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Scissors Hot glue gun Paint your wood box and let dry. Give it another coat. Once that is dry, coat your valentine box with Mod Podge and let dry. This is optional, but I think a perfect Mod Podge formula for this is the Sparkle. It will be the perfect bling for the holiday! Cut the pug head out of the foam based on the colors in the pattern. Place the foam pieces on a piece of thicker paper, foam, or even a cereal box. Glue or hot glue the pieces down. Add the wiggly eyes with hot glue as well — plus the nose and tongue. Once your pug face is complete, cut out the head and glue it to the front of the box, right below the clasp leaving the top unglued. The clasp should be able to operate behind the head. Cut out one large hot for the top of the box — and several smaller hearts of various sizes to add to the rest of the box. Then glue the rest of the hearts on the box — and add little accents to the hearts with the Sharpie. Let dry before using. Kids can place the box on their desk and let the Valentines fill it up! I love that you can use it year after year, and this cute little box is great for gifts or candy, too. Not only is this sweet Valentine's Day craft the perfect place to store all of your favorite Valentine's Day cards , but many of these unique boxes also double as easy projects to entertain the kids. Here, you'll find plenty of creative Valentine's Day box ideas, whether your little one is obsessed with unicorns, monsters, or hot air balloons. Or maybe they simply want something festive and covered in hearts! The best part? Most of these tutorials call for recycled materials and inexpensive craft supplies. Making these adorable boxes together is also a great way to get artsy when coming up with fun, family-friendly Valentine's Day activities. From woodland creatures to rocket ships, you'll find ideas for every age and interest. Some of these ideas also can be used to contain a gift or homemade sweets for your own Valentine! Why settle for a gift bag? They could also double as whimsical Valentine's Day decorations to place around your house for a touch of festive charm. So without any delay, read on to find the perfect DIY Valentine's box for kids or adults! Posts may contain affiliate links see Disclosure. Thank you so much for supporting Artsy-Fartsy Mama! For the third year in a row, we lucked out on creating an original and fun Valentine card box to hold all those sweet notes from classmates! Unlike other years, this year we procrastinated making a Valentine card box and pulled off a night-before-Valentine's Day miracle. My daughter couldn't decide what she wanted, and we accidentally threw out all of our boxes a few nights before. Then, the heavens opened up and we had, once again - a corn dog box to work with! As you've seen from our other Valentine boxes, the corn dog box is apparently our destined go-to for Valentine's Day. Ours measured about 4 inches wide and 2. Use the utility knife and carefully cut out the mouth shape. Wrap the box like you would a regular present, but keep the seams on the back and the sides so they won't show on the front. Use clear tape, and try to keep all the edges as smooth as you can. Feel for the hole of the mouth, then carefully cut an "X" from the corners of the mouth. Fold the paper inside and tape it down on the inside of the box. In case you didn't know, you can upload your own. If you are also using a corn dog box, the image size shouldn't need to be adjusted at all. Don't have a cutter? No problem! You can totally cut out the puppy face by hand or even paint it on!! Cut the design out of black, pink and red cardstock and attach to the box with a glue stick, or my a quick-drying glue like Aleene's Tacky Glue. For a more realistic-looking tongue, glue the circled edge down and fold the other end into the mouth and tape it down on the inside. If you are like us, you'll know that everything can always use a bit more sparkle! We didn't have enough time since we procrastinated , but you can definitely spray your Valentine box with some glitter spray or Glitter Mod Podge and let it dry completely. Sorry we are posting a little too late for this year - but feel free to save this tutorial for next year!! I'd love to see pictures of your kid's Valentine box ideas, too! Feel free to post your pictures on my Facebook page! Cut out a Valentine mail slot in your box the body. Adults only! Tape the lids on both your boxes so they are secure. I'm sure the dollar stores have similar boxes too. I already had my square box, but those are at all the outlet and dollar stores too. Or you can pay the extra couple bucks and go to craft stores such as Michael's or Joann Fabrics. They should definitely have them there. Hot glue the round box onto the square box to make the shape of your doggie. Cut your mop strings off of the mop. We needed two of them to complete our doggie box. Before you cut the moppies off, be sure to have a little fun first : Jossy came up with this funny idea. Too funny. Okay, back to the moppies. Here's what our mop heads looked like. Just simply cut the mop strings off the middle connector thingy okay, there is no official term for that! Now you have a pile of moppies! Lay your doggie on it's side and start hot gluing your moppies on the box. It doesn't matter which side you start on. You'll be doing all sides on the body the square box first. You do not have to run the glue the entire length of the string. Once you have laid the first layer down on that side, it will look like this. You will have the mop strings hanging over the box. Simply trim them off. Save the strings, you'll be able to use them! Then it will look like this! Yay, it's starting to look like something now. Continue doing this for each side of the body box. Put a second layer on all the sides you just finished. This is where your shaggy effect will come in. The first layer serves as a base, but the second layer is what's really going to make your doggie look like a doggie. Put a tail on your doggie. Lay a pile of moppies on the table and use another moppie to tie it in half. Then glue it together. Simply hot glue where the middles will meet. Then glue it to the box where you want the tail to be. Now start your first layer on the top of the body box the doggie's back. Again, you will be gluing both the top and the bottom of the string. You want this layer to be secure and serve as a base coat. Do NOT trim all of the strings! The hang over moppies will serve as your second layer on the back of the box, which is your doggie's butt : You will only be trimming around the Valentine slot. Glue the moppies right up to the round box the doggie's head. Now it's time to glue your first layer around the sides of your round box. Again, glue the top and bottom of the string, where it will lay on the round box. Use LONG moppies for this step. The hang over moppies are going to finish off your shaggy dog look! When you're done, it will look like this. Now it's time to give the doggie a chin. You need to glue the hanging moppies to the underside of the round box. Flip the doggie upside down. This isn't going to look pretty. Your job is to just get those suckers glued under there. So just start gluing the moppies. You're gonna have moppies on top of moppies and tangled everywhere. Like I said, it's not gonna look pretty. Just glue whatever you have to to get them all secure. But when you flip Fido over, viola! You have a doggie head! With a chin! Now it's really starting to look like a doggie!! Glue moppies to the top of your doggie's head. This is the only first layer that you will in fact be running a glue line for the entire length of the string. So DON'T cut them! Time to make the doggie's ears! Lay a pile of moppies down on the table and cut the pile in half. Then take a mop string and tie it tight with a double knot at the top of the pile. You want it to be nice and level because you will be gluing that end to the top of the head. Smear hot glue all over the end that you just trimmed and place it on top of the head where you want the ears. AW, now we have ears! Time to put the second layer on top of the head. Okay, this is different than anything you've done so far. It should be fairly random. You want it to look like a shaggy dog so there really is no way to mess this up. His hair is supposed to look messy and curly. You just want to place 2 or 3 beads down so that the hair looks three dimensional and realistic. Continue until you're done with the whole top of the head. Add ribbons on your doggie's ears. Just tie a simple bow and adjust until you have it looking the way you want it. And don't forget to tie a ribbon on his tail too! It's time to bring your doggie to life! Add his face! Glue on your googly eyes. Then cut out a nose and a tongue from the felt and glue them on. Now you have a face! Aw, look how cute!

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Here are our favorite and absolute best dog harnesses for Goldendoodles. Pick 2: rabbitgoo No Pull Adjustable Dog Harness — This adjustable harness has two leash attachment rings — front and back — to suit your needs. Collars vs Harnesses For Goldendoodles Collars are the most common option for dogs. And, of course, you might do very well with just a collar. Obviously, this may cause your pup to cough and choke if too much pressure is applied. The most important thing when choosing the best dog harness for Goldendoodle is to select one that fits your pup perfectly. However, girth diameter is the best way to determine if the harness will actually fit your Doodle. To do this, put two fingers between your pup and the harness. Keep in mind that your puppy will outgrow their harness once they start to reach adulthood. But how do you choose the best harness for Goldendoodle? In addition to measuring your Doodle, you should also consider what your special needs are. Does your Doodle like to pull a lot? Which harness is easier to put on? Do you need extra durable material? Also, you should consider your climate. These might make some Doodles get too hot when exercising, especially since Doodles tend to run hot to begin with. These usually come with a padded layer to provide your dog extra comfort and reduce friction on the skin. No-Pull Harness No-pull harnesses are designed to minimize your dog pulling the leash. Of course, just owning a no-pull harness does not guarantee that your Doodle will magically stop pulling. Head harness, also called a headcollar Step-In Harness Step-in harnesses are designed so that your dog will have to step into the leg loops for you to put on the harness. This type of harness is great for anxious Doodles who might get scared when putting on an overhead harness. In addition, for Goldendoodles with joint problems, a step-in harness might be a very helpful option. Front Clip Harness Front clip harnesses are great for Doodles who tend to pull a lot. So, since the pressure comes from the front, your pup will naturally slow down. This is probably the most common type of harness. If you have a puller, we recommend you opt for no-pull and front clip harnesses for training. Afterwards, you can switch to back clip harnesses. Dual Clip Harness As you might already guess, dual clip harnesses provide both the front and back clip attachment loops. A dual clip harness is a great option if you like to switch it up based on your current needs. This dog harness is best for Goldendoodles who might get too hot when harnessed in bigger straps or live in a very warm climate. However, it can sometimes be a bit tricky to figure out what size harness is best for a Goldendoodle. What size harness is right for a Goldendoodle puppy? The correct harness size for your dog depends on what type of Goldendoodle it is. Goldendoodles are a mix of golden retriever and poodle, but poodles grow to a few different sizes, including larger standard dogs, medium poodles, and small or teacup poodles. What type of poodle your Goldendoodle puppy shares genetics with will help to determine how big it will grow, although some Goldendoodles favor the size of their golden retriever parent. Picking an adjustable harness that can be made larger as the dog grows is a great idea. Miniature adult Goldendoodles generally weigh between 15 and 35 pounds and will most likely only need a small or medium harness. Large standard Goldendoodles can weigh as much as 90 pounds or as little as 50 pounds, and they might need either a medium or large harness. When should a puppy first wear a harness? This helps them get used to the feel of the harness. Getting a dog used to a harness can make leash training much easier later on. The straps of a puppy harness are also usually a bit more narrow, which is less cumbersome and more comfortable for the puppy. Why are harnesses a good choice? Back-clip harnesses are the most common harness type. These harnesses have a single metal loop at the back of the harness for the leash to attach to. However, they can be problematic when it comes to tugging on the leash, and can actually encourage this behavior. These harnesses are an excellent tool for teaching your dog not to pull. However, a dog, particularly a puppy, can become tangled in the leash more easily when it clips to the front of the harness. Dual-clip harnesses are a hybrid of the front- and back-clip harness. These harnesses have a clip in each location, so you can clip the leash wherever is most convenient, or you can gradually teach your dog not to pull by using the front clip before switching to using the back clip. For example, if you and your dog are outdoors frequently, and your dog tends to get wet or muddy, you might want to choose a nylon harness that can be cleaned easily. If you walk at dusk or dawn, a harness with reflective strips of fabric is a great choice. Sharing is caring! We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. The pressure will spread around the area just below their neck, their back, and their belly. The design of Julius K9 means that it is going to take mere seconds to clip everything into place. One strap under the belly. One strap around the area below the neck, and you are done. This is a dog harness that professional dog handlers often use, which should give you an idea as to the build quality. It is built to last, no matter how rugged the conditions get. Oh, and as an added touch, the team that makes the Julius K9 can also make a harness patch. You get one included in the box, but they can make one up with your own text if you want. It is your choice! Of course, there will be an extra fee for this. It is just not as rugged. So, if you liked the PoyPet option but felt that it was a bit out of your range, then check out the Eagloo option. It is highly breathable, and it has been padded in all the right places. This means that your dog could probably wear it for hours and hours on end without any complaints! This means a more comfortable and, perhaps more importantly, happier dog! The construction means that this harness is still going to last years, even if your dog is a terribly lousy puller. As the name suggests, this is for the dog that enjoys being outside. Which, to be honest, is pretty much every single dog. The first time you clip it onto your dog, you will need to make a small amount of adjustment. However, you have a lot of leeway in the straps. This means that you will be able to get the most perfect and comfortable fit for your pet. Once all that adjustment is made, it never changes. You can just clip on and clip off the harness whenever you want, safe in the knowledge that it will be correctly adjusted to your dog still. This harness has been built with strength in mind. These harnesses have been tested to well more than any pulling strength that a dog is capable of by all accounts. The harness has still managed to hold together. Conclusion We have included six different dog harnesses for Goldendoodles here. We promise you, all of them are going to be brilliant at their job. We suggest you go through and take a look at each of them individually. Whichever one you buy, we can assure you that you will be more than happy with it. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More.

Our Breeds Australian Labradoodle Australian Labradoodles were originally bred to be service and therapy dogs for asthma and allergy sufferers in Australia in the late s. Their outstanding temperaments and non-shedding coats make them a popular choice with families around the world. They are bred in three different sizes: miniature, medium and standard, and have a wide range of coat colours. They are known for being intelligent, trainable, happy-go-lucky, comical, gentle and excellent with children. Bernedoodle Bernedoodles were first bred in Canada to be excellent companion dogs in the early s. They are popular family companions in North America and relatively new to European shores. They result from crossing the Bernese Mountain Dogs with the Poodle. They are bred in a variety of solid and multi-combination colours, but are particularly known for the beautiful and much sought after black tricolour of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernedoodles are bred in three sizes: miniature, medium and standard. They are known for being smart, trainable, funny and affectionate. Sometimes, the Australian Labradoodle is used or infused instead of the Poodle and the resulting offspring are known as Australian Bernedoodles. More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our next planned litter will be in Autumn, we have space on our waiting list for Coco and Hamish's beautiful puppies. Family run home breeders of Australian Labradoodles based in the Capital of the Highlands. We are passionate about breeding Multi-Generation Australian Labradoodles. Having achieved the top 8 star rating for best breeding practice awarded by WALA. Our goal is to breed healthy, happy, intelligent, Australian Labradoodles with low to non-shedding coats in fleece. The non-shedding fleece in the Australian Labradoodle are considered allergy friendly with a low doggy odour. The Australian Labradoodle is adaptable, intuitive and responsive to human emotions which makes them a great candidate for the role of assistance dog from medical alert dogs to therapy dogs. They get on well with children and love the company of their human family. They enjoy regular exercise. The Australian Labradoodle seeks out the company of their family and are happiest when they are with you as an active member of the family.

