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The bad news? Housebreaking is hard. Getting started early on their training will pay off in the long run, saving you lots of unwanted accidents and surprises throughout the house. If your pug starts to actively sniff, circle the room, or run around excitedly out of the blue, they may need a bathroom break. Whining, sitting near the door, or giving you anxious, nervous stares are other common signs of a full bladder. To do this, hang a bell by the door at pug level, of course and use treats to get them comfortable with it. Establish a routine Pugs are little dogs, and that means they have little bladders, too. Get in the habit of taking them out as soon as you wake up, shortly after they eat a meal, after playtime, before you go to bed, and every hour or so in between. Each time you take your pug outside, return to the same spot. No luck? Bring them back inside and try again in 20 minutes. Your pug wants to please you, so seeing how proud you are when they do their business outside will encourage them to keep up that behavior. The shame may actually encourage them to find hidden spots around the house to pee and poop. Instead, clean up the accident with a pet cleaner so that there are no lingering smells in the house that would encourage them to keep going to the bathroom inside, and focus on taking them outside regularly to prevent repeat accidents. If you do catch your pup starting to pee or poop indoors, firmly say no firm, but not yelling! Reward them if they finish their business outside so that they know that they ultimately did the right thing! Consistency is key in many things, and housebreaking your pup is no different. Related Blog Posts. House Training a Pug Overview One of the most important things that you will ever teach your Pug is house training. And, while it can be a bit challenging and you'll have to devote quite some time to this, if you follow these guidelines you are sure to find success. These tips will be applicable for both young puppies and adults of any age that need to re-learn the rules. The main goal will be to train your Pug that one certain area outside is the bathroom area. And, that when you are not home to take your Pug there, pee pads are used for bathroom needs. While the exact time needed for potty training varies depending on how often you are there to actually teach the lessons, expect for this to take about 3 months for your Pug to be fully trained. Also, plan for there to be little setbacks here and there as your Pug learns these important lessons. Above all else, do not give up. The Pug is a breed that aims to please. With proper prepping and patient guidance, your Pug can be a very well-trained dog. Step 1: Prepping No doubt, you want to get right into housebreaking your Pug; however, prepping is a vitally important step and is needed to ensure your Pug is set up for success. Certainly, while you are setting things up, bring your Pug outside as needed details ahead. And, once you have everything in place, you'll find that house training is easy and accidents are few and far in between. Those that do happen will be nicely contained. Choose a designated bathroom area. Your Pug should not just go to the bathroom somewhere outside. Pick on certain area that will be used. This should be away from family foot traffic like outdoor barbecue areas and easy to reach no matter what the weather. Choose a containment method. If your Pug is allowed to roam the house or even just an entire room like the living room or family room this will inevitably lead to puddles of pee and piles of poo all over the place. So, the goal is to keep your Pug in one spot any time that you cannot closely supervise. This means when you are busy cooking dinner, taking a nap, etc. The goal should also be that the area is very comfortable, with everything a Pug needs to be content: Quality bed, lots of fun toys, and food and water bowls. One of the best methods to create this sort of contained area is via an indoor canine playpen. These are square or circular heavy-duty plastic open-topped pens. Some have doors and these are recommended. This is 24 inches 61 cm high and offers 8 square feet of space perfect for a Pug puppy. It has a nice little door to easily get your Pug in and out, and the door can be left open when you're home and watching your pup and closed when you're away. What's nice about this is that as your Pug grows, you can add on panels to increase its size. And, it comes in 7 different colors, to blend in nicely with your home decor. This is a bit taller at 34 inches 86 cm and it's circular in shape, offering 21 square feet. Though it's roomier, it will still keep housebreaking accidents contained and serve the purpose of keeping your Pug in a comfortable spot while you work on training. No matter which option you choose to create this sort of defined area, it should be lined with pee pads. While a puppy will not automatically know that the pads should be used, they will be used by default. If you find that that your Pug doesn't use the pee pads , urine and feces end up near them instead of on them, or they are moved or chewed on, this can be addressed by using larger ones, using a method to keep them in place, or using alternatives like reusable pads or even real grass patches. Have a supervision method. Since your Pug will be in a contained area see previous point 2 any time that you cannot closely oversee your pup, it's now time to choose a method of effective supervision when you are there to do so. The goal will be to have your Pug close enough that you'll be able to interrupt any attempts to pee or poo in the house. It's important that you don't just assume you'll somehow do this. Puppies dart around quickly and Pugs of any age can move around a corner and leave you a nice little present in the blink of an eye. You'll want to avoid accidents like this since each one is a step in the wrong direction and a missed opportunity to instill house training lessons. One of the best ways to keep your Pug right near your side is the tethering method. Your Pug will be on leash and harness and you will have the other end connected to you. Please note that a harness must be used, not a collar. Brachycephalic breeds like the Pug should never be on leash and collar no matter what; it can constrict the trachea and cause breathing problems. Next, under point 4, you'll see details of what you'll need to tether your Pug while house training. Have two leashes and at least one harness. As mentioned above, you'll want a leash and harness combo for when you are supervising your Pug. You will also need these items for when you take your Pug outside for bathroom needs. There are several types of accessories that will be used for these purposes: 1. A comfortable, properly fitting harness. This is for any time your Pug is on leash indoor tethering to you or being taken outside. Unlike collars that put strain on the neck and trachea and is a big no-no for brachycephalic breeds, a harness distributes pressure over the much stronger back, shoulders, and chest. This is super easy to place on you just slip your Pug's front paws through the leg holes and then there is an adjustable buckle and Velcro on the back to secure it. There is an o-ring right between the shoulder blades to connect the leash. This is padded for comfort and the material is a breathable air-mesh. It also comes in 13 different colors, so your Pug always looks stylish. A short soft-handled leash. This is the type of leash you'll want to use when you are with your Pug indoors and supervising him during house training. You'll want the leash to be short about 6 feet to keep your Pug close. And, the soft handle will allow you to either slip it over your wrist or secure it through a belt loop, which allows both of your hands to be free. A retractable leash. For when you take your Pug out to the designated bathroom area, it can be useful to have a retractable leash. And, these are great for taking walks as well. Being able to adjust the length at any time is a huge plus and helps you stay in control of your Pug. It can extend out to 16 feet and even comes with a lifetime guarantee. Have effective training treats. A big part of housebreaking is being able to let a puppy or dog know that they did something right by going to the bathroom in the designated area. This teaches them what is expected and offers motivation for doing that action again. Praise works to some degree; however, the fastest method is to combine praise with reward in the form of a training treat. There are a few elements to keep in mind: The treat should be something reserved for reward not given as a snack at any rate , small so it doesn't interfere with appetite , moist which is often more appreciated over dry , and packed with flavor. You'll also want it to be up to the standards of any food that your give your Pug, meaning made in the USA, no chemical preservatives, no artificial additives, and no fillers like corn or soy. Choose the cue words. Dogs always learn best when they can connect a word or phrase to an action. So, when you are potty training your Pug puppy, you will want to use one certain phrase each time you head outside for bathroom needs. You'll also use this phrase again to mark the moment that the deed was done and when you give reward details ahead. Common choices are 'do the deed', 'pitty-potty', 'bathroom', 'potty time', and 'get busy'. Choose whichever phase you like, but make sure that it's one you don't mind saying out loud in front of other people. Arm yourself with an enzyme cleanser. It's important to clean any accidents the right way. Urine and stools contain certain enzymes that soap and water do not remove. If these enzymes remain, they will produce a lingering odor. You may not smell anything, but your Pug with exceptional canine senses will indeed pick up the scent. It is a strong motivator to go to the bathroom in that area again. To prevent this from happening, clean any accidents with soap and warm water, blot it dry, and then spray the area with a cleanser like Simple Solution Enzyme Formula , allow it to stay there for 5 minutes, and then blot the area dry one last time. To summarize your housebreaking prep: You have a method of keeping your Pug in one area like a playpen that is lined with pee pads for any time that you are not closely monitoring things, you have a supervision method for when you are watching your pup, a designated bathroom area has been chosen, you have training treats to hand out for reward, you have a leash and harness for your Pug, you've chosen cue words, and you have an enzyme cleanser to deal with any accidents in the house. You're now ready to fully house train your Pug. Step 2: Taking Your Pug Out for Bathroom Needs You will want to take your Pug to the designated area: Right after your puppy or dog wakes up About 20 minutes after a meal Every so-many hours, depending on age. This is typically every 2 hours for a 2-month old, every 3 hours for a 3-month old, etc. Before each walk allowing a dog to pee and poo along the walking route is a missed opportunity to teach house training rules Before bed Any time that you are supervising your Pug and there is a motion to pee or poo Right when you get home if you've been away As you can imagine, you'll be quite busy bringing your puppy outside many times each day. Fortunately, as a puppy matures, the bladder and bowel muscles become stronger and there is a gradual ability to hold bathroom needs for a longer duration. Still, an adult Pug will need to be brought out 4 to 6 times per day. The exact steps are as follows: 1. Quickly bring your Pug to the exit door. If you must, carry him or her. It's okay if some urine dribbles; as long as your pup finishes urinating outside, consider it a 'win'. As you are heading out, grab the training treats. Also be saying the cue words out loud. Example: 'Let's go do the deed, do you have to go do the deed? Bring your Pug to the designated area and stand in the center of it. With your Pug on leash and harness, allow them to sniff around and choose the perfect spot. Plan to be patient. Some dogs can take up to 15 minutes, particularly if there's a need for a bowel movement. If your Pug pees, but you think he may need go number two, remain in the area. As the deed is being done, offer praise, 'Good dog, you're doing the deed! The very moment that your Pug is done, offer both praise and reward, 'Good dog, you did the deed, good dog! Both of you need to work as a team. If you find that things are not going as planned, re-read the rules and see how closely you are following them. Ahead, we'll touch on some commonly seen house training issues and how to deal with them. Going to the bathroom right after coming back in the house: A very common complaint by owners is that their Pug is peeing in the house soon after being brought back into the home. It can seem as if a pup is doing this on purpose, as if the dog is mocking the training system. But the answer is far more logical than that. In most cases this is because the owner did not have the patience to wait outside while the puppy chose the perfect spot and the body relaxed enough for urination or the muscles had time to push out a bowel movement. After the body relaxed or the bowel muscled readied, the pup was brought back in and of course, went to the bathroom where he or she was at the time: in the house. Stay outside for at least 15 minutes while your Pug is learning his or her housebreaking rules. This can seem like a very long time while standing there and waiting for a dog to go to the bathroom. For this reason, it can help to set up an outside chair, bring a book or take the time to check emails and messages. Barking at night - Is it a bathroom need or a call for attention? One of the hardest elements - but one that you will soon conquer - is to learn your Pug's signals that there is a bathroom need. One of the most challenging times to figure this out is at night when you are awakened by barking. If you are unsure, it's always best to bring your dog outside. However, it will be important to make it very clear that this is a serious time. No playing, no talking and right back to bed afterward. If you are quite certain that barking is due to attention seeking behavior and not for housebreaking reasons, as long as you are sure your Pug is safe and comfortable, all yelps and whines should be ignored. Constant bathroom needs: Puppies may need to pee every couple of hours and adult Pugs depending on how much they drink and often often they eat may need to head out 6 or more times per day. If you feel that your Pug needs to urinate much more then normal, this can point to a health issue with bladder infection and UTI being the most common. So, it's always best to check with the veterinarian. Correcting vs punishment: Pugs are very sensitive and do not react well to being yelled at. For housebreaking, that sort of reaction to accidents will not get you anywhere. Pugs tend to have their feelings hurt if not disciplined the right way and therefore rubbing a dog's nose in poop or getting upset will not be beneficial to actually teaching what is expected. It is best to give tons of enthusiastic praise for deeds done right and forgive accidents. Did you find this to be helpful? It's a page massive book that guides you through every aspect of your Pug's life. