labradoodle puppies for sale in san diego ca

The f1s can come in standard or miniature, depending on whether the poodle is standard or miniature. The coat type is wavy and scruffy. A customer would select an F1 if they love the golden retriever temperament, as this cross has the most golden retriever, high sense of loyalty, low shed. Some F1s will have a sport coat. For more on coats, see the page Doodle Coats. This also relates to bernedoodles and englishdoodles. All the pups should have a good amount of curl. F1bs come in standard, miniature and petite sizes. This also relates to bernedoodles and Englishdoodles. Shedding factor can vary and wave or curl can vary depending on the gene pool in each puppy. I do not offer these. One parent has to be an F1B or multigen. A poodle bred to a multi-gen goldendoodle also constitutes a multi-gen. Sizes: Standards- Golden retriever bred with a standard poodle or standard goldendoodle. Weights of parents should be taken into consideration. Miniatures- Miniature goldendoodles are any of these lines above used with a miniature poodle stud. Miniatures are most often produced through artificial insemination, therefore reflected in price. A breeder would not have a standard sized golden retriever stud mate with a miniature poodle female due to birth canal problems. Therefore, the female would always be a standard golden retriever or standard goldendoodle and the stud would be miniature poodle, under 15 pounds. On average the pups will weigh between 25 and 35 pounds. Typically to estimate adult size one would double the weight at 12 weeks and add 10 pounds. Also, to determine size, take a careful look at the size of the paws, bone density and structure of the pup. Your breeder should be able to give you a comparison within the litter mates. We can also weigh puppies to determine which ones in the litter will be smaller and which ones are charting larger. Moyens - 20 pounds Petites - A miniature goldendoodle bred back to a toy or miniature poodle. These are always F1bs. Size is typically under 24 pounds. Remember: Regarding goldendoodles: 2 types: F1 or F1b. They may even have a family member that has allergies. Often they love the curly look of an F1b. Once you decide on type, then consider size. Standards 60 pounds plus, Miniatures 28 to 35 pounds, Moyens 20 pounds, petites under 24 pounds and as small as 12 pounds. Standards come in F1 and F1b type. Miniatures come in F1 and F1b type. Moyens only come in F1b. Petites only come in F1b. Above, example of petite f1b curly. Above, example of miniature F1 wavy. Paisley Classic Canine Moyen Poodles We are a small, family-owned breeder of quality Moyen Poodles in the midwest area with over 20 years of breeding experience. The Poodle selections we offer include solids, brindles, parties, phantoms, and merles. Our parent dogs have exceptional temperaments and conformation. Health testing of the parents ensures that our puppies are among the healthiest and hardiest available. Our puppies live in our house and are handled from day one. Our puppies learn manners and socialization skills from our home environment and my grooming shop, where they are exposed to noise, children and people. We can also do extensive training at an additional cost. Each of our puppies comes with a paid microchip and a two-year health guarantee. All of our puppies come vaccinated with tails and dewclaws removed and are dewormed. We work with each of our customers to match the perfect puppy to them - our puppies are ready for loving, caring families when they are 8 weeks old. Learn More Getting Your Puppy! We are within driving distance of Illinois, Wisconsin Indiana and Iowa. Outside of our immediate area, we have ground transportation and flight nannies available to safely and easily transport your puppy to you. We don't breed a lot of litters, and are very selective with our parent dogs. We specialize in unique colors and excellent conformations. Check the schedule and get on our mailing list to keep informed of new litters.

Their height could be 2 to 3 inches taller than the standard American Bulldog at shoulder height. Save Big On Dog Essentials! Welcome to our pack! Blue American Bulldog coat colors and types White is the only standard American Bulldog color that is accepted, but markings of brown, black, tan, or brindle on a white base coat can be considered. American Bulldog coat colors that are not accepted as standard are lilac, chocolate, black, blue, and merle. Blue merle American Bulldog American Bulldog Blue merle has black and bluish-gray patches on its body making it appear as a merle pattern. Blue fawn American Bulldog American Bulldog with a blue or grayish base coat with some markings of light yellowish tan color on the chest and feet. Blue brindle American Bulldog American Bulldog Blue brindle has tiger-striped markings of blue and black. Blue brindle American Bulldog puppies may appear black at first but would later exhibit the brindle pattern as they mature. Blue and white American Bulldog American Bulldog with a white base coat and some markings of blue on the chest, body, and legs. Blue tri American Bulldog The Color pattern of this American Bulldog has a blue base color with markings of white and tan on the chest, face, and legs. Blue grey American Bulldog puppies Blue grey American Bulldog has a grey brindle coat with some white markings on the face and feet. American Bulldog Blue eyes American Bulldogs generally have brown eyes. But some may ask whether American Bulldogs have blue eyes since the Merle color pattern also occurs in American Bulldogs. So, do American Bulldogs have Blue eyes? When they first open their eyes a few weeks after birth, American Bulldog puppies with Blue eyes are common to see. But, this normally changes into brown when they reach 4 months old. Mature American Bulldogs with Blue eyes usually have a Merle coat pattern. Merle coat color combinations among American Bulldog with Blue eyes typically have a white base color with random splotches of dark colors like black, brown, and blue. Blue nose American Bulldog American Blue nose Bulldog has a blue coat with a matching blue-colored nose. American Bulldog Blue nose usually have both parents that are also blue-nosed. Blue nose American Bulldog puppies would appear black when they are born and within 6 months would exhibit their blue color. You may be interested in: Blue Nose Pitbull Complete Guide American Blue Bulldog temperament The American Bulldog, regardless of color, is a confident, loyal, and fierce protector of his family making them excellent guard dogs. They are energetic and playful, but would not hesitate to snuggle up with their owners for some cuddling. Do Blue American Bulldog make great family pets? Yes, Blue American Bulldogs do make great family pets. They are a great addition to any active family and can get along with children and other pets just as long as they are socialized and introduced early. They may exhibit some aloofness to other animals they are not familiar with and could easily get agitated when in the presence of other rowdy pets. Adult supervision should be maintained when in the presence of young children to avoid any accidents during rough playing. Are Blue American Bulldogs good for first time dog owners? When it comes to their temperament, Blue American Bulldogs are good for first-time dog owners. However, because of their powerful physique, some first-time dog owners may find them quite difficult to handle. Blue American Bulldogs need to be constantly active and trained properly to become well-balanced dogs. Are American Blue Bulldogs affectionate dogs? Yes, American Blue Bulldogs are affectionate and like getting the attention of their owners. It is not uncommon for them to cuddle with you or stay by your side frequently. Are Blue American Bulldogs aggressive dogs? As long as the Blue American Bulldogs are socialized early and exposed to different environments, their aggression due to their territorial nature will be minimized. American Blue Bulldog training Blue American Bulldogs need to be trained early to quickly establish boundaries and routines. They tend to be stubborn, so firm commands with plenty of positive reinforcements are paramount. Overall, they are very receptive to training and easy to handle if you maintain your consistency and keep it fun. Exercise can be split into two sessions one in the morning and another in the late afternoon. Can Blue American Bulldogs swim? Blue American Bulldogs can be taught to swim, but because of their stocky bodies and short snouts, it may be difficult for them to stay afloat for long periods. Providing them with a life vest will solve this problem. American Blue Bulldog living conditions American Bulldogs can adapt to most dwellings provided they are given sufficient exercise. Lack of physical activity will lead to destructive behaviors around the house and could even make them bark excessively. Leaving them alone for too long may lead to separation anxiety and will also result in these unwanted behaviors. Because of their brachycephalic faces, they are also prone to breathing difficulties during extreme temperature changes. This will not only provide their canine companions with some fresh air and sun but also allows their Blue American Bulldog to walk around and exercise. If you also allow your furry friends in your backyard, make sure that it is fully fenced. Some towns or counties may have zoning laws that prohibit physical fences. If you live in one of these towns, a good alternative is to get a wireless dog fence which will also keep your pups safe. Many dog owners will also install an electronic dog door , especially when their fur babies love to head out to the backyard on their own. An automatic doggy door allows your pups to head out and come back in without having the owners open and close the door behind them. So whether you work from home or at the office, your four-legged friends can still enjoy the outdoors during the day. This way, your K9 friends can stay safe indoors at night. American Bulldog Blue grooming and cleaning Only minimal grooming and maintenance are required for this breed because of their short coats. Keeping the folds in their skins free from moisture is necessary to prevent bacterial infections due to excess moisture. They are also known to drool, so wiping their mouths with a towel now and then would be a good idea. If you do need to bathe your Blue American Bulldog, be sure to only use shampoos that are specially designed for dogs. However, we know that it can be a difficult task since many dog owners are busy. Thus, three to four times a week should be fine. Be sure to use a dog toothpaste that contains both an enzymatic formula with a non-foaming agent. Finally, maintaining short nails is essential. If you and your fur babies have had a previous bad experience with a dog clipper, try using a dog nail grinder that features a whisper-quiet motor and a precise diamond bit grinder. Grooming Needs. Life Span Did You Know? The American Bulldog is a descendant of a generic bulldog type of dog breed brought into the region that is now the Southern United States by working-class immigrants many years ago. These were all-around working dogs used by small farmers and ranchers for several tasks around the farm. They were often found working as catch dogs, stock dogs, and overall farm guardians. When feral pigs were introduced to the New World, they had no natural predators and the population quickly grew out of control. In addition to their farm duties, the settlers found the bulldog-type dog to be the best solution they had for dealing with it. So, the bulldog continued to thrive, especially in the South. Johnson and Alan Scott that we have what we know today as the American Bulldog. Modern American Bulldogs can still be found working as all-around utility dogs, farm dogs, catch dogs, cattle drovers, and more. They can also be found competing in dog sports, working as a guardian, police, or military dog, and are also popular as a family pet. This dog breed is a sweetheart with a gentle, fun-loving nature. The American Bulldog is affectionate and adores their families. They also love children and tend to be good with other animals. American Bulldogs can have a high prey drive, so you will want to make sure you introduce and socialize them properly with other small animals in the household. Due to their protective nature, they can be aloof towards strangers and strange dogs, especially when they are younger. Early socialization can help them be more comfortable navigating their guardian instincts. Overall, this dog breed tends to be confident, social, and are most at ease and relaxed when they are with the people they love. American Bulldogs are an emotional dog breed and thrives on human attention and affection, so they tend to bond strongly with their owners and may come across as clingy sometimes. They will also often convince themselves that they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so make sure you are ready for a lot of love and cuddles with your American Bulldog, drool and all! The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are strong, high-energy working dogs that love being around their favorite humans. This makes them better suited to larger homes with space for them to run. They are not generally a good fit for apartment living, but they can adapt as long as they get more than enough exercise and attention. Because they do tend to bond strongly with their owners and want to be near them, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but can adapt to well to most climates. There are some health issues that can be found in specific genetic lines and are not common to the breed overall, but these can be ruled out with genetic tests. Some potential health conditions to be aware of in general with the American Bulldog include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders, bone cancer, and eye-related issues like ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns. American Bulldogs are highly trainable and eager to please, so they are a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They can have a stubborn streak, so a first-time dog owner may want to consider enrolling in puppy training classes. As with any dog breed, early and ongoing training and socialization are important for your American Bulldog puppy to grow into a well-rounded, and a well-behaved, dog. This dog breed has a short coat that is generally smooth. Common coat colors are white and predominately white with patches of brindle, black, or red. More coat color patterns are emerging and becoming more common like all shades of brindle, fawn, brown, red, and more. The American Bulldog is relatively low maintenance and easy to groom and they are light to moderate shedders. They only require a bath as needed. But, you will need to be prepared to deal with some extra drool! Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to ear infections. The ideal dental care for dogs is using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day. Dental hygiene chews or treats, a specially-formulated dental care diet, and more can be used to supplement your dental care efforts. The American Bulldog is an athletic and high-energy dog breed. They love daily walks and plenty of playtime outside. They may even enjoy plenty of other activities with you like swimming, hiking , and more. With their working dog background, this dog breed does need a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be a good candidate for dog sports like obedience, weight pulling, the Iron Dog competition, and more. A fully-grown American Bulldog usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. An American Bulldog generally lives for years. Chance, one of the canine stars from the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. Featured American Bulldog Article. Black With white patches It is important to note that solid black, solid blue, and merle are not acceptable colours for American Bulldogs according to the breed standard. Blue American Bulldogs are a relatively new color variation of the American Bulldog breed. Breeders of American Bulldogs If you are interested in owning an American Bulldog, it is important to find a reputable breeder. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a breeder: Experience: Look for a breeder with several years of experience breeding American Bulldogs Health testing: A responsible breeder will perform health tests on their breeding dogs to screen for genetic health issues that can be passed on to puppies. Socialization: Puppies should be raised in a home environment and exposed to a variety of people, animals, and experiences to help them grow into well-adjusted adults. Contracts: A good breeder will provide a written contract outlining their responsibilities and expectations, as well as any health guarantees. When you find a breeder that meets these criteria, be prepared to ask questions and do your research. Here are a few questions to ask a breeder: How long have you been breeding Blue American Bulldogs? What health tests do you perform on your breeding dogs? What kind of socialization do you provide for your puppies? Do you offer any health guarantees? Can I meet the parents of the litter? Remember, a good breeder will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. By taking the time to find a reputable breeder, you can ensure that you are bringing home a healthy and happy American Bulldog. History of Blue American Bulldogs The blue coloration in American Bulldogs is caused by a dilution gene, which causes the black color to fade into a blue-grey color. This dilution gene is a recessive trait, which means that both parents must carry the gene for their offspring to have the blue coloration. For an American Bulldog to get this color it will have to have been introduced from another breed. Breeders should prioritize the health and temperament of the dogs over their appearance.

By Emily Schroeder Emily Schroeder has been an animal-lover since…well, forever! She spent the early part of her career at Time Inc. And prior to landing her much-loved role as a staff writer for Daily Paws, she spent several years as a communications consultant. When Emily is not writing about our favorite four-legged friends, you can find her spending time with her husband and three adorable kiddos. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on April 16, The days of naming your dog Sparky, Rover, and Fido have given way to more imaginative times—and pup parents thinking outside of the box. Nowadays, dog owners are letting their creative juices flow, taking cues from categories like pop culture, what's trending, popular baby names—even the Royal Family. For the instantly recognizable bulldog, some of the best names embody qualities of their tough breed. Despite their rugged exterior, bulldogs are sweet and great with kids when socialized early, and their low energy level and generally calm demeanor makes them great for pet parents who live in apartments or condos. If you've recently become a proud bulldog parent congrats! And one that you won't mind shouting at the dog park. Scouring the web for ideas can be time consuming, so leave it to us to help. Below is a list of our favorite English, French, and American bulldog names—from cute and classy to wildly waggish, you're sure to find one that fits! Girl Bulldog Names Female bulldogs may have faces only a dog mom could love, but we still think they're beautiful inside and out. Creative and Unique Bulldog Names For Your New Puppy Last Updated on April 20, Bulldogs are an adorably bashful dog breed characterized by their short legs, wide face, wrinkles, and broad shoulders. As a firm favorite amongst dog lovers, every Bulldog deserves a name that is just as unique as it is. But choosing the perfect name for your pup is often easier said than done. A Bulldog laying outside smiling What should I name my Bulldog? When choosing a name for your Bulldog, you want to pick something that matches the physical attributes and spirit of the breed. Names that start with S, T, and R are most comfortable for dogs to pick up on. Also, as dogs understand brief commands, names that are one or two syllables work best. You also want to avoid names that sound like or rhyme with common commands like sit or stay, which could confuse your pup. If you want the perfect name for your Bulldog puppy, try letting your dog choose. Another way to get your dog to choose his name is by scattering random cards with names around the room and let your dog decide which one he wants. Finally, you could also attach names to trees in your garden, and whichever one your dog pees on first determines his name! Famous Bulldog names A fun way to choose a name for your fido is to take inspiration from famous Bulldogs from TV shows, movies, books, or even history. Here are a few famous Bulldogs to get you going: Angus — the character from the movie Mr. This dog was played by four Bulldogs — three female and one male. Butch — a Bulldog that first appeared in the Pluto cartoon in the s Colossus — the loveable dog character in the movie Van Wilder Hector — the famous Bulldog in the Tweety and Sylvester comic Spike — the giant bulldog features in Tom and Jerry Max — the dog of the main character in the Jake and the Fatman TV series that ran from to Mr. Beefy — a talking Bulldog from the movie Little Nicky Curly — The name of the team mascot in the movie Leatherheads Several universities also have Bulldogs as their mascots. Love a particular celeb? A beautiful and elegant name that captures the grace of your female bulldog. Winston This name exudes a sense of sophistication and charm, perfect for a dignified bulldog. Daisy A delightful and playful name for a female bulldog, representing joy and happiness. Buster A name that signifies strength and resilience, ideal for a bulldog with a tough demeanor. Lola A feminine and sassy name that adds a touch of sass and personality to your bulldog. Rocky Perfect for a bulldog with a rugged and adventurous spirit, embodying strength and determination. Ruby A gem-inspired name that reflects the beauty and preciousness of your beloved bulldog. Tough Bulldog Names Inspired by the Norse god of thunder, this name represents power and might. Athena Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, perfect for a strong and fearless female bulldog. Diesel A name that exudes toughness and resilience, making it suitable for a bold and robust bulldog. Ace Signifying excellence and superiority, this name suits a bulldog who is at the top of their game. Jax Short for Jackson, it represents a bulldog with a cool and edgy personality. Roxy A name that reflects both strength and femininity, making it a popular choice for female bulldogs. Duke Signifying nobility and regality, this name befits a bulldog with a commanding presence. Porkchop A funny and lighthearted name, perfect for a bulldog with a big appetite. Biscuit A name that adds a touch of sweetness and playfulness to your furry friend. Wiggles Reflecting the energetic and lively nature of bulldogs, this name is full of fun and charm. Slobberkins Perfect for a bulldog known for its drooling tendencies, this name brings a smile to your face. Titan This name exudes strength and dominance, perfect for a bulldog with a commanding presence. Maximus Inspired by its Latin origin, this name signifies greatness and excellence, befitting a strong bulldog. English Bulldogs, as we know them today, are different from the original bulldogs used for bull-fighting. Today's Bulldogs are less aggressive, in fact, they make excellent family pets. Famous Bulldogs and Celebrity Bulldog Owners There are not as many famous bulldogs as other breeds, but here is a list of the ones that have starred in TV shows and movies, are known sports mascots or have become celebrities online! You will also find a list of celebrities that own bulldogs and their names to inspire you. He had a pup named Tike. Want to train your bulldog the right way? Use positive methods! It was a detective series and the main character, a prosecutor, had an English Bulldog named Max. Their names were: Lili, Cissy, Lazania and Billy. The role of Mr. Beefy is actually played by 3 Bulldogs named Roo, Harvey and Harley. The role is played by one dog named Taker. Curly is the team mascot and is played by a dog named Rocky. Hope my website is helping you better understand and train your dog. Do you want to help? Be a modern philanthropist through Patreon. It was adopted in and you can see how the breed characteristics have changed since then. Deciding on a name can be tough, right? Section 8: Unique Names In this friendly section, we provide unique bulldog names that you can consider for your canine companion. The names are divided into two sub-sections for your viewing convenience. Gremlin — Perfect for a mischievous and playful pup. Cupcake — A sweet and adorable name for your bulldog. Princess — Ideal for a regal and elegant female bulldog. Tiny — A cute and ironic choice for these stocky dogs. Bruiser — A strong and tough name for a bulldog with a powerful presence. Lotus — An exotic and beautiful name choice. Atlas — Perfect for a strong and powerful bulldog. Maizie — A fun and playful name for your pup. Cherry — A sweet and vibrant name choice. Apollo — A majestic name for a brave bulldog. Hobo — A quirky and unique name for your pup. Fisher — Great for a water-loving or outdoorsy bulldog. Axel — A cool and edgy name for your bulldog. Pierre — A sophisticated and classic French-inspired name. Keyster — A playful and unusual name for your bulldog. Bane — A strong and imposing name for your canine companion. Duke — A regal and distinguished name for your bulldog. Ragin — A fierce and fiery name for a passionate pup. Bronco — A strong and spirited name for an energetic bulldog. Gus — A simple, yet unique and endearing name for your pup. Raider — A bold and adventurous name for your bulldog. Bonita — A beautiful and feminine name for a female bulldog. Bandit — A fun and daring name for your mischievous pup. Goliath — A powerful and imposing name for a large bulldog. Brick — A strong and steady name for your bulldog. Cheech — A quirky and unique name for a light-hearted pup. Diesel — A cool and powerful name for your canine companion. Chopper — A bold and adventurous name for your bulldog. Butch — A strong and tough name for your bulldog. Caesar — A regal, distinguished and classical choice. Ferdinand — A fitting name for a bulldog with a strong presence. Bronson — A strong, masculine name with character. Cozy — A warm and fitting name for your cuddly bulldog. Doc — A wise and knowledgeable name for your pup. Dutch — A unique and interesting choice for your bulldog. Chomper — A fun and playful name for your energetic pup. Chevy — A cool and stylish name for your bulldog. Brutus — A strong and powerful name for your canine companion. Bugsy — A fun and daring name for your mischievous bulldog. Bruno — A bold and upbeat choice for your pup. Bustle — A lively and bubbly name for an energetic bulldog. Baby — A cute and endearing name for your bulldog. Cute bulldog names Unique names with complete meanings Choose the perfect bulldog name The most unique breeds Friendly and cute creatures We hope these bulldog names inspire you to find the perfect name for your unique four-legged friend. In this section, we will share 50 catchy names for your bulldog, divided into two subsections. The names will include popular choices like Charles and Olie, along with other interesting options.

