully grown French Bulldog. As a result, too much exercise can even be bad for French Bulldogs. As a flat-faced breed, French Bulldogs can overheat and struggle to breathe and pant, especially in warmer weather. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome BOAS is a condition that can cause severe breathing problems and is caused by their shorter faces. As a result, you should make sure that you take precautions to keep your dog cool and make sure that you understand the signs of heatstroke in dogs. Consult With Your Vet Above all else, consulting with your vet should be your first port of call when bringing home your new puppy. Invest In A Slow Feed Dog Bowl A slow feeding bowl is a useful dog bowl to have as they are designed with ridges or grooves which are designed to slow your dog down when they are eating. However, some treats contain high amounts of sugar, colourings, milk products and fat. As a result, you will need to make sure that you choose your treats carefully and use them wisely, as failure to do so can quickly result in your puppy becoming overweight. The moisture in wet food reduces the risk of urinary infections and other related issues while your puppy is still getting used to drinking water. As a result, it costs more to feed your dog, even if you are buying the product in bulk for a cheaper price. Wet dog food cannot be left in a bowl for hours on end, and it can be messier. As a result, people often consider wet dog food less convenient to feed their dog and store. Dry Dog Food Benefits Cheaper Dry dog foods are affordable and are incredibly easy to store for longer periods of time, meaning that they have a longer shelf life than wet foods. Dry kibble is excellent for getting rid of plaque build-up in the process of your dog chewing crunchy, dry kibble. However, despite the lack of hydration this dog food provides. Your French Bulldog puppy requires high-quality dog food that provides everything it needs to meet its requirements and ensure healthy development. In Summary Generally speaking, you should be feeding your French Bulldog puppy 1. Before coming up with a consistent feeding schedule for your French Bulldog puppy, you should consult with your veterinarian. Following their advice, you will be able to make a feeding schedule that suits your dog and you. Good luck and enjoy welcoming your new French Bulldog puppy into your family! Post navigation. How often should I feed my French Bulldog puppy? Home » How often should I feed my French Bulldog puppy? Your puppy has been on unlimited food all of the time. If on the smaller side 5lbs , we recommend four times per day. If a little bit stouter, you can start with three times a day. We recommend giving them as much as they want at each setting while they are growing babies. As they age and grow you can take it down to times per day. Two feedings per day seems to be the amount of times most people end up feeding their Frenchies. When you place your puppy on a feeding schedule it helps with the potty training as well. After eating, take them outside to potty. Make sure to tell your little one how good he is for doing his duty outside. Basically you just fill the water up to the level of the dogfood. If they continue to turn their nose up at the kibble, try adding a bit of canned dogfood to the kibble. Puppies are like humans. Some overeat when stressed and some undereat. Changing to a new home is an environmental stressor even though we are sure your Frenchie is enjoying being the center of your world. Each Frenchie is different and each human family is different. Do your best at scheduling for you and your Frenchie to live your best lives. We do not claim to be veterinarians. French Bulldogs can easily become overweight or underweight , especially the lazy ones. Some french bulldogs are hyperactive while others are couch potatoes. It is also critical that you maintain a consistent feeding schedule and never slack off on feeding your French Bulldog. Even more important than that is feeding your Frenchie the proper amount of food daily. Young Frenchies have high caloric and nutrient needs. French Bulldogs aged anywhere from weeks of age need a total of 1. Spreading out the meals minimizes the peaks of energy your French Bulldog will experience due to dramatic rises and decreases in blood sugar levels between meals. Feeding only twice daily can sometimes lead to gastric dilatation volvulus. By this stage, your French Bulldog is ready to get into an eating routine that they will continue on for the rest of their happy, little chubby lives, barring no serious medical ailments later on in life. From around 6 months to 1 year of age, you can start feeding your French Bulldog a very high quality adult doggy food. It is important to maintain a strict routine for your French Bulldog. You can always supplement a few treats in between. Wink wink. A half a cup at a time will make sure your Frenchie is pleasantly tubby and happy. Some days, it seems like a French Bulldog can never get enough food. This seemingly natural hunger is relative to the breed and you should be weary of overfeeding your French Bulldog. Monitor your Frenchie as she eats and make sure she only eats her own food, especially if you feed your French Bulldog near other pets. Note that non-neutered males may grow into the low 30lb range. Always consult a vet. Ideally, 2. This sort of consult is always quick and cheap sometimes free and you owe it to your companion to get the opinion of an expert veterinarian. Overweight Frenchies can suffer from some very severe health problems, including heart disease just like humans , labored breathing, and lack of physical exercise. Never take a French Bulldog out to play in sweltering heat, they can die. Generally, older French Bulldogs will require slightly less food than their young counterparts. However, do not restrict food from your French Bulldog if they appear to be underweight or hungry. A reader pointed out in the comments below that these calculations would put french bulldogs in the 40lbs range somewhere around calories per day. This is obviously an outlier situation and no french bulldog needs that many calories. This means feeding your french bulldog less food as they age. If they look thinner than usual, you can move up by 5 calories per pound of weight until you find a magic number. No french bulldog is identical and our suggestions are based on average weights computed to a mean average calorie intake suggestion. Read: I use this calculator and a pad of paper. See this guide in order to determine the appropriate weight for your Frenchie. Subject: How much should I feed my French Bulldog?

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Deer Creek Comfort Dogs Shaping future companions for families and those in need of comfort Our family has been raising puppies for over 20 years. Our children have always had a passion for dogs which began our journey and now our grandchildren enjoy growing up with our wonderful dogs by their side. Deer Creek provides emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, service and therapy prospects, canine good citizen dogs as well as family pets. Deer Creek assists our families with puppy selection to help ensure the families get the puppy that will work well with their needs. Someone once said, "Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative" and we hope you choose one of ours. If you are interested in finding your new family member, fill out our puppy application and we will be thrilled to work with you. We recognize that our dogs have the capability of changing peoples' lives on a therapeutic level. Many of our Doodles have become therapy dogs at funeral homes, children's advocacy centers, hospitals and nursing homes, and others have found homes as anxiety, PTSD and emotional support dogs. Learn more about our nonprofit organization Deer Creek Paw Prints at www. Learn More Molly, Rhys, and Beau! We extend this for an additional year for puppies who continue on the food recommended, as nutrition is such a vital aspect of a healthy dog. We follow strict procedures for visitors to our property to avoid bringing contagions on site. Intentional breeding and intentional puppy raising is science-based and proven to provide you with the finest puppy achievable. At Chestnut Hill Labradoodle, we take pride in raising our puppies on an Advanced Puppy Curriculum with a focus aimed towards quality temperament working dogs and stable dogs for your family life. By evaluating temperaments, we are honoring the voice of the puppy. Not all puppies are right for every home and not all homes are ideal for every puppy. Temperament evaluations give us information to make proper placements for our puppies for lifetime success in the homes of our clients. It is best to fall in love with the whole litter early on especially if you have young children , as temperaments do not begin to emerge until 6 weeks. We believe in optimally vaccinating, not over-vaccinating. Vet wellness exams, microchips implanted, and Early Spay or Neuter are completed at age 7 weeks. Here you will find specific litter information, pictures, videos, care guides and more. Everything you need at your fingertips along with a behind the scenes look. Coverage is FREE for 30 days with no strings attached. Provided by TruPanion. Everything you need to raise a well mannered dog is included- extensive video library, checklists, live puppy classes, one-on-one with the trainer, and even the AKC Canine Good Citizen lessons. Details for each litter's swag bag can be found on the VIP page. Contact us with all your needs, no matter big or small. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about us. We hope you enjoy our site and take a moment to drop us a line. We live with our large family on a small country farm in Madison, IN. We have been blessed with nine children, seven of whom still live at home. We homeschool our children which helps us make every day a teaching opportunity. As our children grow we hope to teach them to be faithful with what they have been given. We involve our kids in as much of our lives as possible not just because we enjoy their company but because we see being a family as a special opportunity for learning, sharing, and growing together. We both grew up in Indianapolis but in when a job change brought us to Madison, we bought a former horse farm and began our adventure of country living. We raised alpacas for several years and felt like we got a crash course in animal husbandry. We learned a lot and were blessed by all that working together did for our family. First, in the spring we lost our family dog of twelve years. At the end of the summer we made the decision to close our alpaca venture. We needed to focus less time and energy on the barn and fields and more on what was going on inside our home. We eventually came to see that both of these experiences could be used in a new way in our lives and we began to entertain the idea of raising dogs as a family. We researched different breeds and attended an AKC dog show in order to talk with various owners and then later talked with friends whose parents had a Labradoodle. Non-shedding and allergy friendly seemed too good to be true but what really attracted us to Australian Labradoodles was their breeding for temperament. We visited with some breeders and always came away excited about these dogs. In the summer of we welcomed home our first Labradoodle, Betsy Ross and in the winter of we brought home 2, Sweet Georgia Peach both from Colonial Village Labradoodles. Our puppies have become family members in over a dozen states and we are continually hearing updates on what a blessing they are to those around them. Managing a home business is a great fit for her at this phase in her life and allows her to keep busy at home. We are all thrilled with the arrangement and hope to continue breeding these amazing dogs for years to come! She is not shy and loves being the center of attention. Mimi chases her furry brother and pulls his tail like the quintessential younger sister. She also lives for belly rubs. She needs all that yummy food to keep up her energy! She loves to play with toys all the toys and catch. Mackey loves to go on walks and sniff everything that crosses her path. From the first day she cam home she wanted to keep up with her big sister Breeze. She loves to be the center of all that is happening, but will always slow down for a cuddle. Mackey has always liked to talk and she still does. She has quite a personality! She has been able to open doors since she was tall enough to reach the handle. She has even mastered opening baby gates to get to where the action is happening. She barks at people to get their attention, she loves to be with people. She is always ready for snuggle time! She loves play time and snuggle time equally. Cici is quite enamored with her toys and loves to play fetch with her ball. Fond of the outdoors, she will make you smile and laugh with her playfulness — high fives are her specialty. She lives with her guardian in Francisville. Chenille is a beautiful caramel color. She is a miniature in size from Cutie and Brantley litter. Chenille is a social butterfly; she loves meeting new people and snuggling with her parents! She is gentle with her new baby sister, but also plays well with toddlers and adults. Gets is her favorite game! She loves to explore outside on walks, plays well with other dogs, and even goofs around her her outdoor cat! She always gets compliments on her beautiful red coloring and how her fur feels like velvet. She has the biggest heart and is so intuitive. Kona can sense when her Autistic human brother is upset and struggling and will quickly jump to his rescue to love on him to calm him down. She craves human interaction and especially enjoys having her belly rubbed. She loves to go on long walks and will confidently chase birds, bunnies and even leaves as if they were going to be one of her new best friends. She has quite the vertical jump. Kona is the happiest when she is surrounded by her family. Gracie loves to play, snuggle, give kisses, go for rides, play with furry friends, and be outdoors. A big personality in a small package. Gracis is also a very athletic dog. She lives with her guardian family in Lafayette, Indiana. From the moment I turn on the hose to water plants, she is chasing the water trying to catch it. We make quite a game of it. I fill the baby pool every afternoon and she plays in there until she is wet and exhausted. Charlotte also loves treats of all kinds and adores mealtime. She is happy and energetic but also sweet and cuddly. They also have training available and love to say their dogs are born to be therapy puppies, service puppies, or family companions. They offer training and a wealth of information on the breed, their dogs, and their process. On their site, they have more information on various subjects a new puppy owner might want to see and a guardian program for their pups. These puppies go to special professional trainers who teach them basic skills, obedience, and therapy work. Look for breeders who have been in business for a few years and have a great track record. Ask for references from past customers and check the local breed club for more information. Also, ensure the breeder provides a health guarantee and a contract outlining the terms of the sale. Puppy Mill Red Flags It is essential for potential Labradoodle owners to be aware of puppy mill red flags to ensure that their pup is coming from a reputable source. Puppy mills are inhumane and often breed puppies in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions. Red flags to watch for include: Large numbers of puppies for sale; Limited information about the parents of the puppies; Unwillingness to let you visit the facility; and Lack of knowledge about the breed. Tips for New Labradoodle Owners For new Labradoodle owners, there are a few tips to help ensure that your pup has a great start in life. First, be prepared for a lot of energy! Labradoodles are active and playful, so be sure to give them plenty of exercise and playtime. Labradoodles are intelligent and eager to please, so positive reinforcement and consistency are key. Start with basic commands like sit and stay, and gradually increase the complexity of the commands once your pup masters the basics. Crate training is a great way to house train your Labradoodle because it gives them their own safe space. In teaching potty training, establish a routine and schedule and be consistent with it. Use rewards to reinforce positive behavior and keep distractions to a minimum. Be patient, as it may take some time for your pup to learn the basics of potty training. The cost of a Labradoodle varies depending on the breeder, coat type, size, and color. The breeder may provide a list of items you should provide, and they provide things like a collar, leash, and a sample of food to help transition them to their new diet. What is the downside to a Labradoodle? Like any breed, Labradoodles come with their own set of pros and cons. They are highly intelligent and active dogs, so they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain because of their grooming needs and potential health issues. However, with