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View All Articles in Training When to Start Training Your Pup While training may not be the first thing you think about when collecting your cute new bundle of floof from the breeder, it should certainly be up there on your priority list. Chances are, if you picked a good facility, your puppy will already have a leg up on the training ladder. Either way, the very best way to quickly make your new pet feel at home is to establish the boundaries of their behavior in a firm but fair manner. Take them outside to pee frequently and praise them when they do what you want them to do, but never punish any accidents. Every dog learns at their own speed, and training takes patience. Yet, the rules need to be in place from day one. If you let your pooch sleep on your bed one day but banish them from the bedroom the next, they are going to end up very confused. Routines that are established in these first few weeks will stick with your Berne. After all, these super-intelligent dogs learn fast. Compared with more excited, energetic Doodles, they can be a breeze to handle if you pick the right teaching method. Here are four of the best as recommended by canine experts: Positive Reinforcement Early ideas on dog training focused heavily on the owner asserting dominance over their pet through positive punishment shouting, hitting, and hurting. We have moved far away from these today. Such treatment often backfires, creating an anxious, aggressive dog that is liable to lash out when provoked. Now, most trainers make use of positive reinforcement methods. Instead of reacting to unwanted behaviors, they focus on rewarding the wanted ones. They do this through the use of attention, praise, toys, and treats. The idea is that if the dog associates a particular behavior with a reward, they are more likely to repeat that behavior. A potential issue with this technique is that sometimes bad behavior is its own reward. Say your dog likes to steal food from the counter or escape from the garden. In these instances, a negative punishment removing a favorite toy, treat, or simply your attention is recommended to let them know this is not acceptable. Clicker Training Based on the same principles as positive reinforcement, clicker training is the method most often utilized by doggy trainers. Secondly, it can be used at the exact moment your pup displays the wanted action. In this way, the positive behavior is very clearly marked. Of course, with this method, you first have to train your pal to associate the clicker with a future reward. Do this by encouraging them to obey a command they are already familiar with, using the clicker, and promptly feeding them a treat. With time a link will form between the two. Eventually, the clicker may even become the reward itself — the signal of a job well done for your dog. This desire to mimic as a way of pleasing the leader is a natural behavior among pack animals in the wild. They are given the freedom to engage in dog-like behaviors within reason. Training often occurs off the leash and focuses on promoting actions associated with hunting, defending, and retrieving. Socialization plays a crucial role in mirror training. Owners are encouraged to include their pooch in all aspects of their lives so as to build a strong bond with them. Getting out and about with other dogs is also vital. Pack-animal mentality means that positive behaviors are also acquired this way. Relationship-Based Training As the name suggests, relationship-based training is also highly focused on the bond between pet and owner. The idea is that any training built on a solid and trusting relationship is likely to be far more effective. You are looking to learn everything you can about your pup and their specific needs. The aim is to be in tune with their emotions, be able to accurately interpret their body language, and understand what motivates them. Positive reinforcement methods are then used to shape behavior. At the same time, the environment is closely controlled to set the dog up for success. So, for instance, you try not to leave temptation in their way if it can be avoided. This training takes a little longer than other kinds but can offer more success in the long run. Training Items You Absolutely Need for Your Doodle Depending on the method you opt for, you will need a few tools to guarantee success. For instance, with each one, you will require reward items such as treats and toys. Here are some toys that will work for Bernies. Aside from that, you will want a good quality collar or harness and leash for outside training. Opt for a harness if your puppy likes to pull. These are generally better for bigger, more powerful dogs such as Bernedoodles, anyway, as they give you a little more control. Many owners also choose to crate train their pup. This has a number of advantages, including giving your dog a place that is all theirs, a place where they can feel safe and secure. Check out our dedicated articles on leash training and crate training for more specific advice on each one. However, it also increases the likelihood of them snatching food from tables and counters if not closely supervised. When they obey, offer pets and praise, and they will soon get the hang of it. Avoid mixed messages by never feeding your pup from the table. Jumping While Bernedoodles tend to be cautious with strangers, the opposite is true with those they love. They may demonstrate their enthusiasm by jumping up to say hello — not ideal if your Bernie is on the larger side. It can be challenging for owners who appreciate all the loving to discourage such behavior, but not everyone enjoys being sent flying. While the natural response might be to push your pup down, they will likely view this as part of the game. Instead, the best thing to do is withdraw your attention. Turn away from your dog without a sound and cross your arms over your chest. If they keep jumping up, then simply turn around and leave the room. If you are having problems with a noisy hound, try to identify what might lie underneath the behavior rather than simply trying to control it. Barking can signal an array of issues — everything from boredom to anxiety. So, pay attention to when it occurs. Bernedoodles, being highly sociable dogs, are prone to separation anxiety, so if your pup is disturbing the neighbors when you are away from the house, this is likely the problem. Find out what you can do about separation anxiety here. Early and thorough socialization is the best preventative measure for this. Pulling on the Leash A common issue among most young pups, pulling on the leash can be a serious problem with Bernedoodles, though — especially when they are on the larger side. This behavior usually occurs simply because your pup is excited to be outside, and that enthusiasm translates to them wanting to get to the dog park as quickly as they can. Mastering walking on the leash mostly just takes practice. You need to be firm and not let them get away with doing it at any time. If your Berne starts to get ahead of you, simply stop, make them sit if you can, and begin to walk again only when they are a bit calmer. See here for more leash training tips and tricks. Digging Just like barking, digging tends to be a symptom of an underlying problem like boredom. The thing with Doodles is that incredible intelligence makes them less likely to be satisfied with merely hanging out in the yard all day. They need to be kept both physically and mentally stimulated. If they are not… bring on the destructive behaviors! Digging is a firm doggy favorite. The trick is to divert their attention to something else. If they are getting enough walks and plenty of affection, try throwing a few toys into the mix. Puzzle toys have been designed specifically to keep clever canines entertained for longer. Finally, try giving your dog a designated space in the garden to dig far away from the fence and your favorite plants and flowers. Biting and Mouthing While common in young pups, especially when teething, aggressive biting is not a Bernedoodle trait. Herding dogs such as Bernes might nip to get you to go where they want to go a behavior they can easily be trained out of. Still, if your pup is getting a little vicious for no reason, you could have a problem. If it is just puppy teething — not fun in any way when they are having at you with those needle-sharp teeth — consider investing in a high-quality teething toy such as one of these. They could be feeling particularly anxious about something — a new person or other kinds of changes in the household. Alternatively, they might be sick and in pain. If you are confident that they are getting enough nutrition for their weight and life stage, chances are your hound is just looking for something fun to chew on and taking it to the extreme. Again, chew toys are the best answer. They will keep your pet occupied and help them to fulfill their natural instinct for mouthing. This is what keeps their teeth clean and their jaws healthy, after all. The issue should resolve itself in no time at all. Especially because most breeders begin this process long before you pick your new puppy up. Just keep things consistent, and you will get there fairly quickly and painlessly. A few things you can do are: take your pup out to the place you want them to go on a regular basis. Designate a specific command and offer lots of love, hugs, and praise when they do what you ask of them. Never punish any accidents — this could actually set your dog back. Some owners recommend crate training for puppies who are having a slightly more difficult time getting the hang of it all. When To Get Professional Help If your pup starts or continues to display behavior issues such as aggression, food aggression, excessive barking, destructive chewing, mounting, or separation anxiety, it is likely that he will need special attention to address them. The best way to deal with Doodle behavior issues is to hire a trainer, or a behaviorist to come to your home for a one-on-one consult. Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! See Also: Click the image Amy helps you set up your home, get your family all on the same page and teaches you exactly what to do the second your puppy arrives for optimal training success. You can also schedule LIVE! Office Hours for one-on-one help with Amy and participate in weekly online puppy classes right in your living room! Need help with training? We recommend this on top of group classes. By the way, the skills they teach works for any dog at any age. Bernedoodles, with their incredible intelligence and people-pleasing manner, are relatively easy to train compared to other dogs. Keep things light, fun, and interesting, and you should be able to teach your pal to do just about anything within reason. How do you train a Bernedoodle puppy? There are various training methods. The one you subscribe to will be the one that works best for you and your pup. How do you discipline a Bernedoodle? Discipline is a tricky business in the world of canines. Experts agree that shouting and hitting simply do not work in the long run. Bernedoodles are awesome dogs, and you will never regret adding one to your household. However, they do take a fair bit of looking after. February 7, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? When it comes to having the best of both worlds, Bernedoodles are it! These mixed breed designers pups were bred to be the perfect companion dog and quickly rose up in the ranks of popular puppy breeds over the last two decades! How do you know if a Bernedoodle is a right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Bernedoodles! Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels claims to be the very first breeder that purposely cross-bred two purebreeds: Standard Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog. Since this breed is only approximately two decades old, the American Kennel Club still does not consider the Bernedoodle a purebred. Nevertheless, the rise in popularity has also led to many more breeders producing these pups. If you were interested in bringing a Bernedoodle home, while there are many reputable breeders that specialize in these pups, you can also find these pups in shelters or rescue groups that focus on Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs, to potentially find these mixed pups! What are Bernedoodle Breed Characteristics? When it comes to range, few breeds can beat the Bernedoodle! These pups come in a variety of sizes and coat colors. Bernedoodles come in a few different sizes: tiny, miniature, medium, and standard. They can range in weight from ten pounds in the tiny category all the way to ninety pounds in the standard category. Along with variety in sizes, their coats can be within a range from completely black, black and white, black and brown, or tri-colored with patches of either black, white, or brown. Probably the most common coat and markings people seek when looking for a Bernedoodle puppy is the tri-color variety that is in closer resemblance to the Bernese Mountain Dog. Depending on which side of their genetic makeup your pup takes after, some Bernedoodle pups coats can be curly, or wavy like the Standard Poodle and not shed as much making them a good candidate for parents who suffer from allergies. Other Bernedoodle pups can have straighter coats that have a tendency to shed more and are not hypoallergenic. What are Bernedoodles Personalities like? The Puppy Academy student, Hamilton! Goofy, smart, loyal to their families, and friendly, these pups have the best personality traits from both sides! Most Bernedoodles parents pick these pups because of their good demeanors and temperaments. Your puppy may lean toward the Standard Poodle side, depicting traits of high intelligence, hard-working, and loyal. Or your puppy can lean toward the Bernese Mountain Dog which is good-natured, confident, and affectionate. Some Bernese Mountain Dogs can be stubborn, in particular during their adolescent phase, and a bit aloof or standoffish toward strangers. With good basic obedience and early socialization, any Bernedoodle can make a great fit for a family and develop friendly demeanors toward new people. While these pups are considered to be working dogs and do require daily exercise, they are also content with hanging out with you at home. Moderate exercises such as one to two longer walks, with play sessions in between, a day is sufficient to burn off energy and keep your pup content! Tiny and Mini Bernedoodles are better equipment for urban environment living whereas Medium to Standard sized Bernedoodles would need more space to exercise and play. No matter the size of your Bernedoodle puppy, they are going to need adequate exercise, which is why they do really well with active families! Tiny and Mini Bernedoodles will require a bit less activity and can adapt to tighter living spaces that come with urban environments such as apartments or condos. As for Medium to Standard-sized Bernedoodles which are taller and wider and can grow upwards of ninety pounds, they may be bumping into more coffee tables and have trouble fitting in the same hallway as you in smaller dwellings! For all sizes, access to either a fenced-in yard or a nearby park you can take them to is ideal for this breed! How to Care for Your Bernedoodle Puppy! When it comes to caring for your new Bernedoodle puppy, start off by scheduling a first veterinarian visit within the first week of bringing your puppy home! Like many large breed working dogs, Bernedoodle may suffer from joint dysplasia. Bernese Mountain Dogs have been known to suffer blood disorders, some cancers, and progressive retinal atrophy. Generally, Bernedoodles are healthy and sturdy especially if they come from a reputable breeder. General care for your Bernedoodle puppy will include brushing their teeth to avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Floppy ears means they may be susceptible to ear infections so regularly check and clean them to avoid these from happening. Because their coat types can vary, depending on your puppy, if they have a curly coat you may need to frequently brush them to avoid matting. We recommend that you take your puppy to a professional groomer every few months to get their fur trimmed. The Puppy Academy student, Cali! Create a Daily Puppy Training Schedule Bernedoodle puppies are smart and easily trained but they can have a stubborn streak as they get into their adolescence. Creating early structure at home can help mitigate this stubbornness by establishing daily routines your puppy can expect and also establish you as leader. Since Bernedoodles are made up of two intelligent hard-working breeds, basic obedience training with food positive reinforcement will benefit their behavioral growth! Socialize Your Bernedoodle Puppy with People, Children, and Other Pets Bernedoodles have friendly dispositions and make great family dogs, however, they can be standoffish to new people as they get older. Use Play to Help Train Them Tap into their playful nature and use your playtime sessions together to teach good manners! For example, use Fetch to teach your Bernedoodle how to come to you, Drop-it to give the toy back, then ask them to sit to teach polite manners as they learn to wait until you toss the toy again for them to get. Although Bernedoodles love to work, they sometimes need a bit more motivation! This can come with the aid of food rewards, and providing variation to their training routines to keep them engaged. Enrolling your puppy in training classes, or working with them by yourself at home using a program like our online puppy school will give you a plan to follow with basic training routines to teach your Bernedoodle good manners, as well as keep challenging them along the way so they never get bored, and advance their skillset! Did you recently bring home a Bernedoodle puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! If used properly, they can be a wonderful safe haven for your pet. At Premier Doodles, we start this process early on and all of our puppies from weeks will have multiple crates available in their kennel kept in our master bedroom. They learn what we call a Positive Conditioned Emotional Response PCER which means they come to learn that the crate is a great place to be and have to train this. The crate should be big enough for your pet to stand up, lay down and turn around. Don't worry about dividers as most all of our bernedoodles are great in the crate. Should accidents begin to appear on one side of the crate you'll have to creatively reduce the amount of space they have inside the crate. IMPORTANT NOTE: you will need to purchase two crates, one at the back door with a connected x-pen or other type of portable fencing that is clipped onto the crate to make a small play area, and the other next to your bed if you want maximum success. We have a YouTube channel called Premier Doodles where we have a short video showing what this setup looks like. The crate should be used to safely confine your pet when you are away from home, at night and for short periods of time when you are unable to watch them. We do not recommend keeping any type of collar on your pet while in the crate or in your home.It is important that from the very beginning, you never use your crate to punish your pet. You must make it a positive experience from the start. We want to create a PCER. You most definitely can confine your pet for short periods of time when they are misbehaving, but you never want to place your pet in there in a harsh or negative manner. If your pet develops a fear or dislike to their crate, it can be a very difficult situation to turn around. The crate should be a safe haven for your pet. It is an area that they should be able to go to and feel secure and comfortable. Use softer chew toys as they are more quiet at night time especially while you're sleeping. This includes bedding. We will attempt to put old towels or perhaps even an old sheet in my dogs crate but if they start to chew them, out they come. It is not worth the risk to have a pet ingest something that literally can kill them or cost a hefty price to have surgically removed. We usually keep our pets in their crate at night until they are able to hold their potty all night and they understand that we sleep at night, we don't "party". We want our dogs in the bedroom at night so we will then use a baby gate to keep them in there with us at night. They are typically crated during the day while we are gone until they are approximately 2 years of age. That is the average for dogs to mature especially bernedoodles. This may seem like a long time, but it is well worth the patience. Dogs that are well socialized are a pure pleasure to be around. They are far more "stable" than an un-socialized pet. They are much less likely to get themselves into trouble, which could ultimately get you into "big" trouble. This couldn't be further from the truth. They should always be socialized with safe, healthy dogs that are tolerant of obnoxiouspuppies. It is a common misconception that a lot of people believe that in order to have a "protective" dog, you must keep it away from people. You must praise or encourage inappropriate behavior, i. In reality, a dog that is well socialized is every bit as likely to alert you, or perhaps even defend you in the face of danger. The critical difference is: An un-socialized dog is going to assume that every single person, child etc. They have a much higher ability to "perceive" what is a true threat than the unfortunate un-social dog. The un-socialized pet is actually one that is running on fear of the "unknown". The reality is this: You should be getting a pet for a "pet". They should be a well-loved, properly cared for member of your family. To get a "pet" solely for "protection" is usually a recipe for disaster. We all can take comfort in the fact that all dogs usually alert us to something "different" in or around the house. That in itself is a huge deterrent to someone who is up to no good. To rely on a pet to keep us totally safe from harm, is not fair to the dog, nor should it be "their'' responsibility alone. A final note: To allow a dog to pick and choose what they perceive as a threat, to not socialize your dog, to not properly train and provide care for your dog, to not allow your dog to be a member of the family, is almost ALWAYS a disaster in the making. Insurance companies, Boarding Kennels, Hotels, Apartments, etc. There are certain Breeds of dogs that are not "welcome". There are no "bad" breeds in my opinion, but unfortunately, there are literally thousands of "bad" owners. Expose your pet to all different types of people, noises, environments etc. Do not force your pet to accept strangers, nor do you want to coddle fearful behavior. Do be mindful that your new puppy is not fully vaccinated until 16 weeks of age. Until then, you can still get them out and in car rides and with a rubbermaid tote can put into a cart at Lowe's and let them hear and see new people. Do yourself a favor and socialize your pet. You and they will be glad you did! They need to be corrected the instant the unwanted behavior occurs. They live in a world of cause and effect. Dogs live in the NOW. Corrections have to happen in the NOW. The quickest way to teach your dog that you are not trustworthy is to punish your dog with physical violence or to reprimand him for some action that he is not presently engaged in. Abuse is never acceptable, hitting a dog is never acceptable. You cannot use fear as a means of making an animal behave; it doesn't work. Showing an animal strong leadership and giving rules is not the same thing as instilling fear and administering inappropriate punishment. Never correct an animal out of anger of frustration. When you try and correct your dog out of anger, you are usually more out of control than your dog is. You are fulfilling your own needs, not the animals. Negative attention is better than no attention at all This is something that most parents can relate to as well. Whether this is laying down napping, playing with appropriate toys, sitting before being allowed outside, greeting people, etc. My number 1 rule for solving behavioral problems is to NOT reinforce them. Extinguish them or better yet work to not let them creep up into their pattern of life. Simply put, if your dog is acting out inappropriately and you react to it, you are very likely reinforcing that behavior. You may be reacting negatively, but you are reacting. However; if you re-direct your pet to something appropriate and then reward them for that, you will usually end up extinguishing the behavior that you do not want. For example: If your dog is jumping on you and you scream, yell, push or otherwise acknowledge the pet, you are reinforcing that behavior. Have you ever seen a "sane" dog repeatedly attack a telephone pole for no reason???? Having said that, you must also use common sense. If "Fido" is chewing on an electrical cord, you can not simply ignore it. What you should do is very quickly