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. We raise rare and exotic colors as well as standard colors. We are reputable French Bulldog breeders. We are located in Arizona but hand deliver puppies nationally or internationally in cabin with our puppy nanny. You are also welcome to personally pick up your puppy yourself. Rare exotic and standard colors. Majestic produces blue, lilac, chocolate, red, fawn, blue fawn, black, pied and other colors. Read More Our love affair with Bulldogs started many years ago. As for Bulldogs we originally started breeding English Bulldogs about 12 years ago and decided to also add a French Bulldog to our family about 7 years ago. She was a hit! Instantly we fell in love with the French Bulldog also. All our dogs are loved as family members. Our French Bulldogs we sell are hand raised from day one. We breed for quality, not quantity or color. We have invested a lot of time and money in our breeding dogs to produce healthy, sound, correct French Bulldogs. We only breed the best! Not every Frenchie is meant to be bred. We pride ourselves in producing the finest Frenchies around. Our dogs have champions well known lines in the pedigree. We have many puppies from Majestic Blue living in celebrity homes. We also have some working as wonderful loving therapy dogs, a few of our puppies are now modeling for PetSmart, and most importantly pet homes! If you are serious about adding one of our French Bulldog puppies to your family, please contact us. Our dogs are second to none. Our puppies are for sale, not on sale. We also offer stud service to select females. When we have available puppies you can view by appointment only. We are hobby breeders, this is not our main source of income. We have work schedules, and kids involved in sports. We attend their activities so we have a very busy schedule. Queen Creek, AZ. The Frenchie is not a breed that can be owned and ignored. It needs attention from its owner and a commitment. It differs from the English Bulldog in its movement, which is free and unrestrained. Discover more about our French Bulldog puppies for sale below! A Frenchie has an alert and curious expression, enhanced by its bat ears. Its loose, soft skin around the shoulders and head form adorable wrinkles. Sharing several characteristics of its Bulldog ancestors, the French Bulldog breed is characterized by a heavy-boned and wide-body, muscular build, big square head, low center of gravity, and a short, fine coat, which is found in various colors, including brindle, fawn, white, and black. A trait much loved in this breed is its upper lips hang down over the lower lips. The teeth meet in an underbite and the lower jaw is square and deep. We get our French Bulldogs from some of the finest breeders in the country and they are a top-selling breed. Note: Most French Bulldogs cannot swim, so be cautious around swimming pools and water. Health Issues In terms of health issues, French Bulldogs are prone to joint diseases, spinal disorders, heart defects and eye problems. In fact, females often must deliver pups by cesarean section, because they have relatively large heads. They can also be prone to respiratory problems. They tend to wheeze, snore and have trouble in hot weather, though they do fine with a doggy door or if left inside with frequent outdoor breaks during the hot Arizona summer. Overall, the Frenchie is a pretty high-maintenance dog, but a beloved breed because of how cute, patient, entertaining and loving they are. Disposition A small but strong and entertaining home dog as well as a sturdy lapdog as the breed is very fond of sleeping and cuddling with its owner. Fiercely loyal to its owner s. Do not overfeed this breed. They are tiny and will tend to gain weight if their food intake is not proper. This puppy is going to be alert, playful and affectionate. Sweet, friendly, willing to please and the French Bulldog loves playing and enjoys entertaining its family. Not a loud or yappy dog and known to be hilarious to watch. They have a charming and comical personality. Good for apartment living but does need daily exercise for both mental stimulation and physical fulfillment. The Frenchie gets along well with strangers and is great with other animals and kids. Owners of the Frenchie should establish themselves as the leaders right off the bat. The Frenchie needs leadership and will not be at its very best without it. Owner and puppy communication is necessary for this breed to thrive. Frenchies are a very clean dog and most will avoid getting muddy or wet. This breed may slobber a bit or drool, but most do not. The French Bulldog is a hunter of mice. Questions about French Bulldog puppies for sale in Arizona? We have answers. How does French Bulldog puppies for sale in Arizona work? French Bulldog puppies in Arizona vary in price depending on the breeder or company you are going through. Factors that influence the pricing structure include breeder experience, pedigree, coat-type and much more. By using our database, you will have the option of setting your preferences to match you with the puppy of your dreams that fits your chosen budget too. What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? French Bulldog Arizona are gorgeous dogs with expressive faces and neat glossy coats. Originally from England, Frenchies are the smaller and more charming cousin of the English Bulldog. They were taken to French farms by English working women, to chase away the rats. Today, French Bulldogs can be found in happy homes around the world. Why are Phoenix French Bulldogs so expensive? Arizona French Bulldog puppies for sale are pricier than other dog breeds because the breeding technique itself is more expensive and requires greater skill. Due to the narrow hip structures of French Bulldogs, natural reproduction is incredibly rare and difficult to achieve. This means that Arizona French Bulldog breeders have no choice but to artificially inseminate the females, and then arrange for C-sections as well. Do you only match me with French Bulldog breeders in Phoenix? While you have the option of being matched with French Bulldog puppies for sale Arizona, you can choose to select your preferences anywhere from Phoenix to the entire United States. Our database of screened breeders is skilled in arranging puppy transportation too, so you can go ahead and find the Frenchie of your dreams without worrying about logistics. How do you screen French Bulldog breeders Phoenix? Out of the thousands of applications we receive from prospective French Bulldog breeders in Arizona, less than ten percent meet our stringent requirements. All of our registered breeders are screened to ensure humane breeding practices. When a breeder or breeding company makes the cut, they are then required to sign a legally binding document that guarantees continued ethical conduct. Uptown Puppies is the best place to find French Bulldog breeders Arizona because we provide a network of guaranteed ethical breeders. This means that you can concentrate on finding your ideal puppy, without worrying about doing some private investigating on the side! Our mission is to connect healthy puppies with loving homes so that places like puppy mills become obsolete. What is a puppy mill like for French Bulldog puppies Phoenix? Unfortunately, not all French Bulldog puppies for sale Arizona are treated with tender loving care. Puppy mills are individual breeders or companies who breed puppies in cruel conditions that often leave the dogs sick, and with a host of behavioral problems. Are there any French Bulldog puppies in Phoenix right now? Looking for French Bulldog puppies Arizona? Well, you can find puppies in Phoenix and across the USA by simply using our comprehensive database. Finding your perfect pooch has never been easier than filling out your budget and location preferences, before scrolling through the selection of ethically bred Frenchies.

The German Shepherd has played many roles over the years including, among others: herding sheep, military field work, search and rescue, guide dog and police dog. This is a life threatening condition where the stomach rotates on its axis, cutting off the passage of food and water, and inhibiting circulation to the stomach and intestines. Bloat generally occurs in large, deep-chested dogs such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles, Weimaraners, Saint Bernards, and Newfoundlands but has been seen in small dogs on rare occasions. Patients typically present with non-productive retching, restlessness and abdominal discomfort. The first signs of bloat may include a distended stomach, retching, or dry heaving. If these symptoms are seen, immediate medical attention must be sought! The cause of the GDV is unknown, it is thought to have multiple contributing factors. That is the million-dollar question. No one knows the exact cause of why bloat happens; however large breed, deep chested dogs are more likely to bloat than other breeds. In some cases, eating or drinking large amounts and then being active is thought to cause bloat. There is also thought that eating out of elevated food dishes may increase chances of GDV as dogs may swallow more air when eating. Factors Suspected to Increase the Risk of Bloat Feeding one meal per day Breed of dog Feeding a dry diet Sex of dog: Male dogs seem to be at a higher risk Age: Older dogs, between the ages of years, seem to be at a higher risk Exercising immediately after a meal Factors Suspected to Decrease the Risk of Bloat Feeding canned dog food Feeding two or more meals per day No exercise for several hours after a meal What Does Bloat Look Like? Dogs with bloat can be restless and unable to get comfortable or lay down. They can have very distended abdomens that can be very painful. They may also have very fast heart rates and changes in breathing. In severe cases, they may collapse or be unable to stand. It is very important that if you see any of these signs that you have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. As veterinarians we understand that each dog can show different variations of these signs; if there is any concern an owner can always call a veterinary clinic and ask their opinion. Why is Bloat an Emergency? Bloat sets off a cascade of damaging events to the body. As the stomach fills with air it expands and starts to cut off blood returning to the heart. The expansion of the stomach then puts pressure on the diaphragm, making it difficult for the dog to breath. The stomach then starts to rotate cutting off the blood supply to the stomach. When the stomach rotates it can entrap the spleen and thus cause damage or cut off blood supply to the spleen and even rupture blood vessels. All of these changes lead to the dog going into shock. Blood pressure drops, arrhythmias and internal bleeding can occur as well as sepsis. Unfortunately, death can occur in a matter of hours if bloat goes undetected and untreated. All of these changes happen very quickly, which is why it is so important for an owner to recognize the signs of bloat and get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Treatment Emergency veterinary medical attention must be sought for treatment of bloat. Unfortunately, there is nothing that an owner can do at home. Abdominal x-rays are the most reliable way to assess stomach position and diagnose bloat. Stabilization of the patient and diagnostics must be performed immediately. These dogs require pain medication and intravenous fluids. Surgical intervention is a necessary step in the treatment of bloat and should be done as soon as the patient is stable enough to undergo anesthesia and surgery. During a bloat circulation can be compromised and other abdominal organs, such as the spleen or intestines, may be affected, as a result the spleen may also need to be removed in some cases. Bloat, requires a multiple day stay in the hospital for post-operative care and recovery. If not treated by a veterinarian immediately, bloat can be fatal. Most dogs who are diagnosed and treated early in the development of bloat recover from surgery and can lead a normal life. The surgery consists of de-rotating the stomach back to its normal position and then tacking it to the body wall. This is called a gastropexy. If the spleen was involved in the twisting, then it may have to be removed as well. Even after the surgery is performed these dogs are not out of the woods. There are many complications that can still arise after surgery and it is very common for these dogs to be in the hospital for multiple days. Preventing Bloat Recommendations for preventing bloat are feeding several small meals a day, discouraging drinking large amounts of water at one time, allowing some time between eating and activity, and feeding on the floor. Hopefully knowing some of these preventative tips will decrease the chances of your furry family member bloating; however, if you see the signs listed above do not wait! Get your pet to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Ideally call ahead so they know you are coming and can plan for your arrival. Time is of the essence. Unfortunately, German Shepherds are prone to stomach issues and are known to have more digestive problems than other breeds. Symptoms include irregular loose stools or diarrhea, vomiting, and gas. Most stomach issues are usually harmless and often settle down by themselves. However, sometimes digestive problems in German Shepherds do not go away and become more than just mild and intermittent. In this case, you should take your dog to see a veterinarian to rule out anything more sinister. A sensitive stomach all centers around digestion. Some German Shepherds can eat almost anything with no adverse effects, and some dogs are more susceptible. My German Shepherd is sensitive to some dairy foods such as cream. The lactose in the cream causes her to have diarrhea. However, she can tolerate and enjoys a small amount of milk. Some dogs may have a food allergy, for example, an allergy to chicken, dairy, wheat, or egg. They include infectious diseases bacterial, viral, or parasitic and non-infectious conditions, such as obstruction, tumors, or bloat. Bloat GDV X-ray of a dog with bloat — the red double bubble pattern indicates stomach torsion. I thought I should list this first as bloat also called gastric dilation volvulus, or GDV is a life-threatening emergency, and you must be aware of it. Bloat has become more common in deep-chested dogs like German Shepherds. Bloat is relatively harmless for humans, but it can be deadly for dogs as they can become critically ill or die within hours if not treated. So what exactly is bloat? Or the other way around—no one is sure whether it bloats then twists, or twists then bloats. Anna Stobnicki, Pet MD The causes are unknown, but symptoms to look for are a swollen stomach, drooling, panting, restlessness, and discomfort. Your German Shepherd may also repeatedly try to vomit, but nothing will come up. Good tips for reducing the risk are to feed two small meals rather than one large meal a day and to avoid feeding your dog before strenuous exercise, leaving at least an hour on either side of feeding. I also recommend a slow-feeder bowl such as the Outward Hound Fun Feeder from Amazon, especially if your dog gulps his food. Ensure your dog eats a nutritious and balanced diet. I feed my German Shepherd cold-pressed dog food instead of regular dry kibble. Canine Parvovirus Canine parvovirus is a viral infection that can cause a sensitive stomach in German Shepherds. It most often affects puppies or unvaccinated adult dogs and can be potentially fatal. German Shepherds are at increased risk of the disease, but any breed can be infected. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with other infected dogs or poop. Signs to look out for include loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and stomach pain. There is a very high chance your dog will survive with appropriate treatment, and most dogs recover within a few days. There is usually some inflammation present; however, the exact cause is unknown. Possible causes could be dietary, parasitic, bacterial overgrowth, or a reaction to a specific drug. Although food allergies are an unlikely cause in most cases, they may contribute to the development of the disease. According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, inflammatory bowel disease can affect all ages and breeds of dogs; however, it has become more common in some breeds, including the German Shepherd. The disease is difficult to diagnose, and the average age for the onset of inflammatory bowel disease is six years, but it may occur in dogs less than two years old. Signs are often present over a long period and may come and go. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication and additional drugs to suppress the immune system. You may require other changes to try and identify if a specific food is causing the problem, and an elimination diet does this. Vets may also recommend feeding your German Shepherd a hypoallergenic diet which either involves trying a new source of protein that they have never previously eaten, e. A hydrolyzed diet contains a specially made protein that has been chemically split into such tiny pieces that the immune system does not mount an allergic reaction to it. You will need your vet to authorize this special diet for your pet. Turn around! Colitis Colitis is an inflammation of the colon large intestine. Inflammatory bowel disease see 3. Colitis could be causing a sensitive stomach in your German Shepherd. Signs are chronic diarrhea that may also contain mucus and blood. Your dog may experience straining when pooping, causing pain. Weight loss and vomiting can occur but are uncommon as these symptoms are seen more when the small intestine is involved. Most dogs are middle-aged that develop colitis, and German Shepherds are one of the susceptible breeds. However, chronic colitis can take quite a few weeks to improve but can be very well managed with ongoing treatment. This may include feeding a special diet recommended by your vet. Because there is poor absorption of nutrients, weight loss commonly occurs despite a normal or increased appetite. Other signs are chronic diarrhea and occasional vomiting. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is most frequent in young adult German Shepherds and some other breeds. The disease may be present from birth or acquired due to pancreatic infection or injury. The condition is easily diagnosed by simple blood and stool tests. Most German Shepherds with EPI can be successfully treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement medication. They will also require a highly digestible, low-fat diet. Having said that, bowel cancer is more prevalent in some breeds, including the German Shepherd. The average age of dogs with digestive system cancer is 6—9 years old, and the cause is unknown. Signs of a possible tumor depend on the location and extent to which the cancer has developed. The most common symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea sometimes with blood , lack of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy. Constipation and straining to poop are more likely with colon or rectal cancers. Dogs may also have signs of anemia, such as pale gums. The outlook can range from excellent to poor. Gastrointestinal Ulcers Accidental poisoning is one of the leading causes of gastrointestinal ulcers e. Certain drugs can also cause gastrointestinal ulcers stomach ulcers , for example, aspirin, ibuprofen, and corticosteroids. It is also known that gastroduodenal ulcers are common in German Shepherds heavily medicated on ibuprofen. Other causes of stomach ulcers include cancer, infections, and diseases e. Some of the disorders already mentioned here, including stomach obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic stomach inflammation gastritis , can also contribute. Stress and extreme exercise may also be a factor. I found this interesting recent study evidencing that gastric ulcers and gastritis see .The study states that other working dogs, like retrievers, are also at risk if they perform sufficiently strenuous exercise. Therefore, as some German Shepherds are working dogs, they may also be at an increased risk. For instance, dogs are less likely to show clinical evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding. You will give a bland diet e. Unfortunately, the outlook is poor for those German Shepherds with ulcers associated with kidney or liver disease and some cancers. Lack of appetite, weight loss, and abdominal pain may also occur. Often the cause is unknown; however, these are believed to be some of them: Parasites. Diarrhea Generally speaking, diarrhea is defined as an increase in fecal fluidity, frequency, and volume of defecation. The most common accompanying features of diarrhea include vomiting, lack of appetite, and weight loss. Luckily, the majority of cases of diarrhea in German Shepherds and digestive upset are minor, so home treatment is appropriate in some cases. However, there are instances where a case may be life-threatening and call for prompt veterinary assistance. Constipation Another type of German Shepherd bowel problem is the malfunctioning of their large intestines, which can result in excessively hard stools, known as constipation. As a result, a German Shepherd has to exert increasing amounts of effort in order to defecate. Vomiting There are many potential causes of intermittent vomiting in GSDs. One of the most pressing concerns when your German Shepherd vomits is dehydration. These natural cures typically entail supportive care, such as providing a bland diet, keeping track of hydration, and allowing them time to recover. When symptoms deteriorate or at-home care is ineffective, additional veterinary assistance is needed to prevent further health complications. Food Allergy or Sensitivity In several dog breeds, including the German Shepherd, food allergies are fairly common. While some GSDs may have just a slight food sensitivity, others may have severe stomach issues as a result of a food allergy. Although food allergies or sensitivities can manifest in German Shepherds at any time during their lives, symptoms often appear after 9 months of age. The inability to maintain body weight, weight loss despite eating, and loose stools are the most common symptoms when your dog is sensitive to certain ingredients. There are lots of sensitive and limited-ingredient dog food diets available. You can find the best dog food for German Shepherds with digestive problems listed here. Want even more help? Sometimes a veterinarian may even recommend a hydrolyzed diet to treat gastrointestinal problems in German Shepherds who are allergic to certain proteins, but this is very expensive and requires a prescription to purchase. Parasites When intestinal parasites find their way into the GI tract, they can cause stomach issues in your German Shepherd. As a result, when they have a parasitic infection, our Shepherds may experience severe diarrhea and vomiting, lose weight, and become lethargic. Parvovirus The vile parvovirus, which targets the intestines, can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration in German Shepherds. It spreads by feces particles and is very contagious. Unvaccinated German Shepherd puppies under 6 months old usually experience the most severe parvovirus illness symptoms. A dog with this sickness needs supportive treatment, anti-vomiting medications, antibiotics, and antacids until the parvovirus runs its course. Call your veterinarian as soon as your German Shepherd exhibits parvovirus signs to arrange an urgent visit. Wait outside the clinic with your GSD until you are called in order to prevent spreading parvovirus to the other dogs in the waiting room. As soon as you discover symptoms, take your German Shepherd to the vet. Dogs who get immediate vet attention have a considerably higher chance of surviving the parvovirus. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI is a syndrome caused by insufficient pancreatic secretion and production of digestive enzymes. Although it affects many breeds, German Shepherds are especially vulnerable. In general, the condition primarily affects young adult dogs under the age of 5 years old. Pancreatic enzymes are necessary for the assimilation of all main food components. The necessity for these enzymes can cause digestive issues in dogs with EPI. Overeating, weight loss, and diarrhea are the most often stated signs and symptoms. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in many German Shepherds is treated by incorporating pancreatic enzymes—either powdered or derived from live tissue—into every meal. To ensure a speedy recovery for your German Shepherd with EPI , follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian and stick to their treatment plan. No known cause is believed to exist for inflammatory bowel illness. Food sensitivities and allergies are considered lesser-known causes of IBD; however, they can occasionally play a role. For instance, recurrent allergic reactions to food can create inflammation, which can then contribute to the development of disease. Inflammatory bowel disease appears to affect dogs of all ages, genders, and breeds. But German Shepherds may be more susceptible than other breeds. In addition to frequently lasting for a long time, indications might sometimes arise and disappear. There could be diarrhea, constipation, appetite changes, and weight loss. This means that your Shepherd is more vulnerable than other breeds. The twisting interrupts the blood flow to the stomach and, in certain cases, the spleen. If left untreated, the condition can be lethal in as little as 30 minutes. Take your German Shepherd right away to an emergency vet hospital if you notice any signs that look like bloat. Cancer Dogs of all breeds can get cancers of various forms, but German Shepherds are more likely than other dog breeds to develop hemangiosarcoma. This malignancy is caused by harmful cells that coat small blood vessels. The most common age range for diagnosis in German Shepherds is between 9 and .The spleen and heart are the organs that are most frequently affected by hemangiosarcoma, although this type of cancer can also cause stomach issues like anorexia, vomiting, and weight loss. Another cancer that can cause vomiting, weight loss, and other stomach-related symptoms in German Shepherds is gastric cancer. As this type of cancer is predominantly located in the GI system, stomach problems are more noticeable. To help prevent some stomach problems in German Shepherds, practice the following home care techniques: 1. For delicate digestion, only feed sensitive-stomach dog food. Avoid fatty foods and table scraps at all costs. Other times, you might feel the need to look into giving your German Shepherd supplements for her sensitive stomach. Exercise your German Shepherd frequently, both physically and mentally. German Shepherds are an energetic breed that requires a range of activities. When your dog is feeling better, incorporate a variety of movements into her regular activity. To keep her moving find some new GSD fitness routines and ideas. On the other hand, if your dog is having an upset stomach, avoid any vigorous activities and stick to slow walks with lots of sniffing to avoid further belly problems. Try a few of these fun brain games for German Shepherds. Take notes on what types of food and treats you feed your German Shepherd. Then, write down how your dog acted after they eat the foods and treats. Was she sick to her stomach? Did she have diarrhea? No problems at all? Think of all the foods, even the tiny bits you know you sneak to her when you eat dinner, and write them down. Keeping a detailed food journal can give your German Shepherd better gut health and is a useful tool should you need information for your vet. You can also get more nutrition and diet tips for your German Shepherd here. Regularly brush your German Shepherd and check for skin issues. You can examine the health of her coat and her greatest organ, the skin barrier, by grooming down the fur all the way to the skin. Observe any unusual colorations or lumps and bumps. Keep a regular brushing routine, like this one , and also look for any fleas, ticks, or other parasites. Your veterinarian will perform the appropriate examinations at these appointments and be able to detect or test for illnesses and ailments that are common in German Shepherds, especially those that are related to stomach problems. Join a pet health insurance program. My German Shepherd recently had cancer. The insurance covered overnight stays at a specialized cancer treatment facility, chemotherapy, radiography, and medical exams. I was able to give her a better chance of survival because I had great pet health insurance. By maintaining healthy stomach habits, you have the opportunity to spot any little issues before they become serious ones. There are plenty more tips and advice in this article about German Shepherd Upset Stomach Remedies that you can use to help your dog at home. Routine Action Supervise where she goes. Feed her highly digestible dog foods. Dog foods that are crafted for stomach sensitivities are easy to digest and help with some stomach issues. Keep her diet consistent. Feed her an age-appropriate diet. In order to maintain nutrition levels and avoid malnourishment, feed your German Shepherd food specifically made for her age group puppy, adult, senior, weight maintenance. Schedule her exercises at the right times. Some stomach issues, such as bloat, can be prevented by avoiding exercise for a couple of hours on either side of when your dog eats. Follow a digestive health routine to help prevent stomach issues in German Shepherds. How soon should I take my German Shepherd to the vet for stomach issues? Any strange symptom can be an indication of a dangerous sickness, or it might just be a little issue that will go away on its own. Keep in mind that your veterinarian is qualified to identify frequent gastrointestinal issues in your German Shepherd early on when they are more manageable to treat. Not only will it have the right balance of nutrients, but a tasty level of palatability will also ensure they really enjoy it. Adding unhealthy human food to a nutritionally full and balanced commercial dog food, as tempting as it is, might create digestive difficulties in German Shepherds. Stick to healthy treats made just for dogs instead. Add a stomach-soothing probiotic to their diet to help keep their digestion on track. While not a cure-all, some dogs need a bit of help in the guts to keep their digestion more balanced. To find out even more helpful nutrition advice, check out my guide to feeding your German Shepherd a healthy diet. Home treatments and remedies work effectively for some stomach issues, such as upset stomachs and moderate cases of constipation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other intestinal problems, however, need immediate medical intervention. Knowing when to take your German Shepherd to the doctor for stomach issues might not only speed up their recovery but also help them avoid some potentially fatal diseases. When in doubt, avoid delaying medical care for your dog. Want more help? Download the PDF—no signup necessary—and then follow the instructions. The hand-selected articles and free stomach care plan were a big help to me when my German Shepherd had digestive issues and gut problems. I hope you find the free guide and food tracker list helpful, too! Allenspach, et al. Michael J. Breed predisposition to canine gastric carcinoma—a study based on the Norwegian canine cancer register. Acta Vet Scand. Tello, L. Fluid and electrolyte therapy during vomiting and diarrhea. Every dog owner will likely experience having to care for a dog with an upset stomach. Unfortunately, however, this situation is much more common in some breeds, including the German Shepherd. Yes, German Shepherds are much more prone to having sensitive stomachs than other breeds. Some GSDs have strong guts that can withstand all the curious things dogs lick and eat. But, the breed is generally known for having digestive disorders and sensitivities. When you have a German Shepherd with a sensitive stomach, the signs are hard to miss. They might also vomit bile, which appears as a yellow foamy liquid. Flatulence — Just like humans, dogs accumulate gas when they have trouble digesting. Salivation — German Shepherds are not drool-prone. Among the most common causes of excessive salivation is nausea. Decreased mobility after meals — Most dogs rest after meals. But if yours seems to be much less active after a meal, they may be experiencing some digestive issues. Loss of appetite — Your dog may eat less than they normally do or stop eating altogether. Skipping a meal or two might help relieve their stomachache. However, fasting for too long might lead to lethargy and hypoglycemia. This predisposition most commonly stems from the following: Body Type Breeds with deep but narrow chests like the German Shepherd German Shepherds have deep but narrow chests. This makes them more likely to suffer from a condition called gastric dilatation volvulus GDV. More commonly known as bloat, GDV is a painful and potentially fatal inflammatory condition wherein the stomach may twist and cut off circulation. Lack of Digestive Enzymes The German Shepherd is among the breeds known to be predisposed to pancreatic insufficiency. Without enough pancreatic enzymes, your dog will have difficulty digesting proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. This leads not only to abdominal discomfort but also to malnutrition. Imbalance of Gut Flora The gut microbiome plays a huge role in digestion, nutrition absorption, and strengthening the immune system. Unfortunately, GSDs are more prone to bacterial overgrowth and imbalances compared to other breeds. This leads to chronic digestive issues. Food Sensitivities Insufficient or imbalanced gut flora and lack of digestive enzymes further lead to food sensitivities and allergies. Finding the right food will help prevent inflammation and reduce the frequency of stomachaches. Sometimes, a short fast can be all it takes to relieve them of their discomfort. However, you should take them for emergency care if they skip three meals in a row. Offer Bland Food If your dog is nauseated, they might be put off by the taste and smell of their regular food. They might also find it hard to digest when their stomach is already inflamed. To help them, offer bland and easily digested food like boiled rice and canned pumpkin. Provide probiotics Give your dog some unflavored yogurt to help introduce some good bacteria into their gut. Or, talk to your vet about administering probiotic supplements. Give Them Glucose Refusing food can lead to a drop in glucose levels, which can result in lethargy, further loss of appetite, and even seizures. Giving your dog some sugar will help them regain some energy and boost their appetite. This can be in the form of honey or glucose powder diluted into their drinking water. Among the best things you can do for long-term care include: Choosing An Appropriate Diet When you have a German Shepherd with a sensitive stomach, you need to be more mindful of the food you give them. Avoid high-fat kibble and determine what ingredients they might be sensitive to. In many cases, GSDs with digestive problems benefit immensely from a grain-free diet. Switching between diets is one of the most common causes of inflammation in dogs with sensitive stomachs. Whenever you need to switch, make sure you transition slowly. So, avoid feeding them one large meal per day. Instead, divide their daily servings between two or three meals. Also, keep your dog from scarfing down all their food too quickly. Finding the right dog bowl should help slow them down. Always opt for high-quality dog treats with real ingredients. Make sure they get their vaccination and parasite prevention doses on time to avoid illnesses that make taking antibiotics necessary. Maintaining probiotics Talk to your vet about maintaining a probiotic supplement. These come in different forms, including capsules, dog chews, and powders. In some dogs, yogurt and kefir work very well. This is especially critical if your dog has skipped three meals in a row, has stopped taking water, and has become lethargic. Often, a physical examination along with a lab test is the best way to determine the most effective treatment. Final Thoughts It can be very worrying and frustrating when you have a German Shepherd with a sensitive stomach. Abdominal pain Lethargy If your German Shepherd is experiencing any of the above symptoms, they may be struggling with an upset stomach. When it comes to gastrointestinal upset in German Shepherds, there are many possible causes behind each stomach grumble. Common factors of an upset stomach can lurk around each corner, making it so important to be aware of the possible risks. So what causes an upset stomach in German Shepherds? Dogs can get into the trash, eat table scraps, eat inedible objects, and any other items that are outside of their normal diet. This is especially true of fattening or greasy food items. Not only can dietary indiscretion cause an upset stomach in German Shepherds, but it can also cause an intestinal obstruction if the item is unable to pass through the digestive tract. Foreign bodies can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and more when they are left untreated. Since our dogs generally eat the same diet each day, their digestive tract gets used to the same ingredients. Due to this, an abrupt change in diet can cause a shock to their digestive system. This sudden shock can result in diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and any other sign of an upset stomach. An ideal diet switch will occur over weeks. Infectious GI disease can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting in dogs, often to the point of needing hospitalization and other aggressive medical care. While there are multiple infections that can cause GI symptoms, the most common disease is Parvo. Bacterial Infections Multiple forms of bacteria live all around us and our canine companions. Not only can bacteria make their way into their food and water, but it also lives in the soil they step in with each trip outside. If your dog has gastrointestinal symptoms and has tested negative for other possible causes, bacteria may be to blame. Intestinal Parasites Intestinal parasites can negatively impact your German Shepherd when they make their way into the intestinal tract. Parasites can settle in the wall of their intestines, replicate at high speed, and cause severe damage to every tissue they come in contact with. Because of this, our Shepherd friends can suffer from severe diarrhea and vomiting when experiencing a parasitic infection. Food Allergies Though this is the most rare cause of an upset stomach on the list, it is certainly possible. When a dog is allergic to a certain ingredient in their daily diet, it can lead to an array of troubling symptoms that impact their daily life. Food allergies can cause loose stool, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, skin irritation, hair loss, and more. By testing for any underlying factors that can cause an upset stomach, you stand a better chance at offering your dog the relief they deserve. Introduce Probiotics If your German Shepherd is experiencing an upset stomach, they may benefit from the addition of probiotics. Whether your pup is finishing up a course of antibiotics or struggling with a bacterial imbalance in their gut, probiotics can help to restore the good bacteria in the GI tract. Probiotics can help to restore healthy gut bacteria, regulate their digestive habits, and even offer immune support as they recover. While their daily diet may be a wonderful option for maintaining their overall health, it may not be ideal when they are experiencing GI distress. Some of the best bland diet options include boiled chicken breast and white rice, ground turkey and white rice, or a prescribed bland diet from your veterinarian. Have you ever seen a dog vomit and run to their water bowl directly after, only to vomit again? This canine response to nausea can lead to more problems for our furry friends, making it important for us to step in. These include Pepto Bismol and Immodium. However, this really depends on your particular dog, so it is very important that you clear it with your veterinarian before you give your German Shepherd any dosage of these medications. Upset Stomach In German Shepherd Puppies If you have a German Shepherd puppy in your life, there are always a few extra factors to consider when they are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. So what can an upset stomach in German Shepherd puppies mean? While puppies can still experience GI upset from other causes, these factors are serious possibilities in our younger canine friends. If your German Shepherd puppy is not fully vaccinated or has not been fully dewormed, these possibilities are on the table. Your veterinarian can rule out Parvovirus or intestinal parasites with a few simple diagnostics in their clinic laboratory. Once they have an accurate diagnosis in place, they can determine the best method of treatment for your Shepherd friend. Though our canines will be exposed to GI upset at some point throughout their life, there are added safety measures to help keep them safe! Offer them quality food that is approved by your veterinarian Make sure they are always fully vaccinated, especially if they are out in public Never switch their diet abruptly Always transition to a new diet over weeks Keep table scraps or greasy food items away from your dog Make sure your dog is dewormed and on monthly heartworm prevention Keep your trash can in a safe area that your dog cannot access Try not to let them eat too quickly try a slow feeder if they do Promoting Gastrointestinal Health In A Sensitive German Shepherd Some German Shepherds have a sensitive stomach that can be easily aggravated. These pups often require special care when it comes to their diet, and often benefit from extra support from probiotics and other dietary supplements. So how can you promote digestive health in your German Shepherd? Here are a few of our favorite tips! Sensitive Stomach Diets If your GSD has a sensitive stomach, they may require a special diet that is easy on their gut. A sensitive stomach diet is often free of common irritants and inflammatory ingredients, often resulting in easy digestion for our furry friends. Some of our favorite sensitive stomach diets for German Shepherds include:.