proper training, socialization, and exercise, Labradoodles can be wonderful family pets. Are Labradoodles good house dogs? Yes, Labradoodles make excellent house dogs! I have a friend that has a Labradoodle, and he is the best dog. These are loyal, loving, and very intelligent companions. What is the lifespan of a Labradoodle? The average lifespan of a Labradoodle is about years. The breed is usually healthy but can be prone to specific health issues, such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and skin allergies. Regular vet checkups and following a healthy diet and exercise plan can help keep your Labradoodle happy and healthy. Are Labradoodles suitable for first-time owners? Labradoodles can be an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, and they can make great companions with the right amount of exercise, stimulation, and grooming. A professional trainer will help you with any issues that may crop up, though you should start training your pup as soon as possible. They are also very loyal and loving so they will form a strong bond with their owners. Can I leave a Labradoodle at home all day? Labradoodles need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, so it is not recommended to leave them at home all day. They can become anxious and destructive if left alone for too long. This can usually be achieved by a friend or dog walker coming in the middle of the day to walk them for you. Conclusion While looking to buy a Labradoodle in Indiana, you have plenty of great options! Each breeder offers something unique, from extensive health tests to lifetime support and ethical breeding practices. We hope this guide has helped you find the perfect pup for you and your family. Best of luck in your search for the ideal life companion! She currently owns three dogs a greyhound, saluki, and golden mix and has gone through several types of programs to further her education in the pet world. Leave a Comment. We also offer older trained pet puppies!!! The hard part is already done for you! Here is a sneak peek! We occasionally have medium labradoodle puppies available. After health and proper structure, temperament of the dog is of the utmost importance. Our English labs have been carefully selected from all over the world for the best breeding stock for health, temperament and structure! All of our lab parents are either therapy or service dogs and have been fully health tested for hips, elbows eyes, and full genetic disease panels. Initially bred in the s in Australia to provide assistance and guide dogs for people with dog allergies, the Australian Labradoodle quickly became a beloved family pet that offers the best of both worlds: a wonderful family oriented people pleaser, highly intelligent, with low to no shedding and no doggie odor. Our puppies are easily trained for just about anything you want them to do. They can be trained for guide dogs, service dogs, assistance dogs, therapy dogs, diabetic alert dogs, companions for kids with autism, hunting, swimming, running, fetch, flyball, obedience, rally obedience, or a 4-H project for your child. They love agility and excell in agility and obedience classes. The Labradoodle also makes the most awesome family companion, a calm loving snuggle bug in the house and ready to romp and play when you go outside. They do well with people of all ages including babies, kids, adults, older people and even the physically and mentally challenged. They get along great with other dogs, cats and many other pets. If you are interested in being a guardian home for one of our breeding dogs call Pat at .We reserve the right to retain potential breeding stock puppies from any litter. We reserve the right to deny anyone one of our puppies. We also reserve the right to change mating pairs based on circumstances. Contact Our Breeders!

They are real giants in the sense that they are the biggest variety of the German Shepherd that exists. Up until today, the breed is still considered under development. The crossbreeding was done with the aim of producing a dog breed with the appearance and characteristics of a German Shepherd but larger in size and has fewer health issues. Nonetheless, King Shepherds are loving, intelligent, and versatile working dogs just like the classic German Shepherds. In fact, Shiloh Shepherds are the foundation of King Shepherds! This being said, Tina Barber, a German Shepherd trainer, had seen the need to breed a better version of the German Shepherd that can perfectly fit into a family as a working dog. This is how the birth of the gentle Shiloh Shepherd started. Shiloh Shepherds are a mix of German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and few other dog breeds that are larger in size and have better genetics when it comes to health. As hip dysplasia is a common crippling disease for German Shepherds, breeds with better hip conditions were crossbred to produce the Shiloh Shepherd. It is said that Shilohs perfectly resemble the intelligence and loyalty of German Shepherds but are less aggressive and domineering. They are even called gentle giants because of their stable temperament. The classic German Shepherd alone is already considered as a large dog breed that could reach a height of 26 inches and a weight of 90 pounds! Now, you could just imagine how big a Giant German Shepherd can grow? This Giant German Shepherd could reach an astounding height of 29 inches for males and 27 inches for females. Their weight ranges between to pounds for fully grown male King Shepherds and 90 to pounds for fully grown female King Shepherds. If you put a German Shepherd beside a King Shepherd, you will notice the big difference in their height. Nonetheless, when compared to their predecessor, the classic German Shepherd breed, this giant hybrid is still significantly bigger in size and heavier in weight. The only significant differences of Giant German Shepherds to their ancestor other than their size could be seen with their coat and personality or behavior. King Shepherds Photo from marcothekingshep IG King Shepherds have retained the compact, solid, and muscular body composition of their ancestor German Shepherd. They are literally the giant version. They have a square head, almond-shaped eyes which could either be brown or golden brown in color and erect pointy ears. When it comes to their body ratio, they look a bit longer than tall. They also have a broader chest compared to the classic German Shepherd breed. Their tail is long and bushy that curls upwards. King Shepherds have thick weather-resistant fluffy double coats which could either be long, straight, course, or wavy. The main coat colors are fawn, red, brown, sable, and black. So if you are looking forward to owning King Shepherds, make sure to ready your cleaning tools because they shed regularly. When it comes to their personality, King Shepherds make the perfect family companions and guardians. They are intelligent, easy-going, and protective yet gentle dogs. These traits are a result of crossbreeding the intelligent and protective German Shepherd with the gentle giant Shiloh Shepherd. King Shepherds can be wary of strangers but not aggressive. They have also inherited the energetic and alert traits of their ancestors, German Shepherds. Because of this, they need regular exercises and activities to keep them busy and happy. Watch this video to see a five-year old King Shepherd while undergoing training: 5 year old King Shepherd! This dog breed has a proud carriage and a smooth and effortless gait. Their chest is deep and broad with the abdomen firmly held and slightly tucked. The skull shape of the Shiloh should have a balanced width and length with a slightly domed frontal appearance. The facial region should be moderately broad between the ears but not too broad. Shiloh also has a blunt black nose and almond-shaped brown eyes. Their ears are also erect just like German Shepherds. Their smooth and plush double coat can come in different varieties of color, patterns, and length. When it comes to colors and patterns, Shiloh Shepherd coats can have shades of black with tan, golden tan, reddish tan, silver, and cream. Solid white and black are also acceptable as long as the lips, eye rims, and nose are solid black. However, white markings are discouraged as well as washed out colors. When it comes to their temperament and behavior, the Shiloh Shepherd is called as the gentle and better version of German Shepherds. Their calm and intelligent traits make them perfect as family companions. They are self-assured, composed, friendly and calm yet observant and perceptive for menacing situations. As mentioned