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Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Breeds Puppies The link has been copied! German Shepherds are medium to large working dogs that were bred in Germany to be used as a herding dog for sheep. Today, they are common household dogs that are loved around the world. These dogs tend to be loyal, stubborn, confident, intelligent, curious, brave, obedient, and protective. They have many positive attributes that make them very popular as pets. Size and Appearance of a 4 Month Old German Shepherd Once a German Shepherd reaches four months of age, it can be one foot tall and will weigh about half of the total adult weight. Male German Shepherds will weigh between 35 and 40 pounds, while females will weigh between 31 and 35 pounds. Between months three and four of life, a German Shepherd will gain around 10 pounds of body weight, and this will cause a difference in the dog's size and appearance. At this age, German Shepherds will be growing quickly, and you will be able to notice differences in the dog's size month-by-month. A four-month-old German Shepherd will no longer look like a puppy, and it will more closely resemble an adult by this age. Once the dog reaches four months old, the coat will be different from that of a puppy, and the dog will shed much more. The coat will become thicker and glossier, and the exact texture might depend on what foods the dog is eating. German Shepherds come in a variety of colors that include black, white, gray, black and tan, black and red, black and silver, and sable. The coloring of your dog will depend on the breeding and parents. Additionally, the dog is teething at this age. The German Shepherd will be teething until about seven to eight months, and during this time, the milk teeth will be replaced with larger adult teeth. German Shepherd puppies tend to have ears that lay flatter, while the adult's ears will be perky and stand straight up. At four months, the process of ear perking will begin, although the cartilage will not strengthen for another month or two. This means that the ears can perk up, then flatten, then perk up again until they become permanently lifted in adulthood. The dog's ears can remain flat if they live somewhere with consistently loud sounds, as they will try to avoid damage to their hearing by listening to these noises. To allow the dog's ears to perk properly, it is important to keep your dog away from loud, abrupt noises that can negatively affect their hearing. Activity and Behavior Four month old German Shepherds are very active puppies that must be stimulated physically as well as mentally. Some great activities to do with a dog include playing outside, playing with toys, going on walks or jogs, dog sports, and attending obedience training. A four-month German Shepherd will enjoy going on walks for about a mile at a time, and it is preferable to go on several shorter walks throughout the day rather than going on one very long walk. About two hours of active playtime per day is important for your puppy. Playtime is when they are both physically and intellectually enriched, and it is vital for development going into adulthood. For the first four months of life, there are many new experiences and adventures that your dog will learn from, so it is important. Sleeping Needs Sleep is extremely important for a young German Shepherd, and if the dog is not getting enough sleep , it might start to misbehave. If you notice this, it is important to discuss working out a proper daily schedule with your veterinarian, as it will often be a fix that you can make yourself by changing your routine, walk schedule, eating times, or play times. At the age of four months, a German Shepherd will sleep for around 18 hours a day. They need the energy to grow, which is why they sleep for most of the day, but in the hours when they are awake, German Shepherds tend to be very active. Dogs that exercise a lot will also sleep more to recuperate the energy lost during the day. If there are many new things to explore, the dog will sleep for fewer hours during the day. Some four months later, German Shepherds will also take 15 to minute naps during the day, and then they will wake up to play, eat, or use the bathroom. Health and Care Each time you take your dog to the vet, you should weigh and measure your German Shepherd to make sure that they are growing at the proper rate. If your dog is healthy, it should be growing quickly, and the veterinarian can confirm that everything looks good. At the age of four months, you should get a third set of vaccines, including DHPP and rabies, to protect your dog against these diseases. This can be done through a veterinarian. Vaccines are important to complete on time to boost your dog's immune system and keep them as healthy and up-to-date as possible. It is important to take your dog to the vet if you notice extreme changes in behavior, sleeping patterns, coughing or sneezing , runny noses or overly watery eyes, any form of weight loss, lack of appetite, heavy breathing, excessive urination, irritated gums, vomiting, or diarrhea. These can be signs that your dog is sick and needs medical care. Bathing your German Shepherd too often can cause the natural oils that a dog needs to keep its skin protected to dry up, so it is important not to over-bathe your puppy. However, it is important to keep your dog's bed, bowls, and toys clean to avoid fleas or other insects that might negatively affect your pet. As your four-month-old German Shepherd's coat is transitioning into an adult coat, it is important to brush the fur every day. This is to prevent excessive shedding, which can irritate your dog and create a mess inside the house. It is important to always be gentle with your dog and not brush him too roughly. Feeding Your 4 Month Old German Shepherd A German Shepherd is a big dog, and at the age of four months, it is still a puppy that is actively growing and will therefore require a large amount of food. Four-month German Shepherds should be fed three times a day, and they should eat one to two cups of kibble at each feeding time. This kibble should be specifically meant for puppies of this age, as it will have the proper nutrients and ingredients for your puppy to grow into a healthy adult. At the end of the fourth month, you can begin to feed your dog twice a day, but they should still be eating kibble meant for puppies until they reach six months of age and they are no longer growing as rapidly. Treats are also a good addition to kibble, but you should not exceed three to five small treats per