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Plenty of wipes and toilet tissue 1. Build a potty-training routine When you first start house training your Pug puppy, you should aim to build a routine around their toileting needs. Luckily, their bladders and bowels are fairly predictable, as they are determined by not only their sleeping pattern, but also what they eat and drink. You should always take your puppy out to the toilet first thing as soon as they wake up — and this goes for whenever they wake up from naps too! As well as taking them out first thing in the morning, you should also take them out last thing at night or before you are going to leave them alone for an extended period of time: this is to prevent any accidents overnight or whilst you are gone! On top of this, you should also aim to take your puppy out to the toilet every thirty minutes to an hour. We actually started up a diary of what our puppy had eaten and and how often and what times he tended to urinate and defecate. Take your Pug outside as soon as you see any signs that they need a pee or poop. All puppies have immature diet systems, which means that each meal tends to stimulate their digestive system faster than it would in adult dogs. Generally, puppies need to urinate within fifteen minutes of eating and then do a poop within half an hour of eating. Once your dog has finished eating, take away the food bowl until the next scheduled mealtime. This will prevent your puppy from overindulging. You should also ensure that the food you give your puppy is of the higher possible quality — this means avoiding dog food with artificial colours and preservatives and ensuring that real meat is the primary ingredient. Confinement and consistency When your Pug puppy is in the early stages of potty training, it is good to confine to a small area such as a room, a crate or via a lead until you are confident that they can roam the house freely without accidents. Furthermore, consistency goes hand-in-hand with confinement, and it involves introducing your dogs to select areas to toilet in so that, over time, they will learn to associate going to the toilet with that area of the house or outside. A good way to ease your dog into this component of toilet training is via puppy pad training or crate training. Handy Hint: Never shout or punish a dog for getting it wrong; there are better ways you can discipline a Pug. Essentially, the purpose of the puppy pad is not only to reduce mess, but also to get your puppy used to the idea of doing their business in an approved, select area indoors an area that is easy to clean up! Overtime, your puppy will learn to associate the pad itself with areas where it is okay to toilet, and at this stage it is good to move the mad outside to help them adapt. You can buy puppy pads on Amazon. Here are the ones we used which also have very good Amazon reviews. Crate training Crates are an effective and approved way of toilet training your Pug puppy at the beginning. It helps to avoid mess, helps you keep a closer eye for signs he needs to go and, most crucially, teaches the pup to hold it until they are let outside to go toilet. You can find a suitably-sized crate on Amazon which work well with the Pug breed. Learn to pick up on the signs To avoid accidents in the home, it is good to learn to recognise signs that your Pug needs the toilet. Commons signs include: Sniffing the floor. Looking restless and anxious. Going into an area they have previously toileted in. If your puppy shows any of these signs, take them out to your chosen toileting spot immediately. However, if accidents do happen, it is best to stay calm and not get angry at your puppy, as this will just make them fearful and cause them stress, which will actually result in more random accidents. Use a phrase they will learn to understand One of the most important aspects that goes a long with in potty training your Pug puppy to use a phrase they learn to identify with. By doing so, he would learn to identify the phrase and location with the action. Reward the puppy for a good job When your Pug puppy has finished his pee or poop in the right place, you should give them a reward or positive reinforcement with praise. By rewarding good behavior you will start a pattern of success which can lead to far faster house breaking and training. Never scold them Accidents are going to happen a lot, and whilst this can be frustrating, never shout at or scold the puppy. I remember countless times where I would have just cleaned a pee up from the kitchen floor, only for our puppy to crouch and pee again just seconds later. When should I start potty training my Pug puppy? It is generally recommended to start house training your Pug puppy once they are between 12 weeks and 16 weeks old. This is a good age to start because whilst it means that your puppy is still young enough to learn life-long skills and have their behavior moulded, at this stage your puppy should have enough control over their bladder and bowels to hold it when necessary — making the potty training process easier for them, and cleaner for you! How long does it take to potty train a Pug puppy? There are other factors which come into play though, such as individual temperament and environmental factors. Be prepared for accidents, but above all, have some wipes and tissue paper on hand all the time as you will get through a lot of this stuff! Once you have potty and house trained your Pug puppy he will only ever do his business outside. Get in touch via social media and leave a comment. Similarly, if you have better ideas on how to potty train a Pug puppy, please share those in the community too. The bottom line is this; do not underestimate to the work that goes into taking care of a new puppy. Toilet training your puppy might feel a bit difficult at times, but with the right attitude, attentiveness and patience, they will learn this life-long skill. However, if you have any concerns about their ability to toilet train, always contact a vet or a professional trainer. As unlikely as this is, there are some Pugs who will need expert help. You might also like…. How long does it take to potty train a pug? Most pug pups will be should be relatively trained with within weeks. How often do pugs need to pee? In other words, you should be taking your 3-month old puppy out every 3 hours, your 6-month old puppy every 6 hours, etc. As an adult, I took my pug out once in the morning and once at night. Consistency is important when potty training a pug. With a consistent schedule, your pug will quickly learn when and where they should do their business. Potty training a pug can be accomplished in a few short weeks with patience and consistency. Even better if you let your dog out in your backyard as it helps soil just one area instead of the entire backyard. When potty training a pug, it is important to have patience. Pugs are a unique breed of dog and they require a different approach to potty training than other breeds. But you can their to his strong suit… 5 — Use positive reinforcement: Rewarding your pug for going potty outside will help them to understand that this is what you want them. Positive reinforcement can be done with treats, praise, or even a favorite toy. It is important to be consistent with the rewards so that the pug knows that they are being praised for going to the bathroom in the correct spot. Another way to reward a pug is to take them for a walk or playtime immediately after they go to the bathroom. This will show them that good things happen when they use the restroom outside and will help reinforce the behavior. Crate training can be helpful when potty training a pug. I found that it worked, but I phased it out within a few months of use. I had it indoors and eventually moved it the patio… then completely phased it out when I moved from Downtown Portland in about a year. So this saved me a lot of hassle of getting rained on and cleaning Benji on the way back in. At first, I bought the cheap one from Petco and that was a mistake — it ended stinking! These ones were much better and you can buy replacement turfs. More tips for potty training your pug… 11 — Avoiding Accidents and Setbacks One of the best ways to potty train a pug is by avoiding accidents. If you can keep your pug from having accidents, then they will be less likely to have accidents in the future. One way to avoid accidents is to take them out often, following tip 2 accompanied with positive reinforcement is really all you need. This will help them to learn when they need to go and will also give them a chance to relieve themselves before they have an accident. Another way to avoid accidents is to keep their living area clean. This means keeping their crate or designated potty area clean and free of any debris that could cause an accident. Finally, you should avoid giving your pug food or water right before bed. This will help to prevent any accidents that could occur overnight. Instead, clean up the mess calmly and continue working on their training. While there are definitely some benefits to getting professional help, it is important to keep in mind that potty training, and house training a pug in general, is something that you can do on your own if you are willing to put in the time and effort. A chug — ie. How to discipline a pug? There are many different theories with regards to discipline, and many advocates argue that you can train your dog on positive reinforcement alone. Overall, I would find a trainer online that you can learn their methodology and stick with it.

Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Brown 3 lb 13 oz Our chunky Tank got passed up by Patriot and Spirit! Meanwhile, Trooper dropped to the back of the pack. All pups were gaining weight every day which was a good sign. I forgot to mention that before Raven had her puppies we looked for a small scale to weigh the puppies. Most of the scales we came across had a 10 lb limit. We purchased this baby scale and it worked great with all our puppies. I started clipping nails once a week with regular human nail clippers. When cutting nails I only cut to the part where the nail starts to curve. The puppies all did well during nail trimming sessions and it also gave me a chance to handle all four paws getting the pups used to relaxing with humans. Day 26 — Walking On New Surfaces Now that the puppies were stable and walking more normal I started introducing them to new surfaces. We were able to get them out on the dirt, grass, and concrete in the backyard. Golden Pups Week 4 — Puppies exploring new surfaces. We also start introducing our pups to the crate and start working on teaching them calm behavior while in the crate. I took their regular puppy kibble, soaked it in hot water for 10 minutes, and smashed it up into a mush. One of the early problems is making sure everyone gets an equal or close to amount of food. We allowed the puppies to eat their solid food and still nurse throughout the day. We feed the older dogs Wellness Core Grain Free Original Formula so we figured the transition from the puppy formula to the original formula would be easier on the pups when the time came to move away from puppy food. Golden Retriever pups week 4 is in the books! Check out our other Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week blog posts: Week 1 — Six Golden Retriever puppies are born! Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. So tell us a little about your experiences. Have you ever had the chance to raise a litter or meet a 4 week old puppy? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Are you expecting a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Did you just bring home an adorable 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy? If so, Puppies for Dummies is a great book that will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Personalities are starting to emerge. Four week old puppies are ready to venture out of their pen and explore our home. They are old enough for a brief introduction to outside. By four weeks, puppies are beginning to stay awake for longer periods of time and are actively engaging in play. We keep the area outside the pans almost perfectly clean. We gradually decrease the amount of area that is covered by pads as puppies show increasing dependability with doing all their business in the pans. By the time puppies are 4 weeks 5 days, almost all of them are close to doing all their business in the right place. At 3 weeks, puppies have teeth which makes the nursing experience less pleasant for the moms. By four weeks, it can be rather painful for large litters to be biting and pulling as they nurse. Almost all moms will begin pulling away somewhat from the litter between four and five weeks. We offer soaked dog food three times a day. The puppies are fed in one large bowl all together at this age. They eat as much as they want and the mama will finish off the bowl. Introduced to the World Outside Their Pen Starting shortly after 4 weeks, puppies are introduced to the world outside of their pen. We take them initially in groups to various rooms in our home. As confidence builds, we take them out individually. Puppy socialization becomes increasingly important. Puppies are staying awake for longer periods of time. This is the week that our socialization program becomes very intentional and scheduled. Four-week old pictures are usually taken in our front yard. This is their first trip outside. By the time puppies are 4 weeks 5 days, they are ready to be trained to navigate the two steps from our puppy play yard to our side porch. Puppies are ready to begin doggy door training. This is the optimum time to introduce puppies to new things. They are anxious to try new things and to explore their world. For more information on how we raise our puppies, see our Raising Puppies page. Primary Sidebar Breeders and Trainers of English Golden Retrievers We focus on breeding and training beautiful English Golden Retriever puppies with health tested champion parents, great pedigrees, and fantastic temperaments.