earlier in the article, both King Shepherd and Shiloh Shepherd are new hybrids of dogs that are still under development. The Shiloh was born in — decades earlier than the birth of its son, the King Shepherd, .A few of the reasons why breeders produce large German Shepherd breeds include better health, better appearance, better behavior, and stronger body. In the case of Shiloh Shepherd, it was originally bred to produce a German Shepherd that is gentler and bigger. Trainers of German Shepherds back then believed that they are too much for the average family to handle. So, they decided and aimed to produce a dog breed that has the instinctive protective trait but is more calm and gentle — the result, Shiloh Shepherd! With the latest development of the Shiloh Shepherd breed, it is said that the Shiloh excels in all types of work, from animal assisted therapy to obedience to guardian assignments, while getting along very well with people. The King Shepherd, on the other hand, was also aimed to be a larger guard dog that can be a family companion. Since it has the foundation of the Shiloh Shepherd and the German Shepherd, King Shepherd inherited both the gentle and protective traits of its ancestor. More than the temperament, the breeding of King Shepherd also aimed to refine the health of the breed by crossbreeding it with other breeds that have better health history — especially hip dysplasia. If you want to produce a larger German Shepherd while maintaining the pure lineage, then you must do pure breeding. However, if you are interested in acquiring not only a larger size but also an exclusive trait from other breeds, then you can apply crossbreeding. Pure Breeding In this breeding process, two purebred German Shepherds with sizes that are larger on the larger end of the standard size will be bred to produce larger offspring. Once the puppies are fully grown, the ones with exceptional size will be selected again to be bred with other German Shepherd dogs that are also exceptional in terms of size. The process will continue from generation to generation until the trait is cultivated deep within the genes. However, breeding dogs with related lineage should be discouraged as it promotes health issues stemming from genetic problems. Cross Breeding Cross breeding process is done by breeding German Shepherds with other large breed dogs. This is the process done in breeding Shiloh Shepherds and King Shepherds. In the case of the Shiloh Shepherd, it was a mixed breed of German Shepherd and large breed dogs such as the Alaskan Malamute. Aside from the size, other factors such as temperament, appearance, and breed health conditions should also be considered in cross breeding as they will greatly affect the breed outcome. The lifespan of Giant German Shepherds ranges from 10 to 13 years which is quite the same as the normal German Shepherd. Crossbred dogs are expected to be healthier than purebred ones. However, although they are quite immune to other health problems due to the benefit of cross breeding, there are still health conditions that are common for Giant German Shepherd breeds. Nonetheless, both King Shepherd and Shilo Shepherd are just like other dog breeds — vulnerable if not well taken care of. Here are the common health issues among Giant German Shepherds: Joint Dysplasia: This is an abnormal formation of joints in either hip or elbow that can eventually cause lameness, instability, weakness, and pain. With this disease, proper blood clotting is impossible due to the deficiency of a protein that the platelets need. Perianal Fistula: This skin disease also known as anal furunculosis is a serious medical condition that most commonly affects German Shepherd dogs — both purebred and mixed breed dogs. It is a skin disease that affects the area immediately surrounding the anus. Eye Issues: Giant German Shepherds are also susceptible to different eye problems which include irritation, inflammation, watery eye, and pus discharge among others. King Shepherds are quite more expensive than Shiloh Shepherds. With all these being said, if you plan to own a Giant German Shepherd, then ready your pockets and wallet. Here are some of the reputable breeders and rescue centers where you can get your Giant German Shepherd. You can look for available puppies on their website as well as reputable breeders of King Shepherds. This breeder facility started in and is owned by the secretary of the King Shepherd Club International. Reputable Shilo breeders are listed on their website as well as puppies on sale. Puppies and stud services are offered by this breeder. If you want to give a homeless Giant German Shepherd a new home, then you can adopt from these rescues instead: All Shepherd Rescue — All Shepherd Rescue is dedicated to finding a home for Shepherds of all breeds. You can check out their website to look for dogs and puppies available for adoption. Different breeds of shepherds are situated in this facility. You can check out the available dogs for adoption. You can visit their website to see their rescued dogs. Who knows? You might find the Giant German Shepherd that perfectly fits you. The biggest among the German Shepherds with regards to size and weight are the King Shepherds. The King Shepherds have an average weight of pounds 55 kg and a height ranging from 25 to 29 inches cm. Whether it is the right dog for you or not depends on your preference, lifestyle, and dedication to taking care of a pet. First ask yourself what you are looking for in a dog. Are you looking for a companion? A guardian? A protector? Then if you have ticked all the boxes on the questions above, a Giant German Shepherd is the right dog for you. Their large body is an asset for being guard dogs. Plus, their gentle and calm personality befit them as companion dogs. Your lifestyle also has something to say whether the Giant German Shepherd is the right dog for you. Giant German Shepherds are active dogs, so you will have to walk them in the park or play with them regularly. This means you also need to be active! Lastly, you must be dedicated. Giant German Shepherds are large dogs that need more attention, space, food, necessity, and care. If you think you are not ready to provide all of the things I mentioned in exchange for their loyalty and love, then the Giant German Shepherd is not the right dog for you. In the end, no matter the size of the dog, their love will always be humongously the same. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Rescued a 3 moths pup after losing a big guy. My last one was an Anatolian lbs. Raised 55 Alpacas in the mts and never lost an animal to predators. So anyhow, this guy was getting huge. So after some research, I found and talked to a breeder of giants. Sweetest guy in the world. Super dude. Anyhow, great breed. Sweet with people, but tough with all the critters in the forest. My name is Mitzi Michelle Brooks. I have had dogs all my life and German Shepherds most of that time. I have tried different breeds, but always come back to what I know and love. The German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for me. I breed large, old-fashioned, straight-backed, German Shepherds with a special focus on health and temperament. I am a very small breeder, all my dogs live with me, in the house. They are first, and foremost, my beloved pets. In my litters, I concentrate on the things that matter most to me: Health and Temperament. My dogs are all larger than the breed standard but with no compromise to their health. All my dogs are medium to low energy, making them easy to train and ideally suited for families. I do not breed: dogs that are hyper, dogs that show any signs of aggression, working dogs, high drive dogs, or dogs with excessive angulation. Puppies are born and raised in my home! That means your puppy goes home with you already socialized with other dogs, with cats, and familiar with all the sights and sounds of a normal home. All puppies are also current on vaccinations and on a set deworming schedule. The puppies bred here are sold as companions and pets. Just as working dogs are bred to work, my puppies are bred to live in and be a part of a family. With their low to low-medium drive, my pups are very easy for their new parents to train and still possess that famous German Shepherd instinct to protect their home and their family. These soft temperaments mean that my dogs are happy to go out and play, but just as happy to come in, lay at your feet, and interact with their family. It gives an estimate of the risk for painful osteoarthritis OA of canine hip dysplasia CHD later in life. With this information, preventive and palliative strategies can be recommended by the PennHIP-trained veterinarian. It has been extremely helpful to me as a breeder to OFA-certify my dogs. If the breeders have been breeding a long time you should see lots of names.You are supporting puppy mills if you buy a dog with these registries as they are mainly for puppy mill breeders, You know what you get with AKC because of record inspections and DNA. All Buyers should beware! Both are breeding females that are not German Shepherds they looked like husky crosses but are registering them as German Shepherds and the registry does not care. I have personally seen it and so have many others. Are you looking for size? Here are some pointers! Most breeders of large german shepherds exaggerate by 50 lbs and several inches or more! Vet certified weight means nothing if you can't call the vet! Size means little if temper , health and longevity are not there!