Exercising your Labrador Another thing to consider is how much exercise will your labrador do? To exercise your Labrador you will need to walk them for at least 30 minutes every day, but this changes from when they are a small dog to when they become older and slower, as is typical with a large breed. Labradors are very active and love playing, so you will also require a big yard in which you can play with your puppy! Labrador feeding guide Feeding a Labrador is essential for your puppy to grow and develop. Labradors require a high-quality diet consisting of protein, vitamins, and minerals. When feeding my labrador puppy vets recommend buying puppy kibble from the pet store because it has been made specifically for young puppies under 12 months old. You should take your dog to get regular checkups where you can check if you are feeding it the right food. What colours can a Labrador be? What colour is most popular? Labrador pups come in various colours — black the most common , yellow which includes chocolate , red and silver. Black labradors are in high demand due to their especially gentle nature around children, they are less commonly used as a show lab. Black labs are also used a lot in country pursuits. When choosing a colour you should consider what you want your dog to do. If allergy sufferers were thinking about owning a labrador retriever then a golden one could be the best option as there would only ever be minimal amounts of allergens around the home compared to other options out there. Living costs of Labaradors Labrador living costs can vary from place to place. One of the most important costs that needs considering is what you might need in order for your dog to be kept healthy and well. The cost of getting a Labrador vaccinated on time after it has been born can vary depending on where you are based as well as how much experience they have with labradors — so always ask around, do some research online or even phone up local vets! You will also be expected to pay vet fees and feed your lab good quality food. For leads and toys, anything from anywhere! Labradors live to be about years old so the cost of raising one will go up over time as they get older. Labrador size also varies! This is where the joints in their hips or elbows do not develop properly during puppyhood, which can cause pain later on. Labrador retrievers are also prone to eye problems including cataracts nuclear sclerosis of the lens , progressive retinal atrophy degeneration of retina cells and arthritis or hip problems later in life. How to purchase a Labrador There are multiple options to consider when buying Labrador puppies. Puppies cost a lot of money, but you can avoid this cost by adopting an adult Labrador from your local shelter or rescue. If you do buy a puppy, make sure to choose the right breeder and location! This will save you future heartache when purchasing a labrador. Labradors are medium-sized dogs that have been ranked as the number one most popular dog in America for over 20 years straight. They are a very friendly large dog. Are Labrador Retrievers Good Pets? Labradors are known to be a great breed of dogs, they are a large and lively breed and make a great family pet. They are very friendly and make good pets for families with children or even other animals in the house. However, there is one drawback to owning a Labrador apart from hair everywhere — their high maintenance costs! They are known as a very active breed and require lots of exercise daily, taking them out on long walks or runs every day will become an essential part of life! If you can not get this type of physical activity into your everyday routine it might be best to choose a more relaxed dog, or something a lot smaller. Do labradors bark a lot? Labradors do bark a lot, they are known as a very vocal breed of dogs and will become more so when they reach puppyhood! If you have neighbors who can hear them barking from your property this may not be the best breed for you. Can Labradors live outside? Labradors are not the best breed of dog to live outside, they are very active and need lots of exercise daily. If you do not have time every day to take them out on long walks or runs then it might be better for your puppy if they lived inside with you! Backyards may be good enough for labradors but they will need to be let out often too. A Lab dog should still spend time in a home environment but if you leave your dog outside a lot make sure he gets regular vaccinations What is a similar breed to a Labrador Retriever? If you are looking for a similar dog to a Lab Retriever then there are many similar breeds to consider! Golden Retrievers, Flat Coated Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels are all puppy breeds that can be found in many different colours like black, chocolate, or yellow. All of these dogs should have a similar temperament too so could make great family pets for you. When will my Labrador become an adult Labs become adult dogs when they are between 12 months and 18 months old. This is the time when they will start to be more independent but they still need your guidance! Training your lab Puppy When deciding to train a lab puppy you should consider puppy classes. Lab puppies make great pets for families because they love to play with children, labradors have been known to never bite or nip. Lab puppies should be taught how to interact with humans and dogs to assure they are well behaved. Conclusion In short a Labrador dog is a very popular breed of dog. They make excellent pets and loyal companions for humans, but they do come with some costs that you should be aware of before purchasing one as your next canine companion. You may want to consider pet insurance just in case the unthinkable happens and your labrador needs veterinary care or has an accident while playing outside. We break down everything you need to know before signing up for coverage in our blog post on the subject. To summarize, here are the key points we found: The most important thing to consider when looking at rates is whether or not your dog requires any specific breed-specific treatments such as hip dysplasia treatment; if so, make sure that this condition is covered by the plan you choose. Another major factor affecting pricing is where you live — some regions have higher costs of living than others which means prices may be more expensive there too. Should you get a labrador? A Labrador dog is a very popular breed of dog. How much does a Labrador cost? How do I find labrador breeders? How much should I expect to spend on vet bills for my Labrador? How much does a puppy cost from a local breeder? This is something that you will need to discuss with your preferred Labrador breeder before bringing home your new pet. Is my Labrador from a puppy farm? To spot a puppy farm is not always easy, however, there are signs to look out for that might indicate your Labradors parents were kept in puppy farm conditions. How much does a yellow lab cost? Factors like coat, color, breeder, bloodline, etc. While this entails the initial cost, getting home a labrador is more than wet noses and cuddles. Gear up for the supplies, dog house , training , food, and medication costs. Every lab is unique and comes with its own needs. While the right-away cost is the purchase price of the labrador retriever, more awaits. The cost will vary from dog to dog and from one household to another. The three labrador color options are — black , brown , and yellow. However, the silver labrador is gaining popularity. For many years, the black labrador was in high demand. Opinions and prices change over time. The brown and yellow labs became more acceptable post the black labrador phase. Today silver labradors are gaining much attention and are slightly pricier. Coat trends can quickly change. The demand determines the price of a black or yellow labrador during the buying period. Labrador Retriever Puppy Vs. Adult: Cost Comparison Not planning to buy an adult? Get a puppy instead. But how much does a labrador retriever puppy cost? Many opt for a young puppy, but they cost more. To save extra dollars, buy an adult lab. Prices increase if you wish to buy a show-line puppy. Be ready to spend more on vet bills when bringing a young puppy home. Consequently, buying a young labrador retriever costs more than an adult. Several backyard breeders sell adult labs cheaply to make space for young pups. Buying labrador retrievers from rescue organizations or shelters is economical. If you live in Canada, the question of how much a labrador puppy costs differs. However, the price varies due to linage, breeder, and expected size. Remember to purchase from a healthy breeder for the best experience. The English labrador is the most common among people looking for show labs. They are less active and stockier compared to American dogs. How much do labrador retrievers cost in the UK? By now, you know how much does a labrador retriever puppy cost. Foods and Treats You will need a few bags of high-quality dog food and treats with your lab at home. However, remember to measure portions to prevent obesity. A soft and comfortable bed is essential for good sleep and health. A good bed will keep hip and elbow dysplasia at bay. Bowls Investing in sturdy and food-grade feeding bowls is essential. Some prefer stainless steel bowls over plastic for easy use and better cleaning. A crate is necessary for your labrador retriever to feel safe. The size and quality will determine its actual cost. Since you will use it daily, invest in a high-quality one. Labrador Retriever is a playful and active breed. It will keep them busy and prevent furniture chewing. It is vital to groom the lab regularly, considering heavy shedding. Dogs receive their initial dose from breeders or shelters. Plan for the subsequent doses. Breeder Quality Tightening your wallet while buying a lab is not wise. A cheaper lab indicates less care received. It is believed that puppy mills focus more on profits than lab health. They will check for genetic and other health issues. A higher breeder quality comes with a higher price, but it is worth it. How much do labradors cost when coat colors come into play? Well, a lot. Black, brown, and yellow are popular colors. The coat color in demand will cost you more, whether black or yellow. Trends change rapidly, and so do the price. Time and Place Time and place are other factors adding to how much are labrador retriever puppies. If your breeder lives in a high-cost area, it can increase puppy costs. If it is a reputable breeder with high demand, they can charge more. Buying a lab in winter can help you seal a profitable deal. The demand is usually less because most wait for summer to bring home a pup. Gene Labrador Retriever is a popular breed. However, the gene pool for purebred lab puppy is limited and may increase the price. However, not all puppies are adopted at the right time. The older labs can be bought at a budget-friendly rate. Health Lab puppies may experience several health issues. However, an experienced, reputable breeder conducts multiple tests for its excellent health. No wonder why purchasing from a health-conscious breeder is expensive. A labrador retriever may not be the largest in the canine kingdom but certainly the greediest. An average adult lab will consume about 30 lbs of dog food each month. If you want to feed your lab with high-quality food, spend more. A service dog will need more fuel and energy and must be fed more. A small canine requires less food than a larger one, hence a lesser bill. While all labs are unique, one can expect them to eat two to three cups of food daily. The cost of the treats must not be forgotten. While these may not be high on the priority list, it is advisable if the budget allows it. Puppy Training Classes Labs are intelligent dogs, but training classes help. However, if you are a first-time dog owner, getting some help is wise. They are ideal for people who travel without their dogs. It is a lifesaver and takes care of your lab when you are away. A boarding kennel ensures your canine friend is happy and well-adjusted. Since labs shed much, grooming them will keep them tidy and clean. Emergency Fund Setting aside a particular sum for foreseen circumstances is always a good idea. Dog License A dog license is necessary for a formal record. It aids in identification if you lose your pooch. In case your dog bites someone, showing the documents will avoid punishment. Microchip Labs are very energetic dogs, and high-spirited. Microchips will help you track your lab while they are on a walk or run alone. It will prevent them from getting lost. Several shelter organizations have returned dogs to their rightful owners using a microchip. Hence it is challenging to answer how much labrador puppies cost. Few ongoing costs to consider before committing. They include wellness checks, vaccines, lab tests, dental care, etc. Replacing Old Toys The lab toys must be replaced when torn or old. Damaged ones can cause harm. They can cause gastrointestinal issues if swallowed. Using old and infected toys might invite diseases. Replacing them will ensure good health and promote hygiene. Equipment For Training Labrador Retrievers Training equipment includes a comfortable collar , quality leash, fresh treats, etc. The success of your training depends much on the equipment, so purchase good quality products. Larger Harness Since labs are sturdy, some believe a harness is better than a collar. A larger harness is better and a must for a lbs puppy. They are secure and give you more control. You can better manage a lab with a large harness. Pet Insurance Nowadays you must look for insurance options for dog owners and your labrador retriever puppy. Be sure to vet an insurance option properly before deciding on one how much is a chocolate lab puppy Final Thoughts On Labrador Puppy Cost Considering all facets, you must have understood how much labrador retriever puppies are now. While there is no specific answer, you now have a fair idea. Costs vary hugely, and it is challenging to predict a specific amount. However, the prices can be brought down in multiple ways. Purchasing a lab puppy from a rescue organization is one way. However, it excludes illness, injuries, and other additional costs. Considering your financial situation is crucial before you make the final decision. So, are you ready to bring home your labrador puppy? The sensitive and affectionate nature of labs makes them excellent companions. While they are ideal family dogs , they also fit sole owners. They also cope well with the modern hustle and bustle. Health, chewing habits, destruction level, general cost, how much time they need, etc. Enquire how much space they need and if they are purebred for the best experience. Breed quality, age, health, coat, time, location, and bloodline are among a few factors influencing the lab puppy price. Private lessons are great for basic training. However, professional training will help your lab learn effective communication. It might be an added expense, but it is worth it. They are very easy for a dog walker to manage. How much are black labs puppies? And a younger puppy will cost more than a puppy that is older. How much does a chocolate lab cost? Her deep understanding of Labrador temperament and intelligence underpins her effective training techniques and product recommendations. Through firsthand experience of the joys and challenges of raising Labradors, Samta's articles provide expert advice for both seasoned and new Labrador owners, covering training, care, and innovative product selection. Her commitment to enhancing the well-being of Labradors and their owners permeates her work, making it an indispensable resource for Labrador enthusiasts. Rupert Jones Sat 10 Oct .Read more High demand and the large sums at stake have created a lucrative market for puppy smugglers, who illegally import dogs into the country, often from central and eastern Europe. Some people have been duped out of their cash completely — often by fraudsters posing as breeders and using images from legitimate puppy adverts. Others end up unknowingly buying puppies that are unhealthy and may eventually require costly veterinary treatment, or have behavioural problems. Kennel Club research has also found that almost a quarter of those who bought a puppy during the pandemic have experienced complications — from being charged more than initially agreed or the dog looking different to the one advertised, to the puppy becoming unwell once home or not having vaccination records. One bit of good news is that commercial third-party sales of puppies and kittens were banned in England from 6 April this year — hopefully spelling the beginning of the end for puppy farming. On the p up — soaring puppy prices Labrador puppies. Read more However, a price check carried out by Guardian Money this week suggests that average costs for those breeds are now higher than that and have also soared for other in-demand breeds. We searched for puppies for sale under four months old across all sellers and all locations. The upfront cost depends on the breed and where you get it from. If they are advertising many litters from different breeds, this is a red flag. Fraudsters often give fake addresses, use a variety of different mobile numbers and have multiple ads online. Do consider a Kennel Club assured breeder — to find out more, go to thekennelclub. Do make sure to visit more than once, even if it is via video call because of the coronavirus restrictions. Pets4Homes has a service where a buyer can put down a deposit that is held in escrow until the buyer and seller have finalised the transaction — although sellers can choose not to use it. Do ask lots of questions and make sure you see vital paperwork, such as a puppy contract, which gives lots of information about their parents, health, diet, etc. There is lots of help and advice out there. They visited Athens in August and while they were there a friend took them to an animal rescue centre run by an organisation called Save a Greek Stray. Costs Whippets can be sensitive to cold weather. The cost is more for a pedigree with a champion bloodline. So, for having a proper dog, finding a reputable breeder who provides healthy puppies is the key. In fact, you should also think about ongoing expenses such as food, veterinary care, and training when considering the cost of a Labrador. Young puppies will cost more. However, this high price is worth it. The reason is simple, you get them at a young age and can enjoy their company, have fun etc. Location The location also plays a crucial role in the cost of a Labrador. In general, the prices vary on the basis of the cost of living and demand in different areas of the country. For instance, in London and other major cities, the cost of living is high. So, this can drive up the cost of owning a Labrador in the city. However, in more rural areas or less densely populated regions, for example, Newcastle, the cost is comparatively less because of the lower demand and cost of living. Colour coat In general, Labrador pups come in 3 colours, black, yellow and silver. However, all Labradors are born white and the colour develops with time. The most common ones are Black labradors. But, they are in high demand. The main reason is their gentle nature around children. So, they are expensive in comparison with yellow and silver. The reputation of a Breeder A breeder with a high reputation follows all the necessary rules while nurturing the dog. From their food items to medical, they cover all the costs. Also, the dog is well-trained and in top-notch condition. Where To Buy a Labrador? You know the factors affecting the labrador dog price, but, where can you buy one? These dogs are carefully bred for health and temperament. You can verify them by referring to different websites. For instance, you can check if they are registered with organisations such as the Kennel Club and have a nice reputation in the pet community. Here, you are not only buying the dog but also providing a home to a dog in need. Many rescue centres in the UK assist people with rehoming Labradors and other dog breeds. The staff at the rescue shelter can easily provide you with this valuable information. Talking to other dog owners will get you insights into the breed and help you with your research of finding reputable breeders or rescue shelters near your area. This will help you find a good lab dog who can easily blend in with your family. First-time cost of owning a labrador Once you own a labrador, there are many additional expenses that you need to consider. Regardless, of where you get your labrador, below are some of the crucial expenses that must be covered in your pre-planned budget. However as Labradors eat a lot, this cost can easily go up. Their eating habits make them vulnerable to obesity! Because obesity can cause health issues and in turn increase the medical bill. Medical expenses Even if you manage to get a healthy dog, there are some initial medical costs. The lab dog can have health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia at any given point. Also, if your dog is not spayed or neutered you may have to spend some money on their surgery. Training and grooming costs The double coat of the labrador dog sheds frequently and hence, they need regular grooming. In addition, a trainer may charge more if the activities or training exercises are more. Toys Labradors are energetic dogs and need activity or exercise. In fact, their friendly nature with young kids and other pets makes them good companions. Further, there are some other expenses like- microchipping, extra supplies poop scooper, and poop bags , dog license, pet insurance, dog care, etc. So, if you get into such confusion, here are some questions that you must ask yourself before thinking of acquiring one: 1 Do you have big enough space for the dog? Dogs require space, both indoors and outdoors. They need space to exercise and stretch their legs. Labradors as fairly large and active dogs and require a decent space to roam around or train. Thus you need to have at least a normal-sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Labrador puppies are energetic and demand attention from their owners. Hence, if you cannot take your dog to work with you, then you need to reconsider. When you bring a dog into the house, it impacts the lifestyle of your family. Sure, labradors are friendly in nature, but, at times kids find it difficult to adjust to their continuous presence. While the idea of buying a labrador dog seems fascinating, you have to make sure you can afford the maintenance cost i. If you are finding ways to cut-cost, the next section will show you some ways you can save money while owning a labrador. Even if you manage to get them at a low price, we saw the additional expenses that are necessary to be included in the budget. Here, one can make food treats for their dog using simple ingredients such as oats, peanut butter, eggs, flour etc. Train your dog yourself As mentioned earlier, professional dog trainers are expensive. So, if you wish to save some money, you can consider training your dog at home. Grooming at home Similar to a professional trainer, a groomer will also charge heavily for grooming your lab dog. So, instead of paying such a high amount, you can groom your dog at home itself. It is important to brush gently in the direction of hair growth to avoid hurting your dog. Still, when necessary you can give them a bath with lukewarm water and dog shampoo. Ear cleaning — by using a damp cloth or any ear-cleaning solution you can clean their ears. Nail trimming — with the help of clippers made for dogs you can trim their nails. Vet visits This may seem strange but, you need to regularly visit the vet to check out whether your lab dog is healthy or not. In addition, this cost can elevate if the dog is well-trained and from a reputable breeder. However, some breeders set the labrador price more because of the lineage or the rare coat colour. What is the black labrador puppy price in the UK? Black labradors are the most expensive. This colour is rarer than their chocolate counterparts. What is the best age to buy a Labrador puppy? Female lab dogs are a little bit smaller than males of the same breed, so you can make gender selections based on whether you are looking for a smaller or larger dog. How much is a golden retriever UK? Prices for Golden Retrievers depend on which part of the UK you are residing in. Final Take Labrador prices are high and vary on different factors. Make sure the dog is in healthy condition and the breeder can provide you with a pedigree certificate. Having said that, stay alert while you explore low price dogs. We say this because there are unethical breeders out there offering puppies at low prices, but, are not properly nurtured by them. So, if you are looking for an affordable option then you can consider a shelter or rescue house. Lastly, your family should have an equal say in the decision of getting a labrador dog in the house. Hence, consider every aspect mentioned in the article and make a conscious decision. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We also shared a few tips on what to expect when buying a puppy. If you follow these tips, you can get a healthy Labrador Retriever puppy for a great price and avoid getting ripped off. Pet Keen advocates for adopting before shopping. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. ChampDogs helps you track down those dogs in your area. You can filter results by location, colours, completed health tests, and more! Gumtree puts you in contact with all the local breeders to get you the perfect puppy without having to hit the countryside. Not only are there tons of local breeders, but with Poolehall Labradors right around the corner, you can easily get a show-quality Labrador! A site like FreeAds makes use of this fact to put you in touch with local breeders. Just make sure to do your homework before forking over any cash. Not only are there are tons of Labrador Retrievers on the site, but many of them are also registered working dogs. Keep in mind that while most of that money is profit, it also goes to cover initial shots, health check-ups, and other necessary things to keep the puppies happy and healthy. Before you buy a puppy, ask the breeder the following questions. References: Before purchasing a dog from a breeder, get and check their references. Ideally, you want to reach out to customers whom the breeder might not be listing. Registration status: This one comes down to the pedigree of the dog. Keep in mind that you need the official registration status for your puppy, not just the parents. Is there a health guarantee? Do get a guarantee of health for at least a few months. Can you meet the parents? First, you should see the genetic lineage that your puppy is coming from. Where are the puppies raised? They Have Tons of Energy Before you bring home a Labrador Retriever , you need to ensure that you have plenty of space for them to roam and exercise. But big dogs also eat tons of food. Full-grown Labrador Retrievers can eat 4. They Are Extremely Smart and Trainable If you want a dog that you can train to do about a million tasks, a Labrador Retriever is a great choice. If you have kids and want a dog, a Labrador Retriever is ideal. There are tons of breeders out there, and the result is tons of Labrador Retrievers that you can purchase! You may also want to read:.