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

Sometimes we have adults dogs for sale, Contact us for more information please. Sound of mind and body, rich in pigment and personality. Loyal companions who are wonderful to live with. Our dogs are selected for temperament, health, and strength. All breeding dogs are X-Rayed for their hips and elbows. Pups are whelped and raised in a family environment and have plenty of open space for play and development. Every puppy that leaves our program is seen by a professional veterinarian, vaccinated, and dewormed. We encourage communication with all of our clients and are available to help and answer questions. We welcome your inquires. Please email or call for a phone consultation. We look forward to meeting all of our prospective buyers in person. Puppies do not go to new homes with breeding rights. Debora and her family were so kind. We got to pick out our puppy when they were around 4 weeks old. They let us take our time finding the right fit. They talked to us about all their personalities and helped us understand the breed better. When it was time to come home at 8 weeks, Debora told us all about the vet visit and gave us tips about what to do when bringing our pup home. They clearly loved these little guys and provided a safe, clean and nurturing environment for them. We felt very comfortable here and highly recommend them if you are considering a German Shepherd puppy. Proudly created with Wix. Used as police dogs and family dogs alike, this popular mix is renowned for their courage, loyalty, and intelligence. If you want to find the right pure bred puppy for your family, look no further than the shepherd puppies at CT Breeder. Though they love to play, they were bred to be working dogs and thus thrive off of having a job to do. Throughout history, the German Shepherd has been used in the Military, on police forces, as guide dogs for the blind, and even for herding livestock. Though he may embody some of the best canine characteristics, he is not for everyone. He needs a family that is willing to put up with his high-energy and need for constant activity. You will find that your new puppy will need a lot of exercise in order to stave off the boredom this breed commonly experiences, and therefore nix excessive barking and chewing before it becomes a habit. Additionally, this breed is not one for being left alone. When left by himself for long periods of time, he may become bored and frustrated, and act out in ways that may try your patience, such as chewing up your shoes or barking incessantly. Though a great watchdog, the breed is oftentimes suspicious of those outside of his family. He requires extensive training and early socialization in order to become the socialable, well-rounded dog that you envisioned. Caring for Your Adopted Shepherd Puppy German Shepherds were bred to herd livestock all day, so naturally they have a lot of energy. Built for constant action, your puppy will need to be walked several times a day; if you have an area to do so, it is best to let her run around, unleashed. Taking her to the dog park or a dog beach would be ideal, as they get both socialization and exercise in one helping. Exercising your puppy properly will ensure that he or she does not chew, dig, or bark, activities that tend to turn off most dog owners. German Shepherd dogs like to chew. However, if they pick the wrong thing to chew on, they can damage their teeth, consume something that makes them sick, or even choke. Though the German Shepherd is generally a healthy dog, they are prone to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus bloating, which can be life threatening , degenerative myelopathy, and allergies. To ensure the best health for your puppy, feed them the recommended amount of food a day, make sure they are getting all of the recommended nutrients, and exercise them properly. It is never okay to feed your dog one large bowl a day; rather, it is recommended to feed your shepherd four cups a day, divided into two meals. Shepherds tend to grow quickly during their first year, making them prone to bone disorders. A well-balanced diet will help them grow at a steady pace. Until then, do not allow him to run, jump, or play on hard surfaces. Training Your German Shepherd In order to ensure the most harmonious life with your German Shepherd, consistent training is key. Always reward positive behaviors, and take measures to extinguish negative ones before they become a habit. Some things to consider include: Consistently reward positive behaviors with praise. Keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated, but keep it fun. Be consistent in your expectations. Make sure he is well socialized. Give your pup plenty of love and care. Do not yell at your dog. Do not lock your dog up or put her outside because you have not trained her how to properly behave. Do not isolate your dog. Do not reward bad behaviors. Do not neglect, shame, or blame your dog. Do not give up on her. Properly training your shepherd will ensure a peaceful and fulfilling life with her new family. If you want to adopt a German Shepherd but do not feel confident in your training abilities, our experienced and talented trainers at CTBreeder are known for utilizing the best training practices that are breed specific. If you buy a puppy from our new litter, you will get lifetime dog training guaranteed to ensure a lasting bond with your new pup. We have male, female, red, sable, and much more. In addition to our selection of designer and purebred puppies for sale, we offer expert dog training, professional pet grooming and the best pet supplies, pet foods and pet products available at the low prices. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in Connecticut? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Connecticut cost? Some German shepherd puppies for sale in CT may be more expensive than others because of differences in gender, quality of breeder, coat color, among others. Does your network provide German Shepherd puppies from out of state? We work with breeders and companies from across the continental US, and they all have previous experience of flying dogs reliably to any major airport in the country. But with our network, you could even find some of our partner CT German Shepherd breeders living right in your neighborhood! Whether near or far, Uptown Puppies has options for you. How do you screen breeders for German Shepherd puppies near me? We connect with breeders who have proven that they adhere to the highest standards in animal welfare. Check out our Breeder Pledge page for the full details. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? Getting a dog is a big decision, and we want it to go as smoothly as possible. That means making sure the puppy you get is a healthy, b raised with love, and c fits your lifestyle and family. In so many words, that is the service we provide. What is a puppy mill? A puppy mill is a business where people care about profit, not puppies. A lot of Connecticut German Shepherd rescues were former puppy mill parent dogs that were only kept alive to produce litters to sell on shady sites and pet shops. Are there any purebred German Shepherd puppies for sale near me? What is the MatchMaker process? Tell us what gender you prefer, what temperament you want your dog to have, the size of your home, and any other important considerations you might have, so we can find you a puppy that fits your lifestyle perfectly. How do I know I can trust you? There are thousands of German Shepherd puppies for sale in Connecticut, but you have your work cut out for you when you work with us. Uptown Puppies is in the business of building families by helping our clients pick out their new four-legged family member among our network of responsible and ethical breeders. Some of the families we have helped build share their stories below—we hope we can be part of your story too.

If socialized properly, they should get along well with their family members and other pets. Hybrid dog breeding or designer dog breeding has given rise to a breed where many breeders cross different purebred dogs to create new, healthier purebred lines. You may like: Pug pitbull mix. What is a Golden Retriever Pug Mixed breed dog? It has one purebred Golden Retriever parent and one purebred Pug Parent dog. This demonstrates the variety of hybrid dog breeding. An early generation of hybrid dog breeders might specialize in crossbreeding two purebred breeds, such as the Pug Dog and the Golden Retriever. To increase the uniformity of their puppies, hybrid dog breeders might focus on crossing parent dogs from different breeds. This is when a hybrid breed can begin to take shape as an independent purebred breed. Information about the parent breed. A Pug can be described as a large dog but in a small area. They are often called the clowns of canine life because of their sense of humor. It features deep wrinkles, big dark eyes, and a flat face. From A. Many historians believe that they may be related to the Tibetan Mastiff. After the Civil War, pugs were brought to America by breeders. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in .Some dedicated breeders continued breeding, and the breed gained popularity over time. You may like: Golden retriever pitbull mix. Golden Retriever. A medium-sized dog breed, the golden retriever, has golden hair. It is a Scottish-bred golden retriever. Also, the golden retriever is a popular dog breed in the United States. They are known for their kindness, loyalty, and enthusiasm for life. Goldens are great family dogs and were originally bred in the Scottish Highlands as hunting dogs. Since the s, the Golden Retriever has been a beloved dog by families all over the globe. They are a popular family dog, but they are also used frequently as service and search-and-rescue dogs. The therapy and service dogs that Golden Retrievers most commonly use include therapy and service dogs. They are intelligent and loyal dogs who can give unconditional love and affection. They can comfort seniors and children with ease. Temperament and Personality of Golden Retriever Pug mix. Families are often concerned about selecting a pet for their family that will be a good canine friend to all family members and possibly other family pets. This dog is intelligent, loyal, and dedicated. These dogs are both very loving and friendly. Moreover, they will have a unique combination of their energy levels. They are calm, intelligent, confident, and friendly but alert and wary of strangers. This makes them a great watchdog. There is a good-natured and well-mannered dog who gets along with everyone. These dog breeds are play-loving dogs that love to have fun. She is loyal, trustworthy, brave, and warm. The Pug, like the Golden Retriever, is very loving and people-focused. Size, height, and weight. It can be difficult to predict the adult height, weight, and size of hybrid dog breeds, as the two-parent dogs may have very different characteristics. Your Golden Pug puppy will be between 14 and 75 pounds in weight and 10 to 24 inches tall. Health issue. Every dog has the potential to have genetic health issues. All breeds are more susceptible than others. The good news about buying a Pug Golden Retriever mix puppy is that it can be avoided as much as possible. Breeders should offer puppies a health guarantee. Reputable breeders will tell you about any health issues in your breed and how they are related to your dog. These are not common issues in both breeds. Training and exercise needs. Pugs and Golden Retrievers are intelligent, sensitive dogs close to their owners. Your Golden Pug might need more exercise depending on how much influence they have from their parents. Positive training will bring out the best in any puppy from these intelligent, sensitive breeds. You may like: Goldendoodle and golden retriever mix. Grooming, shedding and coat care. A coat that sheds is something that Golden Retrievers and Pug dogs share in common. All dog shed. This means that the owner must do more grooming and brushing to prevent tangles or mats from developing. Pugs and Golden Retrievers shed like other dogs. The coat of the Golden Pug will be flat, short- to medium-length. You can have your dog single- or double-coated. However, you will still need to sweep all year. Every dog is different and requires another diet. The majority of overweight dogs in the United States are males. This mix is most likely to be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. It should be taking fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin as soon as possible. It is bad to feed your dog too much as it can lead to health issues such as hip dysplasia and elbow pain. A raw dog Food Diet is a good option. For Wolf backgrounds, a raw food diet is especially beneficial. Are You Choosing the Right Dog? You may like: Pitbull Yorkie mix. The Golden Pug is a joy to behold for a dog lover. These sweet, playful pups can be stubborn, so positive training sessions are essential. I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. My love for animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior. As pugs and golden retrievers vastly differ in their sizes, the size of a full-grown golden pug falls somewhere in the middle. Their appearance is somewhat of a short-statured golden with a face that closely resembles that of a pug. Their muzzle is longer than a pug, but not to the point of being as long as a golden retriever. They also have slightly upturned noses. They do tend to have small wrinkles around their noses. One notable characteristic of pugs is their very tightly curled tails. Golden retrievers, on the other hand, have very long elegant tails with long hair. Golden pugs have a slightly curled tail that has medium-length hair. How Big a Golden Pug Gets When creating hybrid breeds with the first generation, it can be hard to determine if the golden pug will turn out a similar size to either a pug or a golden retriever. While those two breeds vastly differ in height, a golden pug falls somewhere in between. That can provide a lot of variation as pugs are typically 14 pounds, while golden retrievers can reach up to 75 pounds. There is also the difference in height, with a pug standing at 10 inches and a golden retriever standing at 24 inches. One of the benefits of hybrid dogs is that once the first generations are created, then it no longer becomes a process of breeding a purebred pug with a purebred retriever but breeding two golden pugs together. With many hybrid dogs, you see smaller and larger versions. Depending on the demand, a