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Home Blog Irish Doodle: The most desirable of designer dogs? Irish Doodle: The most desirable of designer dogs? Published: 26 November , last updated: 3 February Irish Doodle: The most desirable of designer dogs? I mean just look at the giant fluffy teddy bears! What is an Irish Doodle? An Irish Doodle is a breed of intentional hybrid dog- often referred to as a designer dog- which is a cross between an Irish Setter and a Poodle. Both Irish Setters and Poodles are known to be intelligent hunting breeds, so this dog was originally bred specifically for its exceptional hunting and retrieving skills. It was a happy coincidence that the result Irish Doodle turned out to be exceptionally cute and has thus become a popular family pet too. Recognising an Irish Doodle The long, dense, and wavy coat of an Irish Doodle may be its most distinctive feature, and it is usually red, apricot, or black in colour, sometimes with patches of white. How tall is an Irish Doodle? A fully grown Irish Doodle would typically measure between 24 and 26 inches tall. How heavy is an Irish Doodle? The average size for a female dog is about 40 to 65 pounds, whereas a male dog generally weighs in between 50 and 75 pounds. Poodles are considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the word, second only to the border collie, which mean that Irish Doodles are pretty smart dogs too, and should be easy to train. When cross breeds are created, the idea is to combine the best parts of two existing breeds of dogs, and so the poodle genes are credited for bringing a high IQ into the doodle mix. From the Irish Setter side of their mix, Doodles get all the traits that make them great family pets. They are affectionate, kind, patient and playful, and fit well into all kinds of homes, with a reputation for being great with children and other pets. History of the Irish Doodle Designer dog breeds are a new concept, and the Irish Doodle is one of the newest ones out there. We can surmise that the Irish Doodle was developed as an intentional mixed breed at some point over the last 30 years, although there may have been accidental litters around before that. We also know that it is likely to have been first seen in the United States, but their history is not well documented. Amazingly, in this time, opinions have changed and many designer dogs, including the Irish Doodle, are now more coveted and expensive that their purebred parents! Despite the unknown details of the exact origin on the Irish Doodle, through the parents breeds they do have a long history of sorts. The Irish Setter originated in 18th century Ireland, and the Poodle is an even older breed, with records stretching back as far as the 15th century in Germany. Due to the inconsistency of the resulting pups, as some bare more traits from the poodle side and some from the setter side, there is not yet a recognised set of breed standards for Irish Doodles. This means they are not recognised by the Kennel Club and your pup cannot have pedigree papers. Most commonly a standard poodle is used to create these dogs, but sometimes a miniature poodle is used as the stud and mixed with a smaller Irish Setter bitch. This produces the Mini Irish Doodle. Irish Doodle Puppies We may be biased, but we think Irish Doodle puppies might just be one of the cutest kinds around! Like their parents, Irish Doodle puppies crave time and attention from their human families from a young age, and they will thrive in a bustling family home. Although Doodles, as mentioned above, are usually bright intelligent dogs, they can sometimes be unpredictable. For this reason it is important to start puppy training as early as possible to combat this. How much does an Irish Doodle cost? Caring for your Irish Doodle Irish Doodles thrive on company, in fact they need attention and stimulation more than they need vast amounts of physical exercise. They are not a breed of dog that would be happy to be left alone for any length of time. But if you put the time in with your dog you will be rewarded with an eternally loyal and loving companion. Generally though the fur will be long and dense and is considered medium to high maintenance. If your pets coat is kept long and not regularly clipped it will need to be brushed daily. Fortunately most dogs enjoy this and it can be a fun bonding exercise. If you employ a dog groomer to clip your dog they would probably suggest paying a visit around every 6 weeks. As crossing two breeds dilutes the gene pool, the resulting offspring often become more resilient than their parents. Irish Doodles can still be susceptible to several potential health problems that you will need to keep an eye on throughout their lifetime, such as hip dysplasia and bloat. It is always worth keeping up to date with your vet check ups, especially as your pet gets older, to keep an eye on any potential issues developing. Life expectancy Most Irish Doodles live to between 10 and 15 years. Quick Facts Most Irish Doodles would make the ideal pet for allergy sufferers. Poodles are generally considered as hypo-allergenic, and even though Irish Setters are not, most Doodles will be low shedding dogs. These dogs are known for their memories- once a new skill, task, trick, or habit is learned, it is tough to get this mixed breed to unlearn it…. So make sure they learn the good habits before the bad! These are the perfect family pet because they LOVE children. Find Us. They also are known for their incredible sense of smell which they used to locate birds. Before the invention of guns, these dogs would work alongside trained falcons or hunters with nets to catch their prey. The modern Irish Setter has since gained a reputation as a consistent top-performer in dog shows thanks to their grace and good looks. Poodle Breed History: While commonly associated with the French, the Poodle actually originated as a duck hunter in Germany over years ago. Eventually, Poodles made their way from the lake to the life of luxury as they were the breed of choice by French nobles, and eventually royalty across all of Europe. To this day, the Poodle is still the national dog of France. The Toy Poodle started in the United States in the early 20th century to be a city-dwelling companion dog. On top of that, the gender of the puppy and the genetics of the parents play important factors as well. An Irish Doodle dog is rarely, if ever, bred from a Toy Poodle. A Miniature Irish Doodle will weigh in at around pounds and stand roughly inches tall. The Standard Irish Doodle, will weigh approximately pounds and stand about inches tall. Their fur can range anywhere from straight and shaggy, like the Irish Setter to curly like the Poodle and usually is of longer length. A minimum of brushing once per week is required for Irish Doodles, with the ideal frequency being every other day if not every day for more curly-haired dogs. Are Irish Doodles Hypoallergenic? Do Irish Doodles Shed? While this can be true, due to the unpredictability of genetics, there is no guarantee that any particular dog, or litter of dogs will be hypoallergenic. However, due to the genetic diversity from crossing these two breeds, the result may be a lower chance of developing these inherited health concerns. Due to the cost of treating these common health concerns, we highly encourage all dog owners invest in pet insurance. We recommend getting a free online quote from Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. They love to learn which makes them extremely trainable. In most cases, this breed is good with other dogs and children however sometimes they can be quite sensitive so a slow and gentle acclimation is a must. At least 60 minutes of exercise at a minimum, with extra preference to families with larger houses or yards to play. They are eager to please and have significant native intelligence inherited from their parents. It is their intelligent mind and careful disposition that have made them equally good with kids and other family pets. This makes them an excellent family dog ideal for apartment life. Not do they just love the members of their families, but they are also comfortable meeting strangers. Though, it is alert and attentive. If it happens to come across anything suspicious, it would immediately alert its family. Care Exercise Not much exercise is required for this breed. Only a moderate amount of daily walk is recommended in for a happy mind and a healthy body. You can also take them out on leash for a small jogging session every day either on foot or with your bicycle. Allow them to play freely every day. It is best if you have an enclosed yard for it to play around. Grooming As discussed, the Irish doodles practically do not shed. Hence, it is pretty much easy to groom them. Simply brush their coat with a solid bristle brush at least twice a week. Bathing and dry-shampooing is advisable when your dog is dirty, or in need for one. These long-eared dogs need your attention to maintain their ear hygiene. Clean their ears when dirty. Health Problems Normally these dogs are very hardy and healthy. No breed-specific issues have been reported. However, watch out for general health problems like hip dysplasia, deafness, or blindness, common to dogs in general. Training The trainability of the Irish doodle is unpredictable. The standard poodle is a happy-go-lucky and easily trainable dog. But the Irish setters are not always so, but would rather get bored easily. Those Irish doodles that take after their setter parents sometimes demand commitment and patience from their trainers. But once the training process is successfully over, your Irish doodle will be the best trained dog in the neighborhood. Begin obedience and pack leader trainings from an early age. Train them to socialize and get accustomed to meeting new faces. Like their parents, the Irish doodles are naturally clean, and hence, are easy to be housetrained. The quantity may vary from dog to dog, depending upon the individual energy level and everyday activity. Interesting Facts Researchers have studied that, when poodle is bred with some long-haired, soft-coated breed like the Irish Setter , the offspring is almost invariably a dense, wavy-coated, non-shedding breed. The Irish doodle too is no exception. Poodles are often used as circus dogs, and probably this explains the reason as to how the Irish doddle ended up inheriting the quality of being an amusing, clownish dog with funny instincts, as also, a good sporting dog. The Standard Irish Doodle is the largest of the Irish Doodle breed, weighing between 45 to 75 pounds 20 to 34 kg and standing between 22 to 27 inches 56 to 69 cm tall at the shoulder. The Mini Irish Setterdoodle weighs between 20 to 30 9 to 13 kg pounds and stands between 14 to 18 inches 30 to 43 cm tall at the shoulder. How big does the Toy Irish Doodle Get? The Toy Irish Doodle is a smaller version of the Irish Doodle breed, weighing between 12 to 20 pounds 5 to 9 kg and standing between 10 to 15 inches 25 to 38 cm tall at the shoulder. Irish Doodle Temperament and Intelligence Irish Setters are known for being friendly, outgoing, and affectionate, intelligent, energetic dogs. They are generally good-natured, love to be around people, and enjoy being the center of attention. They are known to have their goofy moments thanks to their playful Poodle side. Poodles are highly intelligent and versatile dogs. They are typically considered highly trainable and excel in various activities such as obedience, agility, and even therapy work. Their empathy can also make them successful service dogs. Brushing Grooming an Irish Doodle is essential to keep their coat healthy and clean. They have a wavy or curly coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting. It is recommended to brush their coat at least twice a week to keep it clean and tangle-free A slicker brush or a comb can be used to remove loose hair and prevent matting. A professional groomer can also help maintain their coat and keep it trimmed. Check out this Irish Doodle being professionally groomed 2. Baths Irish Doodles also require regular bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy. It is recommended to bathe them every 3 to 4 weeks using a mild shampoo. Avoid using human shampoo or harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation and itching after grooming. Other Grooming Be sure to trim their nails and clean their ears and eyes monthly or bi-weekly with quality clippers , ear wipes , and eye wipes , respectively. What Should an Irish Setterdoodle Eat? Irish Doodles have a high energy level and require a balanced diet to maintain their health. It is important to feed them high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs. Avoid feeding them table scraps or human food that can cause digestive issues. Exercise Requirements It is recommended to provide them with at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily. Regular exercise can also help prevent obesity and other health issues. These are active and energetic dogs that need a lot of daily activity. Both parents are hunting breeds, so they really love to chase. Irish Doodles are an active breed and require regular exercise to maintain their health and energy level. They enjoy activities such as walking, running, and playing fetch. Research has shown that Poodles are at a higher risk of developing this condition. Autoimmune thyroiditis where thyroid cells are destroyed by immune responses Epilepsy Arthritis Canine leucocyte deficiency Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus GDV : A life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, commonly referred to as bloat. Other common health issues like allergies, skin and ear infections, obesity, and dental issues How long does the Irish Doodle Live? Mini vs. Standard life expectancy On average, Irish Doodles have a lifespan of years. However, this can vary depending on a number of factors, such as diet, exercise, and genetics. Miniature Irish Doodles tend to have a slightly longer lifespan than standard-sized Irish Doodles. Behavioral training is essential for any dog, and the Irish Doodle is no exception. It is important to start training your Irish Doodle early and be consistent with your training methods. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your Irish Doodle, as they respond well to praise and rewards. Socialization is also an essential aspect of training your Irish Doodle. Socializing your dog helps them become comfortable with new people, animals, and environments, reducing the risk of fear-based aggression or anxiety. Choosing a Breeder Choosing a responsible breeder is crucial when looking for a healthy and happy Irish Doodle puppy. Here are some things to consider when selecting a breeder: Health testing: A reputable breeder will conduct health testing on their breeding dogs to ensure that their puppies are healthy and free from genetic diseases. Socialization: A good breeder will socialize their puppies from a young age to ensure they are well-adjusted and comfortable with people. Contract: A responsible breeder will provide a contract outlining their responsibilities and expectations and your responsibilities as a puppy owner. Adoption Options Adopting an Irish Doodle is a great way to give a loving home to a dog in need. Here are some adoption options to consider: Rescue organizations: There are many rescue organizations that specialize in Irish Doodles and other doodle breeds. These organizations rescue dogs from shelters or take in dogs from owners who can no longer care for them. Shelters: Check with your local animal shelter to see if they have any Irish Doodle puppies available for adoption. Online adoption sites: There are many online adoption sites that list Irish Doodle puppies available for adoption. However, be sure to research the site and the breeder before committing to adoption. By following these tips, you can find a healthy and happy Irish Doodle puppy that will make a great addition to your family. The cost of a mini Irish Doodle puppy for sale can vary depending on the breeder and location. How much does a standard Irish Doodle puppy cost? The cost of a standard Irish Doodle puppy can also vary depending on the breeder and location. Do Irish Doodles shed? Irish Doodles have a wavy or curly coat that sheds minimally. However, regular grooming is required to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy. Are Irish Doodles Hypoallergenic? Irish Doodles are more hypoallergenic than most dogs, but no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Are Irish Doodles good with kids? Irish Doodles are known for their friendly and social nature, making them great companions for kids. However, as with any dog, it is essential to supervise interactions between children and dogs to ensure safety. Are Irish Doodles good with other pets? Irish Doodles can get along well with other pets if they are properly socialized from a young age. However, it is important to introduce them slowly and supervise their interactions to ensure they get along well. Final Thoughts Irish Doodles are a unique and charming breed that combines the intelligence and loyalty of a Poodle with the friendly and outgoing personality of an Irish Setter. They are highly adaptable to different living situations and make great family pets. While they are a relatively new breed, Irish Doodles have already gained a loyal following thanks to their friendly and affectionate nature. Tamsin De La Harpe Author Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs. Got Questions? Lifespan Sociability Irish Doodle puppy prices vary depending on a wide variety of circumstances such as where and how the puppies are bred, the color of the pups, and how well they are cared for. Vaccinations, lineage papers, and included accessories are also considered when pricing Irish Doodle pups. In general, Irish Doodles are an expensive breed and will tend to be more expensive than other dog mixes. Lesser quality breeders may charge a lower price than others, but this could mean a low quality of care that results in health issues as time goes on. And thoroughly inspect the health documentation and lineage papers before making any commitments 3 Little-Known Facts About the Irish Doodle 1. Your Irish Doodle pup may turn out to be even tempered and good-willed, or it might be a bit mischievous and unruly. Therefore, training should be a priority before your Irish Setter pup grows into an adult. New names are invented regularly, so expect this list of nicknames to grow as time goes on. Irish Poodles can sit and stay on command and learn how to retrieve your morning newspaper after some poignant training. Because Irish Doodles love to learn, they require lots of stimulation throughout the day. You will need to put aside some time for daily training and practice in addition to regular walks. The Irish Doodle is excellent with children and can put up with little ones climbing all over them. After plenty of exercise, an Irish Doodle will do well in a family setting between walls. Expect your Irish Doodle to snuggle up with the kids at bedtime but be ready for a long walk first thing in the morning. This breed also gets along well with other dogs, so they do well at dog parks and in multi-dog homes. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Irish Doodles thrive on the active nature of a busy family dynamic. So, if you tend to watch a lot of television or host indoor dinner parties instead of adventure outside or hang out in the yard, an Irish Doodle will yearn for some action and may start to exhibit behaviors that are undesirable to you. Irish Doodles like being spoken to, pet, cuddled, and played with consistently. An Irish Doodle needs at least 90 minutes of exercise daily, which is something kids can be a big part of. Helping to train and care for an Irish Doodle can teach kids some compassion and responsibility too. They also inhibit hunting characteristics as their Irish Setter parents. So, while Irish Doodles are good with other dogs, they should be supervised when interacting with other pets and animals. If an Irish Doodle becomes anxious or bored due to inactivity, they could turn that energy into aggression and revert to their hunting and retrieving instincts. This could mean bad news for pets that might be considered prey such as birds, mice, and cats. Dry and wet food is acceptable, as is a combination of the two. An open feeding plan could lead to obesity and all the healthy problems that come along with it as age progresses and activity levels decline. But this amount should be separated into two or three different meals each day. Otherwise, a growling belly and a penchant for begging may become a daily occurrence. Multiple daily feedings will also help ensure that an Irish Doodle is properly fueled as they release their energy throughout the day. Plenty of toys and stimulating activities should be taking place inside the home. Owners can expect to spend time daily on training tasks, even after their Irish Doodles have learned specific tricks and commands. We recommend working with a professional dog trainer that has experience with Irish Doodles when bringing one home. The trainer will establish basic training measures and then prescribe training techniques that can be used at home to maintain and enhance the obedience and skills the dog learns. This dog breed requires daily brushing or combing to maintain a soft and tangle-free coat. Ear hair tends to get long quickly, so the ear hair should be washed and trimmed regularly to prevent dirt buildup within the ear canal. Minor Conditions. This is a rough introduction guide to cover the basics and help you understand the difference between the Irish Doodle generations. If two F2 Irish Doodles are bred together, the offspring will be F3. This is the simplest explanation, however in reality, it is a little more complicated. Just think of the resemblances between parents and their children as a good example. Irish Doodle breeders often want dogs with particular types of characteristics. Irish Doodles have lots of energy and need plenty of space to run around. Photo: Joca de Jong via Shutterstock For this reason, breeders often opt to breed F1 Irish Doodles with a purebred Poodle to increase the likelihood that the coat type and perhaps other characteristics bear a closer resemblance to a Poodle than to an Irish Setter. The Irish Setter breed sheds and is not hypoallergenic. It is not really possible to predict if a dog from this generation will be a low shedder or be suitable for people with allergies. It is only possible to really determine what the coat will be like when the Irish Doodle is fully mature. Many breeders claim that this is the healthiest generation of Irish Doodles, because they do not suffer from genetic conditions connected with the recessive genes of each parent breed. As they are usually more widespread, they are frequently less expensive than the other Irish Doodle generations. While their coats generally need more care, they shed very little and are more similar to that of a Poodle. This makes this generation of Irish Doodle more appealing for people who have mild allergy symptoms. This short guide just covers the basics of Irish Doodle generations. These are beyond the scope of this article. If you want to delve deeper into the genetics and the principles of inheritance behind Irish Doodle generations, then this article may be worth reading. An Irish Doodle wearing a harness at the beach. Photo: Joca de Jong via Shutterstock Standard Irish Doodles are medium sized dogs roughly cm inches in height when fully grown ca. These dogs are the result of crossing an Irish Setter with a Standard Poodle. How tall is a Mini Irish Doodle? The size of a full grown Irish Doodle depends on its genetics that it inherited from its parents. When a mini Poodle rather than a standard Poodle is crossed with an Irish Setter the resulting Mini Irish Doodles are typically cm inches in height when fully mature at around months. How much does an Irish Doodle weigh? A Standard Irish Doodle adult weighs in at around kg pounds , while a smaller Mini Irish Doodle adult weighs between kg pounds. What does an Irish Doodle look like? An Irish Doodle can have a wavy or curly coat, depending on the traits that the Irish Doodle inherits from its parents. Some dogs can have long hair that will need to be trimmed every so often to keep it in shape. The coat of an Irish Doodle can come in a variety of different colors. Apricot, red and black are the most common Irish Doodle colors. Some dogs also have white patches, these are often slightly more desirable and therefore expensive. While some Irish Doodles have broader faces, similar to Irish Setters, others tend to look more like Poodles with narrower features. Their eyes are usually oval or almond shaped and are a medium to kard brown color. Irish Doodle Maintenance Irish Doodles require the same general maintenance as other similar dog breeds. Nail clipping should be carried out regularly. It is best to file or clip small parts of the nails away at a time to prevent any discomfort of injury to the animal. It is important to regularly check their ears to make sure that they are clean and free of dirt and moisture which could increase the risk of ear infections. Occasionally the hair around the ears may need to be trimmed. Good dental hygiene is also essential and regular teeth brushing with a specially formulated toothpaste for dogs is advised. Do Irish Doodles need much grooming? A relaxed Irish Doodle with long wavy hair. Photo: Joca de Jong via Shutterstock The amount of grooming that an Irish Doodle requires depends a lot on the type of coat that they inherited from their parents. However they still require regular brushing multiple times a week to eliminate tangles and matted hair. Coats that are wavy and sleek like that of an Irish Setter, tend to shed more and also require frequent brushing. Based on the length of the hair, it may also need to be trimmed by a groomer every weeks to keep it in good shape. How often should you bathe an Irish Doodle? Frequent bathing can irritate the skin of an Irish Doodle so try to bathe your Irish Doodle just a few times each year. Roughly once every months is ideal, but occasionally they may need to be bathed more frequently. Are Irish Doodles hypoallergenic? Irish Doodle puppies can be exceptionally cute and almost teaddy bear like! Photo: Joca de Jong via Shutterstock Irish Doodles are typically medium to low shedders and are suitable for some people with mild allergies. However, the type of coat that the individual dog has is inherited from its parents and just how hypoallergenic it is can be difficult to determine until the dog is fully grown. Generally speaking, the F1B Irish Doodles have coats that are more similar to Poodles, which means they shed considerably less and are more suitable for people with allergies. Irish Doodles from first generation mixes F1 Irish Doodles may have coats that resemble that of the hypoallergenic single layer Poodle parent or the non-hypoallergenic double coat of an Irish Setter parent. It is always a good idea to consult medical, as well as veterinary professionals about hypoallergenic dog breeds, before you purchase a four legged friend. These professionals can usually point you in the right direction of a suitable breed for your specific allergies. Do Irish Doodles shed a lot? Irish Doodles typically have medium to low shedding levels. Depending on the generation, the degree of shedding dogs experience can vary. Generally F1 Irish Doodles shed more than F1B Irish Doodles for example, which is why the latter is favored by people with mild allergies. How long do Irish Doodles live for? Irish Doodles come in a variety of different colors. Photo: forever pictures via Shutterstock Irish Doodle life expectancy generally ranges between years, depending on the dog. This is pretty typical life expectancy for medium sized dogs. The Irish Doodle mini form may tend to live longer with a typical life expectancy closer to 15 years. While Irish Doodles are generally a healthy breed, particularly the F1 generation, they do tend to suffer from some health problems. Are Irish Doodles healthy? Irish Doodles sometimes suffer from hip dysplasia and bloat. Other Irish Doodle health concerns induce eye and skin diseases, as well as epilepsy. Regular vet check ups and necessary tests are essential to make sure your Irish Doodle stays healthy. What do Irish Doodles eat? Irish Doodles require good quality dog food to ensure that all of their nutritional needs are being fulfilled. As the size, as well as gender, age and activity level of the dog determines the amount of food a dog should be given, it is important that you discuss food portions with your vet. Irish Doodles will eat more than Mini Irish Doodles so it is important to make sure that your dog is getting the right amounts of food and not being put at risk of becoming overweight. How much exercise do Irish Doodles need? An Irish Doodle running at top speed. Photo: Joca de Jong via Shutterstock As energetic dogs, Irish Doodles need hours a day of exercise to stay balanced and healthy. They enjoy a wide range of sporting activities and will gladly accompany their owners on walks, jogs, hikes, swims and cycling trips. These smart dogs also enjoy exercises and activities that stimulate their mental capacity and therefore perform well in canine sports such as agility, obedience and rally trials. Dogs that do not get sufficient exercise on a daily basis are likely to become depressed and destructive, as well as obese. It is essential that Irish Doodle owners realize the considerable amount of time that needs to be devoted to Irish Doodles in terms of exercise and maintenance on a daily basis before committing to getting one. Do Irish Doodles like to swim? Many Irish Doodles really enjoy swimming, which is not surprising given their ancestry. The Poodle is a type of water dog and is usually an excellent swimmer. Irish Setters were generally bred with Irish physical traits required for varied terrain in Ireland. Some of the upland hunting areas are quite boggy and marsh, so the Irish Setter would also need to get its feet wet from time to time. If you would like to introduce your Irish Doodle to water, it is best to do so gradually to ensure that it is a positive experience for the dog. Always keep an eye out to make sure that the water and weather conditions are safe for swimming. Is an Irish Doodle a smart dog? Irish Doodles are very intelligent dogs that are quick to learn and also quick to get bored if the task does not stimulate or entertain them enough. Like the Irish Setter, the Irish Doodle tends not to forget the things and tricks that it has learned, regardless of whether they are good behaviors or not so desirable ones. Be sure to start early with training to avoid as many training mishaps as possible! Is it easy to train an Irish Doodle? Irish Doodles are very playful, but can be stubborn and difficult to train. They pick up good and bad habits quickly and constantly require new input to avoid getting bored. Irish Setters show many of the same traits, while generally Poodles are easier to train. Starting to train an Irish Doodle at an early age will help set clear boundaries for the dog for life. It is also a good idea to get them socialized with strangers, children and other dogs and pets from an early age to ensure they can be confident in a wide range of different circumstances. Irish Doodles need a calm and consistent trainer that offers them plenty of stimulating ways to learn how to behave and be disciplined. Lots of patience is required and this is not a task for everyone. Positive reinforcement helps to reaffirm desired behaviors and should be preferred to harsh criticism, which tends to have a more detrimental effect on this sensitive dog breed. They thoroughly enjoy being included in activities and family life and thrive on company with people. As highly intelligent dogs, they love to learn new things and are open to trying new things. Is an Irish Doodle a good first dog? It is important to weigh up the Irish Doodle pros and cons, especially if you are not experienced with owning and handling a dog. Irish Doodles are friendly and lovable, but they can be challenging to train. If you are someone with lots of patience and can invest the time and energy to calming and consistently train your Irish Doodle, then it may be a dog for you. Other serious considerations that you should keep in mind before opting for an Irish Doodle is whether you have sufficient time to cover the exercise and maintenance requirements of an Irish Doodle. Are Irish Doodles good family dogs? Active families are the perfect fit for an Irish Doodle. They enjoy lots of exercise, as well as company and in a family they are likely to get both. The friendly character of the Irish Doodle, in addition to its ability to get along with other pets helps to cement the family friendly characteristics of this type of dog even more. Are Irish Doodles good with kids? An Irish Doodle puppy in the shade of a chair. Photo: Joca de Jong via Shutterstock Irish Doodles are generally better suited to families with older kids, rather than young ones. First of all, the size of a standard Irish Doodle may overwhelm younger kids and as they are quite energetic and playful, there is definitely likely to be some level of wild play, the rough and tumble might be too much for little ones. Can an Irish Doodle be left alone? It is not generally advised to leave Irish Doodles alone for long amounts of time. Without company, Irish Doodles tend to get loney and may suffer from separation anxiety. The symptoms of this may show as excessive barking or other destructive tendencies. Do Irish Doodles bark a lot? Are Irish Doodles cuddly? A sleeping Irish Doodle puppy. Photo: Joca de Jong via Shutterstock Yes, Irish Doodles are very cuddly and enjoy social contact so plenty of rubs and tickles are usually very welcome. The coat type of the Irish Doodle will either be wavy, shaggy or curly depending on what the dog inherited. While it is sometimes silky, like an Irish Setter, it is definitely fuller in volume and typically soft. Are Irish Doodles aggressive? No, a well balanced Irish Doodle is not usually aggressive. Irish Doodles are generally good natured and friendly, which is just one of the reasons why they are not good guard dogs. Are Irish Doodles good watch dogs? While Irish Doodles are not ideal dogs if you need a guard dog, their alert and attentive nature is well suited to being watch dogs. You can rely on these dogs to announce the arrival of a stranger to the home. Friend or foe are usually greeted in the same friendly manner, which is typical of the temperament of Irish Doodles. Are Irish Doodles good with other dogs? Exposing Irish Doodles to other dogs and pets at an early age will help the socialization process. Photo: Joca de Jong via Shutterstock In general, Irish Doodles get on well with other dogs, so at least in theory it is possible to have more than one dog in the home. Exposure to other dogs from an early age helps with the socialization process and can help to ensure a higher level of success. Are Irish Doodles good with cats? While many Irish Doodles get on well with cats, it does tend to depend a little on the individual dog. Irish Doodles that grow up with cats from a young age and are well socialized are less likely to cause problems with cats. It is worth remembering that the ancestors of the Irish Doodle, the Irish Setter and the Poodle, were used as hunting dogs especially for wild fowl so there is probably some instinctive prey drive still within the Irish Doodle. It is probably not a good idea to have an Irish Doodle and a pet bird… Irish Doodle Breeders Reputable dog breeders are extremely important. If you are looking for a specific breed of dog, you need to do your homework as there are many breeders out there that do a suboptimal job and unfortunately there are also a lot of scams. There are a few good rules to go by that are the same for Irish Doodles as for all other dog breeds. The Kennel Club has a good list of general questions to prepare to ask the breeder and examples of the types of questions to ask during the visit. Tip: Why not contact some veterinary clinics to see if they are aware of good Irish Doodle Breeders, they can sometimes help put you in contact with the right people. Photo: forever pictures via Shutterstock When it comes to looking into ads for Irish Doodle puppies or Mini Irish Doodle puppies for sale, there are several things that you should keep in mind. You want to be able to visit the dog breeder and see the puppies, their mother and the conditions that they were raised in before purchasing the dog. As well as having the opportunity to ask the breeder a lot of important questions, the breed will also be able to ask you questions and if it is a good breeder, determine your suitability for this dog breed and an individual puppy. An experienced, knowledgeable breeder will be able to find a suitable home to fit the character type of the dog and not just hurry through with a sale. There are many websites available online that offer good deals that sound too good to be true. Please be wary. You want to make sure that the breeder is a reputable one. It is important to make sure to do your research and make sure that the Irish Doodle breeder you opt for is one that has the welfare of their animals as their top priority and wants to ensure that they get the best homes. This same advice can also be applied when purchasing other dog breeds. Photo: forever pictures via Shutterstock The price of an Irish Doodle can vary considerably depending on several factors. The coloring of the dog is likely to determine some of the price. The red Irish Doodles being more expensive ca. Special white markings up the price even more. It is not uncommon for the Irish Doodle for sale price to be considerably higher ca. As Mini Irish Doodles typically come in smaller litter, their cost is typically even higher minimum of ca. It is thought that the Irish Doodle was developed as one of the recent designer dogs in the last two decades or so in the United States. History of the Irish Setter The Irish Setter is a medium-sized, solid red chestnut or mahogany colored dog that was developed in Ireland as a gun dog for hunting wild fowl. They are thought to have first developed around the 17th century, although records are difficult to come by. Originally, the setter dogs in Ireland were a mix of white with red patches. Over time, certain wealthy families of dog breeders in Ireland who kept these dogs in large numbers tended to focus on particular traits in the dogs. An Irish Setter dog has a silky, solid red coat. Around the s and s, the popularity of the solid red setter began to rise rapidly. In the American Kennel Club also recognized the breed. As the breeders for the Irish Setter focused largely on the appearance of the dog, the hunting traits that the dog were bred for for generations, became less relevant. In contrast, the largely forgotten Irish Red and White Setter was threatened with extinction during the rapid rise to fame of its cousin. The breeders who fought hard to preserve this breed, focused their efforts not on the aesthetic, but on the hunting ability of this dog. It was only as recently as that this breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club. Ironically, almost a century after its descendant, the Irish Setter was recognized. The Irish Setter is now the most popular of all native Irish dog breeds world wide. Miniature Irish Setters are a smaller variation and not that common. History of Poodles Poodles are a type of water dog that are thought to have developed in Germany, although some people argue that the dog originated in France. One strong reason to believe that the Poodle has German origins stems from its name. As a water dog, the main task of the Poodle would have been to retrieve wild fowl from that water like other breeds such as the Golden Retriever and Labrador. Poodles are energetic and typically have a coat that does not shed all that much or at all. Photo: slowmotiongli via Depositphotos Intelligent, easy to train and eager to please, Poodles are a very popular dog breed that come in various different sizes. It is thought that the origin of the Miniature Poodle developed through their use in circuses in France during the 19th century. The Toy Poodle is even smaller than the Miniature Poodle. Regardless of the size of the Poodle they are all considered the same breed by the American Kennel Club and have the same breed standard. While extravagant Poodle hairstyles are what commonly comes to mind when one thinks of this dog breed, what few people know is that the original unusual hair styles were functional. Poodles have a single layer coat that is typically a non-shedding coat and is considered to be hypoallergenic. These are genetically more similar to Poodles, less likely to shed and are generally more suitable for people with allergies. Take your pick, whichever you prefer! They enjoy the company of their owners, whether it is being active and out and about or cuddling up with them on the sofa after a busy day. Their need for company makes them more sensitive and affected by separation though so it is important to ensure that they do not get lonely and get the required level of input every day. Each one of these unique breeds has its own characteristics, Irish traits, charm and interesting history. From the legendary tales of the Irish Wolfhound in Irish mythology to the war efforts of the Irish Terrier in World War I, there is lots to discover about these dog breeds. If you would like to find out more about native Irish dog breeds, then you can check out the Guide to Irish Dog Breeds. For more in depth information, please check the individual dog posts. Families and singles, apartment and house settings, multi-animal households Temperament: Friendly, active, intelligent, good with kids This mixed breed does not need tons of exercise and does not mind spending time at home alone, making them a great pet option for households with busy schedules. However, these are dogs that do love spending time with humans, so they expect to get plenty of attention from their household members every day. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Irish Doodle Puppies Image Credit: Joca de Jong, Shutterstock It is important to learn all that you can about the Irish Doodle before deciding whether to adopt one, as this may not be the right breed for your household when all is said and done. The Irish Doodle is an energetic and loving dog that loves to spend time playing with people, especially with kids. Irish Doodles are generally healthy, but keep in mind that they can be susceptible to a couple of health problems. With good care, a healthy diet, and exercise, your Irish Doodle should be a healthy and happy dog. Bringing an Irish Doodle home will be a fun and playful experience. These dogs have a sensitive side that makes them crave the attention and approval of their human counterparts. Once a new skill, task, trick, or habit is learned, it is tough to get this mixed breed to unlearn it. Therefore, it is important to offer positive reinforcement when they do the right things and redirection when unwanted actions take place. They thrive with obedience training in place, and they have no problem hanging out with other dogs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? With a curious nature and penchant to play, the Irish Doodle typically accepts dog friends of all types, small and large, as time goes on. However, if this breed grows up isolated from other dogs, they may feel threatened when confronted with another dog during adulthood. Therefore, it is pertinent to introduce obedience training and ensure socialization with other dogs during puppyhood. These dogs can also get along with cats and other pets if they are introduced early on and trained not to chase or hunt at a young age. Find out everything from food and water requirements to exercise preferences and training abilities and more here. Most owners find that 2 to 3 meals a day are best for digestion and performance. Commercial dog food should include real protein in the form of chicken, beef, turkey, or fish as the first ingredient. Whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, and oats should also be included, as should fresh fruits and veggies, including berries, bananas, cranberries, greens, squash, corn, and sprouts. Any wet or homemade food should include all the features laid out here for commercial dry food. However, they do not require hours of work or physical interaction every day to stay healthy as they age. What each Irish Doodle does require is a brisk, 5—minute walk around the neighborhood or apartment community each day. They will never turn down a game of fetch in the yard, and they will not hesitate to play a game of tug-of-war with another dog or a child companion in the house during evening hours. On the other hand, owners can expect their Irish Doodle to spend a great deal of time cuddling, hanging around, and lying near laps whenever possible. These dogs are chill when everyone else is and excited when the social situation calls for it, if they get a quick walk and regular interactive attention. These dogs can easily learn the basics including, come, sit, and stay. They can also learn advanced skills, such as fetching the remote control and properly greeting visitors at the door. These dogs can also learn agility training and excel in competitions, thanks to the smarts of their Poodle side and the agility of their Irish Setter side. Hunting training is possible, but owners should not expect this mixed breed to become a superb hunter for commercial reasons. Combing or brushing three to five times a week is necessary to keep shedding under control. Summer months may require up to 5 days of grooming to minimize shedding throughout the house. These dogs may require nail trimming once a month or so if they do not get out to walk on the ground at least five times a week. Ears should be checked and wiped clean with a damp rag or cotton swabs regularly. Some Irish Setters are semi-hypoallergenic if their coats are inherited from their Poodle parents. However, potential owners should assume that their Irish Doodle is not hypoallergenic and should make ownership decisions accordingly. However, there are certain health conditions they can become susceptible to that are worth knowing about. Minor Conditions. Irish Doodles are remarkable designer dogs that make excellent family pets. While the combined genes from the parent breeds impart high energy to the Irish Doodle, they also make this beautiful poodle mix breed highly trainable. What is an Irish Doodle? However, it might have originated in the United States around the late s or s. To understand the origins and the history of the Irish Doodle, let us consider the history of its parent breeds. They were bred to hunt birds and were known for their remarkable ability to sniff out the game from far distances. Irish Setters point or stand in a manner that looks like they are pointing to help hunters flush out the game. Setters are also known for their excellent swimming and retrieving skills. Some believe that the breed originated from the French Water Dogs called Barbets. Poodles also might have been trained as duck hunters. Today, the breed is considered one of the smartest in the world. The cross between Poodles and Irish Setters results in this remarkable hybrid dog. The Irish Doodle or the Setterpoo might be relatively rare today but given its excellent qualities, a day will surely come when more and more people start demanding more of these beautiful dogs. Irish Doodles are medium-sized dogs since most breeders use Standard or Miniature Poodles in their breeding programs. You can expect your fully-grown Irish Doodle to measure between inches .Irish Doodles stop growing between months. The coat of Irish Doodles could be curly, wavy, fleece, long, and dense. Common colours seen in the breed are black, red, apricot, golden, tan, mahogany, brown, black-and-tan, and white. Do Irish Doodles Shed? This means that a first-generation F1 Setterdoodle could inherit the shedding gene from the Setter parent. Due to this additional Poodle breeding, an F1-B puppy is more likely to be hypoallergenic. Do Irish Doodles Need Grooming? Are Irish Doodles High Maintenance? Irish Doodles can be high-maintenance in a couple of ways. Firstly, their coats need regular grooming as they tend to trap dirt and debris easily. They also have sensitive skin and their long and wavy coats also mat and tangle easily. Due to this, your pet will need daily brushing. Some pet parents also take their Irish Doodles to professional groomers for special Poodle cuts. You can always groom an Irish Doodle at home — simply keep the body and legs short and the face and tail long. How often you bathe your Irish Poo depends on how dirty it gets. In general, you can bathe your Doodle once a month. As mentioned earlier, they require a lot of playtime and exercise. This is definitely not a dog that you leave in the yard without it experiencing separation anxiety. You must walk your pet at least times a day for minutes. Like all Doodles, they also love being a part of all family activities and dislike being left alone. Are Irish Doodles Calm? This highly energetic dog has a tireless personality and it is sure to keep you active as well! Due to their exuberant natures, Irish Doodles make excellent companions for kids. Despite their stubborn streaks, they are also willing to please their owners. Irish Doodles also do well with strangers and other pets. This is a great dog for almost every household. Most well- socialised and trained Irish Doodles are even-tempered and have a rollicking personality. Are Irish Doodles Good with Kids? As mentioned earlier, Irish Doodles are excellent companion pets for households with children. This is because, the breed is known for its outgoing nature, gentle demeanour, and sweet-loving personality. In fact, according to PetMD , both the Irish Setter and Poodle breeds also rank in the list of top 10 dog breeds for children. Since they are playful and energetic, children are better suited for giving the Irish Doodle the love, attention, and exercise the dog needs on a daily basis. This is crucial since the breed hates being alone and loves to have company and regular playtime. How Smart are Irish Poos? Irish Poos are extremely smart as both parent breeds are very smart. They have a capacity for learning a wide array of tricks and commands. According to Dr. Stanley Coren — an authority on dog intelligence — Irish Setters rank 35th and the Poodle ranks 2nd in the list of highly intelligent dog breeds. Therefore, there is little doubt that the Irish Poo is incredibly smart as well. Irish Doodles possess a remarkable degree of both obedience and working intelligence. This means that they are not only capable of understanding the commands and tasks assigned to them but also have the mental ability to respond appropriately to situations in an effective manner. Thankfully, these smart dogs are highly-trainable. However, you need to be very consistent with the training. Stick to a strict feeding and potty schedule. Do Irish Doodles Like to Swim? Swimming is an excellent exercise for Irish Doodles. The breed certainly has all the traits that make them excellent swimmers. However, if your Setterdoodle is on the smaller side, it could tire easily while swimming. So always use a doggy vest before letting your pet into the water. Do Irish Doodles Like to Cuddle? Yes, these loving and affectionate dogs love to cuddle. And although they are very energetic, they are always up for a snuggle on the sofa or in your bed! How Much is a Mini Irish Doodle? The price is not standardised and can vary from breeder to breeder. Always research the breeder well before you buy your Doodle. If needed, visit several breeders to see their kennels and meet their dogs. Avoid buying from puppy mills or backyard breeders as their puppies are kept under appalling conditions and tend to have health and behavioural issues. What to Feed an Irish Setter Poo? Do Irish Doodles have Sensitive Stomachs? Some Irish Doodles tend to have sensitive tummies and do well on hypoallergenic food, grain-free food, raw dog food , or special prescription diets. Look for dog food with the first ingredient as real meat — chicken, fish, or turkey are a good choice. Avoid foods with fillers, colours, and preservatives. Your breeder or vet nutritionist can guide you in selecting the best food for your Irish Doodle based on its age, life stage, and activity levels. These healthy dogs live for years. If you purchase your Irish Doodle from a reputable breeder, chances are they have tested their breeding stock for common genetic issues. This can reduce joint problems and eye-related conditions in the breed. Common health issues seen in Irish Doodles are arthritis, epilepsy, and thyroid-related problems. Looking to find an Irish Doodle puppy? The Irish Doodle is a rare poodle mix breed in Australia. Subscribe for poodle mix breed information and exclusive offers on the best products for your pup! Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this.

Although any German Shepherd dog is trainable, they are very strong and powerful animals. If you start out with a puppy, you have the opportunity to shape and mold its personality and develop your relationship early. German Shepherds can be very protective of their family members, so you want to socialize your puppy early in puppyhood. This will get them used to interacting well with a wide variety of people and animals, which is essential. This will be a big dog, and you want to prepare the dog when they are young and small for future grooming and veterinary visits. They may need nail trimming, ear cleaning, temperature taking and other procedures. These procedures will be difficult to accomplish should your full-sized adult German Shepherd dog object. You will need to train them to sit, stay, and heel, in addition to house training them. Your puppy will not understand your commands immediately. Have patience with your dog when they don't do exactly what you ask right away. German Shepherds love to learn and they are highly motivated to follow your commands if they are rewarded with treats. Pet your puppy while they're eating, as long as they do not stiffen and stop eating when you are petting the puppy. If the puppy stiffens, stops eating or growls, you have to deal with this aggressive response immediately. Do this by removing the food bowl and feeding the dog by hand. There is no bowl to guard. Make the bowl no big deal. If a piece of food is dropped inside, let the puppy take it and praise them. Then feed nearby again. The bowl will not always have food inside. Gradually increase the amount of food you drop in the bowl as you stand or sit there with the puppy. You can also add high value treats like roasted chicken breast into the bowl if your puppy seems to need more reassurance that you bring goodness to the food bowl. Resource guarding can be a very serious symptom of fear aggression and, if you are seeing this in a puppy, it needs to be addressed ASAP so it does not escalate. You can gradually ask the puppy to look at you to get more food, then sit and wait for more food, etc. .The humans controls the resource of food and rewards the puppy for good behavior. You still praise your dog, just not offer a treat each time. If you are working to modify a command to create a faster response, add in treats again to shape the behavior until they have it down. Then start using treats to reward truly outstanding performance. Do not yell at your pet. Learn to recognize when you are losing patience and stop the training session on a happy note. Your dog can sense your frustration in your body language and tone of voice. Try another day when you are both fresh. If you continue to have problems, get a professional trainer involved. Typically, as puppies are first learning commands, one adult family member will be responsible for training. Later, when the puppy is consistent and understands the basics, other members of the family can participate in formal training. It is important for the dog to understand that not only one person in the household is to be obeyed. Your puppy should be weeks old and started on their vaccine series for this first class. There are puppy preschools designed for puppies who have not yet finished receiving all of their vaccines. The school will have certain requirements for enrollment and you will likely have to provide proof of vaccination. Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. More about 6 month old GSD puppy training. Months GS males reach their adulthood when they are 3 years old, while females become completely mature at the age of 2. However, the end of the second year of life is considered as the finish of puppyhood for both genders. You should continue to teach impulse control, develop obedience skills, and get to more concentrated activities, such as agility, nose work, tracking, herding, and protection. The intense training of these skills should continue throughout the entire period. You also have to arrange the transition of your youngster from puppy to adult food meant for large breeds. According to some experts, insufficient house training or housebreaking is one of the most common reasons that dogs are relinquished to shelters. This is not surprising, because while house training is not a complicated process when housebreaking fails, the results can be disgusting. Just as with children, dogs must be taught the proper place to eliminate. Strangely, though, some people believe that dogs automatically know that the potty is outside. Rather than simply hoping that your dog is one of the few who magically gets it right, there are a few simple steps that you can take to start your puppy training off on the right paw and keep your floors and furniture clean. If he could, he would probably just cut to the chase and ask where the restroom is. In fact, he probably did ask, but you missed it. House training failures can almost always be attributed to the lack of two simple ingredients: scheduling and supervision. While it helps if you have realistic expectations, a little patience, and a sense of humor, you can housebreak your German Shepherd puppy if all you do is keep him in sight and take him out at regular, predictable intervals. Simple, right? Unfortunately, what sounds simple often is not. We have jobs to attend, meals to cook, and movies to watch. Yes, he can, if you show him how. Schedule Potty Breaks While Puppy Training When a meeting is called at your place of work, you are typically given such information as where to meet, what the topic of the meeting will be, and when it will end. Armed with this knowledge, you can stop by the powder room on the way to the meeting, feeling confident that all is well. Obviously, there will be times when you need to take him out before the scheduled moment arrives, especially in the beginning, but when he can rely on you to take him out to go potty at certain times or after specific events, he will begin working at holding it until the appointed time. For example, always take your puppy out first thing in the morning, not after coffee, and not after checking your email or chatting with your friends on Facebook. Take him out first thing. Next, take him out after he eats. He also needs to go out after any period of time that he has been left home alone. If you are away from home at work, school, or shopping, take him out the moment you get back. Freedom is Overrated Until your German Shepherd puppy training is complete, and your puppy is reliably house trained, you will increase the speed of his success the more you decrease the number of accidents. You already know that you must provide him with a consistent schedule, but not every potty break can be dictated by the clock. When you observe your puppy sniffing the floor, circling, arching his back, lifting his tail, or just whining for no apparent reason, get him outside quickly. During those times when you cannot watch him, you must confine him. You must. You cannot leave him free to roam your house and use it as a bathroom. Furthermore, you can place him in a crate, lock him in a safe room, use a playpen, or whatever works for you, but you must confine him. Just do not give him free access to your home. Consistency Equals Success Most house training failures are not the fault of the dog. We get busy, we have unrealistic expectations, and we expect dogs to read our minds and know what we want without training. Really, though, it all comes down to scheduling and supervision. If you can remember these two simple things, you can housebreak your dog. All youngsters need training, whether they are puppies, ponies, or children. This is not news. We send our children to school for a good many years before we consider them trained. GSD puppy training itself is not difficult. Dogs are smart. German Shepherds are especially smart because we have bred them to be independent thinkers. They love a job, and they love puzzles. This means that training can either be easy or frustrating. It is frustrating if your dog seems to be smarter than you are, which he will indicate to you through his bored body language and lack of attention span. It is easy if you know the key to really successful training. When we think of puppy training, we envision teaching the dog things like sit, down, stay, walk on the leash, and fill in the blank. The secret that all great dog trainers have figured out is how to ignite that love of learning that dogs carry deep inside. Get ready to open up a whole new world of possibilities. From the outside, enlightened training looks like any other training in the beginning. Your puppy has to learn the concept first. You start with very simple steps and build from there. Get a handful of healthy treats that your puppy loves. In a quiet area with minimal distractions, approach your puppy and call his name. Do this five times in a row, several times a day for two days. If your puppy is a genius, and if he is a German Shepherd the chances are high that he is, do the exercise anyway several times per day as described. Eventually, you can transition from using treats to simply praising him when he gets it right, but for now, use treats. To clarify one point, your puppy is not born speaking English. You can use whatever word you choose to let him know when he has done what you are asking him to do. This is the marker you will use throughout his lifetime to let him know when he has performed on cue correctly. Be consistent. You do this initially by luring his eyes to your eyes with your hand that is holding the treats. Call his name, bring your treat hand up to your face, and the instant your puppy makes the slightest eye contact, reward him. Do this several times, then move your hand a few inches away from your face. Call his name, and when he looks at your hand for a treat, do not give it to him. He will become confused, and at some point, he will look you in the eye for clarification. Instantly reward him. Practice this several times a day for a few days, gradually moving your hand away from your face until eventually, it is in a normal relaxed position by your side while your puppy looks at your face when you call him. When you have mastered this exercise, you are ready to move on. First, you will lure him into position like you did when you brought his eyes to your face, then you will transition to having him sit when no treat is offered. With your puppy standing next to you, call his name. Praise him when he looks at you, but do not give him a treat. Instead, place your hand holding the treat in front of his nose and lift your hand directly over his head. Do not pull his head up with his leash, and definitely do not push his butt down to force him to sit. Let him work this out on his own. Step away, call him to you, and repeat. Faster than you expect, he will drop his butt to the floor on cue and proudly accept his reward. As soon as your puppy will reliably sit when you give him the cue and lift your hand over his head, give him the cue but keep your hand at his side. Wait for him to work it out. If he gets frustrated and loses interest, show him the treat and try again. Eventually, he will sit without needing you to guide him, at which point you will lavishly praise him and move on to the next lesson. Do not push him down, do not pull his front legs out from under him. Wait for him to lie down on his own. If he stands up to get the treat, have him sit again and start over. Eventually, he will lower his front end to the floor. Instantly praise him and give him the treat. Once your puppy will lie down consistently when you cue him and lure him with the treat, give him the cue and wait for him to lie down without showing him the treat. You may have to go back to luring him a time or two, but because you taught him how to learn on his own, eventually he will get it. The same techniques of puppy training can be applied to anything you want to teach your dog to do. German Shepherds are smart and hard-working dogs. They are highly intelligent and therefore rather easy to train. But, it requires clear objectives and loving guidance. When consistent supervision and routine are provided, German Shepherds are very simple to house train. When should you start training a German Shepherd puppy? However, it is not. It may sound too harsh, but training should begin as soon as a puppy enters your home. In fact, training will yield better results the younger your puppy is. How to train a German Shepherd puppy not to bite? Your puppy has to learn that when he hears the click sound, he has acted improperly and should stop. To help the dog learn that he is responding correctly, the owner should reward him with a treat. Learn more about training your GSD not to bite. How to potty train a German Shepherd puppy? As soon as your German Shepherd puppy enters your home, you should begin potty training. For instance, it must be relieved after eating, sleeping, and waking up after a daytime nap. It might also need a potty after playing. Your puppy dog will pick up the rules fairly fast with the help of the routine. Learn more about GSD Puppy potty training. How to train German Shepherd puppy at home? Failures in house training can almost always be attributable to a lack of two basic components: scheduling and supervision. You can housebreak your German Shepherd puppy if all you do is keep him in sight and take him outside at regular, predictable intervals, though it helps if you have reasonable expectations, a little patience, and a sense of humor. Final Thoughts German Shepherds belong to the breed that benefits and thrives from continuous extensive training. Your puppy should know how to behave properly in different situations and in both outdoor and indoor environments. That is why it is so important to start German Shepherd puppy training as early as possible. Actually, you need to expose your little pup to some rules, exercises, and practices from the very first minutes in your home. As a result, you will get a loyal, obedient, protective, and intelligent friend and partner for all your further activities. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Commit to training your German Shepherd daily. Be prepared to train your German Shepherd for at least 10 to 15 minutes a day. You should practice basic obedience training, but also include fun training games to keep them interested in their training and engaged with you. Aim for five three-minute sessions daily in the beginning, as a minimum. But start with no more than a few minutes in a short session and gradually build onto each individual session longer times. During each session work on just one or two commands so that your dog learns the right way to perform the command. Ready to start using games during your German Shepherd training? How long it takes to train a German Shepherd depends on many factors, for example, if you have a puppy or adult. It takes anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks to train a German Shepherd to learn basic obedience commands. Crate training will take about a week to introduce slowly and have your dog or puppy go into the crate on their own to relax. But if your dog has had a bad experience with the crate it could take months. Keep in mind that if you have an adult Shepherd who has already lived with another owner or many dog owners then you may have to undo improper training or behavior problems. This means that you have many months ahead of you of training. Some GSDs are aggressive or reactive and it may take years before they learn to relax around other dogs in a calm manner. While other German Shepherds have excellent dog social experiences from the start and can mix in with other dogs on a whim and quickly pick up their training basics. German Shepherd puppies are ready for simple training as young as 7 weeks old. Your puppy is capable and ready to learn at 6 to 7 weeks old many simple obedience commands. A 1 minutes session is long enough for a young puppy. After a couple of weeks, your German Shepherd puppy should know to sit, stay, and down, as well as its name. Although a reliable off-leash come recall usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks of proper dog training. It took me only about a day to train my German Shepherd to sit using lure and reward training. This means, I use one of the best, tasty treats to move her into the position I want, and then reward her with the food. My GSD took about 7 days to sit and wait at doors before barging out, but… She only takes a day to unlearn this behavior if I relax on it and let her out without waiting! Something complicated like staying in place with tons of distractions think cats or squirrels running by might take you at least 6 months to work up to. Keep in mind that German Shepherd training requires you to work in very small steps and build upon their success. You started with basic math, then geometry, algebra, and so on. German Shepherd Training: The Right Way How long it takes to train a German Shepherd depends on how consistent you are and how well you support your dog to understand. You must also consider your GSDs: age — are they an energetic puppy or more confident adult previous training — are they fresh to obedience or do they have some basics under their belt whether you are using the right training methods that are simple for your dog to understand The most effective and easy-to-understand system for German Shepherds to learn is called positive reward training. Using positive rewards allows you to mark the specific behaviors your German Shepherd performs right at nearly the exact moment they do them. Use a scientifically-based program to learn positive, reward-based training, like this Brain Training for Dogs official program. The Brain Training Program gives you step-by-step dog training to help you speed up your success rate and the time it takes you to train your GSD. Have you seen the price of in-person German Shepherd training these days? Harsh punishments and the wrong types of corrections can cause your dog to become fearful of you. Stick with positive dog training, or reward-based training, for a better bond with your special breed. Remember, any lack of training on your part is still considered training! You are the dog trainer and must learn the right ways to train a German Shepherd. Remember… Your dog is a brilliant breed, but you must give them the time and attention they need in order to see the most success. Vary up your training environments When you start your training sessions at home, you probably use a quiet room, turn off the TV, and maybe even close the door to your practice area so that you can pay attention to your training. Then, train your German Shepherd to become slowly used to following your command in those places. Train consistently Training skills will go quickly downhill without regular practice. Skills you once thought your dog knew can be unlearned without consistent repetition. If time goes by and you or your family let the training routine slip, an enthusiastic German Shepherd who likes to jump to greet visitors will resort back to their natural instincts to jump on people. Set aside time each day for specific command training, but also remember that every interaction with your German Shepherd is a training opportunity! Look for training opportunities during your day to get the most training benefits. Use high-quality rewards for high-quality learning Find out what treats really motivate your dog. Some German Shepherds will work for lower quality rewards, like their regular kibble, while others may need more motivation. Ian Dunbar, a renowned dog behaviorist, says that freeze-dried liver treats are the Ferrari of high-quality food rewards. But you can also choose other healthy treats for a German Shepherd if your dog prefers a different flavor. This will only set you back in your own German Shepherd training! Instead, build up in small steps by starting in a distraction-free area with your basic German Shepherd training commands. Even in the most desirable situations, your dog may struggle with particular commands. When you see your German Shepherd forget a command, go back to square one — the beginning of the command — and work on the training… again. Try using your phone to record you training your dog. Online training is easy and simple to follow, and the step-by-step directions guide you through the correct ways to train your German Shepherd with the best results. I use the Brain Training for Dogs program for the step-by-step online training from the comfort of home that has a done-for-you schedule. Instead, set up a daily training schedule to help you train them quickly. You can speed up training by using the right methods to train a German Shepherd… Which is positive, reward-based training. If you get tired of training, take a short break with these fun ways to make a German Shepherd happy. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Check Price on Amazon 1. If the puppy is running towards you, for example, you can begin clapping. For now, notice the following and set distinct anchors for each. For the time being, you should avoid anchors that are excessively similar to one another. My German Shepherd Willow — 8 weeks old 2. As you train your pup to understand and respond to more complex commands, this helps eliminate a lot of the resistance. As a result, the initial step should be to persuade your German Shepherd to stick close to you. We all know that dogs are descended from wolves, and wolves follow the pack leader, which means you! Needless to say, when training a 2-month-old German Shepherd puppy, you have to incentivize him to follow you. You need to build a positive reinforcement loop and let your German Shepherd establish an association between following you and receiving a pleasant experience. You can start taking unexpected turns and training your puppy to follow you despite the direction changes after your puppy has become motivated to follow you for the reward. At a young age, you should take your puppy out and about and allow him to utilize his sociability potential. One method is to pay visits to friends and family. You might also look for a dog park and take him there. Keep in mind that your pet is still learning to walk with you and follow directions. Make sure your pup has a positive experience outdoors. It is worth noting that you should socialize and introduce him to new experiences as often as you can, preferably daily. Start Potty Training You should start potty training your German Shepherd puppy the first day you bring him home. Start by showing your pup where you want him to potty, such as a sectioned-off area of your yard or garden. I cordoned off a small area and added some bark chippings. Even now, my GSD will not go on the sidewalk or hard surfaces! It has to be grass or somewhere soft. Next, you need a potty training schedule. Always take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, hourly, and before retiring to bed. Deter Biting If you read my blog regularly, you know that I am opposed to punishment-based training. In any case, using physical force or yelling at your pup will only instill fear and distrust and can actually cause aggression. If someone recommends such negative approaches, you should approach a qualified trainer and learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy not to bite. Instead, you can wait until your GSD bites during a positive activity before stopping it. This will help to anchor the result better. For example, if your German Shepherd puppy fiercely takes a treat from your hand, you can withhold the second treat until he learns to take it gently. You should act upset and convey that what he has done has hurt you. Use positive reinforcement to encourage proper behavior by rewarding with a treat. Your German Shepherd will quickly learn that good behavior is rewarded with good things. Puppies must continue to learn bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the work their mother taught them and what they learned from their littermates. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Instill Patience You have to use your best judgment and patience when training your dog. In general, by the tenth week, your German Shepherd will be mature enough to understand self-control. Teach the Heel Position While your 3-month-old German Shepherd puppy will initially follow you, adjusting your pace will soon have him walking alongside you in the heel position, on your left side, without a leash, harness, or fear of punishment. To train your puppy to assume the natural heel position, use a clicker, whistle, or use your voice as a marker. Chances are, at first, your German Shepherd will also try to change his pace to walk behind you because of habit. You can avoid this problem by walking where your dog is used to. Assume Positions on Command — Sit, Down, Stand Your 3-months old German Shepherd puppy is now old enough to learn how to sit, stand, or hold a down position. You can teach him these new skills and assume a heel stance, which you have previously taught him. So by the time he is four months old, you can use the position cues and positive reinforcement to get your dog to follow. These included a clicker, whistle, clap, or saying a specific word to show your German Shepherd is doing a good job, generally followed by a well-deserved treat. Now is the time to see whether the anchors work! You used to whistle when your GSD approached you; now, you must whistle for him to start his run. This is the foundation of his recall training. While this allows the puppy to be more social when visitors arrive, an adult dog must learn to walk outside without behaving badly. Whether it is a cuddle, a pat, attention, or something tasty, you must teach your pup target training, for example, teaching him to touch a target with a specific part of his body, such as his paw or nose. Remember that your German Shepherd may end up biting or clawing to communicate if you do not teach him more acceptable communication methods. I recommend teaching your German Shepherd to use his nose to touch your hand. This is a fantastic bite substitute! Hand targeting is a fun way to train your dog to trust you while also getting him to use his brain! Begin by asking him to sit for a few seconds and gradually extend the time. Train Your Dog to Fetch If you have taken your German Shepherd to public parks and he has watched other dogs play fetch, it will be easier to teach him to retrieve whatever you throw. Your GSD may not bring the toy back to you for a second time, but he will eventually figure it out. Over the next few weeks, you can gradually turn it into a game of fetch, rewarding your puppy with high-value training treats. Continue Potty Training In the fourth month of German Shepherd training, you will continue toilet training to a degree of independence. Maintain a regular schedule and match your walks with his natural cycle to coincide with when he needs to go. Teach Your German Shepherd to Walk on the Leash Learning to walk on a leash outside is an important element of dog training. Use it to control your German Shepherd and then test his ability to follow commands off-leash. Many dog owners will opt for a rear attached harness. How to Train a 5 Month Old German Shepherd Puppy You have adequately socialized and trained your dog to recognize and associate attention, toys, walks, and food as rewards. Your five-month-old German Shepherd puppy is now ready to be put to the test for general obedience and the capacity to deal with distractions. These could be other dogs, strangers, or animals like squirrels or birds. But, if you introduce distractions gradually, your five-month-old puppy can deal with them. You must be ready for your dog to run ahead of you now! Assume, however, that you have built a strong bond with your puppy and worked on his training. In that case, he will stay close to you and prove his loyalty by sticking by your side. The good news is that all of your past training will make it easier for your dog to obey your instructions. Conclude Potty Training Your German Shepherd has had months to learn how to tell you his need to go potty. He has also likely refined how to hold his bladder instead of peeing on the floor. As a result, if your dog makes a mess, you can express your displeasure through your body language. But, all dogs can still have the odd accident up to one year old. Besides, you must be prepared for your dog to relieve himself indoors if he is excited or frightened. This is known as either excitement or submissive urination. During this time, energy levels increase , especially in larger breed dogs. While the average exercise for a pup before this is generally five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, a six-month-old German Shepherd can exercise for one hour if you split his walks into two thirty-minute sessions. To train your 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy, start with two commands that will be most useful. As previously stated, you will be exercising your German Shepherd much more frequently from now on. You can teach these commands or tricks in any order from six months onwards until your German Shepherd is a well-trained adult. This is an excellent skill to teach your GSD and is one of the commands taught to police and protection dogs. This is a difficult task, but your German Shepherd will eventually master it if you practice and keep consistent. The eighth month is the time for training your German Shepherd to go to different places upon hearing your command word. This could be for practical reasons or to maximize the intellect of your dog. Alternatively, you might spend the ninth month teaching him a fun party trick! Teach Your German Shepherd to Spin By dangling a tasty treat in front of your German Shepherd and moving it in a circle until he starts to spin, you prime him for a command anchor. After a week or so, you teach your German Shepherd to follow your finger without first using a treat. Of course, you will still need to reward him after he obeys the command. By the third week, you should be able to ask your dog to spin without using your finger to guide him. It might take an extra couple of weeks, but I recommend this as an addition in the ninth month because it allows you to continue training your dog to learn previous commands better. You can train him to go to different places, hold or release objects, and fetch toys. You can now develop this further and teach him to roll over on command. Your one-year-old German Shepherd continues to learn at the same rate as he has since he was six months old. What will change is that your dog will interact with other people more frequently. You can train him to do additional tricks to give him a more appealing presence. This will deter him from merely barking for attention. You should also review previously taught commands and see any weak associations you can reinforce. If anything, this is the period where you tailor his training to your convenience. But now is the time when your German Shepherd must learn to be harmonious with your life. From the month mark onwards, you must train your doggo to be compatible with modern adult life within reason. Do not be alarmed if you have an month-old German Shepherd who appears to have had no previous training! Start by establishing authority by having a positive yet commanding presence. Once your new friend recognizes your authority and sees you as his leader, treat him as a six-month-old, albeit on an accelerated schedule, and train him accordingly. You should train your German Shepherd puppy for short and frequent sessions, ideally minutes, several times a day. As your puppy grows and matures, you can gradually increase the duration and complexity of the training sessions. What are the most important commands to teach my German Shepherd puppy? Come command helps to call your puppy back to you in case of an emergency or when you want to end a play session. Heel command teaches your puppy to walk calmly beside you on a leash, and Leave It command helps to prevent your puppy from eating something harmful or dangerous. German Shepherds are a highly trainable and intelligent breed. Your job as a trainer becomes even easier once you have a workable training schedule in place and stick to your routine. My month-by-month German Shepherd puppy training schedule will help you successfully train your doggo and make him into the cherished companion you always desired. Good luck with your training! Related Posts You May Like:. How to begin with training a puppy and get a running start. Everyone has to have their first puppy and, just like with having a first child, there is a lot of learning involved. What age should you start training a German Shepherd? Whether you have a puppy or an older German Shepherd. I have learned that starting as soon as you bring your puppy home. This will prevent behavior problems from developing. Some people start at 8: weeks to 12 weeks or four months to six months of age depending on how old the puppy was when they purchased. I put together a beginner mini-guide below- to help you get started with a new puppy. You want to get your puppy on the right training schedule. How to housebreak a German Shepherd puppy? It works. Morning The first thing that you should do is let your puppy out of its crate and take it directly outside to go potty. An eight-week-old puppy needs to eat three to four meals each day. Your puppy should be given a bowl of water with its meal and be permitted to drink as much as it wants. Give your puppy about ten minutes to relax after it has eaten and then go back outside for potty. Before its next meal, your puppy should be taken out every hour in order to prevent accidents and should be placed into its crate whenever it will not be directly supervised. Crates are great for everyday use as they keep your puppy out of danger when it is not by your side. Afternoon Your afternoon will mirror your morning almost exactly. Your puppy will need to be taken outside if it has been crated, fed its afternoon meal and then taken outside again. When not being supervised, your puppy should be gated off into a