This thoughtfully crafted dog food is formulated to meet the unique nutritional requirements of Labrador Retriever puppies up to 15 months old. It contains premium proteins and prebiotics for optimal digestion and energy. With vitamin E and minerals, it supports the immune system and overall health. The kibble size and texture promote dental health. This puppy food provides a tasty and balanced diet to support healthy growth and development, making it an excellent choice for Labrador Retriever puppy owners. This nutritious dog food is made with real chicken and eggs and provides essential vitamins and minerals for healthy digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. It also supports strong bones and healthy skin and coat. Its balanced nutrition and delicious taste make it a satisfying choice for adult Labrador dogs. This high-quality dog food offers a complete nutritional profile at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value-for-money option for pet parents seeking to provide their dogs with a nutritious diet. How to find the best Labrador dog food? Selecting the optimal dog food for your Labrador necessitates the meticulous evaluation of various factors. Look for high-quality ingredients: Choose dog foods that contain high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and are free from artificial preservatives and fillers. Choose a formula for Labrador Retrievers: Some dog food brands offer recipes designed explicitly for Labrador Retrievers, considering their unique nutritional needs. Suitability with age: Age factors matter a lot when choosing Labrador dog food. Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different dietary requirements, so select a formula appropriate for your dog's age. Read the online reviews to get an idea of how other dog owners feel about a particular dog food brand. You may be interested in Product. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review An additional reason for there being specific food for puppies is the pieces are smaller which not only prevents them from choking, it also makes the food easier to digest. The pieces are richer, denser and the ideal size for smaller mouths. These ingredients are where your pup gets the nutrients they need to grow and live, nutrients that are sadly lacking in the cheaper dog foods. With foods that are a bit more expensive, your pooch can eat a more well-balanced meal and enjoy it. They eat more, they poop more, and this means house training becomes much harder for you. What you feed your puppy is a major factor in the success of your house training process. Firstly, dry food tends to be more complete and balanced with the correct amount of vital nutrients in it. The ingredients tend to be of better quality as long as you pick the right brand. Plus, dry food helps to keep teeth strong due to being a solid food, and the slightly abrasive nature of the solid food has a natural teeth cleaning effect. It also lasts far longer than cans as you need to feed less of it. Recommended Best Puppy Food For Labs And Large Breeds In this next section we give you 4 of the best foods on the market made from high quality ingredients but still available at a reasonable price. These foods will provide your puppy with all the nutrients they need in just the right mix and quantities, not just so they survive, but so they can truly thrive. Deboned chicken is high quality chicken protein, whereas the chicken and turkey meal is a concentrate. It is nutrient rich with vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A as well as containing minerals like zinc, iron and calcium. It even has some fruit content like apples and blueberries. The Lactobacillus acidophilus, green tea extract and rosemary extract are all known to help prevent infections. This is a very high-quality food your puppy will truly thrive on and is our top recommendation as the best puppy food for labs. However, if price is no object, K9 is certainly one of the best foods available! K9 Natural Grain-Free Puppy Freeze-Dried Dog Food gives your puppy all the benefits of raw food, aiming for optimum levels of growth and development — not too fast nor stunted — and for lean muscle mass and peak conditioning. Its main ingredient is grass-fed New Zealand beef. And this is rounded out by whole food ingredients like flaxseed, kelp, New Zealand mussel, fruits and veggies, and hoki oil which provides DHA for EPA for healthy brain and eye development. It gets a big thumbs up from us. The first ingredient is bison and is a high quality meat product. The next ingredient is lamb meal, which has a large amount of protein in it being a meat concentrate, percent more than fresh lamb meat. The third highest ingredient is sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of complex carbs. They contain fiber and beta carotene. In fact, this food consists of approx. This provides your puppy with a source of energy ideal for his busy puppy lifestyle. Overall, this food is highly recommended and your puppy should thrive on it. They also allow regular independent inspections of their manufacturing process and source ingredients the US, EU and NZ. So quality control is well taken care of. The large breed puppy formula contains a scientifically formulated balance of proteins, fats, phosphorous and calcium in just the right amounts and proportions to promote a healthy rate of bone and muscle development, highly important for large breed puppies where excessive nutrients can be just as harmful as malnutrition. The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for the health of connective soft tissues which is reassuring for large breeds, and especially Labradors, who can suffer from many joint problems in life. It also contains omega oils for healthy brain development, as well as other fatty acids known to promote healthy skin and coat. So Eukanuba large breed puppy food comes recommended. The fiber in it will help with digestion while it has antioxidants that are known to help keep your dog healthy for many years to come. Royal Canin Breed Specific Labrador Puppy Royal Canin is a very well-known brand with lots of positive reviews from past and present dog owners on Amazon. It has an above average protein content than the minimum recommended for your dog, coming in at 31 percent protein at dry weight. The protein it has comes mostly from chicken by-product meal which is considered somewhat low quality and consists of whatever is left after chickens are slaughtered. However, it does NOT — as you might read elsewhere — consist of anything from feet to beaks. According to dogfoodadvisor. After chicken by-product meal, the second ingredient in this food is brewers rice. The fourth ingredient is corn gluten meal which is a residue left over once most of the useful, starchy carbohydrates have been washed out of it. With such popularity, high ratings and reviews with so many people saying their dogs thrive on this, there must be some truth to it. The third to 5th ingredients are wholesome whole grains that provide high energy from complex carbohydrates that are easy to digest. These are far better than corn and most other sources of carbs found in cheaper foods that are hard for a puppy to get any nutrition from. Out of everything in this product, 40 percent of it is protein, which is higher than average. About 14 percent of it is fat, and of the remainder, 38 percent is carbs. And the omega oils may help reduce risk of developing arthritis. Not only this, but Labradors are a large breed and are more sensitive to nutritional imbalances than smaller breeds. You really do need to get their diet right to do the best for them. Luckily, many brands of food specifically aimed at large breeds and Labradors have been created that provide everything they need in just the right amounts, that are easy for an owner to feed by simply following instructions on the packet. I know there is a lot of conflicting advice out there when it comes to dog food and it can be a nightmare to wade through if trying to find the best puppy food for Labs. So hopefully this article has been of some use to you. A very good resource that does good work for dog food quality awareness. Check them out! Please be aware this page contains affiliate links and Labrador Training HQ receives a small commission if you make a purchase through any such links. This has no effect on the eventual price you pay and we are very grateful for your support. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. 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. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. Increase portions as your puppy grows. Be sure to follow the rule of dog treats. This is about changes over time. Nutritional deficiency or excess can lead to disease and ultimately death. You may have noticed that your dog has dandruff after changing food, but the food is really good — try adding levels of zinc and vitamin A. Your main task as a pet owner is to monitor the health of a small family member and be responsible for this life. Image credit: canva. The first one is a protein that can be found in meat, poultry, fish, yogurt, and cooked eggs. Protein is responsible for the structure of muscles and tissues, as well as the formation and growth of new cells. In the diet for a Labrador puppy, it is imperative to include carbohydrates that are found in brown rice, potatoes, and wheat. Carbohydrates supply the body with glucose, which is responsible for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. An obligatory component of dog food is fats. It is a source of energy, development, and functioning of the cells and muscles of the body. Fats are included in oil and even fish oil. Puppy food for Labs or any other dog includes a certain amount of minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and others. Minerals in dog food form bones and cartilage and balance the nerves. It promotes the production of hormones in the Lab puppies, regulates the balance of fluids in the body, and transports oxygen into the blood. Like people, dog and puppy foods should include plenty of water. Water is life! Once in the body, they strengthen bones, and teeth and fill the Labrador puppy with energy. Cost point Every time you buy pet food, you think about the issue of price. Of course, cost is important when making a purchasing decision. You should be aware that higher-quality puppy food can cost more than the average price. Your dog is an irreplaceable member of your family, which must be protected and loved with all your heart. Risks and diseases Lab owners should know well about all risks and diseases that their dogs may face. Numerous studies confirm that the Labrador Retriever breed is prone to digestive sensitivities and skin allergies due to irritating foods. This leads to pruritic diseases. Skin allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract are severe. Labs are prone to obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight and body is considered an important point of caring for a dog. In general, Labrador Retrievers should have a taut, hourglass-shaped figure. Obesity puts additional stress on bones and joints and makes it difficult to stay healthy. To combat weight gain, you need to exercise your dog with certain physical exercises, follow a proper diet, control portion sizes, and receive treats. Another disease caused by malnutrition is Gastric dilatation-volvulus. In short, this is boating. Indigestion is a severe problem that should not be ignored. The worst risk is death from the musculoskeletal disorder of muscles, nerves, joints, arthritis, and spinal discs. Also, you should be aware that feed processing of dog foods affects the occurrence and development of cancer. Dry food is cooked at a very high temperature, which leads to the formation of harmful chemical elements in the body of the dog. Such food also contains carbohydrates, which break down into cancer-causing glucose. You can combine dog food with homemade recipe food for your pet yourself. Moreover, it is a good way of feeding your dog if the dog food at home is over or there is very little left, but you need to extend the time until the next purchase. Dogs fed solely on home-cooked or combined diets lived for about 13 years, while those fed only processed food lived for about 10 years. Like human food, it can be chewed easily. Food is broken down in the body so that key nutrients are absorbed more quickly. Such food facilitates digestion and relaxes the stomach. Reducing stress on the digestive system reduces the likelihood of bloating. If you still decide to cook homemade food, follow the rules. Study each ingredient. Cook all animal products for the exact finish to kill harmful bacteria. Risks of homemade dog food Most of the problems are caused by a misunderstanding of the nutritional needs of the Labrador. If you do not understand the effect of food on the body of your pet, which reaction is correct and which can lead to negative consequences and different stages of life, contact a professional veterinarian who can tell you in detail about the effect of food on the body of a dog and how to properly form a pet diet. What food is best for a Labrador puppy? We made for you the list of the best puppy food for Labrador puppies. We can highlight the most noteworthy products from this list. Should I feed my Lab puppy dry or wet food? Mix dry and wet food. What is better to choose — opinions are different. But if you are in doubt about which puppy food to choose, consult your veterinarian. What is the recommended amount of water for a puppy? Older pups that have been nursed require one-half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight. What do you feed an 8-week-old Lab puppy? An 8-week-old puppy should be fed several small meals a day. After 14 weeks, the Lab puppy can switch to two meals a day. Food for a Labrador puppy should be full of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for healthy development. Giving treats is fine, but remember that Labradors are prone to overeating and gaining weight quickly. Also, try to give treats for obedience. You can choose canned food and dry food for your dog as you wish but you should always think about the effect of this dog food on your dog. Hope this article was helpful for you and that your pet will grow healthy and strong. The best large breed puppy food helps your Lab puppy dog grow into a healthy adult. What should I feed my Labrador puppy? One of the main differences between Lab puppies and smaller breeds is that Lab puppies have a lot more growing to do. For example, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel weighs about 8 pounds at three months old and grows to an adult size of about 15 pounds, their weight just about doubling. A Labrador puppy, on the other hand, weigh about 20 pounds and three months to about 65 pounds, more than tripling their weight. Because of this, large breed puppies grow and change a lot in the first few years, going through fast and dramatic bone changes. This makes them very sensitive to nutritional imbalances, which is why using the best puppy foods formulated for Labs helps them get the protein content and nutrients they need to promote healthy growth. That said, puppy food has more calories and vitamins than adult puppy food to support their rapid growth. Labs do not reach adult size until they are between 12 and 18 months old, and you should keep feeding them puppy foods throughout this time. What are the best foods for Labrador puppies? How much should I feed my 8 week old lab puppy? There should be detailed instructions on the side of the best puppy food for Labs packaging that tells you how much to use depending on the age of your puppy. A general guideline is four meals of two ounces per day at two months, three meals a day of about 3. Again, this is just a guideline. The best thing to do is follow the instructions on the package or ask your vet to be sure. Keep a close eye on your puppy, too. If they appear to be gaining weight, you may need to cut back a bit. Choosing breed-specific food from a well-known brand is usually a safe bet, and this is definitely the case with Royal Canin. This recipe is designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of Lab puppies between eight weeks and 15 months. The unique ring-shaped kibble is meant to help Lab pups chew and eat their food more slowly, which makes every meal more satisfying. In addition to providing your puppy with the best nutrition it needs to thrive, Royal Canin also includes an effective blend of antioxidants to help boost their developing immune system and proteins and probiotics to support optimal digestion. It promotes healthy bones and weight management to help your Lab become a healthy adult. This pound bag should last you quite a while, especially when your puppy is very young. Store it in a large air-tight container to keep it fresh between feedings. Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient, which tastes great and provides the protein your puppy needs for healthy growth. A detailed feeding schedule is included on the package so you can be sure your puppy is getting the right amount of food every day. This natural dog food is also available in a lamb formula. The best food for puppies from this brand is the chicken recipe. It contains the optimal amount of calcium to support controlled bone growth and balanced minerals strong bones and teeth. Puppies love the delicious chicken flavor and the high-quality protein helps them develop and maintain lean muscle. Fish oil provides DHA for healthy brain and eye development, too. Something impressive about this brand is that its recipes are developed by a team of more than food scientists, vets, and Ph. They carefully choose their suppliers by making sure their facilities meet a high bar of safety and quality standards and each ingredient is examined to make sure it delivers the nutrition necessary to keep the recipe balanced for your pet. This dry Labrador puppy food uses only natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, or chicken by-product meal. High-quality chicken is the first ingredient, proving the lean protein your Lab needs for energy and to support lean muscle growth. This formula also contains optimized levels of phosphorus and calcium to support bone health, DHA for healthy brain development, and vitamin E to help a developing immune system, all ingredients to help your large breed puppy grow into a healthy adult Labrador retriever. Concentrated energy provided by the appropriate level of carbohydrates and fat keeps your puppy going, playing, and exploring while continuing to grow. There are three sizes available so you can choose the size appropriate for your Lab puppy. Whether you choose a five, 16, or pound bag is up to you. Serving sizes for Lab puppies are listed on the side of the bag for Labrador puppies at ages two, five, eight, and 12 months. Eukanuba is so sure you and your puppy will love this best dog food, satisfaction is guaranteed. The naturally grain-free kibble also includes turkey and chicken meal for concentrated protein which also delivers the DHA your puppy needs for healthy brain and eye development. This high amount of protein also develops leaner muscle mass. There are a lot of other great ingredients in this best puppy food for a Labrador puppy, too. Omega fatty acids from flaxseed and salmon oil develop a healthy coat and skin, antioxidants for a healthy immune system, glucosamine for healthy joints, and probiotics to encourage effective digestion. Plus, there are no fillers like wheat, soy, or corn. There are no fillers or gelling agents, GMOs, animal meals, or legumes and they never use any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. What you will find is whole, nutrient-rich food ingredients and the right amount of fats and vitamins to support whole growth and development. This recipe uses grass-fed beef from New Zealand along with fresh Hoki oil obtained from sustainably sourced fish. Every serving provides DHA for brain and eye development, phosphorus and calcium to support teeth and bone development, and premium protein for energy and muscle development. The best thing about this brand is that it was developed by a vet who looked at the evolutionary standpoint of dogs and their diets. Before dogs were domesticated, their diet consisted of raw animal proteins with minimal carbs and a high amount of fat and protein. So much pet food these days contains carbohydrates, which is why K9 Natural was developed. Another great thing about this large breed recipe is your Lab puppy is going to love the taste. K9 Natural is so sure about this that they provide a no questions asked money-back satisfaction guarantee. They always use real meat as the first ingredient, like the high-quality real chicken in this recipe that encourages healthy muscle growth. This puppy food also contains DHA and ARA, fatty acids present in breast milk that contribute to the development of the brain and eyes. A cool thing about Blue Buffalo is that they include something called Lifesource bits in their dry dog food. It uses the finest ingredients and contains no poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy as well as no artificial preservatives or artificial flavors. The large breed kibble size is also perfect for puppy Labs. This product comes in two sizes, 15 and 30 pounds, so you can get just what you need. It uses real chicken to encourage strong muscle growth as well as many other healthy ingredients. Lifesource bits are processed at a lower temperature which means that they do not degrade as quickly as regular kibble, maintaining the integrity of the ingredient. Blue Buffalo uses only the finest ingredients to deliver the vitamins and minerals Labs need without any by-product meals, fillers, or artificial flavors or preservatives. This grain-free recipe includes freeze-dried raw boost bits of natural chicken, supporting muscle growth, and providing the energy your puppy needs to play and learn. This large breed food supports teeth and bone health with adequate levels of calcium and phosphorus as well as natural DHA for eye and brain development. This food may also help your Labrador puppies have better-formed stools and help relieve food sensitivities. Most picky eaters gobble it up. It comes with a satisfaction guarantee. This delivers the optimal amount of amino acids and protein to help your puppy grow strong, lean muscles, and provides the energy they need to explore and grow. This recipe also contains DHA for healthy brain and eye development and superfoods for necessary antioxidants. By combining the protein your pet craves with real vegetables and fruits, Taste of the Wild gives your puppy everything it needs to feed its wild side while helping it grow into an adult dog that will be a loved and trusted member of the family for many years to come. It delivers percent of the balanced nutrition your puppy needs to grow and develop and maintains excellent coat and skin health. Plus, they taste great, so your puppy will love it. Every ingredient in this recipe is checked for quality and produced in US facilities so you can trust the quality of the manufacturing process, too. Pro Plan has recipes for every life stage, so once your puppy is ready to move onto adult and later senior dog food, you can stick with a brand you know and trust. They are what they eat Good health and longevity begin with good nutrition and quality ingredients for Lab puppies The educated dog owner strives to feed the best and most beneficial food that their budget allows. Even the choice of canned food versus dry is a big one, thanks to a wide variety of formulations, price points, and health claims with strong proponents on either side. Wet vs Dry Food for Puppies Both wet and dry food can give your puppy what they need. As we said, dry puppy food is more affordable and convenient than wet food. Dry food is also more calorically dense. Dry food is usually less than 10 percent water while wet food is as much as 75 percent water. So, dry food definitely gives you more bang for your buck. Your puppy or any large breed dogs will need to eat significantly more wet dog food to get the same amount of nutrition as it will get from a serving of dry food. Wet foods may be enough for a small puppy, but a large puppy like a Labrador would not be able to get by on wet food alone, which is why we recommend dry dog food. There are some cases in which you might want to consider mixing some wet food in with your Labs dry diet. Canned foods have ingredients that generally taste a lot better than dry food that puppies sometimes really like, so if you have a picky eater, this may help solve the problem. Wet food has a softer and more appealing texture for Labs, too. What about grain? Some dry dog foods contain a good amount of grain while wet dog food does not. Corn, wheat, and rice are often used