day. These treats should be exclusively for dogs , as feeding your German Shepherd adult food can cause many health issues. It is important to monitor how much you are feeding your dog, as overeating can cause obesity and lead to severe health issues. Additionally, if you decide to use a raw diet rather than kibble, it is important to be mindful of the quality and nutrition of the food to keep your German Shepherd healthy and energized. Training A four-month German Shepherd will be easy to train because the puppy's main goal will be to please their owner, and they are very intelligent and loyal dogs that will be eager to learn from their owner. One of the reasons why German Shepherds are such a popular breed is because of their trainability. A German Shepherd's instinct is to protect, as the breed was originally bred to herd and protect sheep. This can lead to a puppy barking often as a means to protect its family, and this can be a misbehavior that the owner hopes to correct. Training can help reduce unnecessary barking in your German Shepherd puppy. Another potential behavioral issue is using the bathroom inside the home, which is common at four months old. The owner must train their dog to go outside to use the bathroom, and patience is required for this process. The most efficient strategy for potty training is to be encouraging when the puppy correctly uses the bathroom outside and to avoid any anger when they have an accident, as this will only make training go slower. German Shepherd puppies might also bite and nip people to try to get attention or play. They will understand that they should not repeat this behavior and will learn quickly. While your German Shepherd is teething, it might bite furniture, which can cause damage. The best way to avoid this is to buy many chew toys to help your dog with the process of teething, as well as move any valuables out of the dog's reach. This behavior will reduce once the dog's adult teeth have all come in. Socialization with people and other animals can help your German Shepherd behave better, and it is important to expose them to new situations to help them learn. They are very curious animals who will enjoy having new experiences and trying new things. A German Shepherd is a medium to large-sized dog, and by the age of four months, the puppy will already be much larger than it was at birth. At four months, a male German Shepherd will have a shoulder height between 11 and 14 inches. A female German Shepherd will have a shoulder height between 10 and 12 inches. A male German Shepherd at four months old should weigh 35 to 40 pounds. A female should weigh 31 to 35 pounds. The dog should be rapidly growing, but it is important not to let them overeat because obesity can be a real health issue for your dog. Measuring the weight of your dog regularly can help you keep track of its growth, and if there are any concerning patterns, you should discuss it with your veterinarian. At the age of four months, it is not unusual for your dog to grow up to two pounds in a single week, and it is a time of great change and growth. At the age of four months, your German Shepherd should eat three meals a day. These meals should consist of one to two cups of kibble. This means that the total amount of kibble eaten per day should be three to six. You should base how much you feed your German Shepherd on their size, activity level, and how hungry they are. If you are unsure about how much to feed the puppy, you should consult your veterinarian for help. Treats can be used in moderation to train your young puppy and motivate them to partake in good behavior , or they can just be used as a snack throughout the day. A 4-month-old German Shepherd can walk for about one mile at a time before they become tired. Going for a thirty-minute walk twice a day will be sufficient exercise for your puppy to keep them nice and strong without overworking them. Fi smart dog collars make it easier than ever. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are great dogs to keep as pets. They have many positive traits that make them brilliant, loyal, and protective companions that will stay by your side no matter what. They are great work dogs as well as great pets, including for families. German Shepherds are easy to train, and they are very obedient animals that can learn all kinds of tricks. When your German Shepherd is still a puppy, it is the best time to teach them obedience, potty train them, and teach them to play. German Shepherds will be growing rapidly at four months, and it is important to take proper care of them so that they can grow into strong, healthy adults. Making sure that they have enough intellectual stimulation through walks, exploring new people and places, and toys can ensure that your dog is getting the attention that they need. Additionally, they should be fed enough to fuel their growing bodies. They should be taken to the veterinarian regularly to make sure that they are growing at a proper rate and that there are no health problems that need the attention of a professional. German Shepherds grow up fast , and when they are four months old, you will notice many changes in their size, mannerisms, and behavior. By four months, they will have developed a unique personality, and they will be your best friend! Taking care of your best friend will bring joy to both you and your pet, and it is an exciting journey to take together. For additional pet-parenting tips, head over to TryFi. And don't forget to check out TryFi's innovative Fi Dog Collar , which offers GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and escape alerts to keep your furry friend safe. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. And large dogs need to have many care factors taken care of to thrive. So, the first step is preparing for a home suitable for a German Shepherd puppy that will one day become a big dog. First, make sure you have enough space for them to run and play. If you have a small yard, consider getting a dog run or fence to give them extra room as well as space for you to do important obedience training exercises. And finally, be sure to stock up on puppy food, treats, toys , and other essentials. Separation Anxiety It is common for month-old German Shepherd puppies to develop separation anxiety when they are first separated from their parents and litter mates. It is because they have not yet learned how to cope with being away from their pack, especially in the first few weeks. Separation anxiety can manifest in several ways, including howling, barking , chewing, and pacing. If your German Shepherd shows separation anxiety, seek professional help from a vet or an animal behaviorist. With time, patience, and guidance, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to cope with being away from other dogs and, little by little, start getting used to you and your family. First, it is crucial to understand that basic training for your German Shepherd to potty is a process and will take time, patience, and consistency. No magic solution will instantly train your month-old German Shepherd puppy to use the bathroom outside. Instead, it requires positive reinforcement, consistent follow-through, and a lot of patience. It means taking your puppy out to relieve themselves regularly throughout the day. Your one-month-old German Shepherd puppy should have a potty training schedule first thing in the morning, after every meal, after naps and playtime, and before bedtime. If you stick to this schedule, you will succeed. German Shepherd puppies generally have to relieve themselves every two to three hours, so be sure to set a timer or alarm to remind yourself to take them out. Introducing a Puppy Crate Choose a designated potty area, a. You can find puppy crates for your German Shepherd puppy at most pet stores or online retailers. Start by taking them to the designated area on a leash and letting them explore. Give it a treat if it shows interest in the space. Try again later if the puppy shows no interest or seems scared of the room. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started: Use a leash: When taking your German Shepherd out to relieve themselves, use a leash to keep them focused and prevent them from running off and exploring. Fixed routine: Try to take your German Shepherd to his designated potty area at the same time each day. It will help him develop a regular bathroom schedule. Give them time: When you get to the designated potty area, give your German Shepherd puppy plenty of time to relieve themselves. Reward good behavior: When your German Shepherd uses the bathroom in their designated potty area, praise them and give them a tasty treat. It will reinforce correct behavior and help your German Shepherd puppy learn that going potty outside is good. It will only scare your German Shepherd puppy and could cause it to hold urine or feces in, leading to health problems. German Shepherd puppies that are weaning for a few weeks to 12 years require four meals daily. After 12 weeks, you can switch to 3 meals per day. Your German Shepherd should maintain a diet of cups of puppy food per day, depending on their activity level. The German Shepherd breed is also prone to joint problems, so ensure they get the proper nutrients for healthy joints and bones. A quality dog food for your German Shepherd will have the right balance of calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. The most common health issues seen in the German Shepherd dog breed are the following. These conditions are caused by a hip or elbow joint malformation, leading to pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis. German Shepherds with these conditions will require lifelong pain medication and surgery management. Bloating Bloating is another common health problem seen in German Shepherds. This condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and then twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply. Some of the most common signs of bloating include restlessness, pacing, drooling, and abdominal pain. Contact your vet immediately if you think your German Shepherd is bloated. Hemophilia Hemophilia is a blood clotting disorder that can affect German Shepherds. This condition can lead to excessive bleeding, even from minor injuries. German Shepherds with hemophilia will require lifelong management with medication and close monitoring by a vet. The best way to prevent health problems in your German Shepherd breed is to get them from reputable breeders who do health testing on their dogs. Be sure to ask about the health history of the parents, grandparents, and brothers or sisters. Having your German Shepherd examined by a vet within the first few days of bringing them home is also essential. It will allow you to catch any health problems early and get treatment immediately. Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that can occur in German Shepherds. This condition is caused by the deterioration of the discs in the spine. It can lead to pain and paralysis. German Shepherds with this condition will require lifelong management with pain medication and surgery. Allergies German Shepherds are also susceptible to allergies , which can be caused by anything from food to environmental allergens. The most common signs of an allergic reaction include itching, redness, and hair loss. If you think your German Shepherd has allergies, it is vital to speak to your vet so they can recommend the best course of treatment. While there is no guarantee that your German Shepherd will never experience any health problems, working with a reputable breeder and taking good care of your German Shepherd will help to minimize the risk. It is essential for their growth. German Shepherd puppies usually wake up several times during the night for a potty break or a quick snack. Over time, your German Shepherd will learn to sleep through the night as they grow and mature. In the meantime, enjoy those cute German Shepherd puppy naps. Also read:.

King Shepherds will worm their way into your heart with their winning ways. They are extremely loving and steadfastly loyal, as we mentioned earlier. King Shepherds are hard workers which comes from their shepherd instinct. They are eager to please and are quick to grasp what you want them to do. Are King Shepherds child-friendly? Do you want your kids to have memorable experiences with a cherished family pet? King Shepherds are playful and exuberant, yet they are still incredibly gentle with kids. They are also loyal and protective of their little buddies. King Shepherds have a playful, social side around other household pets. They are gentle even though they are large. Cats and other dogs are treated kindly by this giant. What more could you ask for as a guardian of the family? This is not an apartment or condo-sized pet. King Shepherds tend to fill even modest house space. So having a big backyard or a nearby park is a must. They will keep you on your toes, as they get bored quickly and thrive on a genuine challenge. If you look forward to coming home after a busy workday and just chilling out, then forget owning a King Shepherd. These dogs love strenuous exercise and movement. Get ready for long fast