Lifespan Sociability The English Boodle is a fun dog to own, but there is a lot to know before adopting one. You should know exactly what to expect once you bring your new pooch home for the first time. This combination can be challenging at times but is also almost always rewarding when all is said and done. This beautiful mixed breed also goes by the names Bullydoodle, Bully Poo, Bulldogdoodle, and Bulldogpoo. It will bark when someone comes to the door but quickly accept the visitors once welcomed inside. The English Boodle has an inherent willingness to please and loves attention, so owners will usually find their dogs standing right by their side. Most English Boodles are very energetic when they are young and need lots of outdoor exploration and playtime. As they get older, these dogs tend to slow down and mellow out a little, even though they will never entirely lose their spunkiness. Are These Dogs Good for Families? These dogs will spend all day playing in the yard with kids young and old. This mixed breed is tolerant of things like ear tugs and rough-housing, and gentle enough to learn how to walk on a leash with even younger kids. They thrive in multi-pet households that may include dogs, cats, or a combination of both. But these dogs will also enjoy their lives as an only pet if they get plenty of human attention. You should know how to take specific care of an English Boodle before you even consider adopting one so you know exactly what will be expected of you. This mixed breed can eat up to 3 cups of food each day, depending on their size and activity level. Treats can be used to supplement meals after an active adventure. This exercise can be in the form of walking, hiking , agility practice, and even indoor play with training toys. But even later in life, you can expect your English Boodle to accompany you on daily walks and occasional camping trips. The stubbornness of the English Boodle can interfere with the effectiveness of your training, so it is important to be patient yet firm while teaching your pup new commands and tricks. This breed does well when it comes to agility training. Daily brushing is a necessity to keep mats from developing and knots from forming. Some English Boodles have such long coats that they need to be trimmed on a regular basis. Regular baths will keep the coat from getting smelly over time. Minor Conditions. A post shared by Pepper mydoggiepepper Appearance Boodle puppies differ in size, shape, and features, depending on the genes they inherit from their parents. Height and weight Since English Boodles are a mix of these two breeds, their size and weight will vary depending on which parent breeds they take after more. They are usually small or medium-sized dogs, standing between 12 and 16 inches tall. Their weight can range from 15 to 50 pounds, and they have a stocky and boxy body, regardless of their size. Coat When it comes to coat types, a Bulldog Poodle mix can take after either parent breed or be a mix of both. Their coat can be short-to-medium in length, and curly, wavy, or straight in texture. A Boodle puppy may be red, fawn, black, or white. Some puppies may also develop gray, silver, or blue coats. The shades will differ, and the coat may be solid, with a single color, or have brindle patterns in two or more colors. Personality and temperament An English or French Bulldog Poodle mix dog can make a great family pet because of its playful personality. These dogs are loyal companions for children, though you should be careful when a large Bulldog Poodle mix is around a toddler. They are also great around other pets! English Bulldog English Bulldogs are known for their kind, easy-going, and loving nature. Despite their sometimes intimidating appearance, English Bulldogs are not aggressive and can even become friends with strangers. Keep in mind that English Bulldogs require regular exercise and grooming to stay healthy and happy. They may not be the most active dogs, but they still need daily walks and playtime. Also, their wrinkles need to be cleaned regularly to prevent skin irritation and infections. Overall, the English Bulldog is a fun dog breed that pet lovers all over the world adore! Poodle The Poodle is an intelligent, sophisticated, playful, and obedient dog. These dogs absolutely love to interact with humans and are playful with their family members. Their eagerness to please their humans, combined with their intelligence, makes them quick learners who can easily pick up tricks and training. However, they are also known for being emotional and sensitive dogs. Experienced dog owners understand the importance of exposing Poodles to various experiences to prevent them from becoming hypersensitive, which can lead to anxiety. English Boodle Alert English Boodle dogs are highly alert and have a keen sense of hearing. They make excellent watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners of any potential danger. Neither the Poodle or the English Bulldog is a confrontational dog. Affectionate English Boodle dogs are known for their affectionate and loving nature. They love a good cuddle and adore being around their family members. Social English Boodle dogs are highly social and enjoy the company of their owners and other pets. That being said, they may need a bit more time to get the hang of obedience training. Playful English Boodle dogs are highly energetic and love to play. They are great at entertaining themselves but also love playing with children and other animals! They are playful and enjoy games like fetch, hide and seek, and tug-of-war. Poodles, on the other hand, remain high-energy dogs well into older age. English Boodles have medium levels of energy and need daily exercise to tire them out. Think daily walks, jogs, and playing fetch in the park. Diet English Bulldogs tend to overeat and become overweight, and so can the English Boodle. Grooming These adorable pups require a lot of grooming to keep their coats in good shape. As low-to-no-shedding dogs, they need regular brushing and combing to prevent tangles and mats. Price English Boodle puppies are challenging to find. As I mentioned earlier, most of the time these dogs are in shelters and not from breeders. Health issues English Boodles may face some of the same health problems that their parent breeds face. Skin Fold Dermatitis: a condition where the folds of skin on the face, neck, and tail can become infected and inflamed, leading to itchiness, redness, and odor. You can keep your English Boodle healthy by taking regular trips to the vet—when necessary—feeding your dog high-quality dog food, and giving them enough exercise. Lifespan The average lifespan of Poodles is around years, while the average lifespan of English Bulldogs is around years. However, we can assume that a healthy English Boodle can live to be the same age as its parents. Final Words The English Boodle dog is a mixed breed with a low shedding coat and a friendly personality. This designer dog is rare and hard to find, and you might only find them in shelters and rescues. With proper care and attention, an English Boodle can make a wonderful addition to any household. Have you ever met an English Boodle? Let us know what it was like in the comments! Amazon Associates Program This article may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchase. The cost is not inflated to account for the commission earned. Veterinary Disclaimer: travellingwithadog. Please consult your vet for any questions you have regarding your pets health. She has years of experience fostering dogs and has helped find homes for a variety of different breeds, both large and small! Learn more about her here. Boodle puppies What is a Boodle mix? Could the parent breeds of the Bulldog Poodle mix look any more different from each other? What kind of dog is the result of a stout English Bulldog crossed with an elegant Poodle? How Big is the Poodle x Bulldog? Boodle size ranges hugely because they combine a medium sized, chunky build breed with a potential of three different sizes of lighter build dog, the Poodle! Poodle size Poodles come in three different sizes: standard , miniature, and toy. The standard is the largest and oldest type, and the smaller Poodles were bred down in size. The size of your Bulldog Poodle mix will depend on what size Poodle was used in the cross. Poodles can range from 4 pounds in weight and 10 inches in height at the shoulder to 70 pounds and over 15 inches in height. All Poodles share an elegant and dignified bearing. Bulldog size The English Bulldog has a much stouter and stockier build than the Poodle. They stand between 14 and 15 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 50 pounds. Full grown Boodle size The size of your adult Boodle will depend on the size of the parents. A Bulldog crossed with a larger Poodle will generally result in a medium sized dog, weighing around 40 to 55 pounds and standing 14 to 16 inches tall. A Bulldog crossed with one of the smaller sized Poodles can produce a small to medium sized dog, with a weight range of about 15 to 40 pounds and standing around 12 to 14 inches in height. Remember that any mixed breed dog can favor one parent breed over the other or might be a blend. Poodle Cross Bulldog Coat and Grooming The Bulldog and the Poodle breeds have different types of coats, leading to a wide variety of coat possibilities in the mix. Poodle Coat Poodles have a dense and curly coat that comes in a wide range of solid colors. Many Poodle owners take their dogs to professional groomers to trim and maintain their coats, because at-home grooming can be time consuming. They are low shedders, which makes them a popular choice for people with allergies. Bulldog Coat Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat. The coat comes in a wide range of colors and markings. Popular coat patterns include brindle and piebald. Bulldog Poodle Mix Coats As with size, coat type and color can favor one parent breed over the other or be any combination of the two. Many Bulldog Poodle mixes have a short to medium length coat. The texture can be straight, curly, or wavy. Colors and patterns range widely, since there are so many possibilities in the parent breeds. A Bulldog mixed with a Poodle should be a low to medium shedder, usually requiring a bit less grooming than a purebred Poodle. Be sure to spend time around them before taking one home if you have pet allergies. Both parent breeds have appealing personality traits, which should be reinforced with good socialization and training. The English Bulldog is very calm, loving, and loyal. Poodles are known for their keen intelligence, trainability, and active and alert nature. The Bulldog Poodle mix can be a good choice for families with children and other household pets. They require a moderate level of activity and can make good apartment pets. Always use positive reinforcement training techniques. Boodle personality tends to lead to them being very attached to their owners, and they may experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Bulldog Mix Poodle Health As we mentioned earlier, potential owners of a Bulldog Poodle mix should be aware of the genetic health problems of both parent breeds. A Boodle puppy could inherit any condition that comes from either of their lines. Poodle Health Issues There are a significant number of genetic health conditions that can occur in the Poodle. Poodles, especially standard Poodles, can be prone to canine idiopathic epilepsy. Affected dogs will require medication to control seizures throughout their lives. Toy and miniature Poodles have inherited health conditions, as well. Among the most common is a degenerative eye disease called progressive retinal atrophy. Also joint problems are often found in small dog breeds luxating patella and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Bulldog Health Issues We said earlier that many veterinarians are cautioning potential Bulldog owners about the health problems associated with the breed. These problems are due to a lack of genetic diversity and the inherent physical structure of the dog. Flat-muzzled brachycephalic breeds, like the Bulldog, suffer from breathing, eye, and dental problems. The respiratory problems can be severe and even life-threatening. Is the Bulldog Poodle Mix Healthier? Given the significant health issues of the parent breeds, is it possible to find a healthy Bulldog Poodle mix puppy? Mixed breed dogs can inherit the genetic health problems of both parent breeds, but there are ways to minimize the risk that your puppy will inherit a serious genetic disease. The cross breeding of two purebred dogs to create a so-called designer mixed breed is an increasingly popular trend among dog lovers. The Poodle is an especially popular choice for mixed breeds, both for its intelligence and personality, as well as for its reputation as being a hypoallergenic dog breed. Health of Crosses Many people assume that mixed breed dogs are healthier than purebred dogs. This is a concept in genetics called hybrid vigor. Both the English Bulldog and the Poodle have some serious inherited health problems that can be passed down to a mixed breed puppy. Will mixing a Bulldog with a Poodle improve the health of the cross? Bulldog Poodle Mix Puppies Always choose a Boodle breeder who health tests their dogs for genetic disorders. There are two kinds of tests you should ask about: DNA testing and physical veterinary exams. There are DNA tests for some of the health conditions found in both breeds. Other health problems, especially those of the joints and eyes, can be detected with physical exams. Your breeder should provide you with the results of all health testing. Most will also offer clients some form of contract or health guarantee. Never buy a Bulldog Poodle mix puppy from an online ad or at a retail pet store. Make sure that you meet the Bulldog parent. A Healthier Pup? And these dogs may well have a lot of them. Fortunately, there are some other lovely Poodle mixes out there you might like to consider. Whatever you decide, choose your breeder and individual puppy carefully. Also be sure that you are prepared to care for a dog that may have special needs. Already share your life with one of these unusual pups? Tell us about your Bulldog Poodle mix in the comments! References and Further Reading Beuchat, C. The Institute of Canine Biology, .Sodhi, N. Australian Veterinary Journal, .Photo: biscuitsandbathnyc The English Bulldog Poodle will borrow some of its physical attributes from both of its parent breeds, with a box-shaped head that stands stout, its coat will likely be silky smooth and either curly or straight. It will likely inherit the longer snout of the Poodle and will have delightfully floppy ears. The tail of the English Bulldog Poodle will likely be long and straight, either being pointed directly behind them or curled directly behind them. 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. Bulldogs struggled for popularity in the UK following the outlawing of the sport, though were transitioned by admirers of the breed from fighting dogs to companions. Today, the Bulldog enjoys great popularity in the United States, despite their aggressive past. In general, the Bulldog makes a great family pet but is also suitable for singles and couples alike. While official, factual documentation is hard to come by, there is some suggestion that the Bulldog was one of the original dogs used to create the Boxer, in Germany in the midth century, following their exportation from the UK to Germany and the United States after the ban on blood sports. Beyond their British history, Bulldogs today make popular crosses for those looking to infuse their strength and power into a mixed-breed dog. Some of the most popular Bulldog crosses include:. Red, tan, gray, black, and combinations of these colors Suitable for: Temperament: Friendly, gentle, affectionate, gets along with other pets, occasionally stubborn As a bonus, mixing in the overall healthier Poodle genes usually helps to decrease some of the admittedly concerning health problems of the Bulldog. English Boodles also boast a low-shedding coat, thanks to their Poodle parentage. Boodles are loving friends to all they meet, human or animal. Gentle and affectionate, they are wonderful family dogs. Read on to learn more about the amazing English Boodle! Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. However, it is important to remember that every dog is unique, and the personality of an English Bulldog and Poodle mix may vary based on individual temperament and upbringing. In terms of physical appearance, English Bulldog and Poodle mixes may have a short, stocky build like the bulldog, with a curly, low-shedding coat like the poodle. They may also have wrinkled skin, a wide head, and a muscular physique, similar to the bulldog. Again, because Boodles are a mix of two breeds, there will be some variation between individual dogs. However, both English Bulldogs and Poodles are generally very friendly, loving, and affectionate dogs. Your English Boodle will most likely display these same traits. English Boodles are very social dogs who crave lots of attention. They want to be with their people as much as possible and might develop anxiety if left alone frequently. English Boodles are usually smart and eager to please. