movie with golden retriever puppies

movie with golden retriever puppies

So if you're a person and you're reading this, the answer is most likely no. I've heard a lot of people advise against it because they think that working line dogs are more aggressive. But actually, the opposite is true. Most dogs bite out of fear, and most well-bred working line dogs don't fear much, so they're far less likely to become a fear biter. Now that that myth is dispelled, why aren't working line dogs for everyone? Yes, you'll get a pup that's from health tested parents which will drive up the price a bit, and that's definitely worth it. But what really drives the price up is paying for knowledge. It is far more difficult than one might think to consistently produce puppies that have the drive to make good working dogs as adults. It takes study, training, time and money to pull off. A lot of it. You're paying for that acquired knowledge, a higher chance of getting a healthy puppy, and most importantly you're paying for working ability. If you have no plans to work your dog, paying for working ability feels like an unnecessary feature for many. Drive: If you've owned any other line of German Shepherd as a puppy, you remember the biting, the chewing, the destroyed shoe, or bite marks on a table leg etc. Multiply that by .The same prey drive that makes most puppies destructive, hyper, bitey, and gives them the zoomies is amplified. By a lot. They will play rougher and for longer. The only time they're still is when they're asleep. If you don't stay on top of things, you will pay a price, every time. And it will be like that for months. There's always that one person who thinks their dog is over the chewing phase at 12 months old and comes home from work to no longer having a couch. You might have a chance. A person who thinks they're prepared is often a person who is untrainable themselves. A person who is a little apprehensive is more likely to do in depth research, contact knowledgeable trainers who compete in dog sports etc. The local pet store training program isn't going to cut it. The week program they took to become a certified dog trainer isn't enough to prepare them to train your puppy, much less guide you through tough times. You will have to contact trainers who actually compete and have been working with working dogs for years. They are not cheap. In fact, you're better off joining a club yourself and training your own dog with guidance from experienced club mates. You cannot go half in on training a working line dog. You'll end up with a young adult dog that is completely out of control. It'll act like a puppy, chewing, nipping, jumping up, and barking etc. Knocking your guests and kids over while meaning no harm whatsoever. You will have to have control. You will have to have a strong relationship with your dog. You will have to set and enforce boundaries. You will have to learn to harness your puppy's drive to use it to your advantage. On a positive note, the easiest dogs to train, if you know how to train dogs using motivation and reward, are dogs with a lot of drive. They'll break their back for a treat or a short game of tug or fetch. If you harness their drive, they make very responsive, obedient dogs. Work: If you do not put in the work, you will be very unhappy with your working line dog. If you do, chances are you'll be happier with them than you've ever been with any other dog. So one must be honest with themselves: do you have the time to devote? You probably do, because it only takes minutes a day of training. But are you going to invest the effort in keeping an eye on the puppy, even going as far as using a leash indoors? Raising a working line German Shepherd puppy is much more labor intensive than raising just about any other dog on Earth, sans maybe a Malinois pup. If you are still here, and you still think it's worth it, and you already know of trainers in your area who can help, and preferably have found a club to join. A working line German Shepherd pup might be for you. Just make sure you get a puppy from a reputable breeder who actively works or titles their dogs, who has hip and elbow scores on their dogs, has guarantees etc. Don't cheap out and buy a puppy from a guy who just happened to buy 2 dogs with working lines somewhere back in the pedigree. You run the risk of getting a puppy with higher than usual drive who doesn't have a stable temperament, and you definitely do not want that! It's better to buy once and cry once, than to save a few hundred dollars now and spend thousands on training to "fix" temperament issues, or get surgery to correct severe hip dysplasia. Do you think you could handle the responsibility of owning a working line dog? If so, let us know and leave a like and comment. Contact Us for Details on Our Puppies! The joy of owning a working line bred German Shepherd is immeasurable — but a companion and workmate that gives itself over to you so completely requires a significant reciprocal commitment. Do you have a fenced yard? Are you able to devote at least 30 minutes per day to exercising your dog? Will your puppy be raised inside of your home as a part of your family? Do you have small children, infants or other animals in your home currently and if not do you plan to in the future? Do you plan to crate train your puppy in addition to housebreaking? Are you prepared to feed a high quality food to your dog such as a grain-free or holistic food as a regular diet throughout its lifetime? Do you know the difference between the temperaments and character of a Working Line German Shepherd Dog over a show line or an American bred German Shepherd? Have you already consulted with a private trainer or know of obedience classes that are offered in your area that may be more specific to working dogs over an average Pet Store style all breed pet training class? Do you plan to spay or neuter your puppy when he or she is old enough? Are you financially prepared to provide care for your dog and seek veterinary care in the event of an emergency that may require hospitalization of your dog? If you are planning on breeding, do you have at least 5 years minimum experience as a Breeder? Are you educated in canine reproduction and development, have the basic knowledge and understanding of genetics as well as proper care for newborn pups, neonatal intensive care and experience in identifying reproductive complications or emergencies should they arise? They possess a strong work ethic, enhanced physical capabilities, better limb-length consistency due to less hind angulation, and improved health. They can be distinguished from show-line German Shepherds by their physique and athleticism. These dogs come in 11 registered coat colors black and tan, black sable, and solid black being more prominent and a wolf-like posture. The history of show dogs, in general, goes back to the s when breeds were being standardized in Germany. Breeders at that time had a significant bone of contention; whether dogs should be bred based on appearance or their working capabilities. Max von Stephanitz , a German army captain, and former veterinary science student, advocated for standardized breeding of working dogs and dedicated 35 years of his life to developing a breed with excellent herding capabilities. Working line German Shepherds have an athletic and muscular body with a straight back and less angulated hips that assist them in their duties. They also have erect, pointy ears. They are trained to perform under pressure and have the mindset to desire work. They also have a higher pain endurance and work tolerance and can work even in extreme weather conditions. Working-line German Shepherds have enhanced drives of prey, defense, and fight. They are great for police work, military, search and rescue, drug and bomb detection, arson or human detection, personal protection, patrolling, guarding, serving disabled people, therapy, guidance, carrying messages, and of course, herding. Working line GSDs are usually inches in height for males and inches for females. Male dogs weigh around pounds, and females weigh between pounds. Their life span is about years, but they are less prone to diseases than other types and are generally healthier. Health-wise, working-line German Shepherds rarely suffer from hip dysplasia but are prone to bloat GDV and pancreatitis. They are brave, vigilant dogs with incredible loyalty, intelligence, independence, versatility, and energy. They are innately territorial as well and are pretty protective. Working line GSDs are high-energy dogs with medium to high exercise needs. They also need to put their brain to work and require frequent mental stimulation, which owes to their intelligence. Since they are highly trainable, you can efficiently ease them into a routine. Like other types, working line GSDs have a double coat and shed all year round. They have fewer grooming needs than show-line German Shepherds, but you must care for their ears, teeth, and nails. Although they may look a little intimidating, these dogs are great with children and other pets. Pros of Working Line German Shepherds Great as Working Dogs Working-line German Shepherds are some of the most versatile working dogs in the canine world and are widely known for their working capabilities. Although they were developed for herding, they can do much more. Given their role in the police, military, and assisted services, they are great at chasing criminals, working as guard dogs, helping blind people, cheering up the sick, guarding property, leading, and even taking up movie roles. They have the least temperamental issues because they are bred and trained to withstand pressure and deal with unfamiliar circumstances. They are also very protective and loyal and make excellent family pets, but they can be aggressive if they need to be. Not only are they compassionate without being needy, but they are also fit and willing to serve as both guardians and companions. The American Kennel Club ranked them as the fourth most registered breed in , and because of their popularity, a wide range of resources are available for help and information. Moreover, excessive time and effort demands do not end with their physical and mental stimulation. From health to socialization to training and diet , their needs are as diverse as a human. This can be good or bad, depending on how much time you can invest. Being There for Them as a Leader Spending time with your working line GSD is not enough; you must establish yourself as an approachable but commanding leader for proper training. This way, you can keep your dog within his boundaries and make sure he trains adequately. A working line GSD may not be the right fit for you if you are uncomfortable being firm and commanding. These dogs can also suffer from separation anxiety and should not be left alone for long periods. Their height and weight do not make them suitable for apartments and small living spaces or people with a sedentary lifestyle. Although not hyperactive, they need a daily discharge of energy to prevent behavior issues and becoming destructive. They are beautiful and are not specialized to work. Since GSDs usually require a lot of care, time, and attention for their upbringing, the show lines were initially developed as a reaction to these extensive requirements. Breeders in Europe bred them for owners without the patience, time, and energy to deal with working line types. Show-line German Shepherds are usually darker in color, as judges prefer rich-colored dogs in show rings. The American Kennel Club considers dilute colors, such as blue and liver, serious faults, so they do not make good show dogs. White German Shepherds and those without a predominantly back nose are prohibited in show rings. Many owners choose a show line dog but have no intention of entering competitions. My German Shepherd is a European show line as opposed to the American one , and I chose her for her temperament, color, and looks. The show bloodlines also have triangular and erect ears and a broad head with powerfully angled hindquarters. They are good-tempered dogs , make excellent family pets, and you can even train them as guard dogs. They are also highly intelligent and easily trainable but require authority guidance. Since they are raised differently than working GSDs, show-line German Shepherds have a lower energy drive but require physical and mental stimulation, albeit comparatively lower. They also have extensive grooming requirements to ensure refined showing qualities. Show line German Shepherds are generally thinner-boned dogs with large bodies. They have the appearance of shorter back legs and long front ones due to refined hip angulation, which makes their back sloped or slanting. The American show line is known for having an even more defined angulation and sloped top line than their West German Shepherd counterparts. However, there is a lot of controversy around this trait, as neither is a sloped back a breeding requirement according to the American Kennel Club nor a trait passed down by original GSD generations. This trait was intentionally bred to imitate the physique of those winning dogs. Without appearing too biased, breeders and winners of show lines will say their German Shepherds are perfectly healthy. There are also no standard temperament, health, or obedience requirements for breeding, but that is not true in European countries. Therefore, getting a dog from Germany or another European country ensures the probability of good temperament, health, and obedience. Show lines are prone to developing health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, bloat, and allergies. So before you adopt a dog for its beauty, you better know your duty. They are beautiful and aesthetically pleasing with their rich and dark colors. However, just because they are not working does not mean they are weak or frail-looking. They are tall, broad-chested, sturdy, and imposing figures with chiseled heads and well-formed features. Their hindquarters are in proportion to the rest of their body. Good show line Shepherds look a little intimidating and scary, even somewhat aloof. Well Balanced Temperament Show line German Shepherds are very calm and well-balanced with an easy-going temperament. They are also highly protective of their owners due to their past as herding dogs. The show lines are affectionate and loving dogs and develop strong bonds of trust with their owners. Even though they are skeptical of strangers, they usually do not resort to violence and use intimidation techniques when they feel threatened. If you are interested in showing your dog, you can put some effort into his grooming and training for him to win competitions. If not, you can take them in as family pets. They are great with children and other dogs and are pretty affectionate without being clingy. These dogs can also make excellent guard dogs if socialized and trained correctly. Cons of Show Line German Shepherds Prone to Genetic Health Concerns Since there is a lack of qualifying requirements and standard health evaluations, show-line GSDs are prone to several health concerns stemming from their genetics. The primary focus lies on their physical appearance, which sometimes comes at the cost of their health, such as sloped backs. Hip and elbow dysplasia, bloating, and arthritis are the most common complications. Exceptional Grooming Requirements Although all dogs have specific hygiene and grooming requirements, show-line GSDs have certain additional ones to maintain their striking physical appearance. Their heavy coats require frequent brushing and grooming to ensure their shine and volume. Since they are the models in the canine world, their nails, ears, teeth, and skin care need better attention. Financial Burden Show line German Shepherds are expensive not only to acquire but also to maintain. Their grooming, food, and exercise requirements mean you must be ready to commit time and money. Difference in Purpose and Training Working line GSDs are bred and trained for work, usually in law enforcement or the military. Because of this, they are subjected to training processes that conform to the work standards of these agencies. Their endurance is enhanced via training, as is their pain tolerance, survival rate, and work efficiency. On the other hand, show-line German Shepherds are bred and raised for show rings. They are not trained to have the same abilities as a working line Shepherd; they are trained to fulfill the requirements of dog shows. They specialize in being well-structured and visually appealing, which is not the focus for working bloodlines. Physical Appearance: Working Line German Shepherds are athletic dogs with a straight back and less hip angulation. These traits allow them to work efficiently for long periods without harming their health. Show line German Shepherds have sloped backs and, thus, shorter hind legs, making them suitable for showing. Working line Shepherds do not have extensive standards and usually only prefer a medium-length double coat for climate tolerance. That is not the case for show line GSDs, which must be of rich and dark colors like black, black and red, black and tan, or black and silver. They are also more aggressive and are prone to biting or attacking when faced with a threat. This is a direct result of their training, including specific exercises for developing physical strength, intelligence, and tolerance. Show line German Shepherds are, in contrast, calmer, more tamed, and home-friendly dogs. They usually resort to intimidation instead of violence and only attack when they need to defend themselves. Working line German Shepherds are generally considered more trainable than show line German Shepherds due to their high work drive, focus, and natural instinct to follow commands. However, both types of German Shepherds can be trained successfully with proper training techniques and consistency. Can working-line German Shepherds also participate in dog shows? Yes, working-line German Shepherds can participate in dog shows, but they are typically not as successful as show-line German Shepherds due to their different physical and temperament characteristics. Working-line German Shepherds are bred for their working abilities rather than their appearance, which is the main focus of dog shows. Which type of German Shepherd is more intelligent? Generally speaking, the most intelligent type of German Shepherd is the show line. Show line German Shepherds are bred to conform to the breed standard, which means they have a very specific look and temperament. Final Thoughts — Choosing the Right Bloodline You can choose which German Shepherd is the right fit for you by matching your personality with theirs. Working-line German Shepherds are bred to have working abilities, whereas the breeding of show lines focuses on appearance. Both types have specific differences in personality, purpose, and physical attributes but are equally excellent family dogs and are very loving and devoted. Both of them come with their fair share of responsibilities, and thus you should only take one if you can ensure their safety and proper upbringing. The physical traits and disposition are ideal for long hours of concentration and the ability to adhere to commands. A working line GSD is generally a healthier dog than its show counterpart and there are distinct differences. Working line German Shepherd breeders choose their sires and bitches carefully in order to produce the strongest pups with the best genetic lines. This breed excels at K9 training and they are well acclimated to following commands, provided the owner has a firm hand and understands how to best work with the breed. The working line breed was standardized with the intent of producing dogs that could protect livestock from predators. The breed became more popular around the turn of the 20th century and was introduced in the United States in .Working line German Shepherd breeders developed and improved breeding techniques and the working line dogs became instrumental in military initiatives for both the Allied and Axis forces during World War II. After World War II, German and American working line German Shepherd breeders continued to further the breeding process and these amazing dogs have become synonymous with military and law enforcement work over the last century. There are a few differences between the working line German Shepherd and the show line in disposition and appearance. The working line dog is bred to be stronger, healthier, and more able to work for long hours. These dogs also enjoy working. They are high energy, which is necessary for the type of work that they do. In appearance, working line dogs have a thicker coat. They are sturdier and thicker than show line dogs and their back legs are longer, giving them a straight structure. Show line dogs have shorter back legs, giving them a slanted back and a sleeker appearance. These dogs are bred to be agile and obedient. Excellent for protection, the Czech line is strictly bred and is noted for its dark coat. West German. The West German line is noted for its coloring and pleasing looks. They are also known to be calm in temperament. They do have a strong drive and great work ability. DDR German Shepherds are known for their athleticism. These dogs are more muscular and larger. They were bred for extreme conditions and difficult work, such as search and rescue. Protectiveness, Intelligence, and Trainability The working line German Shepherd is naturally inclined to protection. The breed likes and wants to do well with commands. They are very responsive and intelligent. But they need a firm hand from their owner and trainer. Depending on the line, most GSD can be described as aloof. They are intelligent and highly motivated. These dogs were bred for work, so they need to be exercised and worked regularly to maintain optimal health. These dogs are specifically bred to work and to carry specific traits and temperaments. Working line GSD are an excellent choice for military, law enforcement, and protection. Your breeder should be able to work with you to find the right dog, type, and temperament, depending on the type of work you want the dog to do. We can match you with the ideal German Shepherd puppy for your needs and work with you to understand all of the intricacies of the breed and training.