completely puppy-proofed room or crated. Your puppy will get a meal, go outside, and be placed in a safe room or crate when not supervised. Throughout the day, use your puppies name in connection with positive things. This will help your puppy learn his name more quickly. Having a puppy in the house is fun for everyone in the family. Your job is to make sure that the puppy is given a predictable, structured environment to grow up in. German Shepherd Puppy Training: Training a puppy at a young age will prevent bad behavior from developing into big-time behavior problems. Some of us start at eight weeks, others start at 10 to 12 weeks old. Laying out the groundwork for leash training a puppy. With step by step video training guide. Video one; Leash training your puppy will be one of the first things you and I will need to do with our new German Shepherd puppy! Learning can be a challenge for many of us. Today I like to share a video with my friend Tonny and his new puppy Named Nora at 10 weeks old. This her first leash training exercise. What I have learned from my own experience; I like to practice this exercise 2 or 3 times a day for 4 to 6 minutes at a time every day- when training young pups at this age. Sometimes we as humans expect too much too fast and can forget what we learn from owning our last dog. We forgot puppyhood. I know I have made this mistake before. I have learned after training multiple German Shepherd puppies , how to spend a good enough amount of time working them by training shot training sessions to get the best results. Tony and his wife Shannon are teaching her how to walk on a leash in the street under real-world distractions. If you have never trained a puppy before learning these training skills will be challenging for anybody just learning. But done let it stop you from practicing. With just a little bit of time and patience, you and your puppy will come a long way together. I have learned this is the most important part of training our puppy and will build and strengthens our bond together for starting our new journey. Once your puppy is showing that they are understanding what the heel command means, now we can start to add in the sit-stay command. This is a command we will use every day with our puppy. Watch how Shannon works with her puppy in this video. Nora will get a little distracted when she is walking by me and her husband Tony. Dog training is all about doing things together as a team. Building trust and leadership with your new best friend. Always start off with your attention training and practicing around your home and in your yard. A little bit of practice goes a long way. I would love to hear about all your success. I will be sharing more training videos with you soon! Best of luck with your training. About the author: Dennis is the founder of German Shepherd Behavior. I have owned this breed for over 25 years and looking forward to sharing my German Shepherd journey with you. Therefore, if you have a German Shepherd puppy, beginning to train them is probably the main thing on your mind. But when is the best time to start? The best age to train a German Shepherd is eight weeks old when they can begin socializing and potty training. Basic obedience training should begin around three months old and last until the nine-month mark. Training German Shepherd police dogs should start around months old. Training a German Shepherd from a young age will ensure that they get the proper training to become an all-around well-behaved dog. Socialization Socialization is essential for puppies. Every dog breed has a critical socialization window that ends around 12 to 16 weeks old. Missing this crucial window may result in your German Shepherd being scared or uneasy around other humans or dogs. It also means introducing your puppy to different experiences or environments. Puppies also go through a fear period between 9 and 12 weeks. You can socialize your German Shepherd in many different ways, but introducing them to other people and places is one of the most important. To socialize your German Shepherd, you need to be consistent. For example, introducing your German Shepherd to several people of all ages is crucial to their development. Potty Training One of the most challenging pieces of training that many dog owners face is potty training. Some dogs may be easier to potty train than others, but there are ways to make the process a little more painless. Your German Shepherd should begin potty training between 8 and 16 weeks old. While usually, German Shepherds are quick to pick up potty training, every dog is different. The best way to potty train a German Shepherd is to take them out every hours. Depending on your situation, you can also train a German Shepherd with puppy pads. After learning to use the puppy pad, slowly move the pad near the door. Moving the place will allow you to transition them into going outside easier. Obedience Training Obedience training is excellent for every dog, but training too young can be harmful and way more complicated. The most important thing to remember is to be patient. Not all dogs pick up training very fast, and getting frustrated with your puppy will only make it harder on both of you! Positive reinforcement is essential during the training process. Even something as simple as calling your dog over—if it comes, reward with positive words and a treat! Giving your German Shepherd the exercise they need every day and making learning a fun experience is the best way to train obedience. They also come in a variety of different flavors. The National Police Dog Foundation believes the youngest you can begin training a dog for police work is between 12 and 15 months old. They become mature enough to comprehend the training at this age, and even then, not every dog is fit for the working lifestyle. Just like with puppies, older German Shepherds can learn from positive reinforcement and repeated behaviors. While it might take longer for your dog to catch on, it will be worth it in the end. Final Thoughts Training a German Shepherd at a young age is the ideal time to begin. At this age, dogs are more apt to learning and will absorb the training quicker. Training is essential, especially for German Shepherds.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Kelly Hepworth, his wife, Sarah, and their daughter Emily. They breed and train male and female labrador dogs and puppies that are AKC registered and have a month genetic health guarantee. Raising, training, and hunting with Labradors are significant parts of our lives and have always been lifelong endeavors. In addition to our labs, Kelly owns and operates a Veterinary practice located next to the kennel. Each fall, Kelly hunts waterfowl and upland birds in several states. Our labs are derived from the finest pedigree lines available. They are carefully selected for temperament, conformation, and intelligence. We keep our breeding stock free from hereditary problems. Each lab at Bear Creek has certified hips, elbows, and eyes. Our puppies are sold with a month hip and eye guarantee. Puppy dog pile! Black, yellow and chocolate lab puppies Puppy dog pile! All puppies have their dewclaws removed, are wormed, and receive their first shot. 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Official AKC Standard for the Labrador Retriever, General Appearance: The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled, dog possessing a sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a retrieving gun dog; the substance and soundness to hunt waterfowl or upland game for long hours under difficult conditions; the character and quality to win in the show ring; and the temperament to be a family companion…… The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense, weather resistant coat; an "otter" tail; a clean-cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop; powerful jaws; and its "kind," friendly eyes, expressing character, intelligence and good temperament……The Labrador is bred primarily as a working gun dog; structure and soundness are of great importance. Some of our breeders come with hunting titles as well!! Over the years, our dogs have made great companions, hunters, and service dogs. Our pups and dogs have been featured in commercials and magazines! Please send in your Pictures!! Janice M. We could not ask for a better puppy than Robin for a family. She is everything we were looking for. She has the sweetest temperament and I cannot believe how smart she is. She has been such a joy to train. She is already great with off leash recall and as soon as we tell her to stop doing something which is not often she listens immediately. Potty training and crate training were a breeze with her. What we love most about Robin is she is completely devoted to our children. She is with them before they go to school and then is at the door a few minutes before they walk in. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. He was smart, well tempered, and just an amazing friend. He was an ultimate protector of Jenine. We have been so happy with everything about him! From Maggie X Manny Litter of 12 pups, ! Our Puppies are Veterinarian Examined! We send stool samples in to eliminate all parasites! Your Health Certificate will share the details! 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 understand that there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all the breeders here; rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are extremely popular. In fact, they are one of the most popular dogs in the United States. For this reason, finding them in Colorado is quite easy. Many different breeders specialize in this breed, enabling you to choose the best one for your budget and needs. Here are eight of the most active breeders in the state. Of course, be sure to do your own research before purchasing any puppy. They strive to raise dogs with sharp intelligence and high trainability. All their dogs receive health clearances before being bred, ensuring that their puppies are healthy and less prone to genetic conditions. They do not breed for the show ring, which makes their dogs a bit cheaper than others. However, they do focus on temperament and health, as these two factors are essential for companion animals. Their dogs do compete in field trials and other hunting tests. They also breed gun dogs. All their puppies are put through a complete socialization program so they are friendly and ready for their new homes. They also provide a guarantee on their puppies that is similar to that of many other breeders. Their foundational adults are free from hereditary problems, and their puppies have a health guarantee. Besides Labrador Retrievers, they also produce Goldendoodles and other similar family dogs. They only breed dogs that have several generations of healthy ancestors, helping ensure that their puppies are healthy. All their breeding dogs are tested for common genetic conditions. Their kennel is licensed by the Colorado State Department of Agriculture. They have been breeding dogs since , far longer than most kennels out there. They have produced championship dogs in both America and internationally. While they focus on showing dogs, they do strive to produce dogs that make good family pets too. They produce three lab colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. Their dogs actively compete in AKC shows, and they genetically test all their dogs before breeding. They have four children, so their dogs are well-socialized with children at the very least. Their breeding dogs have their OFA certifications and undergo yearly eye exams. While their Labradors are show dogs, they strive to produce pet-quality dogs too. Summary The Labrador Retriever is an incredibly popular breed. Dogs from these places can inherit various health problems and genetic conditions due to the disregard for proper breeding standards. Always seek out high-quality breeders who take care of their dogs, both before and after breeding. Featured Image Credit: Alexx60, Shutterstock Written by Kristin Hitchcock Author Kristin is passionate about helping pet parents create a fulfilling life with their pets by informing them on the latest scientific research and helping them choose the best products for their pets. She currently resides in Tennessee with four dogs, three cats, two fish, and a lizard, though she has dreams of owning chickens one day! Evermor Labradors Have you been wanting to get a good, premium-quality Labrador that can be your lifelong companion? We list of six of the best Labrador breeders in Colorado who are American Kennel Club AKC -registered and excel in customer service, price, and dog quality. A small family-owned ranch in Franktown that breeds and raises Labradors with grand champion lines. Aside from raising and training quality Labradors since , they have also been permitted as a Dog Breeding Kennel Business in Douglas County since .The pups go home at eight weeks with current vaccinations, de-wormed, micro-chipped, and thoroughly examined by a licensed vet. Kelly Hepworth and his family run Bear Creek Labradors, where high-quality Labs are trained for hunting. It is in northwest Colorado and is easily accessible from all parts of the state. The Labs come from fine pedigree lines carefully selected for temperament, conformation, and intelligence. All breeding pairs at Bear Creek have certified hips, elbows, and eyes, and pups are sold with month hip and eye guarantees. Bear Creek Labradors pups have grown to become wonderful family companions, bird and hunt test competitors, gun dogs, obedience winners, and also K9 narcotic dogs.

Now, instead of having to rely on local shelters or breeders, people can easily browse online for puppies of all breeds and ages. These scams have become increasingly prevalent and sophisticated over time, with scammers using a range of tactics to deceive unsuspecting buyers. One of the most common tactics used by scammers is to steal photos of real dogs from reputable sites and use them to generate fake postings. In other cases, they may search for images of popular puppies from Facebook or Instagram and use those for their postings. Some scammers may even go as far as using a combination of stolen photos and false identities to create a listing that looks legitimate. The consequences of falling for an internet Poodle puppy scam can be significant. Victims can end up losing a substantial amount of money, and in some cases, their personal information may also be stolen. This can lead to a lot of emotional turmoil and distress, especially for those who were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their new pet. Always verify the legitimacy of a breeder or seller before making any payment or commitment. Make sure to look up reviews on websites other than the breeders website, check for a physical address and phone number, and ask for references or proof of previous successful adoptions. Updated on 10 January Poodles are one of the smartest dogs in the world. The Poodle hashtag has over 3. This cute pooch lives in Los Angeles, California. Bentley is described as a drama king. He likes to live fashionably with a penchant for bow ties. He likes to share a daily dose of joy with his fun and quirky photos. Gio is based in Austin, Texas. Gio has amassed a following of over 15, people on the photo-sharing app. Rio is a four-year old who weighs just 1. Mochi is a soon-to-be six-year old with curly red hair and a friendly expression. Anatasia describes herself as a crazy dog lady. This gorgeous Poodle share their thoughts and adventures with you. Aptly named Teddy passes more than a resemblance to a fluffy toy. Smily is a Toy Poodle is famous for his mainly human-like sleeping photos. His hooman says she grooms Smily due to his separation anxiety. These Toy Poodles love to get out for adventures as well as chill at home. If you like to see dogs doing cute stuff, Fred is the Poodle for you. This trio love to have fun and make new fur friends. Dudley and friends are advocates for rescuing dogs! Poodle Photo: Adobe Stock 5 Jinkee lifeofjinkee Jinkee lifeofjinkee has been making dog lovers laugh since April .She is a professional cuddle bug living in Denmark. Skye is described s a humble dog with a hint of Kanye. No matter what kind of day you're having, just one look at these adorable poodles is guaranteed to have you melting. Meet who some are calling the 'world's happiest poodles' because of their most captivating smiles. It seems we can't get enough of them, as they've so far charmed around 5. The dogs, aged between one and 12 years old, have become famous in their own right after their owner Abbie began sharing clips of them online. She said: 'They were born with their nice smiles but it was surprising to see them become famous'. Posting the pups almost daily, Abbie has transformed her TikTok account into a semi diary, keeping their legion of fans abreast of their daily activities. In a video uploaded just two days ago, one of the pups appears to be having a grooming day, complete with a full trim and combing session. As the pup stares into the camera, it's hard to believe the expression 'puppy dog' eyes' didn't derive from this cute little video. Elsewhere in another clip, one dog from the family shares the sweetest smile while someone off camera feeds it a selection of treats. The poodle grins from ear and refuses to stop smiling. In another post that has so far been seen almost , times, one of the poodles smiles excitedly while enjoying relaxing tickles and a scratch. The poodle pleads helplessly for Abbie's attention while looking square on into the camera. Over adoring viewers stopped at the post to comment on just how cute they are. Possibly speaking for a multitude of people, one person wrote: 'The eyes are melting me'. Abbie Qu, 33, pictured has transformed her TikTok account into a semi diary, keeping her pups' fans abreast of their daily activities They're pawfect! Perhaps the most adorable video of them all is this one captioned 'dog bath day', which features one of the lovable pups having a joyous bath 'I will automatically smile when I see this dog,' said another. Perhaps the most adorable video of them all is one captioned 'dog bath day', which features one of the lovable pups having a joyous bath. The video starts off with the little pooch surrounded by mini rubber ducks all sitting in a row. Adoring viewers regularly comment on how cute they are, with many wishing they could keep the poodles for themselves You can see the excitement fizzle in the cutester's eyes as it awaits its doggy bath. A hand, which appears to be Abbie's then squirts the poodle with a thick soapy foam before caressing it into the pup with mini paddle brush. The pup is treated to a relaxing, yet thorough bath as the cleansing liquid is woven into its mane and body fur. Perhaps when you thought the display couldn't get any cuter, the pup is rinsed off thoroughly while it balances a rubber duck on it's head. It is then dried off with a blow dryer and given a quick trim - it looks like full on salon treatment. Share or comment on this article: Meet the 'world's happiest' poodle pups who are causing a sensation on social media with their cheeky smiles.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Is there anything cuter than a two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy? At eight weeks old, they are absolutely, impossibly, unbearably adorable! At two months old, a Golden Retriever is ready to leave their mother and littermates to join their new family. Some breeders will keep a puppy for a couple more weeks before sending them home, but eight weeks is very typical. Puppies at this age are usually playful and curious, with brains like little sponges. This usually only lasts a day or two, and then their true personality will shine through! They are in the prime socialization window here, which is the time between three and sixteen weeks when puppies are most open to learning about the world. Proper socialization can help you buffer against potential behavior issues as your pup matures, and teaches them how to feel and act in different situations and environments. It helps them feel confident and self-assured. A two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy is constantly learning! Make sure your puppy is learning that they are safe and that they can trust you both at home and out in the world. A fear period is a temporary span of time where a puppy may be more sensitive to things like strange people, strange dogs, inanimate objects, sounds, etc. It usually lasts about a week and you may notice your puppy showing signs of fear such as cowering, running away, growling, or barking. It can be a little scary as the owner of a puppy to see them acting this way. The good thing is that a fear period is short-lived and will pass. If they are concerned about something or someone, help them get more distance so they can observe the thing while feeling safe. They have a lot of needs and are totally dependent on you to meet those needs. Be patient as you help them learn how to live in our human world, and you can develop a strong, positive bond with your new companion. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! This is heavily influenced by genetics, but is not always the best indicator of their adult weight. Some lines of Goldens are bigger or smaller than average, so puppy size will reflect that. Your vet can help you make sure that your puppy is at an appropriate weight if you have any concerns. Eight-week-old Golden Retrievers need around 18 hours of sleep each day. Oftentimes, a puppy that is wild and bitey is in fact overly tired and in need of a nap. It may seem like they need more exercise to drain that crazy energy, but they actually need sleep. Using crates and pens can help ensure that your puppy is getting enough sleep at night and throughout the day. Many two-month-old Goldens are not good at putting themselves down for a nap, even when they really need it. So, you may need to step in and help your puppy settle in for some sleep. Make sure that their crate or pen is nice and comfy before you put them in for a nap, so they are more able to relax and fall asleep. Every puppy is different, so yours may prefer a nice cushy bed , or they may actually like laying on the bare floor. You can take note of what kinds of surfaces your puppy lays on around the house and then recreate that in the crate or pen. Covering the crate or pen with a blanket can also help make sleep easier for a two-month-old puppy, as it cuts down on the visual stimulation. Products like Adaptil spray or diffuser , and the Snuggle Puppy toy can also help a puppy settle in for sleep. Chewing and licking are naturally calming behaviors for puppies, so it can also help if you offer something like a stuffed kong , which can assist in transitioning the puppy from awake to asleep. Playing Classical music can also help a puppy feel more calm and able to sleep. At this age, most two-month-old puppies are ready for sleep after about an hour of awake time, so by following these tips, you can help make sure your puppy is getting enough quality rest. Instead, you can give them a break and see if they choose to get up, or simply scoop them up and walk home. Sometimes people get a Golden Retriever to be a running or biking companion, which can be a great thing when the pup is a fully grown adult, but is too much exercise for a young puppy. Playing with toys in the house or in the yard can be a great way for young pups to burn some of that puppy energy. If you have a yard, letting your pup safely explore and run around outside can also be a nice way to get in some exercise. You may also find that your puppy needs more sleep on some days, and on other days, they need more playtime and exercise. Golden Retrievers as a breed can also vary a lot in terms of exercise needs. Some are pretty laid back and chill and others are up for anything and want to go hard. These differences can be reflected in how much energy your puppy has, as well as in what kind and how much exercise your puppy needs. Training is an excellent way to build a positive bond with your puppy and create a way to communicate with each other. Group puppy classes can be a good option for getting started with training, as the trainer will help you learn how to train your pup. You can also hire a certified, professional trainer to come to your home and provide personalized training guidance for you and your puppy. Before you sign up with any trainer, be sure to ask them what kind of training methods and tools they use, to avoid causing any physical or mental distress for your puppy. Potty training is definitely a top priority for two-month-old puppies. They have small bladders and bowels and will need frequent trips outside to help them learn appropriate potty behavior. Crate training can also be started at this age, as learning how to be okay with confinement is an important life skill. Eight-week-old Golden Retriever puppies eat about a half cup of food three times per day. There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to feeding your two-month-old Golden. Puppies at this age need more frequent meals than adult Goldens, so three meals a day is recommended. Because two-month-old Goldens are undergoing so much growth at this stage, feed them high-quality food that can support them as they mature. Most Goldens have big appetites and will happily gobble down their meals when you serve them. Using slow feeder bowls like this bowl on Amazon , or other food dispensing toys, such as the Planet Dog Snoop , can help slow down their eating and provide them some mental stimulation while they eat. Puppies like to put things in their mouth as a way to learn and play. Unfortunately, it can be pretty painful for humans, as those puppy teeth are needle-sharp! There are, however, some things you can do to minimize and deal with the biting. First, ensure that your two-month-old Golden is getting enough sleep. Overly tired puppies tend to get super bitey and frenzied, so naps are key to preventing your puppy from turning into a piranha. Your floor might look a little cluttered, but it helps to keep toys within reach for a quick redirection. Third, you can simply give the puppy a break if they are on a biting spree. You could step on the other side of a baby gate or put them in their pen to calm down a bit, and then resume the play. This communicates to the puppy that when they bite, they lose access to you and the fun stops. A common piece of advice when dealing with puppy biting is to yelp in response to their nip, as if you were another dog. This is actually not a good way to handle puppy biting and can actually make it worse. Other puppies will be further excited by the yelp sound and come at you with even more intensity, resulting in harder bites. Good Beginnings Bringing a two-month-old Golden Retriever home is a very exciting thing. It can also feel pretty overwhelming as you figure out how to care for and train them. You might be sleep-deprived and have a couple scratches on your hand from those sharp puppy teeth, but try to keep in mind that this is the beginning of a special relationship with an incredible animal. Focus on bonding with your puppy, teaching them about the world, and creating good habits from the start. Have any questions about raising eight-week-old golden retrievers? Let me know down in the comments! Read the rest of our Golden Retriever puppy series here:. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. How much does an 8-week-old Golden Retriever sleep? How much exercise does your 2-month-old Golden Retriever need? Eight weeks is typically when breeders allow puppies to be taken to their new homes, but some breeders keep them for a couple of extra weeks. This shy, sleepy puppy will eventually get more comfortable with its new environment and come out of its shell in a couple of days. Socialization is important for eight-week-old golden pups. Getting your pup used to these things is a good way to avoid potential behavioral issues as the puppy matures because it allows them to learn how to feel and react to various stimuli and leaves you with a confident, well-adjusted pup. You need to reinforce the idea that your puppy is safe and gain their trust during this time period. During this time, pups will be a little more fearful of things like strangers, sounds, and certain objects. It will pass, and usually only lasts a week or so. It can be a little scary or discouraging for the owner of a golden puppy to see them go through this fear period, especially if they start exhibiting fear towards people. Goldens are known to be such friendly and social dogs, so watching them exhibit such antisocial traits can be off-putting. You can still get them outside and introduce them to new things, just remain mindful of their feelings. You need to be patient with an eight-week-old puppy. These adorable balls of energy and fluff are completely dependent on you to meet their needs and there are a LOT of needs! Check out our article on the Best Shampoo for Golden Retrievers so you can meet their hygiene needs! You need to be patient with them so that you can not only bond with your new pup, but also help him grow and learn about the world around him. Sometimes the puppy that was the smallest puppy in the litter can grow and quickly become the largest. And the largest puppy of the litter may not always remain the largest. As a breed, Golden Retrievers vary in size and weight. So you should enjoy that before they grow too big to pick up and cuddle! You may be surprised to learn that 8-week-old Golden puppies require about 18 hours of sleep a day. This may seem counter-intuitive because most people would assume that if a puppy is full of energy it needs to run it off, but in all actuality what they really need is sleep. You should use either pens or crates to make sure that your pup gets the optimal amount of sleep both through the night and during the day. Here are some things you can do to help your puppy nap: Adorn their crate or pen with comfortable blankets or pillows. Learn whether your pup likes to sleep on a bed or on the floor, then set their crate or pen up accordingly. Cover the crate or pen using a blanket or towel so that their visual stimulation is limited. You can use aromatherapy products for dogs to lull your pup to sleep. Get your puppy something like a stuffed Kong toy because licking and chewing are relaxing to pups. Classical or calming music can help your puppy get to sleep. You can expect that your pup should be ready for a nap after being awake for around an hour. So, you can get him to sleep easier using these tips. An 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy is largely able to know how much exercise it needs all on its own. What you should do instead is either pick them up and take them home or give them a break and see if they get a second wind. Golden Retrievers excel at playing fetch, but you need to keep games short. The running and then suddenly stopping to pick the ball or toy up and bring it back is hard on their tiny bones. People often adopt Golden Retrievers with the intent of getting a companion to exercise with running, hiking, biking, etc. Allowing your puppy to play with toys in your yard or house can be a good, safe way for your puppy to exercise. Having a yard is ideal because you can let your pup run around the yard and explore, while also burning off some excess energy. Just make sure you choose a short, easy walk that your puppy can handle. However, some days they have more energy than others, which is normal. Every Golden Retriever has varying exercise needs. Some are pretty chill and would rather lay around, while others are really hyper and active. You need to know that positive reinforcement works best for Golden Retrievers. You should avoid any sort of training that is based on punishment. There are also other training methods that can be beneficial to your pup. Group training is a good way to get your pup acquainted with other dogs and learn alongside them, while the trainer provides you with ways to better train your pup. You also have the option to hire a professional dog trainer, who will come to your house and give you customized tips to train your puppy. Before hiring any sort of trainer, ask them about the methods they use to avoid distress for puppies. They need to learn about confinement early on. Another important thing to teach your pup is their name, and to come to you when you call them. The bond with your pup is vital to any other training you do with them. For more about the training process, check out our article about Golden Retriever Puppy Training. Hey, food is good, okay? Most 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppies should be eating around half a cup of food three times a day. So, talk to your vet for a specific amount. They need high-quality puppy food. For more about what to feed your pup, check out our article about the Best Puppy Food for Golden Retrievers. Your golden puppy will probably quickly devour any food you place in front of them. It can be a good idea to buy a slow feeder bowl or toys that dispense food to slow them down a bit while also giving them some mental stimulation and making mealtime fun. Just as infants put things in their mouths, puppies do too. They do this to both plays and learn about their world. This can really suck for humans because puppies have sharp little teeth that feel like needles. The good news is that you can do some things to cut back on the biting and learn to deal with it. The first thing right off the bat you should do is to make sure your puppy is getting enough sleep. Secondly, scatter chew toys all over your house. Third, give your puppy a break if they start biting. This is as easy as going on the other side of their gate or putting them in their crate. This lets your pup know that when they start biting, the play stops, and access to you is denied. Many people suggest yelping and making loud noises when your puppy bites. But this is actually pretty counter-productive because it can make the situation worse by scaring the puppy. Other puppies can get more excited by the noise and bite harder. Biting is just something that puppies at this age do. However, remember that getting through this trying time is going to help you establish a lifelong bond with your new family member. Golden Retriever puppies are easy to train to basic or advanced obedience standards. They enjoy physical activity and have many favorable traits as a gundog bred to retrieve downed game birds. They are friendly and gentle and often train as assistance or detection dogs due to their easy trainability. Apart from starting training while young, other breed-specific reasons make training a Golden Retriever puppy easy. Here are three examples: Golden Retrievers are among the smartest dog breeds. In his book, The Intelligence of Dogs , canine psychologist Stanley Coren ranks Goldens fourth of the brightest working dogs. So, even at just two months old, your puppy has it in his genes to learn and execute commands. To perform their original hunting job of retrieving felled ducks and other game birds in the Scottish marshland, Golden Retrievers had to be watchful, eager, and energetic. These are primary learning attributes. Golden Retrievers also have advanced skills as gundogs. They also have to excel at obedience. These are core training requirements that make your Golden Retriever easy to train. To succeed in your training mission, however, there are specific principles you need to follow. Read about these key training standards in the next section. Key Principles of Golden Retriever Puppy Training The purpose of any dog training is to have behavioral skills mastered. I explain these training requirements in my 10 key principles of successful Golden Retriever puppy training. However, they also have to handle grooming, making them feel uncomfortable. Your Golden Retriever can learn to manage this uneasiness if exposed to handling when young. In one study, puppies subjected to early gentling behaved more calmly at 8 weeks old than puppies not experiencing early handling. You can continue to hold your pup gently as soon as you arrive home. Teach Name Recognition How does your Golden Retriever puppy know you are talking to him if you only make commands? It would be best to teach him his name as this is the foundation for his future training. Say his name first, then give the command. That way, your pup knows to answer when you call. Assert Yourself as the Alpha Leader In dog training, your Golden Retriever must know that you are the boss from the start. Set rules and boundaries, and be consistent and fair. He will respect you as being top of the hierarchy. Never mistake being the alpha with punishment. It will only cause resentment. An alpha leader is calm and assertive, teaches his dog to be happily submissive, and approves of the behavior. Rewards reinforce the behavior, and you can use treats, a favorite toy, or activity, in conjunction with lots of verbal praise. Only Give a Command Once When it comes to training, you reap what you sow! Teach your pup to heed a command the first time you say it. Then make lots of eye contact. Repeat until he learns to obey the first time you give the cue. Dogs have poor short-term memory and will typically forget an experience in 2 minutes, as discovered in this experiment. However, dogs can recall your training commands through associative memory, which means they remember based on associations and not memories. For example, if you put your shoes on and grab your car keys, your Golden Retriever knows you are going out. Once your puppy has corrected his undesirable behavior with the required behavior, reward him with a high-value treat and heaps of praise. Other unacceptable confrontational methods include growling at your dog, forcefully removing an object from the mouth, withdrawing food, staring, using a shock collar, or tying your dog for hours. Your dog needs to have consistency, which means everyone else in the household. Dogs need simple training instructions, and everyone should also use the same verbal and non-verbal cues. Perform the same basic commands every day. At this young age, ten minute sessions are far better than a ten-minute session. For this reason, it is important to wean your puppy off treats when he has repeatedly performed the desired behavior and mastered it, including in different locations and with various distractions. With these ten principles, you can now apply them to the essential areas that you need to train your 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy in first. How to Socialize a Golden Retriever Puppy Dogs are social creatures, especially the Golden Retriever, who is super friendly, good-natured, and loves to be around you. To socialize a Golden Retriever, expose him to many different experiences, places, and situations. Include noises, smells, other people, children, babies, animals, cars, bicycles, objects, the weather, etc. Early socializing and training your Golden Retriever plays a significant role in developing adult dogs, as found in this exciting study. Check out these two important findings: Dogs socialized well as puppies are less likely to display unwanted behavioral problems such as fear and aggression. Socialized dogs are more likely to engage in positive social behaviors with humans. They also learn better how to play games, helping them establish a real bond with their owners. Socialization will make your puppy feel confident around people and teach him to engage in his new world happily. You can teach your Golden Retriever social skills and confidence through intentional training moments in the family. My best tips: Take one step at a time. Use positive reinforcement. I often get asked whether you can socialize your puppy before his final vaccinations. Take him to non-doggy places or carry him where necessary. To potty train an 8-week-old Golden Retriever, create a separate area where you want your puppy to go, establish a routine, and start with hourly potty breaks. Supervise your puppy at all times, learn to spot the signs, and never punish him after an accident. Give lots of rewards and praise when he goes. Many new dog owners fall for this — your puppy has to learn to tell you he needs the toilet. Make sure you take your puppy outside often enough. Stick to your schedule! It is a gradual process for him to grasp this. It may take a few weeks to master potty training, not days! Usually, puppies will need to go early in the morning, after a meal, and after a play session. Use their natural rhythm for daily poop walks. Dogs hate messing in their sleeping area, and most will usually hold it. Walk your Golden after his morning meal and hang around for 15 minutes or so to allow him to poop. Do the same in the evening. Puppies need to be allowed to relieve themselves every hour, and a short walk every hours is an ideal routine. If you crate your puppy when going out, get friends or family to help you stick to your routine. Repeating this routine for the first few days will give your new pup a pretty good idea of your expectations. To crate train a Golden Retriever puppy, get him used to the crate by letting him explore it. When he is happy to go in and out freely, introduce treats or feed inside, and close the door; that way, he associates nice things with his crate. Gradually increase the time he spends inside with the door closed. Here are seven fundamental principles when crate-training your Golden Retriever: Let your puppy sleep in the crate at night. Initiate crate training on the very first day. It will be harder to succeed if he gets accustomed to other sleeping arrangements! My puppy cried during the early hours of the first night, but then, she was just fine. A rough guideline for puppies to be left alone in a crate is one hour for each month of age, up to four hours. Keep your puppy in the crate when unsupervised. It only sends a message that he can get his way. Instead, reward good behavior in the crate, i. He will quickly associate that being quiet leads to positive things. He will quickly learn that this is his particular spot. Interesting toys and comfy bedding will offer some solace for your Golden Retriever. Dogs are denning animals, so they often go underneath tables or desks. Instead, buy a crate with an adjustable divider that allows him to grow into it. My favorite is the MidWest Homes for Pets Dog iCrate from Amazon, as it has everything you need, including a divider and a handy removable wipe-clean plastic pan. Travel kennels like this Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel check price on Amazon are also hardy when you are on the move with your dog. This one is also airline adaptable and meets most airline cargo specifications. This sends a message that the bite hurts. Persist by leaving your hand in his mouth to prevent chase drive until he releases. Then, give praise and redirect the biting with a chew toy. When your puppy gets the hang of repeatedly letting go, and his bite becomes softer, this is a good sign that he is beginning to learn his bite inhibition. Helping a dog learn to curb the force of his bite is necessary to living with humans. All puppies need to master this technique that they initially began learning from their mother and siblings. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Training your Golden Retriever puppy soft bite must be done in puppyhood as an adolescent dog will not be able to adjust the force of his jaws when he has adult teeth and jaw muscles. Remember to have realistic expectations, as it can take your puppy weeks to learn his bite inhibition. Teach a leash cue, and start very short walks. Reward with a treat and praise. You can do this by letting him wear them inside the house or yard for a few minutes. I use this one as it gives you more control, is inexpensive, and comes in various colors and styles. Give a treat when your dog obeys the command. Introduce your Golden Retriever to short outside walks on his leash. Anticipate the behavior and quickly distract him with a treat. Timing is the crucial part. Reward him every time commands are obeyed and gradually reduce the rewards as the art of leash walking is perfected. Follow the excellent training principles above and use reward-based training to train your puppy in these areas successfully. Be consistent in your commands, and always discipline at the precise moment of unwanted behavior. Are you looking for a puppy training schedule? Related Posts You May Like:. We took each puppy individually and did a rigorous eh, not really test to find out which puppies would be best suited to do service dog work. However, there were two tests that stood out: The Retrieve Test — We crumpled up a piece of paper next to our puppy to get his attention. I mentioned we performed 10 tests, but the results of the above two ended up determining which puppies would be our next service dog puppies in training. Puppy temperament testing is tiring! Liberty Berlin — While she performed about the same as all the other pups on every other test, Liberty stood out during the Umbrella Stability Test. She was the only puppy to enthusiastically approach the Umbrella. We knew from day 1 that Liberty was a confident puppy and had a good feeling that she would have no problem with the Umbrella. She lived up to our expectations boldly and playfully engaging the umbrella. Tank Bear — One of the larger puppies in the litter, Bear was our little cuddly buddy. He did not do well on the Umbrella Stability Test and neither did three of his siblings. However, Bear was a standout when it came to the Retrieve Test. Bear was the only puppy to run out, pick up, and bring back the crumpled-up piece of paper. Not only was he the only one to do it once he did it several times! Trooper Buster — Our smallest puppy by over 3 lbs. Trooper was our mini-mite. Even though he was the smallest he may have been the mightiest as he was the first of only 2 puppies Liberty was the other to climb out of the whelping box. While not exhibiting the enthusiasm of Liberty during the Umbrella Stability test Trooper had a more curious attitude towards the opened Umbrella as he approached, sniffed, and explored showing a more calm demeanor than Liberty. The response of the other puppies on the Umbrella Stability Test ranged from slowly moving away from the umbrella to cowering and running away from the umbrella. The Golden Bear Puppy — Checking out different surfaces. Day 56 — Puppy Names Since the beginning of this series, you may have noticed I listed 2 names for some of these puppies. After 8 weeks with these adorable puppies, they finally got to meet their puppy raisers. Bear stayed with us while Buster and Berlin went to new homes. Awww…Cuddly Golden Retriever puppies! Berlin — Our former first lady she was first born , Liberty first went to a puppy raiser home until she was 16 weeks old. Unfortunately, I did not have a puppy raiser to work with her for the full 18 months. As luck would have it the breeder we partnered with for this Golden litter was looking for a female puppy as a potential breeding dog. Again, we did not have a puppy raiser to train him and we looked to a service dog organization we volunteered with in the past. We contacted Tender Loving Canine Assistance Dogs and set up a meeting to have Buster tested, and he passed with flying colors. They fell in love with Buster on the spot and adopted him into their POOCH program where he is being trained at a prison to be a service dog. We kept our Lil Bear to train as a service dog. From the beginning, we knew he was a little softy, but he passed the retrieval test with flying colors so we had high hopes for him. We started taking him on outings to the book store, grocery stores, and shopping malls. He never showed the confidence we hoped and while he would eventually adapt to places after several visits he was always hesitant in new situations. He continued to progress and we were hopeful his confidence would grow as we exposed him to new environments and worked on his training. At the same time, an opportunity arose and we had to make a decision with Bear. Our friends had recently lost their long-time Golden Retriever, Sugar, and also tragically lost a puppy they had adopted. After discussing with my wife we decided to see if our friends were interested in adopting Bear. They said YES! And the rest is history. Heck, he has a huge following cheering for him every step of the way! Puppy Crate Training ? Once again, Happy Birthday to our Golden Litter! That concludes our 8-week journey with our Golden puppies! Just in case you missed any of the other blog posts in the series: Week 1 — Six Golden Retriever puppies are born! Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — This is Week 8! I hope you enjoyed our pics and insights into raising a Golden Retriever litter. Raising a litter of puppies is a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. Definitely not for the faint at heart. If you have any questions or comments please leave us a note in the comment section below. Are you about to bring home an 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy? If so, Puppies for Dummies is a good starting point for learning the basics of how to raise and train a puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Goldendoodles, Aussiedoodles and Sheepadoodles. We make our best guess based on parents and grandparents. The last payment is made in cash or you MAY choose to pay the final payment through our invoicing system. This must be sent a day before and paid the day of. Doodle Heaven Texas reserves the right to select the first 2 puppies from each litter. This allows you to move around and change litters if the timing works out to do so. Once a litter is around 1 week old, we will need you to confirm if you would like to have a puppy from this litter. You are welcome to join this litter or wait until the next one. Once the 2nd payment non refundable is made you may not move to another litter unless there are so extenuating circumstances. You have one year to select from one of our litters before your reservation fee is put on contact only status. We will no longer contact you. You will need to contact us before we have secured the litter at one week. The good news is that you will be put on that list according to your reservation date so you will be HIGH on the list!!! Please discuss any extenuating circumstances with us. We are certainly willing to work with you and your particular circumstances. Please keep in mind you are NOT on a list for a specific mom, but on a reservation list you can still let us know the MOM you want if you want a particular one, and we will honor that if we have enough puppies in that particular litter. The number of puppies a mom has and the genders selected will determine which litter you will select from. We will not know this for sure until puppies are born and in many cases we will not know until selections due to some choosing not to select a gender until selection day. Once you have selected a specific gender, you may not change. This means we may not always know which gender will be left as our last selection. If you are the last one to select and the puppy is not what you had in mind you will have the option of moving to the next litter in the order you were in to begin with. At that time, I will contact those on the waiting list first to offer the puppy to them before advertising on our Facebook page. We will charge for the 2nd round of shots if the time falls within the time frame for the shots to be given. Please make arrangements with us by 6 weeks. No puppy can be held for more than 14 days unless prior arrangements are made. Your puppy will be leashed to a person plus hours a day, going potty every hour, and crating several times a day and crated at night. We will use a bell trainer. You may do this for less days as well. This must be paid up front. Process To Secure A Reservation: 1. Once the form is completed, you will be sent a WAVE invoice by email within 48 hours. This can be paid by debit or credit. You are added to our reservation list once you fill out the form. You have 3 days from the time an invoice is emailed to submit payment. We WILL try and reach you before moving you off the list! If you need to wait a few more days just let us know and we can work with you! If you are serious about a doodle who has had proper testing and is properly trained for the future then please consider putting a reservation down. The reservation CAN be moved for up to 2 years, but not refunded. Once you have reserved for a litter you may not back out past 4 weeks and not past 1 week on litters that go home at Christmas. We turn away families during this time. Backing out at that time will mean forfeiting your refund all together. There are costs involved that we need to confirm the best and most cost-effective way to do this that still insures the safety of your puppy. The details on delivery need to be worked out before the puppy turns 4 weeks. If the distance to drive is longer, please discuss this with us and this can be decided on a case by case basis. They will be completely vet checked at both of those visits, current on shots given by our vet NOT by us , de-wormed every 2 weeks, litter trained, loved, and super spoiled by our family. We train our puppies to drink from a rabbit feeder to keep from contaminating their water by stepping in it. We clean metal food bowls after every feeding. No puppies go in grass at this time, but in an outside area with a turf like cover. Puppy areas are mopped once a day with Rescue used by vets to kill parvo , We additionally raise our puppies using the "Super Puppy" method to insure the best early neurological stimulation as well as BAB and some PC Puppy Culture methods. If you have questions regarding this, please don't hesitate to ask. Your puppy will go home with a goody bag including their shot record, a blanket and Snuggle Pup scented with mom and the other puppies, a bell trainer, custom collar, and other goodies these can change due to availability. This is not included with discounted pups. We will send an email out around the 4-week mark with our Puppy Advice Document and What to Expect When Going Home with a list of items to bring and some notes on what to expect in the weeks ahead with your puppy. This will list the food they are eating and other treats and products we like although you are welcome to choose any of those things for yourself. We will do our best to help you find a great home for your doodle. This can be a dangerous place for a puppy to find a home. Let us help you or take the puppy back. We WILL take your puppy back, but will not refund money until a home is found, minus the reservation fee. We do charge a small boarding fee per day. Please know that the amount may be less than the original price. We will determine this price together. This helps the organizations better understand you, and to ensure they match the perfect dog with the correct individual. But this application can take time. They need various pieces of information to help them make a decision about whether or not to match their dogs. The Information They Need First, they want to know about your family and where you live. They must know the type of house you live in to see if it fits in with what the dog needs. At times, a home inspection is required. Also, they must have proof that you can care for a dog in your home. This means landlords must offer evidence that you will not go against your lease if you adopt a dog. Also, it helps if you have previous experience caring for animals. At that point, a recommendation from a vet who has experience with you does help your application. Taking Your Dog Home Finally, if successful, you need to prepare to take your new dog home. However, when they get there, make sure you give space and time to allow them to adjust. See if the rescue organization offers any advice on how to help your dog settle. They will find all of this overwhelming, so anything you can do to make the transition process easier helps. At times, organizations do provide training to new owners. Once again, we recommend you take them up on this offer to ensure you and your new dog get on exceptionally well right from the outset. Also, if you have any concerns, then most organizations then allow you to contact them for a short period of time after the adoption. However, this is not always the case, so know if this is an option for you before completing the application. Overall, adopting a Mini Goldendoodle is a wonderful thing to do. However, you may encounter a waiting period before one becomes available. This happens thanks to the fact that Mini Goldendoodles never stay in these organizations for long before being adopted out. Sharing is caring! Share A Story! Doodle Rescues In Texas A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. Doodle Rescues In Texas Doodle breeds are extremely popular, but for one reason or another, you may want to rescue rather than buy a puppy. Maybe you want to save a life and feel the appreciation and loyalty that dogs that have had a rough start will give you. Whatever your reason for adopting, Texas is a great place to consider adopting a doodle. Below we have put together a list of 7 great Doodle rescues in Texas for you to choose from. Here are some additional things to keep in mind when you are considering doodle adoption as well as some of the best places in Texas to adopt a doodle from. If you see lots of puppies available from the rescue you are considering, double-check to make sure they really are a rescue. Real rescues should have c 3 nonprofit status or are at least working to gain that nonprofit status. The mix of coat types results in a coat that is easily matted and requires a lot of clipping and brushing, but also tends to shed. A rescue doodle is even more likely to have a high maintenance and shedding coat than the average doodle, since owners may have bought a puppy thinking that it would not shed or that the coat would be simple to maintain. If you are having a hard time finding a doodle to adopt, you may want to consider adopting a dog from a breeder that may otherwise have a difficult time finding a home. Breeders often have dogs returned as teenagers or adults. Some people look to surrender their doodle because they can no longer care for their dog. They may rehome these dogs at a significantly reduced price. Breeders also may house their breeding dogs with families so that the dogs have a higher quality of life and the breeder can maintain more breeding stock without having to house dogs themselves. These are called guardian homes. Typically, the dog will live with you and be bred a set number of times. Then the dog will be spayed or neutered and be completely yours. An adult rescue or guardian home can be a great solution if you are looking for a particular type of doodle or having a hard time finding a rescue that works well for you. Very few rescues have physical facilities. Instead, they rely on foster homes to keep dogs until they are adopted. Fostering is a wonderful way to decide whether you really want to adopt a doodle, or any dog for that matter. Fostering allows a rescue to save more dogs and it can be a lot of fun as well. Many rescues give priority for adoption to foster homes, although you may need to foster more than once or twice before a rescue will give you priority for adoption. Fostering can be a great way to try out several dogs until you find the dog that is perfect for you and your family. Since then they have helped over 1, poodle mixes find their new homes. The rescue was founded because as the doodle breeds became more popular, the founders saw that many of these dogs were neglected, abused, and abandoned. They wanted to help these special dogs find wonderful forever homes. Each dog is placed in a foster home where their health and behavioral needs are met and then, when the dog is ready, they are adopted out. Doodle Rock Rescue is completely run on volunteer efforts and donations. They are based in Dallas Texas, but they take poodle mixes from all over the United States. However, they place priority on saving dogs from South Texas shelters which have extremely high euthanasia rates. Many of the dogs they rescue are placed on the euthanasia list for medical or behavioral reasons and are not available to the public, so they would not be saved if not for a rescue like Doodle Rock. Although Doodle Rock Rescue takes most of their dogs from shelters, they are also happy to take owner surrendered dogs and keep doodles out of shelters. If you would like to rehome your doodle in Texas , you can simply email the rescue and complete a questionnaire. The director of intake for Doodle Rock Rescue encourages anyone surrendering their dog to be completely honest about the dog regarding behavior, medical issues, and history. If you would like to adopt a doodle from Doodle Rock Rescue, you will need to complete an adoption application for the particular dog you are interested in. If you want to adopt more than one dog, you need to complete separate applications for every dog you are considering. Applications are only considered for dogs that are currently available. This is because the application varies depending on the particular needs of the dog. In order to adopt, you need to be at least 21 years old and live within miles of Dallas Texas. You also need to be able to pick the dog up within three days of the application approval. Any dog you adopt needs to live inside and be a part of your family. Your current pets must be sterilized and you need to have positive vet references for them. Yards must be fenced. If you rent, a permission letter from your landlord is required. If you are interested in trying out a doodle before you commit, fostering is a great option. Doodle Rock Rescue allows you to adopt any foster dog after the third dog that you foster to avoid having people use fostering as a shortcut to adopting. If you would like to try out doodle ownership, this may be the perfect solution for you. You can view their available doodles here. Rescue and Adoption Details.

These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for almost forty years. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we deliver our world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Edison. For details, call Woody or Judi at .Labrador Retriever Puppies and Children In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Dogs help children to be more cooperative and sharing. For children, a close relationship with a dog is a proven benefit in study after study. For instance, in research with preschool children, psychologists at Oregon State University found that teaching children to care for a puppy enhanced their social skills. Sue Doescher, a psychologist involved in the study. And that transfers to how other kids feel. Be sure to read the rest of her article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! 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 understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. You might be able to find a dog at a local shelter near you, but you could always contact Labrador Retriever breeders if you want a puppy of your own. The popularity of Labrador Retriever puppies has caused many people to unethically breed the dog for their own financial gain, resulting in sickly and aggressive dogs. By carefully considering your Labrador Retriever breeder, you can get a wonderful puppy that is healthy, happy, and well acclimated. Below are five Labrador Retriever breeders in New Jersey. Every one of these breeders are certified and approved by various Labrador Retriever clubs for ethical breeding standards. You can trust any one of these breeders to love your puppy just as much as you will. By raising their Labrador Retrievers within the home of a large family, all of the McClan Labradors are adaptable, friendly, and great for all families. McClan Labradors specializes in all Labrador Retriever coats, including yellow, black, and chocolate. All Labrador Retrievers bred by StormyC Labradors are raised within the home for friendliness and compatibility. They are also bred to be work and show dogs. No matter what the purpose of your Labrador Retriever is, StormyC Labradors likely has a dog for you. This breeder sells all Labradors Retriever coats, including yellow, chocolate, and black. As a result, Weymouth Labradors only breeds the official colors, including chocolate, yellow, and black. Weymouth Labradors is a great breeder if you are looking for breeders that are careful to not over-breed their dogs. As a small hobby kennel, Weymouth Labradors only has litters occasionally, ensuring the health and happiness of all their puppies. Paradigm Labradors raises their dogs to be obedient, agile, and great within all households. So, you can relax and unwind with one of these labs or show them off at a dog show. You can learn all about the Paradigm Labradors dogs on their site, which introduces you to all their boys, girls, youngsters, retirees, and litters. Unlike many other lab breeders, Shadowbrook Labradors primarily only focuses on black labs, but they occasionally breed chocolate and yellow labs too. No matter what coat style the lab puppy belongs to, all the dogs are bred for superior health and personality. Shadowbrook Labradors are especially great for showing and training purposes. Because they are bred and raised on a farm, they also make phenomenal family companions due to their flexibility and gentle nature. Related Read:.