walks, jogs or bicycle rides where your King Shepherd can run alongside you. This dog possesses boundless energy. They will run about, jump up, leave muddy paw prints and knock things off shelves and tables with their tails. Under-exercised King Shepherds become bored and look for ways to burn off that energy. If they are not kept busy and exercised, their health and your well-ordered home will suffer the consequences. King Shepherds demand a fair amount of grooming. The bonding that takes place during grooming is an excellent experience for both of you. Daily vacuuming of shed and brushed hair and frequent mopping of paw prints is a reality — but worth the effort in my mind. There are some essential things you should know about feeding your King Shepherd. The dog food you buy for him should not contain artificial ingredients so ask your breeder or your vet for a good brand that they recommend or refer to our feeding guide for German Shepherd A typical serving for your adult dog is three or four cups of dry dog food per day. Divide this into at least two meals. Check with your veterinarian during regular check-ups to see if your King Shepherd in a good weight. We know by now that this is a super smart canine, but despite this, initial training will require a lot of patience, consistency, and persistence, as is with any other dog. However, as King Shepherds are so eager to please you, training will be really fun and your new canine companion will get the hang of it pretty quickly. Once trained, your King Shepherd retains the lessons taught. As long as you also remember and implement what you learned in obedience classes, then you are in for years of loyal companionship. Follow the training progress of this five-and-a-half-month-old King Shepherd 11 Need a Watchdog? This is one of the primary reasons dog owners cite for buying a King Shepherd. They are outstanding watchdogs. He can be counted on to bark if an intruder or a stranger tries to enter your home or accosts you. King Shepherds are courageous and formidable in appearance. But it pays to be informed. Because your King Shepherd is a crossbreed, they may have health problems associated with both of his parents. The good news is that hybrids like King Shepherds have what vets call hybrid vigor. This means they can be delightfully hardy and healthy. They may also inherit allergies and eye diseases, degenerative myelopathy, pancreatic problems and thrombopathia. In the market for a King Shepherd puppy? King Shepherd litters are usually between six and ten King Shepherd puppies. Backyard breeders are people with one or two dogs who breed as a sideline. Their dogs may be well treated but not necessarily looked after medically. On the other hand, puppy mill owners have one thing in mind — making money at all costs. They breed as many dogs as fast as they can and often under abysmal conditions. Inbreeding is rampant, and puppies often have genetic disorders. The American Kennel Club has suggestions for puppy shopping Find a knowledgeable breeder. Make sure you like the way he raises his dogs. Meet at least one of the puppy parents. This is a good indicator of appearance, size, and temperament of your future dog. Check to see if the kennel is clean. Does it look and smell nice? The puppies should look clean, well fed, well groomed, healthy and energetic. How does the breeder interact with the puppies? Does he care about his dogs and their future owners? Find out what has been done to protect your puppy from diseases. Ask for proof of health screenings and certificates. Get to know the breeder. He can be an excellent mentor and resource for you in the future. Good breeders care about the future of their puppies and are happy to provide support. If a breeder is rushing puppies out the door to make way for a new litter, you should beware. They need forever homes. Why not check out the All Shepherd Rescue website. Some of these rescue dogs may have abandonment issues. Some may have health problems due to lack of exercise, improper diet, or lack of medical care. You can turn his life around by offering him a forever home. If a King Shepherd is your wish, be patient and let local shelters know what you want. The next cost is making sure your new family member is healthy. You need to do an initial medical exam which is a brilliant investment. You want to prevent health problems down the road, and you want to ensure your puppy is in excellent health. Some breeders and most animal shelters do this as part of the adoption process. Less - The King Shepherd is a large breed. According to the American Rare Breeds Association males stand at over 29 inches 74 cm tall and should have an ideal weight of to pounds 59 to 68 kg pounds while females are 27 inches 69 cm tall and ideally 90 to pounds 41 to 50 kg. The build of this dog is muscular, long, and robust; the structure is solid. The head is in good proportion with the body and moderately wide between the eyes. The forehead is slightly rounded. The cheeks are not too full and moderately curved when viewed from the top. The thick, firm ears are medium-sized and moderately wide at base. The eyes are medium-sized and almond shaped. The shades of the eyes can be varying shades of brown ranging from golden brown to almost black. The chest is broad and deep. Thickly feathered, the tail reaches at least to the hocks and is slightly curved. The King Shepherd is self-confident with a well-balanced personality and healthy nervous system. They should not exhibit any shyness or nervousness. They are extremely intelligent, easy to train and eager and faithful to please their owners. This breed makes a fine sheep-herder and working dog. They are also a naturally courageous guard and watchdog , showing courage, strength, and hardiness in their role of protector. They make very nice companions and are friendly to other animals and children. An organized dog breed club was started in .However, the black German Shepherd is much less well-known. This coloration is extremely rare and not currently recognized by most major kennel clubs. But they have since grown significantly in popularity. Usually, German Shepherds have a single coat pattern — black and tan. However, fully black German Shepherds do exist. This is not due to crossbreeding; the gene for completely black coats is carried by purebred German Shepherds. It is much rarer than the usual coloration, though. They have the same build and grow to be the about same size as a purebred German Shepherd. Males usually weight between 65 to 90 pounds, while females are 50 to 75 pounds. These are considered medium-to-large