We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. As a dedicated Labrador parent, one of your primary responsibilities is ensuring your pup remains healthy and achieves all growth milestones based on his age. However, some of the most overwhelming factors to crack through are size and weight. So, is your Lab puppy too small for his age? Your Lab puppy might be too small if it weighs less than 12 lbs 5. Lab puppies generally weigh about 2 lbs 1 kg with every week of growth. If your puppy weighs a lot less than that, he may be too small for his age. If you're worried that your pup might be too small for his age, you're in the right place. In this article, I'll outline Lab puppies' size and weight facts to help you understand where your young canine friend stands. Keep reading! In this article How Much a Lab Puppy Should Weigh This is one of the most common concerns and one of the most challenging to address directly. This is because a puppy's weight and size may differ based on his gender, genetic composition, or underlying conditions. However, there's a trick that may help you determine your pup's weight range. In most cases, average puppies add about 2 lbs 1 kg with every week of growth. And just like the weight, Lab puppies have different sizes. You may notice a huge size variance in a litter of Lab puppies. Some may appear too big or too small for their age. Below are 3 factors that can affect a Lab puppy's size and weight. Genetic May Affect Size A canine's size is partially genetic. Therefore, a Lab puppy born of small parents may inherit the genes and appear smaller for his age. However, this isn't always the case because some small-parents puppies sometimes grow into huge dogs. So, it's possible to note a considerable size variance on puppies from the same litter. Diet Greatly Influences Weight A puppy's diet also has a lot to do with his size and weight. Poorly fed puppies may fail to grow properly. Thus they may be low in weight and small in size. When feeding puppies, it isn't always about the amount of food the pup consumes but rather the nutritional value. So, to be on the safe side, it's advisable to consult your vet on the right foods for your pup based on his age. Health Problems Can Inhibit Growth Puppies that have been ill or have underlying conditions may portray slow growth. Their size and weight may be small compared to healthy pups within the same age limit. However, you shouldn't worry about this because such puppies often catch up later after recovery. Note that this chart only gives a weight limit, and it doesn't mean your puppy should weigh precisely that. It's only meant to help you protect your pup's weight and easily point out when he's seriously under or overweight. When do labs Stop Growing? Labs need to fill out more than smaller breeds as they are medium to large-sized dogs. Usually, an average Lab will be at full height and weight by their first birthday. Is Your Labrador Retriever Healthy? Labrador Retrievers are the perfect family pet. Not only are Labs wonderful companions, but their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and love for life make them ideal members of any household. The best way to guarantee that happiness? Preventative care! This condition can cause pain and make it difficult for your pup to move freely. Due to CHD, they may also develop arthritis in the hip area as they age. Some dogs with CHD have normal hips as puppies, but they can develop joint instability later in life. Unfortunately, CHD affects medium to large dog breeds, with the Lab amongst those dogs with a higher chance of developing this condition. Recognizing the early signs of this progressive disease will help you get treatment for your dog so he has an active life filled with joy instead of pain or discomfort. An old Labrador Retriever is especially prone to developing this disease. Osteoarthritis, or Degenerative Joint Disease DJD , is a progressive inflammation of the joints caused by deterioration and breakdown in cartilage. This action leads to an increase in friction, which causes significant pain for dogs. In cases of osteoarthritis, this cartilage cushion begins to break down because of factors such as age or injury. If a dog has canine atopic dermatitis, the immune system reacts too strongly to common environmental allergens absorbed through the skin, such as mold spores and grass. A dog with atopic dermatitis will typically show signs and symptoms between 3 months to 6 years of age. Labrador Retrievers are amongst the most common dog breeds to develop food and skin allergies. Gastric Distention and Volvulus Bloat Canine bloat , or gastric distention and volvulus GDV , is a condition where the stomach swells abnormally. Bloat is a serious condition that requires immediate emergency care. Dogs of all shapes and sizes can bloat, but some breeds are more susceptible than others. Unfortunately, Labradors are at the top of the list for susceptibility to this condition. The causes of bloat in Labs and other dogs are unknown, but there is likely a genetic element. Dogs who recover from bloating should never be used as breeding stock again. Got a Lab? Get Pet Insurance Coverage You love your dog like a child, but you cannot control what your puppy is dealt with in the genetics department. Health struggles can affect your Labrador Retriever, and his genes will determine what medical conditions or diseases he develops. What if cancer happens? What else might go wrong with your dog in an emergency that will require immediate attention? As a dog owner, you want to make sure that your Lab pup has the best chance possible at living a healthy and happy life. A pet insurance policy will handle any medical issue or expense which may come your way, which is a significant help, especially with how expensive veterinary bills can get. Get insurance quotes today and see for yourself how much better life will be with this coverage. Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. The Lab puppy weight chart shows you the average weight for male and female Labs every month from 2 months old, up until 12 months if you have a puppy Lab, check out our New Puppy Checklist to learn more about what to bring home for your first 24 hours and beyond. Doing so helps you and your veterinarian keep your puppy healthy. Are There Different Sizes of Labradors? Among the retriever breeds, the Labrador is one of the largest, where an adult male can top the scales at 80 pounds. Labrador Retrievers may differ in size due to individual variation and outside influences, such as the amount or type of food they eat, the amount or frequency of exercise they get, or underlying health conditions that may affect appetite or growth. But overall, a retriever should ideally hit a 5 out of 9 on the body condition score, regardless of the actual weight number on a scale. A healthy size Labrador has an evident abdominal tuck and observable waist, viewed from both the side and top of the dog. The AKC considers Lab puppies to be in adulthood when they reach 12 to 18 months of age, though there are outliers — those who grow faster or slower, reaching maturity either before 1 year old or not until 2 years old. Like other large dog breeds, Labs go through multiple stages of puppyhood until they reach adulthood. The average height for Labrador puppies is largely unknown due to insufficient data, but the average adult Labrador Retriever gets to be about inches tall at the shoulder. These numbers are contingent on the puppy receiving top-notch care, good nutrition, and appropriate levels of exercise. Different factors, such as health, breeding practices, and nutrition, may alter these estimated numbers. The below Labrador weight calculator can help you determine approximately how big your Labrador will be. But there are dogs who will fall outside of these parameters. The Waltham Petcare Science Institute offers puppy growth charts for veterinarians to use with their clients. You can also learn more about the ideal size and weight at different ages for different breeds with our Goldendoodle growth chart , a Golden Retriever size chart , Great Dane growth chart , or Chihuahua size chart. For that advice, consult your veterinarian. Labrador puppy weight. It can be hard to know what the right weight is for your specific pup. An American Lab is likely to weigh less than an English Lab in general, but not always! How much do Labs weigh in general? Male Labradors weigh between 60lbs and 80lbs, while females weigh in at between 55lbs and 75lbs. But many healthy Labradors fall outside these averages. As you can see, there is quite a range! Labrador Puppy Weight Lots of our readers want to know how much should my Labrador weigh at this age or that age. Labrador puppies are growing fast, and their weight is constantly changing. We used the data from our forum to create the Lab weight chart below. If you want a rough idea of how much your pup should weigh at different stages of their young life, just compare them to this chart and see how they match up. But remember, average Labrador weight is not totally straight forward… Average Labrador Weight Labradors come in a wide variety of sizes. So average Labrador Retriever weight figures can be misleading. As a very rough guide an adult female Labrador might weigh between 55 and 70lbs. An adult male Lab will weigh 65 — 80lbs. Female Lab weight will on average be lower than male Lab weight, but as you can see there is a considerable cross over. But Labradors also come in a couple of different types, and his type will have an impact upon his ideal Labrador weight. English Labs bred from show lines are likely to be at the upper end of the scale. You can expect English Lab weight to be around 60 — 70 lbs for a female and 70 — 80 lbs for a male. Some of our chunkier, show bred Labs can be a good twenty pounds or more heavier than their field bred cousins, without necessarily being overweight. Whereas the American Lab who is field bred is likely to be at the lower end of average. Volume for volume, muscle weighs more. So it is worth bearing in mind, that a very fit dog will have more muscle and may weigh more than an unfit dog of similar dimensions. Black Lab Weight In theory there should be no difference in weight between Labradors of different colors. Black Labrador weight for an English black Lab will probably be at the higher end of the range, for an American black Lab it will likely be lower. Black Labs are frequently found in both these categories, but some Lab colors differ. For example the chocolates. Chocolate Lab Weight Chocolate Labs are more likely to be show bred than field bred. English Labs weigh more than American Labs in general, and may therefore be at the higher end of average when it comes to weight. This is because yellow Labs are commonly found in both categories. White Labs are more likely to be English Labs, and will therefore probably be at the heavier end of the scale. Fox red Labs are normally American Labs, and will often be thinner in build and therefore lighter in weight. The way to effectively judge whether your Lab is at an ideal weight is not through the scales. It is by feel and appearance. You should not be able to see ribs, but if you press firmly along his sides you should just be able to feel your fingers bumping along them. But in most cases it really is not necessary to weigh your puppy every day, or even every week! Any more than you would weigh your three year old child on a daily or even weekly basis. There are however, some exceptions. Very thin puppies Occasionally we have people post up about puppies that are desperately underweight and clearly failing to thrive. Most of these comments come from people that have purchased puppies that are not ready to leave their mothers, and should not have been sold by the breeder. Some of these puppies are as young as three weeks old. If you have inadvertently been sucked into this horrible trade in underage puppies, do contact a vet for help with feeding your puppy, as a matter of urgency. If you are concerned that your puppy might be seriously underweight, again, your vet is the first port of call. As a very rough guide, many Labrador puppies will weigh around a kilo for every week of their lives. So you would expect a ten week puppy to weigh something in the region of ten kilos or around twenty-two pounds. A twenty percent variation around this would be fairly normal. If your puppy falls outside this variation he may still be perfectly healthy, but if you are inexperienced, a check with the vet is a good way to put your mind at rest. Should I Weigh My Dog? You may need to weigh your dog if he needs medical treatment. Determining the appropriate dose of some drugs requires that we know the exact weight of the patient. But in this case your veterinarian will probably do it for you at their check-ups and assessments. The main reasons to weigh a dog are loss or gain. Trying to put weight on a very thin puppy? You may want to check your progress with regular weigh-ins for a while to make sure they are sufficiently gaining weight. Trying to help your adult Labrador weight decrease? Checking their weight each week will help you to know that you are succeeding, along with visual checks. How to weigh a dog If you need to weigh a puppy, and he is small enough to hold in your arms, you can do this at home. Just weigh yourself on the bathroom scales without him, then weigh yourself again whilst holding the dog, and subtract the first weight from the second. This is accurate enough for most purposes. Larger dogs will need to be weighed on purpose built scales. Most vet surgeries have one in the waiting room, and some pet stores have them too. Really tiny dogs can be weighed accurately on a good sized set of kitchen scales. For once, this is a situation where appearances really do count. Try to get into the habit of looking at your dog objectively and of avoiding comparing with other dogs, many of whom will be overweight. You may find that some other dog owners will tell you your nice slim Labrador is actually too thin. This happens a lot, largely because people are simply getting used to so many dogs being overweight, including some of those receiving the highest accolades in our show rings. Again, if you are worried, check with your vet, but the chances are if someone is telling you this that actually your dog is healthy, and it is really their dog who is overweight. Possible Common Thus, a black or yellow Labrador can belong to either breed. It is more likely for chocolate or white Labrador to belong to the English Labrador breed, and it is more likely for a fox red Labrador to belong to the American breed. Singe English Labradors frequently weigh more than American Labradors; these colors may give insight into heritage lines and reasons for differentiating weights. Physical Condition Even though these figures are universal amongst Labradors, it can be challenging to decide whether your Labrador is healthy solely based on weight. Fitness and physical capacities will have a considerable influence on whether or not their weight is healthy. Many Labradors may be over or under the healthy weight range, but they may be fit and active. This means they may weigh less due to being lean and toned without much body fat, or they may weigh more due to increased muscle mass. To assess the health of your Labrador , their weight will need to be compared with their fitness levels as well. Labrador Gender Weight Differences Generally speaking, male Labradors weigh more than female Labradors since males grow faster and typically grow larger than females would. While Labrador puppies may have similar figures on the scale at very young ages, their average weight may begin to diverge as they draw closer to the cusp of adulthood. Average Labrador Puppy Weight Irrespective of the breed and gender, ensuring a healthy weight as your Lab ages will rely on observation and care from a very young age. Weight is typically very similar during this time irrespective of differentiation, affecting their average healthy weight ranges into adulthood. They should be gaining approximately 2lbs per week up until they are 6 months old. Once Labrador puppies reach adolescence, inherent differentiations will begin to affect their average weight, after which owners will need to assess their weight maintenance according to their breed and gender. However, gender plays a prominent role in determining healthy weight in maturing Labrador puppies, and males typically weigh more and grow faster than females. Owners will need to ensure that their weight is maintained through exercise and adequate dietary compositions. Nutrition, physical activity, and a balanced diet will all play a role in supporting a healthy weight as they grow into full adult Labradors. How much should a Purebred Lab weigh? Purebred Labradors still experience a diverse range concerning their weight. However, numerous purebred Labrador owners have come together and created an average healthy weight range from adolescence to adulthood, based on experience with their fit and healthy purebred Labradors whether male or female. Labrador Age months.