to bind dry dog food and make it possible to have nice bite-sized pieces of kibble. This one way to tell high-quality Labrador puppy food from a low-quality one. There is a lot of debate about whether or not grains are good for dogs and puppies, including your Labrador puppy. Other people believe that wolves were scavengers and would have supplemented their diet with corn, roots, fruits, and vegetables when meat was scarce. Just remember that dry food is a little more economical and nutrient-dense. Look at the label. As you can see, nutrition is very important for large breed puppies like your Labrador puppy and it is very important to learn how to decipher the label. You should always be able to find a list of ingredients on the bag. This list is organized in descending order, meaning that the first ingredient is the one that the food contains the most of by weight and is what the puppies who are eating these foods are getting the most of. The first and second ingredients in good large breed puppy dog foods should always be meat of some kind, whether its chicken, lamb, of beef. You might see meat meal listed as the main ingredient. Like grains, the nutritional value of meat meal is often debated. Meat meal has less water than meat, which means it has more concentrated nutrition. Generally, this is not a bad thing. What you need to be aware of, though, is the quality of the meal. Some are made of waste products, like bones, hooves, and animal heads. Basically, the parts of the animal that you might not want your puppy to eat. What should you avoid? Any dog foods with ingredients described as an animal by-product meal or with a vague description like meat meal. Instead, look for clearly defined, honest ingredients like chicken meal, beef meal, or duck meal. If you decide to feed your Labrador puppy grains, look for whole grains on the label and avoid things like corn gluten meal or soybean meal. You should also always avoid artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and sweeteners. Dental Health Another area where dry dog food has an advantage over wet food for your Labrador puppy is that dry food can help maintain good dental health. Some brands are shaped specifically to encourage chewing to scrape off plaque buildup as the puppy chews. Wet food, on the other hand, is believed to contribute to plaque. Because of its texture, it sticks to the teeth much more than dry food and may cause more plaque. Some studies done in the s showed that there really was no difference in the dental health of dogs who ate dry adult dog food versus those that ate wet, but things have come a long way since then. Some food brands have developed special shaped and textured pellets that have been proven to scrape off some plaque. Dave Nielsen I have lived in big cities my entire life. Having grown up on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, my early life was an exciting one, filled to the brim with interesting encounters and opportunities popping up at every street corner. Like many city people, my passion for dogs first started when my parents decided to bring a puppy into the household. For them, it was a way of getting me to spend less time at his computer or wandering aimlessly around the city with my friends. After a few years of doing basic cybersecurity and tech support work in various offices around Manhattan, I decided to leave New York and look for my calling in Boston, Massachusetts. Although they were originally bred to help with hunting and fishing, people have adopted Labrador retriever puppies as family dogs. Growing anywhere between 50 to 80 pounds, Labs make great service dogs , hunting dogs or general companions. Labrador retrievers love to eat, though, leaving them predisposed to obesity and a myriad of health issues that go with it. This article will cover health issues that Labs commonly deal with and how the right large-breed puppy food can prevent bigger problems later on. Knowing what health obstacles your Labrador pup may face later on in life can help you pick the right diet to prevent issues as they get older. Hip Dysplasia Early signs of hip dysplasia present as limping and painfulness when walking up or down the stairs. Unfortunately, Labs are predisposed to developing hip dysplasia for a number of reasons: Types of exercise Improper weight Lack of proper nutrition Some Labrador retrievers are genetically predisposed to developing this condition. Choosing a diet designed for large-breed dogs can help prevent excessive growth, which can lead to skeletal diseases like hip dysplasia and joint issues. Experts also suggest a diet rich in glucosamine and chondroitin. Arthritis Labrador retrievers are at risk for arthritis due to their size, causing joint problems in old age. Veterinarians recommend supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, along with medications to alleviate pain. How can you prevent your Labrador from developing arthritis in the first place? Start them on the right diet early on. Like hip dysplasia, starting your Lab puppy on a diet that meets their nutritional needs early on can prevent harm to their joints and skeletal system. Add in regular visits to the veterinarian, the right kind of exercise e. In some instances, a mass in the brain, metabolic disturbances, exposure to toxins, anemia or electrolyte imbalances are to blame. Some recent studies suggest providing your pup with: Small amounts of fruit e. Developing the right balance of intestinal bacteria from an early age can help support a healthy immune system early on. Ultimately, this will help reduce the occurrence of stomach issues like constipation, diarrhea and digestive tract infections. Prebiotics, on the other hand, provide fiber to your puppy. The addition of fiber encourages the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon. All in all, the prebiotics help feed the probiotics. On the topic of health, you should consider how much you are feeding your puppy. Since puppies grow at different rates, there is no black and white answer as to how much they should eat. However, the general rule of thumb is to feed your puppy according to the guidelines on their puppy dry dog food. You should also consider the size, age, activity and energy levels, and medical conditions of your pup when buying dog food. However, by 12 weeks, your Labrador retriever puppy should have a definite waist. Weight gain is normal for your Labrador pup but should not be in excess. If you find your puppy to be a little more round than recommended, reduce the amount you feed them. Alternatively, if you notice your puppy is starting to look a little slim, increase their portion size. Once they start eating dry food, feed your puppy small, frequent meals throughout the day. When you first bring your lab puppy home, you might feed them three to four times a day. The best puppy food for labs should be nutrient-rich, providing your puppy with what they need without having to overeat. For a balanced diet, you should provide your puppy with high-quality food. The same can be said for dogs. Starting your Lab puppy on a clean, nutritious diet early on is a good way to set their future health on the right track. Starting your puppy on high-calorie kibble can help them grow and build muscle. Feeding your puppy a nutritionally sound diet early on can help prevent skeletal diseases , such as arthritis. How do you achieve this? Feed your puppy food specifically designed for their nutritional needs. For a Lab puppy, this means a diet for large-breed dogs, containing a higher protein level. Dietary Requirements In general, your Lab puppy needs fats, high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water. Veterinarians have concluded that the main nutritional requirement for Labs is protein. In fact, protein plays a vital role in repairing tissues, maintaining the musculoskeletal system, supplying energy and keeping the immune system up and running. The second most important nutritional requirement for Labs is fat. If your puppy is incredibly active, for example, they might need more fat and protein content than a less active dog. Although wolves are carnivores, dogs are not. Even though grain-free is a common pet food buzzword, studies show that dogs need to eat grain for healthy heart function. Eating a variety of foods allows dogs to thrive, gaining access to the right amount of fiber, vitamins and minerals. For the healthiest life, a Lab puppy should eat an omnivorous diet. This means they should not only eat protein but also grains, fruits and vegetables. Where other dog food brands fall short, Bully Max steps in. In fact, the proof is in our formula: Chicken meal.

Here are some things to consider: Size Do you want a big or a small golden? Sex Do you want a male or a female? Style Or a stocky, blocky-headed golden retriever? Color Do you want a dark gold or red golden , a cream-colored golden , or something more in the middle? Personality Do you want a calm golden or more of an energetic one? Nobody will be able to tell you what you want out of a dog but yourself. Consider your lifestyle, home, whether or not you have kids , what you like to do on the weekend, etc. If you want to get a good feel for what a puppy will be like, look at their parents. Temperament and health are hereditary and no puppy test or observation will be as accurate as what their parents are like. So that being said, pick a good breeder that is breeding dogs that resemble what you want. There are two important things here: Talk to the breeder and tell them what you want Observe the puppies and look for the puppy that resembles what you want Talk To The Breeder The breeder has spent the last eight weeks with the puppies and knows them best. By telling them what you want they can help you decide the right one for you. But assuming the decisions lays in your hands, this next section will help you out. Selecting A Puppy From The Litter When we went to pick our puppy from the litter we knew exactly what we wanted: a big, calm, sweet boy. He had probably worn himself out trying to impress them because two days later we were wondering what happened to that calm puppy as a fluffy little tornado was tearing around our apartment! Are they submissive? This might give you some insight into their personality. Take note of their energy levels. Consider how your puppy interacts with people. How are they with you, whoever is with you, and the breeder? Are they fearful? A friendly dog will be outgoing and interested in you. Toss your keys or a toy. Put the puppy on their back. Either cradle them in your arms on their back, or roll them on their back on the floor. A dominant pup may squirm a lot, but a well-adjusted pup should calm down shortly. They should be ok with being handled. Shoutout to Vet Street for a few of the tips above. In addition to choosing the right puppy, you also want to choose a healthy puppy. Now even if you have your checklist and run each pup through these tests, it may all go out the window if a puppy picks you. But as we tried to give each puppy a chance and interact with all of them, Oliver kept coming back to my wife and nuzzling his nose into her to tell her that he was the one. Conclusion When picking a puppy you first want to decide what you want. Then pick a breeder that breeds dogs that resemble what you want. When it comes to actually picking the puppy from the litter, talk to the breeder about it and try to see which puppies match up with what you want. However, know that puppies may be different than how they initially appear. And finally, you might not even need to worry about picking the right puppy because the right puppy just might pick you. Have any questions about picking a golden retriever puppy from the litter? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is about to pick up a puppy, please share this with them! Related articles:. However, picking the right puppy from a litter can be overwhelming and stressful. So, what is the easiest way to pick a golden retriever puppy from a litter? An excellent way to see how your potential puppy will turn out is to take a look at his parents. Most importantly, ask the breeder a lot of questions before adopting. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! A responsible breeder is your best bet for a healthy puppy. A dog breeder like this will cut corners and overbreed in order to get as many viable Golden retriever pups to sell to unsuspecting puppy buyers as possible. Even if the price for a golden retriever puppy appears to be less initially, the potential long-term health and behavioral problems involved with a puppy from a genetically unhealthy litter will quickly surpass the cost of a puppy from a good breeder. Some of the best ways to find a quality golden retriever puppy breeder is to get referrals from your local veterinarian, a good friend, or a local golden retriever club. You can also find an excellent golden retriever breeder by attending professional dog shows. When you look each puppy over, you want to look specifically at their eyes, coat, build, and skin. Look at their eyes. They should look focused and clear. You want to keep an eye out for any golden retriever puppies that rub their eyes or appear to struggle with their vision, such as squinting. Touch their coat. The coat of your new perfect puppy should be shiny and healthy. Examine their build. Take a look at the overall shape of each puppy. Check to see if they are favoring one foot more than another foot. These could be signs of a more serious health issue. Check their skin. You want to keep an eye out for any flaky skin or skin with bald patches. Look for redness or signs of irritation. There are also instances when a puppy with anxiety will chew or scratch at their skin until the fur falls off. Things to look for when choosing a puppy from a litter. Even the runts are going to be bigger than a lot of other breeds. Many people wonder if the runt of the litter is a good choice when choosing a golden retriever. The runts are typically the pups who are weaker and smaller than the others in their litter. The mother produces the nutrients the litter needs to survive. The runts will be at greater risk of having weaker immune systems and getting infections. Choosing a medium-sized puppy will reduce your chances of getting a runt, an overeater, or a bully overly dominant pup. When it comes to temperament and size, there are differences between females and males. The most significant difference is going to be their size. A male dog will get slightly longer and taller than females, but they will also weigh more. There are also small differences in their faces. They can also come across as more territorial, but this is a very slight difference as well. While the females will still love you unconditionally, the males will be twice as doting and loving. Watch the way each member of the litter interacts with the others. This will tell you how your puppy will react to the other dogs or animals in your home. Extremely shy puppies may not have been socialized well so far, and could grow up to become distrustful dogs that are full of anxieties. Speak with the breeder or the owner of the litter. Ask them tons of questions about how socialized the puppies have been with other dogs and pets so far in their young lives. Make Sure the Golden Retriever Puppy Is the Correct Age Golden retriever puppies should stay with their mothers for eight weeks before being adopted and taken home. As mentioned earlier, the mothers produce vital nutrients that a new puppy needs to survive. If the puppy is taken away too soon, it puts them at greater risk of infections and other complications. It can also increase their anxiety, aggression and make them over-protective of their toys and food. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Before seeing the litter, research what a golden retriever puppy of eight weeks looks like. It will vary depending on the dog, but this will help you establish a clear idea of what the puppies will look like when you see the litter. The size and temperament of the parents are passed down to their offspring. What is the temperament of the parents? How does the puppy in question behave around dogs outside their litter? What kind of food are the puppies used to eating? Have the puppies all been dewormed? Are the puppies socialized with other animals besides dogs, such as cats or birds? Summary Adopting a puppy is a significant milestone for a family. They are simultaneously wonderful family pets—thanks to their friendly, tolerant attitude—and capable, intelligent working dogs. These sturdy, medium-sized dogs grow to about 55—75 pounds and typically live to be about 10—12 years old. Outgoing, trustworthy, eager-to-please, and easy-to-train, they are especially popular with families with young children. Goldens often maintain their fun-loving puppy attitudes and signature smile into adulthood. Part of the sporting dog group, golden retrievers are active dogs that require at least an hour of daily exercise. They live up to their name; they love retrieving just about anything thrown for them. This makes them excellent hunting companions and skilled service dogs. They love to eat, run, spend time with their owners, and even participate in obedience and agility events. Their coloring ranges from light golden to cream, and dark golden to golden, and their physique can vary from broad and dense to leaner and more sporty. According to AKC standards,goldens move with a smooth, powerful gait, and the feathery tail is carried, as breed fanciers say, with a "merry action. Thanks to their breeding as hunting and waterfowl-retrieving dogs in the Scottish Highlands,their outer coat is dense and repels water. They also have a thick undercoat. Their coats can vary in texture from wavy to straight. Heavy feathering appears on their chest, the backs of their legs, and tail. Temperament In general, golden retrievers are outgoing, playful, and gentle. They are also friendly, intelligent, and devoted. As they get older, most golden retrievers become docile and calm. Bred to be working retrievers, goldens have a lot of energy and require a lot of activity. They are best suited for owners with an active lifestyle and they thrive in a home where someone is around during the day to spend time with them. They don't do well when left at home on their own; they love their humans too much. Their happy demeanor often draws attention from other people when you are out and about—goldens get along well with strangers and other dogs. While they are not considered good guard dogs—they'd be more likely to show an intruder where the treats are than send the intruder running—golden retrievers are excellent service dogs thanks to their loyalty, intelligence, and stable temperament. They see themselves as part of the family and need to be treated as such. Luckily, goldens are not bothered by noise, commotion, and activity, making them very tolerant of children. Golden retrievers also take a "the more the merrier" approach to having other pets in the home. With proper introductions and training, goldens can be trusted with other dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals. A golden retriever would do well reigning over a large fenced-in yard , so if you don't have a lot of outdoor space or you live in an apartment, make sure you get your golden outside regularly. A lot," Steen says. Owners should get used to having a fair amount of dog hair on clothing and furniture around the home. They have a thick, water-repellant double coat that sheds moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and fall. However, if you brush your golden daily, you can prevent tangling and remove some dead hair before it covers everything in sight. Baths can also help and are recommended about once a month, but make sure the golden is fully dry before brushing begins. Golden retrievers will also need their nails trimmed about once or twice a month. A good indicator of when they need to be trimmed is when you can hear them clicking on the floor. Teeth should also be brushed at least two or three times a week. Ear checks are important as well; goldens have fold-over ears, which create an environment that encourages bacteria and fungus to grow. Look for redness or a bad odor and simply wipe out the outer ear with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Exercise is an essential part of a golden retriever's day. At least one hour a day of rigorous activity is necessary, even if that happens over several different outings or play times throughout the day. Goldens can be taken on long runs , bike rides, hikes, and swims. They also enjoy hunting trips, field trials, and other canine sports like agility, obedience, and tracking. A golden that doesn't get enough exercise is likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors like digging and chewing. Mental challenges, such as learning tricks and playing with puzzle toys, are also appealing to goldens, but should never replace physical activity. Take it easy with exercise in a golden retriever's first two years of life, as their growth plates are still forming. Don't go for long, strenuous runs or hikes until the dog is fully grown, and always opt for grass over concrete. Early socialization and puppy training classes are important with golden retrievers. Puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, and situations to help them become well-adjusted in their young life. When it comes to feeding time , owners need to help golden retrievers manage their intake; they have a tendency to become overweight. Food should be measured out and given twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. Dog treats should be given in moderation. If you're unsure whether your golden retriever is overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he likely needs less food and more exercise. Chat with your vet about the best course of action. According to Steen, they are a generally healthy breed, but goldens are at a slightly increased risk of hip dysplasia and cancer when compared to other dogs. Other health conditions, although not particularly common, include elbow dysplasia, cataracts , progressive retinal atrophy —or gradual deterioration of the retina—hypothyroidism, gastric dilatation-volvulus otherwise known as bloat , and allergies. Golden retrievers should also have their ears checked often and teeth brushed regularly for optimum health. History Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord of Tweedmouth, developed golden retrievers in the mid-to-late s. Although at one time a rumor indicated that golden retrievers descended from Russian sheep dogs, they were, in fact, bred in the Scottish Highlands. Marjoribanks bred the dogs for more than 50 years to create an ideal gundog—he was an avid hunter of waterfowl. Tweedmouth wanted a dog suited to the rainy climate and rugged terrain of the area, so he crossed his "yellow retriever" with a breed that is now extinct, the Tweed water spaniel. He also wanted the dog to be even-tempered in the home. A golden retriever was first shown at the British dog show in .The Kennel Club in England officially recognized the golden retriever as a distinct breed in .At that time, they were classified as "retriever — yellow or golden. Fun Facts Considered one of the most beloved dog breeds, golden retrievers gained popularity with American families in the s when President Gerald Ford had a golden named Liberty. Tucker Budzyn is currently the most recognized golden retriever on the Internet, with more than 3 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Golden retrievers are regulars on big and little screens. Golden retrievers love tennis balls. Just ask this 6-year-old golden named Finley , who is the Guinness World Record holder for carrying the most tennis balls in his mouth at a time. He can hold six! Was this page helpful? January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Hunters looking for an intelligent, shorter-coated retriever that will hunt from dark to dark need to research field-bred goldens. By Tony J. Peterson With a charming, eager-to-please personality and looks to match, the golden retriever has plenty to offer. Yet its skyrocketing popularity is the reason golden retrievers have become victims of their own demand. It's also why those in search of a hard-working golden need to be very careful when choosing a pup for hunting purposes. Advertisement A Rich History Among the many reasons for the golden retriever's popularity is the rich history of the breed, which, according to the American Kennel Club, dates back to the early s. Europe is responsible for a good number of our current sporting breeds including goldens, which came into being in England and Scotland well over years ago. During that time, a medium-sized sporting breed was an asset for obtaining food both in the waterfowl and upland gamebird worlds. Throughout the