but calmly get up and with a sharp "NO" correct the pup and then immediately re-direct the pup to something appropriate. Reward for correct behavior. But it doesn't have to be! And with our Premier bernedoodles you'll find them to be one of the easiest puppies to housebreak because we have already started this process well before you bring your new puppy home. The following tips are helpful, if followed, in making a great and fun time less stressful for you and your pup! Once your puppy is a little bit older, they almost always can hold their potty overnight. The crate should be big enough for your puppy to standup, turnaround, and lay down. Our bernedoodle puppies do great in a Midwest XL wire crate. Puppies should be fed 3 times per day, at the very least they need to be fed 2 times per day. Please talk to your Veterinarian about your abilities to feed your pet and follow their advice. We personally do not recommend "paper'' training a puppy. No matter how you look at it, it is giving the puppy permission to use the bathroom in the house. It, of course, is a personal choice and some people's work schedule does not allow for anything different. Just keep in mind, it will be more difficult to change the "way of thinking" for the older puppy and you need to be patient Young puppies need to potty much more frequently than older puppies. Take that into consideration when housebreaking. We typically take our puppies out every minutes the first week after coming home, whether we think they need to go or not. This will be increased to hours after a few weeks. The first order of business should always be to potty when first going outside. Take your puppy to the area you want them to go and give them just a short amount of time to take care of business. When they are outside we start using potty commands Go Potty for 1 and Go Poo Poo for 2 at about 4 weeks of age and we even start using these phrases the first weeks. We repeat these phrases until they posture to do their business, at which time we shut up. As soon as they are done like the millisecond! We also do this in the wee hours of the morning but without this excitement and never with the lights on. Then take them back out to the potty area and try again. Once they have pottied, they have earned some time to play, explore, etc. Puppies are like small children, they need to be watched at all times, they need to learn right from wrong and they need a chance to be puppies! Get the puppy outside immediately while somebody else is cleaning up the mess. We use OdoBan to take all odors out so that it does not become a place that smells like an area to relieve themselves. You must use common sense when taking water away. If it is hot, the puppy has been playing hard, etc. You can also give ice cubes. Make sure you take your puppy outside right before you go to bed. If they immediately start crying you need to ignore them - they are seeking attention, and giving it to them even negative is teaching them that "this is the way to get attention". Place the puppy down and let them take care of business. Again we are saying quietly "Go Potty". Once they've gone potty, quietly praise them "Good potty" and take them right back to their crate. Do not play with your puppy, or otherwise encourage them to "wake" up, or that very well may be their incentive to "party" at 3 a. Once your puppy has developed a little more control, you will find that they start sleeping throughout the night in no time. In the beginning, they physically cannot hold their potty all night, once they can however; it is not in their best interest to get up in the middle of the night unless it has been made "rewarding"to them. We always get our puppies out immediately after eating and drinking. If after 15 minutes they don't go potty we will bring back inside and place in a crate. About 5 minutes later we will take back outside and repeat this process until they have relieved themselves. This is so common that most puppies will go through this at some point in their early part of their life. The best thing you can do is to try to avoid doing those things that seem to bring this behavior about. This is normal. If this behavior continues best to have a veterinarian check for a UTI. Here are some tips to help: Use a crate when you cannot supervise. Put his crate near a door allowing him to get outside quickly, potentially avoiding an accident. Keep quiet but relaxed. Ignore his behavior. Build up gradually to new things. Do basic obedience training. Make it fun and confidence building. Using lots of obedience commands and praises helps distract. Take him out regularly to do his business so his bladder will not build up pressure every 15 minutes. Do not go straight to his crate when entering a room. Allow him to calm down first, before letting him out. Just ignore the dog and walk past. When you go to the crate to let him out do so quietly. When out in the yard, do not call him up to you but walk slowly around with him. Give him a command to urinate and praise him calmly using voice only when he does. Do everything slowly and work at making your body language calm and unconcerned. Keep verbal volume low. Get down at ground level. Or sit on a low chair. Be non-threatening. Spend time sitting with him by your side on a leash. Take him for walks where he can gradually be exposed to the situations that trigger his urination. Ask friends to practice no touch, no talk, no eye contact around him. Avoid situations and people that you cannot control until your dog is learning to control himself and gain confidence. Submissive urination can be annoying, but exhibiting your frustration to your dog only makes it worse way worse as this is the very reason why they will sometimes do it. With a little planning and adjusting your attitude, you can minimize and overcome the problem which will disappear anyways but mine as well help along the line. However,there are rules that must be followed. If you ignore the rules, you should not play at all. If played properly, these games are some of the best anti-aggression exercises you can practice with your dog. Rule 1 While playing tug-of-war, most dogs will make a mistake and grab fingers or a hand instead of the toy. Because we are playing a game and feel that the mouth or bite was accidental, people tend to ignore it. This is a BIG mistake! If you allow rough housing or tug-of-war, you MUST never allow the dog to mouth or bite for any reason. The very instant the dog's tooth or teeth touch you or your clothing, you must immediately reprimand the dog and STOP playing. Dogs are very capable of controlling their teeth. Rule 2 The dog should never be allowed to initiate the play session or grab for the toy without invitation. Only when you give a command such as "take it". Especially with puppies, if you allow the dog to grab things without invitation, then you can find yourself playing while trying to get dressed, put on socks etc. You start the game, you end the game. Rule 3 It is always a good idea to stop the game every 30 seconds or so. When you stop the game, give your dog the command to "give or drop it". Make your dog sit or down. Praise and release. If you want to continue to play, give the dog the command to "take it" and continue. If the dog does not respond to the commands to give, you must immediately take the toy away and stop playing. This would clearly tell you that your dog either does not understand the command, or you are absolutely NOT in control. If you are not in control, you should never play this game with your dog. What may be a "soft" bite to you very well may not be to a child or an elderly person. When bites occur in play, in greeting or as an accident, we tend to ignore or excuse it dogs are very capable of controlling their teeth. What happens is the dog learns that they can act recklessly around us. We have taught them that there is no need to exercise caution around us or be respectful. They learn that biting is acceptable. Dogs do not do this to each other. They don't rationalize or make excuses. Biting and disrespect are swiftly and effectively reprimanded and it very rarely, if ever, happens again. Puppies are going to mouth you.We want them to learn an appropriate ABI or in other words how much force can they bite down that is deemed acceptable ie doesn't hurt. We need to first work with this component and then work on reducing the frequency. But bite force first. As you're playing with your puppy just keep screeching "OUCH" when it's too hard and at the moment they cease or bite softly praise them big time. This will go back and forth and forth and back like a ping pong match well at least played by two competent players! This will not be a one session deal. This will take weeks and weeks of being very consistent in your "OUCH" every time they either bite you or your clothes too hard. We do want to promote gentle bite behavior as this reinforces the bonding and teaches them an appropriate ABI which is imperative for producing a stable adult dog. DO NOT take the mouthing behavior away but lets just shape it so that the puppy knows when it's too hard. If your puppy is clearly highly energized and not responding then the play session is over and you walk away. That's it. Never ever hit or smack your dog to correct or thump them on the head as this will only produce head shy dogs. Remember…It is natural for dogs to bite, it must be understood that biting human flesh is the problem and will never be tolerated when it's too hard. The good news is that puppy mouthing behavior aka puppy biting almost always goes away between months even if you let it go. We just prefer the process of teaching boundaries early on while still allowing for some gentle mouthing behaviors. Just remember this will take a LONG time and will make up a big part of your early puppy training. Remember, dogs repeat behaviors that are in some way, shape or form rewarding to them. If you can remove the reward negative punishment , the behavior usually will decrease and then disappear. You need to figure out what the "reward" is and then remove it. Obviously, some behavior will not be able to be extinguished. For example, if the dog enjoys rolling in feces or mud, chewing, barking or anything that in and of itself is rewarding and you cannot "remove" it, it will continue. Yes there are some more invasive ways to extinguish these behaviors thru negative punishment e-collars, putting dog feces in holes being dug in the backyard and filling it, etc. Extinction can work great for nuisance behaviors such as barking, whining for attention, jumping, begging, controlling play, etc. If you attempt to use extinction, be prepared for the behavior to escalate before it starts to decrease. For example: If your dog is used to jumping on you and receiving attention and you decide to ignore it, the dog will become confused - "Hey.Very often, they will try harder to get the desired attention. If you stick to your guns and refuse to acknowledge the dog, the behavior will usually decrease and eventually stop. If you pay attention or reward it even one time or even slightly, it will be all the more difficult to extinguish in the future. The only thing you will accomplish is to have the dog work harder to get what they want. The type of reaction depends on the individual personality of the puppy, his overall resilience, and your reaction. We do fear recovery response training during the first 8 weeks to make sure they have a fast recovery to new novel noises and objects and situations. The how and when of fear periods also depends on the individual puppy, so you may or may not see it in your puppy as described. Generally speaking, puppies go through two potential fear periods during puppyhood. The first fear phase comes when the puppy is just months of age. This also coincides with a very critical socialization period. Your puppy is coming into a new home, leaving behind his mother, and litter mates, and is being introduced to a new family. What you have to do is just keep everything FUN! Puppies look to you as a security buffer and want to see how you react in a situation. Carry super yummy treats with you everywhere you go. Ask people to give your puppy a treat. Give treats with lots of praise in situations where you see your puppy is a little unsure. Carry a favorite toy with you and play squeaky toys or tug of war. This helps a puppy feel more comfortable. It is important to be upbeat and excited about new things and encourage your puppy to feel the same way. The second fear phase comes later in puppyhood. These puppies normally become worried about novel things, or you may see your puppy express fear over something that never bothered them before. The key to this phase is to not force your puppy into situations, and just like before, remember to keep it fun. Instead, give a few treats, talk to him, and then YOU walk up to statue and touch it. YouTube is littered with videos of dogs being forced to interact or even being chased! This type of interaction can be seriously distressing for your puppy. Remember to keep it fun and positive, and he will move through the phase without any problems. A More Thorough Response.There are windows of time when certain types of behaviors e. We have done our part, but this training must continue long after they go to their new homes. Fear-based periods can include fearful responses to noises, dogs barking, music, really anything that could be interpreted as a threat. Although dogs have been domesticated for a long time, they still carry DNA from their wolf lineage and that includes protective puppy behaviors such as quickly scampering to cover when a threat is perceived. Between months these types of responses can be manifested by cowering behavior but can also include barking, growling, ears back and tail down, and in some cases just a bit of unsureness about the stimulus causing this reaction. Keep in mind that these behaviors manifest from a genetic basis that likely came with wild populations of dog ancestors e. Well, there are several key socialization periods as well and the first one occurs during the first 8 weeks, and this is when puppies begin to bond and trust their human family. Without a thorough socialization program, you will be battling that on top of puppy-fear based responses at a whole new level. Trust me fear-based training does make a difference when started in the first 8 weeks and research corroborates this and that early puppy training the first 8 weeks helps to temper these responses, but every puppy is different, and every home and environmental conditions are different as well. Just keep all of this in mind during the training period that these genetically programmed responses helped the puppies survive before becoming household pets that we have today. Unfortunately, they carry the genetic baggage from their past ancestors, and we just need to work around this. Understanding this is the first step toward puppy training… Ok so what to do!? Is there hope? Absolutely and the above information just sets the stage for how to train the puppies and help them thru these two fear-based periods. This can be extremely overwhelming and can manifest itself in many ways wanting to be with you all the time, depressed immune responses, etc. The main thing is to use the first fear-based period between weeks to absolutely bond to your new puppy and make sure they feel secure, protected, and not frightened. Many families have young kids and although they were raised with kids of all ages this first 8—week fear-based period can kick in and when chased by a young child, grabbed, pulled, or petted and handled can induce a fear-based response that may be hard to detect at first but can slowly creep in. Make sure that whoever is interacting with the puppy is doing so in a very friendly and non-threatening way. But remember kids can induce a fear-based response as can other dogs during this initial fear-based period. Allow the puppy to initiate contact with new people. Early traumatic experiences to a hostile child or dog can have a lifelong impact on the puppy and in many cases, this can cause permanent behavioral changes and why we do not advocate for dog parks or other situations where lots of dogs are together without proper supervision. You can also use a Bluetooth speaker and occasionally play novel noises during the day search in YouTube for Puppy Culture noises. During these very positive training episodes you can again play novel noises but very brief and have lots of treats ready to redirect their behavior. Such as they are fearful of going into the back seat. Your job is to create a positive experience by getting into the back seat. Maybe get some raw meat and put into a Ziplock bag and let your dog smell it. Then if they put one foot up onto the back seat treat them. Then two feet only gets a treat etc. Keep it fun. But you must be abundantly patient during this time. Dogs that routinely go thru basic obedience training school during this time seem to fly thru it with flying colors, but patience and praise is the key. The bottom line is that training and socialization is going to happen the rest of their lives. Certainly, it gets easier! Your investment now will have a lifelong impact on the well-being of your fur baby. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. Therefore, this article is dedicated to establishing some Bernedoodle training ground rules to make training as smooth for both you and your dog. Even though they are designer dogs, they are not meant to be trained for dog shows. If you like partying, you can have your Bernedoodle accompany you. If you like lying around, you can have your Bernedoodle accompany you. The breed is moderately active. Therefore, they can take on any activity you would want them to take on, as long as you give them enough rest. Since a Bernedoodle will always want to accompany you, it is best to train them according to your schedule and lifestyle. If you lead a super active lifestyle, we suggest you train your dog to be docile in the outdoor environment. However, if you like to stay at home, you can teach them basic household chores such as bringing a towel, etc. Try not to put too many irrelevant commands in their minds because their goofy minds might end up getting confused. Train Them Early Train them early to reap the fruits in the long run. Bernedoodles tend to get too comfortable in their surroundings and, as quick learners, adapt to habits in no time. Before getting a puppy, we suggest you plan a mini-vacation for the first week of your companionship. You can devote this first week to bond with your Bernedoodle puppy and training them diligently. Teach them a few obedience commands right when you get them. When a puppy is given too much time to themselves before training, they pick up naturally bad habits and are generally crate trained. Therefore, they get stuck learning only the basic commands for most of their life. However, if you train your puppy early, they will adopt a curious and adventurous mind. Therefore, they will learn how to do advanced tricks and abbey special commands in no time. After all, a Bernedoodle is a companion dog and will adapt to the way you live. Therefore, if you live a train dedicated to active training, they will live that way too. However, if you get lazy with training, they will slack off in picking up commands. Always Use Positive Reinforcements Dogs are sensitive to your behavior — so tread carefully. Something to be careful about — not only with Bernedoodles is how sensitive they can be towards your behavior. If you show them anger — they will either reciprocate it or feel stressed about your negative emotion. Dogs — like humans — cannot learn and perform while they are under stress. Therefore, it is best to make them feel welcome during their training session. Many dog trainers in the past used to punish dogs for not performing the desired command. However, doing that to a Bernedoodle can lead to anxiety and long-term bonding issues. The best way to train a Bernedoodle is to use positive reinforcements. Positive reinforcements are the act of awarding your dog for good behavior instead of punishing him for bad ones. Positive reinforcements allow the dog to create a stronger bond with you. Moreover, it allows the dog to be happy with his training sessions instead of dreading them. Laser-Sharp Focus Dogs get distracted easily, but they will not learn any complex commands unless they can focus. Much like humans, dogs need to be idle to focus on the task at hand. Whether you want to teach your dog new commands or want them to stay quiet for a while, they cannot do it until they are focused. The best way to teach your Bernedoodle to focus is to teach them the sit and stay command combination. Once your dog knows how to sit on command, move a little away from him and continue commanding him to sit. Add the stay command and slowly increase the duration of each stay session. When your dog knows how to stay until further notice, they will learn how to do nothing even when there might be some distractions around. Unless the dog learns not to do anything, he will never learn how to stay focused and learn new tricks. Take Them Outdoors — Learn from Experiences Outdoors is the perfect place for your dog to learn many visual cues and boost their sensory development. When you take your dog outdoors, two things happen — they interact with the world around them other than you, and they get physical exercise. When a dog gets to interact with a world other than you and your house, they learn several visual cues. Moreover, being outdoors with your dog is the perfect opportunity for you to gauge how he responds to other animals, strangers, and children. Most Bernedoodles are likely to be friendly and docile with other animals and strangers. Therefore, you will not have to make them undergo extensive training. However, some might get aggressive and will need specialized training to be friendly. Being outdoors also gives the dog the physical stimulation it needs to go about his day properly. If dogs have too much pent-up energy in them, they tend to develop destructive and aggressive behavior. Give Them Mental Games to Play Physical stimulation is important, but so is mental stimulation, which is why brain training for your dog is vital. How well your dog is mentally stimulated makes a huge difference in how well he can be trained. However, the same is true too. The more mentally stimulated the dog, the more intelligence he is likely to develop. The more intelligent the dog, the easier it will be to train him. Bernedoodles, in general, tend to be highly intelligent dogs — therefore, they like to be mentally stimulated and like to learn new things every other day. If a Bernedoodle is not adequately mentally stimulated, he will become sad and aggressive. The best way to mentally stimulate your Bernedoodle to keep his mind sharp enough for rigorous training is simple. You can get your dog to try a new command every three days. This will give them enough challenge to feel stimulated but not too much to overwhelm and distress them — which brings up the next ground rule. Training can be very difficult for your dog to wrap his head around. Therefore, while continuous training sessions are vital, it is necessary to keep each session short. Therefore, it is best to keep them happy about training for only minutes a stretch and let them imbibe the commands you teach them. An overworked dog will end up feeling too tired to obey the commands they have learned. Therefore, the best way to keep them from burning out is to teach consistently but gradually. If you are teaching the basic sit command to your dog, make sure you only make a few repetitions in one go. Too many repetitions will make your dog resist the training and resent the next session. Allow your dog at least two days to learn a command as simple as sit. Reinforce their training with the first few repetitions and slowly do away with the treats once they start to get the hang of the command — even if it takes a few days. Bernedoodles are companion dogs and love to spend all their time with their family. However, they are also very sensitive and need to learn how to be alone at an early age. If your dog is used to being with you at all times as a puppy, not having you around for even a short duration can be a cause of significant distress and sadness for them. When your puppy is only in his socializing stage, make sure you give him time to himself. Therefore, he will learn to feel comfortable in your absence. The best way to do so is to let the puppy move around in your house while you stay out of their sight for a while. Begin with 10 minutes of solitude, and you can gradually increase the time to hours at a stretch. This resonates with the ground rule of training your Bernedoodle in accordance with your lifestyle. If you need to go out to work for most of the day, train your puppy to learn your schedule. When you return home, make sure you spoil him with a lot of treats. This will let the dog understand that even if you leave them alone for a while, you will come back and shower him with love when you return. Use the Leash Wisely The leash is the first and last control you have over your dog. Therefore, it is important to use it accurately. Your dog will learn to associate the leash with training and walking, which should induce excitement in him. You must never use a leash to get strict or punish a dog. Otherwise, he will associate the leash with negativity. Dogs tend to associate places and objects with emotions. Therefore, once they have associated the leash with negativity, they will never be happy to be on a leash even while training and walking. Using a leash while training your dog is very important. This is especially true for Bernedoodles because even as intelligent dogs, they tend to be very distracted. If your dog is not on a leash while training, it will become difficult to keep him in one place. You can start walking your dog on a leash and teach him to stay at your heel. Once you are confident enough that your dog will not run off towards distractions and will listen to you if you call him, you can try walking him without the leash as well. However, the transformation from with to without a leash should be done very slowly and carefully. It is best to start the transformation within the confines of your home so that your dog will still be in reach if he runs off. However, their loyalty can cause problems when not trained properly. However, mixed with Poodle traits, the dog might not have any chill. If your dog is also aggressive in nature, he is likely to be too protective. This leads to them being suspicious of anyone who comes to your house. They might even have a tendency to bite. Therefore, you need to teach him the boundary between loyal and aggressively loyal. Loyalty is an inept trait in Bernedoodles. Therefore, you have to focus on training him not to be aggressive to anyone in your house. The answer is not to tie him up when someone visits — that will only make him more aggressive. You must make sure the dog is comfortable with people entering your house. To do so, you can walk your dog on a leash to the door when guests arrive. When your guest arrives, give the sit command and allow the guest to give him a treat — but only if the dog is sitting and not being aggressive. Once the guest is inside, you can allow your dog to roam freely and give him treats whenever he is not aggressive. This will teach him to trust having strangers in the house in your presence. Biting Training Dogs can nib — but teach them not to bite. As mentioned earlier, dogs are very receptive to your emotions. We will use that dog characteristic to our advantage. You can allow your dog to nib on your hand. This will let your dog know that they hurt you by putting pressure with their jaws on your hand. Eventually, with enough treats and repetitions, the dog will learn not to apply pressure to avoid causing pain. Make sure your dog is well-adept to not apply pressure while nibbling. Once that is done, you can ask your family or friends trusted by your dog to follow the same command sequence. This way, the dog will eventually learn not to bite either you or any other human around him. Every time your dog refrains from putting pressure while nibbling, award him with a treat. You will end up with a fierce dog who is not afraid to scare but will not cause harm unless he senses danger. Summing Up Bernedoodle is an interesting dog breed. With high intelligence, loyalty, and goofiness, they are extremely adorable. Their curiosity also makes them easy to train as long as you start training them as soon as you get them. With the right blend of positive reinforcements, accurate tool usage, scheduling, and patience, you can train your Bernedoodle to be the best companion dog there is. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. This will help temper the Berner side of aloofness. If he takes after the Poodle side, the dog needs outlets for his boundless intelligence and energy. Manners training, retrieving and enrichment activities like puzzle toys can help satisfy his needs and prevent boredom. Dog breeders typically try to cross dogs that have the most appealing characteristics of each breed. Each Bernedoodle is unique and may take on more of the appearance or temperament of one parent breed than the other. Most Bernedoodles have a wavy coat with minimal shedding. Some have a curly coat similar to their Poodle ancestors. They can be pure black, black and white, black and brown or tri-colored black, brown and white. There are three sizes of Bernedoodles The standard Bernedoodle is a cross between a standard Poodle and a Berner. He ranges between 50 to 90 pounds and 23 to 29 inches at the shoulder. The mini Bernedoodle is a cross between the mini Poodle and the Berner. He ranges between 25 to 49 pounds and 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder. The tiny Bernedoodle is a cross between a toy Poodle and a mini Bernedoodle and is between 10 to 24 pounds and 12 to 17 inches at the shoulder. The mini and tiny Bernedoodles may have slightly higher energy levels than the standards do. Bernedoodles can make great family members for people who want an intelligent, easygoing companion. But be aware that your puppy may take after his high-driven, friendly Poodle ancestors or his aloof, headstrong Berner side in appearance and temperament. Start early and use plenty of positive reinforcements. They will be more happy and confident if they understand that you are in charge. Mini Bernedoodle pups are intelligent, and they will quickly learn what is expected of them. Here are a at home training tips for Mini Bernedoodles — there are also many good resources online. This will be home to your MiniBernedoodle pup when they sleep or when you are away. Make sure the crate is big enough that your pup can comfortably lie down, sit, and stand up. Place some comfortable rags or mattresses for them to sleep on and lure them inside with their favorite toys. Every time they pop into the crate willingly, give them a treat or play with them to show your appreciation. Many pups come to see their crate as a safe place to go when they want to rest or need a break. Potty Training One of the most challenging parts of the training is teaching your MiniBernedoodle pup to do their job at the right place. You will need to be patient and use many positive reinforcements while showing them the right place to do their business. Take the puppy out first thing in the morning and after every time that they eat, drink, or play. Make sure you reward them when they poo or pee at the proper place. Socializing You need to start socializing your mini doodle puppy as soon as possible. Although these puppies are quite even-tempered, they can also be anxious around strangers. To avoid unpleasantness later on, when guests come around, start training your pup to socialize when they are still babies. You have to train your pup to socialize with not just humans but with other dogs as well. Many people tend to think that dogs get along with dogs. Frequent walks and visits to doggy daycare and dog parks are great training tools. The more they see and interact with other pups and people the better their social skills will be. A well-behaved, friendly dog is a pleasure to be around since they are safe and loved by all. Barking Training Another problem you might face with your Bernedoodle pup is barking — this is their way of expressing themselved. The will most often do this for food, when they need to go outside, to alert you of strangers, or to get your attention. Try to understand the reason behind their barking so you can find a solution. For instance, if your pup mostly barks for food, have their feed ready at their place at fixed times every day. They will quickly learn that there is a time and will wait more patiently. Again, reward them the first few times they wait patiently for the food without barking. It will help them to understand what they are expected to do. Outdoor Walks - Leash Training Start out by introducing your puppy to their harness or leash. Let her wear in around the house for short periods of time while you are playing. Teach you puppy to come to you for treats around the house when you ask them to. Progress to holding the leash and asking them to follow you for the upcoming treats. Practice inside first, then outside as they become more comfortable. Here is a great leash training article from the American Kennel Club. Discourage Nipping Puppies playing with other pups will nip out of sheer playfulness. Your Mini Bernedoodle puppy might do the same when playing with you. But you have to train them that nipping is not allowed. The point to note here is that nipping is not the same as mouthing, a typical dog trait for showing affection. The difference lies in the force. So, you have to teach your Mini Bernedoodle pup the difference between mouthing and nipping. Eventually, your pup will understand the difference between nipping and mouthing. They will learn that nipping will not get them anywhere and learn to control the amount of force they use when play-biting. Verbal Cues Every dog understands a few human words. You, too, can train your Bernedoodle pup to follow verbal cues of things that you want them to do. For instance, when potty training your pup, you may use the word potty. Just make sure you use the same word every time. When your puppy poos after you say the word reward them, to show that this is what you are asking of them. You can use similar simple words for eating, going out, playtime, treats, and so on. If you are consistent they will learn to associate the word and will follow your verbal cues. Final Words Mini Bernedoodle puppies are a pleasure to be around. They are wonderfully friendly, active, and playful family-friendly dogs. Early and proper training will head off many difficulties. You will have a fantastic companion for life whose love is irreplaceable and completely unselfish. Pleasant Creek Mini Mini Bernedoodles puppies are socialized and positive behaviors are encouraged from the start! Laura: .This type of dog can come in various colors, patterns, and sizes, each more unique than litters before. Although they are intelligent dogs, the Bernedoodle is not without its challenges regarding training and obedience. As a result, some pet owners will find specific struggles with their new Bernedoodle puppy once they bring it home. For example, Poodles are a high-energy breed devoted to their owners, while Bernese Mountain dogs have a calming nature but prefer to keep busy by working on a task, like protecting their yard and home. Anytime two dog breeds cross, there can be challenges. Some challenges of training Bernedoodles can be: Stubbornness Exhibit sensitivity Stubbornness Poodles and Bernese Mountain dogs are highly intelligent animals, making the Bernedoodle a smart hybrid breed. However, even intelligent dogs can be stubborn when going through training. These dogs may push the boundaries to see what they can get away with before receiving a correction from their owners. Unfortunately, this stubborn streak can also appear often if you are inconsistent with their training or if multiple household members use different training techniques. Easily Distracted High-energy dogs can appear easily distracted, especially during training. Bernedoodle puppies have exceptionally short attention spans, making it more challenging to train for long periods. Exhibit Sensitivity Poodles and Bernese Mountain dogs are incredibly social animals and love to please their owners. Although this characteristic can be an advantage for training methods, if you are prone to scolding or using punishment, your pet may exhibit sensitivity and retreat from you, hindering your training efforts. Using proper methods and techniques when teaching your dog how to behave is critical, especially for sensitive Bernedoodles that may cower if you raise your voice or make threatening movements. How To Train a Bernedoodle the Right Way The most important thing to remember when training a Bernedoodle is that each dog is unique and can take anywhere from four to six months to adapt to your obedience commands. Of course, some ways will help make your methods easier for them to understand and follow. Some tips for Bernedoodle training include: Start training as soon as you bring home your new pet Be consistent with commands Enlist in short spurts of training, multiple times a day Ensure your pet receives enough physical and mental stimulation By recognizing some simple tricks, pet owners may have an easier time getting their dogs to follow commands and learn desirable behaviors. How To House Train a Bernedoodle Many dog owners will want to begin house training as soon as they bring home their new Bernedoodle puppy. No one wants to clean up messes that a dog leaves in the house, so having your new pet house trained is vital for sanitary living conditions. Puppies typically eliminate urine approximately every 15 to 20 minutes because of their small, immature bladders. On average, a Bernedoodle puppy will have a bowel movement 20 to 30 minutes after eating a meal and after exercising. One of the best ways to have a headstart on practical house training is to minimize the instances your pup will pee or poop inside. The best way to house train your Bernedoodle puppy is by following these steps: As soon as you wake up, take your dog outside for a chance to go to the bathroom. Provide your pet with water and food for the morning, then set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes for the next outside potty break. Follow a strict 15 to minute schedule for potty breaks throughout the day. In addition, watch for potential cues your pup needs to go, including excessive sniffing or circling in the house. This way, your Bernedoodle has a better chance of going outside than indoors. You should remove any water source from your new puppy in the early evening. This schedule will give them enough time to eliminate their bladders before bedtime and reduce nighttime accidents in the house. Each time your pet successfully goes to the bathroom outside, reward them with treats and praise to provide positive reinforcement for good behavior. If your new puppy has an accident indoors, refrain from punishing them. Tell your dog a stern, No, then pick them up and take them outside. Do not make a big production of any accidents indoors as this gives the dog attention, and they may interpret it as a way to get recognition from you. Avoid eye contact during this time, and clean up their mess quickly. How To Leash Train a Bernedoodle The next phase of training a Bernedoodle will be ensuring that you can take them out for a walk on a leash. Because Bernedoodles are moderately active breeds, they require one to three daily walks ranging from 30 to 60 minutes or more. Nothing is more frustrating than a dog that pulls constantly or gets tangled up in their lead with you or other dogs. Showing your new Bernedoodle puppy how to walk on a leash will give them the structure they need each time they leave the house for daily walks. In addition, proper leash training will come in handy when meeting new people and unfamiliar dogs. Leash training should regularly occur in your home with your new Bernedoodle as they mature and settle into their new family. The best way to leash train your pet will incorporate these steps: Always make leash training a positive activity, so your pet associates its walks with a pleasant experience rather than punishment. Remember to bring high-value treats to reward your dog as you go through the training process with them. Some dog owners find it easier to leash train their Bernedoodle using a harness rather than a collar. You can try both methods to see which works best for you and your pet. However, using a harness can minimize pulling or accidental harm from sharp jerks on a collar if your pet suddenly tries to run or pulls too hard. Keep the leash in both hands with one hand at your hip, providing only enough leash to reach your dog comfortably. Do not allow excessive leash distance where they can roam far from you or tangle up during the walk. Ensure your dog always stays by your side while consistently providing positive feedback and treats to them as they walk beside you. Give your dog lots of eye contact and verbal praise during good leash walking behavior. If your Bernedoodle puppy tries to pull aggressively or tries to wander away, immediately stop walking. By restricting the ability to stray from your side, your pup will soon learn that the walking stops if they are not beside you and paying attention to your cues. Some dog owners find that the short attention span of Bernedoodle puppies can work in their favor during leash training. For example, if your new pet suddenly wants to run off during a walk because it spotted a cat, you can use redirection instead. Rather than stopping and waiting for your dog to look for obedience cues, try switching directions and removing your pet from the area of distraction. This change of scenery may be all your dog needs to reengage into their positive walking behavior. How To Eliminate Nipping or Biting One common occurrence with Bernedoodle puppies is their constant need to mouth, nip, or bite people, other animals, and objects in their surroundings. Puppies are baby dogs that use their nose and mouth to explore the world around them, making nipping or biting an instinctual behavior. Suppose your Bernedoodle puppy does not receive the proper training that discourages nipping or biting early. In that case, it may grow to continue this negative action into adulthood and unknowingly cause harm to people or other animals. Training a Bernedoodle to stop nipping or biting is simple once you recognize some tips to use, including: As soon as your pet mouths your hand, fingers, leg, etc. If you catch your puppy chewing on off-limits items, like shoes or furniture, immediately intervene with a swift no command, remove them from the area and provide an appropriate chew toy to resume their chewing behavior. Offer your Bernedoodle toys that allow treats inside to promote chewing and grab their interest more than your hands or personal items. This way, your dog will want to chew on toys that provide them with treats and reinforce good behaviors. Suppose redirection does not work with your puppy. In that case, some dog owners find that avoiding eye contact and immediately leaving their pet is an effective way to get the message across after biting. If you leave the room every time your dog nips at your fingers, they will soon realize that this behavior sends you away, which does not give them the attention they seek. Remember to never bite or strike your Bernedoodle puppy as punishment for nipping or biting you. Your pet might be trying to get your attention, may smell food on your fingers, or is not aware that this is negative behavior. By following these tips, remembering to use positive reinforcement, and being consistent, your new dog will quickly learn their boundaries and what behaviors are acceptable in your home. You will also like:.

The American Alsatian Dog breed is actually quite rare. Not many breeders take on the task of breeding this breed. However, the few people that do breed this amazing breed have a long waiting list because many people want to have this type of dog. This ultimately means that the price is quite high for one of these dogs. If you do happen to find an American Alsatian in a rescue, you will pay significantly less than from a breeder. Most rescues only charge a small fee which helps cover medical expenses and food spent on the dog. Breeder Information Yet, if you are convinced you want one, there are a couple of American Alsatian breeders you can contact. Remember, this breed can be quite rare to find, so you will have to pay quite a lot to get a puppy of your own. It is also extremely rare to find American Alsatian puppies for sale in a rescue. They have partnered up with the dire wolf project to produce very high-quality American Alsatian puppies. Many people know that American Alsatian dogs look just like dire wolves. This breeder does not use any wolf DNA in their puppy breeding. Your deposit placement will be removed from the total cost of the puppy. Before you place your deposit, the breeder requests that you fill out a questionnaire. This is so the breeder can get to know you and approve you for a puppy. Once that happens, you will be put on the waiting list. Picks for puppies go by the waiting list. They have an abundance of information on their site about upcoming litters, puppy information, and so much more. You can check them out here: DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito. They only produce mild temperament happy dogs, and after breeding dogs for over thirty years, they have produced the best genes in their dogs for this. They do not use any wolf genes or blood in their breeding. This kennel does have multiple litters each year, so it will be best to get on their waiting list if you are looking for a puppy. Again, placing a deposit is the best way to get on a waiting list. A deposit just reserves your spot for an upcoming puppy. If you still have questions or concerns, you can certainly contact the breeder to get your questions answered. You can check out more information here: The Schwarz Dogs. Like the other breeders, their goal is to produce American Alsatian puppies with the same bone structure as the Dire Wolfs, who are now extinct. Make sure you also fill out the puppy application form. After your application gets approved, you will then be able to place a deposit. The deposit price you will pay is based on what you are specifically looking for. You have the option to pick up your new American Alsatian puppy in person or choose to have it travel to you by air. Air travel will cost an additional fee, and there will be certain rules and regulations you will need to follow. If you are ready to get a new puppy then I suggest getting in touch with the breeder. American Alsatian Rescues Bear in mind that if you cannot find an American Alsatian puppy, you can always watch an adult who needs a home. Sometimes breeders have older dogs that are retired within the breeder program available. If you are truly looking for an older dog and not a puppy then this may be a good option for you. As this breed ages, more breeders will become active in preserving and spreading the dogs, thus helping the breed become more popular. In the end, if you are looking for American Alsatian puppies for sale, begin your search now because it may take some time! An American Alsatian puppy is a breed of dog developed by Lois Denny in the late s to create a large, calm, and intelligent companion dog that resembles a prehistoric wolf. What is the temperament of American Alsatian puppies? American Alsatians are typically calm, loyal, and intelligent dogs. They are known for their gentle and patient nature, making them great family dogs. They are also protective of their loved ones, making them great watchdogs. What is the average size of an American Alsatian puppy? American Alsatians are a large breed of dog, with males typically weighing between 90 and pounds and standing inches tall at the shoulder, while females typically weigh between 70 and pounds and stand inches tall. What kind of exercise do American Alsatian puppies require? American Alsatian puppies do not require a lot of exercise, but they do need regular walks and playtime to keep them healthy and happy. They are not a high-energy breed, but they do enjoy going on walks and exploring their surroundings. What is the lifespan of an American Alsatian? The average lifespan of an American Alsatian puppy is around years. What is the price of an American Alsatian puppy? Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. We have four exquisite, very red young females available now. Two are extra big girls for those that want something larger. These girls have the sweetest, fun loving temperaments. They have finished all of their puppy vaccines and are ready to go out on family outings and to training classes with you. Great early socialization, started leash training now as well. We repeated it! We have two red sable long coat males available now in the litter. They have excellent temperaments, great early socialization, and they come to you with their first two puppy vaccinations, current deworming, microchip and vet checked. He was the only male in the litter and his sisters have already found their new homes. He comes to you with great early socialization, his first two puppy vaccinations, current deworming, microchip and will be vet checked. This is Blossom's final litter before retirement so if you've wanted a sibling to your Blossom puppy this is your last chance! We are retaining one female from this great pairing as we were so impressed with their previous litter together. Puppies had super temperaments and great coloring and conformation. They will come to you with great early socialization, their first two puppy vaccinations, current deworming, microchip and will be vet checked.