Gundog expert Jayne Coley summarises the early training routine that she followed with her own young labrador, Trade. Register for our newsletter To continue reading this content please register for our newsletter. You have to adapt your training to suit the type of puppy you have. The steps below summarise the training routine that I have followed with my young dog, Trade, who has an easy-going temperament. I began to train him properly in the New Year when he was 9 — 10 months old, though I usually wait until the shooting season is over when I have time to do a little each day on a regular basis. Step 1: Foundations By the age of 9 — 10 months, Trade had been toilet trained, knew his name and came back when I called him. He had been well socialised and behaved in company on a lead, was used to going out in my vehicle and had learned to swim. Trade has never been chastised for carrying something he should not, e. I then place the item out of reach. Crucially, by this age we had built up a good bond before formal training began. Step 2: Heelwork It was so wet and muddy at home so I started training on the patio and in our yard where the pup is restricted to a certain area and there are no distractions. We began with heelwork on the lead. To keep the exercise interesting, I walked in straight lines, did figures of eight, included the occasional tight turn and altered my pace. This all helped to keep Trade focused on what we were doing. If he didn't sit immediately, I repeated the command whilst pushing his bottom down with my left hand. Once confident with this routine, I put a lightweight collar on him and progressed to walking to heel off the lead, using my hands to encourage him to keep his head up and concentrate on me, when necessary. If he did move, I calmly walked up to him and, holding his collar, took him back to the exact spot he moved from in a quiet but positive manner. I slowly built up the distance until I could walk around him in a huge circle. Once he did this perfectly, I introduced the recall. Instead of always walking back to him, I would call him back to me, encouraging him to come straight to my hands which were cupped gently in front of my hips. Once I was happy with this, I began to mix up heelwork with sit and stay, and recall. When he didn't move, I quietly picked the dummy up myself. Gradually — over several days — I built on this until I could throw a couple of dummies, one at a time, over and around him and he remained steady. It is always important to lift the pup's top lip out of the way when you put a dummy in his mouth. Trade was reluctant to do this at first, but with patience and perseverance over several days, he accepted it. Slowly, I built on this until I could walk away backwards the length of the lead and call him to me, concentrating on perfecting a good delivery, using my hands to encourage him to bring the dummy right to me with his head held nice and high. Step 6: Retrieving Next, we worked on being sent for a retrieve. I then bent down and pointed my right hand towards the dummy whilst looking at the top of his head to make sure he was looking past my hand at it, before saying his name positively and at the same time letting go of one end of the lead so that he instinctively ran forward and picked the dummy. Initially, I sat back on my heels, which encouraged him to run straight back to me. Slowly we built on this until the lead was no longer needed. Sometimes I would send him for the dummy, sometimes I'd pick it up myself, or I'd walk him to heel in the opposite direction before sending him. On other occasions, I would stand well back from Trade and throw a dummy over his head, call him to me and then send him for the dummy from my position. I like to vary things as this keeps him interested and wondering what I am going to do next. He was at first a little unsure, so I repeated it in a lighter tone, to which he responded. In return, I praised him quietly. Always remember, training a dog is like building a house — it is imperative that the foundations are put down properly, otherwise, sooner or later, cracks will appear. Keep it light and encouraging when you praise, and low and gruff when you scold, so your puppy knows the difference. Especially if you have a boisterous puppy. Keep everything calm and relaxed, and do things in your time. What is the best age to start training a Lab puppy to work? This guide will answer all of your questions regarding when to start training a Lab puppy. It will combine my personal experience with that of other experts in the field, along with information from behavioral research, to guide you with your decision of when to start training a Labrador puppy of your own. Congratulations on your fluffy new bundle of joy. Labs gained their well-deserved place among favorite breeds for so many reasons. Enthusiastic companions, fast learners, loyal and brave, Labrador Retrievers are fantastic pets. How Puppies Learn In the natural canine world, mother dogs teach their pups everything they need to know about their world, survival and living together happily in various stages of development. Most professional trainers try to mimic the natural canine learning process in their puppy training phases. In fact, we only recommend positive training techniques. Rewards can include food, special treats, praise and petting, playing with a favorite toy, etc. Basic Training Concepts Every Puppy Should Learn The first two components of your puppy training should be thorough socialization and potty training. Here are a few tips with each of those early behaviors. Socialization actually refers to exposure to a wide range of situations and individuals. This goes for being around lots of different people, including children. While your pup is still impressionable and inquisitive, introduce her to friends, neighbors and strangers. Introduce her to children with careful instructions to stay quiet, move slowly and pet gently. They could end up grabbing her tightly, and scaring or hurting her. Being handled by other people will be very key in socializing your puppy. Your dog should be properly socialized to gentle and careful handling, teeth brushing, touching ears and paws and tail. This will make trips to the vet and groomer easier. Make sure to also check out our guide to taking puppies outside for more help with socialization. Crate Training for Dogs Crate training is the process of teaching your dog to love spending time secure in their cosy den. Some puppies basically crate train themselves, loving their crate from day one. Others need a more gradual introduction to this safe space. The trick is to not turn crating into a punishment , but instead make it a wonderful place to have a short undisturbed rest. Most puppies will go through a play biting phase, so if you need help training your lab not to nip, you can follow this guide. It will be important for your dog to sit quietly in the field or duck stand. Self-control should be incorporated throughout daily routines and all training phases. Finally, learning how to walk politely on a leash in public is important. In addition to the behaviors listed above, there are a few extra considerations for training a gundog. As early as 8 weeks old, professional gundog trainers begin introducing lab puppies to various scenarios. The core behavioral requirements for a gundog that can be started in puppies this young are: Thorough socialization and desensitization to various environments and sounds. Be sure to start with quieter sounds and build to louder sounds, especially when introducing the sound of gunfire, to avoid creating a frantic dog. Calmness and steadiness amidst distraction. The earliest introduction to this is teaching your