breeder will select golden pugs of similar stature to continue to generate puppies around that size. While pugs have very short hair, golden retrievers sport long flowing hair. When combined, the result is that the golden pug has a single or double-layer flat coat that is of medium length. While they shed, they shed far less than a golden retriever does. With proper brushing and grooming, their coat can remain smooth and you will see less shedding. This combination produces a cute and loving canine. But what are these dogs like? This article will break down everything you need to know about the Pug and Golden Retriever mix. Stick around to find out! The short answer to this question is yes, a Pug can mate with a Golden Retriever. This combination of dog breeds has been bred many times and produces an adorable-looking dog. The typical route to achieving a Pug and Golden Retriever mix is by having one Pug parent and one Golden Retriever parent. However, this is not the only way to get to the desired dog. Hybrid breeders can have two Pug and Golden Retriever mix parents, as well, and still end up with another Pug and Golden Retriever puppy. This speaks to the variety of techniques that breeders have nowadays. Many dog owners will be wondering: what can I call these cute little dogs? Well, most owners with these dogs tend to call them Golden Pugs. This short name takes a little from both parent breeds, making for a sweet option to call these canines. Another name that has been used is Golden Retriever Pug Mix. While this name is longer, it does provide the full names of both parent breeds, making it more informative than simply Golden Pug. Another central question that avid dog owners will have on their minds is about the size of the Pug and Golden Retriever mix. How big can these bad boys get? Golden Retriever This classic breed of dog can grow to between 21 — 24 inches tall , or about 2 feet in height. Their weight can be between 55 — 75 pounds, depending on whether you have a male or a female. Pug The other parent breed in this combination is the Pug. These canines can grow to between 10 — 13 inches in height, or about a foot. Their weight tends to range between 14 — 18 pounds. We see that the two parent breeds vastly differ in size. One is pretty big, while the other is pretty small. So how does that affect the Pug and Golden Retriever mix? Pug and Golden Retriever Mix When the parent breeds differ so greatly in size, the hybrid breed can kind of fall anywhere in between the parent ranges. That means the Pug and Golden Retriever Mix can be as small as 13 inches and 15 pounds, or as large as 22 inches and 65 pounds. The variety is purely a product of genetics and chance. With traditional pure-bred parents, the range is larger so it can really be anything. The next big question about Pug and Golden Retriever mixes is about their appearance: what do these dogs look like? You can kind of imagine it if you blend the qualities of a Pug and a Golden Retriever in your mind. Rounded face The first striking quality of the Golden Pug is that it has a rounded face, similar to that of the Pug itself. This face bears a slightly longer muzzle than on a traditional Pug, but not as long as that of a Golden Retriever. Slightly wrinkled face Another key component of the Golden Pug mix is the slightly wrinkled quality of the face. Unlike the rest of their body, the nose is actually a shade of black. This is common in Golden Pugs, and makes for an especially cute canine. Coat The coats of the parent breeds involved in this mix are vastly different. While the Golden Retriever features a long, thick coat, the Pug has a much shorter counterpart. Where does this leave the mix? Well, it usually has a single or double-layer medium coat. The Golden Retriever and Pug mix does not shed as much as its parents do; with proper grooming, you can minimize shedding throughout the year. Uncovering the Mystery of the Frenchie! The final component of the Pug and Golden Retriever mix is their personality. Friendly The parent breeds in this combination are both friendly dogs towards humans and other dogs. That makes the Pug and Golden Retriever mix just as friendly. They love to spend time playing with people, and other dogs. Intelligent Another key quality of the Pug and Golden Retriever mix is that they are intelligent dogs. The parent breeds in this equation both contribute solid genes for intelligence, making for a smart canine in the mix. Take advantage of this by training your puppy early. Establish good habits early on to prevent bad ones from coming up later. Loyal The final trait we have for the Pug and Golden Retriever mix is their loyalty. They make for loving companions for life, and offer reliable company to their humans. Post Views: .Most Golden Pug mixes are short-statured, round-bellied animals, owing mostly to their pug genes. They could also have a longer tail and perhaps a longer body like Golden Retrievers. Their physical characteristics are mostly split between the breeds and are most distinguishable in their faces and their bodies. Are you looking for a way to treat your furry friend? Sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win a free month of Barkbox! Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to get emails from myk9life. We'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe any time. Meanwhile, in Scotland in the 19th century, breeders were crossing the Irish Setter with Spaniels of various types to create a dog filled with speed and agility, but equally playful nature for fetching ducks from hunts, as well as being a loyal companion. However, the initial breeding for the Golden Retriever is credited to Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, who cross-bred flat-coated retrievers with Tweed Water Spaniels. We can therefore surmise that the cross between the Pug and Golden Retriever is due to a desire to breed a smaller size, lower-energy dog — the desire, perhaps, to create an animal that would be a better fit with families of all types, though as above, the precise history of the crossbreed cannot be ascertained. According to the American Kennel Club, the Golden Retriever frequently ranks among the top five most popular dogs in America. Due to their lovable and friendly nature, the Golden Retriever is widely loved among all people, old or young, single or with families. The history of the Golden Retriever can be traced back to the Scottish Isles and to Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, who needed a dog that would be quick on its feet, lightweight, and agile enough to dart through thick undergrowth and wade into the water to fetch downed ducks — and strong enough to carry them. Fast-forward nearly years and the friendliness and lovable nature of the Retriever have made it the perfect family dog. Its fierce loyalty will make it the perfect protector, though it is not by nature aggressive. They tend to bark at anything that moves, making it a great guard dog for the home. Popular Golden Retriever mixes include:. Why should you look forward to adopting? Where can you find a pug-golden retriever mix? Finding natural golden retriever pug mix puppies is uncommon. If there is a breeder, who is offering such cross-bred pups online for sale or adoption, you should always check their credentials, certifications, and reviews before committing. In all probability, you will not find AKC American Kennel Club certified breeders offering their services in situations like these. The professionals, who offer such unconventional cross breeds, are either new or experimental breeders without relevant documentation. You are more likely to find accidental cross breeds between a miniature dog and a large dog at the shelters. That can happen when people own two dogs of opposite sex belonging to different breeds at home. It can also happen when a male pug impregnates a female golden retriever in heat at the dog park or a day-care kennel. Such instances are not rare and unprepared dog parents often have to resort to giving the new puppies up at shelters. In most cases, people do not risk adopting such uncommon cross bred pups since little is known about their genetic afflictions, general health, and temper. Why are golden retrievers such popular pets? A golden retriever is a docile, playful, intelligent, sensitive and adjusting breed. They are amazing for big homes that have other pets, children, and older people. They are even kind to strangers, although they are protective and loving to their family. Golden retrievers are in no way one-master dogs. They are very obedient and easy to train. Although they require high activity levels throughout life, you will often find them lazing on their beds and on your bed, when they get the chance multiple times a day. Their love for the humans rarely trumps their love for food. They love to be pampered, and they have a penchant for staying close to their humans. How are pugs as pets? Pugs are miniature energy bombs. It is surprising how someone so small never runs out of energy. They are always running about and making mischief when they are not lying on their back snoring away to glory. They are stout, but they are never aggressive. They are super fun loving. It is a little difficult to train them since they are highly intelligent and it does not take them too much effort to fool a human. They get along great with children, other small dogs, larger breeds and other pets. They are grossly funny, and you will always find a pug busy in some antic or another throughout the day unless they have to turn their attention to food. What can be the pros of having a pug-golden retriever mix? When golden retrievers cross with pugs, you do not get golden pugs! Well, it is possible for you to get your hands on a small sized pup that looks almost like a pug and has the golden sheen of a retriever, but the physical features will be a generous mix of both breeds. Therefore, it would be wrong to call it a golden pug. You can expect the new crossbred pup to have a longer snout that is not as snubbed as that of a purebred Pug. This will eliminate the breathing problems; palate issues and regular loud snoring pugs suffer from. On the other hand, pugs shed lesser than goldies. Thus, you can expect the new pooches with short golden fur to shed lesser than their golden parent. The pup should have the happy-go-lucky attitude that its parents have along with genuine love towards the human species. Additionally, they should be incredibly intelligent and easy to train. What are the potential risks of a pug-golden retriever cross? These are the positive trait possibilities we can expect from the pug golden retriever mixes. When breeders first try out crossing two separate breeds, there is no guarantee that the resulting puppies will be the best of both parents. There have been breeding disasters in the past. Cross breeding two distinct dog breeds results in unpredictable combinations of genes that can give rise to serious health problems. For example — the new pug-golden retriever mix can inherit the palate problem of pugs and the joint problems of golden retrievers. Further inheriting the love for food and the tendency to gain weight from both breeds can exacerbate these problems significantly. The threat of potential health problems has led several pet lovers and breeders to be apprehensive about new breeds coming in the market. Unless you know about previous litters from the same parents, who have been doing well for quite a few years and you can get a veterinarian to certify the puppies as healthy, you should always be a skeptic. Know for sure that they will not receive AKC certifications, and they will not be able to participate in the first-tier dog shows. If you are only thinking about adopting cross bred pups from the shelter and giving them a home, then it should not be a problem. In most cases, people do not desire or adopt such uncommon mixes and giving them a safe and loving home will be the best thing in their life. Knowing all the pug mixes , can help you decide which ones to go for. Appearance is one thing, but the traits and temperaments matter too! Luckily, we have all these information for you. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards, The Golden Retriever Pug mix, or Golden Pug, is one such hybrid dog breed that is in development right now. One day this dog may become a new purebred dog breed in its own right. Is the Golden Pug the right next companion canine for you? This speaks to the many different layers of hybrid dog breeding. Early generation hybrid dog breeders F1 and F1b may specialize in crossing two different purebred dog breeds such as the Golden Retriever and the Pug dog. Later-generation hybrid dog breeders F2 and later may focus on crossing hybrid parent dogs to produce ever greater uniformity among puppies. This is when a hybrid dog breed usually starts taking shape as a new potential purebred dog breed in its own right. What makes the video even cuter is how the two dogs are so different in size, height, weight, and appearance and yet they look sort of the same because they both have the same beautiful golden coat! The History of the Golden Retriever and the Pug One of the best ways to learn about the potential benefits of hybrid dog breeding is to study up on each parent dog and learn about desirable traits each dog could contribute to your mixed breed puppy. In this section, we take a closer look at the history of the Golden Retriever dog and then the history of the Pug dog so you can imagine what bringing the two breed lines together might produce in a puppy. Golden Retriever history Currently, the Golden Retriever is the third most popular out of American Kennel Club registered dog breeds purebred dog breed in America today. Only the Labrador and the German Shepherd are more popular than the Golden Retriever, and this is subject to change every year when the new poll results come out. Golden Retrievers are so loving and friendly, it is easy to see why they are a popular pick for families and individuals nationwide. These dogs always seem to be smiling and are always eager for human company and attention. The Golden Retriever breed came to us by way of crossbreeding between the Bloodhound, the Irish Setter and a dog breed that is no longer with us called the Tweed Water Spaniel. Pug history The Pug is the 28th most popular out of American Kennel Club registered dog breeds purebred dog breed in America today. The Pug is one of the most ancient dog breeds known today, with a breed history that dates back at least 2, years. The Pug, with their short, cute, flat faces and wide