To ensure the safety of our readers and the right fit for a new pet, we work hard to make sure only the most trusted breeders are featured on the site. We have a dedicated team that works hard and has done extensive research that involves checking both the breeder and their dogs, to verify that the breeders featured on our site are highly reputable and trustworthy. Feedback on Google and Facebook is also taken into consideration before they are listed as a breeder to have the highest standards possible. We hope that this gives you a little more information about how we list breeders on our site. Labradoodle Puppies for Sale in Ontario: If you are looking for a companion dog that has a calm personality and loves children, getting a Labradoodle might be the ideal option for you. As we know, Labradoodles is a designer dog breed that becoming one of the most loveable designer breeds in Ontario, Canada. In fact, these friendly and intelligent pups are being adopted by more families at an increasing rate than other purebreds. After you decide to get a Labradoodle, the next and most important step is to find out a reputable and ethical breeder who values the breed as much as you do. You have probably heard about puppy mills and how they produce dogs with indiscriminate breeding practices as their puppies are usually unhealthy and not well-tempered. When looking to add a new member to your family, you should always buy from a good and reliable breeder. A good responsible breeder will always be there for their puppies and ensure that all of their needs are met for as long as possible. Check out this list and do your own research first about the breeder and then decide which breeder you want to go with. The Best Labradoodle Breeders in Ontario: 1. Who raises happy and healthy F1B Labradoodles with wavy fleece coats in medium to standard sizes. The purpose of this breeder is to provide the best of the best Labradoodle puppies to families so that they can live with it happily. They understand the importance of this thing, how difficult it is to find the perfect dog that suits you and your family. All Labradoodle puppies in Ontario come with a two-year Genetic Health Guarantee that you can count on, As well as they also guarantee you the incredible personalities you will receive in their puppies. If you are looking for a dog that has always been happy and can live a long life with its family and has been wonderfully cared for and well socialized, then you can buy such a dog from this breeder. If you want to know more about this breeder, we have given the link below. You can learn more about them and find out more about Labradoodles, by visiting their website. Australian Labradoodles in Windsor, Ontario! At pm on July 17th, , Cozy gave birth to her very first puppy. Just over an hour later, there were 5 more puppies in the world and by that evening, we had NINE healthy, happy puppies from Cozy by the fire. These Australian Labradoodles are medium-sized and will be between lbs full grown. They can go home as early as September 11th. In the wee hours of the morning, Tully gave birth to here very first litter and the puppies are adorable. We had 4 boys and 2 girls! We are so excited for this new litter and the best part is for the first time in 3 years, we have availabilities that are ready to go home NOW! They are medium sized Australian Labradoodles and will be lbs full grown with a going-home date of August 21st, .First bred as a non-shedding Guide Dog - this particular breed of Labradoodles has been in existence for over 30 years. Originally bred in Australia, their genealogy consists of not only Labrador Retriever and Poodle, but also the Cocker Spaniel. They are a non-shedding, hypo-allergenic, medium-sized breed that behave amazingly and are easily trained to suit your needs and your family. Are you interested in bringing home a cuddly Labradoodle to join your family? Look no further than Cucciolini Labradoodles! We have.Females available. These puppies are 8 weeks old and ready for their new homes. The puppies have received their first vaccine and also ongoing deworming.Sarge- Sire of the litter. First picture. Imported directly from Romania. Direct son of the famous.They are both two years old. One male fox-red lab, and one female black labradoodle. The labradoodle doesn't shed at all. They are both very friendly. Ask for.Gorrie One sweet, 7-week-old female puppy ready for a new home next week! Has had vaccinations, vet check and deworming. Mother is on site and very good.Bunni is a medium size double doodle weighing 40 lbs, non-shedding double doodle puppy. She is 8 months old and will have puppies when she is the.Kawartha Lakes Ready to go to loving homes. They come from a home with a 4 year old who has made sure they are gentle and playful with the littles. Ideally looking for a.Bunni is a medium size double.Description: 3 Females Mom Nina is a first-generation f1 miniature labradoodle, and the father Chico is a toy poodle. These pups.Description: 2 Females remaining Mom Nina is a first-generation f1 miniature labradoodle, and the father Chico is a toy poodle. Urgent Beautiful puppy for you! Are you ready to welcome a bundle of joy into your life? Look no further! We're thrilled to introduce our enchanting litter of 6 Labradoodle.There are 2 girls still available. They will grow to be approximately 25 Ibs. They all have amazing temperaments! Playful, sweet and bright little ones. Father Labradoodle is a playful, gentle giant and mother bull-mastiff is a very.Toronto Ready to go! I hope you're having a great day. Please take a moment to read through the information provided before asking.She is playful and would do best with a fenced in backyard. She can sit, shake a paw and loves treats. She is crate trained and has been exposed to kids and a.Both mom and dad on site and both wonderful family pets. All puppies have been vet checked with first shots and deworming. Mother, Rue is our miniature Aussie doodle,Brown ticked parti, 28 pds. Father, Stitch is a miniature Labradoodle, blue.Kingston Hello from Teddybear Australian Labradoodles! We have puppies available NOW! We are a small in-home breeder of Registered Australian Labradoodles in Kingston, Adorable F1BB third generation puppies ready to go to their forever home. Two males and one female available. Born July 16, .Puppies have been family.Are you interested in bringing home a cuddly Labradoodle to join your family? Look no further than Cucciolini Labradoodles! We have.This is a rescued dog from a friend of the family. Coco was living in an apartment, so we figured we would take her on but it is too much with our our 2 smaller.Females available. These puppies are 8 weeks old and ready for their new homes. The puppies have received their first vaccine and also ongoing deworming.Sarge- Sire of the litter. First picture. Imported directly from Romania. Direct son of the famous.They are both two years old. One male fox-red lab, and one female black labradoodle. The labradoodle doesn't shed at all. They are both very friendly. Ask for.Gorrie One sweet, 7-week-old female puppy ready for a new home next week! Has had vaccinations, vet check and deworming. Mother is on site and very good.Bunni is a medium size double doodle weighing 40 lbs, non-shedding double doodle puppy. She is 8 months old and will have puppies when she is the.Kawartha Lakes Ready to go to loving homes. They come from a home with a 4 year old who has made sure they are gentle and playful with the littles. Ideally looking for a.Bunni is a medium size double.Description: 3 Females Mom Nina is a first-generation f1 miniature labradoodle, and the father Chico is a toy poodle. These pups.Description: 2 Females remaining Mom Nina is a first-generation f1 miniature labradoodle, and the father Chico is a toy poodle. Urgent Beautiful puppy for you! Are you ready to welcome a bundle of joy into your life? Look no further! We're thrilled to introduce our enchanting litter of 6 Labradoodle.There are 2 girls still available. They will grow to be approximately 25 Ibs. They all have amazing temperaments! Please Contact 1. He is great with kids and fairly well behaved. He has all his shots and is not fixed. We are just unable to give him the attention he.Playful, sweet and bright little ones. Father Labradoodle is a playful, gentle giant and mother bull-mastiff is a very.Toronto Ready to go! I hope you're having a great day. Please take a moment to read through the information provided before asking.She is playful and would do best with a fenced in backyard. She can sit, shake a paw and loves treats. She is crate trained and has been exposed to kids and a.The owners are finding it difficult to care for him with an illness int he family. Both mom and dad on site and both wonderful family pets. All puppies have been vet checked with first shots and deworming. Mother, Rue is our miniature Aussie doodle,Brown ticked parti, 28 pds. Father, Stitch is a miniature Labradoodle, blue.Kingston Hello from Teddybear Australian Labradoodles! We have puppies available NOW! We are a small in-home breeder of Registered Australian Labradoodles in Kingston, Adorable F1BB third generation puppies ready to go to their forever home. Two males and one female available. Born July 16, .Puppies have been family.We saw our first labradoodle more than 15 yrs ago and fell for the labradoodle dog breed. Immediately there after we grew into a guardian home of a breeding labradoodle puppy for Puppy Love Labradoodles and adopted our very own labradoodle over twelve yrs ago. All of our puppies reside with us in our home or in Guardian families which we have very carefully selected. We think our labradoodle family members do best when they are one of us and taken like family members. We travel with our labradoodles regardless of whether it is merely to the grocery store. Each one of our baby labradoodles are whelped in our bed room and live there with their mum for the very first 2 full weeks. This is where our mother dogs feel most safe and where we can keep a close eye on the babe labradoodles. Right after they are two weeks old we relocate them to the family room where they are introduced to everything that happens in family lifestyles. The labradoodle puppies get to see, hear and smell every little thing that goes in our residence. When they are ready to see their new adopted families they have already been for frequent car rides and have had countless hours of playtime and cuddles. We love our life's work! And know You will Too! Arrowhead, Established in .We are the only family that breed our particular line of Cobberdogs, and are happy to announce we are now offering top quality MDBA registered Australian Cobberdog breeding dogs for sale. When you purchase a puppy from Arrowhead you are getting fresh and exciting genetics, creating the best temperaments and therapy Labradoodles and Cobberdogs ever. We have researched for years, traveled far and worked long hours to build our program to be one of the finest and most complete Labradoodle breeding programs in the world! We value the health and temperament of each of our Labradoodles , and provide clean, spacious living conditions for our family of companion Labradoodles. We provide an all natural, locally made food for our dogs and also an environment that contributes to each Cobberdog being a cherished member of our lives. Many of them are in caring foster homes and receive a life of continual support and love from two families, the foster family and us at Arrowhead. Please browse through our site, learn more about what we do and why. We are grateful for all the wonderful families who give our puppies great homes, because without them the magnificent Australian Cobberdog would not be a reality! Available Labradoodle and Cobberdog Puppies Loading

This breed is so loyal and reliable that they are great lifelong companions. They are also the go-to dogs when looking for working breeds. Opening your home to this beautiful breed is one of the best decisions you can ever make. You can settle this balance upon puppy pick-up. Aside from bringing home a beautiful German Shepherd pup, you also get a prepaid AKC full registration privilege. You can be confident that your new family member is in its healthiest state. The pups receive their age-appropriate deworming and vaccines here. Sure, they breed their German Shepherds to be working dogs and even service animals, but more than that, they need to be part of your family. Address: W Main Street, St. If you have decided to get a puppy from this breeder, make sure that you contact Sutphin as soon as possible so you can be added to the waiting list. The breeder raises these pups inside their home and gets them started on potty training here. You should pick up your puppy on release day to start bonding right away. Meeting halfway is also an option you can arrange with the breeder. If you are unable to keep the puppy, Sutphin will take it back without any questions asked, no matter how old the dog is. The last thing the breeder wants is for their dogs to end up in the local pounds or streets. You will find it in the quaint foothills of North Mountain in Falling Waters. They promote selective and ethical breeding. This ensures that their pups are top of the line and healthy. They manifest this with their hands-on approach to training and nourishing the pups from birth. They breed dogs that can be the perfect companions at home and protect and love your family. Their dogs also excel as show dogs and working dogs. The Walter litter has AKC-certified parents, so yes, the puppies are too. This breeder takes the time to ensure that their pups go to the most suitable homes. They ensure the match between the puppy and their new families is perfect. You will need to make this deposit within business days after sending out an email or verbal request. This breeder does not allow you to pick your pup. Instead, they make a match between the adopting family and the pup so that they are best suited to each other. All the kennel breeding dogs have impressive working pedigrees, excellent conformation, pleasant personalities, and intense coloring. The dogs are not kennel dogs but are free to roam around the property. The dogs are good-looking with a great temperament and pedigree. The main focus of this breeder is to raise German Shepherds for companionship, sport, conformation, agility, and police work. They want to highlight the beauty, intelligence, health, reliability, and strength of the breed. Above all, these dogs have pleasant temperaments and can work side by side with humans. So far, their extensive breeding program, experience, and good planning have allowed them to produce litters with outstanding and promising puppies. Being a member of the Metropolitan Executive, Vom Pegasus also empowers owners by providing training that can help achieve positive results for their German Shepherds. They have a variety of training programs led by experts. The goal is to ensure you build a great long-term relationship with your dog. And they will offer all the guidance you need to achieve it. Bring home your four-legged family member from the breeders listed here and experience the joys of owning a German Shepherd soon! If your friends or family members are looking to get a German Shepherd too, make sure you share this article with them! Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in West Virginia? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in West Virginia cost? Pedigree and coat color can make a big difference, so you might find that white West Virginia German Shepherd puppies for sale, black German Shepherd puppies for sale West Virginia and Sable West Virginia German Shepherds for sale cost different amounts. Am I restricted to only local litters and breeders? No, not at all. When you pick a breeder from our network, you can choose to go pick up your German Shepherd in person, or have your new dog flow to your nearest major airport not including Alaska or Hawaii. How do you screen your listed breeders? We carefully vet all the candidates, checking they have the required skill, experience and standards. Why is Uptown Puppies so different from all the other places? It would be nice if we could guarantee that a German Shepherd puppy bought from the average breeder will be in good health and raised with love and care. But sadly, a lot of German Shepherd breeders West Virginia treat their animals like stacks of cash. They are. A puppy mill will produce countless unhealthy, badly behaved German Shepherd puppies in West Virginia. How does it work when I look for a puppy through Uptown? Why should I trust you? Are German Shepherds usually healthy? For the most part, German Shepherd puppies West Virginia are a very healthy breed of dog. Are German Shepherds tough to train? German Shepherds for sale in West Virginia were sheep herding dogs, so they were bred to be smart and obedient. With the right techniques and a little patience, your German Shepherd for sale West Virginia will soon pick up basic commands, before moving onto more complex tricks and instructions.

These gorgeous, friendly dogs are beloved by many, and their images can add warmth and appeal to a wide range of projects. Whether you're designing a website, creating marketing materials, or illustrating a book, we've got a collection of Golden Retriever images to suit your needs. Types of Images Available We offer a wide range of Golden Retriever images in various styles and formats. Our collection includes professional photographs of Golden Retrievers in a variety of poses and settings, including outdoor shots, studio portraits, and action shots. We also offer illustrations and vectors that can be easily customized to meet your needs. These versatile images are great for pet-related businesses, such as pet stores, veterinary clinics, and dog trainers. They can also be used in children's books, greeting cards, and social media posts. Additionally, Golden Retriever images can add charm and personality to websites, blogs, and newsletters for any business or organization. Best Practices for Using Golden Retriever Images Some key tips for using Golden Retriever images effectively include choosing high-quality images that match the tone and style of your project. Make sure that any text or other design elements don't compete with the main image, and consider using a color scheme that complements the colors in the photo or illustration. Also, be mindful of licensing requirements when using stock images, and make sure you have the appropriate permissions before using an image in your work. Overall, Golden Retriever images are a great choice for anyone looking to add warmth, personality, and charm to their projects. Browse our collection today to find the perfect image for your next project. They are simultaneously wonderful family pets—thanks to their friendly, tolerant attitude—and capable, intelligent working dogs. These sturdy, medium-sized dogs grow to about 55—75 pounds and typically live to be about 10—12 years old. Outgoing, trustworthy, eager-to-please, and easy-to-train, they are especially popular with families with young children. Goldens often maintain their fun-loving puppy attitudes and signature smile into adulthood. Part of the sporting dog group, golden retrievers are active dogs that require at least an hour of daily exercise. They live up to their name; they love retrieving just about anything thrown for them. This makes them excellent hunting companions and skilled service dogs. They love to eat, run, spend time with their owners, and even participate in obedience and agility events. Their coloring ranges from light golden to cream, and dark golden to golden, and their physique can vary from broad and dense to leaner and more sporty. According to AKC standards,goldens move with a smooth, powerful gait, and the feathery tail is carried, as breed fanciers say, with a "merry action. Thanks to their breeding as hunting and waterfowl-retrieving dogs in the Scottish Highlands,their outer coat is dense and repels water. They also have a thick undercoat. Their coats can vary in texture from wavy to straight. Heavy feathering appears on their chest, the backs of their legs, and tail. Temperament In general, golden retrievers are outgoing, playful, and gentle. They are also friendly, intelligent, and devoted. As they get older, most golden retrievers become docile and calm. Bred to be working retrievers, goldens have a lot of energy and require a lot of activity. They are best suited for owners with an active lifestyle and they thrive in a home where someone is around during the day to spend time with them. They don't do well when left at home on their own; they love their humans too much. Their happy demeanor often draws attention from other people when you are out and about—goldens get along well with strangers and other dogs. While they are not considered good guard dogs—they'd be more likely to show an intruder where the treats are than send the intruder running—golden retrievers are excellent service dogs thanks to their loyalty, intelligence, and stable temperament. They see themselves as part of the family and need to be treated as such. Luckily, goldens are not bothered by noise, commotion, and activity, making them very tolerant of children. Golden retrievers also take a "the more the merrier" approach to having other pets in the home. With proper introductions and training, goldens can be trusted with other dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals. A golden retriever would do well reigning over a large fenced-in yard , so if you don't have a lot of outdoor space or you live in an apartment, make sure you get your golden outside regularly. A lot," Steen says. Owners should get used to having a fair amount of dog hair on clothing and furniture around the home. They have a thick, water-repellant double coat that sheds moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and fall. However, if you brush your golden daily, you can prevent tangling and remove some dead hair before it covers everything in sight. Baths can also help and are recommended about once a month, but make sure the golden is fully dry before brushing begins. Golden retrievers will also need their nails trimmed about once or twice a month. A good indicator of when they need to be trimmed is when you can hear them clicking on the floor. Teeth should also be brushed at least two or three times a week. Ear checks are important as well; goldens have fold-over ears, which create an environment that encourages bacteria and fungus to grow. Look for redness or a bad odor and simply wipe out the outer ear with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Exercise is an essential part of a golden retriever's day. At least one hour a day of rigorous activity is necessary, even if that happens over several different outings or play times throughout the day. Goldens can be taken on long runs , bike rides, hikes, and swims. They also enjoy hunting trips, field trials, and other canine sports like agility, obedience, and tracking. A golden that doesn't get enough exercise is likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors like digging and chewing. Mental challenges, such as learning tricks and playing with puzzle toys, are also appealing to goldens, but should never replace physical activity. Take it easy with exercise in a golden retriever's first two years of life, as their growth plates are still forming. Don't go for long, strenuous runs or hikes until the dog is fully grown, and always opt for grass over concrete. Early socialization and puppy training classes are important with golden retrievers. Puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, and situations to help them become well-adjusted in their young life. When it comes to feeding time , owners need to help golden retrievers manage their intake; they have a tendency to become overweight. Food should be measured out and given twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. Dog treats should be given in moderation. If you're unsure whether your golden retriever is overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he likely needs less food and more exercise. Chat with your vet about the best course of action. According to Steen, they are a generally healthy breed, but goldens are at a slightly increased risk of hip dysplasia and cancer when compared to other dogs. Other health conditions, although not particularly common, include elbow dysplasia, cataracts , progressive retinal atrophy —or gradual deterioration of the retina—hypothyroidism, gastric dilatation-volvulus otherwise known as bloat , and allergies. Golden retrievers should also have their ears checked often and teeth brushed regularly for optimum health. History Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord of Tweedmouth, developed golden retrievers in the mid-to-late s. Although at one time a rumor indicated that golden retrievers descended from Russian sheep dogs, they were, in fact, bred in the Scottish Highlands. Marjoribanks bred the dogs for more than 50 years to create an ideal gundog—he was an avid hunter of waterfowl. Tweedmouth wanted a dog suited to the rainy climate and rugged terrain of the area, so he crossed his "yellow retriever" with a breed that is now extinct, the Tweed water spaniel. He also wanted the dog to be even-tempered in the home. A golden retriever was first shown at the British dog show in .The Kennel Club in England officially recognized the golden retriever as a distinct breed in .At that time, they were classified as "retriever — yellow or golden. Fun Facts Considered one of the most beloved dog breeds, golden retrievers gained popularity with American families in the s when President Gerald Ford had a golden named Liberty. Tucker Budzyn is currently the most recognized golden retriever on the Internet, with more than 3 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Golden retrievers are regulars on big and little screens. Golden retrievers love tennis balls. Just ask this 6-year-old golden named Finley , who is the Guinness World Record holder for carrying the most tennis balls in his mouth at a time. He can hold six! Was this page helpful?