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They do well with children of all ages. If your English Boodle is on the smaller side, supervise them with rowdy kids and make sure your kids know how to play correctly with a dog to prevent any injury. Properly socializing your Boodle puppy with kids and other people will help them grow into a calm, accepting family pet. English Boodles are a very social, attention-seeking breed. They are a good choice for families who can spend plenty of quality time with their dog. Boodles very much want to be included in family life and may develop separation anxiety if they are left to themselves too often. Good-natured English Boodles generally get along quite well with other pets. You can help ensure this is the case by taking care to socialize Boodle puppies with dogs, cats, and other pets as soon as it is safe to do so. If you bring an adult English Boodle into your existing fur family, make sure to properly introduce your new Boodle to the other dogs and supervise interactions with cats and other pets as everyone gets used to each other. Here is some more detailed information about the health and general care of English Boodles to help you make an informed decision. In that case, your veterinarian can help you figure out the best food to feed. Make sure to feed your English Boodle the right food for their stage of life whether a puppy, adult, or senior dog. This is especially important for Boodles because their activity levels change a lot between puppy and adulthood. Bulldogs are prone to being overweight and can have a lot of health problems as a result. If your Boodle takes after their Bulldog parent, weight could become a problem for them as well. English Boodle puppies are very energetic and will need lots of play and walks on their daily schedule. As they move into adulthood, Boodles will become more mellow. Adult Boodles will still need daily exercise to stay fit but not to the same level they did as puppies. They can quickly become overheated and can suffer from heatstroke. Be careful exercising your Boodle in the heat if they take after their Bulldog parent more than the Poodle. Poodles are one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs and are very eager to learn, a trait often passed on to English Boodles as well. Positive training methods with plenty of rewards usually work very well for Boodles. When a Bulldog decides not to do something, it can take a lot of persuasion to change their mind! Continue patiently but firmly teaching with positive reinforcement. If you are having trouble, your veterinarian can suggest training resources to help you and may also be able to recommend good local dog training classes. Some Boodles have short fur like a Bulldog while others have a longer wavy or curly coat. If your Boodle takes after their Poodle parent more, you may need to plan on regular trips to the groomer for a trim as well. Also, make sure to keep their nails clipped and brush their teeth regularly. However, because there is no way to predict exactly how the Poodle and Bulldog genetics are going to mix, Boodles could be prone to any inherited health conditions that impact either breed. Minor Conditions. Are you looking to buy or adopt an English Boodle? Want to know more about its characteristics and whether it is the right pet for you? Then read on, this guide is for you! Bulldog Poodle mixes are a cross or hybrid dog breed obtained through the mating of a Standard or Miniature Poodle with an English Bulldog. To learn about their origins, let us briefly study the parent breeds. English Bulldog English Bulldogs were bred for the gory sport of bull-baiting. Later on, the bloody sport was banned and the breed almost became extinct. Thankfully, the efforts of some Bulldog lovers revived it back. The breed remains one of the most popular dog breeds and two American Presidents and several celebrities have been its proud owners. Poodle Poodles are available in three sizes which are recognised by the AKC. These are Miniature, Toy, and Standard Poodles. The Poodle breed was first developed in Germany to assist duck hunters to retrieve fowl from the water. Today, they are considered among the most trainable dog breeds and consistently rank in the list of the top 10 most intelligent dogs. Poodles are ideal for crossing and creating designer dog sets because of their intelligence, sweet nature, hypoallergenic coats, and also their high-trainability. They also have great longevity. When combined with the English Bulldog which is known for its loving nature and calm disposition, you get a sweet dog that is willing to take on any training challenges. The Poodle also helps overcome the structural issues brachycephalic noses of the English Bulldog, creating a healthy designer breed. English Boodles have a distinguished look unlike other Doodle breeds hybrid dogs having one Poodle parent. They are small-to-medium-sized dogs and their size depends on the Poodle variety the breeder uses in their breeding program. English Boodles usually measure between inches .Many of these dogs are white, black, fawn, tan, or brindle-coloured. English Boodles could inherit the short legs and tail of the Bulldog or they might develop the slender build and curly coat of the Poodle. In short; there can be a lot of variation in these dogs since there is no set standard. Being hybrid dogs, they are not recognised by the traditional clubs that set these standards. If you want a smaller non-shedding dog, you can always ask the breeder for puppies obtained by breeding an F1 first generation Boodle back to a Toy or Mini Poodle. Fewer Poodle genes will result in a thick, short coat like the English Bulldog. Are Boodles Hypoallergenic? There is no yes or no answer to the question — is the English Boodle hypoallergenic? The answer depends on complex canine genetics. In the case of the English Bulldog, its coat sheds seasonally and it is not hypoallergenic. Therefore, a first-generation or F1-English Boodle puppy cross of purebred English Bulldog and purebred Poodle may or may not be hypoallergenic as it could have genes of both parents. However, if you have an F1-B generation English Boodle puppy a first generation English Boodle crossed back to a Poodle , then the chances are that their puppies will shed a lot less. A Word of Caution About Hypoallergenic Doodle Dogs The reason why Doodles became so popular in the first place is that they were marketed as hypoallergenic dogs. Poodles and Poodle crossbreeds generally shed little, which, in turn, reduces the amount of dander released in your home. The dander is what is responsible for itchy eyes and runny noses that allergy sufferers are familiar with. So, if you have pet allergies, you might want to test out a few dogs you can be around, without feeling sick. The best breeders conduct DNA tests for shedding genes and only breed dogs that shed minimally. This too can reduce your chances of suffering from dog allergy symptoms. English Boodles get their intelligence from their Poodle genes and eagerness to please, and their loving, calm and affectionate natures from their English Bulldog parent. English Boodles are the epitome of sweetness. They get along well with everyone and work well in any type of home. They are a pleasure to be around. They love being a part of the family activities and will make everyone smile with their silly antics. English Boodles are also calm and cuddly. Unlike the English Bulldog which has restrictions on the amount of exercise it can get owning to its brachycephalic nose, the Boodle can go for long walks and play for prolonged periods. They are gentle and friendly dogs that will make great companions for kids. However, their need to be around people and their overly-friendly nature means that they are not great as guard dogs. Also, if left alone for too long, they tend to develop separation anxiety. This can lead to destructive habits if the dog is not trained. However, it also comes with a downside. These dogs need plenty of mental stimulation. They also need you to come up with innovative ways of training them as Bulldogs can be stubborn. Therefore, a Boodle owner will have to think of creative ways to engage with their pet. Play-based training that utilises positive reinforcement is the best training method for poodle crossbreeds. Boodles mostly do well with other pets but will need some socialisation. Once they are socialised, they will welcome the company of another pet — including pets like cats. If not trained in the skill of independence , they are likely to need someone to keep them company. Once you opt to bring home an English Boodle, you will want to become active. These dogs need at least twice-daily walks of minutes along with a game of fetch indoors or in the yard. But exercise it you must, because, without it, these pups can get bored, depressed, and destructive. Finally, if you are still on the fence about whether the English Boodle is right for you, then understand that these companion dogs will brighten your life. They are family-friendly dogs and when you buy one from a good breeder, it also might shed less and keep your home free of pet fur. If you have decided you want a dog, then the English Boodle can be an excellent choice. How Much is an English Boodle? The price of the English Bulldog-Poodle mix is not fixed. Your English Boodle needs a certain blend of nutrients which most commercial dog foods and homemade raw foods can provide. Your vet nutritionist can guide you in this matter. The best dog food for English Boodles is the one that contains real meat as the first ingredient. It is also free from fillers, grains, colours, etc. Your Boodle puppy will need at least meals a day while an adult dog will need 2 meals a day. Make sure that you purchase your puppy from an ethical breeder. This way, you can ensure that the genetic issues seen in the parent breeds are eliminated. The lifespan of English Boodles is years. Subscribe for poodle mix breed information, exclusive offers and access to our community of reputable breeders. Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this.

Are you looking for some handsome boy companionship? Great news, your search is over! In addition to my very dapper good-boy looks, I am also an avid ball player and dignified goofball. You may be thinking how in the world I can posses such conflicting personality traits.I love being outdoors; you could even say that I am easily amused. Whether it be playing fetch to my heart's desire or going for a long trail walk I would probably make a pretty good jogging buddy too. Being a German Shepherd, I am one of the 'brighter crayons in the box'. In my free time I like to work with the staff and volunteers to brush up on my basic command skills. They are always telling me what a smart guy I am! I assume that's what they are saying, judging by the treats they give me, I am doing good! Proper introductions to establish a trusting, positive, first impression is a must with me. I am an old fashioned kind of guy. I know I am irresistibly handsome, but I appreciate getting to know each other before getting all touchy-feely. Because of this, I would be happiest in a home without children or other wondering hands. I do love affection and a good ear rub.I also want to be your only side-kick, I am not a social butterfly with other pets, I would much rather hangout with just my person. I have a pretty strong prey drive to keep the stray cat and pesky squirrels out of our yard too.A job I take very seriously. If you are in the market for a dashing side-kick to rid the yard of vermin, submit your adoption application at the website below to see if we are a match! Please fill out our online adoption survey at www. Welcome to the Michigan state page on TrustedPuppies. Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Michigan is renowned for its stunning lakeshores, vibrant cities, and variety of dog-friendly activities. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional German Shepherd breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the ideal companion for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable Michigan breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our MI breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the dynamic dog-friendly scene in Michigan, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the West Michigan Harvest Cluster Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of German Shepherd canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Michigan claims the 7th position in U. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable German Shepherd breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Michigan. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your German Shepherd puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect German Shepherd puppy on TrustedPuppies.

Read more about the pups that are currently up for adoption. Read More… Foster Dogs FBRN is being faced with an increasing number of dogs who are ill, handicapped, or need expensive veterinary care before being placed. Meet our Foster Frenchies and please consider sponsoring one of them to ensure that they receive the care that they need. Read More… Surrender a Dog Life has thrown you a curve ball and you must surrender your French Bulldog… we are here to help! Read More… Volunteer We welcome you to join us in our efforts to rehabilitate and rehome needy French Bulldogs. We have many options for you to choose from, depending on your circumstances, time and resources. Our organization is composed solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes. Read More… Contact Us Learn about the many ways that you can get in touch with us. He has a Staffie sister, Lettie, who he adores and who has taught him so much with her gentle patience. He has doggie friends at daycamp he sees once a week. He is the best snuggler ever! He used to be a resource guarder, but will now bring you his toys for a treat! He loves our daily walks and meeting people. Thank you FBRN for picking us to be his family- we love him so much! Despite being mostly blind and deaf, Ham is thriving in his golden years, especially with his folks now working from home. Thank you FBRN for our goodest good boy! We are so grateful for every day with him. She had cherry eye surgery in March right before Covid quarantine and the surgery was a success. A gigantic thank you to FBRN for allowing me to adopt this perfect little nugget. All Rights Reserved. A c 3 Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: .Powered by Geeks4Rent. Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The French Bulldog is a clown in a lapdog. They enjoy playing and entertaining their family, as well as cuddling and snoozing with their favorite person. They are amiable, sweet, companionable, and willing to please. A short walk on lead is sufficient to meet most of its physical needs. Frenchie snores and may wheeze and drool. Require minimal coat care Facial wrinkles should be regularly cleaned. Brachycephalic syndrome stenotic nares, elongated soft palate Intervertebral disk disease CHD seldom causes symptoms or problems Allergies History Where are French Bulldogs from? In the nineteenth century, the Bulldog was fairly popular in England, especially around Nottingham. The French women, especially, were attracted to these little Bulldogs, especially those with erect ears a common but disliked feature in England. Dog dealers brought more of the clownish little dogs to France, where they soon became the rage of Paris. The dogs were dubbed Bouledogue Francais. How big do French Bulldogs get? Some Bulldogs are quite small weighing less than 25 lbs, however, dogs in this breed on average, weigh 28 lbs. What are some French Bulldog facts and information? Facts French Bulldogs are best known for: Bat ears. Share A Story! French Bulldog Rescues In North Carolina A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. They are loyal and fun to have around the home. They are not as exerting as other dog breeds and they are happy with a daily walk. If you are looking for French Bulldog rescues in North Carolina, we have found a few rescue groups to check out. Most of these dog rescues are either breed specific or have had French Bulldogs in the past. Adopting a French Bulldog from a rescue in North Carolina offers you many advantages. The obvious reason is that it allows you to provide one of these dogs with a forever home. The Bulldog is in the rescue, most likely because the previous owner could not take care of them any longer. There are other benefits to adopting such as, you are no longer supporting a puppy mill or breeders who are simply breeding dogs for money. If you have decided to adopt a French Bulldog in North Carolina and you are on this page, thank you! You really are making a difference by adopting and we hope that our list makes it easier for you to find what you are looking for. Please be aware that not all of these rescues are French Bulldog specific. Some rescues will save dogs no matter their breed and many will have a French Bulldog come through their rescue at some point in time. If you cannot find the dog you are looking for, please contact the rescue to see if they have a waiting list or notification list that you can be put on. With more than two decades under their belt, this non-profit has made its mission to ensure that they find neglected animals and provide them with the love and care they need. This non-profit organization has spent many years rescuing animals from high-kill shelters and preparing them for placements in new homes. CARA depends solely on volunteers to function. These volunteers do their best to find, rehabilitate and rehome the dogs they rescue. They are always searching for new forever homes for the cats and dogs in their care. They are not strictly a French Bulldog rescue, but your new french bulldog friend might be at this rescue waiting for you. Their adoption process tries to be as straightforward as possible. The first thing to do is to go through their available dogs to see if they have a French Bulldog available. If you find one, and you think you can handle the responsibilities that their bio implies, you can apply for that dog. Their application is very thorough and long, so make sure you fill it out completely. You can find their adoption application here. Share A Story! French Bulldog Rescues In Florida A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. French Bulldog Rescues In Florida French bulldogs make excellent pets and deserve all the love and care they can get. They are small and adorable and have one of the best personalities among all dog breeds. This is why they have become a favorite breed for people who are looking for a new dog. For the people living in Florida, getting a french bulldog as a pet requires a bit of consideration. While they are quite playful, they do not do very well in hot climates as Florida has. This does not mean that you can not get a french bulldog as a pet if you live in Florida. It just means that you should take extra measures to ensure that they are comfortable, such as keeping a cool house and walking them in the late evenings when it might be cooler outside. If you are willing to make these concessions and are actively looking to adopt a french bulldog, this is the best place to start your search. We have curated a list of the best french bulldog rescues in Florida. We also provide you with the necessary information you need to know on how they work, how to adopt, as well as how to contact the rescue. These rescues are charged with taking care of these dogs and finding a good home for them. If you are in Florida and are looking to adopt a French Bulldog, this list is for you. Florida English Bulldog Rescue Odessa, FL This rescue is a nonprofit bulldog rescue dedicated to finding new forever homes for bulldog breeds. They have been rescuing bulldogs since .They have helped more than 1, dogs get new homes, and each of the bulldogs gets rehabilitation so that they can be a functional part of their new home. The thing about this particular nonprofit is that they do not focus on french bulldogs. In fact, on the surface, it looks more like their primary focus is English bulldogs. But they have stated that they are open to different bulldog breeds, including the French bulldog. The main difference between an English bulldog and a French bulldog is their size. Florida English Bulldog Rescue seeks out neglected and abused dogs and provides them with rehabilitation and new homes. They also provide a safe home for bulldogs who have no option but to leave their homes. They always have a bulldog ready for anyone who wants to take one home. You can view their available bulldogs here. If you are passionate about helping bulldogs get a better home, you can also help the organization through donations and sending supplies. They are always looking for volunteers.