pup to sit for his meals, which can be captured as early as six weeks. There are, however, two important considerations to your Lab puppy training. Before their leg bones are fully developed, Labs can develop joint issues if they run too hard and long. Second, resist the urge to play fetch and retrieve every day with your Lab puppy. They overdo it with tossing a ball or dummy to try to encourage the pup to retrieve. The retrieving instinct typically kicks in quite strong around puberty between five to 10 months. Instead, we suggest focusing on sit, stay and waiting quietly with self control. Those are the more difficult behaviors for a lab to learn once adolescent hormones kick in. Start with socialization and household manners as early as 8 weeks old. Then move to sit, stay, steadiness training, and walking on a leash between 12 and 18 weeks. Training is an ongoing life skill, rather than something you do once and consider done. For a hunting Lab, adding various distractions and practicing perfect recall in different environments will be the two biggest training techniques to work on throughout life. Enjoy your training! And yet, many new owners get so caught up in the cuteness of these bundles of fur that they disregard any training until the dog is much older. Sometimes new owners are just overwhelmed with taking care of their new puppy. Others lack the information needed to make good decisions regarding training for their new family member. Unfortunately, though, some bad behaviors or missed socialization and exposure opportunities are difficult to address with an older dog. So, if your goal is for you new retriever to eventually grow into an excellent duck dog, here is a guide to raising your Lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog. Picking up the puppy The journey with your new retriever pup starts the day you pick him or her up from the breeder. Hopefully you have done your homework and selected a litter of puppies with parents who have proven trainability. If you have a pick from the litter, you will want to take some time to observe the puppies. Even so, most trainers will tell you that picking a puppy is a complete crapshoot, meaning there really is no way to know how good the dog will be while looking at them as a puppy. Genetics and a proven pedigree are the best way to stack the odds in your favor from the start. Beyond that, if you have a good breeder, they are the next best source for information regarding the pups. A good breeder will give you a recommendation based on what you plan to use the pup for and your family situation. Check out this post on searching for a great retriever puppy and what to look for in breeders. If possible, bring someone with you to pick up the puppy. While you can put a puppy in a crate to transport them home, leaving the litter is a traumatic time for most puppies. Being held on the way home is a good way to start bonding with the puppy. Learn what to buy for your new Lab puppy. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. The first week raising your Labrador Retriever puppy There is very little training needed the first week you have your puppy home. Use this time to hold, pet and play with your new puppy. Bonding with the puppy is important and this is a good time to do that. You will likely be exhausted this week from getting up multiple times each night to let your puppy outside. Learn more in What should I do the first week with my new Lab puppy? Socialization is key for retriever gun dog puppies While socialization is important for all dogs, it is essential for retriever puppies destined to hunt. Socialization is the act of putting your retriever puppy in new situations and allowing the puppy to figure it out. Your puppy may handle new situations well, or she might show timid or frightened behaviors. This is not the time to coddle your future gun dog. Dogs are very aware of their owners and if you act or acknowledge your puppies fear, they will likely think you are scared too. This is the opposite of what we are trying to achieve with socialization. We want puppies to learn to adjust quickly to new situations. We want them to learn how to figure out new conditions and handle them without fear or hesitation. Puppies need to be socialized to people also. Let your puppy interact with people of all ages, including children. In addition, it can be helpful if they are also socialized to other dogs and cats. And yet we see too many retrievers with little to no retrieving desire. Sometimes this is just the result of bad breeding, but it can also be the result of poor introduction to retrieving or using the wrong items for retrieving. Many people like to play fetch with their puppy using a ball or Frisbee. But if your puppy is destined to be a hunting partner, this is going to make some retrieving problems down the line. We may use a ball to encourage a very young week old puppy to retrieve, IF, and only IF, the puppy is struggling with retrieving desire. Otherwise, we strongly discourage ongoing use of these items. Gun dogs and duck dogs are working dogs and they need to retrieve birds that fall to the ground. The rolling action of the ball or frisbee will create an excitement and energy that will make retrieving birds seem boring. We have found that dogs that have only retrieved balls or Frisbee often struggle when they need to retrieve a bumper or bird. We have an entire post on this subject, see How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Expose your Labrador puppy to common hunting elements A retriever that is going to be expected to hunt, should be introduced to hunting equipment and elements at an early age. Hills and mounds, flat areas and shallow divots are terrain that a hunting retriever should learn to traverse with ease. In addition to land, different water is also an important factor. Lakes are good, but you should also try to expose your puppy to dirty water. Water with lily pads, cat tails and algae are all things a duck dog will need to handle to work. Hunting equipment Labrador retriever puppies need to learn all about the equipment you use when hunting. Doing this when they are young and continuing the exposure as they grow, will make this second nature to them. Boats and blinds If you hunt out of a boat or blind, introduce your puppy to it. For boats, start on land. Get your puppy comfortable getting in and out of the boat. Throw retrieves from the boat. Similarly, introduce your dog to the blind as a good thing. If you are using a dog blind or hut, make sure your spend lots of time getting your pup comfortable going into and out of it. Make it a fun place to go to get retrieves. Duck or goose decoys If you will use decoys when hunting, take time to expose your puppy to them. Many times over the next few months, put some out on your lawn and let your puppy learn what they are. Eventually, move them to water and again allow your pup to explore them. Throw retrieves through them and teach the dog that he can ignore the decoys. Guns This is one of the most important things that you need to exposure your new puppy to. And it really needs to be done right. The last thing you want to do is create a gun-shy dog. That is very difficult to fix and the dog may never be able to hunt if the damage is too deep. Learn more about how to do this correctly in Introduction to gunfire. Basic obedience for your gun dog puppy Your puppy is ready to learn obedience early on, and you will find that if you start when they are only a couple months old, they will learn quicker and be more obedient as they age. This will make a huge difference as they get older. Teaching HERE to young pups will require a long lead. Squat down a few feet from your puppy and say HERE as you gently pull them to you. Praise is essential with young pups, but the praise should be given when the puppy does something right. For instance, you say SIT and push his bottom down. You can use treats to teach your puppy obedience and reward him or her for obeying commands. But treats should only be used for very young puppies under 4 months. Many Labs will soon learn to only obey when given a treat, that is not the lesson you want your dog to learn. It can be difficult to discipline a cute little puppy, but it is essential. Here at Otter Tail Kennels, we get more than our share of calls from people whose puppies are out of control and causing problems in the home. The pups are causing friction in the family relationships. Small issues often become much larger issues if they remain uncorrected. If you see your puppy doing something wrong, you need to take action to let him know that the behavior is