Our Story When our 1st son was 18 months old, he was bitten by a family member's dog when he fell on her. She was a common rescue mix and even though she was kind and showed no aggression before, we had to pry her off of his head. This was a horrifying experience, and it was very hard on the family. After that happening, we knew we needed a family friendly breed for our young family. We chose a Golden Retriever puppy and she was loving, smart and affectionate. I started adding a few breeding dogs to my program and began a wonderful adventure. I have always longed for the farm experience that I grew up with. Both of us grew up in farm settings, and have always been around raising animals and puppies. I knew that breeding dogs would give me the love of the farm, at our home near Boise, Idaho. It is the perfect match for me. We started breeding Goldendoodle puppies and have never looked back. I will always be a dog breeder. It fits my personality perfectly. When we started our journey for a family dog, we were where you are. The journey you're on is not easy. If you've researched, you know that Goldendoodles are amazing with families and children. Feel free to reach out to us for support, we are here to help you in the process. Authority Check it out! I am proud to be published in the Complete Guide to Goldendoodles. I dedicate myself full-time to being a Goldendoodle Breeder. We put our heart and soul into being professional and dedicated. I am learning every single day something new about genetics, health or breeding. I network with hundreds of other breeders where we discuss changes in the parent breeds, new medications, materials, new genetic testing, and trends. I also have a handful of excellent specialized veterinarians that I work with weekly to ensure the best care of our moms and puppies. We carefully learn about genetics and commit to extensive ongoing research in health, genetics, training and breed practices for goldendoodles. We are an in-home goldendoodle breeder. We purpose to always be adding more and more health testing to our breeding program. Our Mommas We run a Guardian Program, which is on of the best breeding practices in existence. We breed full-time and therefore have lots of experience. Small breeders often make many mistakes because they only breed occasionally. They don't have the knowledge or resources to improve the breed. We average litters a year. Are we a puppy mill because of many puppies being produced? We are the farthest things from a puppy mill. Puppy mills kennel their many mother dogs and puppies for most of their lives. They re-sell their retired mothers for cheap prices, donate them to rescues, or even worse, euthanize them. Our mother dogs are pampered, and cared for with their loving families and live with no more than 1 other dog forever in the same home they were raised in. They are bred for only up to 4 times, and if they have no health issues. We are able to have many, happy dogs this way. No mother dogs are kept outdoors or in dirty, disease infected areas. In fact, they get more attention than most dogs because we hand select homes where the environment is extremely healthy emotionally and physically for a family dog. They have kids to play with, usually an adult home most of the day, sometimes another doggie playmate and of course, there are two families watching out for their health. They are groomed, exercised required , vetted, protected, and loved! Champion Lines Champion Lines means that there are close relatives of a dog that has achieved a Champion title in the show ring. We import our parent dog's lines, so they are from International Champion Lines. This is Ace for example. We raised Ace as a puppy and he now lives in Washington, DC with our sister, as a stud for our breeding program. He has 15 International Champions and 1 World Champion in his 5 generation pedigree. Several of his puppies are now grown and are currently in our Guardian Program having mini teddybear Goldendoodle puppies. She is such a wonderful example of a sweet, highly trainable mini Goldendoodle puppy. Trainability Blossom, one of our talented puppies has achieved "Trick Dog Champion. She also opens the refrigerator, gets you a drink of water and closes the fridge. She is a dock diving dog and a demo dog for a highly regarded trainer in Northern California. See her HERE. We breed our own lines of English Golden Retrievers and all of our future breeding dogs will be English Golden Retrievers. We partner with family members and choose from the very best puppies to introduce into our program. Our current American Golden Retriever mommas also have many of these characteristics. We chose them because out of the American lines, they have similar qualities. We look for blocky, mellow, and great health testing in our parent dogs. We found that most English Cream Golden Retrievers have all three of those qualities. Some American Golden Retrievers have all three, but they are hard to find. Their hip testing has significantly higher scores. The other genetic tests we do on our dogs are often much better with the English. Their temperament is the biggest difference that most people notice between the two types. They are much more mellow. We feel that because our puppies will be family and service dogs instead of hunting or agility dogs, we think that the mellow, laid back temperament of the English Golden will be best for our lines. English creams have a wonderful body style for Teddybear Goldendoodles. They are blocky and thick. This offsets the lean, athletic build of the poodle and perfectly compliments them. They are the parent dog for us! Our Puppies Our puppies are thoroughly and highly socialized. Our puppies are handled daily by children of all ages. Our Goldendoodle puppies are exposed to every household noise because they are raised in a home. They are in the dining room or living room areas so that they are close by all the daily activities in the home. This also gives everyone in the home convenient access to socialize them as part of family life. As they grow, we integrate outside playtime for the puppies part of the day, so that they learn the dog world as well as the people world. A few of our breeding females are active therapy dogs in facility settings. We have sold several diabetic alert dogs DADS and many to be trained for therapy and service. We work with local and national trainers to choose potential puppies. Golden Retrievers are known to be the all-around best family dogs in the world. They are trainable, easy going, and safe with children. That's why we initially chose a Golden Retriever when we had a young family. They are great at agility, retrieving, hunting and they have beautiful soft coats. Most of all, Golden Retrievers are people pleasers and will do almost anything to earn affection. They are one breed and so their temperaments are the same, just in different sizes. They are the second smartest dog in the world and easily trained. They are alert, and of course, non-shedding! They give the Goldendoodle their lovely fleecy and easy to groom coat. Why Goldendoodles Goldendoodles are retrievers with a soft mouth, affectionate, and highly intelligent. They have endurance and agility. Goldendoodles have what Breeders call "Hybrid Vigor. This contributes to their health and minimizes the breed specific hereditary health predispositions. Goldendoodles often grow stronger than both parent breeds. They often have better hips, eyes, and lifespan. To get a book on Goldendoodles, click here. Please reload. We are so excited to help you bring the perfect fur baby home. We have always loved poodles and after our first batch of Goldendoodle puppies we fell in love with them as well. We first started breeding Goldendoodles to provide a seizure alert dog for a family member. We loved the experience of loving on and raising up puppies that we had to do it again. We kept one Goldendoodle and placed 3 of our F1s into Guardianship homes to expand our breeding program. We have found that having guardian homes is the best way to run a breeding program. All of our females have loving family homes where they are well cared for. It's our desire to walk beside you through this journey. We are a quality Goldendoodle puppy breeder in Boise, Idaho. We currently specialize in F1b Goldendoodles of varying sizes. All of our Goldendoodles are health tested and bred for Health, Temperament, and coats. We take pride in the quality of our puppy raising process, and whole health care for our adult dogs. We start with Early Neurological Stimulation which helps to stimulate the neurological system and improves the growth and development of the puppy's immune system, cardiovascular system, and stress tolerance. We begin litter box training very early which helps them transition easily when you take them home. They get crate and leash training as well as desensitization to household sounds like the vacuum and blender. We pick up and interact with each puppy every day. It is always bitter-sweet to see them go but the joy they bring to others warms our hearts.

Lung disease Pain In a healthy puppy, a short lived episode of fast breathing that quickly resolves and is not accompanied by any other symptoms is unlikely to be of concern. During non-REM sleep, the dog is immobile and does not dream. Is your dog twitching in their sleep? If so, this is likely them in REM sleep which can cause them to move their limbs and breathe heavily as they dream. This is normal sleep behavior and does not indicate any sort of health concern. If your puppy is breathing heavily during sleep, he is simply dreaming about chasing his favorite ball! Breathing heavily during sleep is not a problem and does not mean that your puppy is in any kind of distress. A normal resting breathing rate in puppies is breaths per minute when the puppy is relaxed and quiet. The respiratory rate can naturally be higher if the puppy is excited or has recently exercised. Once the puppy calms down, this breathing rate should go back to the normal breaths per minute range. If the breathing does not return to normal on its own within a short period of time or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, increased effort to breathe, changes in the color of the tongue or gums, or other changes in health or behavior, then this is a sign that the rapid breathing is abnormal and should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Seek veterinary care right away. Depending on the cause of the breathing problem, treatment could include medications or surgery, or a referral to a specialist for further care. Fast breathing in puppies is often a normal occurrence, especially when it happens during sleep. Puppies dream just like we do and they may twitch, move, or breathe rapidly during REM sleep when they are dreaming. Puppies can also breathe fast if they are excited or after exercise, such as playing with a favorite toy or running to greet the guests that just arrived at your door! At these times, it is not unexpected to see your puppy breathing faster than normal - although it is important to know the answer to how far can a puppy walk and how much exercise they can do in general to ensure you're not over-taxing them. If your puppy breathes faster than normal when he is calm and quiet, and the episode does not resolve within a short amount of time or is accompanied by other respiratory symptoms, then it may be time to see your veterinarian for further advice and care. Fast breathing can be a sign of several illnesses in puppies, including heart disease and respiratory illnesses. Looking for more great puppy content to help you navigate that first year of their life? Find out how much sleep does a puppy need? A Day In The Life.Puppies The link has been copied! We all love to watch our pets catch some shut eye after a long bout of exercise. But what if it seems like your puppy is breathing fast while sleeping, and you are worried about them? Is breathing fast in puppies a problem that you need to worry about? There are a number of reasons why you might see this, and many of them are normal. As a new puppy owner, it is okay to feel stress and anxiety with understanding your puppy. Detecting fast breathing in your puppy is no small feat either. Because they're so small, even more so in some breeds, it's often hard to make out whether they're breathing fast while sleeping more than usual. But don't worry, as we'll give you some tips for how to check your puppy's breathing rate to know if they are healthy. Below, we'll also explain why puppies often breathe fast while asleep, as well as understanding the natural sleep stages of a dog. If your puppy is breathing fast while sleeping then there are a few different reasons that could impact their breathing patterns while they sleep. Typically, fast breathing or heavy breathing in puppies is a normal thing that can be explained by recent activity or normal bodily functions. Below are the most common reasons that your puppy is breathing fast while sleeping: Recent Exercise or Play One of the most common causes for a puppy to be breathing fast while sleeping is its body reaction to recent exercise or activity. Puppies are known for their boundless energy and playful nature, which often leads them to engage in vigorous exercise and activities. When a puppy is breathing fast after such exercise, it is perfectly normal and expected. Fast breathing is a natural response to an increase in physical activity, as the body needs to take in more oxygen to keep up with the heightened demand. This is especially true for puppies, as they are still developing and their bodies are not yet fully conditioned for prolonged exercise. However, if a puppy continues to breathe fast even after resting for some time, or if they show signs of distress or discomfort, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. Your Puppy Is Dreaming If you notice that your puppy is breathing fast or even twitching slightly while they sleep then a possible explanation could be that your puppy is dreaming! During sleep, the brain activity of a puppy can become very similar to when they are awake, and this can result in a range of physical responses, including fast breathing, whining, and even leg movements. While it can be tempting to wake a puppy from their sleep when they are breathing fast, it's important to allow them to continue their sleep cycle, as this can help them feel more rested and energized when they wake up. As long as there are no other signs of distress, such as barking or shaking, fast breathing during a puppy's dream is nothing to worry about. Panting as well as fast breathing is a mechanism used by dogs to help regulate their heat and to cool down. Dogs do not sweat like humans and instead release heat by panting, which allows moisture to evaporate from their tongue and the lining of their mouth, thereby reducing body heat. Fast breathing in a puppy can also help increase air circulation and promote heat loss through their skin. Let's explore the different stages of your puppy's sleeping patterns. A dog's sleeping cycle is fairly similar to our own, though they'll rotate through each phase of sleep at a quicker rate than we do. Often, they'll go through around 20 sleep cycles per night compared to our 4 or 5 cycles. In phase one, your dog is sleeping lightly. At this stage, their breathing should be deep and steady, and there'll likely be no movement or twitching. This is known as NREM non-rapid eye movement sleep. Your pup's heart rate and blood pressure will drop slowly in this phase, and they can be easily startled by sounds in their environment. The second phase is your dog's REM sleep phase, which often kicks in after around ten minutes. They'll twitch, make soft noises, and may indeed breathe more heavily if dreaming. They're more difficult to wake during this stage, and you should try to avoid doing so. Startling a dog from REM sleep can cause them to briefly lash out in confusion. Throughout their slumber, your dog will alternate between these cycles. You can usually notice when they're in a period of REM sleep based on the signs outlined above. Heavy Breathing is Often Normal While Sleeping While heavier breathing is usually associated with REM sleep, puppies, in general, tend to breathe more quickly than older dogs when they're asleep. Much of your pup's growth and development occurs while they're snoozing, and this process demands a lot of oxygen. What's more, puppies are very active - often more than their adult brothers and sisters. High levels of energy expenditure lead to a higher heart rate and faster breathing, and it takes time for the body's pulse and oxygen levels to return to normal. So, expect them to breathe more heavily and heavier panting if they're tuckered out from intense exercise and playing. Which is usually not a sign of a health condition. They just need time to rest and their breathing fast will settle down. How to Check Your Dog's Breathing Rate While resting, most pups will have a breathing rate of around 10 - 35 breaths each minute. That said, this can vary depending on which vet you ask. Your own veterinarian can advise on your specific breed and the breathing rate that's considered normal for them. Nevertheless, you can check your dog's breathing rate while they're resting to get an idea of what's normal for them and to make sure it is nothing to worry about. This way, you can monitor for any changes in the future and more quickly determine if something might be wrong if they are starting to breathe faster. Prepare a thirty-second timer. Watch them as s he sleeps; count the rise and fall of their chest. Start the timer, counting the number of times your pet's chest rises. When the timer expires, double the number you've counted to get your pet's breathing rate. Be careful not to touch or startle them while in close proximity, as they can bite if disturbed during REM sleep. Even if your puppy's breathing is normal right now, it's worth carrying out this quick check to establish a baseline that you can compare against in future. This could help you avoid worrying about a problem that may not exist. Breathing Habits that May be Concerning While fast breathing is most often not a cause of concern, it can be tied to a number of medical conditions; some are minor, while others might require more prompt attention. In most cases, though, you're likely to spot other signs and symptoms if your pup's fast breathing is associated with a medical issue. Below, we've covered the most common medical conditions that can lead to more rapid respiratory rate in your puppy. Bear in mind that this isn't an exhaustive list and shouldn't be considered an alternative to having your dog checked over by the vet: 1. Laryngeal paralysis Your pet's throat contains small muscles, which are called laryngeal flaps. Like in humans, these flaps move to accommodate eating and drinking, or breathing. However, there can be problems in the nerves that control these muscles. If this problem presents itself, it can reduce the level of movement that these muscles have, which can create air resistance. This means that less air gets into the lungs, which can make your puppy breathe more heavily to get oxygen. In puppies, it's more likely that this issue will be caused by neck trauma. Experts aren't quite sure what might cause this problem in older dogs. But watch out for raspy breathing, a change in the sound of your pup's bark, and difficulty breathing after activity. Tracheal collapse The trachea is often called the windpipe; it's the large, tube-shaped funnel that carries air into the lungs. In some dogs, the rigid cartilage that makes up much of the trachea can soften over time, resulting in problems breathing. However, this tends to be in older dogs, and particularly in breeds like Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Shih Tzus. Respiratory infections and pneumonia Simple infections can lead to heavier breathing, particularly when they affect the lungs. If a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection localizes itself in the trachea, it's less likely to cause breathing problems. But if it spreads into lung tissue, your dog might start breathing more heavily to draw sufficient oxygen. When your pup's lungs are impacted by an infection, this is often known as pneumonia. If you notice that your puppy has a fever or is increasingly lethargic, as well as breathing more heavily, these symptoms could mean that your dog has contracted an infection. Heat stroke Dogs lack the same kind of sweat glands that humans have; while we have them all over our skin, dogs only have them in their paws. As a result, they can struggle to cool off effectively, which is why they'll often pant to release heat. Unfortunately, panting isn't as effective as sweating. In extremely hot environments, dogs can't cool themselves down quickly enough. Again, like in humans, this can lead to heat stroke. Above degrees Fahrenheit, your dog can get into serious trouble. Watch out for heavy panting, disorientation, vomiting, and a change in gum color. Heart disease Heart disease can of course lead to breathing difficulties in puppies who can't pump oxygenated blood around their body efficiently enough. This could be caused by electrical disturbances, cardiomyopathy, and valve disease, among other conditions. Essentially, dogs can suffer many of the same heart problems as humans. If your puppy's heart is struggling to pump blood, your dog will likely start breathing more heavily to compensate for the lack of oxygen. This problem compounds as the condition gets worse. If your dog has cardiovascular problems, you might also notice that they struggle with exercise, develop a cough, or collapse. Pain or discomfort If your puppy is in pain for any reason - and there can be a number of conditions or causes - then they may breathe more heavily. Unfortunately, dogs are experts at masking pain. They may simply hide themselves away, or they may present their paw to you, but it's not always immediately obvious that they aren't simply asking for a hug. There are many causes of pain in dogs, which aren't always linked to biological problems. Canine arthritis, torn ligaments, tooth abscesses, and other problems can contribute to discomfort that might make your puppy breathe more rapidly. Other lung conditions Fast breathing can be linked to other, minor conditions that affect your pet's lungs. While they can be uncomfortable, they're less severe than some of those we've outlined above: for example, asthma and kennel cough. Asthma isn't as common in dogs as it is in cats, but it's typically caused by an allergic reaction; this could include anything from mold spores and dust mites, to pollens and perfume. You might notice coughing, wide-mouthed panting, wheezing, and general difficulty breathing. Kennel cough is also known as canine infectious respiratory disease. It's a common problem in facilities housing a large number of dogs, such as kennels and daycare establishments. You might also notice a runny nose, a cough, sneezing, lethargy, and a loss of appetite, according to the AKC. When to Contact Your Vet About Your Puppy Breathing Fast Don't panic if you catch your dog breathing quickly, and remember that it could be something completely innocent, like exercise or an overactive dream! But if you're at all concerned and have anxiety about your dog's breathing, then we recommend you get in touch with your vet. While we've outlined several conditions and associated symptoms above, consider speaking to your vet if you notice the following symptoms in your pup: They appear pale, with red or blue-tinged gums They have a reduced appetite They're very lethargic and don't want to exercise or move Their breathing is noticeably heavy and labored They're breathing with a gaping mouth, even when resting If your vet's concerned, they'll perform a full physical examination of your pup. This helps to determine whether your pet is suffering from any medical problems that are affecting their breathing, and where those problems might be originating from. Trust Your Instincts You know your dog and what is normal for them, so trust your own instincts and know what is a cause for concern. Deciding when to seek help can be difficult, but if you have any doubt, seek professional help. At best, you'll discover that your puppy is absolutely fine, but if a medical condition is lurking, you'll be able to resolve it before it becomes more of a problem. It is best for you to start paying attention and knowing your breaths per minute of your dog if you are concerned about your puppy breathing fast while sleeping. There are several reasons that are reasons to not be concerned with if you see your dog breathing fast. Simple things like stress or an elevated body temperature from heat can cause panting and change how your dog breathes. The breathing can also simply be elevated from playing with you or other adult dogs or puppies. Make sure to note what your dog was doing before hand if you are worried about your dog's health. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Should I Be Worried? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This could be a natural response to a stressful situation, or it could be a sign of something more concerning. How do you know the difference? Read on as we take an in-depth look at dog breathing, starting with what exactly is normal and why dogs breathe so much faster than humans. How Fast Do Dogs Breathe? Dogs do breathe faster than humans. While most humans have a respiration rate of between 12 and 20 breaths per minute when at rest, for dogs it can be almost double that. Dogs can breathe anywhere from 15 to 35 times per minute while at rest and still be considered in the normal range. Smaller dogs tend to breathe faster than larger dogs. You can expect big dogs to be at the lower end of the spectrum and your toy and miniature breeds to be at the higher end. They might have a respiratory rate of between and breaths per minute after a game of chase, but this should last no longer than about 10 minutes once they have returned to a restful state. The reason that dogs breathe so fast in comparison to humans is that this is how they manage their body heat. Quick breathing allows air to circulate around their body and for heat to escape via their upper respiratory tract, tongue, and mouth. A little bit of quick breathing can get their body back to a comfortable temperature quickly. What if your dog has bad breath? Read our guide here. It should take them a maximum of about ten minutes of rest to return to normal breathing post-exercise. If it takes longer than this, it can be a sign that they are being overexercised and you might want to tone things down on your next outing. In High Temperatures When it is hot, your dog might start breathing quickly to lower its temperature. You will probably notice them doing other things to keep cool, such as finding a cool piece of ground to lay their belly on. It might be completely normal for them to have elevated breathing for several hours on a really hot day. While your dog is doing their best to manage their temperature, they are at risk of heat exhaustion if they are kept in the heat for too long. Think about things that you can do to help them lower their temperature. Make sure they have access to shade, a cool spot, or make a fan available for them to sit in front of, and make sure they have plenty of cool water to sip. Active Dreams It can be strange to see your dog breathing faster than normal when they are sleeping, but this is often nothing to worry about. Dogs often have active dreams of chasing their favorite prey or playing with other pups. If they are getting a good workout in their sleep, their respiratory rate might rise as if they are actually doing those things. There will usually be other signs that accompany this type of dreaming such as whining and the occasional leg twitch. Also, when they wake up, their breathing should return to normal pretty quickly. Try not to wake them up while they are having one of those dreams. Just as it is disconcerting for you to be woken when you are in deep REM sleep, the same is true for your dog. Stress And Anxiety You might find that when you first bring a puppy home, they are breathing pretty fast. This can be the result of stress and anxiety associated with adapting to their new home. It is pretty normal and will pass over time. Think about it; they have been taken away from their mother and littermates and have been plunged into an unfamiliar environment with lots of people who want to cuddle them. They are going to be stressed out! This should pass within about a week. Other signs that your dog or puppy might be stressed out include frequent yawning, drooling, licking, pacing, shaking, a general inability to stay still, excessive shedding, and hiding away from people in the household. While adapting to a new home is the most common cause of stress in puppies, for adult dogs being left at home alone for extended periods of time is the most common cause of stress. Having someone drop in and pass time with your dog during the day if you are out of the house for extended periods can make a big difference to their mental health. Read our advice on how to help your new puppy adapt to their new home here. If your dog seems to have extended periods of accelerated breathing for no apparent reason, you might start to be concerned. The first thing to do is to count their breathing to get a feel for just how fast their breathing is, and compare it to what is normal for them. Pay particular attention to breathing issues when it comes to brachycephalic dog breeds —dogs with flat, squished faces— as breathing issues may be one of the first symptoms that they develop. Below are the most common medical conditions associated with accelerated breathing, and the other accompanying symptoms you can expect to notice if they are affecting your dog. Asthma As well as rapid breathing, other common symptoms of asthma in dogs include sudden difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, heavy panting with mouth open, a bluish color to the gums, loss of appetite, and loss of energy. Lung Cancer Lung cancer