Aggression towards people, other animals Hyperactivity Sadness, depression and being withdrawn Counter-surfing Digging …to name just the most common few! As previously stated, many of these are perfectly normal behaviors but unwanted when living with a human family. But some are real psychological or pathological problems that need to be properly researched and skillfully addressed, most likely by a vet or professional behaviorist. If the behavior problem is just one of normal canine behavior such as digging, barking, chasing small animals or pulling on the leash, natural behaviors but that are unacceptable or unwanted by an owner, then training alternative and acceptable behaviors in their place is the answer. This still takes knowledge of the particular cause and motivation of the behavior, knowledge and skill to choose and train an alternative behavior and patience and dedication to see the solution through. But these types of problems are solvable by the average owner and solutions for these problems will soon be appearing on this site. The sort of advice that can only really be given and be correct if offered by a qualified and knowledgeable professional. The first step is to see a vet to either identify or rule out any physical or pathological problems, and then be referred to a certified and reputable behavioral specialist. Many cases require a unique approach for which the only advice that can really be given is to seek professional help. We have to remember that Labradors were bred for a particular job and come with hard-wired instinctive and driven behaviors that we developed in them through many generations of selective breeding. Labs have needs and desires that have to be satisfied. They have traits and behaviors so deeply genetically ingrained that you simply cannot eliminate them. Although in most cases you can train alternative more acceptable behaviors. There are of course also more severe and worrying behavior problems, stemming from either pathological or deep-seated psychological issues. With understanding, patience, dedication, a caring attitude and a carefully planned scientific approach, almost all problems can be overcome or at least successfully managed. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Some may have seen i wrote a post about my muppet the other days in regards to his appalling behavior when coming inside the house. .We have tried suggestions on there and he's still mental as ever but we're trying to remain positive and patient with him. .My other issue is this behaviour is now becoming more apparent than before both inside and outside the house.He was normally quiet calm, hypo at times like any lab but was content with his surroundings and listening to us. At the moment he is completely different, he's destroying beds just lost number 4 , he's pulling washing off the line while i'm standing there hanging it out which he's never done we have it guarded off normally , he gnawing on my arms, legs, feet and even his toys are copping it surely he can't be teething at 10 months , he's jumping way more than normal, won't listen to commands which he always has listened too and feels that every time we open the door to go inside he will ignore us and come rushing in and run away so we can't put him outside. The only way we have managed to put him outside is with a treat and slowly walk with him to the door and gentle push him outside, which i feel is praising bad behaviour. Nothing different has changed in our routine, we have breafast, he gets a bone, we go for a walk in early afternoon, have a game later than afternoon then dinner around 5. He also repeated all this bad behaviour at my parents house yesterday when he too pulled washing off there line, nearly knock my father over from jumping up at him and wouldn't listen even to a deep mans voice. .He is desexed, and is getting a good decent walk everyday, only thing i can put it down to is slight separation anxiety, yet there is no whinging or crying like he has when he was a small pup, or his brain is on holidays. .Any help would be greatly appreciated. Let's Wrap This Up! Labradors mouth due to their ancestry and genetics. Having been bred to retrieve game for hunters, they naturally enjoy having things in their mouths. Dogs also mouth during instinctive play, when exploring, or relieve teething discomfort. Mouthing and play biting are not aggressive — and there is a significant difference between typical play biting and aggressive behavior. Adopt an immediate preventive training approach to prevent innate mouthing and play biting from becoming an aggression problem. But how? To stop a Labrador from mouthing, teach him his bite inhibition. This is where he learns to control the force of his mouthing. You should initiate bite inhibition when bringing your puppy home, typically around 8 weeks old. They soon realize if they bite their littermates too hard, the fun and play stop! The dam teaches good canine manners and disciplines her puppies when they bite too hard or misbehave. So how exactly do you do this? When teaching your Labrador puppy bite inhibition, make a sharp cry when he mouths or bites you and continue until he lets go. Quickly redirect the behavior using a chew toy, and reward him with a treat and lots of verbal praise. Continue to do this until your pup stops biting or learns to bite without hurting. You are undoubtedly on the right path when you first notice your Lab licking your hand instead of biting. Puppies chew to explore their new environment using their mouths, even before using their visual, auditory, and olfactory senses. They also chew to relieve pain and discomfort when teething, clean teeth, and strengthen jaws. But sometimes, chewing becomes abnormal or destructive, resulting in your Labrador destroying your couch, cushions, furniture, possessions, clothing, and shoes. Labradors engage in destructive chewing due to inadequate obedience training as a puppy, seeking attention, habit, easing hunger, boredom, lack of exercise, and insufficient mental stimulation. They also chew due to loneliness, fear, separation anxiety, malnutrition, or OCD. You will only cause your Lab to fear and resent you and cause confusion and aggression. As with the causes, the solutions for excessive-destructive chewing in your Labrador can be varied. To stop a Labrador from chewing everything, train him from an early age by redirecting his chewing to alternatives such as chew toys, treats, or bones. Fix incomplete training, or seek the help of a professional trainer. Essentially, you need to provide your Labrador with alternative chew toys that can also serve as bites. Consider these two from Amazon: KONG Puppy Toy is made from soft rubber designed for growing teeth and gums but durable enough to withstand the natural desire to chew. This multi-functional toy can be used as a fetch toy or treat-dispensing toy to stuff with delicious treats or peanut butter. It allows a good grip from the wishbone shape and lasts for weeks. You also have various sizes to choose from as your puppy grows. Here are some other helpful suggestions to stop your Labrador from chewing: Puppy-proof your home. You can use a playpen or baby gates to section off part of the house or use a long leash and keep him tied to your waist. Retrain your dog. If you think basic training was poorly done or incomplete during puppyhood, you may need to retrain your Labrador. Consider the help of a professional trainer. Give your Lab a bone to chew. Always supervise your dog when giving a bone. Feed frozen treats or ice cubes. These help your dog to find some relief from sore and painful gums. Try frozen strawberries or raspberries as an alternative healthy treat. Lots of daily exercise. Ensure your Lab has the recommended 2-hour exercise daily for an adult, which could consist of morning and evening walks or runs, and play and fun games at other times. Puppies should receive 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. Consider health issues. Labrador puppies will generally stop chewing, due to teething, around six months of age once the discomfort has gone. Older puppies may also go through a chewing stage up to 12 months old. As long as you keep normal chewing behavior from becoming destructive, your puppy should outgrow this chewing. They are easy to train due to their intelligence, but also their desire for food or treats during training sessions makes training easy. Many owners find it tricky to keep their Lab at a healthy weight. Labradors eat so much and are highly motivated by food due to genetics, illness, lack of nutrients, boredom, or anxiety. Many are obsessed with food due to a specific mutated gene, the POMC. This gene, responsible for appetite, body fat, and weight, is commonplace in the obesity-prone Labrador. The only other breed to have this mutation is the Flat-Coated Retriever. Your Lab may also be eating so much food to relieve boredom, stress, anxiety, or due to a diet deficient in nutrients. You can learn more about separation anxiety in the next section. Furthermore, specific health issues can cause increased appetite and cause your dog to gain weight. Labradors are prone to hypothyroidism and may become obese despite normal or increased hunger. Pica is a disorder where dogs eat inedible objects such as rocks, dirt, wood, socks, toys, or even poop! It can is caused by nutritional shortcomings, starvation, or psychological issues such as anxiety, stress, attention-seeking, or OCD. If your Labrador is snacking on rocks and dirt, he may be suffering from pica. There are many ways to stop your Labrador from overeating. However, your priority is to find out why he is overeating or munching everything in sight, maybe with the help of your vet. You can then formulate a plan together. Here are some suggestions. To stop a Labrador from eating so much, feed a highly nutritious and balanced diet, keep a feeding schedule, monitor portions and weight, and feed alternative healthy treats. Dogs are creatures of habit and love routine. Stick to daily feeding times and monitor portion sizes and calories. Do not allow free feeding, and have your Lab regularly weighed. Ensure your dog is eating highly nutritious food. Ensure your dog has a good-quality nutritious diet. Check out my article on the best diet for Labradors for a ton of nutrition information, type of diet, and more. Alleviate boredom. Not only does he need lots of physical exercise, but lots of cognitive stimulation too. Lots of chew toys and interactive toys will keep your dog entertained. Feed alternative healthy treats. Many store-bought dog treats are full of calories and additives and offer little nutritional value. You can choose some good healthy treats, but fruits and vegetables are better options. Dog-proof your home. Muzzle your dog. If your Labrador tends to eat anything he finds while out on a walk, consider using a muzzle. Separation Anxiety Canine separation anxiety purely means the dog cannot cope with being apart from his owner or family. But are Labradors prone to separation anxiety? Labradors are prone to separation anxiety due to their temperament. They are social, affectionate, friendly, good-natured, and high-energy, and soon get bored. They love to be around their pack, which means you! If they are left alone for too long, they will suffer from separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety will find something to relieve their fear, worry, and stress, so they often resort to destructive behavior. General symptoms are destructive chewing, house soiling, digging, escaping, destroying furniture, barking, and howling. Repetitive behavior, pacing, and self-harm may also occur. Keep departures and arrivals low-key to stop separation anxiety in your Labrador. Leave your dog in a relaxing and comfortable spot with his favorite interactive toys and chew toys. Train him using behavior modification methods such as desensitization and counter-conditioning. You should never leave your Labrador alone for longer than four hours, even less for young puppies. Consider alternatives to prevent or treat separation anxiety. Reduce the time that your Lab spends at home alone by hiring a dog sitter, walker, or professional trainer. Have friends and family call around, use local doggie-day care, and work from home if possible. This toy will keep your dog entertained and is great fun, especially when he finds the treats! Stay connected with your Lab. How cool is that? Use behavior modification techniques. Counter-condition your Lab by training him not to associate departure cues, such as the sound of your keys jingling. The aim is to teach him not to worry about your exit by associating the sound of your keys with getting a treat. Hold back on the doggie kisses and leave! Use desensitization techniques. Gradually teach your dog to cope with being alone by carefully exposing him to being alone in small steps. For example, start by making progressive departures of minutes when you leave your Labrador and progressively increase. Train your dog to be alone from an early age. I would leave my girl in her crate for a few minutes at a time at eight weeks old and gradually increase. Treat with medication. Both anti-anxiety medicine and natural supplements can help treat separation anxiety in dogs. Your vet can advise you of the best treatment plan for your dog. Labrador Urine Marking Behavior Does your Labrador stop on every street corner to pee a small amount? Spraying is instinctive dog behavior, but why do Labradors mark their territory? Dogs will leave their scent on new smells or near where other dogs have urinated. Urine communicates the reproductive status and status rank of the dog. So, why do Labradors mark their territory inside? Labradors mark their territory inside when sexually active, especially in unneutered dogs, or claim ownership of you, e. To stop your Labrador from urine marking inside, neuter while young, keep new and unfamiliar items out of reach, supervise your dog or use a crate. Increase bonding with new pets or family, eliminate anxiety, rule out other medical reasons, fully clean up the mess, and consult a canine behaviorist if needed. Thoroughly clean the areas your dog has marked using an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate the smell and prevent further scenting. Myths vs. Barking at Other Dogs Barking is a typical communication behavior in dogs, and Labradors are known to be naturally vocal. Nonetheless, when your Lab has developed an unfortunate habit of barking at other dogs, this may cause you to wonder why? Labradors bark at other dogs due to a lack of socialization and becoming fearful or anxious. Other reasons are insufficient or incomplete training, being protective or territorial of you, or generally being social or excited and wanting to greet or play, especially if under-exercised or stimulated. How to Stop Barking. Work on obedience training and positive reinforcement, allowing time, patience, and consistency. If your Labrador also lunges when barking at other dogs, use a comfortable front clip harness. It is reasonably priced, easy to fit, and comes in different colors and options. Avoid gimmicks such as bark collars and sprays designed to teach your Labrador not to bark, as these only tackle the symptom and not the cause of the problem. Rolling in Fox Poo Bathing your dog can be a challenging task. Their ancestors would disguise their scent to confuse their prey. Dogs also mark their territory by leaving their scent behind and communicating their rank or dominance to other dogs. They also enjoy leaving their smell around. Sometimes, prevention can be your best tactic! To stop a Labrador rolling in fox poo, try to prevent it by keeping him away from known areas frequented by foxes. If your dog suddenly puts his nose to the ground, anticipate he may have picked up on the strong scent of fox poo and quickly distract him away. Resource Guarding Resource guarding is when your Lab displays certain behaviors such as snarling, growling, biting, and lunging over food, favorite toys, or space, e. It is also known as c a n i n e possessive aggression , and your dog might growl at you if you go near their treasured possessions or run away with the item. Although resource guarding is natural canine behavior, it is not desirable. Some owners prefer to try and change the behavior in addition to the usual precautions of keeping people safe, especially children. Early and frequent training can help prevent resource guarding before it becomes a significant problem. Nonetheless, here are some steps to stop your Labrador from resource guarding: Consult a certified trainer or dog behaviorist. Use desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques. Instead, we try to redirect the behavior. Like all other breeds, Labradors have innate behavioral tendencies that are unique. Think of their overwhelming friendliness and easy-going nature. They are a good first dog but make a hopeless guard dog! Your Labrador will develop into the dog that you train him to be. So when socialization and training are not done correctly, behavior problems will inevitably occur. And as you saw in the video, the first one is a lack of structured exercise! Insufficient Exercise and Stimulation The Labrador Retriever is a high-energy dog requiring at least two hours of daily exercise. Leash walking alone will be insufficient. Incorporate a combination of swimming, agility, frisbee, hiking, fetch, and off-leash running in a safe area. Your dog will also need lots of cognitive stimulation and interactive play. Research has confirmed that less active dogs will demonstrate behavior problems than well-exercised canines. Genetic Disposition to Certain Behaviors It has been scientifically proven that dog behavior has both genetic and environmental key factors. This is documented in a study on the genetic examination of behavior traits in dogs whereby the German Shepherd breed was utilized. The research confirmed the theory that dog behaviors are complex traits influenced by multiple genetic and non-genetic factors. In simple terms, your dog may inherit genes that urge him to retrieve. Your Lab may inherit genes urging him to find and recover, just like his ancestors, who retrieved ducks from the hunt. He has a natural desire to bring you back things. Unfortunately, this can sometimes include dead birds or squirrels! However, this does not mean that you cannot subdue the behavior through training. Field-bred Labradors are typically higher energy and more boisterous. Another inherited attribute of the Labrador is their strong pack drive. Extremely social dogs with high pack drives tend to