round eyes, continues to be a popular choice for a companion canine to all ages. Golden Retriever Pug Mix: Personality and Temperament Many families, in particular, are understandably concerned about choosing a family pet that will be a great canine companion to family members of all ages and, potentially, other family pets as well. How does the Golden Retriever Pug mix stack up in this area? As long as your Golden Retriever is getting enough you-time, exercise, and activity each day, you can feel confident you are choosing to share your life with a true canine friend. Golden Retriever Pug personality and temperament From this overview, you can infer that your Golden Pug is going to be reliably friendly and loving. What will your Golden Pug be like in adulthood? As you can see, it can be hard to predict! Golden Retriever size, height, and weight The Golden Retriever can grow up to weigh anywhere from 55 to 75 pounds, with males often weighing 10 to 15 pounds more than females. Similarly, Goldens typically will reach a paw pad to shoulder height of .Golden Retrievers tend to be very proportional, with long muzzles and solid bodies. Pug size, height, and weight Adult Pug dogs are quite a bit smaller than Golden Retrievers as adults. The average Pug dog will weigh 14 to 18 pounds and stand between 10 and 13 inches tall paw pads to shoulders. These dogs tend to be top-heavy, with broad faces, broad shoulders, and narrower hindquarters. Golden Retriever Pug size, height, and weight It can be challenging to predict the adult height, size, and weight of hybrid dog breeds where the two-parent dogs are quite different in these areas. With a weight difference of 14 to 75 pounds and a height difference of 10 to 24 inches, you can expect your Golden Pug puppy to grow up to be somewhere in the middle of these ranges. By choosing to work with a later-stage hybrid breeder who breeds hybrid Golden Pugs rather than purebred Golden Retriever Pug crosses, you can have a better idea from puppyhood how tall and heavy your adult dog will become. If you are not sure what type of breeder to choose, just ask the breeder what generation they work with. If they say F1 or F1b, this means they are working with an earlier generation and there will be more variance in the size, height, and weight of their puppies. However, if the breeder says F2, F2b, or later, this means they a reworking with hybrid crossbreeding and the puppies are more likely to be more consistent in terms of their adult size, height, and weight. However, they can have very different exercise needs, as you will see. Golden Retriever training and exercise needs The Golden Retriever is a true working dog breed with a naturally high energy level. These dogs respond best to positive training and plenty of outdoor play and exercise time. Pug training and exercise needs Pugs, with their short muzzles and breathing troubles, do just fine with indoor play and short walks at cooler times of the day. Golden Retriever Pug training and exercise needs Your Golden Pug may need more or less exercise depending on the influence of each parent dog. Either way, positive training methods will get you the best results with any puppy born from these two smart, sensitive dog breeds. All dog shed. But this in turn means the owner has a lot more brushing and grooming to do to keep tangles and mats from forming. This means you will have less brushing and grooming to do but more dead shed hair to contend with year-round and especially with the changing of the seasons. Golden Retriever shedding, grooming, and coat care Golden Retrievers are true working dogs and have the water-resistant, insulating double-layer coat to prove it. Any dog with a double layer coat is always going to do more shedding year-round and seasonally. This is because the coat needs to replenish itself so it can protect the dog well all year long. Golden Retrievers have a mid-length coat and do need regular brushing to keep the skin healthy and control dead, shed hair. Pug shedding, grooming, and coat care It often surprises Pug fans to learn that Pugs do shed rather a lot given their short, sleek coats. Not all Pugs have double layer coats, but many do. With a double layer, the coat comes more shedding, especially when the seasons are changing. Your dog may be single-coated or double-coated, but either way, there will be some shedding and sweeping year-round. Golden Retriever Pug Mix: Longevity and Health Whenever you bring a companion canine into your life, you just want your dog to live as long as possible and be as healthy as possible. Unfortunately, far too many purebred dog breeds today have known genetic heritable health issues that have arisen because of too-close breeding to appearance standards for the show ring. This is where hybrid dog breeding does both purebred dog lines and owners a favor. Along with greater genetic diversity comes the renewed possibility of greater longevity and overall health. Golden Retriever longevity and health The Golden Retriever has a typical life span of 10 to 12 years. According to the Canine Health Information Center CHIC database, the Golden Retriever has the following known genetic heritable health issues that parent dogs could potentially pass along to puppies: Eye and cardiac issues. Hip and elbow dysplasia. While at first glance it may seem like Golden Retrievers do not have any particularly worrisome health issues, this is not entirely accurate. Goldens have some of the highest incidences of canine cancer — particularly hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma, in purebred canines today. The Morris Animal Foundation has undertaken to spearhead a Lifetime Study of cancer in Goldens in hopes of reducing the severity and the frequency of cancer in this beloved dog breed. Pug longevity and health The Pug has a typical life span of 13 to 15 years. According to the Canine Health Information Center CHIC database, the Pug dog has the following known genetic heritable health issues that parent dogs could potentially pass along to puppies: Hip and elbow dysplasia. Serum bile acid test tests for defective liver function. Pug dog encephalitis necrotizing meningoencephalitis. Pyruvate kinase deficiency PKD, or canine anemia. Eye issues. Many of these issues now have genetic screening tests that can help breeders sidestep passing on known genetic issues to puppies. But there is one health condition that is encoded into the breed standard itself and that is the short muzzle type the Pug is known for. The shortened or brachycephalic muzzle shape that gives the pug such a cute facial expression is also the source of chronic respiratory and sometimes gastric distress. With a shortened face comes a smaller skull, a crowded jaw and shortened, flattened nostrils and respiratory passages. Pugs can be very susceptible to some degree of BOAS, or Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, which causes several breathing, overheating, eating, and sleeping issues. The standard practice is to wait until the dog is at least one year old before doing diagnostic testing. However, one perk of hybrid dog breeding programs is that when you cross a short muzzle dog breed like the Pug with a long muzzle dog breed like the Golden Retriever, there is less likelihood that your puppy will inherit any of the more severe BOAS symptoms. By crossbreeding the two purebred dog breeds together, this reduces the risk of both serious health issues in your puppy. The overall span with a Golden Retriever Pug mix is 10 to 15 years. Perhaps you have a Golden Retriever Pug dog mix in your future!

What to look for in a Labradoodle By Tine Neel Oklahoman Answer: Once you have decided on a breed of pup that you want, you will need to look over all the pups you are considering for certain health conditions. First, look for a pup that is of average or medium size within the litter. The smallest, weakest pups are not always healthy and can have some congenital or genetic problems that may shorten their life. Look for a pup that is friendly and not too timid. Very shy pups may be afraid and can become fear biters in the future. The primary socialization period for pups is 6 to 16 weeks of age so pick a pup in the 6 to 8 week old age range if possible. A few of the labradoodles I have dealt with are timid so look for one that comes to you readily. If you find one that you are interested in and seems to like you too, check the pup over to see if it has any discharges from the eyes or nose. Look into the ears and be sure that there is not crusty material in them. Check and see if there is a hernia bulge where the umbilical cord would attach on the middle of the belly or between the legs. In looking for a male pup, check to be sure that both testicles have descended into the scrotum. Six week old pups should have both testicles and it is not true that they will come down later. In order to have an idea if the pup is anemic, you can lift the lips and see if the gums and tongue are pink unless the mouth is black and not white. It is possible to get an idea about the immunities that the pup may have by asking the breeder what types of vaccines were used for the mother of the pups. Also inquire if the pups have been treated with any medications at all and get the names, amounts and dates of any treatments. Ask if the parents have had any medical problems and how old the parents and grandparents are which will give you an idea of what kind of longevity they have. Be sure to see the parents if possible. Try to see the pups at the breeder's place and observe how clean and healthy the other animals look. Be ware of people that want to meet you half way to sell you a pup. Consider getting in writing that you will have hours to take the pup to your veterinarian and have it checked over completely. It may be advisable to get a statement writing that if any contagious or congenital problems are found, you will receive your money back in full and not just be given another pup from the same litter or breeder. Many reputable breeders will already have such documents available. Remember that the incubation period of many of the common puppy diseases are 6 or more days in length. This means that even if your veterinarian finds no problems during the purchase examination, the pup still could break with disease in a week or so. Discuss this possibility with the breeder and have a written agreement as to how such a problem would be handled financially. The only problems I personally have seen with these dogs are that some have allergies. Additionally some labradoodles become overweight which is a feeding and exercise issue that you will be able to control with proper guidance. Here is a link to a website called petplace. Finally, purchasing a new pup is a big commitment in time, emotion and money, so be prepared to live up to that commitment. Have a veterinarian picked out and consult with them about the purchase. Make sure you can provide for the necessary vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, heart worm prevention, de-worming, flea control and quality food that will be required for the life of your pup. Additionally have a pet safe environment for the pup and commit the time to train your new pup. You effort will be returned many time over by the attention of a great and loving pet. Curly coat: Dense, thick curls that have no odor and are non-shedding. The Labradoodle can come is a palette of beautiful colors, such as gold, apricot, caramel, white, black, red, chocolate, blue and parti-color. Curious about how to groom and trim that luxurious coat? Check out this video: 2. Medium: 20 inches 50 cm tall; up to 45 lbs 20 kg in weight. Miniature: 16 inches 40 cm tall; up to 25 lbs 11 kg in weight. No responsible breeder will guarantee that their Labradoodle puppies will definitely grow to be an exact size. Both are high energy dogs who love to fetch and swim. Both make wonderful family dogs and do well with children and other pets. Labradoodles tend to have shorter coats. The Goldendoodle has a longer, shaggier coat inherited from the Golden Retriever. Both are friendly dogs, but Goldendoodles are highly social and not afraid to run up to anyone, while the Labradoodle can be stand-offish, taking time to get used to strangers. You can compare the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle some more in this video. Bonus: Even More Doodles! These are two other popular Poodle mixes that are similar to the Labradoodle. You can learn more about the Australian Labradoodle here. This Poodle and Schnauzer mix hangs with the small-sized dogs, reaching 15 lbs 7 kg in weight. It makes a great companion or service dog. Learn more about the Schnoodle here. Though not aggressive, Labradoodle temperament can vary. Agility, quick thinking skills and a lustrous coat of hypoallergenic curls have made it an outstanding show dog, as well as a favored breed by those who suffer from allergies. The noble Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are highly popular in North America and the UK, especially for their use as service dogs for the disabled. Highly intelligent and sharp as a whip, this breed is in-tune with feelings and actions, learning quickly, displaying loyalty and taking on the role of caretaker. As a Retriever breed, the Labrador has a reputation for being a phenomenal hunter and water dog. They love to swim! This is a big dog, weighing in at up to 80 lbs 29—36 kg. Its coat is short, dense and water resistant. It can come in three colors: black, yellow and chocolate. Watch those leather loafers! Because of their size and energetic personality, plenty of space is recommended for a Labradoodle to blow of steam. That means small apartments and long hours in a crate do not benefit this stimulated hybrid. Take your Labbidoo out for a jog or let her splash in your swimming pool if you have one. Homes with a fenced in yard are ideal for your dog to have some off-leash time to run about and frolic freely. Add in some early socialization to help curb bad habits and control over-exuberance when meeting with children or other dogs. Ear infections: Floppy ears can trap dirt and moisture, leading to painful infections. Hip dysplasia: An abnormal formation of the hip socket that can cause arthritis and lameness. Elbow dysplasia: These are abnormalities that cause degeneration of the elbow joint. Epilepsy: Seizures that result from an unknown cause. Diabetes Mellitus: A disease in which the body suffers from a shortage of insulin. Hypothyroidism: Occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid. Feeding Specific nutrition requirements differ from dog to dog