Puppy Breeds The well-conditioned middleweight athlete of dogdom, the Boxer is a powerful dog with an intelligent and alert expression. While they are instinctive guardians, the Boxer loves to be with his people. This personality has allowed them to succeed as couriers during war time and as seeing-eye dogs for the blind. Appearing in both fawn and brindle colors, the Boxer currently ranks as one of the most popular dogs in the United States according to AKC Registration Statistics. History Developed in Germany in the 19th century, Boxers were originally used for dog fighting and to run down and hold large game such as wild boar and bison until the hunter could arrive. The breed is known for standing up on its hind legs and batting at its opponent, appearing to box with its front paws. Imported to America after World War I, they began to grow in popularity in the late s. Temperament One of the breeds most notable characteristics is its desire for human affection, especially from children. The Boxer requires little grooming, but needs daily exercise. The Boxer gets along great with children, often protecting them from outside threats. The are also very intelligent, therefor easy to train and housebreak. Working Group; AKC recognized in .Large game hunter, guard and companion dog. ALL our dogs reside in foster homes in TX. Please fill out an adoption application at haydudeeqine. I am on the prowl for my fur-ever home now since I was found abandoned at the neighborhood doggie park. I'm not sure what I did that was so bad to just leave me there cuz I'm really a very good girl. They think I'm around 2 years old and weigh in at about 30lbs. I am house trained, calm and obedient. I try my best not to make any extra work for my foster mommy. I absolutely adore kids, they are just the next best thing since milkbones in my book. I do very well with other pups too! My ideal home would have a nice big fenced backyard that comes already stocked with playful siblings hopefully both the 2 and 4 legged variety to chase around stealing.At 30lbs I'm at that great size to accompany an active family on all their outdoor activities. I'd love to go with you on nature hikes or camping in the wilderness. I'd even make a great cheering section if any of 'our' kids are on a sports team! Both breeds of my hairytage are known to make great loyal family additions.

Lifespan Sociability The English Bullweiler is a rarer hybrid breed, and his size means that he is not one of the most popular breeds. This means that it can be difficult to find reputable breeders, but it also means that examples of this breed do not cost as much as a lot of other breeds. Bad breeders gave Rottweilers a bad reputation. They bred the dog for his aggressive looks and his ability to fight, and this resulted in a lot of bad press for the breed. Much work has been undertaken to undo this bad reputation, but some people are still wary of owning this type of dog. Unfortunately, bad breeders do still exist, so you need to be careful that you get your Bullweiler from a reputable source. Conduct research on any breeder that you are considering. While it is true that a puppy will not necessarily display the same characteristics of his parents, it is also true that bad breeders tend to keep dogs in poor condition, and this will have an effect on the dog later in life. English Bullweilers can be tricky to train, and they grow up to be large dogs, larger than the Bulldog. As such, some examples of this breed do end up being abandoned, which means that they can be found in shelters. Adopting a rescue dog means that you should meet the dog as often as possible before taking him home. This will allow you to determine his character and temperament and should ensure you get a good dog. The English Bullweiler is not a vocal dog. Some breeds are known for being vocal dogs, barking and whining at any noise or movement. The English Bullweiler is not such a breed. He is a quiet dog that will only really make a noise when playing or when he senses a threat to him or his family. This breed also tends to make a bit of noise when sleeping but, if your Bullweiler does bark, it tends to mean that something really is up, and it is worth investigating. This quiet nature means that some owners mistakenly believe that he is a good fit for apartment living. However, his size and his high energy requirements mean that he is only really suited to living in a house with plenty of room, and ideally with an outdoor yard where he can run around and burn off energy. The bulldog has a very distinctive look and there are few breeds that look similar. They were bred to be short and stocky so that they were difficult for bulls to launch into the air. Being launched led to injuries and usually meant that the dog was unable to continue the fight. They have loose skin because this prevented the bull from being able to latch on and allowed the dog to get away from their horns and teeth. Even the wrinkles on their face served a purpose, channeling blood away from their eyes so that they were not blinded during a fight. While this almost led to the extinction of the bull-baiting bulldog , the breed was eventually saved because it displayed sought after characteristics that made it a highly sought-after family pet. Rottweilers are exceptional rescue dogs. However, they nearly became extinct after their jobs were naturally taken by trains and the introduction of the railroad. Today, they have been rebranded. They are considered friendly, playful, and loving family dogs, and their qualities make them an exceptional breed for rescue operations. They were used in New York to the Twin Towers site where their tenacity, agility, and strength meant that they were highly effective at finding survivors, moving rubble, and saving people. They are also used as police dogs, service dogs, and armed forces dogs around the world because of these same qualities. Today, they are considered friendly and lovable dogs that are great for families and make loving companions. Known for being fun, the Bullweiler can be a bit goofy and is described as having a good sense of humor. He is always ready to play and can brighten up your day in an instant. He is eager to protect his family and is always alert. He will let you know of any intruders, although this does make early socialization an important facet of ownership. This will help teach him the difference between friendly and unwanted strangers, and it will ensure that he welcomes visitors. Are These Dogs Good for Families? He is patient with children, although his size means that he will need training to ensure that he is respectful of the distance that very small children require. This is especially important because his Rottweiler parent is known as a leaner. He leans against his human companions as a sign of his love and devotion. If he were to lean against a small child, he would knock them over and squash them. He is inquisitive, so he will want to meet and regularly greet all of his family members, but he is incredibly respectful of smaller animals. He is energetic and bright, although he can be a challenge to train, requiring a lot of patience. He also has a distinctive look and plenty of character. Before taking one of this breed, there are several factors that you should be aware of. This should be fed in two or three sittings, and you should pick up any food that is left after each meal. This breed can put on a lot of extra weight, so you do need to take care that you only feed the desired amount and avoid leaving food down all day. As your dog ages, he is likely to lose some of his bounding energy. At this point, his dietary requirements will also drop, and you should either move to a lower calorie food or feed less to stop him getting overweight or obese. You should expect to have to provide a lot of exercise on a regular basis. He will benefit from two long walks a day, and he will appreciate time outdoors. As well as being energetic, this hybrid breed can be very bouncy and athletic. You should try and prevent him from jumping too high when he is young because this can cause developmental, joint, and bone problems. When he is older, however, he will enjoy agility type classes and exercise, if you can convince him to follow the right path around the course. If you enjoy walking, hiking, or running, the Bullweiler is the perfect companion. The Bullweiler is one breed that definitely benefits from having his own outdoor space. Let him run around the yard, chase a ball, and generally enjoy the outdoors. He is very intelligent, though, so if your dog is eager to please, he will train easily. If he is headstrong, you will still be able to train him, but it will take patience and may take longer to teach new commands and habits. Early socialization should be considered an important aspect of owning this breed. Although he will naturally bond with all members of the family, he can be wary and distrustful of strangers. Although he does shed, he is not a heavy shedder and his short hair is easy to sweep up when it does happen. Weekly brushing will help remove dead and shed hair, which prevents matting and keeps him looking his best. His size does mean that brushing can take some time, but he will appreciate the bonding experience. You should only bathe your Bullweiler when absolutely necessary. Too frequent bathing can strip his fur of the natural protective oils that it possesses. And it will probably be challenging anyhow, due to his size and potentially stubborn nature. If you can hear them click on hard floors, it is time to get the clippers out. If you start clipping nails from a young age, your dog will respond better to the procedure when he is older. If you struggle, consult a local groomer or ask your local vet to do it for you. With that said, you will need to keep an eye out for the conditions that both parent breeds are prone to. With the English Bullweiler, you will need to look for symptoms and signs of the following conditions: Minor Conditions. Rottbull Description The English Bullweiler is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the English Bulldog and the Rottweiler. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in any of the breeds in the hybrid. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. He has tremendous personality and is a handsome boy. Very intelligent, a derivative of his Rottweiler breed and also very ornery like most Bulldogs. He is very active, but also loves to snuggle up with mom and dad. She now weighs 25 pounds and goes to get spayed next week. She is a bundle of energy and is the typical bull in a china shop. She is a real sweetie pie and is a real people dog. Wherever I go she has to be there. He is the brother of Candie. His name is Sampson and he is a very dominant dog. He tries to hold other dogs down on the ground and not let them up. He sleeps with my sister. He is kept outdoors during the day and in at night. These dogs have a full-blooded white female bulldog as their mom and a full-blooded Rottie for a dad. He looks more like a Rott. Sampson the English Bullweiler as a newborn puppy. Black, brown, tan, red, white Suitable for: Watchdog duties, families with kids Temperament: Goofy, protective, amiable, watchful Large and affectionate, the Bullweiler will brighten your life and give you the best snuggles. These goofy pups are super fun playmates, too. So, if you have children to consider, you might want to read more. 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. Even if neither parent is registered or guaranteed to be purebred, many try to breed and sell pups for profit. If the breeder seems suspicious, the puppies have a poor living condition, or the parents seem aggressive—steer clear. These are signals of backyard breeding, which no one should contribute to—even if you feel sorry for the poor, defenseless puppies. You might get lucky and find an awesome Bullweiler at a local shelter or rescue awaiting their forever home. This combination makes them perfect for couch cuddles and protection all in one. Bullweilers will drown you with affection. They simply love their humans and show their loyalty and devotion at every turn. Bullweilers are moderately intelligent and very receptive to emotions. Their constant need for acceptance makes them attentive in training, so basic commands should transfer without much headache. Bullweilers might exhibit some territorial tendencies, as both parent breeds might be sensitive to intruders—both human and critter. These traits make for excellent watchdogs, but you might need to exercise caution in certain circumstances. Are These Dogs Good for Families? These dogs have moderate activity levels, making them average maintenance. A few interactive games and a quick walk will suffice. This makes the breed ideal for people who want a rather low maintenance do g. They tend to be very amicable and friendly but might be initially suspicious of newcomers. They will assess them first before warming up. Early socialization is a handy tactic to get your pup used to new faces. These dogs also bond very well with children, being doting and gentle. Since they are so large, they might knock down small kids. These dogs do best with children roughly 6 years of age and older. Due to their muscular, large physiques, they might not work well for seniors. Other pets can be a hit and miss when it comes to the Bullweiler. Some might snooze with the family cat or make best friends with the senior dog. Others might be aloof, territorial, or aggressive with other dogs—especially of the same gender. So, early socialization is necessary. Cats and smaller pets can also be a toss-up. Tiny critters like hamsters and parakeets should stay out of reach at all times. Your dog might mistake the cute fluffy pets for squeaker toys. You can offer dry kibble, wet food, or a combination but be mindful of portions. These dogs are known to have hefty appetites and have a tendency to gain weight. Because of their skin folds and poor breeding over the decades, English Bulldogs are prone to skin allergies. If your pooch shows signs of irritation, you might see your veterinarian for guidance. They will likely try food trials for your dog to narrow the triggering ingredient. Once you have pinpointed the issue, you can eliminate it for good. Allergies or no allergies, try to steer clear of any food containing corn, wheat, or soy fillers—also, no harmful dyes, chemicals, or preservatives. Whole proteins are always best and should ideally be the first ingredient. Since the Bullweiler is brachycephalic, you might try tilted or shallow bowls to standard ones for easy eating. Both parents approach exercise differently. The Rottie enjoys strenuous exercise and tends to be more active than the Bulldog parent. Bulldogs are a bit lazier and tucker out quicker—mainly because of breathing troubles. Since your pup might be a little sensitive to prolonged intervals of exercise, try morning and evening walks with light interactive games. Be mindful of extremely hot temperatures. Both dogs are very sensitive to heat and might have adverse health problems because of it. In total, your Bullweiler should have at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This breed is not an agility dog that can navigate obstacle courses and climb trees. This dog prefers a much more relaxed approach to training. This breed is incredibly food motivated, so let that work in your favor. However, boys especially can be stubborn. So, you might have to learn bribery to get them to behave. Because they develop deep wrinkles, the bacterial buildup can collect in their folds, causing irritation or infection. In addition to skin fold cleaning, your dog will need a bath roughly every 6 weeks. You can follow up bath time with nail clipping, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. Coat length and texture might differ a bit, depending on the stronger parent. But a daily brushing should help to keep their fur debris-free and lustrous. Rottweilers have their share of problems, too—like a strong inclination to various cancers. Because of the likelihood of health issues, annual vet visits are paramount in their entire adult lives. Early detection or prevention can be lifesavers in certain circumstances. Minor Conditions Allergies —these dogs can suffer from dietary and environmental allergies. Reverse Sneezing —this condition causes dogs to have fits where they suck air inward rather than sneezing outward. Cherry Eye —this condition is a prolapse of eyelid glands. Serious Conditions Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome —this condition causes airway abnormalities that make breathing difficult and can be life-threatening in certain circumstances. Cancer —both parent breeds are prone to various canine cancers. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia —these conditions cause deterioration of the joints, leading to bone rubbing. To combat any issues, make sure you take your dog to the vet for annual checkups to get ahead of problems. Male vs Female Every single dog, regardless of gender, is lovely and unique. But certain traits lean toward one or the other. Physically speaking, males are generally larger and broader than females. However, because this hybrid breed has a varying size proportion between parents, this might not always be the case. Boys tend to be more goofy, lovable, and slower to mature. They might also be likelier to exhibit dog aggression, especially in same-sex pairs. Dominance is a huge issue with most males, and you will have to proceed with caution. Females tend to be gentle protectors with a more subtle approach. They might also be likelier to bond intensely to one person over all others. The ladies might be a little more reserved around strangers than their male counterparts. They, too, might exhibit same-sex dog aggression. Both Parents of the Bullweiler Are Brachycephalic Breeds Brachycephalic dogs are all too familiar—short shouted pooches with adorable wrinkles. But with their special skull shape comes unique problems. Since both parent breeds carry this trait, your pooch might encounter breathing problems like brachycephalic airway syndrome. No One Knows the Exact Origin of the Bullweiler No one knows just when this breed surfaced, but speculators think it might have been in the s. During this period, many breed cross experimentation started, giving us many designer dogs we know and love today. This is such an exciting time for you and your family, bringing home a brand new addition. Just make sure that your puppy is healthy, and the breeder you select has a long history of successful litters. Because this is technically a mixed breed, you may very well find this combination in a shelter or rescue. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too — Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature she finds. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are cats and dogs.Read more Advertisement. Life Span Did You Know? They are sometimes also called an English Rottbull. Although a mixed-breed dog can take on any combination of characteristics from their parents, an English Bullweiler tends to be a large, loyal, and playful sweetheart that loves their families. The American Kennel Club may not recognize the English Bullweiler, but other notable dog organizations do. Although this puppy grows into a large, strong, and muscular dog, they are an affectionate sweetheart that is devoted to their families. They tend to be loving and sweet with a playful personality. English Bullweilers tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Because they grow to be large dogs, they can easily knock over young children in their excitement. So, you will want to teach your dog and your children how to interact appropriately and also supervise any playtime. They are naturally wary and initially suspicious of strangers because of their guardian instincts, but they tend to warm up once they have been introduced. They can be prone to barking, especially if they are bored. But, if you do some work early on to train your dog to stop barking , you can keep it from becoming a nuisance behavior. The English Bullweiler is a highly adaptable dog breed. They tend to thrive in larger homes with room for them to run. But, they can adapt well to apartments too as long as they get enough attention, exercise, and mental stimulation. They will grow into a large dog, so you do want to keep that in mind if you live in a smaller apartment. Although having a Rottweiler in the cross may help, an English Bullweiler is still likely to be considered a brachycephalic dog. This means they are particularly sensitive to heat and can overheat more easily than non-brachycephalic dogs. They do relatively well in cooler climates. Although they can handle some alone time, they love being around you and thrive on attention. So, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, but they could also inherit any combination of them or even all of them from one or both of the parents. For an English Bullweiler, potential health conditions to be aware of include elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and entropion. They can also be prone to developing allergies. Reputable breeders will be screening their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues on to puppies. You can also ask to see any health clearances or results from tests that have been done. An English Bullweiler is intelligent and eager to please. They can pick up on things quickly, but they can also be bull-headed and stubborn. This stubborn streak can be difficult for first-time dog owners to navigate alone, so puppy training classes are recommended. Puppy training classes tend to be a good idea regardless of owner experience. Not only do they help keep training consistent and strengthen the bond you have with a puppy, but they also often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. English Bullweilers have a short coat that sheds moderately year-round. Brushing them a few times a week with a comb and a rubber curry brush is the minimum. Daily brushing is even better and can help contain the shedding. Bathing is on an occasional as-needed basis, but is recommended every 6 to 8 weeks. These dogs will also tend to drool. So, you may want to have a cloth on-hand to help wipe up occasionally. You will also need to check and wipe their face wrinkles with a damp cloth to help prevent their skin from getting irritated. Although an English Bullweiler is an energetic, athletic, and playful dog, they are not a high-energy dog breed. They tend to sit in a more moderate range. Daily walks plus playtime and some time to run are usually enough for this dog. But, they love to be with you and enjoy being active, so they will likely be up for more activity if you are. Just make sure English Bullweiler puppies finish growing and developing before you take on more intense or high-impact activities. For large dog breeds, this tends to be around 2 years old. Your vet can help you determine when your individual dog has finished growing and their bones and joints have finished developing. A fully-grown English Bullweiler usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. An English Bullweiler generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any English Bullweiler puppies available, but we can alert you when new English Bullweiler puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds.

Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile dog breeds in the world. They are strong willed and highly intelligent with a very playful spirit. These qualities make them a wonderful family pet. German Shepherds can be a bit wary of strangers and other animals, so early socialization is very important. German Shepherds are born protectors. They will give their families a great sense of security, while their loving and lively personality will make them true companions. German Shepherds are also quite adaptable. They are police dogs, military service dogs, guide dogs for special needs individuals, and of course they still retain their herding instincts. German Shepherds love to run around the yard with children and adults, playing daily games of fetch, and any other physical activities enjoyed by their family. When choosing the sex of a German Shepherd, it is good to keep in mind that males are more protective of their surroundings and females are more protective of their family. Overall, the German Shepherd combines the best qualities of all breeds into one - loyal, dedicated, attentive and courageous.

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Tulsa Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Tulsa? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Tulsa? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. I used to have a loving home. My owner and I were the best of friends. We lived a more simple life and that was just fine with me. .I was perfectly content with my life. I had a home, a person, and a routine that I was familiar with.I never imagined that I would one day end up in need of a new family. I thought I had found the family that I would spend the rest of my life with. Life has a funny way of throwing curve balls your way though. My owner ended up having to move, and sadly I wasn't allowed to go with them. My owner ended up leaving me with family, but they were not able to keep me either as they had their own animals. They reached out to PPFT for help in placing me, and thankfully I ended up having a foster family step up for me! This was my 3rd time switching homes in a short time period and I was quite nervous when I first entered my foster home. I felt so defeated. I had lost everything I had ever known twice now and had no idea what was going to happen to me. My foster family and the pets in the home have done a wonderful job at welcoming me home though, and I have really started to open up. I am a big boy and weigh around 94lbs. Apparently, I stand to lose a few pounds but given how much I love food.I don't know how likely that is to happen! If I see an opportunity to snatch some food off the table or out of the trash.I will do so before you even realize what happened! For some reason, this is frowned upon so my new family should make sure the trash can has a lock on it or is put up and that there is no food left on the counter. I am not really into exercise. That is probably another reason I am a bit on the "fluffy" side. I really enjoy naps and lounging around the house. I am not someone who is into always going places and getting their sweat on.Walks would be okay as long as they aren't too long and the weather is nice out. I am not a fan of this heat and have no desire to stay outside longer than I have to. The good news is that I have impeccable house manners.But let's not focus on that part. Let's focus on the part where I am potty trained, haven't been a chewer, and can be trusted to free-roam the house! I have no experience being kenneled and would prefer a family that won't kennel me either since it simply isn't necessary for me. I have canine companions in my foster home and do well with them. Now, I am not a player so don't get in hopes of becoming besties with your very energetic pup. I prefer to keep to myself when it comes to the other dogs and seem indifferent to them. If my family was home a lot, I believe I would love getting to be the only dog. However, I would also be just as happy having doggie companions as long as they were cool, calm, and collected like myself! I am also being fostered around cats and do well with them. I don't think I would be a match for a family that has younger kids as I do startle easily. Fast movements do startle me, and I do get nervous when I don't understand what you want me to do. Given that I am a large and independent male, I don't like being led by my collar either. Using a leash or treats are much more appealing to me if you want me to go somewhere with you. I will need a calm and gentle family that understands that I am an independent boy and don't want to be "coddled". Now with that said, I LOVE attention and being with my people but I am not a dog you can just run up to and smother in kisses and hugs as quick movements spook me. I like gentle pets and loving. This is to help ensure that it is not only a good fit for you, but for me as well. I am being fostered in Kiowa, OK. If you have fallen in love with me and are out of state, how about a road trip? PPFT doesn't send us on commercial transports. I bet you thought that was the end of things, huh? Well, it just so happens that I would like to share what my foster mom says about me "Happie is a laid-back and easygoing boy. He does well with other dogs and cats but is indifferent to both. I don't think he cares if they are there or not. He has excellent house manners, has not been destructive, and is potty trained. He likes to come up on the couch and cuddle sometimes, but he is not a super affectionate dog. He respects your space and isn't pushy about attention but melts into you when you do pet him. Happie flinches at fast movements and sometimes becomes easily nervous so he will need a calm and patient family. A home that has a lot of activity going on or is really noisy wouldn't be a good fit for him. He would do best with a more laid-back family with older kids that know to go slow and be gentle with him. He doesn't like being grabbed and led by the collar either, so his new family should use a leash if they want him to go somewhere with them. As mentioned above he does become nervous and unsure what to do when he doesn't know what you are asking of him. Happie is the one for you! Happie would do best in a quieter more laid-back home. He would love being an only dog, but would also do just fine if his new home had calmer dogs. Hope to see you apply for me!

We are an Australian Labradoodle breeder, breeding only the finest Australian Labradoodle puppies. Our Australian Labradoodles are outstanding in every way. They not only have regal beauty but soulful natures and outstanding temperaments that are consistent within our pooches. Read More Our years of dedication to breeding selection with an emphasis on conformation, health, temperament, and overall regal beauty are evident in all our Australian Labradoodles. Since , all our breeding dogs were handpicked by me from the finest Australian and American lines. The following colors of Australian Labradoodle puppies with beautiful non-shedding coats can be found here: Red, Apricot, Cream, Carmel, Chocolate, and Black; other colors and patterns available on occasion. It was an honor to serve as President for our breed an organization from to .Prior to that from to I served in various committees as well as the Vice President. We are proud to go to such great lengths to health test ALL our breeding stock! We are honored to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau and offer their seal of approval. You are truly getting the cream of the crop when you purchase one of our precious pampered pooches. Enjoy our website and if at any time you have any additional questions feel free to contact us through our Contact Us page. Be sure to follow us and keep up on the latest news! We started with Bulldogs which is still a great love of ours. Unfortunately in my husband and our son Grant developed terrible allergies, it left us looking and researching a new breed. We started researching other dog breeds that were hypoallergenic or allergy-friendly. We fell in love with the majestic beauty and regal elegance of the Labradoodle and purchased our first breeding Labradoodle in .The minute we saw them it was love at first sight. Here you will find general information on the Australian Labradoodle breed including size, coat, and coat types. Australian Labradoodles are very loving, social, highly trainable and excellent companion dogs with majestic beauty that compares to no other. Their eagerness to please and smart, soulful nature makes them perfect for therapy work or a perfect family pet. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Paso Robles California and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

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

The poodle's bright demeanor and people-pleasing nature make him an excellent pal for humans and peacekeeper among other pets. Standard poodles are the most athletic and agile of all the poodle types , and they take quickly to training. Poodles also have the privilege of being low odor and among the least-shedding of all coated dogs. So they're pretty much perfect, right? Not so fast. The timid poodle can border on neurotic at times, and he's easily stressed out by noise and any amount of chaos or conflict. Poodles can also be time-consuming and expensive to groom. But if you can deal with these quirks, you'll be rewarded with a loyal, lively pet who loves to make you happy. Appearance Poodles are known for their curly coat, long pointed nose, and small dark eyes. They're also famously associated with one of the most ornate dog grooming styles ever—the topiary continental clip, which leaves curly pom-poms of hair carefully shaped around the joints and chest. Those unfamiliar with poodles might be surprised to find that the flamboyant continental clip is largely seen only on show dog poodles—family pet poodles usually go with the more subtle sporting clip, which is a short and fuss-free style. You'll most often find poodles with white, black, or brown coats, but they exist in a wide range of shades from apricot to silver. Miniature poodles are between 10—15 inches, and toy poodles are under 10 inches. Standard poodles can weigh between 50—70 pounds, with female dogs tending to weigh less than the male ones. The standard is the largest and strongest of all the three poodle types. Temperament Poodles are loyal, smart, and playful. And while they're friendly pups, they will bark to alert you to any noises or visitors. The breed's response to unfamiliar faces can range from friendly and engaging to shy and reserved. These highly intelligent dogs also seem to have a sense for reading their owners' body language and expressions, making them intuitive companions. Their sensitivity doesn't stop there; they're also prone to getting pretty emotional themselves. Poodles are hypersensitive pooches who can be easily startled by touch or sound, so watch out for bouts of anxiety. These happy, high-strung animals love to romp around, bounce, run, and play nearly non-stop as puppies and young dogs. But their activity levels do change with maturity, and you can expect them to calm down a bit between 18 months and 2 years of age. Standard poodles are also generally more calm than miniature and toy poodles. Living Needs Poodles need tons of exercise and opportunity for movement, so access to a spacious fenced-in yard is ideal. If you don't have a big backyard to offer your pup, make sure you make plenty of time for walks and visits to the dog park or another pet-safe open area for them to run and play. If you're a nature-lover, a poodle is a great pick. They're naturally adventurous and love the water , so they make excellent outdoor companions. Try not to spend too much time away; this curly companion thrives on time spent with his people and poodles can develop separation anxiety issues if he doesn't get enough attention. They're gentle and polite with kids , but because of their hypersensitive nature they can be easily overwhelmed by small, loud children and will need time to decompress. Poodles are better suited for families with older or no children. Similarly, if your home is often chaotic, noisy, or conflict-prone, your peaceful poodle may develop some anxiety issues. Poodles much prefer and appreciate a calm, quiet living arrangement. Care The poodle is the original "hypoallergenic" dog breed thanks to his single-layer coat that doesn't shed much though remember that no dog is percent hypoallergenic. If you or someone in your family suffers from dog allergies, a poodle could be the pup for you! But heads up: His coat, low-shedding as it may be, requires a lot of attention. And, even if they are taking the dog to a groomer, they will still need to keep up with daily needs, including brushing. Most owners have their poodle's coat cut to one short length, in a grooming style known as the sporting clip. Poodles who are left with their manes to grow need meticulous daily brushing —once their curly coats become matted, the only solution is to shave them down and start over. Unless you're taking up the clippers and teaching yourself to groom your poodle, you'll need frequent grooming appointments. It's an expense you'll want to keep in mind when considering adding a poodle to the family. Poodles are extremely active, athletic dogs who need plenty of daily exercise and love long walks. They're up for adventure and love to stay busy, so it won't be hard to keep them moving. Most poodles love to swim, and swimming can be an excellent workout for your curly cutie. They also love playing fetch and can get some of that abundant energy out chasing after balls and sticks in the backyard. Thanks to their high intelligence and people-pleasing nature, poodles are fairly easy to train and enjoy making their humans happy. Keep training upbeat and encouraging, with lots of praise and consistency to get your eager-to-please poodle in his groove. Relative to other breeds, the poodle is easy to potty train. It also often leads to a dog who enjoys learning and wants to participate in other activities," Hunter Mayer says. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate recommendations for dog food brands and ingredients, how much and how often to feed your dog , and other dietary concerns. Health Poodles have a lifespan of 12—15 years and are generally healthy dogs. Additionally, reputable breeders routinely test breeding stock for health issues, so if you're taking care to research the breeder you're working with when picking a purebred dog, you should know the dog's lineage and what health problems if any run in the family. Standard poodles are also prone to contracting Addison's disease , an issue with the adrenal glands, as well as a life-threatening condition called bloat , which is an accumulation of gas or fluid in the dog's stomach. Keeping regularly scheduled veterinary appointments will help you stay up-to-date on your pup's health and well being. History The name "poodle" most likely comes from the word pudelin, a German-language reference to the breed's fondness for water, according to the AKC. The breed originated in Germany as duck-hunting, water retrieval dogs. The flamboyant continental clip haircut style that most associate with the poodle has functional origins. Because the dogs were jumping into freezing water to retrieve their owners' hunt prey and too much heavy hair would weigh down the dog, owners would strategically clip the fur on their limbs to give them freedom of movement while swimming, leaving longer hair near the dog's organs and joints to protect them in the cold water. Courtesy of Presidential Pet Museum The poodle's friendly temperament and lovable looks eventually caught the attention of members of French nobility, and the breed soon became popular throughout Europe. Poodles' natural elegance and trainability also made them the stars of many European circus acts. The standard poodle was eventually bred down to the miniature and toy poodles we also know and love today. In fact, the poodle is the only breed with three size classifications. Fun Facts The poodle is the national dog of France despite the breed originating in Germany. The French call the breed caniche, which means "duck dog. Was this page helpful? Life Span Did You Know? Although the Poodle is the national dog of France, they actually originated in Germany over years ago where they were commonly used as a duck hunter. Their curly coat protected them from the elements and they were bred for their excellent swimming skills, high intelligence, and incredible retrieval skills. The Poodle comes in three sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Throughout history, this dog breed has served many purposes. From living in the lap of luxury as companions to nobility to working out in the field as a valuable hunting companion to entertaining people in circuses around the world, the Poodle is right at home. Although they are more popular as a companion dog, the Poodle still maintains their athleticism and working dog instincts. Poodles are known for their intelligence, cheerful disposition, and sensitive nature. They are versatile dogs that make great family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their sensitive nature, they tend to be a better fit for older children who understand how to approach and interact with a dog appropriately. These dogs prefer peace and harmony in the household, so very young children that are too loud or rough can stress them out. The Standard Poodle also tends to be quite energetic until they are about two years old and may be prone to knock over small children in their excitement. Standard Poodles also tend to make great watchdogs and have some protective instincts. Without proper socialization, they can become skittish, nervous, and wary of strangers. Making sure any puppy is socialized early and often helps them grow into a confident, well-rounded dog. Standard Poodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their energy level tends to make them better-suited for larger homes with room for them to run. But, they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive the exercise, mental stimulation, and affection that they need. They tend to do well in most climates. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to very hot and very cold weather. These dogs are in-tune with their owners and thrive on human companionship and affection, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Poodles are a relatively healthy dog breed, but there are some potential health concerns to be aware of. Because of their larger, barrel-chested body type, the Standard Poodle is also at risk for bloat. Responsible breeders will screen and test their stock to ensure the genetic propensity for breed-related conditions is not passed along to the puppies. Poodles are highly intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please their owners. They are highly trainable, pick up things quickly, and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Because they are sensitive and in-tune with their owners, they respond best to consistent, positive training techniques focused on rewards and praise. Poodle coats are curly or corded and come in a wide variety of colors. Although Poodles are known for their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats, their coats still require a lot of maintenance. Keeping your Poodle in a short clip can help reduce daily maintenance, but still requires regular professional grooming every four to six weeks to maintain it. A longer coat requires daily brushing in order to prevent matting in addition to professional grooming every four to six weeks. Regular professional grooming often helps with this as nail trimming should be done monthly, at least, to keep nails from growing too long. Dental care for dogs , like brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, is essential to protecting them from painful dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You, your dog, and your groomer will thank you for it! Who knows? If you ensure these experiences stay positive, they could even become a bonding time that your dog enjoys. These are high energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation every day in order to be happy and healthy. They love to stay busy and may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, taking trips to the dog park , hiking with you, and more. They also tend to be a good fit for several dog sports, such as agility, dock diving, obedience, flyball, tracking, and more. A fully-grown Standard Poodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. They can be slightly smaller than the usual as the Standard size is denoted by being more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder. A Standard Poodle generally lives years. Featured Standard Poodle Article. See More Available Standard Poodle Puppies for Sale When our Standard Poodle puppies are born they are individually identified with a small bit of different colors of nail polish, applied to the rump for the males and between the shoulders for the females. We have found in the past 25 years this to be the safest method of identifying our babies. In the past we have tried using, yarn which could be ingested and cause a blockage in the puppy. From the day they are born and for the first three weeks, all our Standard Poodle puppies are weighed every day. This process lets us know that each puppy is healthy, because a puppy should gain weight every day at this young age. If there is any weight loss, it is a warning that something could be wrong. Every other day, we feed the four to eight week old puppies an appetizing mix of chicken broth and kibble. Any puppy slow to dive into this tempting treat is weighed and examined and watched closely for several days. The first sign of a puppy not feeling well, is a loss of appetite. Our Standard Poodle puppies are well socialized and are exposed to horses, four wheelers, golf cart rides, car rides and more. They have had their faces and tails trimmed, nails clipped and ears cleaned multiple times before they reach seven weeks. We use the Dr. It was developed by the military and featured in an article in the May issue of the AKC Gazette. We felt this was a very encompassing socialization program and soon incorporated it into our program. Our Standard Poodle puppies are accustomed to being inside in a smaller climate-controlled area at night and have access to the outside and a large grassy yard and play area all day by the use of a doggie door. All age appropriate vaccines and de-wormers are administered to our Standard Poodle puppies. When you take your Standard Poodle puppy home you will receive a sample of the food that we use. You will have lots of questions about what to do about grooming, feeding, crating and other things related to taking your Standard Poodle puppy home. You will also have our assistance available to you throughout the life of your puppy. We also offer our own personal ground delivery service. All through the years we have also had great success shipping our Standard Poodle puppies by plane to their new families. Please take the time to read the fees charged and how both the shipping and personal ground delivery process works. Below, you will first see individual Standard Poodle puppies that are ready for their forever home now. You will be able to view photos of the Standard Poodle puppies available and under each photo will be a link to the video of the Standard Poodle puppy in the photo. Next you will see the younger Standard Poodle puppies that will be ready for their forever homes in the near future. You will see a slideshow of the Dam and Sire of each litter as well as a video of the litter itself. The date of birth, available pick up and available shipping date of litter will be listed.

movie with golden retriever puppies - This decision is not made lightly by us or by you. There is no changing your mind after committing to your puppy. Typically the day comes when the litter is ready to go. Sometimes people are not ready or the color they prefer is not available. By having made the effort to meet me this puts you in a way to the front of the line. If you are a good communicator you can then be first to choose a pup from the next litter. We are telling other buyers from this point that the puppy you chose is not available. In rare cases a person will need to decide to change gender due to temperament incompatibility with another dog and then the deposit could be transferable upon my choosing. Come visit our Puppy Palace in person by appointment. Screenshot your favorite puppy and text us for more info. Put a deposit and pick up within the week or take your baby home same day. If you are out of state, we can help you acquire everything you need to fly home with your new puppy. Breeding Program We are passionate about temperament and health. We socialize our puppies for up to 16 weeks. Pups are fully vaccinated when leaving. We sleep with them. Pups are socialized in this same way. The parents of the puppies are our like our children. How to buy a puppy Call us on the phone first .Learn More A french bulldog puppy at 10 days old. Breeding Program We are passionate about providing the consumer with a dog that is bred with integrity for health and beauty. Marika Zoll is a Ph. Simply talking to her you will learn what to watch out for. We sleep with them and eat with them. Well, nearly. The point is that we are not just Breeding dogs. We had the dogs first and then we fell in love with the breed. Is it part English Bulldog, or Pug or some Terrier? Little is noted in the development of its history no one knows exactly how the French bulldog came into being because very poor records were kept we know we know the most basic facts such as that there were Normandy immigrants coming from France to England that brought these dogs with them around the s. Those immigrants were lace workers that had been living in the farming communities of northern friends which is where they were a rich initially discovered but when those lace workers move to France they brought the dogs with them and had a tremendous reception of the French people because of their petite size versus other extremely strong almost big dog presents that is easily social and loyal with everybody and never disliking anyone. Variance in weight can be from pounds! This dog is active in sports which I might compare to a quarter horse. They envy a walk if possible 10 times a day, but that walk will only be bigger us for maybe 5 to 10 minutes. This difference determine the difference in pricing that you will see regardless of optimal specification they always weigh heavier on the scale than that they look because their bone structure is dense for their size. There about like years that stand to attention have become their trademark and their faces are somewhere between a pug and an English bulldog. The French bulldog can wait any were literally from 15 to 40 pounds but the breed average is from 22 to 28 pounds and standing about 1 foot tall. A fun aspect of the breed is a tremendous variation in color unlike other breeds that are more consistent. This Breed spends everything from white to Brindle to fun with spots and without and in varying shades in almost every color of the rainbow. Fad colors are including chocolate black and blue and tricolor and these have been frowned upon for years by classical breeders and registries and French Bulldogs LA clubs of America due to the in breeding that was necessary to create these colors. Overtime though we hope that because of ethics and patients that this fact will change. Brindle is the AKC definition of black but that color also varies as much is a black coffee to coffee with cream and should always include sprinkles of golden hairs. Note that eyes are meant to be dark brown and variations of this are due to fad colors which are most often reproduced in the past with in line breeding that exacerbates recessive traits and can reproduce like colored eyes again frowned upon by classical tradition traditional breeders but something that we hope to see changing in this near future. This means exactly that, it will not work for you but rather be a great companion happy to sit all day at your feet or on your lap. It is still small enough to be carried around or brought on board a plane. It loves walks albeit short ones and is sensitive to the heat so in the summertime I walk them only at night or early mornings. They cannot swim as easily as other breeds and need to be worked with in the beginning with the lifejacket as a puppy so that it can learn to swim. On occasion, some may howl like a coyote or periodically an actual true bark. But these are more rare instances. They would be a fun addition to any household, lighting up the room with their smile. Yes, they seem to smile! They are very social with all people never acting skittish, in fact the first to greet you. They behave well off the leash and it would be a common sight to see an owner walking a busy street with their dog freely at their side for they are very obedient and easy to train. They often snore though, so know this trait is common. Many doggy daycares will tell you the French bulldog is the boss dog of the pack. This may often be so but more and more French bulldogs are submissive. In fact, I, as a breeder, am breeding for this quality so as never to have a dog that you have to worry about fighting with another dog. Note that French Bulldogs do not drool unless extremely emotional and perhaps there is a dog in heat nearby otherwise primarily a dry mouth. What is a Bulldog? A Bulldog is of course nothing other than a Bulldog, but if you have not seen a Bulldog or a picture of one you may be surprised. People often confuse Bulldogs with other «Bull» breeds, particularly boxers, pit-bulls or bull terriers. The Bulldog is very distinct canine with a rich heritage that surpasses most other known breeds of dog. The Bulldog is a squat, thickset dog, with a large blocky head, short foreface and turned up jaw. If you have decided to get a small sleek-haired dog, strong and brawny, with self-respect and kindness in relation to people and especially to children, intellectual so, that it does not demand special training you will not be mistaken if will choose the French bulldog. If the English bulldog is a symbol of calmness and confidence of, the American bulldog is the furious security guard the French bulldog is a dog companion, cheerful, tender and surprisingly clever! The small, amusing, devoted friend, thus the brawny robust fellow in whom blood fighter ancestors and during the moment of fight or protection of the owner flows, quite often proves brightly enough. On the Native land of the French bulldog in France almost in all families live the French bulldogs. Solid addition and extraordinary appearance involves people of different age and each person wishes to have the reliable cheerful friend to the French bulldog. Emblem of last largest exhibition in France — Paris in became certainly the French bulldog! Our dogs all over in our house and grow with full of love! All of my family has raised french Bulldogs and still does. Many Familes all over the World have one or two of our pups,and are very happy. Our dogs the award many medals and diplomas. The line of blood of champions guarantees high quality of my puppies and long life a life more than years. All of our puppies have a vaccinations of 2 -3 Parvos distemper 1 Leptospirois 1 -2 hepatitis and also 2 vaccinations for skin problem before they reach their new owners. The puppies are dewormed 21 days after birth, and than dewormed again before first and second vaccination. If you will buy the puppy from us kennel that to you it will not be necessary to spend cent for the veterinary doctor, because all my puppies healthy, have strong and health heart, sharp mind, kind appeasable character. Our frenchie very well get on with cats, dogs of any breeds and small children. All our puppies come with AKC registration papers , microchip , shot record vaccinations and 3 times dewormed , health quarantee for one year for any genetic problem, list of recommendations, sample of the food and crate for free! Pictures of each puppy we post on web. California hot state, we do not have winter here, lots of viruses. If you looking to buy healthy puppy — call us. If you want to buy 8 weeks old puppy and take a chance — call somebody else! The earliest we let our puppies go to the new home weeks old 6 weeks old first shot 8 weeks old second shot 12 weeks old third shot 16 weeks old forth shot Puppy Vaccination Schedule Thank you for your understanding! Discover the art of nurturing your French Bulldog, whether a puppy or an adult, through our expert guidance. With an impressive 32 years of experience as French Bulldog specialists, we are uniquely positioned to provide invaluable insights. Our primary goal is to extend our assistance to you, irrespective of your decision to acquire a puppy from an alternative source. As accomplished veterinarians specializing in French and English Bulldogs, our knowledge spans three decades. We focus exclusively on these breeds, surpassing even the knowledge of general veterinarians. This specialization is vital as traditional veterinarians often cater to a diverse array of animals, which may hinder their ability to provide tailored guidance for a single breed. Numerous individuals remain unaware of optimal feeding practices for their Frenchies or English Bulldogs, both before and after the six-month mark. The intricacies of vitamin supplementation, appropriate shampoos, bathing techniques, and proper walking routines are often overlooked.