follow their owners everywhere, even to the bathroom! One drawback to this trait is that they may find it difficult when left in kennels for vacations. Poor Puppy Socialization Poorly socialized puppies grow into badly behaved Labradors. This is when the puppy acquires nearly all of his adult sensory, motor, and learning abilities. If a puppy is not socialized well, he will become a problematic and untrainable adult. This makes him more confident and calm than anxious and aggressive in unsocialized and poorly trained dogs. Incomplete Obedience Training Obedience training is crucial in helping your Labrador understand what you expect of him. Then, he can progress to more advanced training, such as sit-stay, wait, speak, roll-over, and other tricks. Many new dog owners believe a week or two of training after bringing their puppy home is enough. Not so! Consistency also means using the exact words to command specific behavior from your Labrador. Aversive Training Methods Punishing your Labrador to make him learn good behavior will only result in the opposite. Your best friend will be so confused and only grow to resent and fear you. They can also cause aggression and escaping behavior. Positive reinforcement, also known as reward-based training, creates the best behavior in dogs because you encourage your pet to repeat good conduct by consistently rewarding him. It simply means giving a reward to increase the frequency of response. Hormonal Effects and Neutering Testosterone is often associated with aggression in male dogs, but studies have proved mainly inconclusive. Neutering is the surgical removal of the male testes or female ovaries. Research results from a large sample of over 13, dogs show that neutering does not necessarily reduce aggression. This interesting study showed no significant increase in aggression in sterilized dogs , except for those between 7 and 12 months of age. Scientists can still not explain this. Additionally, this study discovered that other hormones cause aggression in dogs. Oxytocin a hormone associated with social bonding and sexual reproduction and Vasopressin which maintains the concentration of salts and glucose in the blood plasma and the volume of water in the fluid surrounding cells can negatively impact dog behavior. Letting Your Labrador Run The Show What if you heard a Labrador owner say his dog never badly behaves, only to discover that the owner allows the dog to have the upper hand? Would you call that a well-behaved dog? Failing to set boundaries can be another reason your Labrador has behavioral issues. Dominance aggression is when the dog will try to be the alpha or single out one particular member to dominate. I can certainly relate to this, as my dog tried for months to boss me. Although I was as firm as the male family members, she never wanted to dominate them! Spoiling your dog is one of the major factors leading to dominance aggression in dogs. Medical Conditions or Malnutrition Your Labrador may show behavior problems due to medical issues, either physical, psychological, or both. For example, dogs with obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD may show tail chasing, circling behavior, vocalization, pica, self-directed aggression, and self-mutilation through biting. In this study , the most common clinical features of OCD in dogs were self-mutilation or grooming. Other medical conditions include injury and post-operative pain, which can trigger aggressive behavior. A hungry or malnourished Labrador can also cause behavior problems such as destructive chewing. Sometimes a history of starvation experienced by rescue dogs may leave them with an eating disorder in which they seek nourishment from non-food items known as pica. Owning a Labrador Retriever is exciting and rewarding for most owners. However, behavior problems associated with the breed can sometimes make it a challenge. What is most encouraging is knowing that you can manage these behavior problems. Exercise, training, eliminating triggers, and seeking a canine behaviorist are helpful and constructive ways to help your Labrador overcome his behavior shortcomings. You must practice patience and consistency every day and work at it. Good luck! When learning how to decipher the different types of dog speak, you need to understand why your Labrador is barking so much. Labradors bark for many reasons, including alerting you of danger, such as a stranger. Here are some examples: A warning or alert bark will be quick and sharp and may become more intense. A Labrador demanding something such as food or attention will have a piercing and persistent bark directed at you. A bored dog will have a repetitive monotone bark. A Labrador suffering from distress such as separation anxiety, or panic, will have a high-pitched and highly repetitive bark. As the dog gets more stressed, the barking may become even higher pitched or howling. A fearful or suspicious bark will be fast and low. A playful bark will be high-pitched, more tonal, and modulated. Labradors are creatures of habit, thrive on routine, and are one smart cookie. So, if your Lab constantly barks at you, you may wonder why? Your Labrador will bark at you demand barking to communicate various things to you, especially when he wants to get your attention or get something specific from you, such as food, play, or to go outside. Dogs soon learn that they can get what they want, mainly if you usually give in. The secret is to try and understand why your dog is barking in the first place and prevent it from occurring, for example, by ensuring he is sufficiently exercised. When your Labrador barks at you, and notably, if he also stares at you — this is known as demand barking. He will eventually learn that when he is calm, he receives something positive. Is your dog keeping you awake at night? Other than occasionally needing a toilet break or if he is ill or in pain, if this has become a regular occurrence, you will want to put a stop to it — quickly! So, why does your Labrador bark overnight? Your Labrador might bark at night to alert you of a danger or if he is anxious, fearful, or purely wants attention. Here are some tips to prevent your Labrador from barking at night: Use a crate from the first night you bring your dog home. Choose something like the all-inclusive Midwest for Pets icrate from Amazon. It comes with everything you need, such as a divider and a removable wipe-clean tray. This one also gives you the option of a single or double door, which is handy. But should you let your Labrador Puppy sleep with you? You have to ignore him. It can be hard to do this on the first night you bring your new puppy home, but you will undoubtedly thank me for this advice! Ensure your dog is comfortable whether you leave him in a bed or crate. Have water and toys handy. Make sure your Labrador has been exercised enough throughout the day. Most well-exercised dogs are desperate to go to bed at night to enjoy a sound sleep! Why Do Labradors Howl? Most people will associate howling with the wolf-like Siberian Husky. But did you know your Labrador also manifests this wolf-ancestry behavior once in a while? Labradors howl for many reasons, such as to warn you about a danger they can sense or respond to another howling dog in the neighborhood. They may also howl when reacting to high-pitched sounds such as sirens or music, seeking attention, if in pain or distress, or if suffering from separation anxiety. Usually, howling is a form of communication that dogs use outside their usual barking, groaning, or whining. Unless it is incessant, you have a normal dog. If your Labrador is howling to get your attention, treat this behavior similarly to demand barking. You need to ignore him and teach him that howling at you will not work. When he goes quiet and stops howling for a few seconds, use positive reinforcement, such as treats, and toys, with lots of verbal praise. Why Do Labradors Whine? Have you ever taken your dog on a car trip and heard the most horrendous whining as you park up somewhere? You may wonder why your Labrador is whining. Consult your vet if stress and anxiety have become an issue for your dog, as anti-anxiety medication may help. Separation anxiety. Treatments include counterconditioning that focuses on developing an association between being alone and good things, like treats. Desensitizing techniques can also help, along with medication. Again, consult your vet or a professional animal behaviorist. Attention-seeking whining is similar to demand barking, as mentioned in the section above. You will need to teach your Labrador that remaining quiet will lead to a more positive outcome. Appeasement whining is normal canine behavior and occurs when your dog tries to appease people or other dogs when they perceive aggression or a threat. Never yell or physically punish your Lab, which only causes fear and resentment. Why Do Labradors Groan? My dog will often groan with pleasure after eating a meal and flopping down with a full belly! Sometimes, it can be really amusing. But why does your Labrador groan? Medical reasons can also be the cause, e. Behavioral groaning is of no concern and is normal canine behavior. However, consult your vet if you suspect your Lab is groaning due to a medical reason. Labrador Retriever behavior consisting of lying or sitting on your feet can be cute — but sometimes annoying! So what exactly does it mean? When your Labrador lays on your feet, it can mean a few things, such as seeking and offering protection, wanting attention, or initiating play. Other reasons are to seek or show affection, feel warm and cozy, or mark his territory by spreading his scent on you. Here are a few examples of why your Labrador may lay on your feet, sit on your feet, or even lay on you! Seek and offer protection. Your Labrador will lay at your feet to feel safe and offer you protection simultaneously. Among pack dogs, the alpha has a prominent position. So, laying at your feet shows that he recognizes you as the alpha. But he also feels safe and secure alongside you. To seek attention or initiate play. Seek and show affection. Your Labrador may lay on your feet or sit on you to seek affection or show you their devotion. Labs are very affectionate and friendly, have a warm temperament, and love to cuddle. For warmth. Have you ever wondered why pack dogs would lie close together, especially in cold weather? Most pack dogs would lie close to each other to keep warm. Territory marking. Your Labrador will communicate that he belongs to you by spreading his scent on you. So, laying or sitting on your feet, lap, or belly whenever you sit or lie down is his way of labeling you with his scent. A study of 32 dogs showed that dogs preferred to be closer to pleasant people. You may wonder why your Lab will circle his bed, an area of the carpet or rug before lying down. Dogs may also assess their laying spot for anything harmful, such as vermin, or could cause them injuries before making a comfy nest. Despite centuries of domestication, there is little scientific data to prove the above — except for the belief that dogs circle before lying down to make a comfy nest. This small study of 62 dogs suggested that dogs are more likely to circle before lying down when presented with a soft, uneven surface to make a temporary nest to sleep. OCD is a psychological condition that often has a genetic tendency. Stricken dogs will repeatedly perform normal canine behavior and often fail to respond to therapy. Dogs worried about predators and protected their bellies by sleeping on them in the wild. Sleeping belly-down also allowed them to get up quickly if needed. So why do Labradors sometimes sleep on their back? Labradors sleep on their back with their paws in the air to cool down or when they feel very relaxed with their environment and are at ease exposing their belly. This shift is the result of hundreds of years of dog domestication. One of the cutest sleeping positions of puppies is when they sleep upside down — they are just more comfortable sleeping on their backs! Adult Labradors that sleep on their back for a while are also adorable. They are trusting of you and will no doubt sleep anywhere. Labradors may roll on their back for many different reasons. This dog behavior might occur when your Lab is alone, playing with you, or when with other dogs. Labradors roll on their back when seeking attention from you, e. Or to groom or scratch themselves, mark territory, change their body smell getting rid of a shampoo aroma , show confidence or contentment, or regulate body temperature. A roll on the back is often interpreted as being submissive during dog play. However, research has shown that rolling on the back is a combat tactic, not an act of submission. Your Labrador may roll over when playing with other dogs for two key reasons: To avoid a bite on the side of the neck be defensive. To launch an attack be offensive. Labradors will often roll over to scratch their back — since they cannot reach it with their paws! This could be normal scratching, but it could also be due to a flea or tick infestation. How To Solve Scratching! Labs will roll on their back to get a rub or tickle on their tummy when playing. So, avoid it if you do not want him to always ask for it! Your dog may also roll on his back to cool down. Why Do Labradors Roll in Poop? This is one of the weird dog behaviors that we find a little difficult to understand — rolling in stinky things, such as fox and badger feces or bird droppings! Some dogs love to cover themselves in foul smells that leave you spluttering in disgust. So, why do Labradors roll in poop? Dogs like pungent scents, and they encourage rolling action. Wild dogs had to hunt to survive. Your Labrador is leaving his scent behind. Your dog might be trying to leave his scent, similar to marking or spraying behavior. Your dog is interacting with you, his pack! Other packmates would track the scent back in the wild, which helped with their hunting. So, now you know why your Labrador rolls in poop, how do you prevent him from returning with a foul, pungent stench? When out on a walk with your dog, stay alert and limit his poo-rolling activities. Learn to anticipate it right before it begins. If I notice my dog sniffing or tracking the ground with greater intensity, I know she can smell the strong scent of the fox. Excitement urination is mainly associated with puppies, and most dogs will grow out of this behavior. But why do Labs pee when excited? Labradors pee when excited due to becoming exceptionally excited during greetings and playtime. Other causes are incomplete housetraining, accidental reinforcement, genetic predisposition, or a medical condition such as urinary bladder dysfunction or incontinence in elderly dogs. I have a complete guide to potty training your Labrador if you need any help in that department. Once you have ruled out medical causes, there are some things you can do to prevent your Labrador from peeing when excited: Keep greetings low-key; stay calm and quiet. Greet your puppy outside when you return home. Take him outside to potty, and use positive reinforcement. Clean up the mess with an enzymatic cleaner. This is when dogs will pee to mark their territory. Do you find it funny when your Labrador chases his tail? Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs, and most behavioral issues stem from monotony and insufficient exercise. Healthy adult dogs need at least two hours of daily activity, consisting of various walking, off-leash running, fetch, frisbee, agility, or swimming — Labs love to swim! If you laugh every time your Labrador chases his tail, you inadvertently reinforce his attention-seeking behavior. Labs are eager to please you, and your encouragement acts as positive reinforcement. He will, therefore, keep doing it, especially if he needs you to notice him! Has your Labrador been keeping an eye on you? Do you sense him intently staring at you from the corner of the room? Some stares may be cute, others not so. Your Labrador stares at you to communicate with you. Examples are expressing love and devotion, seeking attention, or manipulating you to get what he wants, such as food or playtime. He may also stare at you to communicate displeasure, sense your mood, or when resource guarding. Here are some examples: Seek Attention. Labradors will stare at you to seek your attention. His stare serves to remind you that he needs his meal too! Manipulate you to get something. When your Lab stares at you with eyes of pity, he wants you to concede and let him have his way! My dog will sit in front of me every evening and intensely stare when she wants me to play. In the wolf world, staring is rude and threatening, and some dogs may retain that trait. So, if your dog stares at you intensely, without blinking, and has a stiff stance, he might be communicating some displeasure. And if the uninterrupted hard stare is directed towards a stranger, they should back away and not stare back! Resource guarding. This is often combined with a hard, aggressive stare where your Lab will guard his food or toys. Resource guarding is a behavior problem, and you may need to consult a professional dog behaviorist. Check out this article for greater insight into this topic, Resource Guarding in Labradors. Final Thoughts As you have now learned, there are many Labrador behaviors. Most are entirely natural and designed to seek attention, protect, show dominance or defensiveness, express feelings, show affection, or mark territory. However, some dog behaviors may be a sign of an underlying medical issue. But you should now be able to identify those concerning ones where you should visit your vet. Related Posts You May Like:. Of course, it all happens much faster in them though, because they pack it all into and average of just 12 or 13 years. Between 6 and 12 months old, they will enter adolescence. At a year old, they are a mature adolescent. Sometime between 2 and 3 years old they become physically and mentally mature. And at 9 years old, they start to become seniors. Labrador behavior by age: the first 6 months Infant Labradors are champion nappers, attached to their primary carer to the point of clinginess, playful, and impulsive. Sleep patterns Young Labrador puppies are growing and learning fast, and they need a lot of sleep to support their development. So, they make up for it by napping frequently during the day. Which is alright for them, even though it can be cripplingly tiring for us! But hang in there — most puppies are sleeping through the night at 14 weeks old. After that they will gradually start waking earlier in the morning too. There is