dogs, so consider whether you have the space before adopting one. Their height is around inches. This is correct for both males and females. Black German Shepherds are completely black. Most German Shepherds have at least a little bit of black on them. However, German Shepherds have nothing but black. Their coat is generally the same besides for their different in coloration. Their double-coat helps them stay clean and warm. As working dogs, these canines are built to work, and it shows. This coat color is accepted by the AKC. It is also not the result of crossbreeding, as some misinformation may state. Instead, it is simply a rare color that very few German Shepherds end up with. It only showed up recently and is sometimes encouraged through selective breeding. While the gene for a solid black coat was once though to be recessive, many people now consider it to be dominant. These dogs always have dark-colored eyes. Blue eyes are extremely rare and usually a sign that a dog has other breeds in his pedigree, such as Huskies. Other than the color, the body of black German Shepherds looks just like his black and tan cousins. As in all German Shepherds, the ears are typically erect, though floppy ears in adult can be seen occasionally. History By , the generalized herding dogs of Europe had split themselves into a few different distinctive breeds, including the German Shepherd. During the s, there was an attempt to standardize dog breeds and promote traits that encouraged sheep herding, including speed, strength, endurance, and intelligence. However, varieties still existed from place to place. Slight breeding difference had led to slightly different shepherds. During the industrial revolution, the need for sheepdogs decreased along with the predator population. Luckily, by this point, people were already recognizing the intelligence and ability of the previous herding dogs. From this dog the breed standard grew. In just a few generations, the German Shepherd was one of the most populous in the world. Honrand fathered many puppies. Nearly all German Shepherds today are descended from him. There was quite a bit of inbreeding that occurred to produce the German Shepherd breed we know today. The Black German Shepherd has likely existed to some extent since the breed was produced. However, many dogs do not carry the completely black gene. Many completely black German Shepherds in the past were likely culled at birth due to the defect. Today, the gene is seeing a reoccurrence. Personality and Temperament The German Shepherd is often considered to be an aggressive dog. However, this is not completely true. They do have significant protective instincts, as they were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep. For instance, the German Shepherd has a bite force of over 1, newtons. But there are several dogs that rank around this as well, including the Rottweiler, Pit Bull, and Labrador Retriever. Most dogs at about this size are going to have a similar bite strength. German Shepherds are considered to be moderately active. They need just about as much exercise as dogs of a similar size. This breed is well-known for being heavily devoted to their people and easy to train. When trained properly, they will absolutely listen. However, they do have innate protective instincts. If you want to dog that is going to be protective of their family, this is a great choice. These canines do need extensive socialization starting at a young age, though. Otherwise, they can become a bit too protective of their family and territory. These canines are not the friendliest. They are people-oriented, but not with strangers. They tend to be quite unsure with strangers. At best, they usually ignore them completely. Other times, they may be obviously uncomfortable. German Shepherds have high prey drive. On the one hand that means that you can easily motivate them with a ball or tug toy. On the other hand, it requires a lot of supervision for owners that have small dogs or cats in addition to their shepherd. While your dog might not outright try to fight with a cat or smaller dog, he could even accidentally hurt them during play. They are extremely intelligent and devoted to their owners. Unlike some dog breeds, they will listen to their owners in most real-life situations. They can learn a variety of different commands very easily and will actually do them when asked. However, these dogs do need the training. Without it, they can be overly protective and even potentially dangerous. Their ease of training does make fulfilling this need quite easy, though. We do recommend puppy classes starting at a very young age. These classes provide the extra socialization that your dog needs, as well as allows you to jumpstart their training. We only recommend private classes for dogs that are too reactive around strangers and other dogs to thrive in a group class. Usually, only German Shepherds who were not properly socialized as puppies will fit into this category. If you adopt an older German Shepherd that seems in need of socialization, we recommend taking private classes with an experienced trainer. You can work your dog through some basic commands and then work on socializing them with safe people and dogs. The trainer should be able to help you in this regard. The German Shepherd is a more active breed, and completely black German Shepherds are not different. While there are more active dog breeds out there, these canines are best for those that are quite active. They need at least two medium-to-long walks per day. Puppies will likely need some extra play sessions as well. Health and Care German Shepherds are pretty healthy as far as purebred dogs come. However, they are prone to some health problems. Many of these are due to the inbreeding that occurred early in the breed, which made some previously rare traits more common. Black German Shepherds are not known to have any more health problems than their black-and-tan cousins. Their coat coloration is not associated with any particular health issues or anything of that sort. It is important to purchase these dogs from a qualified breeder, as they tend to perform plenty of health testing on any dog they plan on breeding. This helps them recognize health problems and pick only the healthiest dogs possible for producing litters. We do recommend purchasing a German Shepherd that was bred as a working dog — not one produced as a show dog. These two lines of dogs are somewhat distinct as they have been bred for two very different purposes. Show dogs tend to confirm to an extreme extent to the breed standard, which increase