What is a mini golden retriever? On average, they weigh pounds. Our Mini Goldens are crossed with specific Poodle lineage to avoid health and temperament issues the other breeds can cause, and are hypoallergenic, shed less and live longer than Golden Retrievers. Occasionally, we have some that weigh more than 45 pounds, or even less than 30 pounds. They generally have more Golden Retriever in them, so they are a closer carbon copy than the smaller Comforts. They generally have a little more poodle, so they may have more hypoallergenic and reduced shedding traits. Occasionally, we get white spots abstract or parti-colors from the Poodle side. Sometimes, we produce curly coated Comforts. We classify our coat types based on DNA results, not on visual appearance. Shed levels are individual to the dog, so while we hope that the majority of our dogs are low shedding, there are those who are moderate to heavy shedders. There are many factors that influence shedding as well. Some of these include season changes, weather, stress, illness, and a puppy transitioning to its adult coat. What guarantees do you offer with your puppies? We provide a 2 year health guarantee for all genetic conditions for all of our puppies. An additional 2 year guarantee is available as well more info Where are you located? We are located on the beautiful countryside of Versailles, Kentucky. Happy Valentine's Day to all, both big and small! Thanks for submitting! It has been proven by mixing this combination of dogs it can drastically reduce many health problems. We only choose quality breeding stock for our breeding program. Our breeding dogs are genetically tested for different genetic defects through Embark. We also do OFA certification and Penn hip. It is our priority to produce only the healthiest puppies that will be part of your family for many years! We want all of our dogs to live long, happy, health lives. Miniature golden retriever personality There's a lot of reason why golden retrievers are so popular and why people want a miniature version of them. For many, they are an ideal dog breed. Friendly, easy going and clever, they make great family pets for most families. Mini golden retriever Size We use www. We cannot guarantee the size of your puppy but we do the best we can. Our Miniature Goldens range in size from lbs. Their affable nature, stunning appearance, and remarkable intelligence have made them a favorite among dog enthusiasts for generations. And now, a new variation has emerged that takes all these wonderful qualities and packages them in a smaller size — the Miniature Golden Retriever. We'll delve into the captivating world of Miniature Golden Retrievers, exploring their characteristics, care needs, and the considerations to keep in mind if you're interested in bringing one of these delightful pups into your home. These pint-sized companions are the result of carefully selected breeding, combining the beloved traits of the standard Golden Retriever with smaller breeds to create a charming and compact version. They retain the signature golden coat, the warm eyes that reflect their boundless affection, and that unmistakable wagging tail that instantly brightens any room. Characteristics That Steal Hearts Miniature Golden Retrievers embody all the qualities that have made their larger counterparts cherished members of countless families. Their intelligence shines through as they quickly grasp commands, making training an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Just like standard Golden Retrievers, they possess a natural desire to please, making them fantastic companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. While they may be smaller in stature, their hearts are as big as ever. Mini Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle and friendly demeanor, making them excellent playmates for children and other pets. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various living environments, from apartments to spacious homes with yards. Care Considerations Caring for a Miniature Golden Retriever is a deeply rewarding journey that requires attention and dedication. Their lush double coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free from tangles. Weekly brushing not only helps maintain their appearance but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Consult your veterinarian to determine the right type and amount of food to keep your Mini Golden Retriever in optimal health. Regular exercise is equally important, as it keeps their minds sharp and their bodies in shape. Bringing a Miniature Golden Retriever Home Now, you might be wondering where to find these enchanting companions. You might have searched "mini golden retriever puppies for sale" or "mini golden retrievers for sale" which led you to us. So when seeking a breeder, it's essential to prioritize ethical practices. Reputable breeders focus on the health and welfare of their dogs, ensuring that puppies are raised in loving environments. These dogs can live up to years, so be prepared for a long-term partnership filled with love, loyalty, and unforgettable moments. Their friendly nature, intelligence, and undeniable charm make them a wonderful addition to a variety of households. Whether you're seeking a loyal companion for leisurely strolls or a furry friend to join in family adventures, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a breed that promises to enrich your life in countless ways. So, if you're captivated by the idea of sharing your life with a Miniature Golden Retriever, take the time to explore reputable breeders offering mini golden retriever puppies for sale or mini golden retrievers for sale. With proper care, patience, and a heart full of love, you're bound to find a loyal companion who will brighten your days for years to come. Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! Each puppy that comes from our kennel comes home with a beautiful Registration Certificate. Continuing this daily regimen is the easiest and best way to keep your pet on the path to perfect health! NuVet Plus is a lifetime product to help support their immune system and provide assistance to their optimal health. A strong immune system will protect them from environmental and food toxins such as back yard pesticides, hormones, germs from public places, and even toxic formaldehyde in furniture and carpeting. NuVet Plus is a full spectrum, immune system support supplement that contains over 30 different nutrient dense ingredients that well better equip puppies to get and stay healthy. She is already so comfortable here and so attached. She gets so excited every time she sees us. And she has such a sweet disposition Everything goes for her. She just rolls with it. She loves to play and has lots of playful energy when she chases behind a toy or plays tug of war. But she loves to cuddle too, and she can busy herself well too without complaint. Yesterday we left her home when we went on a walk and she never barked or whined and was fast asleep when we returned. She accepted her crate as if she had never known any other place to rest. She just crawls in there and rests when she is tired. And when she wakes up, she quietly plays until we take her out of the playpen. Her potty training is going well. A couple of accidents here and there, but most of the time we catch her before anything happens, and she always does her business right away when we put her on the grass patch we have on the patio. She is getting a treat when she does her business. So, she actually figured out that if she spares some pee and squats several times, she will get several treats. Only One treat for the first time, everything after does not get rewarded any more. Wow, I have never seen a puppy learning that fast. And loving to learn. Being really food driven helps. I could not think of a better quarantine buddy to brighten up our day. I think she will be an amazing therapy dog who brightens up the day if many more people. Oh, and did I mention she is absolutely beautiful? Thank you again for that gift, Michele. I hope you are all doing well and are coping with the many new puppies. Some stressful days ahead of you, I am sure. And you are the best puppy mom I have ever encountered. Lots of love to your whole beautiful family! Life Span Did You Know? This cross is meant to produce a smaller version of a Golden Retriever that retains the classic Golden look and their characteristic friendly and sweet temperament. Mini Golden Retrievers tend to maintain a temperament very similar to Golden Retrievers. They tend to have a sweet, open, and friendly nature. Mini Goldens get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. These dogs tend to make great family pets and can also be found working as service dogs or therapy dogs. Due to their smaller size, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a highly adaptable dog breed. As long as they get enough exercise, they are happy in apartments as well as larger homes with yards. They also do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Because these dogs are so people-oriented, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they would much rather be an active member of the family. For Mini Golden Retrievers, these could include elbow dysplasia, heart issues, eye disease, and hip dysplasia. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and checking out available health clearances or tests can help allay potential health concerns. All of the dog breeds in the cross for a Mini Golden Retriever are highly trainable. So, these dogs tend to be highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please their owners. They tend to be a good fit for dog owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. They respond best to positive training methods focused on praise, play, and reward. Although the aim is to have the Miniature Golden Retriever look just like a smaller version of a Golden Retriever, there will be variance in the coats because it is a mixed dog breed. You may have puppies that look identical to a Golden Retriever or you may have puppies with tightly curled or wavy coats from their Poodle or Spaniel parents. With the Poodle in the cross, there may be a chance of a low-shedding coat, but you will want to be prepared for a dog that will shed moderately year-round and that requires regular brushing and bathing with the occasional professional grooming session. Floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear infections, but regular checks and careful cleaning can help prevent them. Dental care for dogs is so important. But, it is often overlooked, which is why dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Miniature Golden Retriever is likely to be a high energy dog that requires plenty of exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks, plus playtime and some extra activity should be sufficient for this dog. They will likely enjoy any activity that means they get to do things with you, which means they may enjoy hiking with you, taking trips to the dog park , swimming, or even training to compete in dog sports. A fully-grown Miniature Golden Retriever usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Mini Golden Retriever generally lives years. Dwarfism does occur in Golden Retrievers, which results in a smaller Golden Retriever and can also cause additional health concerns. Meeting the parent breeds in person and asking to see health tests can help you verify that you have a Mini Golden Retriever. Miniature Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale. Choosing a new fur baby is a major and sometimes stressful decision so let me tell you more about Miniature Goldens so you can decide if they are a good fit. What do Golden Minis Look Like? Golden Minis are a lso often called Mini Golden Retrievers. They are meant to have the looks and personality of a small Golden Retriever. Some have white blazes, but most are solid colors. What is a Mini Golden Retriever? Because it is a newer breed, we are constantly creating new lines so that we have enough genetic diversity to have healthy Mini Golden Retriever puppies. Most full grown Mini Golden Retriever are between lbs. There are some as small as 15 lbs. Teacup Golden Retriever Their small size makes them good apartment dogs and easier to travel with. Small dog breeds are also less likely to frighten younger children. Not to be gross but they also poop smaller which is nice for whoever has to do poop scoop duty. Many people want to know if Mini Golden Retrievers shed as much as their larger namesakes- the Golden Retriever. It Depends! There are two genes that contribute to shedding that show up when doing genetic testing. Based off of those results many good Mini Golden Retriever Breeders will take that into account when pairing adults before breeding. Some puppies may shed less than a full sized Golden but none will shed less than a dog with furnishings the longer hair on their face that give them a teddy bear look. What Is the Personality of a Golden Mini? They are goofy, outgoing and gentle dogs that are super smart which makes them easy dogs to train as a service animal. Many pick up how to do specific tasks quickly which are needed for psychiatric service dogs. They are also often used as deep pressure therapy service dog or dpt dog for short. Golden Minis have an amazing temperament that make the best emotional support dogs. They often love to be with their owner and are cuddly puppies. Mini Golden Retrievers also help to get their owners out on a walk or playing in the park. That extra physical activity can really help someone struggling with a mental health issue. Some research is also suggesting that mixed breed dogs are healthier than pure breed dogs. Many believe that it is because of the higher level of genetic diversity in mixed breeds. A study by Bellumori et al looked at 24 genetic disorders in 27, dogs with an inherited disorder. Are you thinking about looking for a Mini Golden Retriever for sale to see if they are a good fit for you? Here are a few questions to ask yourself. Am I looking for a dog to perform a specific task like deep pressure therapy dpt or other service task? What kind of energy would I like from my dog? Take a look at how much physical activity you are currently doing and go from there. Do I need a public access dog that can be well behaved in public all the time? Am I looking for an emotional support animal? Does size, color or gender matter to me? If you are looking for special skills make sure you talk about all of these things with the service dog breeder. Looking for a Golden Retriever service dog for sale from a good breeder can be a tricky thing. Be sure to think about what qualities you need in a service dog. Consider how much exercise they'll need, their temperament, and any special training needs. You should also talk to the breeder about the type of service dog you are looking for. Ask questions about the breeder's experience, the puppy's background, and the type of support the breeder can provide. The truth is that these days you don't need to find a breeder near you. Focusing on finding an ethical Golden Mini breeder is more important than where they are. Puppy nannies regularly hand deliver puppies to major airports around the country and world. Several of my puppies have gone out of the country and the puppies do well with the trip. There is an extra fee involved for using a puppy nanny. Remember that this is a life long commitment and it is better to pay a little more up front and get the right match then to save and be sorry for years. I strongly recommend going with a breeder that does Early Neurological Stimulation ENS because of the long term benefits it can offer your puppy. A breeder that does other socialization practices in addition to ENS will also be a great long term value to you and your puppy. See if the breeder has done genetic and advanced health testing on the dog by asking: Do you do genetic testing on the parents? Which test do you do? Most ethical breeders do at least eyes, hips, patellas, elbows and basic cardiac. Some breeds require more testing depending on the health issues of the breed. For example King Charles Cavaliers need an echocardiogram to rule out the heart issues common in the breed. These health screenings are expensive which will cause your puppy to cost a little more but it is a great investment in your and your fur babies future because it will help prevent costly health issues and early death down the road. With so many puppy scams, make sure the breeder advertising the Miniature Golden Retriever for sale is willing to get on the phone and even better yet get on a video call so that you can see the puppies in real time. Here at Big Hearted Breeders take great pride in helping families and individuals find the right match. We will tell you if we don't have what you are looking for and point you in the right direction. If you would like to know more about our Mini Golden Retriever puppies please fill out an interest form below or go to our available pets page here. First Name. While the classic golden retriever is a large dog, some families may have living situations that a smaller breed is wanted. The miniature golden retriever is a mixed breeding. However, many owners have found that miniature golden retrievers also known as many other terms such as mini, toy and more have many of the same characteristics that made the breed so popular in the first place, but in a smaller package. Super cute miniature golden retriever puppy! These dogs love being around people. This is especially true if you live near water—these guys love swimming! They pair well with poodles and cocker spaniels because of their size difference poodles and cocker spaniels tend to be smaller. Mixing these two breeds together will give you a great family companion who loves to play with kids and other pets. What could be better? Their genes come from a mix of breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. This mix keeps them from growing to be too big and makes them easier to train. They usually only have moderate seasonal shedding coats which means less cleaning up after your pup when he comes home! Sizing them down will also help reduce health issues like hip dysplasia, which may be prevalent in larger breeds due to their size How Large Do They Grow Miniature golden retrievers average between 8 and 16 inches in height, which is smaller than other golden retriever varieties that are inches tall at their withers their shoulder blades. This is partially due to a recessive gene pairing that determines whether they grow to a large size or remain miniature. They reach maturity at around 18 months and live about years on average. Breeders also consider health and temperament when choosing their breeding stock. Also, their mixed breeding can make them healthier than purebreds; as these dogs tend to inherit traits from both parents rather than just one. They require exercise at least two short walks per day and mental stimulation i. Also, if left alone for too long without proper socialization, these pups can become destructive in your home. That said, with proper care and training these sweet little guys can make great additions to any family! If you would like to see a list of low maintenance dogs please check out this list. Many people think that their personality is identical to that of a larger version of itself, but in fact, it can be a bit different! Some miniature golden retrievers have unique traits inherited from its poodle ancestors such as longer and finer hair. Some might shed less. Before purchasing a miniature golden retriever puppy, it might be best to contact local shelters in your area or rescue organizations that may have miniature golden retrievers available for adoption. If you do find a breeder for a miniature golden retriever, make sure to ask about health screenings and genetic testing these dogs can suffer from several issues that require specific screenings before finalizing your purchase. The dogs are closely monitored and have been through genetic testing and are feed an all natural and holistic diet, so they remain healthy. All of our puppies come from healthy and happy parent dogs that have been genetically tested. This allows owners to feel secure in the health and genes that your puppy comes home with. Find your new best friend.

We have a small family run farm on 14 acres. Puppies are born in our home and socialized from day one by ourselves and our children. We do not take our dogs off the property Silver Brook Labs are members of our family and embraced by all the comforts of our home. We pay careful attention to the lines and heritage of our dogs, we ensure the finest pedigrees are bred all of our puppies come with a lifetime of support. Labs make excellent hunting dogs and companions, they have a great desire to please. The only way our puppies travel is with our flight nanny Loretta Ferster Paws N Claws Inflight where they are on board In the safety of her care. Please click on links provided for more information on upcoming litters. If you would like to see what our kennels look like click on the our Kennel link. We do not allow visits to our Kennels. Why you may ask? It is for the Safety of not only our adults but our expecting moms and younger puppies who do not have the immunity to disease yet , many diseases can travel on foot and your clothing. Such as Parvo Virus and Canine Flu are just a few. No Sale of any of our puppies is worth the risk to us. Contact Us. Dogs are great for the whole family. They teach children responsibility, offer unconditional love, and provide years of laughter. When you decide to add a dog to your family, you might as well get the best of the best—a Labrador retriever puppy from Silver and Charcoal Kennels. Our Mississippi Labrador retriever breeding program delivers puppies to Georgia and all over the country. We aim to provide every family who wants one with the puppy of their dreams. As an established professional Labrador retriever breeder, no one is better equipped to do that than we are. Silver Labrador Retriever Breeder in Georgia Labrador retrievers are known to be intelligent, friendly, gentle, loving, and beautiful dogs. We breed our Labs to embody all those traits. Our silver, champagne, and charcoal Labradors make excellent hunting dogs, rescue dogs, service dogs, and family companions. They grow to have stable temperaments, high intelligence, and fun and affectionate personalities. We complete genetic testing for our dogs and deliver every puppy with AKC registration, a month hip guarantee, and up-to-date vaccinations. Our pups have impressive pedigrees, with bloodlines that go back decades, and Sires with Field Trial Championships and Senior Titles. With their quality of health, your Silver and Charcoal Kennels pup is sure to be around to love you for many years. Once a puppy becomes available, you will be able to take them home at eight weeks old. You can pick them up or we will drive them to you in Georgia. The newest, furriest member of your family awaits you. Get in touch with us today to learn more about or reserve a Labrador retriever puppy from Silver and Charcoal Kennels! Questions about our puppies? Both parents have to have a matching gene to produce any color. The gene that produces the dilute colors dd is the gene that is the cause of much controversy. The Labrador Retriever Club does not like or recognize any dilute color however the AKC does recognize the dilutes in their base colors. The Labrador Retriever Clubs most recent complaint is Buyer Beware dilute breeders are charging exorbitant prices for a cross bred, designer dog. Exorbitant prices? Have you seen what members of the Labrador Retriever Club charge for their dogs? Here is a simple fact, at some point in time between and the dilute gene was introduced into the Labrador gene pool. Before or possibly after the Labrador Stud Book was closed this gene was introduced. This gene has been working in the Labrador for 60 or possibly as long as years. Before the Stud books were closed several dogs were used including some with the dilute gene to add desired traits to the Labrador Breed. Point is their has not been any recent crossings by reputable breeders for sure so we are talking 20 generations or more of pure breeding of Labradors so if it looks like a Labrador, swims like a Labrador and acts like a Labrador.