a double whammy of reasons for this. Firstly, they are instinctively aware that they are still too small and vulnerable to survive alone. Secondly, Labradors have been bred over many generations to be innately people-focussed, since dogs who were naturally motivated to remain close to their owners made better workers. Playfulness Labrador puppies spend more time playing than at any other time in their lives. But lots of first time puppy parents are taken aback by exactly how ferocious puppy play behavior can be! Barking, growling, lunging, pouncing, and biting are all completely normal elements of puppy play. In the wild, they would be valuable practice for hunting in future, and the natural instinct to start practicing early lives on, even this long after domestication. Impulsiveness Puppies of all types are generally a chaotic presence. They have very little impulse control, so they rarely sit still for long, and they cannot resist temptation. Make sure those shoes are kept out of reach in the first place, and give your puppy plenty of suitable toys instead. The sweet spot There is a point when a Labrador puppy is roughly akin to an 8 year old child. They sleep well, use the toilet in the right place, understand instructions, and hang off your every word. A whole new stage of Labrador behavior is coming! If we think of it in terms of their wild ancestors again, they are no longer so vulnerable and reliant on the protection of adults around them. And time to start thinking for themselves, in anticipation of being an self-sufficient adult soon. You might start to discover that the little puppy who never left your side off the leash will suddenly cross soccer fields to say hello to another dog. These are all normal parts of growing up. During this stage, you need to protect your cues by not using them when your dog is likely to ignore you, and manage their opportunities to make unwanted decisions instead. For example, by using a long line, or exercising them in a secure field. Adolescence is also associated with the onset of sex differences in behavior. For example, unneutered male dogs tend to carry out more scent marking than either spayed or intact females, or neutered males. And unspayed female dogs will start going into heat every 6 months or so. As they become more independent, and stop relying on others to look out for them, they instinctively become more cautious about new and unfamiliar things as well. If this happens, the key is not to push them to handle more than they are comfortable with — given them space, and and gradually restore they emotional response to a positive one using treats. Labrador behavior by age: adulthood By the time your Labrador is 2 or 3 years old, their physical and emotional journey to adulthood is complete. Hopefully, if you socialized them carefully as a puppy, and trained them consistently until now, they have become all the things you dreamed of. And at last, they have reached a point where if you treat them consistently, their behavior will remain consistent too. The Labrador breed is famous for being friendly and easy company. They are exceptional at learning and remembering new cues, and famously food motivated, so teaching and maintaining good manners should be straightforward. But without enough exercise they might resort to unwanted behaviors such as chewing furniture, barking or digging in the garden. Factors which will affect the behavior of your mature adult Labrador include: The temperament of their parents Socialization they received as a puppy Training How much physical exercise they get How much mental stimulation they receive Diet How much time they spend alone Health factors Positive and negative experiences An example of how health factors and experience can affect behavior is if a Lab experiencing joint pain from hip dysplasia is jumped on by a playful younger dog. This could make them reactive towards encounters with other dogs in future, because they want to warn off another potentially painful experience. Labrador behavior by age: the senior years In veterinary terms, Labradors are considered senior from roughly 9 years old onwards. However, many Labs remain active long past this point. The average retirement age of Labradors working as gundogs is 10 years old , and this is more likely to be due to physical factors such as arthritis or deafness than not being mentally up to the job any more. But, old age is associated with a broad range of physical changes, and increased likelihood of illnesses, many of which can cause behavior changes. For example Senior dogs are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes , and are less able to fight off infections like UTIs. Which means their toilet habits might change, including needing to get up in the night to pee again. Sensory changes such as sight and hearing loss mean they might become less responsive to your cues, or less confident in unfamiliar situations. Physical changes like loss of muscle mass and degeneration of their joints means they might slow down, and be less interested in things they used to enjoy, like walks or playing fetch. The older they get, the more likely dogs are to show signs of canine cognitive dysfunction CCD , which his akin to dementia in humans. CCD may include behavior changes such as night waking, forgetfulness, and becoming disorientated. Take your senior dog for regular veterinary checks to help manage these changes, and for practical advice on making their golden years as comfortable as possible. Labrador behavior by age — summary Labrador behavior by age can be viewed in terms of four distinct periods — puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood and senior years. Adulthood is the easiest, and thankfully the longest too! Whilst all the other stages present their own unique challenges, they are just that — stages, which will pass. Knowing what to expect makes them easier to manage, and realizing they are transient helps us appreciate the privilege of spending a lifetime with our Labs. Have you got any tips for surviving the puppy and adolescent stages? In general, she's a great dog. Very sweet and smart, but for some reason over the past few weeks she seems to be testing the limits more than usual. I know about the adolescent phase they supposedly hit around months, but it's almost like she is hitting hers now. For example, yesterday I worked a half a day at the office. Usually when we leave her alone for that amount of time, we close the bedroom and bathroom doors and she has the rest of the house to wander around in, and she's always done just great with this. Yesterday I came home to find she had chewed up the arm of the couch. She also seems to be "listening" less.She gets plenty of attention, walks, exercise, etc. I'm hoping it's a late adolescence phase, as everyone tells us that labs stay in the puppy phase for a good two years.We are going to put her in doggy-day-care one or two days a week, hoping that will help with some of the excess energy she seems to have found lately. Think that might help? Yep, this sounds like the classic case of "the terrible twos" human children aren't the only critters to go through this phase. As to the chewing up of your sofa, that sounds to me like it might be a case of separation anxiety. Perfectly normal dogs that behave very well when at home with their owners suddenly become destructive when left alone. This is not a behavioral condition that is isolated to just labs either. It is good that you keep your bedroom and bathroom doors closed. Before I learned that lesson my mastiff puppy used to pull my clothes off the hangers in my closet and then dragged them around the house when I was not around. To keep my puppies from chewing my furniture I mix equal parts of alum and white vinegar together and covered my wood furniture with the solution. Even after it dries the alum remains. It is not toxic to dogs, cats, or children. If they lick the surface where it has been applied, it will leave a very sour taste in their mouth which most dogs do not like. Taking her to a day-care a couple times a week will certainly help. Buying her a few extra toys to play with may also help her with the separation anxiety, but not always. Most dogs get over this phase by the time they are two years old. Males may take a little longer than females to get over it because they mature slower.

It also contains salmon meal, which is a high-quality variety of fish meal. Like other Wellness offerings, this food is made in the USA without artificial preservatives or meat by-products. He loves it and I like the fact it is vet recommended and has both pre and probiotics. It contains all the essential vitamins and minerals your dog needs: vitamins B6, B12, and D3, to name a few. Our only complaint is that the first ingredient is chicken by-product meal. Our first pick would be a real meat of higher quality. However, the nutrients and substantial protein level make this a great food for a growing Bernedoodle puppy. Royal Canin does studies and tests to make sure their food supplies all the nutrition needed. The first ingredient in this Purina food is real lamb. There are plenty of nutrients here, including DHA, vitamins, and live probiotics for gut health. It even has a small amount of garlic oil which helps lower cholesterol and prevent blood clots. I am very happy with it. Real chicken is the first ingredient in this one. The amount of fat, carbs, calcium and phosphorous has been carefully planned by nutritional experts, so you can feel confident knowing your dog is getting just the right amount of nutrients for his size and age. We also love to see sufficient levels of DHA here that will help your pup with brain development. I was only interested in a small bag and found exactly what I needed. Fair price and rapid delivery! One huge benefit of this Solid Gold formula is the number of superfoods packed into it: veggies like broccoli and carrots, and fruits such as blueberries and cranberries. It even has pumpkin and kelp! This is sure to deliver the vitamins and antioxidants your little Bernedoodle is craving. If your dog is prone to food allergies, you might be in luck here. No wheat, corn or soy are used in this food. Very happy we switched to this. The list goes on from there, including eggs, chicken liver, and herring. Like other Orijen formulas, this kibble is freeze-dried coated for extra flavor. The ingredients are so good, your little pup should dive right into this one. He is healthy, has tons of energy, a beautiful coat and no digestive issues. Check with your veterinarian if you have concerns about food restrictions. Salmon is the first ingredient. In fact, this product contains no beef or chicken, so it will also work well for pups who have allergies to those ingredients. The omega fatty acids should also help maintain a shiny coat. She has a soft and shiny coat! She loves it! Check the feeding instructions on the package for more detailed information. How long should a Bernedoodle eat puppy food? You should feed your Bernedoodle puppy food until he is no longer growing. This will typically occur between 6 and 18 months. After you have confirmed with your veterinarian that your Bernedoodle has reached full size, you can switch to an adult kibble formula. What are Bernedoodles allergic to? Like many breeds, bernedoodles are prone to food allergies. Your puppy may be allergic to beef, chicken, wheat, dairy, eggs, or other ingredients. Whenever you switch to a new food, you should monitor his behavior and appearance and take note of any allergic reaction. Check with your vet if you have any questions. Conclusion We know you want the absolute best food for your precious Bernedoodle puppy! Now is the best time to consider his nutritional needs since he is still growing and needs plenty of protein, vitamins and minerals. For now, we hope this article helps you select a great dog food for your pup. Post navigation. You have done your research, and are ready to take the leap. It is no surprise that many people are adding Bernedoodles to their families. This large breed puppy has a friendly temperament and a fierce loyalty. We personally got a Bernedoodle last year, and she just turned one. I remember the day we brought her home trying to figure out how much to feed a Bernedoodle puppy. As a new puppy parent, the last thing you want to do is over or under feed your new pet, so hopefully this post serves as helpful for you with your new Bernedoodle puppy. This post may contain affiliate links All about Bernedoodles Bernedoodles are adaptable, making them a wonderful choice for novice or veteran owners. They are smart and protective dogs. This makes them great for young ages. If you are just doing your beginning research, the Bernedoodle breed is a combination of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They inherit their intelligence from the Poodle parent. It is obvious that the goofy traits are those of the Bernese Mountain Dog parent. These parent breeds create a perfect family dog. Their size is determined by the Poodle parent. They are broken down into size categories. Bernedoodles can be toy, mini or standard. One thing that is pretty surprising is that the different sizes do not typically affect their food choices during puppyhood. Bernedoodle puppies are known to love younger children. They are playful and gentle as a lifelong companion. Bernedoodles are smart but are also silly. This trait makes them a good choice for all ages. As a mom of four kids, this was very important to me. If you want to learn more about owning Bernedoodle — I have a whole blog post here with all the details on what is like to truly own a Bernedoodle puppy. How much to Feed a Bernedoodle Puppy As you prepare to become a bernedoodle parent, their growth and development are important to you. You are undoubtedly concerned about health issues or health problems that may arise. Did you know that there is a big difference between puppy food and adult dog food? It may be hard to know where to start, but I will break it down for you! In their full size, they are big dogs. At their full height, they are also very tall. Their looks can be deceiving. Even though they are larger dogs, they may not need more food than a typical dog. You want to be prepared with this knowledge before you decide if this dog is right for you. How do you ensure a healthy lifestyle for your pup? It is important to learn how much food is necessary in their different life stages. The Reasoning Behind the Puppy Food New dog owners have several choices to make when it comes to food. It can be overwhelming, but there are a few simple things to keep in mind for a balanced diet. Your main goal is a healthy, happy dog! Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. Puppy food is specifically designed for growing pups. As they grow, they are burning more calories. This means that they need more calories per pound of body weight to sustain their developing bodies. Bernedoodle puppies need more fatty acids and high protein diets. These puppies complete a majority of their growth within two or three years. In these first few years, they will need higher amounts of protein calories. Veterinarians will say that it is, however, not toxic for your puppy to eat adult dog food. They may suggest that you do your best to stick to these separate kinds of dog food for optimal health. This type of food is typically referred to as adult maintenance for day-to-day living. It should be clearly labeled on the packages. Once they have reached their adult weight, they can maintain the health benefits from their simpler diet. The transition from puppy food to adult dog food should be seamless. Bernedoodle dogs are laid back and not picky! Most of the time, they will eat what is put in front of them. Now that we have covered the difference between the types of dog food, we will get right to specific amounts for Bernedoodle puppies. Our Penny had a very sensitive stomach as a puppy, and we have stuck with this puppy food and been very happy with the choice. She seems to be happy and thriving on it. Specific amounts of Food for Bernedoodle Puppies Young puppies that are two to six months of age typically eat three different times a day. The daily amount of puppy food depends on weeks of age and how much they weigh. It will also depend on how much exercise they receive. I will break that down specifically. But, it is important to keep in mind that their food intake will increase as they grow. At around six months of age, Bernedoodle puppies can eat twice a day. This schedule may continue for adult Bernedoodles. They are growing very quickly. Setting your puppy up with proper nutrients will benefit growth, brain health and a long lifespan. It is helpful to stick to designated eating times for your puppy. Do not forget that It is a good choice to check the directions of the healthy dog food you purchase. On the back of each package, there should be a suggested serving size. As always, contact your veterinarian if you are concerned about how your Bernedoodle is developing. Interestingly enough, adult Bernedoodle dogs tend to only eat one serving a day. They can finish their larger amount of food in one sitting. When they reach an even older age it may be difficult for them to finish this serving in one feeding. It is helpful to spread these servings out for older dogs while it gets harder to finish a meal. At this point you will be in tune to what your Bernedoodle dog needs. Bernedoodles are known for their love of food! It is easy to over-feed your puppy. A general rule is to check their ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs easily but not be able to see them at a glance. This is a great way to check on your Bernedoodle dogs and their weight gain. It can be tempting to feed your pup food from the table. This seems innocent but can create poor eating habits down the road. It can also disrupt their digestive systems. You have worked hard to create a healthy diet and want to keep it that way. If a Bernedoodle puppy is hungry, they will eat from their designated spot and will not need anything extra. Do not forget that although the feeding schedule is important, we cannot forget about giving our dogs plenty of exercise! Long walks will encourage a healthy life for your Bernedoodle and for you. Overall health includes diet and exercise. This is another reason why Bernedoodle puppies are a wonderful family dog. They have plenty of energy to keep up with toddlers. It is also a helpful way to encourage your teens to get outside and away from their technology. Bernedoodle Puppy Food — Dog Food Options With a growing amount