the amount of health problems they develop. On the other hand, working dogs were bred with practicality in mind. Many German Shepherds have hip and elbow dysplasia. This disease occurs when the ball and socket of the joint do not line up correctly, leading to excess wear-and-tear. Eventually, this cause arthritis-like symptoms, but at a much earlier age than arthritis typically shows up. Usually, this damage occurs during puppyhood when the dog is growing, but they may not show symptoms until a few years later. There are a few things pet owners can do to reduce the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia in their German Shepherd. Many of these dogs are also affected by degenerative spinal stenosis. However, this study had a notably small sample size, so it may not be entirely accurate. On a good note, German Shepherds are actually less likely to get ear infections than other dogs. Degenerative myelopathy occurs often enough in German Shepherds that they are likely predispositioned to it. This test is very expensive, so many breeders perform it on their dogs before breeding as well as on the puppies after they are born. Once the test is used regularly, it becomes very easy to remove it from the breed. Von Willebrand disease also occurs at a higher level in German Shepherds than in the normal dog population. It is likely that they are genetically predispositioned to it. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs in German Shepherds as well. This condition is usually treated with medication and pancreatic supplements. It is most likely genetic, so health testing and keeping track of pedigrees is important to eliminating it in the breed. Medium-coated dogs will only need brush two to three times a week. Long coats will need combed through at least once a day to prevent mats. Because of their double coat, dogs of all coat types will shed profusely. Do not adopt a black German Shepherd unless you can deal with a lot of extra hair. Even if you brush your dog daily, they will still shed everywhere. Usually, this occurs in the spring and fall, but it can depend on your local climate. Shedding is also tied to hormones — not just the weather. There is little you can do to reduce the overall amount of shedding your dog does. However, anti-shedding shampoos and a high-quality diet can help. It is usually not too difficult to find a normal German Shepherd breeder somewhere near you. However, not all breeders produce black dogs. Most will also be significantly more expensive than a black-and-tan German Shepherd due to their rarity. Many people want a black German Shepherd, which means that you often have to be prepared to pay a bit extra. However, this is still much cheaper than you might expect for a large dog. As a common breed, they are usually cheaper than most. It may be tempting to cut corners and purchase a cheaper puppy. However, this is not recommended, especially when it comes to German Shepherds. These puppies need socialized from the moment they are born. Often, breeders put in this time and effort. We highly recommend only purchasing puppies form very experienced breeders. Otherwise, you may end up with an unsocialized puppy and a troublesome temperament. You should always ask about the pedigree of the parents, as well as the health testing the breeder has done. Ask to see the parents if at all possible. Sometimes, the father will be located somewhere else, so only the mother will be at the breeder. In this case, it is usually fine to just see the mother. You can tell a lot about a breeder form how they keep the mother and the puppies, so be absolutely sure to ask to see their living conditions. The parents should be AKC registered, so you should ask for registration. But AKC registration does not mean that the dog is high-quality. Every German Shepherd can be registered — even those with no health testing. Preferably, you should have owned at least one dog before. It is recommended that you have some experience with more active dogs, as well. These dogs are quite active and tend to be high-energy. Without the appropriate amount of exercise, they can easily become destructive. In fact, most of the destructive behavior associated with a German Shepherd is due to a lack of stimulation. German Shepherds require extensive training as well, so it is best if they have a handler that has previously trained dogs. They will take up a few hours a day as puppies and require as much as an hour or two of exercise alone. Many of these canines are more expensive than their black-and-tan counterparts. However, they have won the hearts of many pet owners. It will often take you a little bit before you locate a completely black puppy, so be prepared to sit on a few waiting lists. Despite their unusual colorations, these dogs are very similar to all other German Shepherds. They have the same temperament and work great as guard dogs. You have to prepare to train and socialize them properly. They require quite a bit more work than other breeds, but it is absolutely worth it in the end. We recommend these dogs for serious dog owners who have previously owned dogs. German Shepherds are not for the casual dog owner. They need someone who can commit to their training and activity needs. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Chicago IL? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Chicago IL? One of the reasons for this is that individual Chicago Boxer breeders will choose their price based on their reputation for producing quality pups. The coat and eye color of each pup also makes a difference, as does their pedigree. Am I limited to choosing pups from Boxer breeders in Chicago? Many of the partners in our network are skilled at helping to organize transportation for your new pup. How do you screen breeders with Boxer puppies in Chicago? Our extremely high standards mean that we will only work with the best businesses and companies who produce the best Boxer puppies for sale Chicago. These pups are incredibly well looked after. All of these have to sign our Breeder Pledge which covers all aspects of canine care. How is Uptown Puppies different? When you start searching online for Chicago Boxers for sale, it can be hard to tell the difference between an honest business and a scam. Rather than pay attention to the marketing budget of low-quality breeders, we focus on the quality of each business. What is a puppy mill, exactly? Puppy mills prioritise profit to the detriment of animal welfare. Puppies and mother dogs are kept in awful conditions and have little to no quality of life. While these pups may seem like