only tends to be common in older dogs. As well as rapid breathing, other common symptoms include coughing, lethargy, vomiting, weight loss, hair loss, loss of appetite, lameness, fever, and gastrointestinal ulcers. Kennel Cough This is a highly contagious respiratory disease among dogs that usually gets passed around when a large number of dogs come into contact like they do in kennels. As well as rapid breathing, expect to see a strong cough, runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, and low fever. Laryngeal Paralysis This is a disease that can make it difficult for your dog to close off their windpipe when they are eating and drinking, which can result in a variety of issues. As well as rapid breathing you will probably notice a strange noise when they are inhaling, a change in the sound of their bark, a blue discoloration around the tongue and gums, and coughing or gagging while eating or drinking. Windpipe Issues Dogs can be affected by a variety of windpipe issues, including pressure on the windpipe and tracheal collapse. As well as rapid breathing, you will notice coughing, vomiting, and gagging, as well as blueness around the mouth. Bacterial Or Fungal Respiratory Infection As well as breathing difficulties, if your pup has picked up a respiratory infection you can expect to see snorting and sneezing, discharge around the nose and eyes, foam around the mouth, high fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and lethargy. Smoke Inhalation If your dog has been exposed to smoke which they have inhaled, in addition to rapid breathing you can expect to see coughing and wheezing, red or irritated eyes, lethargy, weakness, and foaming around the mouth. Pain Increased breathing can be one of the various symptoms that your dog displays when they are in some kind of pain, as a kind of stress response. You can also expert shaking, flattening of the ears, whining, low posture, whimpering, excessive licking or scratching of a specific area, reluctance to play or move, or a loss of appetite. Parasites If your dog has picked up a parasite, such as heartworms, rapid breathing can be one of the symptoms. You may also see diarrhea, vomiting, scooting, a distended abdomen, weight loss, decreased activity, and a dull coat. Compressed Lungs A compressed lung, or pneumothorax, is an accumulation of air outside the lungs but inside the chest walls. This prevents the lungs from inflating properly. Pressure on the lungs due to compression can cause accelerated and abnormal breathing. You may also notice a dull sound associated with their breathing, coughing, and hypoventilation. It can be congenital, or the result of an accident. When your dog is suffering from a hernia, as well as a bulge at the site of the hernia and rapid breathing you may notice vomiting, loss of appetite, drooling, and other general signs of pain. Anemia Anemia occurs when a dog cannot produce enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. This can affect several vital body functions. Dogs suffering from anemia often breathe quickly. They will also likely have pale gums, seem weak and lethargic, and have very dark-colored stools. Medication Certain medications can cause your dog to start breathing quickly. This side effect should be listed on the medication along with other symptoms to look out for. Symptoms Of Concern In addition to the speed, the main symptoms to be concerned about in connection with breathing are: Breathing with the mouth open Noticeably labored breathing Any blueness around the tongue and gums An unusually low or high body temperature Any other respiratory signs such as coughing or sneezing Inactivity or lethargy Weight loss or loss of appetite Any changes in their regular stool Any general signs of pain FAQs How fast should my dog be breathing? A resting respiratory rate of between breaths per minute is considered normal for dogs. Smaller dogs tend to breathe faster and larger dogs slower, Your dog may breathe faster after exercise, when it is very hot, or when they are stressed, but breathing faster than this for extended periods or no apparent reason is a reason for concern. Do puppies breathe fast when they are sleeping? It is more usual to see puppies breathing fast when they are sleeping than adult dogs. This is because they sleep more, and also because they are processing so many more new experiences. This means that they are more likely to have the kind of intense, active dreams that cause their bodies to respond to their dream as if they are active in real life. You will probably notice other signs of this type of dreaming, such as whining, growling, and twitching limbs. The accelerated breathing should only last a few minutes and should stop when they wake up. Do puppies have a fast heart rate? Newborn pups can have a heart rate of around beats per minute. It will slow down as they grow, but stay high at around beats per minute for the first six months or so of their lives. The Verdict When you notice that your dog is breathing a lot faster than you, this is nothing to worry about. The resting respiratory rate of your dog should be about twice as fast as yours. When they are recovering from exercise or dealing with extreme heat, you can expect their breathing to increase significantly, by as much as ten times. They may also breathe faster if they are dealing with stress or anxiety, or having a very active dream. If your dog is consistently breathing at more than 35 breaths per minute for no discernable reason, though, this can be a symptom of a variety of problems from pneumonia, to parasites, to pain. It is time to consult your vet and watch out for other symptoms of what could be going on with your dog. Have you dealt with a dog suffering from accelerated breathing? Share your experience with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. A puppy may experience 20 sleep cycles nightly. Humans typically go through about four or five cycles. These are the phases. Non-rapid eye movement NREM. This phase often lasts about 10 minutes. Rapid eye movement REM. Breathing increases during this phase of deep sleep, especially if your pup is dreaming yes, dogs dream. Recommended Videos Your dog will run through these cycles. There may be other reasons, too. How can I find out how fast my pet is breathing? However, vets say some dogs have lower thresholds. Count the breaths. Repeat for 30 seconds. Multiply the number of breaths by 2. Should I call a vet? Several factors can trigger fast breathing during sleep. Exertion Best-case scenario: Your pup is still cooling down from a rousing play session or exercise. If you took your puppy out for a game of fetch or went on a power walk together, they may still be breathing heavily as they nap it off. Heatstroke is dangerous for dogs, just like for humans. Turn down the heat or move your puppy to a cooler space, preferably inside, on a hot day. Make sure they have plenty of water. Food poisoning If your puppy got into something they should not have, like garlic or onions , they might breathe heavily. If it collapses or has too much pressure, your puppy may start breathing more heavily. Other symptoms of this issue include a dry cough. This problem typically occurs in older dogs, but puppies can have issues too. Certain breeds, like chihuahuas, are more susceptible to tracheal collapses. Heart issues Heavy breathing can be a sign of heart disease. If your dog is diagnosed with ticker trouble, the vet may have you monitor their resting breathing rate more often. Simply count each breath, which is considered one inhale and exhale, for 30 or 60 seconds. If counting for 30 seconds, multiply the number of breaths by 2. Generally, anything over 30 to 35 breaths per minute is cause for concern. Puppies may breathe rapidly when sleeping if they have recently played or exercised or are too hot. Fast breathing during rest periods can also be a sign of something more serious, such as food poisoning or heart disease. Make sure to keep your dog out of the heat and ensure they always have plenty of water. Call your vet if you notice fast breathing while sleeping. They can advise you on the next steps and evaluate your pup to determine if treatment is necessary. Editors' Recommendations. September 03, 5 min read Table of Contents Is there anything quite as peaceful as watching your pup napping? While it can be difficult to pinpoint the reason for their rapid breathing without asking your veterinarian, there are a few potential reasons you can keep an eye on. Why is my dog breathing so fast? While a quick rate of breath can be worrying it should not be a reason for instant panic. For one thing, puppies breath much faster in their sleep than adult dogs do. Interestingly enough, puppies will dream much more often and more vividly than an adult dog might. Dogs, like humans, dream during the REM phase of their sleep cycle. The REM phase is unique to mammals, like your precious pupper, and comes with a high amount of brain activity. During this period, a dog will need more energy. Adult dogs, however, do not tend to breathe as rapidly in their sleep. While a brief period of quick breathing is acceptable, prolonged periods are a bad sign. Consult with your veterinarian if you notice this kind of behavior in an adult dog. There are other factors to consider as well. Remember, a warm environment can also cause rapid breathing in your pup as it tries to cool its body down during a snooze. Keeping an eye on your thermostat will help your dog stay more comfortable! A brief nap after a spirited round of fetch or a walk through the park will leave your furry friend breathing a little harder for a bit. While these are perfectly natural reasons for rapid breathing, there are other factors to worry about. If your dog has spent an excessive amount of time in the heat they might be at risk for heatstroke. Note that this will often be combined with diarrhea, vomiting, and excess salivation. Regular checkups with your vet will help you monitor this. Fluid in the Lungs: While most mammals, great and small, have a minuscule amount of fluid in their lungs, an excess amount can cause pain and make it hard to breathe. Low body temperature can also be an indicator. How fast is normal? According to the Animal Emergency Center , a puppy will breathe at a higher rate and clock in at between 15 to 40 breaths per minute. An adult dog, however, will have a lower rate between 10 to 30 breaths per minute. To see if your pupper is breathing rapidly, time it, and see how many they take in 60 seconds. This will help you determine if you should be worried. What do I do if my dog is breathing fast while resting? If your pup is breathing fast while napping, it might be a good idea to check other factors. For instance, stomach issues combined with rapid breathing can indicate poisoning while discoloration of the gums or unusual body temperature can indicate problems like heart failure or fluid in the lungs. Waking your dog can be an acceptable way to check whether or not they were dreaming, but waking them out of REM sleep can be just as disorienting for them as it would be for you! If you choose this course of action, try to calmly call their name and reassure them that everything is okay. When should I be worried? Other signs would include diarrhea and vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, and coughing. If your companion is low on energy, having stomach issues, or any sort of issue breathing, please consult your veterinarian to determine the cause and explore treatment options. How can I prevent this in the future? Remember, your puppy is frolicking in dreamland during their REM cycle and developing their respiratory systems. Their diet is also very important! What can help my dog sleep? Making sure your dog is comfortable and happy can go a long way toward helping them breathe easy! Providing your pup with a comfortable place to sleep can also make their dreams sweeter, and an orthopedic dog bed is a nice way to make sure they can rest easy. Remember, maintain their diet and provide a comfortable environment for them to rest in! These things, alongside regular veterinary checkups, will help you keep your pupper happy and healthy. For More Articles Check Out. Contact Help! Why is my dog breathing fast but acting normal? You have just noticed that your dog is breathing fast but hasn't been exercising or playing. Should you be concerned? Today our Davidson County vets share some of the reasons why dogs breathe fast, and when you should call the vet. Why is my dog breathing fast? Is something wrong? For you to be able to spot abnormal breathing you'll need to understand what a healthy respiratory breathing rate for your dog is. A typical healthy dog will take between 15 to 35 breaths per minute while at rest. Naturally, while exercising, your pooch will breathe much more quickly. So, anything above 40 breaths per minute while your dog is at rest is considered abnormal and certainly worth investigating. That said, it's important to understand that panting doesn't always mean that there's a problem. Panting is your pup's way of regulating their body temperature, cooling themselves down and allowing water and heat to evaporate from their upper respiratory tract, tongue, and mouth. Dogs can't sweat to cool themselves down, instead they need to breathe fast to allow air to circulate through their body. Rapid breathing helps your pup's body to get back to a normal temperature. How can I tell if my dog is breathing too fast? You may even want to do this when you are not concerned, in order to have a clear understanding of your pet's normal respiratory rate. Anything under 30 breaths per minute is considered normal, anything above 35 may be a cause for concern and is worth contacting your vet over. Your vet will have a good understanding of your dogs normal respiratory rate from previous examinations. Brachycephalic dog breeds, breeds with 'squished faces' or shortened snouts , such as Boston terriers, boxers, and pugs face a higher risk of developing breathing issues and should always be closely monitored by pet owners for signs of increased respiratory effort. Short nosed breeds aren't the only ones that can run into difficulties breathing normally. No matter which breed your dog is, fast breathing could be a sign that your pooch is suffering from an illness or injury that requires urgent veterinary care. A few potential causes of fast or heavy breathing in dogs include: Asthma Lung Diseases such as cancer Exercise. Side Effects of Medication Watching their beloved pup sleeping is one of the sweetest things in the world for many owners. Our pups are gorgeous, but when they sleep, especially in a funny position, we just can not resist them. Looking after our paw friends during sleep is not only quite normal, but it can also be very helpful, as we can recognize any breathing issues that may be present. However, the normal breathing rate for each pup is individual, that is why you may want to consult a veterinarian for accurate information about your paw friend. After 30 seconds you can just multiply the number by two, to determine the breathing rate of your paw friend. Why Do Pups Breathe Fast As mentioned above pups have higher breathing rates than adult dogs, which applies even more to hyper pups, who are eager to play and explore. In general, we could say that there are three types of reasons for faster breathing in pups: 1. Physical-related causes they are quite normal, and you should not worry ; 2. Psychological causes; 3. Underlying medical issues. Psychological causes might be related to stress triggers, that may cause anxiety and lead to increased breathing rate. The third group includes underlying health conditions like heart failure, respiratory problems, Cushing's disease a. In this case you need to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. It is important that the area is not draughty as, as your puppy may get sick. You should always keep in mind that heatstroke is dangerous not only for humans, but also for dogs. During this stage the eyes move fast behind closed eyelids , the heart rate increases and the breathing gets irregular. However, from a medical point of view, there is nothing to worry about. Stress triggers can usually be a rapid environmental change, i. Your Pup Is Breathing Fast During Sleep - When Should You Consult a Veterinarian If you notice that your paw friend is breathing rapidly even when they are resting, or they are panting with a closed or not fully opened mouth, you should contact a veterinarian. Coughing, retching, wheezing as well as producing other sounds , having blue or pale gums, are other signs of underlying health conditions, that require a veterinarian check. This condition can cause permanent lung damage. Coughing occurs as a response of the body in order to help the airways clear the excess mucus. Bronchitis can be acute and chronic. While acute bronchitis is usually caused by infection viral or bacterial and is a temporary condition, if its symptoms remain more than 2 months, it is deemed chronic. Trachea Problems The trachea is a part of the airway system, supported by cartilaginous rings that open to let air in and out. This is a progressive disease, most common in toy breeds like the Pug, the Yorkshire Terrier , the Miniature and the Toy Poodle, the Chihuahua. Tracheal collapse is perceived as an extension of chronic bronchitis. The treatment of trachea problems may feature both medication and preventative care. Dyspnea Dyspnea or the so-called shortness of breath is a condition that prevents the lungs from expanding. As a result, they can not get enough oxygen into the bloodstream which leads to breathing problems. Initial treatment may feature: providing oxygen, taking out fluid from the chest cavity, doing tracheal intubation, inhalation, keeping the pup hydrated, treating any bacterial infections if present. Heart Problems Fast breathing can be a sign of congestive heart failure. Accompanying symptoms can be panting, experiencing fatigue, having difficulties breathing or breathing very rapidly, coughing, and having blue gums. Medication to correct the heartbeat or prevent fluids from build-up may be prescribed. Also, surgery may be administered. Certain types of food such as chocolate, garlic, onion, chives, macadamia nuts, avocado, xylitol, corn on the cob can be harmful for your paw friend. We always recommend that you keep human food which is potentially dangerous for your dog locked and always supervise your paw friend while outdoor. Side Effects of Medication Sedatives and pain relievers can lead to breathing problems in your paw friend. In most cases these medications do not lead to labored breathing when used properly , however, if your dog has an allergic reaction, heart issues, anemia or internal bleeding, breathing problems may occur. Do you wonder why my puppy breathes fast than your adult dogs? As mentioned above, puppies require more oxygen for healthy development. Set the timer for 30 seconds. Multiply the resulting number by 2 and the number you get is the number of breaths per minute of your puppy. The normal breathing rate for puppies is 15 to 40 breaths per minute. In some cases though, the breathing rate can be as high as breaths per minute. Is this still normal? Save Big On Dog Essentials! Why do Puppies Breathe Fast? My Puppy Breathes Fast while Sleeping! Should I be worried? If the fast breathing is accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, disinterest in playing, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, swollen stomach, and breathing difficulty, then those are the signs that puppies require immediate veterinary attention. Otherwise, it can be a cause for concern. The gums should be moist and pink, not pale or any other color. Yes, a puppy breathing fast is normal. But, the story is different if it comes with other symptoms such as loss of appetite and coughing. As a fur parent, you must observe your pup if there are obvious signs that warrant a trip to the vet clinic. The best gauge is to determine if your puppy is actively interacting with you and other pets. If it is within the normal range, then, you have nothing to worry about because a puppy breathing fast is normal. Yes, puppies do breathe faster than dogs. Having said that, do not panic right away if you notice that my puppy is breathing fast compared with your adult dogs. As you have learned earlier, having a dream or being in the REM stage is one of many reasons why is my puppy breathing fast while sleeping. There is no need to run to the veterinary clinic right away because this is pretty normal. Remember when we said that it is also through fast breathing that their bodies get the right amount of oxygen for proper growth? This is because smaller dog breeds and those belonging to the brachycephalic dog breeds tend to breathe faster even in adulthood. On the one hand, if there are other concerning signs like lack of appetite as to why does my puppy breath so fast when sleeping, then that is the time to have your puppy examined by a vet doctor. Are Puppies supposed to Breathe Fast? To answer the question, should puppies breathe fast while sleeping? Yes, puppies need a higher level of oxygen intake for proper muscle, bone, organs, and brain development. However, if the puppies are breathing fast in situations that do not involve sleeping, playing, or cooling down after physical exertions, it is best to schedule an appointment with a vet doctor immediately. How fast should a Puppy Breath while Sleeping? The respiratory rate of puppies during sleep does not remain constant. It could increase or decrease during their sleeping cycle. At its slowest, it ranges from 15 to 40 breaths per minute, and around breaths per minute at its fastest. Rapid respiratory rate should only last for a few minutes and anything lasting more than 10 minutes should be checked by a vet. Make sure they are breathing through their nose and not through their mouth, as if they are panting. With a stopwatch at hand, count the number of times their chest inhales and exhales air for 30 seconds with one in-and-out movement counted as one. Next is to multiply the result by two. That would give you the result of their breaths per minute. If you suspect that their breathing is not normal, you can check their temperature by gently touching their body to feel if they are warmer than usual. The color of their gums is also a good indicator if there is something of concern. If they are pink and moist, then it should be fine. If it is very pale or rosy, have your pup checked by a vet. A swollen or hard stomach can also be a sign that there is pressure on the lungs to exert more effort. Other concerning signs include coughing, tiredness, and noisy breathing. Puppy Breathing breaths per minute While Sleeping A puppy breathing breaths per minute sleeping may not necessarily mean that you need to immediately drive him or her to the vet clinic. If a puppy breathes this fast, it can be classified as panting. But, should you worry right away? Panting helps puppies regulate their body temperatures, especially after playing. A puppy who just had some playtime may suddenly decide to rest and sleep and its breathing may not return to normal immediately. It should only be of concern when their rapid breathing is prolonged and accompanied by other unusual manifestations, like lack of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. Why is my 4 week old Puppy Breathing Fast? Puppies naturally breathe faster than older dogs. At four weeks of age, they are starting to walk, run, and play with their littermates and this increased activity makes their heart rates increase, thus, increasing oxygen intake. Fast breathing during their sleep is normal and nothing to worry about. Only when it is labored and showing signs of distress that they need to be checked. New stimulation can bring about stress which can also contribute to faster breathing during sleep. This is because heavy panting while sleeping is normal for puppies at 8 weeks of age, for as long as there are no signs like appetite loss or fever. Puppies usually breathe more heavily from 8 weeks to 24 weeks of age. A 2 month old puppy breathing fast while sleeping could be that his or her body is going through a growth spurt. This is all part of the growing process of a healthy puppy. It is possible for them to dream about their new escapades making them breathe fast while sleeping. Crate training is also introduced to most puppies around this age and this could cause stress. When exposed to uncomfortable situations, puppies could exhibit signs of rapid breathing while sleeping. They are usually lively during the morning and evening and would suddenly take a nap to rest. Heavy breathing could be exhibited while they are taking a snooze right after strenuous activity and would usually return to normal in a few minutes. Residual excitement can bring about rapid breathing while sleeping. Obsession over chewing and gnawing at random things is commonplace. They are also reaching half their adult full weight during this month. It is normal for them to toss and turn a lot during sleep with brisk breathing through the nose. It is also possible at this age for some diseases they inherit from their parents to start to appear. It is still normal for them intermittently to breathe fast while asleep, but any prolonged panting behavior during rest should be checked by a vet. Yes, stress can also be one reason your puppy is breathing rapidly during sleep. Stress or fear can take many forms. Separation anxiety, new environments, and even exposure to other pets can bring about anxiety. Signs you should look for are excessive drooling and barking, changes in posture, shaking, constant pacing, tucked ears, showing the white of their eyes, and panting. When you see a sign of stress in your puppy, gradually remove her from that situation and place her in a quiet place where she can re-group. Exercise, like walking or a game of frisbee , is another good way to release tension not only physically but also mentally. Yes, for some puppies, the fast breathing while sleeping is due to an underlying health condition such as the following: 1. If for some reason, the trachea collapses, one of the first symptoms that will manifest is rapid breathing. In most cases, tracheal collapse is hereditary. Another respiratory issue that can causes rapid breathing while sleeping is asthma. This occurs when the windpipe gets swollen or inflamed due to irritants. Lung disease There are a number of lung diseases or conditions due to certain bacteria or viruses that can affect a puppy, like pneumonia, kennel cough, and influenza. Kennel Cough Kennel Cough, or canine infectious respiratory disease CIRD , is infectious bronchitis that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasma. It brings about inflammation in the trachea resulting in a dry, hacking cough, especially during the night. As we can see, this is a respiratory infection that constricts the upper airways resulting in fast breathing. If it is accompanied by fever, it is most likely the highly contagious kennel cough. Pneumonia Pneumonia is a disease that causes the microscopic air sacs in the lungs to be inflamed. The common culprit is a viral infection of the lower respiratory tract, but bacteria such as Streptococcus and Bordetella bronchiseptica can also cause the disease. Influenza Canine influenza virus CIV or dog flu is caused by either the H3N8 or H3N2 strain that brings about symptoms of cough, runny nose, and fever. It is typically spread through contaminated objects and respiratory secretions from infected dogs. Diaphragmatic hernia A form of diaphragmatic hernia found in puppies is called a peritoneal-pericardial diaphragmatic hernia PPDH. Puppies with this condition present with labored breathing and an irregular heartbeat, and the only solution to ease the difficulty is through surgery. Pain Dogs are good at concealing pain. It was a survival tactic that their ancestors employed against their enemies in the wild so as not to be seen as the weaker species. One of the typical signs of puppy pain is breathing fast while sleeping and during waking hours. Exposure to pain activates the stress hormone known as cortisol which plays a role in numbing pain. Increased cortisol also results in increased heart rate and faster breathing in puppies. If you suspect that your puppy is in pain, do not attempt to give pain medicines. Instead, head out to the veterinary clinic right away. The veterinarian will conduct a series of physical examinations to pinpoint the exact location of the pain. Blood tests, ultrasounds, and radiography may also be necessary especially if the vet suspects that it is a case of juvenile hip dysplasia. Though hip dysplasia is more common among older dogs, there are cases of puppies that are seen to be suffering from this problem as early as 5 months. Genes play a major role but obesity and poor diet can also be the cause. Depending on the diagnosis, the common pain medicines prescribed for puppies in pain are non-steroidal medicines. Supplements may also be given such as glucosamine to bring down swelling. Food Poisoning Puppies are notorious for eating just about anything. If fur parents failed to remove toxic food and substances around the house, puppies will naturally devour these. Fast breathing is one of the symptoms of food poisoning. Three of the human foods that can result in food poisoning in dogs are chocolate, garlic, and onions. Chocolates also have minimal traces of caffeine. While theobromine and caffeine can be processed by humans, our dogs take a longer time to break down and excrete these two which results in chocolate toxicity. The signs of chocolate poisoning can be seen 22 to 24 hours after intake and some of the symptoms are rapid breathing and increased heart rate. Garlic and Onions toxicity Garlic and onions can cause food poisoning in our dogs because of the compound N-propyl disulfide. This is a compound that damages the red blood cells of dogs and causes hemolysis and anemia. Aside from increased heart rate and faster breathing, the signs include pale gums and lack of coordination. The Dangerous Truth!