of dog food brands, it can be hard to pick the best food. As you browse the isles, it is obvious to note that wet food is more expensive than dry food. However, they are both great options! The standard Bernedoodle loves to eat and they are such large breeds that they can eat a lot. Fortunately for dog owners, many dogs love dry food. Wet or raw dog food has less carbohydrates than dry food and can be more hydrating. Many veterinarians suggest that either kind is a great choice! I would find a brand and type that fits into your grocery budget. Bernedoodles tend to eat what they are given. If only this trait would rub off on the human puppies we have. There is nothing wrong with the dry kibble choice! Each type of dog food has the nutrients it needs to help your dog grow. The biggest difference between dry and wet dog food may be the way it is digested. Keep in mind — that as with kids and yourself there may be adjusting to find what is best for your puppy. Start with a small bag the first time you purchase puppy food, and if you are changing them from what they were on at a breeder or in a shelter mix the new food with the previous food for a slower change on their gut. Now that you have been prepared with nutrition knowledge, you are ready to welcome that pup in to the family. Giving them proper puppy and adult dog food will help create a healthy dog. More than food, your Bernedoodle needs love and affection. This will not be difficult at all. Bernedoodles are easy to create a bond with. I know that you will love your Bernedoodle puppy as much as my family does! If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments below, and be sure to pin the photo below to find this post later. Related Posts:. It even seems to go down a treat with fussy pups who otherwise turn their nose up at kibble. Pet parents comment that the ingredients are high quality, and one even goes as far as to say the food almost smells good enough for people to eat! Pros Given that this food is specifically formulated with puppies in mind, it has everything a growing dog needs to keep them happy and healthy. Cons Two concerns mentioned by reviewers are the price — which some say is a little high although many say the food is worth it and the fact that the bag is not resealable. You might have to transfer this food to another container to keep it fresh. It can also be the most expensive if you prepare food each day rather than in batches to freeze. Now filler ingredients are the number one enemy of pet owners looking to grab their dog some tasty, healthy nosh at a reasonable price. Many companies make use of such ingredients because they are cheap, easy, and sadly there are no rules against using them — yet. Look for foods that list the fillers low on the list so that you know your dog is not getting an unhealthy amount of fillers. The Long Debate Bernedoodle Feeding Guide A feeding schedule is essential to ensure your pup receives the right amount of food at the right time of day. Under four months, you can let your puppy graze. However, after this age, their mealtimes need to be a little more regulated to stop them from putting on too much weight too quickly. Smaller Bernies should be fed little and often, whereas larger ones should be given four small meals a day. At six months, your dog can switch over to an adult feeding schedule and formula. Mealtimes should be reduced to either twice or three times daily, and this routine will remain in place for their adult lives unless there are any changes in their health. Bernies are, generally speaking, happy, healthy hounds. For this reason, any high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog food, prepared for their size and life stage, should do the trick. All of the foods on our list come highly recommended by pet owners and are well suited to a Bernies needs. Is chicken bad for Bernedoodles? While some dogs may be sensitive to chicken and chicken by-products, this is an occasional rather than frequent allergy. However, it can develop later in life. If you are feeding your pup food with chicken as the main ingredient, keep an eye out for any signs of sensitivity, such as changes in bowel movements or itchy skin. Are Bernedoodles picky eaters? Bernedoodles are generally not picky eaters; in fact, quite the reverse. Bernedoodles are fun, fab, lively hounds, and they make excellent pets. However, as is the case with any pet, we need to take care of them to the very best of our ability. A major part of this is giving them food that will keep them happy, healthy, and just as full of life as they naturally are. It is not intended to be a substitute for qualified professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like. A diet that meets these life-stage needs is essential for proper development and health maintenance. Bernedoodle puppies. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for Bernedoodle puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial developmental stage. Adult Bernedoodles. Require a diet that is moderate in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. You must slowly transition your dog to an adult recipe at one year old. Senior Bernedoodles. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. At around 8 or 9, you should slowly transition your Bernedoodle to senior food. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are important to boost their weakening immune system. High-quality, nutrient-dense food fuels Bernedoodles for their naturally energetic and playful behavior. Proteins are vital for muscle development and repair, while fats provide an efficient energy source. Carbohydrates, particularly complex ones, offer sustained energy. However, overfeeding or feeding a nutrient-deficient diet can lead to obesity or other health issues. Portion control and ensuring a balanced diet aligned with their exercise regimen are essential for maintaining optimal health and activity levels. Similarly, periods of high activity may require increased caloric intake, while less active periods may necessitate a reduction in food portion sizes. Although certain health issues that Bernedoodles may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet. Some of the most common health issues faced by Bernedoodles include the following: Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Bernedoodles. Food allergies in Bernedoodles may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. Hip and elbow dysplasia. These genetic conditions affect the joints in large dog breeds like Bernedoodles. Both can lead to discomfort, pain, and lameness. Eye conditions. Like their parent breed, the Bernese Mountain Dog, Bernedoodles are prone to certain hereditary eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy PRA and cataracts. Both conditions can lead to vision loss if not diagnosed and treated early. It can lead to prolonged bleeding following injury or surgery. It can result in weakness, vomiting, and weight loss. Gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV. Immediate veterinary intervention is necessary. Sebaceous adenitis. This is a skin condition where the sebaceous glands become inflamed and can eventually be destroyed. It can lead to hair loss, scaling, and secondary skin infections. A disorder that causes insufficient thyroid hormones. Here are the key qualities to look for in dog food for Bernedoodles. Avoid common allergies. Because Bernedoodles can develop allergies or food intolerances, we highly recommend conducting an at-home dog allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens. Bernedoodles can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Bernedoodles can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Bernedoodles. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs. Joint health support. For mitigating the effects of hip and elbow dysplasia, look for dog food that includes ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint health. To counteract eye conditions like PRA and cataracts, choose food packed with antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C, and E, which can help protect eye health. For hypothyroidism, look for food with ingredients high in iodine, like fish, as it aids thyroid function. Always consult a vet, though, as your pet may need additional supplementation. Suitable for skin health. For sebaceous adenitis, a diet rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids will be beneficial as they can help maintain skin health. Vitamin K. Balanced electrolytes. A diet that is not excessively high in potassium would be beneficial. Chapter 2: The Reviews. Bernedoodles require a well-balanced diet that is high in protein and low in grains and fillers. Look for dog food brands that use high-quality ingredients, such as meat as the first ingredient and no artificial preservatives or fillers. Understanding Bernedoodles Bernedoodles come in different sizes, including toy, mini, and standard, and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 90 pounds. These dogs have a thick, curly coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Bernedoodles are also prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, eye problems, and skin allergies. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health and well-being. When it comes to feeding Bernedoodles, it is crucial to consider their size, age, and activity level. Toy and mini Bernedoodles require smaller portions of food than standard Bernedoodles. Additionally, puppies and young dogs need more calories and nutrients to support their growth and development. It is recommended to feed Bernedoodles high-quality dog food that contains real meat, whole grains, and vegetables. Avoid dog food that contains artificial preservatives, fillers, and by-products. It is also essential to provide your Bernedoodle with fresh water at all times and to monitor their weight to prevent obesity. Nutritional Needs of Bernedoodles The nutritional needs of Bernedoodles vary depending on their age, size, and activity level. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you ensure that your furry friend gets the right nutrients in the right amounts. Protein Protein is an essential nutrient for Bernedoodles as it helps to build and repair muscles, tissues, and organs. Fat Fat is another crucial nutrient for Bernedoodles as it provides energy and helps to maintain healthy skin and coat. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are a good source of energy for Bernedoodles, but they should not be the primary source of nutrition. A well-balanced diet for Bernedoodles should contain complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, and whole grains. Vitamins and Minerals Bernedoodles require vitamins and minerals to maintain their overall health and well-being. A well-balanced diet should contain essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E, as well as minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. Water Water is an essential nutrient for Bernedoodles as it helps to regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, and remove waste from the body. It is important to ensure that your furry friend has access to clean and fresh water at all times. American Journey American Journey is a popular dog food brand that offers high-quality dog food formulas for different dog breeds, including Bernedoodles. Their dog food formula contains real lamb as the first ingredient, omega fatty acids, and antioxidant-rich wholesome vegetables, making it an excellent choice for Bernedoodles. Rachael Ray Nutrish Rachael Ray Nutrish is another top dog food brand that offers a variety of dog food formulas that are suitable for Bernedoodles. Blue Buffalo Blue Buffalo is a well-known dog food brand that offers a wide range of dog food formulas that are specially formulated for different dog breeds and sizes. Their Freedom Grain-Free Adult Dog Food is a great option for Bernedoodles as it contains high-quality protein, healthy carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. Royal Canin Royal Canin is a premium dog food brand that offers a variety of dog food formulas that are tailored to meet the nutritional needs of different dog breeds. Their Medium Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option for Bernedoodles as it contains high-quality protein, whole grains, and essential vitamins and minerals. Purina Pro Plan Purina Pro Plan is a trusted dog food brand that offers a variety of dog food formulas that are designed to meet the nutritional needs of different dog breeds and sizes. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best dog food brand and formula for your furry friend. Ingredients to Look for in Dog Food Choosing the best dog food for your Bernedoodle can be a daunting task, but one of the most important things to consider is the ingredients. The right ingredients can provide your dog with the necessary nutrients to maintain a healthy and happy life. Here are some key ingredients to look for when selecting a dog food for your Bernedoodle: High-Quality Protein Protein is an essential nutrient for dogs, and it should make up a significant portion of their diet. Look for dog foods that have high-quality sources of protein, such as chicken, beef, fish, or lamb. Whole Grains Whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, and barley, are excellent sources of carbohydrates and fiber. They provide your dog with energy and help keep their digestive system healthy. Avoid dog foods that contain fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, which can cause allergies and digestive problems in some dogs. Fruits and Vegetables Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Look for dog foods that include ingredients like sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, and spinach. Look for dog foods that contain sources of these fatty acids, such as fish oil, flaxseed, and chicken fat. Probiotics are live bacteria that help promote healthy gut bacteria, while prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed the good bacteria. Look for dog foods that contain ingredients like chicory root, inulin, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food As a Bernedoodle owner, it is important to be aware of the ingredients that are harmful to your furry friend. Here are some of the ingredients you should avoid in dog food: Artificial Preservatives Artificial preservatives such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are commonly used in dog food to extend their shelf life. However, these preservatives have been linked to cancer and other health problems in dogs. It is best to choose dog food brands that use natural preservatives such as Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Artificial Colors Artificial colors such as Blue 2, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 are added to dog food to make it more appealing to pet owners. However, these colors have been linked to hyperactivity, allergies, and cancer in dogs. It is best to choose dog food brands that do not use artificial colors. Meat By-Products Meat by-products are the leftover parts of animals after the meat has been removed. These parts can include organs, bones, and other parts that are not fit for human consumption. Corn, Wheat, and Soy Corn, wheat, and soy are commonly used as fillers in dog food. However, these ingredients can be difficult for dogs to digest and can cause allergies and other health problems. It is best to choose dog food brands that use high-quality, easily digestible carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, peas, and brown rice. Avoid overfeeding your puppy, as this can lead to obesity and health problems later in life. Provide plenty of fresh water at all times. Adult Stage Once your Bernedoodle reaches adulthood, their nutritional needs will change. Senior Stage As your Bernedoodle enters their senior years, their nutritional needs will change once again. By following these general feeding guidelines, you can help ensure that your Bernedoodle receives a well-balanced diet that promotes their overall health and well-being. Abruptly changing their food can upset their stomach and cause digestive issues. If they experience any vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, slow down the transition by adding more of the old food to their diet. When selecting a new food for your Bernedoodle, make sure to choose one that meets their nutritional needs. Look for a food that contains high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid foods that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products. Conclusion The best dog food for your Bernedoodle is crucial for their overall health and well-being. This formula contains high-quality real lamb as the first ingredient, omega fatty acids, and wholesome vegetables. It is also free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Both of these options provide a balanced and nutritious diet for your Bernedoodle. Overall, providing your Bernedoodle with a high-quality and nutritious diet is essential for their long-term health and happiness. Frequently Asked Questions What should you feed a Bernedoodle? When it comes to feeding your Bernedoodle, it is essential to provide a balanced and complete diet. You can choose dry or wet food, but make sure to read the label and check the ingredients before buying. Is Royal Canin good for Bernedoodles? Royal Canin is a popular brand of dog food that manufactures breed-specific formulas. While some Bernedoodle owners may find it suitable for their dogs, it is important to note that not all dogs have the same nutritional needs. It is best to consult with your veterinarian before deciding on a specific brand of dog food. What can Bernedoodles not eat? Bernedoodles should not eat foods that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and avocados. How long should Bernedoodles be on puppy food? Bernedoodles should be on puppy food until they are around one year old. After that, you can switch them to adult dog food. Is chicken bad for Bernedoodles? Chicken is not bad for Bernedoodles as long as it is cooked and served without any bones. Cooked chicken is an excellent source of protein for dogs, but it should not be the only source of protein in their diet. What should I feed my Bernedoodle? You can feed your Bernedoodle a high-quality dry or wet dog food that is specifically formulated for their size and age. Additionally, you can supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, cooked meats, and other healthy foods. It is best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate diet for your dog. Share this:.