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movie with golden retriever puppies - Do Father dogs know their puppies? By two weeks of age, they should be alert and trying to stand. By three weeks, they should be trying to climb out of their nest or whelping box. By four weeks, all the puppies should be able to walk, run, and play. How long do puppies stay in whelping box? During the first 3 weeks most dams like to be in a warm secluded area, not in the family living area. Pups remain contently in their whelping box for the first 20 days of their life. How do you transition a puppy from a whelping box? By the time the puppies are weeks old, the mother should have an area near the whelping box, but separate from the puppies to allow her time to rest. At about this time, the puppies will start trying to leave the box to explore. They should be well supervised and have safe toys available. Can I move the whelping box? We have found that moving the whelping box or puppy pen set-up on a weekly basis exposes the puppies to new scents and air currents and increases their adaptability and development by about two weeks, especially compared to puppies who are raised in the same corner until they go to their new homes. Is whelping box necessary? As the last week of pregnancy approaches, your female dog will often begin looking for a secure and comfortable place to have her litter of puppies. Before this time comes, it is essential to create a whelping box so she becomes comfortable with it and knows this is the preferred place to have her puppies. Do 4 week old puppies need a heat lamp? Young puppies cannot maintain their own body temperature for a week or two after birth. Heating the area over the whelping box with the aid of a heat lamp is usually all that is necessary. When should I remove the whelping box? I usually take them out at about 3 — 4weeks. This is what I have in My box they just stay there all the time. When can puppies go all night without nursing? A six or seven week old puppy can go through the night without needing to feed as long as they have had enough food during the day. Should newborn puppies sleep with Mom? A newborn puppy is completely helpless and dependent upon her mother. Puppies should remain with the mother and littermates until about age eight to 12 weeks. How do you keep a puppy whelping box clean? Clean the bottom with a chemical-free disinfectant cleanser. Spray a bit of chemical-free disinfectant cleanser on the bottom and sides of your whelping box, and use a paper towel to wipe this up. When can I leave my dog alone with her puppies? Can you leave newborn puppies alone with their mom overnight? Should I leave my dog alone while she is in labor? Should I be present during the whelping? Some dogs like the owner to be with them the whole time they are in labor. Others prefer to have their puppies in seclusion. If your pet chooses to be left alone, try to avoid intruding any more than necessary. What is the best bedding for a whelping box? Many breeders use shredded newspaper to line whelping boxes, but others prefer towels and blankets, wood shavings, or even sand. Should I keep my dog in the whelping box? A whelping box is designed to keep the newborn puppies safe, warm, and comfortable. Whelping means the process where a female dog gives birth to puppies. And a whelping box is a container or box designed to keep the puppies safe and warm. Having a whelping box makes it convenient for the mother to give birth comfortably. Female dogs are very protective of their puppies. Hence the nesting box offers a sense of security. Female dogs need assistance and a safe place to give birth. Hence, a whelping pen would be of great help. If your dog is about to give birth, it would be better to get a box or make it yourself. For a small dog like Pomeranian, you can convert a large card box into a whelping pen. You can put your creativity into the process and make a nesting box for your dog. If your dog is big, she might probably give birth to a large number of puppies. Hence, the size of the box should be large enough to fit the puppies and the mother. Furthermore, you can get the box from a pet store if creativity and DIY are not your forte. Here are some of the factors that you need to consider: The sides of the pen should be high enough that can keep the puppies safe for three weeks. Also, make sure that the mother can move to and fro freely. The size of the pen should be spacious enough for your dog and puppies. It should have enough space where the mother can feed her pups comfortably. In addition, it should allow them to move freely. It will help to keep the pups warm when the mom is not around. These are the factors that you need to consider while getting a nesting box. It helps the mother and the pups in the long run. You would notice the growth within the first few weeks. They can move and stand up over the sides of the whelping pen. By three weeks, they become mobile and able to move towards the edge of the nesting box. However, before it reaches that stage, you should take care of it diligently. Some pups would go astray and get lost. Hence, getting a box with proper height is essential. Sometimes the mother has to go out of the box for a nature call or food. The box offers a sense of security both to the dog owner and the mother. When the puppies are born, they have no control over their body temperature. So, while the mom is out, the box will keep them warm. However, you have to make sure that the bottom of the box is covered with a soft blanket. By three weeks, they will start moving, and some puppies might even get out of the box. So, the real chaos begins when they reach three weeks. It would be best if you were more careful than ever. How to Keep the Nesting Box Clean? Taking care of puppies can be quite tiring. Once the puppies are born safely in the box, it would be better to change the sheet or the beddings. The mother will take care of it. However, from the second to the third week, the real work starts. It will help if you make sure that the box is clean. While cleaning the box, you can keep the pups temporarily in a warm blanket. You need to replace the sheet or newspaper at least twice or thrice per day. However, keeping the box clean prevents the puppies from possible bacterial infections. It also helps to keep the puppies clean. You should see that the nesting box is clean and dry. So, like a responsible dog owner , make sure that the box is clean and warm. Changing the Whelping Box to Other Areas Once the puppies have passed the first week, you place the box in other areas. It will help them to get used to the new smell and sounds. However, make sure that the place is quiet and warm. Some kids would like to hold the pups, which would be too early and maybe dangerous. During the first two weeks, puppies are pretty delicate. So, it would be best to keep far away from children. The first three weeks are a crucial moment for you and the pups. The puppies are in their developing stage, and they need a quiet and calm environment to grow. So, you should make sure that puppies are kept safe and warm. They would be too young to take the regular food and would cause indigestion. But you can keep water for the mother. They get very thirsty while taking care of the puppies. She requires good protein and energy to keep the pups fed through her milk. You can place the food in the water once they can move or walk. However, make sure that the food is easily digestible. Also, puppies tend to eat food without a limit. So, you should give the food moderately. Overeating can cause indigestion and vomiting. Hence, it would help if you were careful not to overfeed them. It offers a sense of security to the mother and the dog owners as well. Having a nesting box helps to keep the puppies from going astray. The first three weeks are crucial for the puppies to grow and develop healthily. Having the right size of the whelping box can help both the puppies and the mother move freely. It allows the mother to breastfeed the puppies comfortably. If your dog is about to give birth, it would be better to arrange a whelping box. It offers safety and assurance to both the mother and puppies. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. A whelping box is an important item to have when puppies are about to be born. You can construct something yourself or buy a specifically designed boxes from pet stores. When can puppies leave the whelping box? Puppies can often leave the whelping box at 3 weeks old. At this age, puppies can move out of the whelping box as they become more mobile. Puppies can stand up and even climb out of the whelping box nest. At this age, puppies start to explore outside of their nest, to find out more about the wide and exciting world around them. Well, I can tell you that a whelping box will help you and the mother cope better with a horde of tiny puppies in their first few weeks. What is a whelping box? Also known as a nest or whelping pen, the whelping box is a container designed to keep the newborn litter in one safe and cozy place. The mother also likes to have a place where she can give birth to her puppies in comfort while having a sense of security. Whelping means to give birth hence the name of the box. It should be placed in a quiet part of the house and set up a couple of weeks before your dog gives birth. This gives her time to get familiar with the box. Image via Pixabay. What can I use as a whelping box? If your dog is a little girl, you could convert a large, sturdy cardboard box into a nesting box. You can make your own if carpentry is your hobby or you could go to the local pet store and buy a whelping box. What to look out for when picking a whelping box You need to make sure you pick a whelping box that takes into consideration the following factors: The sides are high enough to keep the puppies safely contained in their first 3 weeks but low enough for the mother to move in and out freely. The size is big enough to accommodate all the puppies being born. The bottom of the box may come with whelping pads or you can simply line it with newspapers and a soft blanket. Some breeders will use wood shavings to cover the floor of the box. Some whelping boxes come with an extension which is great for more active puppies who are still too young to leave the pen but are moving around quite a bit. Picking the right whelping box goes a long way to keeping mum and pups comfortable and secure. When is the right age for puppies to leave the whelping box? Puppies develop and mature very quickly in their first few weeks. A whelping box is designed to keep the newborn puppies safe, warm, and comfortable. Keeping the puppies in one place and even using a heat lamp will help keep them warm. And, when the mother needs time out, she can leave the box and get some space knowing her pups are all safe in one spot. A whelping box gives you peace of mind your puppies are well-protected, staying warm, and not disappearing once they start crawling. But be ready for the exodus once they reach 3 weeks old and might start walking! How do I keep the whelping box clean? If your dog gave birth to the puppies in the whelping box, you would need to change the bedding once all the puppies are safely delivered. Keep them warm with a blanket. Use a non-chemical cleaning detergent and warm water to wash out the box. Remove any dirty bedding and replace with clean blankets, newspapers or wood shavings. Some breeders do put in a litter box for puppies once they start crawling. This could be the first step to house training your pups. Do regular inspections throughout the day to make sure the whelping box is always dry and clean. Can I move the whelping box to other areas? Once your puppies have passed their first week, you could consider moving them to different areas in the house. But remember, you need to keep them warm so make sure there are no draughts and the puppies are not too intimidated by the new environment. Be careful also with handling newborn puppies when moving them. For the first 3 weeks, the puppies are small, developing, and can be easily disturbed by too much activity around them. Do I need to put food and water in the whelping box? The puppies will be drinking milk from their mother for the first 3 to 4 weeks, before moving onto water. For the first 3 weeks, you could keep a bowl of water in the box for the mother. She will be very thirsty while nurturing her puppies. However, once the puppies start becoming mobile keep both the water and food outside the box. Conclusion Get ready for a whole lot of fun, but also stress. She will take them no doubt but being able to help just a little with whelping boxes, nesting, and more will make it so much easier for you. You might also like…. During that first three weeks we weigh the puppies daily, trim their toenails every days, and put new collars on them every days as their growth is so rapid. The standard puppies are weighed on a regular digital scale and should gain an ounce a day at first and then up to ounces daily, whereas miniature puppies gain in a tenth of an ounce to start with and then an ounce or two a day. Jenny with litter at birth in 4' x 4' whelping box with lots of absorbent padding. Tasy in her "birthing bed" with the first three pups of the TS5 litter "Tasy" moves into her "doll crib" after the puppies are born - shown here at 3 weeks of age. We find it essential that the dam have food and water inside her whelping box the first week, however once she is willing to leave the box for short periods of time it can be set just outside the box, otherwise she will not eat and drink enough to provide all the milk needed for the puppies well being, and if you are not supplementing with goats milk, your puppies can suffer from dehydration. The standard dam has to produce almost two gallons of milk a day by the time a litter of puppies is two weeks of age. That's twice the amount a good dairy goat gives, who is at least double the dam's body weight. We find that goat milk, canned or fresh, is a much better supplement than the commercial formulas, as we have better weight gains and hardly ever have diarrhea in our puppies. If you have more than 8 puppies it is also essential that the dam's tail area and vulva be washed each time she goes out to go, as since there are not enough teats to go around there will always be a puppy trying to latch onto the vulva. The puppies can pick up bacteria and worm eggs, and a one celled organism called coccidiosis in this way which can lead to diarrhea. Mandy with AM3 Litter x Sterling at 1 week old. We practice what we call "giving the puppies an opportunity to learn" as a puppy raising method. We whelp the puppies in one corner of the living room where we have easy access to the box. We have found that moving the whelping box or puppy pen set-up on a weekly basis exposes the puppies to new scents and air currents and increases their adaptability and development by about two weeks, especially compared to puppies who are raised in the same corner until they go to their new homes. This is the first stage of their house breaking. Within hours the smartest puppies of the litter, barely able to crawl, will crawl out to use the paper and then crawl back into the whelping box. Within a few days the entire litter will usually be using the paper. Supplementing the puppies these first weeks gives us a good chance to play with the puppies feet, and get them used to their faces being handled for grooming, however even when we don't supplement we take time daily to handle every puppy and get them used to different textures, smells, and having their feet, faces, ears and tails handled. At three weeks of age when the ears open we start their cereal feeding, and use a soft clap with a "come, babies" command each time they are fed. This leads to the next step in the transition of removing the second box and the addition of a paper lined exercise pen to the whelping box at four weeks of age. At this time we start walking the puppies outside about every two hours from AM to PM. During this time ,the 4th-5th week, we teach them some basic commands - "in", "out", "potty outside", "walk", "watch", and continuing with their "come" command. Once they have understanding of these basic commands we then take them out to an outside play yard, regardless of the weather. It's really important to have this set-up close to an outside door if possible, or to use sections of an exercise pen to make an aisleway directly outdoors. Puppies can be carried outdoors, however their "potty outside" is learned much faster if they walk out the door in tune to the "out" command and the "potty outside" command at the same time. Usually within two days my standard puppies have quit having messes on the paper and are actually asking to go "out" - often at AM at this stage, and I do get up to accommodate them as this speeds their training amazingly, and I have a lot less mess to deal with - and less dirty crates when that time comes along. You can see that I do sleep within hearing of the puppies - usually until those we are continuing training with for their new families are weeks old. TS5 Miniature Litter - 2nd day of cereal feeding and 1st trip outside to the "big" world. We also start the grooming training at 4 weeks of age - starting with a bath with a soft water spray in a utility tub, and using a soft flow warm air dryer and a slicker brush - brushing the coat up the body toward the head, and up the legs toward the back as it dries. We always groom on a table, or the washer or dryer, or a counter - this is essential in getting the puppies used to being groomed on a grooming table and getting over any tendency toward the fear of heights. We cuddle them in our arms on the table to help them feel loved and secure, and to build their confidence level. We try to take pictures at birth, day old individual pictures, then every week thereafter for their new families, and for our albums. We also try to take litter shots as well at the various stages. I find that special touches add a lot of enjoyment, both for us raising the puppies, and for our families who are kept in the "link" of their puppy growing from infancy to toddler weeks. A Tasy x Promise Puppy before his first grooming and after his first grooming. My, oh my, what a difference!! We also start the worming program at four weeks of age - and this is really essential if you occasionally have a puppy that coughs after feeding, or vomits back up milk or cereal. Round worms are the one type of worm that the puppies can get in utero, and they grow as fast as the puppies. A heavy case of worms can often mimic other serious conditions in young puppies. It is also essential to use a low dosage of wormer in cases of heavy infestation, and at times give the puppy a few drops of oil by mouth, and possibly even an enema with a few drops of oil to help pass the worms. We use pyrantel pamoate for our first series of wormings. It is essential to worm every days until no worms are seen - these worms look like spaghetti - and once you see a litter of puppies pass them you never forget them. The wormer works in about six hours and is very effective. We have a computer generated health record that we complete on each puppy, and note all the worming's on it and on the litter weight records as well. Once the worming has been done, and if the teeth are coming in on the entire litter we start adding softened and mashed with potato masher kibble to the puppies cereal mixture - gradually reducing the rice baby cereal. During the next two weeks we gradually start adding cooked rice, cooked oatmeal, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, ground apple and carrot, and a supplement Green Vibrance which has microbials in it to their soft feed. As soon as the puppies are able to eat dry kibble well and not just play with it we gradually reduce the soft feedings to AM