based on needs and size. For the Labradoodle, use high-quality dog food and divide 1 to 2. Avoid feeding throughout the day, because they have been known to suffer from gastric torsion like the Labrador Retriever. The thickness and length will determine the sort of grooming needed. Longer coats will need trimming every six weeks. Second, soaring popularity has lead to an infection of puppy mills popping up like nasty sores. These are to be avoided at all costs. Therefore, the price is cheaper. Do your breeder research thoroughly and visit the premises where the puppies hail from. With puppy mills wreaking havoc, Labradoodle rescues have become more prevalent. Check out these websites for listings:. How to Pick the Right Labradoodle Puppy In this article, we will provide tips and considerations for how to pick the right Labradoodle puppy. Researching the Breeders There are several steps you can take to research dog breeders before getting a new Labradoodle puppy: Start by searching for Labradoodle breeders in your area or within a reasonable distance. Look for breeders who are members of the Australian Labradoodle Association or the Australian Association of Pet Dog Breeders, as these organizations have strict breeding standards and codes of ethics. Look for reviews or ask for references from past customers. It can also be helpful to ask for references from veterinarians or trainers who have worked with the breeder. Look for information about the health testing and genetic screenings they perform on their breeding dogs. This will allow you to observe the conditions in which the dogs are kept and the overall health of the animals. A reputable breeder should be willing to answer your questions and provide documentation about the puppies. Look for signs of good nutrition, such as shiny coats and clear eyes. Watch how the puppies interact with each other and with humans. Look for puppies that are curious and friendly, rather than fearful or aggressive. Play with the puppies to see how they respond to handling and attention. Look for puppies that are calm and gentle, rather than hyperactive or overly rough. Look for evidence that the puppies have received proper veterinary care, such as vaccination records. Trust your instincts. If a puppy seems uncomfortable or unhealthy, it is best to choose another one. It is also important to remember to be cautious when handling the puppies to prevent the spread of illness. Wash your hands before and after handling the puppies, and avoid exposing them to potential sources of infection. Making a Final Decision When making the final decision on which Labradoodle puppy is right for you , there are several factors to consider: Consider your lifestyle and living situation. Choose a puppy that is the right size and energy level for your home and schedule. Think about your goals for training and obedience. Look for a puppy that is intelligent and willing to learn. Consider the temperament and personality of the puppy. Take into account the health history and genetics of the puppy. Choose a puppy from parents with good health histories and from a litter that has been screened for genetic disorders. Choose the puppy that feels like the best fit for your family. Be aware of the costs associated with owning a dog, including veterinary care, food, and training. Make sure you are comfortable with the price of the puppy and able to provide for its needs. It is important to remember that no puppy is perfect, and all puppies require time, training, and attention to grow into well-adjusted adults. By carefully evaluating the puppies and considering your own needs and goals, you can find the right Labradoodle puppy for your family. Conclusion on How to Pick the Right Labradoodle Puppy In conclusion, choosing the right Labradoodle puppy requires careful research and evaluation. By researching reputable breeders, visiting the litter to assess the health and temperament of the puppies, and considering your own lifestyle and goals, you can find a Labradoodle puppy that is the perfect fit for your family. Remember to take the time to make an informed decision and trust your instincts, as choosing the right Labradoodle puppy will set the stage for a happy and healthy relationship. 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. Consider Adoption First. Check The Lineage. You can check with the breeder and get a good idea of what type of coat your puppy will develop. Most reputable breeders keep records or even scrapbooks of the puppies that come from their kennels. If you get a Labradoodle puppy from a one-litter-every-blue-moon family, there are approximate measurements to go by. There are three size variations for the Labradoodle and it depends on the size of the poodle used for the first generation. The sizes are standard, medium, and miniature. A standard male Labradoodle will be inches in height and the female will be inches. The weight for both is from 50 to 65 pounds. A medium male Labradoodle will be inches in height and the female will be inches The weight for both is 30 to 45 pounds. The miniature Labradoodle has a much wider range of sizes. Male and female can be from 14 inches to 17 inches in height and weigh between 15 to 25 pounds. Coat texture and color, as well as size, tend to stabilize in multi-generational puppies. A competent breeder will not select dogs that have these genetic traits to be used as breeding stock. The health records for the parents of the current litter should be available for inspection. Are They Aggressive? Labradoodles are gentle and fun-loving, and most of all, they are very family-oriented. They were bred to be non-aggressive and eager to please. Some breeders will make arrangements to let the family interact with the puppy before making any long term commitments. Labradoodles are traditionally high energy and active creatures and would do best in a home that has a fenced-in yard. They need about 30 minutes to an hour of exercise per day to burn calories and generally wear them out. They are not suited for apartments, but as long as you can get them out for a run on the trails or play in the park daily, they should be alright. Labradoodles also crave interaction with people and do not handle being left alone for long periods of time. Take this into consideration if you will be at work and there is no one home during the day. Your new Labradoodle needs food and shelter obviously but many prospective owners forget the time to train the new addition. There is also the socialization that MUST be a part of raising your pet from day one. In many cases, the new parents need as much training as the puppy does. Here is a significant time drain — grooming. Brushing and bathing will need to be on a regular schedule, or else you will need the services of a professional groomer. Labrador retrievers are kindly and good-natured and they are very easy-going and gentle. Poodles are active, energetic, and quite lively but they are also loyal and bond easily with family members. They are very intelligent and tend to socialize and train easily. Labradoodles vary from the mini to standard size, and with each larger version comes the chance of smaller children getting unintentionally bumped around by a burst of puppy exuberance. Always remember that a puppy will grow much faster than your child will. Breeders following this protocol can provide a CHIC number for their breeding stock. You can get your veterinarian to give you their recommendations for reputable Labradoodle breeders. Consider avoiding breeders that Breed other types of dogs. Have multiple litters available at once, like in a number of kennels at a farm…this would be like a puppy mill. Sometimes the owners just found out that they cannot devote the time and care necessary to raise their fur baby properly. Whatever the reason, there are many orphaned dogs of all breeds just waiting for a loving family to welcome them home. There are usually benefits with a rescue dog, such as being already housebroken or socialized with other people and their pets. Labradoodles are very intelligent and have long memories. They will always remember being rescued…or should I say…rescuing you. I am a dog parent in Hot Springs Village, Ar. I created this site to help fellow Doodle owners with up-to-date information and tips for raising your puppy right! Post navigation. Friendly — Easy-going, Gentle, fun, and high spirited, inherited from their Labrador parent. Intelligent — Highly alert and smart, just like their Poodle parent. Loyal — Labradoodles are loyal dogs. If treated well when young, Labradoodles make loving, dependable, and amusing companions. Easy-to-train — A combination of their high level of intelligence and desire to please people makes it easy to train them. Playful — Labradoodles have a very high energy level. They enjoy playing with a passion and always up for a game of chase, fetch, or even a swim. Easy-to-maintain — With proper grooming, diet, and exercise routines, they are a pretty easy breed to care for. Secondly, take your time. Choosing a puppy that will share your home and your life for the next 10 to 15 years is a big decision. Individuals The next thing to remember is that while different Labradoodles may share many characteristics and temperament traits; each puppy also has its character, just like humans. Are you fit and active — do you want a lively, energetic dog? Or are you older and maybe live alone? If so, a smaller, more placid Labradoodle will suit you better, or perhaps an older dog that needs re-homing. Some Labradoodle puppies will run up to greet you, pull at your shoelaces and playfully bite your fingers. Others will be more content to stay in the basket sleeping. Watch their behavior and energy levels. Which puppy will be suitable? Submissive or Dominant? A submissive dog will be more passive by nature, less energetic, and also possibly easier to train. A dominant dog will usually be more active and lively. They may also need a firmer hand when training or socializing with other dogs. If he immediately struggles to get free, he is considered to be dominant. A similar test is the suspension test. A dominant pup will kick and struggle to get free. A puppy that is happy to remain dangling is more submissive. Useful Tips Here are some other important signs to look out for: Watch how he interacts with his litter-mates. Does he try and dominate them, does he walk away from them, or is he happy to play with them? How your puppy reacts with other puppies may give you an idea of how easy it will be to socialize him with other dogs. After having contact with the puppy, does he want to follow you or walk away from you? Not following may mean he has a more independent nature. If you throw something for the puppy, is he happy to retrieve it for you or does he ignore it? This may measure their willingness to work with humans. Decide which type of temperament would fit in with you and your family, and the rest is up to you. A Labradoodle that has constant positive interactions with people and other animals during the first three to four months of life will be a more stable, happier dog. In contrast, a puppy plucked from its family and isolated at home alone for weeks on end will be less happy, less socialized, and may well have behavior problems later on. Puppies are like children. Being properly raised contributes to their confidence, sociability, stability, and intellectual development. The bottom line is that a pup raised in a warm, loving environment with people is likely to be more tolerant and accepting and less likely to develop problems. This aptitude test has been developed by the highly respected Wendy and Jack Volhard who have built up an international reputation over the last 30 years for their invaluable contribution to dog training, health, and nutrition. Read the full Volhard puppy aptitude test on their website to learn how to conduct the test. Related posts:. From their friendly, playful personalities to their intelligent, eager-to-please natures, there are plenty of advantages to owning labradoodles. What Are Labradoodle Puppies? Not only was this new breed low-shedding and hypoallergenic, but it was also incredibly friendly and intelligent. Their sociable, affectionate natures make labradoodle puppies great for new owners and experienced pet parents alike. Most labradoodles require around 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, which can be easily fulfilled by walks or games. Intelligence: Thanks to their poodle parentage, labradoodle puppies are highly intelligent. Their natural curiosity and eagerness to please makes them fairly easy to train which is why labradoodles are common candidates for therapy dogs. Most mother dogs give birth to anywhere from one to 12 puppies at a time, with the average being just a few pups around five to six. It can be hard to single one puppy out — each one is adorable! Here are a few important factors you should look out for. Size Every new pet owner wants to go home with a healthy puppy. If a puppy is much smaller than its littermates, it may have a congenital or genetic issue that could affect its lifespan. On the flip side, if a puppy is the largest of the litter, it may be stealing food, which could mean it has trouble listening to commands. Personality The way a labradoodle puppy acts around its siblings and mother dog can be very indicative of its personality. When examining a litter, watch how the puppies interact with one another. A withdrawn, shy pup that keeps to itself may have aggression and biting issues in the future. An aggressive, independent pup that bullies other dogs may be reluctant to listen to commands. Meanwhile, a friendly, relaxed pup that gets along with its littermates will likely be easy to train. Playfulness The way a labradoodle puppy acts around its littermates can tell you a lot about its personality. But what about the way it acts around you? As you greet the puppies, observe how they behave. The puppies that rush forward and are interested in playing are more likely to be sociable and friendly. See if any puppies roll over on their backs — pets that exhibit this behavior tend to be more easygoing and trusting, which will come in handy while training. Gender For many prospective owners, the gender of their new puppy is probably inconsequential. However, if you already have a dog at home, gender may be an important factor to consider. According to many experts, male and female canines tend to get along better than two dogs of the same sex. Thus, if you have a female dog at home, you should consider getting a male pup and vice versa. Appearance Many