Pin64 71 Shares When we first brought Claude home, we had no idea on how much food we should be giving him. We spoke to our vet, and this is what he told us about how much you should feed a French bulldog puppy. A French bulldog puppy should be fed 3 times a day whilst there are still 2 to 6 months old. Once the French bulldog puppy reaches 6 months, you can reduce the feeding schedule down to 2 meals a day. But now having been a French bulldog owner for 3 years, I can now look back and give you some more detail on exactly what our French bulldog puppy feeding schedule was like and how it worked for us and him. French bulldog puppy feeding chart Below you can see a French bulldog puppy feeding guide I put together. It contains some rough guidance on how you should schedule and plan his feeds, and what other factors you might need to take into account. Please do print it out and put on your fridge. How many cups of food should I feed my French Bulldog? Before you look at the French Bulldog feeding chart below, you might want the quick answer to how many cups of food to feed your French Bulldog. As a general rule of thumb, you should feed a French Bulldog puppy aged 8 to 12 weeks around 1 and a half cups of food a day, in 3 separate meals. As your Frenchie gets older, the number of cups of food you should feed them will change. You can see the cup amounts and frequencies in the French Bulldog feeding chart graphic below. This French bulldog puppy feeding chart tells you how much you should feed them Source: Canin The French bulldog puppy feeding chart shown above is taken from the Royal Canin dog food range. This is exactly what we fed Claude as he was growing up. They range a specific French bulldog puppy food, and on the packaging you will see a version of the chart above, including how best to feed your own puppy. Handy Hint: To stop your Frenchie from bloating and possibly choking you should use a suitable feeding bowl. Here are the best French Bulldog food bowls that vets recommend. When you take your puppy to his new home, he should already be used to eating puppy food. As I mentioned earlier, you should be feeding your French bulldog puppy 3 times a day. They need that regularity as they are growing and burning a lot of calories. You know how energetic they are! How much you feed them at each mealtime will typically be half a cup of their dry puppy food. Across the day, that will equate 1. However, their weight and health will then determine how much you feed them as they get older. Calories matter, but are hard to count As French bulldogs get older, you should try to feed them according to their weight. For every pound, they should be fed between 25 and 30 calories. However, for the rest of this French bulldog puppy feeding guide, I am just going to talk in cups. Puppy weight How can weigh your puppy at the vets or, and this is can be a more interesting and fun way if your puppy already knows how to sit, have them sit on a scale at home. It will not be as accurate as a scale at the vet, but it could be a cheap and fun experience for you and your pet. Because of this, your puppy may be a little stubborn about eating dry and wet food if they were only just recently weaned. Here is where the math gets a little more detailed, but not too complicated. When they are between 8 to 12 weeks old, the puppy should be fed about 1. This food should be high in calories since they need extra nutrients that they are no longer getting from their mother. This kind of follows the main rule when it comes to spreading out the meals to 3 times a day. But for younger pups, many owners will split the 1. Because feeding them 0. Once they are between 6 and 9 months old, they should be used to their eating routine. That is when the main rule is applied because by then, the pup will be maturing into its adult size and should weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. What about older dogs? Also, if you are wondering how much they should be fed once they start hitting their senior years, they should be fed a little less as long only if they are not as active. Make sure you still stretch out the meals to 3 to 4 times like when they were puppies because it is not uncommon for their stomachs to weaken with old age. Overweight or underweight? French bulldog puppies usually weight between 8. Once they reach 6 to 9 months, they are just at or are closer to reaching their adult weight, .If the puppy is underweight, then add very small increments to each meal every day until they are no longer underweight. It is important to not add too much food because of the possibility of them getting a twisted stomach. If the puppy is overweight, you can either slightly reduce the size of their meal until they lose weight, or you can give them more exercise. Many people prefer the later since it helps the pup to get stronger and adds more bonding time. The same methods apply to grown French bulldogs as well. Handy Hint: Read this guide which explains how to check if you have a fat French Bulldog who needs to lose weight, with tips on how to get the pounds down. If the dog does not appear to be gaining weight when they are underweight or vice versa if they are overweight, you might want to take them to the vet since it could be a sign that something is affecting their health. Health conditions Since not every animal is the same, ask your vet the next time your pup has a check-up what a French bulldog of their size and age should weigh. Health factors like diabetes yes, dogs can have diabetes , can make your pup need a more strict diet or feeding routine. Here are some different diets and feeding routines. Raw food vs. Many dog lovers say that there are too many preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and protein in dry and wet food. While the raw food diet can be more natural, especially if it is organic, you also have to make sure your pup would be getting more foods with vitamins and minerals mixed in with the raw food that your pup would need. Raw food diets can be more expensive, require more storage room for the meats and veggies, and take longer to prepare. However, you would be personally ensuring that your little French bulldog pup is getting their full daily nutrition without harmful by-products and additives. Is there a good dry food diet? Possibly the biggest questions out of all of them: is there any good dry dog food out there and how do I find them? The answer is yes, there can be some healthy dry dog food products, but it takes some time to look for. The key is to look for dog food that does not contain any preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and too much protein. Fillers basically do not provide any nutritional value and can even harm your dog since most of the ingredients they use as fillers are common allergies for dogs that can cause skin conditions, bowel issues, and more. Wheat and corn are included since they are also a popular allergen for dogs. Too much protein is even more dangerous for them since it can put more pressure on the organs, throw off nutritional balance, increase the likelihood of diabetes, and can harm dogs that already have diabetes. To see the safe and dangerous fruits list, click here. Another two meat choices would be duck and turkey, but these are a little less common to find, especially if you are looking for a French bulldog specific dog food. Your dog eats his food too quickly Another common problem is how do you control how fast your French bulldog puppy eats. French bulldogs love to eat their food and eat it fast, which is one of the primary causes of GDV. Frenchies will stop eating for a number of reasons, some more serious that others. Conclusion So there you have it, your guide to how much you should feed your French bulldog puppy. Everything in this feeding schedule and the French bulldog feeding chart you see is based on personal experience. Once in the morning, and once in the early evening. Keep a regular feeding routine, and your Frenchies will stay as healthy as ours has! How often should I feed my French Bulldog puppy? Home » How often should I feed my French Bulldog puppy? Your puppy has been on unlimited food all of the time. If on the smaller side 5lbs , we recommend four times per day. If a little bit stouter, you can start with three times a day. We recommend giving them as much as they want at each setting while they are growing babies. As they age and grow you can take it down to times per day. Two feedings per day seems to be the amount of times most people end up feeding their Frenchies. When you place your puppy on a feeding schedule it helps with the potty training as well. After eating, take them outside to potty. Make sure to tell your little one how good he is for doing his duty outside. Basically you just fill the water up to the level of the dogfood. If they continue to turn their nose up at the kibble, try adding a bit of canned dogfood to the kibble. Puppies are like humans. Some overeat when stressed and some undereat. Changing to a new home is an environmental stressor even though we are sure your Frenchie is enjoying being the center of your world. Each Frenchie is different and each human family is different. Do your best at scheduling for you and your Frenchie to live your best lives. We do not claim to be veterinarians. French Bulldogs can easily become overweight or underweight , especially the lazy ones. Some french bulldogs are hyperactive while others are couch potatoes. It is also critical that you maintain a consistent feeding schedule and never slack off on feeding your French Bulldog. Even more important than that is feeding your Frenchie the proper amount of food daily. Young Frenchies have high caloric and nutrient needs. French Bulldogs aged anywhere from weeks of age need a total of 1. Spreading out the meals minimizes the peaks of energy your French Bulldog will experience due to dramatic rises and decreases in blood sugar levels between meals. Feeding only twice daily can sometimes lead to gastric dilatation volvulus. By this stage, your French Bulldog is ready to get into an eating routine that they will continue on for the rest of their happy, little chubby lives, barring no serious medical ailments later on in life. From around 6 months to 1 year of age, you can start feeding your French Bulldog a very high quality adult doggy food. It is important to maintain a strict routine for your French Bulldog. You can always supplement a few treats in between. Wink wink. A half a cup at a time will make sure your Frenchie is pleasantly tubby and happy. Some days, it seems like a French Bulldog can never get enough food. This seemingly natural hunger is relative to the breed and you should be weary of overfeeding your French Bulldog. Monitor your Frenchie as she eats and make sure she only eats her own food, especially if you feed your French Bulldog near other pets. Note that non-neutered males may grow into the low 30lb range. Always consult a vet. Ideally, 2. This sort of consult is always quick and cheap sometimes free and you owe it to your companion to get the opinion of an expert veterinarian. Overweight Frenchies can suffer from some very severe health problems, including heart disease just like humans , labored breathing, and lack of physical exercise. Never take a French Bulldog out to play in sweltering heat, they can die. Generally, older French Bulldogs will require slightly less food than their young counterparts. However, do not restrict food from your French Bulldog if they appear to be underweight or hungry. A reader pointed out in the comments below that these calculations would put french bulldogs in the 40lbs range somewhere around calories per day. This is obviously an outlier situation and no french bulldog needs that many calories. This means feeding your french bulldog less food as they age. If they look thinner than usual, you can move up by 5 calories per pound of weight until you find a magic number. No french bulldog is identical and our suggestions are based on average weights computed to a mean average calorie intake suggestion. Read: I use this calculator and a pad of paper. See this guide in order to determine the appropriate weight for your Frenchie. Subject: How much should I feed my French Bulldog? How often and how much do I feed my Frenchie puppy? Because we feed more than one puppy at the same time the rest of their litter mates , we put a large bowl full of their puppy food in their kennel and let them eat until they are satisfied. Once all of them walk away from the bowl we know they are done, and we take it away. Puppies are changing and growing rapidly, and they need to eat more frequently at least 3 times a day to provide all the proper nourishment and nutrition for their rapidly growing bodies. Make sure your Frenchie always has access to fresh water through out the day. There is a guide on the food bag that tells you how much to feed your puppy at a given weight. This is only a rough guide depending on activity level, etc. We believe PawTree has wonderful products and we recommend that you keep your puppy on one or more of their excellent products for life. These are all-life-stages products so there is no need to start with a puppy chow and then transition over to an adult chow. However, if you would like to use another high-quality chow, the transition should be made gradually so as not to upset your puppies digestive system which could cause loose stool or diarrhea. For an adult chow, you can get by with a percentage or two less on the protein and fat content, but unless you have a weight problem with your dog, generally the higher the protein and fat content the better. However, we love the grain free chows form PawTree which use sweet potato. All of the various meats are good, although if you have a very food sensitive Frenchie, turkey or duck are generally better than chicken, and fish can sometimes cause issues. If you are feeding your Frenchie a high quality chow, you can probably get by without special supplements. Our Frenchies love them like they are treats. NuVet has made a noticeable improvement in our kennel, especially with our pregnant and whelping females. We were told about this supplement by a breeder friend of ours who obtained fantastic results in her kennel by using this supplement every day with each of her dogs. She said she solved several problems from skin rashes to low milk production in mothers, along with several other nagging health issues when she started giving each dog in her kennel one of these supplements daily. When you use the number provided you can purchase these supplements at a significantly discounted rate versus the retail cost. Have More Questions?