a bargain, the truth is they can often suffer from debilitating health and behavioral issues. More often than not, this leads to expensive veterinary bills. Can I buy a Boxer for sale in Chicago now? To start your search simply scroll through our listings of available pups and connect with the breeders or businesses with puppies that catch your eye. What country is the Boxer from? The Boxer breed hails from 19th Century Germany, where they were prized as both hunting and guarding dogs. Their blend of intelligence, bravery, and loyalty also made them the perfect dog for military and police work. What can I expect from a Boxer? Boxers are affectionate and loving with their families, but can easily switch into protector and defender mode if they feel their families are being threatened. Their active natures make them perfect for energetic families. How big are Boxers? A Chicago Boxer for sale will mature to be a sizable dog. Once mature, a male Boxer Chicago can stand up to 25 inches tall and weigh up to 80 pounds. Females will be slightly smaller, at .Their enthusiastic and bouncy nature also means you need to provide them with plenty of space! Are Boxers ebay to train? Training sessions with a Boxer for sale Chicago are guaranteed to be a lot of fun! Boxers love to please their owners so make enthusiastic and willing training partners. Puppy Breeds If you have a liking for a fearless, energetic yet devoted pet then the boxer breed of dogs should form your list of preferred choices. As the 9th most recognized and popular dog breed in the world, whether the brindle fur colored, white or fawn, a boxer is a delight to look at and a fabulous companion around. Discover more about our Boxer puppies for sale below! History From ancient Germany precisely around the 19th century had the now extinct mastiff breed Bullenbeisser and bulldogs brought in from England. At the time of their arrival, they served as hunting dogs for bears, deer, and other ferocious beasts, it would capture the prey with the help of its awesome teeth and detain it until the hunter arrives. And in the first boxer standard club was launched with a comprehensive document that is still in use today. Shortly after, the breed made its way into other European countries and got into the U. S in the late 19th century with the American Kennel Club taking registration of its first boxer around .During the first world war, boxers played the role of a military dog as a pack-carrier, a guard dog, and an attack dog, later they were taken home by the soldiers and got introduced into the domestic world as a show dog, best companion, and a reliable guard. Temperament One with so much life, energetic, curious, attentive, active, smart, sociable and incredible fun with children is the boxer, they are also known to be very patient and highly protective of their family members making them the love and desire of many homes. As active dogs, they need a lot of exercise to keep them mentally fit, apparently having a mind of its own, you will find your boxer entertain itself by digging the ground often, chewing, and licking the mouth to beat boredom. They are also very stubborn in character which makes them a terrible choice for first-timers with dogs, they are generally a bit difficult with adult dogs including dogs of a similar breed but friendly with puppies. They usually do not bark unless there is a genuine reason behind it but they love to growl. Environment If you have occupied home with people around all the time or you want a canine buddy the whole time, then a boxer is just the perfect breed to get. Being a highly active dog, they dread loneliness and they can cope finely in both a house and an apartment as long as you provide it with enough room and spaces for exercises and activities. What you must have is a large yard if you are living in a house for it to dig the ground and run around as it likes. And more so, if you are given to being away from home most of the time, getting a boxer may not be the best for you and the dog, because they usually get aggressive when left alone. Boxers are known as loud snorers and they drool greatly too. Exercises Boxers are playful and very energetic dogs as such regular exercises are part of a good canine relationship, especially a breed of this sort. Your boxer should be allowed to play in a fenced area and on-leashed since it is likely to jump and leap around in excitement. This puts a boxer as a bad choice for a frail owner as they may find it a tad impossible and daunting keeping up with its excessive activity demands. Grooming Being a breed with a short and thin coat its grooming demands are quite easy and little, all it needs is a light brushing of the hair twice every week to maintain its good and gleeful looks. Bathing should be a once in a while since boxers are generally clean dogs and its nails, be trimmed once every month or as often as they grow worn on surfaces, its teeth should also be brushed daily to avoid tartar formation and other dental crises. Our Boxer puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Contact us today to learn more about the availability of our Boxer puppies for sale. We look forward to helping you find your next family member. Our pet counselors can answer any questions you have about our Boxer puppies. Yes, boxers are particularly fond of their family members especially when goodly trained. Are Boxers trainable? Though the boxers can be a little headstrong, they are very intelligent and with a proper training environment, they respond well. Are Boxers friendly with kids? They are very fond of children and they love playing games with them. Are Boxers friendly with other animals? Boxers are naturally patient with puppies, pooches and small animals but a bit unaccommodating of adult dogs and other animals. Are Boxers good apartment dogs? They can live anywhere you make as a home all you need is to provide it with enough space for exercise. How is Boxers shedding? Given the shortness of their coat, they shed minimally and occasionally, you can also regulate the shedding by frequent brushing of their coat. Are Boxers good for first-time owners? Not quite, as their exercise needs are way too high for their inexperienced hands. Are Boxers loud barkers? But growling is a thing they do most. Are Boxers tolerable to heat and cold? All they need is moderate exposure to heat and cold because of their thin fur body. How long can Boxers live? The average life-span of boxers is 10 years.