This article gives guidance on how to crate train an older dog. A List Of Dog Crates Highly Recommended By Labrador Training HQ A high quality, durable crate of the correct size and type is essential to guarantee safety, comfort and to get the best out of the crate training experience. But with so many styles, types and sizes available, selecting a suitable crate is no easy task. So we at Labrador Training HQ have taken the hard work out of the hunt by putting together a hand picked selection of the best crates available that you can see by reading this article. Travel safety — A crate is a very useful tool to confine your dog safely during travel by car or by air and reduces the stress they feel due to being in a comfortable and familiar crate. Security — A dog learns to view their crate as a special place all of their own, where no human ventures and they can get away from it all to be alone when they desire. A crate is the one tool that can be used to dramatically speed up the time needed to train your lab to toilet outside and to improve their bladder and bowel control. Protecting your possessions — A crate is a useful tool in teaching your puppy to be fixated on chew toys and not your furniture and shoes. A quick note about boarding and kennels. When our Linus got sick he had to stay in the kennel at the vets office while he recovered. Thank goodness he was crate trained. When I came in to stay with him he was comfortable in his crate with an IV hanging out of his leg. These are just some of the benefits you and your Labrador can enjoy if you take the time and trouble to crate train your dog. Is Crate Training Always Successful? Sadly not. Dogs are individuals and come with their own likes and dislikes. So although a crate can be used to benefit the vast majority of dogs, there will always be a select few that just will not enjoy or accept being crated. It helped our last 3 puppies Charlie, Doni, and Downey get used to their crate in only a few nights. This is particularly true for the occasional adopted dog for which their background is unknown. Dogs up for adoption may have had bad and traumatic experiences with crates earlier on in their lives, where owners used a crate as a form of punishment or misused a crate amounting to imprisonment. Obviously in these cases, a crate should not be used. These cases though are the exception and not the rule. The vast majority of dogs learn to love and enjoy spending time in their crate. I believe everybody should at least educate themselves on the subject and give it a go. By soaking up the knowledge in this guide and following the steps I outline for crate training, you and your Lab can enjoy the rewards that using a crate provides. Your Lab will be happier, safer, more secure, less likely to engage in destructive behavior and from these facts you can enjoy a greater peace of mind that you are doing the very best for your dog. One of our favorite features is the crate comes with a divider that allows you to adjust the size of your crate as your puppy grows. I will always try my best to respond to every one of them. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Material This is a polyester product, which is great for moving Labrador puppies. In theory, you can use this crate even as a dog home as long as your puppy is young, but that would make it harder for your Labrador to accept a metal crate later on. The harder potions of this crate are made of PVC, which is sturdier than polyester but is a nightmare to clean. Other Features While the product will last a much shorter while than its metal counterparts, it does present its own advantages. The key features include the breathability of polyester, lack of stimuli, and a fleece pet bed. It is pretty easy to carry and comes with a strap to help manage this. Convenience With this product, the convenience is dictated entirely by how well-trained your dog is. This travel crate defies that principle and presents a spacious way of housing your Labrador on your travels. Material This crate incorporates both metal and plastic, which is great for travel but inconvenient for home use. Opaque plastic on the side reduces this stimulation, while the metal wire window keeps your dog from feeling claustrophobic. The crate dimensions stand at 48 inches x 32 inches x 35 inches, comparable and even more spacious than many metal options. Instead, you should compare it to other portable options. The plastic sides are better than polyester panels commonly used in travel crates. The metal wire window alongside the ventilation holes at the back allows air to circulate properly. It features metal bars and a wooden roof, panels, and flooring. Material The product features wood which can be a concerning aspect because of the rivalry between dogs and wooden posts. However, this is plastic wood and is not as scratchable. According to the manufacturer, the wood is non-toxic and recycled. The stainless steel bars are obviously strong enough to make sure the crate boundaries are actual boundaries and not suggestions like they are with travel crates. Size The crate is .With a .Other Features The only prominent feature is the style and aesthetic appeal of this crate. While most crates look like jailhouses, this one looks like a luxurious house arrest destination. It comes in black, white, grey, espresso, and russet colors, of which I only knew three. Espresso is a fancy way of saying brownish-grey and russet, reddish-brown. This variety allows you to pick the crate that complements your furniture. Convenience Despite looking like a complicated piece of carpentry, the crate is easy to assemble and requires no tools. It also doubles as furniture making it more convenient for you to make room for the crate, especially if you live in a studio apartment. All in all, I love the look of this crate and the great choice of colors which will fit any decor. You can also use it as an effective time-out during training. Material The playpen is made of materials not disclosed by manufacturers, but I can convey it best by describing the feel. The exterior of this water-proof playpen feels like canvas, while the bottom feels like the outside of a tent. The material is sturdy but is no match to plastic or metal. Size This is one of the most spacious items on this post because it serves a different purpose. It is not meant to be the sleeping place of a dog or a traveling carry-case. It gives an inspiring environment for your Labrador and spans 61 inches in length and breadth across its octagonal shape and 30 inches in height. Other Features and Convenience The product comes with a carry mechanism that makes it look like a large laptop bag and features outer pockets and even a water bottle holder. Best Metal Playpen MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Playpen Click HERE to check the latest price on Amazon This product brings together the spaciousness of the previous option with the sturdiness of the first item in this post, making the perfect environment for your Labrador to relax or play within a relatively confined space. I love this idea as it gives your Lab loads more room whilst keeping him in a safe environment and allowing a positive experience. Material This playpen features metal wire panels and has an open top and bottom. In other words, the flooring could be grass or carpet, depending on the place where you assemble the playpen. Size Each panel is 24 inches wide, and there are eight panels. You can determine the width of the playpen by assembling the panels closely or even attaching extra panels. Convenience The most convenient thing about this playpen is that it takes your hands off of babysitting your dog. This also is the thing you must be most concerned about because leaving your Lab in his playpen for extended periods might make it easier for you to slack off on your responsibility to socialize with your best friend, take him out on walks, and play with him. Labradors need a inch-size crate, so their size is well-accommodated in it. The crate should also be 27 inches tall at minimum, so the dog can safely stand without hitting his head and 28 inches wide so that he can move around, lie on his side, and comfortably stretch out his paws. The best crate size for a Labrador puppy is 42 inches. A wire crate with a divider is perfect as you can start your pup off in a small enough space by setting the divider a few inches away from his full length and continue to adjust as the dog grows. This also speeds up potty training. Which Crate Should I Pick? Labradors are very social and strong enough to rip apart delicate boundaries that cordon them off from their favorite pastime: playing with people. Related Posts You May Like:. Print Crate training your Lab puppy, why you should and a guide on how Labrador puppies are so cute and cuddly, it almost seems wrong to put them in a crate. But crate training is one of the best things you can do for your new puppy and for yourself. There are many benefits to crate training your retriever puppy, but it is a process. Learn how to properly crate train a Labrador puppy and why you should start crate training as soon as possible. Why should I crate train my Labrador? While some people think putting a dog in a crate is cruel, experts disagree. Most veterinarians, trainers, and breeders recommend crate training dogs from a young age. Dogs are den animals and often feel most safe when they are in a tight, confined area. A crate can represent this den-like experience for your puppy and give them a place to retreat when they feel stressed, confused, or just need some time alone. Dogs that are crate trained properly do not fear the crate, in fact, they love it and will often seek it out for a nap. Easy and safe transport Crates are the safest way to transport dogs. A dog contained in a crate cannot move around within your vehicle, get in your way while driving or create distractions. In addition, you can buy crates that are 5-star crash tested , possibly giving your dog superior protection if you are involved in an accident. Crates help with housebreaking As discussed in our post on housebreaking your Labrador puppy , crate training can make housebreaking easier and quicker. Crates allow you, as owner, some off-time — time when you do not have to be constantly watching your puppy for potty accidents. In addition, crates help encourage your puppy to hold it, to wait a little longer before going potty, since most puppies hate to mess their bed. Note: My husband and I are professional retriever trainers, so any products listed here are items we use on an almost daily basis. We only recommend products we know are good quality and will stand the test of time. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission, but all opinions and recommendations are my own. Learn more. Can help hunting dogs with blind manners and patience Hunting dogs often need to sit still and quiet for hours on end. Sometime in dog huts or MoMarsh stands. Crates can help hunting dogs by teaching them there is a place that they should simply lay down, rest and keep quiet. Better dog to family relationships and more control Crate training your puppy can provide many benefits for your entire family. Crate training your puppy at a young age means that when you need to put them in a crate they will go in willingly and without a fight. As professional retriever trainers, we crate train all the puppies we raise as custom trained dogs. We also crate train all our own dogs. We find that it makes for a better adjusted puppy all around. Choosing the right crate for crate training Lab puppy Getting ready to crate train your puppy means you need to buy a crate. And the size and type of crate do matter. Size of crate for crate training retrievers You want the crate to be large enough that your puppy is comfortable laying in the crate, but not so big that your puppy can walk around. The puppy should feel snug and protected, but not uncomfortable. The unfortunate thing about crate training this way, is that it means that as your puppy grows, you will need progressively larger crates. While inconvenient and bit more costly, this really is the best way to crate train your puppy. But if you do not wish to buy multiple crates, there are other methods. Some people buy a large crate, the size their dog will need as an adult and then section off some of the crate. Blocking off a portion of the crate will give the puppy that tighter, den-like, experience and ensure that the puppy cannot walk around inside the crate. While this can work, be careful what you use to section the crate off. You would not want to use a material that can be chewed or ingested by your puppy. Puppies are naturally chewers, so keep this in mind. Type of crate for crate training retriever Technically, any kind of crate will work for crate training. But over the years we have found that some crates just simply work better. Plastic crates seem to be the best option. They can be found easily at a local pet store, superstore, or even bought online. There are some inexpensive options that provide the protection and privacy of a den-like experience for the dogs. In addition, they have a solid bottom so should your dog get sick, or if you are in the process of housebreaking, cleanup is rather easy. Wire crates , the kind that you can see right through do not seem to work as well as plastic crates. Wire crates are wide open, they do not provide dogs the opportunity to get away and relax. The wire offers little protection and privacy, and many dogs do not like them as dens. We discuss crate options in more detail here. How to crate train a Lab puppy? Crate training is easiest when done with young puppies. We recommend starting crate training the day you bring the pup home from the breeder. Often this is at around weeks old. The sooner you start, the easier the process will be. Crate training can be done with older dogs, but it may take more effort and patience on your part. Step 1 — Let puppy explore the crate The first step is to place the crate in an area that is frequented by the puppy. Prop the door open in some way, a small bungee works well and let your puppy explore the crate on his own. Puppies are naturally curious, so often they will walk right into the crate on their own. It is best if you do not move the crate around the house. Instead, find a place for the crate where the dog will spend a majority of their time and leave it there. The crate should not be right next to a bed or a bedroom. Your puppy will be sleeping in their crate and your puppy will make more noise and wake up more if the crate is close to you. Also, your puppy is bound to make some noise the first few nights in the crate. Step 2- Establish a routine Develop a routine of putting your puppy down to nap inside the crate. You can put one or two small toys in the crate if you wish and a small towel that you do not care if it gets ruined. I know this sounds self-explanatory, but I have seen it. Also, do not put a dog bed in the crate. A dog bed is too big and bulky to fit into crates well and your puppy will simply chew it to pieces or accidently have a potty accident on it. Once that happens, the bed will have the scent of potty and will work against your housebreaking efforts. That is natural and nothing to be worried about. Simply walk away from the crate and allow the puppy to settle down. Depending on the nature of your puppy this may take a few minutes to an hour or more. It is vital that you stay away from the crate during this time. If you follow this advice, your puppy will quickly learn to be content in the crate and over time the noise will become less and less until they finally understand they must stay in the crate. Step 3 — Watch the clock While I suggest you do not take your puppy out of the crate while they are making noise, you do need to keep an eye on how long your puppy has been in the crate. You do not want your puppy to have an accident in the crate if you can help it. With week old puppies, I start by leaving the puppy in the crate for 1 hour at a time followed by playtime. As the puppy gets older, they can naturally hold their bladder longer. This should go without saying, but you should never leave your dog in a crate 24 hours a day every day. Socialization of young puppies is vital. Block the crate door open again. The door should be blocked open anytime the puppy has not been placed in the crate for some quiet time. The puppy will see or smell the toys and go inside the crate to get them. Some people play crate games. They will throw a toy inside the crate so that the puppy must go inside the crate to retrieve it. These games can help your dog become extremely comfortable with their crate. Over time you will notice that your puppy is not afraid to go inside their crate while the door is open. Sometimes, they will even go inside the crate and lay down when they are tired. This is the reaction you are seeking. How long does it take to crate train a dog? There is no set amount of time it takes to crate train a dog. Each dog will progress on their own schedule. But if you continue to place your puppy inside the crate on a routine basis and make the crate available to your puppy at all times, you will reap the benefits of having successfully crate trained your puppy. Final thoughts on how to crate train a Labrador puppy Crate training is a greatly beneficial thing for Labrador puppies and other retriever breeds. It can mimic a den for these beautiful animals and give them a safe and secure place where they can rest without stress or fear. This helps them with emotional stability and can curb behavior issues. It also makes for a more enjoyable home life with less dog induced strife. How to crate train a Labrador puppy. You can find a summary of these in my crate training schedule chart below Stage 1 Introduction to crate training for puppies from 8 weeks old This stage covers the first week that you bring your puppy home. Your objective at stage 1 is simply to get the puppy used to being in and around the crate with the door open. Leave the door open Start by placing puppy in his crate frequently and each time you place him in there drop several little edible treats through the roof for him. Just let him come straight out again when he has finished his treats. This introduces the crate as a fun and enjoyable place to be. He will soon come to associate this phrase with going into his crate for a treat Closing the door briefly The next step is to close the crate door momentarily and then open it again. Leave it shut only long enough for the puppy to finish his treat and notice that the door is closed. Then let him out. Do not wait until he gets upset or cries. Repeat many, many times during the course of the next day or two. If he is left alone at night whilst he is still homesick he is likely to howl, and howling in his new crate is not a habit we want to establish. Tending to your puppy during the night If the box is right up against the side of your bed, you can put your hand in and comfort him if he cries. Moving your puppy downstairs at night After the first three or four nights, or by the end of the first week, your puppy can be placed in his crate in the kitchen before you go up to bed at night. So if you put him to bed at midnight, you will probably need to get up around 5am to let him out for a wee to begin with. If a puppy has fallen asleep in his crate and slept for more than a couple of hours then you will need to let him out if he wakes up crying. Getting more sleep! If all goes well, you can stretch this five hours out by 15 minutes or so a night until you are getting seven hours sleep. If he wets the bed you will need to get up earlier the next night. And some puppies will be 12 to 14 weeks before they can cope this long. You can find lot more information on teaching your puppy to be clean and dry in our potty training sections. Crate training during the day There is no immediate need to crate your new puppy during the day for more than a few minutes at a time. The main purpose of crating a puppy during the day is to Help the puppy learn to hold onto the contents of his bladder for a bit longer. To keep him safe when you are busy for short periods, or if you need to leave the house for a while. To give him chance to calm down or a break from small children. However, you do need to get the puppy used to spending longer periods in the crate in preparation for being left alone from time to time when he is older. So gradually, you will accustom the puppy to a few longer spells in his crate. These are tough hollow rubber toys that you fill with mushy food and freeze. You can freeze several Kongs at once by standing them on a baking tray in the freezer. Each time you put the puppy in his crate for more than a couple of minutes, you will leave a frozen food filled Kong in there to keep him company. Puppies love these and will soon grow to associate the crate with the pleasure of the frozen Kong. How to get the puppy used to longer crate times Once you have got to the end of the first week and the puppy has accepted the crate as a nice place to be, the next task is to get the puppy to accept the closed door for longer periods of time. This may take a day or two. Place him in the crate with his frozen kong and close the door for 30 seconds. The idea is to leave the door closed for a few seconds longer each time you crate the puppy. But it is very important only to open the door when the puppy has been silent for several seconds. What to do if the puppy cries in his crate If the puppy starts to whimper or howl you will need to turn away from the crate and ignore him. Wait for the silence as he stops crying and gets to work on his puppy kong. Tell him what a good dog he is. Let him out immediately and go back to much briefer periods of closed door for a while. Try ten seconds or five. Build up again gradually, but do not be tempted to avoid crating him because it upsets him. Once the puppy is happy in his crate, you can use it to help with his potty training. Until then, make sure that you crate him for very short periods when you know his bladder is empty. Otherwise he will wet himself when he gets upset. Puppies that cry need crating more often! If your puppy whines in the crate, you need to crate him more often not less, and for shorter periods. Check out our in-depth article on coping with a crying puppy for more information Just make sure that each time he is crated is very, very brief to begin with. That way he will learn that being crated is not a big deal Warning: if you open the crate door whilst your puppy is howling, he will howl longer and harder next time! Build up slowly to a minute, then two minutes, then three, five, seven, ten, fifteen minutes and so on. How long can a puppy be left in a crate People often ask how long a puppy can be left alone in his crate. For puppies three to six months old I think two hours is a maximum, and for puppies under three months, one hour. If you need to leave your puppy for longer than this, then you need to consider a puppy proof room or pen where water and puppy pads are always available, or even a weatherproof outdoor kennel and run. This involves putting puppy pads down in a large puppy pen or puppy proofed room so that your puppy always has access to a toilet area. You can find out much more about overcoming the problems of being a working puppy parent in this article: combining a puppy with full time work. Stage 3 Training your puppy to go into his crate on command! As your puppy grows bigger, picking him up and putting him in his crate becomes more of a physical event! Provided you are not leaving your puppy alone for too long, he should be happy to go willingly into his crate. This can be achieved through training. This will probably take a couple of weeks. Maybe more if your puppy really does not like his crate at the moment. Have several training sessions each day — at least three. And do 20 or 30 repetitions of the following exercise in each session. This will take you about five minutes. If you are have never used one before, check out this article before you begin: Charging your clicker. Imagine a zone around the crate. It should not be so small that the dog avoids it altogether. A couple of feet in each direction is fine. The object is to get your puppy to choose to enter this zone. You are teaching him to chose to approach the crate. EXERCISE 2 entering the crate doorway In this exercise, you are going to click and treat the dog for putting a nose, or a paw through the opening into a crate. For some dogs this is too big a jump and you will need to work on a smaller crate zone first. We are moving the goalposts and the dog will be surprised when you do not reward him for entering the zone. He will quickly try something different. Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog enters the crate zone Repeat five times Throw the treat outside the zone so that he has to re-enter to get the next reward. The next time he enters the zone, wait for him to go closer to the crate and put his nose in the opening What if he fails to do this? Repeat from step 3 until the dog repeatedly puts his nose through the crate door. Now you can stop rewarding him for simply entering the zone. It just takes longer with some dogs than others. Use his entire food ration if necessary. Remember, if you have to go out, scoop him up without a word, and place him in there bodily. Do not use the clicker or any other part of this process, or attempt to lure him in. You going out is a punishment in his mind. Behavior that is punished will diminish. When you click, he will come dashing out again for his treat. Again, we begin the exercise with something we know he can already do Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog puts his nose through the crate doorway Repeat five times Throw each treat outside the zone so that he has to re-enter to get the next reward. The next time he puts his nose through the doorway, withold the click. Wait for him to go further in Repeat and gradually raise the criteria you are setting so that more and more of the dog must be through the doorway to get a reward. The exercise is done when the dog repeatedly goes right inside his crate. With a dog that is not crate-shy, you can often work through these three Exercises in a day or two. EXERCISE 4 spending time in the crate Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog goes inside the crate Repeat five times The next time he enters the crate withold the click and treat for two seconds If he remains in the crate click and treat If he leaves the crate wait for him to re-enter Repeat from step five until he can wait 2 seconds in the crate and then increase to 3 seconds Work your way up to ten seconds When the dog can cope with ten seconds waiting in the crate, you are ready to close the door. To begin with this will be momentary EXERCISE 5 closing the door Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat after 10 seconds, each time the dog goes inside the crate Repeat five times The next time he enters the crate close the door and immediately open it again Wait a few seconds then If he remains in the crate click and treat If he leaves the crate wait for him to re-enter Repeat from step five until he will go into the crate, watch you open and close the door, and remain in the crate for a few more seconds after you have opened the door. We are nearly there! Use the cue you have chosen. You know the procedure now. We want him to have absorbed the association between this cue and the act of entering the crate. Now it is time to use the cue in advance of the behavior. Once the dog is repeatedly racing into the crate on your cue, we need to make sure he can distinguish this command from other commands. In this case the dog is not discriminating between different cues, but rather making assumptions about what game you are going to play. So the next step in training is to mix in another cue. If he is confused, and he may be, show him what you want, just like before. You now have a dog that actually understands the meaning of In Your Crate and happily complies with your command. It is time for him to adapt to being confined after being told to go in there. Start slowly and build up EXERCISE 9 adding duration Place a Kong with food in it, or some treats on a slow feed bowl into the crate without your dog spotting you Cue the dog into the crate call him into the room first Shut the door and leave it closed for one minute Open the door again and ignore the dog. It is up to him if he stays in the crate or comes out Repeat from step 1 gradually increasing the time you wait before opening the door Vary the length of time you keep the door closed. Sometimes two minutes, sometimes as much as fifteen minutes. Now you can begin to send the dog into his crate for longer periods, such as when you go out for an hour or so. Maintenance tips Send the puppy into his crate often, not just when you need to. Make sure there is always a tasty treat or a Kong in there waiting for him Sometimes when you send him in, close the door If you know you are going to go out shut him in at least ten minutes before you start getting ready to leave If you know you are going to go out always leave him with a Kong full of frozen food When you are not going out, vary the times he is shut in from two to thirty minutes Send him in from time to time without closing the door Provided your dog is not left overly long in a crate on a regular basis, this should overcome any shyness he has about going in there. Dogs of any age can be trained to crate on cue using this system. For more information on using a clicker check out : Ten great reasons to start clicker training Stage 4 Growing up By twelve weeks or three months old, many puppies will be sleeping 7 hours or more at night and going happily into their crates on cue, if they have been taught to do this. When to let your puppy out of the crate at night If all goes well, by about six months of age, your Labrador puppy should be clean and dry in the house, and sleeping soundly through the night in his crate. At this point, many puppy owners breath a big sigh of relief and start to look forward to the prospect of removing this massive and annoying crate from their kitchen for good. So, at what age is it OK to start leaving a puppy loose in the kitchen overnight? And how do you get your dog used to a basket or dog bed, rather than sleeping in his crate? Age related crate training schedules Most people are reluctant to give out information on how long a puppy should be crated, or what to expect at different stages, because puppies are so different from one another. So, I have included a rough guide or puppy crate training chart above. It really is just a rough guide. Your best approach is to simply follow the four stages outlined above, from start to finish, and not worry too much about where your dog is at the moment. Dogs love having a small den to sleep in, and once trained, will find comfort in tucking themselves away in a crate. But Labs come in many different shapes and sizes, and grow quickly as a pup. Benefits of Crating a Dog There are many benefits to using a crate for a new puppy or dog. Safe Sleep and Relaxation Space A crate offers a safe space for your dog to relax and rest in. This is the most important use of a crate and should be your first priority when crate training. House training your puppy will be significantly easier if they are confined to a small space. Puppies innately know not to eliminate in their sleeping area. Using this innate knowledge to your advantage can mean only a few days of accidents in the house. This avoids them chewing on furniture or getting into kitchen cupboards. Labs are an intelligent breed who love to chew. They will quickly work out how to open kitchen cupboards and help themselves to your food. This space is only safe if you have correctly and fully trained your Lab to be relaxed and calm in the crate. Ensure you read over our crate training guide before you attempt to secure your Lab inside the crate. Preparing for Future Travel If you plan on traveling with your dog in the future, then it is wise to crate train them while they are young. This will minimize the stress they feel when they are inside a crate. If they are familiar with sleeping in a crate, they will be able to relax. Dogs will be put into crates at the vets if they ever need surgery or an overnight stay. Again, you can minimize their stress by crate training from day one. Untrained or nervous dogs are a danger to themselves inside a crate. Crating can cause a welfare issue if the dog is stressed inside it. However, most puppies and dogs will get used to and even enjoy the crate once they are trained. What Size Crate for a Lab? As a general rule, your Lab should be able to stand up fully, turn around and lay outstretched in the crate, without too much spare room. Depending upon the individual Lab, they can vary in height and weigh between lbs. Males will be on the larger side and dogs from the showing line will be bigger than working Labs. Measuring Up Since your Lab needs enough room to move around, you can measure them to see exactly what size crate they need. Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while they are standing. Add 4 inches to this measurement. Also, measure from the floor to the top of their head while sitting. Add 2 inches to this measurement. This will give them enough room to move around, but not too much room to do themselves any harm. It is easy to set up and comes with roller feet to protect your flooring. The plastic tub style base will contain any accidents and is easily washable. Depending on the size of your Lab, purchase a inch crate or inch crate with the divider. A divider is good for puppies, as you can make the crate space as big or as small as you need to. We recommend the extra-large size to contain an adult Labrador. This would not be suited to young Labs that still chew. What Size Car Crate for a Labrador? Your Lab will need the same sized car crate. They should be able to move around in the crate comfortably, without extra space. If you plan on having the crate in the trunk of your car, you will likely require an SUV or truck as crates take up a lot of space. Crates vs Playpens for Lab Puppies I always use a full sized adult crate with a divider for my puppies. It saves a lot of time and hassle. If you need to confine your puppy or dog to an area for extended periods of time, then it is best to use a playpen instead of a crate. A Lab will require a inch playpen to keep them contained. Playpens can be used indoors and outdoors to keep your dog contained. If you want an even larger contained space, purchase 2 or 3 playpens of the same brand and size and join them together. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. From potty training to behavioral training , a new dog owner has a ton of responsibilities—sometimes more than they can keep up with. Crate training benefits both you and your dog in significant ways. There are more dog crates for sale than you can count, and they come in all different shapes and sizes. Here are some of the top benefits of crate training your lab: Benefit 1. Dog Crates are Cozy and Relaxing Labs love their crate because they offer a safe place to rest, relax, and sleep. Image Source Some labs feel so attached to their crates, they may choose to eat their food inside or halfway in and out. For you, this can also reduce the stress of dealing with anxious dogs. Benefit 2. So here is one of the best training tips: crate your lab puppies to help them become house trained. A crate can help a puppy remain within a smaller area. Benefit 3. Essentially, having labs feel comfortable in their crate gives you options when it comes to transportation, house training, calming a stressed dog, and so much more. Buy an Adult Crate and Section It Off Crate size is really important because adult labs need to be able to get into the crate and turn around. There should be enough space for them to do this, but no more. This is also why a divider can give labs the right fit and adapt to their growth. Besides these tips, all you need to figure out is the size of your lab. Your lab might be taller when sitting upright than he is standing on all fours, so have your dog sit on its behind and look up towards you. Four Types of the Best Dog Crates In addition to different dog crate sizes, you can choose different builds that might suit your lab depending on their age and rambunctious nature. Image Source Type 1. Wire Crate Wire dog crates are the most popular type of dog crate and their construction makes them quite durable. The wire design allows for air to circulate around your pet, which can help cut down on odors. They also allow for handy slide-bolt latches that let you quickly open and close the crate while keeping it secured. Wire dog crates are best for a puppy that is extremely active. The wire construction allows your dog to look out of the crate and see what is going on around him. This is best for dogs that like to be able to see what is going on. Type 2. Plastic Crate The main advantage of plastic dog crates is the fact that they are lighter than metal wire ones. This makes them very portable and easy to move around. You can move them from one part of the house to another depending on where you want the dog to sleep. Plastic crates are often made of high-quality polyurethane, which makes them easy to clean and sanitize. This usually means buying plastic products with a carry handle. Many plastic dog crates have a divider panel, which can be taken out to enlarge the crate and create more room for a growing pup or adult dog. One of the advantages of using plastic dog crates is that they can be used for several different purposes. For example, the bottom of the crate can be used as an open dog bed if the crate is no longer wanted. Type 3. Type 4. Wooden Dog Crate Wooden crates are a great way to get the functionality of a metal crate, but with the luxury appeal of nice wooden furniture. Of course, this is also a much more eco-friendly material than metal. Wood is porous and absorbs urine which means that if your dog has an accident while in the crate, the pee will soak into the wood and leave a stain. You also need to factor in the amount of space in your home and how well you can travel with your crate. Each type of crate comes with its pros and cons. Buying the right size crate is only one of many steps in responsible labrador ownership , so make sure to check out our other training tips for raising a labrador puppy to give your new best friend a long, healthy, content, and happy life. Share on. Crate of the correct size for your dog Treats Blanket or dog bed According to the American Kennel Club, Labs are one of the most popular breeds in America , and for good reasons. Many love to play fetch, and others are glad to be your running buddy. You have a long fun life ahead of you with your Labrador retriever puppy. Should that life include crate training? Crate training a Lab puppy is actually a good idea. Image used with permission by copyright holder Are Labs easy to crate train? You may have some pet-parent guilt about putting your fur baby in a crate. The good news is that Labs often make crate training easy on their parents. They love making their humans happy, so they take to all kinds of training well, including crates. Every puppy is different, though. Your veterinarian or a trainer can help you through any troubles that may arise. Crate training a Lab puppy is one of the best ways you can help them thrive in their new home. Experts say your new pup will reap many benefits from having a crate, including: Easier potty training. Housebreaking can be one of the tallest tasks new pet parents have to work on with their Lab puppies. Crate training makes it a little easier and less messy. Reduced stress. Labs tend to be adaptable, but a new home can be stressful for anyone. Even social pets need to chill sometimes. Consider it a space for self-care, kind of like your bedroom may be for you. Safer car rides. A crate is one of the safest spots for a pet in the car. Image used with permission by copyright holder How to crate train a Lab puppy Though Labs tend to take to training quickly, they still need some guidance from you. Step 1: Select the correct crate size for your puppy. Labs will generally grow to weigh 55 to 80 pounds. You want a space your pet can move around in comfortably. They should be able to sit , lie down, stand, and turn. The puppy may soil the space if they have enough room. Most crates will have height and weight specifications on them, and once you have that information, you can purchase one. Step 2: Make the crate comfy. You probably made your bedroom into a comfortable spot for you to sleep at night. Make it a cozy hangout spot by putting some blankets or a bed in there. Toys keep it fun.

Our dogs have mellow, affectionate, and playful temperaments, love water, and especially children. They are living as trustworthy family members, as emotional support dogs, service dogs, and medical alert dogs around the world! Content Link Block Polarbear is our Name. Or perhaps just looking for the total package in a dog? Health and longevity remains the foundation of all we do. Take for example, the standard German Shepherd dog as seen in this photo: View fullsize …Dogs bred with these traits often end up with crippling disabilities and premature death. This is so inhumane. The focus of our kennel, on the other hand, is to produce dogs with straight backs, broad heads, and short coats, as in the photo of Polarbear's foundation sire, Shack Von Hammer below. Aside from their magnificent appearance, Polarbear White Shepherds are calm, sociable, and affectionate. They are gifted empaths and comedians at heart. Their goofy personalities and love of children make them perfect nannies for even the youngest child. They love water, retrieving frisbees, and diving into the occasional swimming pool. What kind of dogs do all that? And they are living fulfilled lives, as medical detection dogs, service dogs, and family and companion dogs in nearly every state in the United States! World Map of our Clients Before leaving, you might like to click on some of our pages. Our "Words of Warning" for those purchasing a purebred dog for the first time on the internet is a favorite. Just remember this quote…. No amount of training or special food will fix a problem dog. If you want to view videos of our dogs, check out our Youtube Channel page. If you appreciate our breeding philosophy and love what we do, do let us know by becoming a fan! Raising dogs for you and your family. Call or text .Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential White German Shepherd breed info to find out everything about the White German Shepherd. How to find White German Shepherd puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their White German Shepherd pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the White German Shepherd kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers. Their lovely mostly cream or white colored coat makes them quite rare and highly sought after among canine lovers within the country. Just like the regular German Shepherd, they are blessed with the same level of intelligence, which makes them easily trainable and highly versatile. They make great dogs as family companions as well as therapy and service dogs. As stated earlier, German Shepherds with a white colored coat are quite rare in the country, as only a handful of breeders within the US are dedicated to these German Shepherd coat types. With that being said, there are some white German Shepherd breeders residing within the country but you still would need to search for a reputable breeder with good breeding practices and programs. This article attempts to ease the search for you as we provide you with a list of some reputable white German Shepherd breeders residing in the USA. The article also provides the contact details of these breeders to help make it easy for you to contact them. It is very important that you only view this article as a guide toward helping you find the best breeder possible. Personal research is still highly recommended. We also recommend that you read this article till the very end as we reveal our personal pick from the list of white German breeders below. As their name already suggests, they are top breeders of premium quality white German Shepherds. They started their breeding program in the year , so they have over 10 years of breeding experience behind them. They are genetically health tested for genetic health issues and are rated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, OFA to show they have good working hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts. Their newly produced puppies should each come with their written health guarantee. The puppies are raised as family dogs and not kennel dogs. This means they get to live in the family house in Middletown, Connecticut, and not in a kennel. They are loved and cared for by members of the family, given their full nutrients in puppy food and supplements and they are properly dewormed and vaccinated at the appropriate age ranges. All their dogs are properly handled by people of varying age groups. They are introduced to new stimulating experiences to help build their confidence.