not acceptable. Final thoughts on raising a lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog The time to start training your Labrador puppy to be a duck or gun dog is now. Right away. Even if you plan to send your retriever puppy to a professional trainer in the future, you still want to take the time to socialize, expose, teach and discipline your dog now. Each week your puppy is growing and learning, and those first five months are the perfect time to get him or her off on the right foot. The socialization, exposure, and obedience are all steppingstones they need to advance in their role as a hunting partner. Do not skimp or disregard this time. You can give your ultimate duck dog some essential skills — the ability to adjust to every and all situations with ease. Nothing could be more important. You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. Raising a lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog. Obedience First The most common deficiency in the average hunter's gundog training program is a lack of emphasis on obedience and steadiness. If I could persuade the average gundog owner to do one thing better as a trainer, it would be to spotlight obedience and emphasize the non-retrieve. The non-retrieve is when the pup sees a bird or dummy fall but doesn't get to retrieve it. The trainer or another dog retrieves it while the pup watches. We took a wrong turn somewhere in the evolution of training and now go about the retrieving and steadying processes in a totally illogical manner. We take a young dog and give him hundreds of retrieves with no restraint. For the first thousand retrieves, we encourage the dog to take off at will after the falling dummy. Then, after we have him well trained to break, we change the rules and decide to make him steady-which requires a certain amount of punishment to counteract the breaking behavior we have just trained. The sequence should be reversed. Train the pup on obedience first, and train him to be steady by teaching him to expect to be steady. This is done with non-retrieves. As soon as the pup is proficient at basic obedience, the "stay" drill should include some falling dummies. While he's sitting, toss out a dummy or two. Then go and pick up the dummies while he watches. If you are picking up 75 percent of what the pup sees fall, then he doesn't expect to retrieve everything that drops from the sky. He becomes steady, with little effort and no punishment. Additionally, he develops into a calm, pleasant hunting companion. The same principle applies to the older dog in hunting situations. If you send the dog immediately every time a bird falls, then you are training him to break. Make his life easier by making him wait. When duck hunting, wait until you have several ducks on the water before you send your pup to retrieve. Unless wind or current is carrying off the ducks, it won't hurt them to float for a half hour. If you are shooting doves, pick up the short, easy ones yourself. Let your pup sit for minutes before he is sent for the difficult retrieves. The exception, of course, is the crippled bird, for which you must send the pup quickly to reduce the odds of escape. The practice of delayed retrieving also pays dividends by making it easier for your pup to learn hand signals and blind retrieves. If you have four or five dead ducks on the water that have been there a while, your pup is not going to remember exactly where they are. He knows they are there and will eagerly cast off in their general direction, but his certainty will waver and he will be prone to seeking help from you. Conversely, when you engage in the practice of immediately sending your pup on every fall, you are training him in self-reliance. When he's launched on the splash, he knows exactly where that bird is and will quickly pick it up. After he's found several hundred birds all by himself, it is going to become difficult to convince him that he needs help from you in the form of hand signals. Coming on Command One of the most common obedience problems is failure to come on command. This is as prevalent in young, green dogs as breaking is in older hunting dogs. Both problems stem from a lack of obedience. If a dog is well trained to heel, sit, stay and come, he'll do nearly anything you want. The problem lies in the definition of "well trained. That means he will respond properly when the neighbor's cat walks by, when another dog is playing next to him and even when shotguns are going off and ducks are falling. Too Much Dog The average hunter appears to be "overdogged," or to have a dog that is too hot for him to handle. I place the blame for this on our field-trial system. Our retriever field trials were brought over from England in the early s, along with the golden and Labrador retrievers. The trials were small and very representative of a day's shooting, and the skills judged were those that had value to the hunting dog and hunter. The trials emphasized game-finding ability, softness of mouth and calmness of demeanor. The typical Labrador retriever of 30 or 40 years ago was a gentle, calm dog. Today, an unfortunately large number of Labradors are hyperactive and difficult to train. The basic reason for this shift in breeding selection appears to be our field-trial system. Unfortunately, our field trials-mainly because of increasing entries-have evolved over the years into elimination contests that evaluate skills that are of little importance in a hunting dog. These behaviors include lining, angle entries into water, pinpoint marking and precise handling at long distances. Gone by the wayside are line manners and obedience, as well as game-finding initiative. Moreover, training precision lining and long-distance handling require a great deal of repetition and some degree of punishment. The dog that excels at these skills tends to be hyperactive, with a high pain threshold, which is exactly the type of dog we are breeding today. Electric Collars The electric collar, which can create as many problems as it solves, is becoming far too predominant a training tool. The electric collar is a great training tool in the hands of a good trainer. However, there is an astronomically greater number of electric collars than there are good trainers. The truth is, in order to train a dog with the electric collar, you must be able to train him without it. The collar does not magically impart the knowledge and skills of dog training to the guy holding the transmitter. Most folks buy an electric collar to solve a basic obedience problem, and they generally end up abusing the dog and not solving the problem, or trading one problem for an even bigger one. Proper training can solve nearly all problems in basic obedience, and you don't need an electric collar to do so. Selective Breeding We have forgotten the basic goals of breeding selection and have embarked on a course of producing better dogs by training rather than breeding. The Labrador is the breed I most commonly work with, and I am alarmed at the trends I see. It has become the general custom to force-fetch train every dog. This corrects any tendency to drop birds, mouth birds or run off to the bushes with birds. It also masks the genetic tendencies toward those behaviors. We are now masking with training the major trait that we spent a hundred years developing through selective breeding-namely, delivery to hand with a soft mouth. If we take a hard-mouthed dog and put him through the force-fetch program so that he delivers gently to hand, then he will behave like a great dog. We may even make him a field champion through superior training. However, his puppies will still have that genetic tendency toward hard mouth, and we will be going backwards in the selective-breeding process. Two other examples of behaviors that have a very significant genetic component that we mask with training are: Hyperactivity We train the hyperactive dog to be under control and be a gentleman. The electric collar is quite popular for this. Put a hyperactive dog in the hands of a good trainer with an electric collar and that dog will make an excellent gun dog or field-trial dog, but his puppies probably will inherit the same hyperactivity. His puppies will be just as difficult to train as the sire was. Cooperative Nature We generally characterize these dogs as "soft" and tend to give them away as pets when they flunk the electric-collar program. Thus we are tending to remove from the breeding pool dogs that exhibit this valuable trait. This trait of "cooperative nature" is of extreme importance to the average hunter, because the average hunter is usually quite unfamiliar with dog