and PM. The puppies often prefer dry kibble during times of heavy teething, however dry kibble no matter how well promoted does not meet all of their nutritional needs. Also the more organically chemical, steroid, and low grade antibiotic free a puppy can be fed, the better for its health and longevity. We keep our puppies on microbials their whole life as this keeps their intestinal system in optimal health - they absorb more nutrients, they produce less fecal material, they are less prone to other bacterial infections, they don't have smelly gas, they are less prone to bloat typical in a number of large breeds , they have better pigmentation as a result of absorbing more nutrients. We have also found that since taking this approach to diet that puppy and show coats on adults are more luxurious. As you can see their fourth week involves a lot of changes for the puppies. At six weeks of age we start the weaning process - although most "mothers" have already started it. A poodle "mom" is the most devoted creature ever the first week or two, but after that usually reclaims part of her own life to be with her human family. She will return to the whelping box every few hours to take care of her puppies needs, but other than that spends her time on a blanket or pad outside the box. Using a higher powered water spray, a higher powered table dryer, and if the coat is still thin enough a palm pro clipper again to clip the face, feet, tummy and tail. At this time Mishelle also adds standing the puppy properly on the table and does the first scissoring around the tail head and up the rump - as much to get the puppy used to the sound and feel of the scissors as because there is that much coat to scissor off. This is also when we try to take the first pictures of the puppies in a nice stance to send to everyone. This also helps to train the puppy for standing on the table which benefits when we do the conformation evaluations at 8 weeks of age. Puppies fearful on the table are very difficult to assess. This is also essential for miniature puppies that are going to be shown. It's very sad when a miniature is put on a table in the show ring for the judges inspection, and is fearful. Just minutes a day on a table, being encouraged to stand and be touched, can make a remarkable difference in just a week. A Maddy x Calvin puppy at 6 weeks of age after her 2nd grooming Six weeks is also when we remove the whelping box, as the mother now just gets in with the puppies about 4 times a day and either sits or stands to nurse them. She also starts to regurgitate her feedings for the puppies at this stage. The teeth are starting to come all the way in at this time, and the puppies will start sparring, and at times will really yelp. They learn at this stage not to bite each other too hard, and this is the first step to them learning not to bite humans too hard. We often have families who want to get their poodle puppies at this age, especially if they are going to training in agility. We do not allow any puppies to go to their new homes until they are weeks of age, as we feel that they need the "sibling rivalry" stage to learn aggressive and defensive behavior - which is learned by their interplay with each other. Many of our poodles go to homes with runners, and I can't tell you how many times they have had to defend their owners from aggressive dogs of other breeds, and always successfully. You never know when your poodle may have to come to your defense, and the maneuvers they learn as puppies at this age are the foundation for their defensive techniques, increase their alertness, and the speed of their thinking and their reactivity time. I love watching the puppies develop their skills during playtime at this stage. It is their transition from infancy to toddlers. It is also at six weeks that we remove the whelping box replacing it with two small crates without the gates on. Our favorite crates are the Furrari's, as they just snap together, and the gates can be opened from either side and simply lifted off for this stage of training. The first night all the puppies will crowd into one small crate - then I will hear them in the middle of the night groaning and grumbling, and in the morning the puppies will be divided between the two crates. That day we add a third small crate, and go through the same process - which we repeat until there are two puppies per crate. We never put the gates on at this stage, just allow the puppies the freedom to sleep in or out of the crates, and to play with them. We estimate that a poodle puppy develops 21 years in it's first year. From infancy to toddler, to preschool, to kindergarten, to pre-adolescent, to adolescent, to pre-teen, to teenager, to post teen, and early twenties. Their intelligence is equivalent to that of many humans, and the learning of human vocabulary in a standard poodle is amazing. They are a joy to work with and to train, many almost training themselves. At this point we start giving the puppies rawhide chew bones to help with their teeth cutting, the cardboard rolls from toilet paper, paper towels, tape rolls, and small boxes that they can pack around, tear up and destroy. Much like a toddler builds a stack of bricks and then knocks it down destructive stage so also does a puppy need to go through this stage. So we give them things that don't cost anything, that are light weight, and the right size around for a puppy jaw to pick up. They love it. We also start giving the puppies soft and hard toys to play with, and also try to observe which puppies in the litter are water lovers - they play in the water and empty the container almost as fast as we can fill it. We often get asked for puppies that like water by families that boat, or live on rivers or lakes, or on house boats. We start watching closely for the different types of personalities that the puppies have, how they relate to each other, to new situations, to new people, to other animals they come in contact with. Those that are more adventuresome, more curious, more courageous, etc. We are also watching for activity levels and how they move. It is also at weeks that we take the puppies to the back yard to play - as they are then big enough to be taught to go up and down steps. We have closed back steps, and open backed steps like condos and the steps at the air cargo depots for them to learn on. This can be quite a challenge to some, and we usually have to delay this training with the miniatures for a couple of more weeks when they are a bit bigger. They are so proud of themselves when they achieve success in going up and down the steps, even though it is just three steps - and will run up and down just for the joy of it. In the back yard they also learn to drink from an automatic waterer, so that they don't fear the hissing sound as it refills. Having nice clean feet, faces, and tail head and rump helps us to evaluate the puppies much better, and they will score better when all can be seen and evaluated. We do not give the puppies any treats prior to testing, nor do we do any actual crate training in closed crates. At this age the puppies get their first bath in the grooming tub with a harder spray of water instead of in the utility tub. The Force dryer is used for the first time, and the Andis or Oster clippers. This is also the clipping that helps us to determine the color that the puppies might end up as - blues and silvers are born black, silver beige and cafe-au-lait can be born very dark brown, light apricots that are going to cream out - we study the nose, feet, heels, and under the tail and neck for signs of color change. Tasy x Promise Pup - Black - at 8 weeks! A Mandy x Sterling Pup - Silver - at 8 weeks. Silvers and blues are born black and change gradually - starting with the muzzle and feet We try to schedule temperament testing 16 tests and conformation evaluations a three page form using AKC breed requirements, International breed requirements, and Puppy Puzzle testing at 8 weeks minus or plus three days, as this is the most accurate time for assessing conformation before the puppy starts its rapid growth spurts. This is at times a little early for temperament testing, however as so many families want their puppies at 8 weeks of age, it is necessary to do this before the litter starts to go to new homes. Often our entire litters are reserved before they are even born, or at least by the time they are 6 weeks of age, and this helps us to match puppies and their capabilities and personalities and temperament to the homes they are going into, especially the puppies that are shipped across the United States. This also means asking our prospective families for lots of details about their home style, their activities, other pets or animals in or around their homes, and what they want to do with their puppy as an adult. We also help families at this point to decide the best age of puppy to suit their lifestyle, as many families in todays age have difficulty getting the time those first weeks to house train a young puppy. The weekly cost covers food, treats, training, vaccinations and wormings. Temperament testing is beneficial, although there are those that disagree. It is done in a strange place by a strange person. It's purpose is to note the natural instincts and adaptability of the young puppies, and our families have found our assessments to be pretty accurate as their puppies have developed. The disadvantage of testing at 8 weeks versus 12 weeks, is that puppies can be conceived over a ten day period. The gestation period is days, with all of the body development being in the first 50 days, and the weight gain being in the last days. If the bitch whelps according to the first puppy conceived, then the last puppy or puppies conceived may not have had much weight gain - however due to genetics it will not always be the smallest puppies. When we do temperament testing we also try to be aware of which puppies opened eyes first and last, which had teeth coming in first and last - as these can be indicative of which puppies in the litter are the oldest and the youngest - as the psychological development can also be different, with the thinking processes of the youngest not being quite as developed as the thinking processes of the gestationally oldest puppies. In temperament testing we are looking at social skills, inanimate object retrieving instincts, sensitivity testing, chase response, bird retrieving instincts, perseverance and motivation. These help to determine which puppies might be best suited as companions, service and therapy candidates, agility and obedience prospects, those with "bird" instincts, and very important today those with good search and rescue and tracking instincts. Conformation evaluations are where we literally take a puppies body structure apart and put it back together again - all on paper. We are looking for the few puppies in a litter that are the most correct by breed specifications in bone structure. As companions for runners, horse back riders, hikers, bikers, etc. Most of our standard puppies, after 10 years of breeding are quite structurally correct - however we try to match structural correctness, temperament and personality to the needs of a family. To be a pick of the litter puppy it must score high in all three areas. At times a structurally correct puppy may not have the best temperament for competitive events, and a senior family doesn't need a puppy with a high working drive. When we complete the testing we vaccinate each of the puppies and tattoo them with their individual identification number - that designates their dam, her litter number, and the number of puppy within the litter - in their left ear. This tattoo must be read and entered in the medical records of the puppy by the families veterinarian at the time of the "well puppy check" within 10 days of receiving the puppy for our 2 year from date of birth guarantee to go into effect. As soon as the testing is completed we start crate training the puppies. The first night two puppies are put into a crate with the gate on, and given 3 small treats. They are cuddled before being put into the crate, and we use the "in" command which they are used to. When they are taken out in the morning they are hugged and cuddled again, and given their "go potty outside" command as we take them "out" the front door. The second night they are crated individually, and are also crated during the day for short periods of time, to get them used to taking "naps" in their crates. They are always given three tiny biscuits when we want them in their crates, and usually within three days they compete to see who can get in the crates first and turn around for their treats. Usually at this age the puppies will crate from approximately PM to about AM without having accidents in their crates, however I do get up in the middle of the night and let them out if someone gets really fussy. In hot summer weather they at times need out during the night to get a drink just as much as they need out to go potty. We always make their last soft feeding of the day by PM, so that they have plenty of time to evacuate before bedtime. Remember poodle puppies are very smart, and if they get me up several nights in a row - I watch very carefully to see if they really needed to go - and if not they have just decided to get me out of bed for some extra attention and playtime - remember the pre-adolescent who wants another drink of water, etc. They will test their new families in the same way, and if they win they are ruling the family instead of the family ruling them. At this point the puppies are ready to go to their new homes to families living locally, or those driving from other states to get their puppies. If they are flying we keep them for two more weeks - and ship when they are approximately 10 - 12 weeks old. This allows us to start travel training and leash training of the puppies, and allow them to develop better holding capacity for daytime crating before shipping. Also it gives us time to receive family t-shirts worn until sweaty and placed in ziploc bags to give to the puppies in their crates three days before shipping. Having items of clothing which we tie into knots for a pillow or toy allows the puppy to get used to it's new families scents, and helps it to adapt and bond much more quickly. It also gives us time to ship their puppy pack to them, before the puppy is shipped. We follow up on our puppies for years, and encourage our families to keep in touch with us and contact us with any questions regarding nutrition, training problems or needs. We also board our own puppies back, which is wonderful as then we get to assess their development and personalities as adults. We have families now who purposefully plan their vacations for the Oregon Coast just so they can leave their much loved poodles with us - they come from as far away as Montana, Idaho, north eastern Washington, California, Utah, and of course the closer regions of Oregon and Washington. Unless we are expecting a litter imminently they get to come back and live in the house with us, and always enjoy playing with so many other poodles in our huge back yard, and side yard play areas. We also continue any training that is in progress on the younger puppies. A Mandy boy at 15 weeks! A Lucy daughter at 1 year - sent by her family in Idaho Many of our families also return with their puppies to take the one-on-one grooming classes with us - with Mishelle now being the primary instructor. Many of our families are now doing all of their own grooming, and even if they aren't have found the class very beneficial as they have learned what to expect from a good groomer. Many have returned for second and even third classes to learn advanced scissoring techniques, and several are now learning show grooming and handling from us as well. It's biblical that the older are to teach the younger - and we feel very strongly about this after not finding anyone willing to assist us when we first started out. We want those who have a true desire to become breeders of the poodles to start in the right way, learning to do the proper testing and research, taking part in genetic research projects, learn to groom their poodles properly, and to breed properly, caring for their whelping bitches and puppies correctly. Mishelle should have been in the picture with "Eve" but was in the Show Ring with her instead. She groomed 14 standards and 2 miniatures for this show. The poodle is a wonderful and unique breed - sharing life with it's family. The puppies have arrived. They have been weighed and identified; they have nursed and are now sleeping quietly except for the normal twitching. Now what? Your job is not over yet, in fact, it's really just beginning. Nutrition and Feeding The mother will be ready for some food and water. Bring the dishes to the whelping box, as she will not want to leave the newborn puppies. Do not leave the dishes on the floor in the whelping box, as the puppies could crawl into them. Hang the dishes from the side of the whelping box or offer her food and water at least every hours to start. She should be taken outside on a frequent and regular basis to relieve herself. Within days, the mother's appetite will dramatically increase to times her pre-pregnancy intake. She will need a near constant supply of a high quality puppy food do NOT use large breed puppy formulas, which are generally lower in protein, fat, and minerals and water to maintain her weight and health while feeding the puppies. She should not look gaunt or thin if her weight is maintained. Ideally, she should weigh the same at the time of weaning, as she did when she was bred. A healthy puppy is firm, plump, and vigorous. Puppies should nurse every 2 hours or so. If they nurse until their stomachs appear round and they sleep quietly, they are eating enough. If they are crying and moving a lot, they are not eating enough. They may be swallowing air, which makes the stomach appear larger. As they become weaker, they will lay still and not cry. Their weight should double in the first days. Before, during, and after nursing, the mother will lick the stomach and perineal area to stimulate urination and defecation. She will continue to do this for weeks. Weigh the puppy daily for the first 2 weeks, then weigh at least weekly. A food scale typically works well for weighing the puppies. Failure to gain weight is often the first sign of illness in puppies. At about 3 weeks of age, the puppies will begin to imitate the mother's eating and drinking. A secure shallow water dish should now be available at least part of the day. Prepare the puppy mush by placing 2 cups of high quality dry puppy food in a blender with .This should be blended until the consistency of human infant cereal. This feeds puppies of a medium-sized breed. The puppies should receive meals a day of this to start. Once the puppies have checked it out, walked in it, and have eaten some, the mother can be allowed to finish it and clean the puppies off. Each week, increase the amount of food, decrease the amount of the milk replacer and water that is added and the time of blending, so by 7 weeks of age, the puppies are eating dry food. Once they are on dry food, it may be left in with the puppies when the mother is out of the box or the meal times can continue. As the puppies eat more solid food, the mother may be let away from the puppies for an ever longer period of time. If the weaning is not rushed, she will naturally start decreasing milk production, as the puppies increase their intake of solid food. As the puppies begin eating the puppy mush at 4 weeks of age, start changing the mother's diet back to adult food to also help her decrease milk production. Keep increasing the adult food and decreasing the puppy food until by the 7th week postpartum she is eating only adult food. Hopefully she has been fed well during pregnancy and lactation so