s the breed became even more desirable, and in it was recognized by the AKC. Goldens soon became one of the go-to breeds for many hunters and folks looking to run a dog in an obedience or field trial. They also started showing up in television shows, as well as print and television advertisements, and one needs only look at a single golden to understand why. Very few breeds are as photogenic or as easy to work with as goldens, which contributed further to their popularity. This also led to division in the breed, with an ever-increasing portion of the litters born each year to less stringent standards. Show dogs with their long flowing coats became much more common and they were bred to field-bred dogs as well as other show dogs. Advertisement It has been a couple of decades since the breed hit its high-water mark and since then we've witnessed a decline in the health and hunting-drive of the breed overall. That's not to say that excellent pedigrees don't exist, because they do. They just aren't as easy to locate as a run-of-the-mill, mystery-bred golden. If there is one person that understands this more than most, it's Jackie Mertens. Mertens has owned and operated Topbrass Retrievers since and is undoubtedly one of the most respected names in the world of golden retrievers. Every once in a while, I get to meet someone who was put on this earth to work with dogs, and Mertens fits that category. From her schoolgirl days, Mertens knew she'd work with animals, and as soon as she could she got her first golden. That dog, Ch. Mertens recalls, however, that she almost lost Torch before it all started. Advertisement "Torch had a lot of desire, she was fearless, and she was a good producer — and she did it all on three legs after getting caught in a fox trap," Mertens recalls. She had survived by eating snow and pawing up any plants she could reach. Since then, Mertens has been at the forefront of field-bred goldens, and when someone wants a great housedog, a great hunter — or both — they go to her. And it's all about the breeding. Hunters looking for a waterfowl and upland dog will often steer toward Labs for obvious reasons, but the right golden will fill the role just fine. A field-bred golden with a proper water introduction will bring ducks to hand all day long. They look a bit different and they will exhibit the right drive and retrieving desire. Now, I hear people say all of the time that their dog was the best ever, but they are comparing it to maybe a few other dogs they've owned. To have the best chance of getting a truly good hunting dog, it's field-bred or nothing. There are so many issues that can come up with poor breeding, that it's a process to ensure a healthy litter these days. For us that means looking at all health clearances like hips and elbows, of course, but other things. We use a canine ophthalmologist for eye clearances, a canine cardiologist for heart clearances, and also conduct a litany of DNA tests to ensure proper breeding. Having gone through the heartbreak of losing a golden to kidney failure when she was only six years old, I am particularly sensitive to proper health clearances. All breeds can suffer unfortunate medical issues, but goldens are exceptionally prone to them given the amount of unchecked breeding. Another golden retriever expert I asked to weigh in on this issue is Theresa Bilava, who operates Platte River Retrievers with her son Nick. She started with goldens as a child and has been raising and breeding them for 22 years. Having over two decades of experience devoted to the breed has given Bilava a unique perspective on the current state of the golden retriever, and she was more than willing to offer advice to anyone looking for a pup. Like Mertens, Bilava makes sure all of her Platte River dogs are health checked in all manners. Now people think they can pick up any golden puppy and it will hunt, but that's not the case. With us, we're breeding for athletes, not models. Our dogs are field-bred, and quite frankly, a lot of the people that contact me about getting a dog don't even know what a field-bred dog is. We want dogs that want to play the game and that will have the right temperament. All of our dogs will be companion dogs, and some will be used for agility or therapy, but many of them end up being upland and waterfowl hunters as well. As long as they are well-bred they'll become people-pleasers that will take to training and look to make you happy. A good sign of a dog that is working for you not for itself is if the dog checks back often and looks you in the eye. Goldens are well known for this trait, especially in the field where it matters most. They aren't wired the same as a Lab that might be able to run the same drill times in a row. They are different, and have to be trained differently. When I asked him why he chose to hunt with goldens he responded by saying, "The golden is a gentleman's dog. He will give you percent if you are fair to him. And he can turn it on and turn it off, which is something other breeds struggle with. When a good golden is asked to hunt, he'll give you his all. When the hunt is over, he'll transition back into that lovable housedog. They need to be introduced to water properly, and if you do it wrong it's like pushing a rope — it doesn't work. Goldens will work for you, but if you lose your cool they'll shut down. It has to be fun for them, and you've got to work with their intelligence by keeping it interesting and positive. They respond to teaching, not pressure. Finding a well-bred golden puppy that has all of its health clearances and is a true hunting dog is a different story. The right pedigree takes time to locate, and it will cost more than a run-of-the-mill dog. The upside? You'll get an amazing hunting and family dog. Nick Bilava has spent plenty of time hunting South Dakota roosters for himself and for clients while he was guiding, but his dogs can do much more than hunt ringnecks. They can hunt anything and handle any new hunting situation provided you've got them prepared. I hunt doves with my dogs, ducks, everything. They can do it all, and will, if you ask them with respect. When my pheasant opportunities disappeared with the loss of habitat, we switched gears to ruffed grouse, doves and eventually ducks. And just for fun, I threw in shed antler hunting to see how she'd do. As long as my golden got to retrieve something for me and earn a little praise, everything was just fine. This willingness to please is without question one of the greatest reasons to own this breed. Nick Bilava got into golden retrievers in no small part because his mother, Theresa, has been breeding field-bred goldens for years. Together they operate Platte River Retrievers, where they focus on producing a few litters each year that are bred to be smart, athletic and will hunt everything they are asked to hunt. For the hunter looking to have a rock star in the field and a good-looking house pet all in one dog, they are the ideal choice provided they come from a breeding program that has focused on health concerns and strong hunting instincts. Picking A Golden Puppy When shopping for that perfect golden pup, here are some things that prospective owners should be mindful of. That's the going rate, and it is worth it for the peace of mind you'll have from getting a truly high-quality, healthy pup. Your job doesn't end with research and writing a check, however. Trust Your Breeder After that, it's a matter of being honest with your breeder and allowing him or her to pick the right dog for you. Jackie Mertens stressed this by saying, "I don't let people pick their puppy. I pick it for them. Some people don't like this, but I've already spent seven weeks with the puppies and have watched how they act, and interact, so I know their personalities well. Too many people want to pick their own puppy, and they often take the first dog to run up to them but that is often a bad deal because that puppy might be the most dominant in the litter. It's better to put your faith in the pedigree and the breeder to match you up with the best bet out of a litter. You won't regret it. More Articles From How-To.

And when is the best time to start training them? Naturally, the sooner your start with training, the easier it will be. Moreover, you have to remember that you are responsible for your pup. You need to show consistency in your own behavior. Your Doodle will have an easier time adjusting to his new home and family if you start from day one. Establish a Proper Routine Firstly, you should establish a proper routine for your Doodle. This includes meal times, bathroom breaks, playtime, naps, and bedtime. Keep in mind that consistency is key in Goldendoodle training. A structured routine gives dogs a sense of security. It will also help your new Goldendoodle puppy understand how you want them to behave. Routine is also an important part of housetraining , as consistent feeding times will also beget consistent potty times. If you have other family members living with you, make sure you all follow the exact same routine. It is usually recommended that puppies younger than six months of age eat three meals per day. Socialize Your Puppy Secondly, all dogs, and especially Goldendoodles, are social creatures. They enjoy spending time with their families and meet other dogs at the dog park. Early socialization is important for your Goldendoodle pup to get used to new people, pets and situations. Goldendoodle Training Sample Routine Goldendoodle puppy behavior is very much your responsibility. Puppies usually need to use the bathroom first thing in the morning. Tip 2: Feed your pup at the same time every day. This is a great way for your puppy to socialize with you and your family. Tip 3: Potty time around 30 to 60 minutes after each meal. Tip 4: Playtime or exercise after potty time. Playing with toys and shorter walks are perfect for baby Doodles. Tip 5: Puppies usually need to relieve themselves after exercise, as well. Puppies can sleep up to hours every day! Make sure no one distracts their sleep, as they need to rest. Tip 7: After naptime or being in their crate, take your pup for a bathroom break. Tip 8: Bedtime every day around the same time is also very useful to enforce a consistent routine. Remember that puppies around weeks of age need smaller portions and more frequent meals. Therefore, they will also need to go potty more frequently. And as we already said, all dogs and puppies are unique. This is a rough guideline that most Doodle owners find useful. Well, all dogs are unique, so there is no one size fits all approach in Goldendoodle training. However, there are a few main training methods that most dog owners find useful when training a Goldendoodle puppy. Of course, the younger your puppy is, the shorter their attention span. Usually, the general guideline is to start formal training at four to six months of age. However, keep in mind that first you should build a relationship and bond with your pup. Clicker Training Clicker training is one of the most popular Goldendoodle training methods that professional dog trainers use. It combines reward training with a small hand-held clicker that you will click every time you reward your pup for good behavior or when following a command. Your puppy will soon start associating the clicking sound with a reward. Therefore, your pup will also associate it with good behavior. Best for Clicker Training Compare Products 2. Positive Reinforcement Your behavior and attitude has a huge impact on your Goldendoodle pup. Always use positive reinforcement and do not scold or punish your pup for accidents. Remember, your puppy is still learning and growing. Instead, it will just make them fearful of you. Whenever you want your Goldendoodle puppy to do something, always keep a positive and enthusiastic attitude. If your pup has completed the task, always give plenty of praise and a nice little treat or a toy. Some dogs respond better to reward with food and others respond better to toys. However, always use these rewards together with lots of praise and enthusiasm. Crate Training Crate training is another very popular Goldendoodle training method. Crate training can take a few days or a few weeks, but the results are worth it. Keep in mind that you should only leave your pup in the crate in hours equal to the age in months that they are. See Also: Click the image 4. Mirror Training Mirror training method uses positive reinforcement and a clicker to teach a dog how to follow your lead. As your pup is looking up to you, they will naturally want to mimic your behavior and attitude. A great way to keep this from happening is to keep your kitchen counters clean and tidy at all times. Do not store food on counters longer than you prepare your meals. Surely you enjoy a clean kitchen, as well! Another tip is to put your pup in a crate or away from the kitchen while you prepare your meals. Jumping One of the very first things that you can start teaching your Goldendoodle puppy is to sit to be greeted. This will teach your puppy that they will only get attention once they sit. If you reward them, they will continue doing it. Barking With every common behavioral problem, the key is to think about what you want your puppy to do instead. How would you like them to react when someone is knocking on the door, or how should act when you have guests over? For instance, you can train your dog to sit still in a designated place when the doorbell rings. Leash Pulling When your puppy starts to pull the leash, immediately stop walking. Once your puppy has stopped pulling, you can start walking again. Doing this continuously will teach your puppy good leash manners. No-pull harnesses and headcollars can also be great tools for training your pup not to pull on the leash. See Also: Click the image 5. Make sure your pup has enough interesting toys and provide them plenty of playtime and exercise. Biting and Mouthing Biting is a completely natural behavior for dogs. As with any other behavioral problem, biting also can stem from your pup wanting your attention. Also, biting and mouthing might indicate that your pup needs more playtime. See Also: Click the image 7. Special Content Step-by-step guide on how to train your Goldendoodle puppy Hello fellas, nice to have you here on our Goldendoodle blog page! Some say they got their adorableness from their retriever side; others say they got their intelligence from their Poodle side. In any case, the fact remains that they combined the best of both breeds and took none of their fluffs. However, it is important to establish a simple fact here and right now. But in order to get them to materialize their sharp-wits and brilliance, there is a need to TRAIN them. So how do you go about that? Steps to train a Goldendoodle I know the feeling of wanting to begin the training of your cute little canine on the first day you bring him home. But guess what? Young puppies have short attention spans, and as such, any command you serve them or words you try to teach them on that first day might just fall on deaf ears. And that is per the guidelines from the Veterinary Centers of America. However, thanks to Goldendoodles' innate smartness, you can expect your pup to be ripe for full-blown training earlier than this. The four types of dog training methods: Obedience training based on positive reinforcement and association Clicker training When it comes to training your doodles on how to obey commands, the most popular approach adopted by many dog training experts and pro pet owners is the clicker training method. This method involves the use of a hand-held device that creates a clicking sound. In this method, you give a command to your pup, which could be a "sit" "fetch" or "stay" command. Once the dog obeys the command, you give them a reward, which could be a treat, a toy, or a praise reward. But when serving this reward, you'll pair it with a clicking sound. Over time, the pup will begin to associate the clicking sound with the reward. And whenever he hears the sound of the clicks, he knows immediately that a praise reward is around the corner. In case you don't have a clicker around, you can purchase one from a pet store or check them out on Amazon. Food rewards While the clicker training has to be served consistently to achieve a reliable result, food reward training is only needed occasionally. In the aspect of food and treats, Goldendoodles are just like every other dog. They remain as overly motivated by the sound or smell of food as your regular Poodle or Golden Retriever pup. As a result of this innate love for food, you can expect the food reward technique to work wonders on their obedience response. A typical food reward can consist of regular dog treats such as cold cuts, veggies, hot dog bits, snacks, pieces of cheese, baby carrots, or any other high-value food. Scented item training You can teach your doodles to seek out toys, fetch balls, and perform other simple tasks by simply taking them through the scented item training course. But, of course, this method doesn't always apply to every doodle. The reason is that if you haven't been playing together before using that toy or ball, it might be difficult for the dog to attach any importance to the toy when it sees it. But since a doodle is a food-driven breed, like other dogs, you can scent the toys with a portion of food or treats you know they like and kick the toy away, while you ask them to fetch it. Over time, the learning dog will learn to detect and appreciate the toys when he sees it because he knows what the item represents. Praise reward training Dogs are quite like humans in this regard. And your Goldendoodle is no exception. They love to be praised, and they enjoy it when their praises are being sung. The praise reward approach is good for a doodle because this breed is very much people-oriented, and their rapport with humans is second to none. When you want to reward your cute little doodle for good behavior, especially when they've obeyed a command or done something impressive, you can use a praise reward coupled with the food reward you're giving to them. And, of course, crate training works too Crate training is another interesting approach that you can apply to your Goldendoodles. This technique is used to teach your dog or to get them in a routine. On the teaching aspect, it teaches them that they do not go to the bathroom where you sleep since dogs do not like soil their beds. And on the routine aspect, you can use their time non-crate time to put them through some basic commands, teach them to dance, snuggle, and take a walk. Conclusion In conclusion, consistency is key when it comes to training a Goldendoodle, so you just have to choose a training method and stay consistent with it. Related Tags. What is a Goldendoodle? Background the influences training Goldendoodle Training Tips The key to enjoying your dog is to train them early or as soon as possible. After all, training your new puppy in socialization is part of their essential needs. Training your dog is a big undertaking, though. One that may seem daunting. Rest assured, though, you can do it yourself without expensive obedience classes. The first thing you need to do is build a strong foundation for training. Goldendoodle Training Timeline Infographic The infographic showing the Goldendoodle training timeline. Goldendoodle Puppy Training at Home First 30 days Puppies are born blind and deaf and cannot see or hear for the first ten to twenty days. However, they have a fantastic scent and touch abilities. Puppies are also aware of the temperature. If the mother is unavailable, humans can step in to help. Training sessions for newborns are short and to the point. These sessions consist of Bio-Sensor training, where they are stimulated with swabs like Q-Tips. Exercises can be performed along with exposing them to minor temperature changes. This will stimulate the brain and help them deal with stress. Mother dogs stimulate the senses from birth by licking and cleaning the puppies. This helps them develop. Wavy coat Goldendoodles are typically low shedding. Wavy coat Goldendoodles come in all sizes from standard right down to Teacup Goldendoodles. Since dogs have scent receptors twenty-five times better than ours, they can smell things several hundred feet away. You should expose them to calming scents and daily scents of rain, grass, and other things outdoors. Then, their ears will open, and they will need to be introduced to sound. Dogs learn by association, so only play soothing sounds. As their eyes start to focus, you should start with colors. This will help build confidence. Goldendoodle Puppy Preschool and Earliest Socialization months of age At around three months of age, your Goldendoodle is full of energy and ready to play. But remember that they are still a baby — just an infant animal. It is so essential you practice positive reinforcement with your puppy and avoid punishment altogether. This is also the age your Goldendoodle is ready to learn basic commands. The first thing you should do is pick a definite marker. A positive marker is a word, sound, or phrase used to tell your dog they have done something right. Use the same marker every time. Also, you should follow it up with positive reinforcement in the form of a treat, playtime, or affection. Do Goldendoodles Smell? Reward your puppy often and early, so they associate the treat with the behavior. Negative reinforcement or punishment will likely do nothing but scare your puppy. Puppies will chew things and have accidents in the house. However, you should remember they are still learning, and any punishment is counterproductive. Simply correct the mistake and praise them when they do something right. The most important thing is to be consistent. Your puppy learns by doing, and repetition is the best thing for them. This is also the age where socialization is a critical part of their development. All this begins once the Goldendoodle has the all-clear from the Veterinarian to socialize in public. .During this age, your Goldendoodle should be exposed to new people, places, and animals every day. If your puppy shows fear or anxiety, take a step back. This is when you should begin doing gradual exposure. Safe introduction to different sizes and temperament dogs is important early If you introduce a dog to a household with cats , extra care needs to be taken early to ensure a long-term relationship of tolerance. Predicting Goldendoodle coat types is tricky. Goldendoodle Training for Safety and Basic Commands 3 months to one year At around four months old, your puppy will begin to develop preferences. Your job is to make them feel safe and secure in any environment. This way, your puppy will grow up to be confident, kind, and ready to take on anything. Positive reinforcement techniques are especially important during this stage. Any harsh punishment can have adverse effects on the Goldendoodles psyche. Since your puppy has had all his shots, they are ready to go to the dog park, daycare, and puppy training classes. This will help with socialization. Keep in mind that forcing your puppy to interact with others can hurt the bond you have with them. Always make sure your dog is enjoying the experience and is safe. Allow him to explore the world at his own pace. This I the time to start introducing your Goldendoodle to water. Early and frequently exposure will make taking your Goldendoodle to the pool or even the beach a breeze. Learning Commands Additionally, this is when puppies can begin learning commands like sit and stay. Teach them to sit before exiting with treats. Lure them into a sit by the door and begin to open it. If they get up too quickly, close the door. Keep up this game until the dog remains seated and patiently waits for the door. When they do, give them a treat. Most puppies are highly motivated by treats and food. If they anxiously await each meal or immediately pounce on the food bowl when it is set down, this is an excellent opportunity to work on self-control. Before every meal, have your Goldendoodle wait to eat. Place the food down and say stay. If they lunge for the bowl, take it away for five minutes. Start with a five-second wait and gradually increase it by five-second increments. This will allow their self-control to get better. Another great Goldendoodle training tip is the Four on the Floor for those puppies that jump on anyone entering your home. Practicing this technique can stop the puppy from jumping up on unsuspecting bystanders and knocking over kids. When you come home, and your Goldendoodle is happy to see you, make him sit before saying hello. Give an ear rub or greeting only when all four paws are on the ground. Training a Goldendoodle to Enjoy Grooming All ages Start grooming your puppy at a young age and practice handling with this Goldendoodle training tips: Work when your puppy is relaxed and not hyper. Keep grooming sessions short like a few brush strokes or clipping a few toenails. Use a quality slicker brush that will not hurt your Goldendoodle Practice frequently, like weekly. Pair it with a treat. Lightly touch-sensitive spots like between the paws or on the ears from an early age Consider buying a grooming table early so your Goldendoodle can get used to it if you are going to be DIY grooming your Goldendoodle at home. See the best grooming tables specifically for Goldendoodles. Advanced Goldendoodle Training Options 12 months plus, agility, and advanced classes The American Kennel Club, or AKC, says that once dogs learn basic commands, they can move on to advanced training or sports. You may opt to teach them scent training. Treibball, a German dog sport not just for herding breeds , is when the dog drives eight oversized inflatable balls into a goal. They can also do obstacle courses and test their agility. Scent training is also a fantastic way to mentally enrich your dog and stimulate their brain daily. Scent training starts as simple as a muffin tin game at home. Then advanced courses do wonders and can result in some very complicated tricks and habits forming. While they vary in size depending on their parents since Poodles range from mini to medium , they almost always have hypoallergenic hair and rarely shed. You can see which types of Goldendoodle shed the least in our Goldendoodle Coat Prediction article. Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and lovable dogs that are ideal for families with children or other pets. Goldendoodles typically weigh anywhere from forty-five to pounds. Still, they can weigh as little as fifteen pounds if a parent was a miniature Poodle. The smallest Goldendoodles are Teacup and Toy Goldendoodles. They have a height of thirteen to twenty-six inches with a curly coat in red, black, gold, cream, brown, white, or grey. Goldendoodles are very friendly, affectionate, playful, and trainable. Goldendoodles became popular in the s for their hypoallergenic , non-shedding Poodle-like fur and having the temperament of a Golden Retriever, the most popular dog breed in the U. They have been used as pets, agility dogs, therapy dogs, guide dogs, diabetic dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Goldendoodles are in the top five of the smartest dog breeds. When you choose a Goldendoodle, rest assured you are getting an intelligent, athletic, loving companion, the whole family can enjoy. 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. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. Most puppy owners ask about the best age when they can start training their Goldendoodle. Basic Dog Obedience Training can happen at any age — but the earlier, the better. You can even train a four months old puppy or change the behavior of a five-year-old dog. In both cases, you will need commitment. With rigorous training, your golden doodles can turn out to become guide dogs, therapy dogs, service dogs, and sniffer dogs, thanks to their extraordinary alertness and agility. Some can even perform more challenging tasks, such as helping the disabled and taking part in complex rescue missions, thanks to how they are trained. Therefore we see no reason that a dog owner should leave flaws in basic obedience training. The high level of intelligence they inherit does not mean that they will start acting smartly as soon as you bring them home. No doubt, they have a strong genetic makeover for intelligence and sharp wits, which they take from both the golden retriever and the Poodle. Extensive training is required to polish their intelligence and make them brilliant. When you fail to establish your leadership over your Goldendoodle, it concludes itself as a superior or equal to you. When you allow your golden doodle to sleep on your bed or run on your sofa, or you let it sit on your dining table to feed, you are giving indirect permission to become your leader. Like most other dogs, they have a nature to live in packs, following a leader. Now assume that your family is their pack and you are their leader. When around a golden doodle, you should behave as a firm leader and never show nervousness or uneasiness in controlling your golden doodle. Goldendoodles are perfect observers. Your behavior influences their behavior. To reinforce your supremacy, you can adopt a few techniques. Giving in to what your dog wants will give them a signal that they can do whatever and whenever they want. In any case, it is essential to establish your authority over your Goldendoodle. Every dog owner must bear in mind that keeping a dog at home requires plenty of time that you can dedicate to training. Here are some basic principles that you must be aware of before you start training your Goldendoodle. Word commands are enough. Dogs are animals, and their brains do not process long sentences as human brains do. They will make mistakes. But with consistency and patience, you can make them learn everything you want them to learn. They learn what they see. Therefore it is necessary to demonstrate only acceptable behavior. Praise immediately when the Goldendoodle does something good, acceptable, and appreciable. They start associating praise and good behavior with each other. Do not get frustrated or angry with your Goldendoodle when they do something wrong while training. Keep your calm to make them comfortable with the training process. When your tone is affirmative yet firm, the dog takes it as a command. Praise is identified by a happy, affectionate tone which gives a hint of excitement. It is a positive approach and helps the Goldendoodle in learning things faster. A frustrated and angry tone will cause them to perform poorly and have difficulty in learning. Your positive and negative reactions serve as a guide for them during their behavior training. As a rule of thumb, training a Goldendoodle should base on constructive reinforcement and a positive attitude. Yelling, hitting, scolding, or screaming never produce the desired training outcomes in Goldendoodles. For example, when you pat the head often, the dogs get a lot of appreciation. On the other hand, you cannot teach anything by hitting or kicking the Goldendoodle. A Goldendoodle can easily recognize your rewarding and scolding behaviors by just listening to your voice. Physical punishment will do more harm than good. Dogs that are trained through physical punishments develop two types of undesirable behaviors. They develop a fear of admonishing, and this makes them timid. Dogs may also develop the habit of biting to take out their fear and frustration. Goldendoodles are very non-aggressive, loving canines, but if they develop aggression, it means they are not treated in the way they should have been. Whether or not you can hold the Goldendoodle by scruff if the dog misbehaves is still a debate among dog trainers. This type of touch is only beneficial if practiced immediately after the undesirable behavior. Using this method even minutes after the action loses its effectiveness. They cannot comprehend why one action is acceptable at one time and why not at the other. Here is how you can teach them how to listen to your commands. Now you can control the Goldendoodle whenever it becomes hyperactive. Your Goldendoodle will learn to respond without even the trigger of the leash. HEEL Walking by your side without going ahead or lagging is yet another lesson your Goldendoodle has to learn. For this training, you will require a short leash and a link-chain training collar. Here the dog is likely to lag or go ahead. A little bit of learning deserves Praise. If you lose your temper during command practice, your dog will start hating the commands. This unpleasant training experience makes the dogs disobey your commands. Remember that obedience is a gradual process that takes a lot of time and effort from both the owner and the Goldendoodle, and there is no shortcut to it. The success of training a Goldendoodle lies in making the process more and more pleasurable for both of you. None of you should be avoiding or hating it. Goldendoodle Training Tip No 8: Consider Taking Professional Assistance If you feel that you lack the temperament or your dog is not learning well, consider taking help from professional dog trainers. They are experts and use various methods for training dogs. More often, you will meet trainers who make use of their hands for training dogs. It means that your Goldendoodle will become accustomed to watching your hand signs for taking instructions. Doodle behavior specialists may come to your home or call you in your office for further consultation. Blaming oneself for a failed dog training further elevates frustration in the doodle owner, which results in more undesirable dog behavior. Goldendoodle Training Tip No 9: Use the Most Common Training Methods The training methods most commonly used by dog trainers include the following: Clicker Training Professional dog trainers use the clicker training method for Goldendoodle. Often the dog trainers use it in combination with reward training. They click the clicker to encourage and appreciate the dogs. Within a few days, your Goldendoodle will start associating the click sound with acceptable behavior. Positive Reinforcement: Dogs are sensitive to pleasant and unpleasant emotions. If you feel that you are getting angry with your fur baby, immediately seek help from dog training professionals. Dogs do not understand why they are getting punished. Instead of learning positive behavior, they may develop aggressive behavior. They learn fast when they receive praise, rewards, and positive encouragement. It will also prevent the doodle from running all around the house and causing annoyance to the family members. You must never use the crate as a form of punishment. Otherwise, the puppy will develop a negative association with it. Mirror Training The mirror training procedure involves positive reinforcement and a clicker to make the dog accept you as a leader. The mirror method symbolizes how the Goldendoodle will start following your actions. Goldendoodle Training Tip No Focus On Eliminating Most Common Undesirable Behaviors Here is a list of some habits that sometimes seem cute on a puppy, but if not controlled right from the beginning, they become a nightmare for the dog owner. The best way to prevent your dog from licking around the house, especially in the kitchen, is to maintain cleanliness. Secondly, it is essential to develop a habit of staying in their crate while preparing and eating your meals. Jumping Golden doodles often get excited when you come home from the office. In this excitement, it will try to jump into your lap. This is because they love cuddling and seeking your attention. They may also jump on your guests, which is undesirable behavior. You need to train your puppy to understand that they will get attention and reward if they keep sitting calmly. Barking Barking is their way to express their excitement or fear when someone comes to your home. Training is necessary to teach them the right way of welcoming the guests. Goldendoodle must know how to sit at a place quietly unless they are allowed to roam around or interact with guests. Only rigorous training can help them in staying calm. Leash Pulling Sometimes Goldendoodle pup will pull the leash. In such a scenario, it is better to stop walking. When this occurs repeatedly, they will learn appropriate leash manners. Reward them even when they learn a little. Digging Goldendoodles take out their extra energy by digging. Providing them an ample amount of exercise or playtime consumes their extra energy and distracts them from digging. Biting and Mouthing Like any other dog, biting is an instinct in Goldendoodles. Alternatively, you should provide them with good quality chew toys to satisfy their teeth and gums in a healthy way. Chewing Socks and other non-food items Puppies love to bite anything that comes in their access. You can reward them with chewable toys. Potty Training Potty training a puppy requires vigilance. You need to check for the signs when your puppy has the urge to go the bathroom. They often start barking, whining, circling, or scratching the door at that time. So with a little bit of attention, they quickly learn appropriate bathroom manners. Goldendoodle Training Tip No Socialize Your Goldendoodle Goldendoodles are social animals, and they are delighted when they are around people. To ensure that your Goldendoodle develops a social personality, expose them to several other dogs and humans. A regular walk routine ensures optimum exposure to noises, sounds, and sights necessary to build up confidence in your dog. Make sure that their dogs are well-behaved and calm. Final Words Training a puppy is a great responsibility. However, it may turn out a pleasant experience with a little bit of effort and patience. The bond that develops between you and your Goldendoodle lasts for a lifetime. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. If there is a behavior your puppy exhibits that you may think is cute while your puppy is small, you need to think ahead and determine if this behavior will be acceptable from an adult dog. Consistency is the most important tool for training a puppy in their first year and beyond. Each family member needs to use the same techniques and commands so as not to confuse your puppy. It is important to remember that a puppy associates a reward or a disciplinary action with its behavior in the past 3 seconds. Waiting longer than 3 seconds to reward or discipline is very confusing to a puppy. You cannot stop this behavior, but you can certainly direct your puppy to chew upon acceptable items until this phase passes at about a year of age. The only way puppies know how to play is the typical wrestling, biting, chasing, tackling, pulling, and nipping they do with littermates. In the absence of littermates, you and your family suddenly become the littermates. Repeat this same disciplinary action a total of three times in a row. Every now and then, a particularly feisty puppy will become more excited by this disciplinary action and need a more distinct disciplinary measure. This next action needs to be initiated quickly. This will be uncomfortable for your puppy. When behavior meets with uncomfortable consequences, the behavior will stop. With all this being said, the absolute best remedy is for you to arrange daily play dates with other puppies or young dogs. The bottom line is that your puppy needs to have active playtime each day. Jumping — Your puppy will jump on you to get your attention. This may seem innocent while your puppy is small, but Grandma may not appreciate being knocked over by the full grown untrained dog. Make sure you do not reward the puppy for the act of getting down as this will enforce the behavior of jumping up only to be told to get down for a reward. This is not a sign of aggression unless you allow this to go undisciplined over time. You need to actively discourage any and all growling directed at you. If your puppy growls at you when you get close to the food bowl, immediately remove the food bowl and feed the puppy out of your hand. Do not stop brushing until the puppy accepts this without growling. Each puppy needs to learn its place in the pecking order of a family. Obviously, they need to be the lowest on the totem pole. If allowed to be boss, growling is a normal thing for a puppy to exhibit when showing its dominance. Each family member must establish they are boss. This includes young children who are timid or fearful of the puppy. Remember that any behavior you allow as a puppy is then extremely difficult to curb later in life. If you do not wish to have your adult dog on the furniture, do not sit on the sofa holding your puppy. If you do not want your grown dog to grab your pant leg, etc. Leash Training — Training your Goldendoodle puppy to walk on a leash without pulling will take some time. Be patient and read our complete guide to leash training here. Buying a Trained Puppy — You can opt to have your puppy purchased at Fox Creek Farm trained by a professional trainer. Buying a trained puppy can save you a lot of time and benefit the entire family. Please visit our board and train services page for more information. Pet Insurance — We always recommend that any dog owner have a good quality pet insurance. Choosing the best pet insurance will take you a bit of time to learn about the coverages and fees associate with the brand and your particular dog. Spend some time with our blog articles on pet insurance linked above to determine what is right for you and your furry friend. The Labradoodle is a gorgeous cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, and the Goldendoodle is an adorable mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Characteristics and traits can vary significantly because these pups are a hybrid breed, but they are usually incredibly people-focused, laid back, and playful, making Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training an enjoyable moment. Doodles make awesome pets, especially if their owners fully comprehend the importance of training from a young age. The type of adult dog breed you end up with depends a little bit on their personality and a lot on how you take care of them. Before you begin Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training, it helps to decide exactly what kind of dog you want to have. Do Plenty of Research It is vital that you have an understanding of canine learning theory because dogs learn very differently from people. A puppy does whatever it can to get what it desires the most at that moment. There are plenty of online resources that can teach you about methods to get the best out of your training. It may be helpful to consult a puppy training professional or spend some time at doggy school to get a headstart and pick up tips from experts. Your pup is a blank slate — with your guidance, they can develop the traits and learn the behaviors that you value the most. Labradoodle and Goldendoodle puppies are curious and they love exploring their new home as they make it their own. Getting it right during the early stages sets a precedent for the rest of their life. Spending as much time as you can with them helps build the foundation for a happy, confident and well-behaved dog. Form a Bond and Gain Trust With Your Doodle Before you do anything, you will need to develop a strong bond with your new pal to make sure they trust you. Try to keep your own energy as calm as possible — they bounce off you. While it may be tempting to get excited by their cuteness and mirror their enthusiasm, this makes it more difficult for them to listen to you and regulate their own behavior. Teach your furry friend what to expect from the moment they get into the home to stop them from getting confused. Use Positive Reinforcement Intimidation or fear tactics are never the best way to build a loving and secure bond between you and your fur baby. To make the most of this method, reward your pooch for good behavior and ignore bad behavior. Treats, verbal praise, and clicker training reward them for a job well done. This also helps them to make positive associations with you and training time. Everyone has their own list of priorities and yours will depend on factors such as whether you have children or other pets. Potty training is a straightforward, formulaic process that your new puppy will adapt to. A consistent routine is the key to getting them toilet trained as efficiently and effectively as possible. Let them outside at the same time each day, and take them to the same spot. In the early days, it may be difficult for them to make it all the way through the night, so try to make provisions for this stage. Select a word for them to associate with potty training and repeat it over and over whenever you take them to the toilet. Every time they do their business outside, give them lots of cuddles and praise, treat them and play one of their favorite games. There will be setbacks — getting it right takes time! If they mess in the wrong place, take them outside to their toileting spot and give them the chance to relieve themselves. We cannot emphasize the importance of praising them when they get it right enough! Crate Training Not everyone opts to crate train their puppy, but it can be useful for the earliest stages of Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training. The crate gives them a safe place they can call their own. Be sure to make the time they spend in the crate a positive experience, and never leave them in there for more hours than their age in months plus one hour. For example, a three-month-old puppy can be kept in their crate for no more than four hours. Socialization Dogs are social animals, and Goldendoodles and Labradoodles, in particular, are happiest when they spend time pleasing people and playing. However, building confidence takes effort and guidance from their pet parent. If you want to ensure they grow up to have a balanced personality, you need to expose them to plenty of dogs, people and different situations. Take them out and about as much as possible to help them become accustomed to a range of noises, sights and sounds. Bring them to a local dog park to get them used to spending time around other dogs. Manners Your adorable little pup has the potential to develop a host of bad habits, but these behaviors can be nipped in the bud. Temperament and Dealing with Small Children There are several steps to take while getting your canine cutie used to being a member of a family with children. Both pup and child will need to have clear boundaries mapped out for them so they can build mutual trust and be kind to each other. Let the child practice with a toy before they pick up or cuddle the pup. Ensure the child sits down when they play with the dog; this helps to prevent the pup from getting overexcited. Teach the child to do small tasks to help care for the dog, such as filling the bowl or helping with grooming. Knowing what to expect according to the time of day helps them to settle and feel reassured. Always wake them up at the same time, feed and walk them around the same time and do training exercises at a set time. Patience Is Everything! The best piece of advice for Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training is to have patience. Spend lots of time bonding and playing with your pooch so you can make training something fun that you both enjoy. In fact, good dog training schools will conduct interviews before starting obedience training to develop a training plan with the pet owner. Dog Obedience Training Method: Clicker Training When it comes to obedience training, clicker training is a very popular dog training technique among certified dog trainers. Clicker training for dogs involves the use of a hand-held device that creates a clicking sound. Over time, the dog begins to associate the clicking sound with the reward. Once the dog is reliable in his obedience skills, the food rewards are given only occasionally, but the clicking continues on a consistent basis, serving as an indicator of praise for the dog. If you need a clicker, you can find them at a pet store or on Amazon. Goldendoodle training is similar to training most puppies since they are a mix between a golden retriever and a poodle, which means that rewarding with treats usually works well. Many dogs have a very high food drive. Food rewards can work well for a dog obedience training reward in these dogs. A food reward can consist of a traditional dog treat or other less traditional pet treat foods like baby carrots, pieces of cheese, cold cuts, hot dog bits, or other high-value foods. The food also serves as an effective, high-value reward for the dog. Obedience Training Methods for Dogs: Toy Rewards Dogs who have a high prey drive — like sighthounds such as the greyhound breed, will often place a higher value on toy rewards like a ball. Or use my affiliate link to find this dog toy that we have it has 11, 5-star reviews on Amazon! Toy rewards are good for the dog that would be apt to pick the toy when presented with an option between a treat and a toy. Certified dog trainers who are working with clients who undergo frequent dog training courses, such as a police dog or a cadaver dog, will typically opt to use toy and play rewards since toys can be used for specialized dog training. In essence, the working dog learns to detect drugs by seeking his toy during retrieval exercises. Obedience Training Using Praise as a Reward This approach is good when training a very people-oriented dog and in tune with his humans. When we want to reward good dog behavior, especially when house training, we use praise with food rewards. Often, praise is used in conjunction with toy rewards, clicker training, or food rewards. Occasionally, a dog trainer may use praise and attention alone to teach certain obedience training commands.