training. The gist of all this is that the average hunter is low in dog-training skills, which is as it should be. The community of dog experts should be promoting the selective breeding of a dog that the average hunter can train and enjoy. We should not be breeding a dog with a bundle of genetically transmitted behavioral tendencies that make him difficult to train into a good working dog. The average hunter should not have to get a Ph. We probably need to look back to England for solutions. They still have the same field trials they had 80 years ago, still selectively breed for major traits and still get rid of dogs that lack a cooperative nature and predisposition toward trainability. I, for one, get my personal dogs from England. They are calm, cooperative and pleasant to live with, and they find all the birds I shoot. I've gotten lazy and prefer a dog that has gotten most of the required talents through selective breeding. Continue Reading. Selecting Your Retriever Puppy I usually suggest you turn your back to the litter of pups, back up, reach down and grab a pup, to choose a Labrador puppy to train as a gun dog. I look for tail position. A dog with its tail sticking straight out vertically or just slightly vertical is more than likely in the middle spectrum of attitude and will be trained easily. Also, from seven-weeks old to six-months old is when a puppy develops his personality. The primary reason a puppy or a dog becomes gun-shy is improper training. I train a puppy to not be gun-shy like this: I have a. When I fire the pistol, the blast from the pistol shoots the dummy up in the air. This part of the drill teaches the puppy how to look for a bird and watch it fall. So, with this little simple drill, the dog has learned that when it hears gunfire and looks up in the air, the puppy will see something flying or falling. It has also learned that when the dummy hits the ground out in front of it, if the dog retrieves that dummy, the dog will be praised and petted. That puppy will learn to be steady and sit calmly, until I give it the command to release it to pick up the dummy and bring it to me. Everything about training a retriever is built on the foundation of obedience training, which is the first course in training a retriever. This training teaches the young dog that everything he sees up in the air when a shot goes off, and everything that falls to the ground is not his to go and retrieve. Once again, every step of training a retriever is built on the obedience training that dog has learned. Can you help my dog not be gun-shy? When I walked him around the block, one of my neighbors was having a new roof put on - using those air-gun type staplers to staple the shingles to the roof. When he saw and heard that racket - bang, bang, bang, bang, bang! We had the gun-shy dog sit 50 yards from the dummy launcher and launched a dummy. So, I kept him here at the house. Next, I had him sit beside me, got the pistol we used for a dummy launcher - without a shell in the pistol - and cocked the hammer, pulled the trigger and dry-fired the dummy launcher. Then while I stayed with the dog, my assistant fired the pistol that launched the dummy toward us. The dog would go pick up the dummy and bring it to me. More than a month was required for us to go through this process of getting the dog to where he was steady when a gun was fired near him, and we could send him out to retrieve the dummy. I tell all the people I train for to not do that. The best way to introduce a dog to working with a hunter and to the loud sounds of shooting is not to take your dog with numbers of other hunters - especially the first time you take your dog to a duck blind. Work your dog, and let your friend do the shooting. That way, your dog knows that someone he loves his handler is sitting right beside him when the gun goes off, and that nothing bad will happen to him. If he sees a duck fall, send him to retrieve it, and then praise him and pet him. I think training a retriever mainly requires using common sense. If you begin throwing a dummy, sending the young dog to get it, taking the dummy out of its mouth when the dog brings it back to you and keep throwing that dummy, your dog will tire out. A better way to start teaching a pup to retrieve is: go to a hallway in your house, shut all the doors leading into any rooms along the hallway, and then sit the puppy between your legs. Then, release the pup. He should run down the hall and pick up the rolled-up sock. When you take the sock from the pup, make the pup sit between your legs, put your left hand on it, throw the sock, and let the pup retrieve it. One or two of those exercises per day with a young dog will get that young pup started on the right road to being a retriever. Obedience training is the foundation for all the other skills that the dog needs to learn. We begin with food bowl training. Usually a good pup will learn this first step of obedience training within days of practice. In our outside kennels at this writing in October, , we have 10 dogs. This sit command not only teaches the dog to sit when the command is given, but it also is communicating to the dog that we want him to sit and be steady - not be moving and not fidgeting. Each of the commands we teach in basic training has connections to the rest of the commands that the dog will need to learn to be a fully-trained retriever. Then, you can walk anywhere without your dog running off or having to be called back. I truly enjoy retriever training, because I can watch a dog go from a pup to a well-trained working dog in a relatively short time. Or call Bill Gibson at or email him at bgibson mossyoak. It's important to keep your new hunting buddy safe. You've invested time, money, and your heart into your partner, so keep him or her safe in the car with a Gunner Kennel. We don't leave home without it. This guarantees that their pup will be admitted into our program on the first day of the month after the pup turns six months of age. All pups from other kennels are considered "outside pups". Because demand for training pups that were purchased from Mossy Oak Gamekeeper Kennels is extremely high, our kennel space is very limited. Since assurance is given to our clients that their pups will be given priority for training slots, we will only take "outside" pups when we can reasonably assure ourselves that kennel space will be available for a sufficient length of time to properly train the pup. Our hunting dog training program is designed to encompass four levels of training. Once the pup has been introduced to real-life hunting situations, we would then classify a pup as a true "started gun dog" ready for the next two levels of training. At the end of this phase, the dog will walk at heel on lead, sit on the whistle, stay on command, recall on the "here" command, and will make single retrieves out to and beyond thirty 30 yards on both land and water. The dog will remain steady until sent for the training dummy and deliver to hand. The dog will also be properly introduced to gunfire. Gunfire will be the norm for marks and the dog will be steady to wing and shot. Also, the pup will begin the first steps of stopping on the whistle, leading to remote handling in more advanced levels of training. Again, the heel, sit, stay, place, and here commands continue to be reinforced. The dog will be worked out to seventy-five 75 yards on marks, trailing memories, and blinds. In addition, the dog will be reinforced to stop on the whistle, recall on the whistle and introduced to basic hand signals. All training at this level is done off lead and steadiness is the norm. Emphasis will have been on reinforcement of basic obedience and hand signals to the point that they have become conditioned habits. Many factors impact these estimates, many of which are owner induced. These issues can take from a few days to several weeks or more to address and correct. That is why we highly recommend that the new owners stick to our guidelines in dealing with the puppy during the interval between go home day and six months to bring the pup up to its maximum potential without creating issues. Must be micro-chipped. Must be current on Bordetella vaccination. Must be current on Rabies vaccination. Must test negative for intestinal coccidia, giardia, whip worms, round worms, and tape worms. Must test negative for ticks and fleas and be on a regular monthly preventative. Must test negative for heartworms and be on a regular monthly preventative. Must test negative for Lyme disease and be vaccinated for the same. Dogs not meeting these criteria will not be accepted into the training program.