she weighs the same at weaning as she did before pregnancy. Want to learn how to save on your dog's veterinary care? Click here Sanitation and Housebreaking During and after whelping, the mother should be allowed to go outside to urinate and defecate. Take her out on a leash bring a flashlight if it is dark , and watch her closely, as she could have another puppy. The whelping box needs to be changed at least once a day at this stage, and times a day as the puppies begin eating solids and the mother is not cleaning up after them. A large heavy paper may be laid on the bottom, several layers of newspaper over that, and a tightly stretched blanket over the newspaper. The blanket should be large enough to fit under all 4 sides of the box. If the box was made so the sides set into the floor, the sides are picked up, the blanket stretched, and the sides set down to hold the blanket in place. Puppies can become lost under blankets or under wrinkles in blankets. When cleaning, check the consistency and color of the puppy stool. It should be brown and formed, but not overly firm. Any deviations and the veterinarian should be contacted. To facilitate housebreaking, the puppies should be given definite feeding, playing, sleeping, and elimination areas. Once the puppies are mobile, they will use one area for elimination. Cover this area with a layer of newspapers with cedar or pine shavings on top. The new owners then place a small amount of cedar or pine shavings in the preferred location of their yard to aid in housebreaking. Keep the elimination area clean and dry. Puppies head toward the heat source to nurse so do not have the heat source warmer than the mother. Hanging a household thermometer on the inside of the whelping box will help you know the temperature in the box. Puppies typically lay side by side or on top of each other to share warmth. If the puppies are scattered throughout the whelping box and away from the heat lamp, the temperature is too warm. If they are all piled on top of each other, it may be too cold. Puppies need the extra heat, as they are unable to regulate their body temperature until several weeks old. Health of the Mother Each mammary gland and nipple should be checked at least once a day for redness, hardness, discharge, or streaking color. If mastitis develops, the veterinarian should be notified immediately. If caught early, milking out the affected gland and applying hot compresses will help prevent a spread of the problem. Sometimes, antibiotics are necessary. If she gets multiple glands with mastitis, the puppies will need to be bottle fed. The puppies' nails should be trimmed weekly starting within days of birth. This will help prevent some of the scratches on the mother's mammary glands. The deciduous teeth start coming in around day .Check the mammary glands of the mother daily for bite marks. The mother will have a bloody discharge from her vulva which may be quite heavy for several days. It should decrease in amount and become darker and be almost gone within weeks. The mother's hair may have become very thick and luxurious during the pregnancy. Around the time of weaning, the mother starts to shed. This extreme loss of hair coat is natural and it should be back to normal in about another months. This shedding is more extreme than a normal shed cycle and some mothers become quite bald. This is often called 'blowing a coat. Click here Puppy Healthcare Puppies who are not thriving should be examined as soon as possible by a veterinarian to check for birth defects. Some defects, such as a cleft palate are not compatible with life. These puppies should be humanely euthanized. Dewclaws are removed and tails docked at days of age. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for these procedures to be done. Check your breed's standard, as some breeds need to have dewclaws left intact in order to show. Tail length changes, so again, the current breed standard should be consulted. When the puppies are at the clinic and having these procedures done, the mother should be taken for a walk around the block until the puppies are done. She should not be close enough to the clinic to hear the puppies crying. Once they are put back with the mother, the puppies normally nurse and then sleep. Vaccinations are started at weeks of age. Some breeders give a parvo virus vaccine at 5 weeks of age, if the puppies are at a high-risk. Ask your veterinarian if your puppies should be vaccinated early for parvo virus. They recommend puppy deworming for roundworms and hookworms start at 2 weeks of age and be repeated at 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. Thereafter, use a heart worm preventive medication that is also effective against hookworms and roundworms. Foster and Smith suggest that owners of newly acquired puppies obtain the deworming history of their new pup and contact their veterinarian to determine if additional deworming is needed. The mother should be dewormed at the same time as the puppies. A health check done by a veterinarian at weeks of age before the puppies head for new homes should include checks for heart murmurs, hernias, cryptorchidism, demodectic mange, other parasites, eye disorders, etc. Normal puppy development The umbilical cord normally falls off within days of birth. Infections of the umbilicus are rare in clean, well-managed kennels. Puppies normally twitch and jerk while sleeping. This helps with the development of their nerves and muscles. The puppies crawl well by days, walk at 16 days, and have a normal gait at 21 days. They need to be on footing that offers traction. By 4 weeks of age, the puppies follow each other and carry toys in their mouths. They will play-fight with each other and learn how to inhibit their bites. If a puppy bites a littermate too hard, the littermate will yelp and stop playing with him. If the puppy is allowed to bite humans, he will not learn to inhibit his bite. It may be cute as a 7-week old, but it will not be as a 7-year old. Puppies are born without teeth. The deciduous baby teeth start to erupt at weeks of age. All of the deciduous teeth are usually present by 8 weeks of age. The puppies' eyes will open around days of age. The retina matures around 21 days of age. Puppies should see clearly by 4 weeks of age. Do not pry open the lids for any reason, as the immature eye is not yet ready to handle light. If the eyes appear swollen before they open, take the puppy to a veterinarian immediately as an eye infection may be present that needs to be treated to prevent loss of vision. Some puppies will take a day to open the eyes while others will take days. The eyes will have a bluish color to them at first and then change to their adult color over time. If the eyes appear white or solid blue, take the puppy to the veterinarian right away. The ears open at days of age. They should hear clearly by 4 weeks of age. Deafness may not be noticeable while the puppies are together and first noticed when the puppy is in her new home. Interactions Between the Mother and Puppies By the time the puppies are weeks old, the mother should have an area near the whelping box, but separate from the puppies to allow her time to rest. At about this time, the puppies will start trying to leave the box to explore. They should be well supervised and have safe toys available. The box at this point should be big enough to be divided between eating, sleeping, playing, and eliminating rooms. At this stage, a crate with the door removed and lined with sheepskin or a dog bed can be given to the puppies for sleeping quarters and to familiarize them with crates. Puppy Socialization Early socialization of the puppies will help them become confident and develop fewer behavior problems. The puppies should be exposed to everything possible from metal food dishes dropping, to vacuums, garage doors opening and closing, thunderstorms, sirens, garbage trucks going past, cats, and other pets, etc. Do not try to keep the area quiet during the day. The puppies need to get used to normal household noises. Children should be allowed to play outside the whelping box supervised so they do not enter the box or drop toys in , as children behave differently than adults. Everything the puppy is exposed to now, will help her become a well-socialized, unafraid adult. The puppies should be handled several times a day. They can be picked up, their teeth looked at, ears checked, toes played with nails will need a weekly trimming , and have anything that may be done as an adult started slowly now. Play helps to develop the puppy's mind, as he needs to find solutions to problems he encounters. If the puppies are not in new homes by 10 weeks of age, they should be separated from each other for a large part of the day and given one-on-one time with humans. They can have play times during the day, but they should eat, sleep, and be handled separately. Being in a kennel group situation beyond weeks of age decreases trainability. Ready to start saving money on pet wellness care? Then take a look at Mint Wellness, the pet wellness plan that provides fast reimbursement on routine pet care. Save on vaccinations, wellness exams, preventatives, dental, and more! Stages of Puppy Development Birth to 3 weeks The first 20 days of a pups life it is not capable of much learning. The mental capacity is about nil. The pup will react when it is in need of food, sleep, warmth and its mother. During the first 3 weeks it is VERY important to look after the dam as well. She will in turn, look after the puppies. Once or twice a day the puppies should be handled by a human and they should be weighed daily. During the first 3 weeks most dams like to be in a warm secluded area, not in the family living area. Pups remain contently in their whelping box for the first 20 days of their life. Newborn puppies sleep most of the day away. No matter what the breed, this is the time when the dormant senses wake up. From day 21 to 28 puppies are in need of their mom more than any other time as their brains and nervous systems begin to develop and they become aware of their surroundings. As mom jumps out of the box, they suddenly watch her wondering where she went. Pups may start climbing out of the whelping box at this age, so it is time to expand their home. At this stage we add a small potty area beside the whelp box. If a puppy were to loose his mom at this stage it would greatly affect his emotional wellbeing. Emotional growth is just blossoming as the puppy realizes it is alive. It is also at this age that characteristics can develop like shyness and fear. Any negative characteristics that develop at this stage in life are often permanent personality traits. The puppies sleep 20 or more hours a day. They will not go far, but they will begin to explore. At this time we expand their area to add a play and eating area in the daytime. This is the time to move them out to the kitchen and family room area, where life is happening in the home. This is not the age to be in the back bedroom, garage or barn. During this time, a puppy will learn to respond to voices, sounds and recognize different people. The puppies in their group will establish a 'pecking order', some will want to lead and some will want to follow. The dominant ones will eat first and the omega ones will wait. The dominant ones can become bullies and hog all the toys. This is an important stage to watch to learn the temperaments of each puppy and should be used for placing puppies into the proper homes. Some scientific studies prove that if there is a bully in a litter that is making others cower and be shy it can set in traits that are very hard to turn around, but it is also important to leave puppies in a social group long enough to be adventurous and for the puppy to acquire some social competitive skills. On the same note, a puppy should never be allowed to get too pushy. While shyer puppies have to learn to handle themselves in social groups, a dominant puppy needs to learn it is not acceptable to be a bully. Different breeds need to be separated at different ages. Often if the bully is adopted out first the remaining puppies will loose some of their shyness. Puppies at this age sleep 18 to 20 hours a day. By 7 weeks, a pup is considered emotionally developed and ready to learn, but the pup does not possess an adult brain yet. At 7 weeks old the breeder of the pups can start crate training for an hour or two a day with 2 pups in a crate. This helps with separation anxiety. By 8 weeks of age a puppy should be able to go in a crate alone for a nap, and it is almost ready for its new home. A puppy should never be taken away from it's mother before weeks of age. The mother dog teaches the puppies in the litter manners, respect, social skills, and proper etiquette, along with many other valuable lessons. When a puppy misses this stage it can cause the pup to have future behavior issues as most humans do not understand natural dog behavior enough to teach the pup these things. What a puppy learns now will be retained and become part of who the dog becomes and his personality. Most dams stop caring for their pups by 7 weeks, as they have teeth and she pushes them away. If a pup is left with the dam during this period it's emotional development can be altered, as it remains dependent on her. The same can happen if littermates are placed together. They rely on each other instead of the new owner and they often do not find adequate security in their mom or littermate. They need their new owner to take over the role and it is important that the humans understand natural dog behavior in order to fulfill the puppies instincts and needs. First shots should be done at 7. When a puppy stays with his litter after 8 to 9 weeks of age without adequate human contact it doesn't adjust as well to a human social life. The optimum time to take a new puppy is from 8 to 9 weeks of age. It is always best to have a pup do his learning from his new owner and in his new home. Puppies are often adopted out at 8, 9, 10 or 11 weeks. Older puppies can do just fine if the breeder has spent a lot of time socializing them away from their littermates. Ideally 9 weeks seems to be the perfect age for most breeds to go to new homes. What the dog learns from 8 to 12 weeks will be with him forever. At this time the puppy must be introduced to other people and go for walks on the pavement street avoiding dirt or grass until it has had its 2nd shots. If the first shots are done at 8 weeks and second are done at 12 weeks it is a good idea to enroll in puppy kindergarten that starts right at 12 weeks. At this age on up to several months old, puppies will sleep 16 to 20 hours a day, give or take depending on the puppies energy level and the activity around them. Sleeping more during rapid growth sprurts. The sleep is broken up between night time sleep and naps during the day. It is common for a puppy to play hard, running around with bounds of energy, then suddenly crashing into a deep sleep. It is important to keep in mind that all puppies by this time have formed a general personality. Some are natural born leaders, some are middle of the road and could go either way and some are very submissive and really prefer not to lead anything. All puppies have an instinct to have a leader who can provide structure, because in their minds without it the pack cannot survive. Therefore even the most naturally born submissive dog may feel the need to take over as an alpha should they feel everyone else around them is too weak to care for the pack. These dogs are often very stressed out about their role because they really do not want it, but feel the need to lead just the same. After all, to them it's a matter of life or death. One of the biggest questions new owners call about is that the pup is an angel for the first couple weeks and then it starts to nip in an attempt to control things around it. This happens when a puppy does not see the humans as natural born leaders to which it can respect and it attempts to get the pack in order. If this happens it does not necessarily mean you got a bad puppy, but often means you are not being a good canine owner. Owners must be calm but firm and follow through. Set the rules of the home and stick to them. Teach basic obedience and how to heel on a leash. Do not let the puppy bolt out the door. Stay calm and confident and remember that dogs can feel your emotions. If you have emotional problems your dog knows and will see you as a weak being. Always remember to a dog anger is a weakness, so take a deep breath and control yourself. Should the puppy feel it is stronger minded than the humans it will not want to be at the bottom. Puppy owners should be prepared that the pup may attempt to establish itself as the dominant one in the family. This is where you need to understand a dog's natural instincts and learn their language so you can read them. It may see whether it can physically strike out at his owner like some teens and could nip or growl. Should this happen be prepared to stop the behavior immediately. It is kind of like kids wanting dessert before dinner or to stay up later. You just have to say NO. Each dog is different, just as kids are, therefore you need to figure out what works for you and your situation. If it is being aggressive one method is to pin it on its back and hold him there with a firm NO. If a pup is allowed to get away with bad behavior it will lose respect for the owner and learn that rebelling gets him his own way. The key is for the humans to be calm, confident and firm all at the same time. If you find yourself yelling or angry you as the human are out of control and need to learn how to portray yourself as someone your dog can look up to and respect. Dogs do not listen to unstable humans and anything but calm, confident and firm, to them is unstable. There should be zero tolerance for aggressiveness. Heaps of love and understanding will not stop bad behavior. A pup must be shown fast and firmly that you are the one in charge. If you have a good breeder who understands the dog even returning him for a few days can help as the breeder gets the dog back under control and you assess your own behavior and understanding of this animal you are trying to live with. Sending a dog away to be trained without training yourself never works, as the way your dog is acting often has more to do with the humans it is living with. This goes for any dog of any age. Learn how to groom your dog. Teach it to lie still for grooming and nail trimming. If you are having trouble call the breeder or a behaviorist for help. It is best to have earned a dog's respect and trust in regards to grooming by 16 weeks of age. A pups natural instinct will be to periodically try to test the order in the pack. Especially if there are children. If the owner is submissive, quiet and week, thus making the dog feel the need to lead the home, its respect for its owner will weaken and the owner will become inferior in the dogs eyes. In these cases the owner is destined to be owned by the dog and you will surely see behavior problems emerge. A puppy should have a good start on crate training when it leaves a breeder's home. Help your puppy feel secure by giving it its own bed and crate in a place where it can be alone when it needs some quiet time. It should be crated for one or two naps per day, especially when making and eating dinner and crated at night. It should not ever have the run of the house till after 6 months of age or housebreaking and training can become very difficult. A puppy should start formal obedience by 6 months of age, preferably sooner. Remember when you choose to adopt a dog you are choosing to take an animal into your home. The animal is not a human baby and humans are not born with canine instincts. Take some time to learn about the canine and be prepared to change your way of life to accommodate the new member of the family.