prospective dog owners have a certain look in mind when searching for a new pet. For example, some people may want a puppy with a solid-colored coat, while others like multicolored pups. If you have any appearance preferences, look for a puppy that meets those expectations. Generally, you can expect labradoodle siblings to look pretty similar. However, there may be some slight differences — for example, one may have a traditional, golden curly coat, while another has a few spots of white. The only thing you can count on for sure is that all the labradoodles will share a distinguishable curly coat. Legs: Is your desired puppy walking and running normally? Any limping indicates a paw or leg injury. If this spot is larger than the size of a dime, the puppy may experience bone problems in the future. Stomach: Check to see if there are any protrusions or hernias around the belly area. Moreover, the puppy should not be scratching its eyes and ears excessively. Reputable breeders should answer your questions thoroughly and do everything they can to help you find your perfect match. Here are some good questions to ask. How Does the Puppy Behave in General? No puppy acts the same way throughout the entire day. The breeder will let you know if the puppy is a good match or if another puppy might be better for you. Before you take any puppies home, try to get some more specific information about them. For example, you could ask what activities a puppy enjoys. If you exercise frequently and want a labradoodle puppy that can keep up with your excursions, the breeder can direct you to an active puppy. On the flip side, if you prefer to stay in, the breeder can introduce you to a calmer, lower-energy puppy. For instance, if the breeder says a puppy likes spending time with people and learning new tricks, it suggests that the puppy will be more responsive to training. What Do the Parents Look Like? Generally, standard labradoodle puppies grow to be anywhere from 20 to 25 inches in height. You can get a better idea of what your new labradoodle puppy is going to look like by observing the parents. For example, if the parents seem too large, you might want to try another litter. In some cases, you may be able to meet the parents of your new labradoodle puppy in person. Are the Puppies Health-Tested? For example, ear discharge could indicate an infection, while a dull coat suggests skin allergies. Make sure the breeder health-tests all their labradoodles for common puppy diseases. Get a Labradoodle Today! There are probably plenty of healthy, friendly puppies within a litter that would fit well in your home. The best way to find the right puppy is by observing the litter, asking the right questions and working with a high-quality breeder. All our trained labradoodle puppies go through health and coat testing, as well as obedience training and housebreaking that meets therapy dog standards. Learn more by contacting us today! The following information will help guide you to make a wise choice of not only Choosing a breeder but choosing the best puppy for you. It is important to provide a safe environment for a puppy as well as a place for the puppy to sleep, play and eliminate. Do you have fencing and a dog proof yard? Is your yard big enough for the puppy to play and exercise, and if not are you willing to walk the puppy and provide exercise. Labradoodles need interaction with people and are not a good choice if you plan to leave the puppy outside alone all day while you are at work. Do you have a plan for your puppy when you are gone for long periods of time? Is your home puppy proof? In addition to the purchase price of a well bred puppy, you will have additional expenses including food, toys, bedding, crate, baby gates to limit access, grooming supplies or professional grooming expense. Puppy class and training expense, Veterinary expenses, including puppy vaccinations, yearly check up and if your puppy has an accident or eats something that it should not, you may incur possible Veterinary emergency expenses. It is important to factor in all the possible expenses before you bring your new puppy home. This should involve daily outings to introduce your puppy to new places, new situations, and new people, A puppy class is highly recommended. Grooming: Can be learned or you can use a professional groomer, but plan on brushing your puppy at least times per week for minutes each time to keep the coat mat free. House training: Will require consistent effort, plan on taking the puppy out at minimum every hours assuming the puppy is weeks of age. If the breeder has already started house training, by taking the puppy out every few hours, the house training task will be far easier as the imprinting on a young puppy makes for a lasting impression. Ask the breeder what house training method they use. We are assuming that this is your chosen breed; we understand that the volumes of information about the breed available can be quite confusing. Most All purebred breeds have a breed history that is somewhat murky, but one thing is clear all purebred dogs were a mix, meaning more than one breed of dog being bred together before the breed became recognized as a purebred breed. They cannot be recreated using the same or similar breeds and be considered the same breed. Most, will agree that the Australian Labradoodle consists of a lineage with the founders being Rutland Manor and Tegan Park these names will appear in the history or pedigree of the dogs that are of true Australian lineage. Start by Evaluating Your Lifestyle — your puppy will become part of your life. You need to make sure that the puppy you select will be suited for your lifestyle. For example, if you are athletic, you will probably not be happy with a dog that has a low energy level. Make a list of important qualities that you want in a dog. Consider size, energy level, and temperament. Do you want a guard dog or a lap dog? A running mate or a couch potato? What activities do you want your dog to participate in? Is it important that your dog interact with and enjoy children? An experienced breeder will have the best understanding of the individual puppies and will help you select one that will be a good match. The more detailed your list the better. Coat changes: The photos that you see on the websites are often times not the adult coats. The coat will most always change from puppyhood to adulthood. When you see a dog that you love the look of: Further investigation is needed, you need to know how old the dog is in the photos and how it was groomed. The look that you decide you love could be a dog photographed after having a bath and a blow dry with a brush out, or a dog that had a bath and left to dry naturally in the air no brushing. Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? Labradoodles have often been promoted as hypoallergenic which means less allergic, not free of allergens However, no canine is known to be completely nonallergenic. The reaction that an individual person has to an individual dog may vary greatly. In treating dog related allergies, it has been found that factors related to individual dogs seem to influence the allergenicity. The adult size is a personal preference taking into consideration your lifestyle, space, skill and time. There is no way to determine the exact size that a puppy will grow up to be as an adult, size is an estimate at best. There are many different kinds of breeders: We believe that breeding programs should be undertaken responsibly for the purpose of advancing the breed, preserving breed characteristics, producing structurally sound and healthy, well-socialized puppies. Responsible breeders are expected to give careful consideration to health issues, temperament, basic canine structure, genetic screening, as well as to the individual care and placement of puppies in responsible homes. Most reputable breeders comply with all county and state animal services requirements. Where are the puppies raised? Does the breeder have permits with animal services? What training does the puppy have while with the breeder? What experience does the breeder have in producing structurally sound puppies? Why this is important? Expected size of this puppy? Best training methods for this puppy? What are the health problems in the breed, and what can be done to prevent or control them? What health tests have been completed on the parents? Ask for proof and results of health testing. What health tests will be done on the prospective puppy, and when? Your breeder should be willing to answer all of your questions, no matter how silly or serious of questions you ask. Expect that the breeder will also ask questions about you, your lifestyle, and your family to determine what kind of home you have to offer one of their puppies. Based on their experience in the breed, they know what issues are important in placing one of their puppies. A responsible breeder is committed to making a good match, this is the kind of person you will want in your corner for continued support once you and your new puppy begin your new life together. A puppy with a good health history including siblings is your best guarantee that you are starting off with a healthy puppy for the long term. Why Is It Important? We encourage you to do your research and educate yourself on the basics that make up a correct structurally sound dog. Correct structure is critically important to the long term soundness and health of your puppy. Be aware of the breeders reasoning for infusing other breeds or why they have bred a specific pair. The answer you do not want to hear is that it was because they are pretty, they have both parents, and it was convenient just to name a few. The contract should include, for example, details regarding any fees, spay-neuter agreements, health guarantees, terms of co-ownership, restrictions on breeding, and living arrangements. Most responsible breeders will insist that the dog be returned to them for a full or partial refund. No unauthorized use is permitted. Only express, written permission is considered authorization. Copyright County Labradoodles. If you would like to link to this page contact the Author at elizabethferris gmail.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Doodles are her love and she has more than goldendoodles placed in homes throughtout the United States from Sophie's Goldendoodles. In , she began to feel frustrated with the number of Goldendoodle breeders in Idaho that didn't know what they were doing. They would make claims that weren't true and let puppies go to their homes when they were too young, not checked by a vet, or sick. Breeding wasn't restricted to a credible goldendoodle registry. She started researching ways to make the breed better and ran across a miniature Australian Labradoodle at a park in Boise, Idaho. She was thrilled to see the requirements to register the Australian Labradoodle and the gentle nature of the breed. The intent was to create a breed that was allergy and asthma friendly with the temperament of a service dog. The journey was inspired by a vision impaired woman in Hawaii who needed a Guide Dog which wouldn't aggravate her husband's allergies. For years, Cyndi has refused to breed labradoodles because the Lab is a working dog. The distinction is the Australian labradoodle has a service dog temperament which is fantastic for families. Labradoodles are a combination of Poodle and Labrador Retrievers. Labradoodles are very smart and loving! They have great temperaments, eager to please their families, typically easy to train and they are very loyal! These great quantities make for excellent service dogs. The puppies get these great quantities from both their parents of Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. If you desire a dog that is family-friendly, medium energy, has unconditional love for you or your kiddos, comfortable inside or outside, loves the water and the land, full of adventures then you should definitely consider a Labradoodle! Fill out our Puppy Application if you are interested in one of our litters! As we have a good idea of coat, color and size when we pair parents, we can't guarantee these. Same as humans, genetics are made up of so many generations. You never know when a grandparent gene will show up!! They will need to be brushed regularly and groomed when necessary! Our F1 Labradoodles are typically low maintenance! Our solid color puppies will sometimes have a white patch on their chest! This typically comes from the poodle genes! Micro Mini: Up to 25lbs we do not currently breed this size, but this is a future goal!! Mini: lbs. What is a Labradoodle exactly? Contrary to popular belief, Labradoodles are suitable for people with allergies, thanks to their parents. Labradoodle puppies have tons of other great qualities as well. In fact, they get along with them well. These tiny guys make brilliant companions for kiddos and seniors. A standard Labradoodle will love a nice backyard to play fetch in. The mini Labradoodle would be an excellent fit for a small space or apartment. Mini Labradoodles will fit just as great in a larger area. I mean, just look at that face! To ensure our adopters are successfully choosing the right breed, please watch the video below before applying. Labradoodle puppies are lovable, energetic, and very smart. These extremely friendly and kind puppies are happy to be around their human pack. They enjoy being around other dogs too. Labradoodle puppies love giving puppy kisses. It is hard to go wrong with a Labradoodle puppy. Activity: We hope you are ready to go on walks, runs, hikes, and swimming. Your friends and their pups can come along. The Australian Labradoodle will love your friends and puppies too. Labradoodles enjoy playing. Want to play ball, anyone? Did you know, Labradoodles are known for their love of water. They have strong swimming ability. Good luck keeping them dry! Hypoallergenic: Do allergies plague you? A Labradoodle puppy will be great for you. Labradoodles are hypoallergenic, which is excellent. They have been bred to have a low-shed coat. Lower your sneeze factor with this puppy. No more extra Kleenex or lent rollers are needed here. How awesome is that? Coats: You have plenty of options in coats with Labradoodles, wavy, shaggy, curly, or the less common straight. Just look at all the choices you have in coat color for your Labradoodles. How are you ever going to decide? Intelligence: Can we just say Labradoodles are super-duper smart? The fact they are smart makes them great guide dogs, which is pretty neat. Labradoodles love to learn new tricks and show off to their friends.

Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. German Shepherds are considered healthy dogs that can live many years. You must be able to pay for these dogs every month of their lives. For the most part, providing your dog with a lot of exercise and high-quality food will prevent the dog from developing unforeseen health issues. You will need to buy a dog-safe toothpaste, dog-safe shampoo, and certain medications, such as heartworm prevention, to keep your dog healthy its entire life. Not only do you have to feed your German Shepherd a lot of food, but you want to feed your dog food that is high quality and healthy. As long as your dog does not have any known illnesses or issues, you should not have to pay monthly prices. At the minimum, you should take your German Shepherd for an annual visit, assuming it is healthy. You also need to pay for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Most of these medications last for 1 to 3 months at a time. It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to get pet insurance. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. If you do not want to pay for pet insurance, you can simply set up a savings account instead. So long as you have a house and a yard for your dog to play, the home environment is generally suitable for dogs. Some environmental maintenance things you will need to buy include doggie bags. You need these if you take your dog for a walk or if you have a yard that you have to maintain. You may also need to pay for carpet cleaner, deodorizer, and other items to keep the house clean, despite your heavy shedding German Shepherd. This means that your German Shepherd can help you out when you are in a pinch, but it also means that you need to provide your German Shepherd ample entertainment, or else your dog could become destructive. At the very minimum, you need to buy heavy-duty toys for your German Shepherd. German Shepherds can be really rough with their toys. So, we recommend some sort of brand specific for rough-playing dogs, such as Kong. These boxes will offer toys, treats, and more for your dog, but these boxes can be pretty expensive too. Additional Costs to Factor In In addition to initial costs and monthly payments, there are some other additional factors you need to think about. For starters, obedience training is really important for dogs of this size. Obedience training can be a bit expensive at first, but it will be worth it in the long run. You need to pay for a pet sitter or kennel whenever you go on vacations and your dog does not come with you. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, you may also have to pay to replace or fix items the puppy damages. Think about accidents or unforeseen illnesses too. These can cost a whole lot in vet visits. Owning a German Shepherd on a Budget If you want a German Shepherd but are worried about destroying your budget, there are ways that you can own one of these wonderful dogs without spending a fortune either. Unfortunately, there is little you can change about the price of these dogs up front, but you can save on the monthly expenses. The most important tip for taking care of a German Shepherd on a budget is to know when to splurge. When it comes to dog food, make sure to select high-quality food. This will be more expensive upfront, but it will ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible, resulting in fewer bills. Splurging on heavy-duty toys is another great idea. These toys will cost more at first, but they should last much longer than cheap ones. For instance, there are a lot of coupons and promo codes you can use when purchasing toys, food, and other items for your German Shepherd. Even if you find coupons, only spend money on the essentials. Not to mention, buy crates and beds that are suitable for the dog as it grows. Many people make the mistake of buying crates and beds suitable for the puppy, but the puppy soon outgrows them. The initial cost primarily accounts for the dog itself and any other items required when bringing the dog home for the first time. Even after the German Shepherd has made your home its home, you will still have to pay some pretty hefty bills for the remainder of its life. Although the initial and monthly costs for this dog are a bit high, they are required for this dog to live a happy life. If you cannot afford to provide a German Shepherd the sort of life it needs and deserves, simply do not get a German Shepherd. What factors determine the price of a German Shepherd Puppy? The price of a German Shepherd puppy does vary, depending on her age, color, bloodline, litter size, location, as well as breeding cost. German Shepherds obtained from animal shelters and rescue organizations are relatively inexpensive because they charge only enough to cover their costs. Here are the 5 most prominent factors that will affect the price of a German Shepherd: 1. Age Age is the most important factor in determining the price of a German Shepherd Dog. All in all, it has a lot to do with the desirability of a cuddly puppy. Puppies that are only weeks old will cost the most. It is because this marks the beginning of the most precious moments of a puppy. The demand drives up the price. The price of German Shepherd puppies of 12 weeks or older will start to decrease. Adult German Shepherds will be offered at much lower prices because some people see them as less desirable. Another reason is that the new owner may need to set a budget for health issues related to senior dogs. Coat Color Some colors are more expensive than others. For German Shepherds, colors such as white will cost more than the usual black and tan. This is because these rare coat colors are more difficult to breed. Bloodline Although purebred German Shepherds puppies are the most sought-after ones, mixed-breed pups usually cost much less and have the potential to be healthier than many purebreds. In general, German Shepherds have working lines and show lines, totaling five different variations. We will get into them later in this article. Litter size It refers to the number of puppies in a litter. Usually, the more the number of puppies in a litter, the cheaper the price will become. Location The location from where you purchase your German Shepherd can actually affect how much you pay. Areas with a lower cost of living, or places where there is less demand will typically charge lower prices than more populated cities. Certain states or cities may even have more regulations on breeding which may increase the cost, thus the price of a German Shepherd pup. And these all come at a cost for the breeders. What are the different variations of the German Shepherd bloodline and their prices? While the German Shepherd is a dog breed of its own, you may probably stumble upon different variations. Purebred German Shepherds come in many different sizes, colors, coloration patterns, and body styles. In general, German Shepherds are divided into working lines and show lines, totaling five different variations. Here is a four-minute video from which you can learn about their variations: 1. They have a distinctive angulation with their back legs shorter than their front legs, thinner bones, and significantly smaller heads. They come in quite a few colors, mostly solid with occasional bi-color variations, including black and tan saddle, solid back, solid white, and saddle sable. But their obedient and playful character make them fantastic pets. There are certain measurement minimums for their hips and elbows. This results in a stunning, very specific, and uniform appearance. These dogs have a very strong, pronounced build with a black and tan saddle, and solid back. They make good house protectors and need a lot of exercises and to be trained frequently. These dogs are very social. So they are perfect for families with kids. This is the line of GSD you would normally see in movies. They are also closest to the original breed that was bred and developed by Max von Stephanitz, who is acknowledged as the father of German Shepherd Dogs. With a stable temperament, they excel in working jobs, and also make awesome family pets. Rigid control of the original DDR breed prevents the gene poll from diluting. They must be free from any history of hip dysplasia, among other health conditions, to be able to reproduce. This resulted in a very distinct look — with large heads, large bones, and a shiny dark coat. The Czech further tightened the breeding standards, resulting in arguably the most intense breed of German Shepherd available to date. But they are extremely loyal and obedient, with a pleasant temperament. They could be the best guard dog to protect people. But they are extremely rare nowadays. Other factors that affect the cost of a German Shepherd A puppy whose parents and often grandparents and other relatives are hunting champions has the potential to excel in these areas as well. And it will cost you more than any puppy who is the offspring of just average parents. And the most expensive German Shepherds are those adults with proven records as show dogs, K9, or breeding dogs. What is a reasonable price for a German Shepherd puppy? Reputable breeders, when pricing their German Shepherd puppies, must factor in the cost of breeding, feeding, raising, and caring for the pups as well as their mother. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. Deworming Spaying or neutering If you were to add up the cost of all of these services separately, and not part of an all-inclusive adoption fee, the price tag would invariably be considerably higher. Additionally, you can also feel good about adopting a GSD puppy from a shelter, as the proceeds acquired through adoption fees are used to help support the shelter from which you adopted the puppy. This allows a shelter to continue to rescue new animals and relocate them in safe homes. One potential downside to adoption is the time and effort that it may take you to find the right pup for you. Unlike a breeder who is able to provide you with rather specific dates, there is no telling when a new GSD puppy may be available through a shelter. Additionally, purebred GSD puppies tend to be adopted out very quickly, so if you choose this option you must be very diligent and persistent. Be prepared to make lots of phone calls on a daily basis, as it is unlikely that a shelter will call you specifically when the puppy you want arrives, as many others will undoubtedly have the same request. This is because purebred dogs that are ethically raised by responsible breeders are expensive to breed in general. Also, in contrast to a purebred shelter puppy that spends a short portion of its life at the shelter prior to adoption, a breeder must pay all of the costs associated with raising an entire litter for a minimum of 8 weeks, as is mandated by law in many states. Next comes the cost of pre-breeding health checks performed on both parents, prenatal care, stud fees, shots, food, wormings, vet visits, and a host of other unexpected medical costs. You must also figure in the time and effort that it takes to socialize an entire litter, coupled with the fact that many breeders are dealing with more than one litter at a time, and it is easy to see how the costs can quickly add up. Essentially, a purebred German Shepherd puppy from a breeder will cost more because they are more expensive to raise. However, a purebred puppy from a reputable breeder will also come with health and temperament guarantees, so you do actually get what you pay for. For more detailed understanding of adopting a German Shepherd puppy from a shelter versus purchasing one from a breeder, we have an excellent article here that will answer all of your questions and remove all of the guesswork for you. The Cost of the First Year of German Shepherd Puppy Ownership While the amount of money that you spend to acquire a German Shepherd puppy will vary in accordance to the different factors that we have described above, keep in mind that acquiring the puppy is just be beginning of your financial commitment. It is important that you pay attention to these costs, as they can be significant, and may have a bearing on whether or not acquiring a GSD puppy is a good economical choice for you. While there are other related costs, the main costs that you will incur during the first year of GSD puppy ownership can be apportioned as follows: Initial Cost of Your Puppy As described above, this is entirely dependent on whether you adopt from a shelter or purchase from a breeder. This cost varies widely and can exceed several thousand dollars on the high end. Dog Food With so many different dog food brands on the market today, this cost can also vary considerably. From basic dry dog food to available gourmet raw diets, you can spend as little or as much as you choose. Grooming While you can groom your GSD puppy yourself, many people opt to take their puppy to a professional groomer. Necessities such as nail trimming can be intimidating to the first-time puppy owner and may harm the puppy if performed incorrectly. Training While it is our preference that you take the time to properly train your GSD puppy on your own, as this is a unique and irreplaceable bonding experience on many levels for you and your GSD puppy, many people opt to seek professional obedience training. Some people simply do not have the time to do this, or perhaps it is their first dog and they are unsure of where to begin. If this is the case for you, then you should plan on this expense during your first year of GSD puppy ownership. It is, however, important to understand that individually these items do not cost very much, but if you love to spoil your puppy, then costs can add up very quickly! Crate and Divider A crate is another essential item that there is just no getting around purchasing if you want your puppy to be well-trained. Be sure to not make the mistake that many people do by purchasing too small of a crate and then having to upsize as their puppy grows. It is wise to purchase a large crate as well as a crate divider. This way, you are able to place the divider so that the volume of the crate can be increased as your puppy grows in size. Veterinary Care A preliminary veterinary health check and vaccinations are essential. If you adopt from a shelter, these are likely included in the adoption fee. However, if you purchase your puppy from a breeder, you may incur these costs after bringing your puppy home. Keep in mind that you can, and should, also plan on unexpected veterinary bills. What happens when your puppy gets into something that he definitely should not have, and even worse, after veterinary office hours? It is wise to prepare and set aside some extra funds for such emergencies. Heartworms can be deadly, so heartworm preventative medication is a must. Ticks can also transmit disease that may cause severe illness, such as Canine Anaplasmosis , and fleas are wildly uncomfortable for both human and puppies alike. Table: First Year of German Shepherd Puppy Ownership Costs Now that we have gone over the basic essential expenses of GSD puppy ownership during the first year, we can get more specific as to the expenses that you may incur, depending on your own personal preferences. The table below provides a reasonable estimate of all costs associated with the first year of German Shepherd puppy ownership. Keep in mind that, while this is a reasonable estimate, it is still an estimate. There are certain services and items within the table below that are elective, such as boarding the puppy while on vacation or obedience classes. However, as discussed above, there are certain mandatory, nonnegotiable expenses such as food and veterinary care that you must take into consideration. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

The address will have no connection to the actual scam as they will be an innocent third party Sunshinebulldogpuppiesavailable. They use stolen credit cards and invent identities to defraud people shopping for a bulldog puppy online. In the first email, the scammer will ask all the right questions, putting you through the motions to prove your suitability: how would we care for our puppy, how would we train him, how often would he be alone? Then the fraudsters emails will get shorter and normally keep to sms messages. This is because the first email is a template where as you are now dealing with the actual scammer. The main focus now is convincing you to pay as soon as possible. The puppy will be shipped to you by the scammers perferred delivery company. There is no other option. If you insist on picking up your new bulldog they will eventually agree. It makes no difference to them if you travel for 4 hours because they are not at the address they claim to be. These scammers have even been known to charge for pet food delivery for a non existent pet! To see more scam websites involving bulldog puppys have a look at Bulldog Puppy Scams. Over the course of years, until bull-baiting was banned in , bulldogs were bred for aggression, and an pound dog could easily bring down a bull weighing close to a ton by corkscrewing its own body around its neck, tossing the bull over its own center of gravity. Personality The English bulldog has a sweet, gentle disposition. Dependable and predictable, the bulldog is a wonderful family pet and loving to most children. People-oriented as a breed, they actively solicit human attention. However, they have retained the courage that was originally bred into them for bull baiting, so they make fine watchdogs. Although they generally get along well with other family pets, English bulldogs can be aggressive to unfamiliar dogs. Living With English bulldogs make fine apartment pets and do not require a yard. Typically low-endurance dogs, they need only a moderate amount of exercise. They thrive best in temperate climates; they readily overheat and have breathing difficulties in hot weather, and they chill easily in cold temperatures. Generally loud breathers, English bulldogs tend to snore and wheeze. Many drool as well. They are moderate shedders and their short coats require little grooming. However, the wrinkles on the face should be wiped regularly to prevent skin infections. Thedate was January .We took the dog to out vet and the puppy has severe luxating knees. We went back to Dan and Sunshine puppies, and we had the contract that he gave us and he said he would pay for the surgery, the surgery was with a certified, surgeon, and now Dan says that is too much money that his vet who is not a certified surgeon would've done it for .The contract doesn't say I had to use his surgeon or he would pay half. Now the other knee has to be done and he still hasn't paid me for the first. I was told I need an attorney, to sue him for breach of contract. Dan mailed me a check for when the surgery was .And now on April 25, Delilah will have her second leg done and the estimate I received is also .I have a contract, I am 72 years old, on a fixed income, and this puppy should not have been sold in the first place. I love her so much, I am Magine I will have to mortgage my house that's paid in full, to provide for his negligence and not honoring the contract that says if your puppy has luxated patella's it is covered. I am so stressed and so emotional I just need this problem resolved so I can get on with my daily life. And not have these pains in my chest are related to stress. Thank you so much for helping me. Once we received receipts showing that the dog has received the 2nd surgery we can process refund. When I received the check in the mail I will answer that I have been satisfied he says he's going to pay and he doesn't I have already sent him copies of the second surgery and I just sent them again via text and via email.