Some final words There are at least 7 legitimate reasons why your Frenchie throws up all the time. We just gave you one and it has to do with allergies. Dogs get them just like people do. This can make life a little tougher for your little friend. Have your vet check your dog when you see abnormal vomiting. Why is my French Bulldog throwing up undigested food? Click here to learn more. One of the things to be wary of in this situation is that even the vet may not know the source. There are a number of reasons and some of those reasons will not be common. So do not be surprised if your vet does not know why. Brachycephalic Syndrome- Usually related to vomiting white foam it can happen with undigested food. Oesophageal Disorder- This is either caused by hernias or it can be hereditary, Can only be diagnosed by a vet. Food Allergy- Due to their sensitive stomachs Frenchies can become allergic to a variety of food items. However, when Frenchie puppies vomit, it is almost natural. But check with your vet just in case. Some of the time, a Frenchie will regurgitate food that has not even made it to their stomach yet. It does happen from time to time and may be on the rare side of things. Also, Frenchies have been known to vomit water out of their systems. There is no miracle cure for this ailment. Mostly, it has to do with how your Frenchie eats and what they eat. But you can make things a little easier for your pet by doing one or some of the following: Change Their Food- If your pet is allergic to an ingredient change the food. Sometimes chicken can replace beef if your dog is allergic to the latter ingredient. Slowing their feeding time is one way to prevent this from taking place. There may be a medical reason why their stomachs are unsettled. They will do some tests to get to the heart of the problem. Can a Frenchie Eat Mango? Click here here to find out. Some final words While it is normal and natural for your Frenchie to throw up, it is not always a good sign. Just make sure to eliminate the simple to-solve reasons first before suspecting your dog has a major disease. When in doubt, talk to your vet. Not only can they diagnose the problem, but they can also calm your own nerves and bring you a little peace of mind. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Yes, French Bulldogs are known for drinking a lot of water — fast. This is especially true after they get home from a walk or just were playing… they will usually drink a lot of water faster than they should… and throw it right back up. Why do Frenchies eat poop? This behavior is known as coprophagia. Here are a few reasons why your French Bulldog eats its own poop. Nutritional deficiencies: Some dogs eat feces to compensate for missing nutrients in their diet. Behavioral instinct: An inherited instinct from ancestors, dogs may consume feces to keep their living area clean. Boredom or attention-seeking: Dogs may engage in coprophagia due to boredom or to gain attention from their owners. Cleaning up the environment: Dogs have a natural inclination to keep their immediate surroundings clean. Medical issues: Underlying medical conditions can affect digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to coprophagia. My Frenchie has diarrhea — what do I do?! If your French Bulldog has diarrhea, there are a few steps you can take to help them recover: Monitor their condition: Keep an eye on the frequency and consistency of the diarrhea. Provide access to fresh water: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so make sure your French Bulldog has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Encourage them to drink small amounts regularly to stay hydrated. Adjust their : Consider withholding food for hours to give their digestive system a rest. However, ensure they still have access to water. After the fasting period, reintroduce a bland diet consisting of easily digestible foods such as boiled chicken and rice. Gradually transition back to their regular diet once the diarrhea improves. Probiotics and digestive aids: Probiotics can help restore the balance of beneficial gut bacteria. Consult your veterinarian about appropriate probiotic supplements for your French Bulldog. Additionally, digestive aids such as pumpkin puree without additives can help firm up the stool. Maintain hygiene and cleanliness: Clean up any accidents promptly to prevent the spread of bacteria. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your Frenchie to avoid potential transmission of any pathogens. Your veterinarian can evaluate your French Bulldog, perform any necessary tests, and prescribe appropriate medication or treatment. Remember, diarrhea can be caused by various factors, including dietary indiscretion, dietary changes, infections, parasites, or underlying health conditions. There can be several reasons why your French Bulldog is not eating. Here are some possible explanations: Illness or pain: Loss of appetite can be a sign of an underlying illness or discomfort. Stress or anxiety: Dogs can experience a loss of appetite due to stress, changes in routine, or environmental factors. Events like moving to a new home, the presence of new pets, or loud noises can cause temporary appetite loss. Providing a calm and comfortable environment can help alleviate stress and encourage eating. Dental problems: Dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, or oral pain can make it uncomfortable for your Frenchie to eat. Inspect their mouth for any signs of dental problems, and if you suspect an issue, consult with a veterinarian for an oral examination. Recent vaccination or medication: Some dogs may experience a temporary loss of appetite after receiving vaccinations or starting a new medication. If this persists for more than a day or two, consult with your veterinarian to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Food preferences or boredom: Dogs can be selective eaters or get bored with their food. Adding variety or engaging in interactive feeding activities can also stimulate their interest in eating. Dogs can be sensitive to sudden dietary changes. Gradually transitioning to a new food over a week or two can help avoid digestive upset and encourage eating. Posted on. French Bulldogs are generally known for having sensitive stomachs, which is evident in their reactions to various meals over time. However, in order to gain a better understanding of why your dog is throwing up, it is important to ask yourself some pertinent questions. These questions should ideally cover aspects such as when the problem started and whether it is ongoing or has been happening for weeks. Once you address these issues you can move on to the next step of consulting your vet who will physically examine your dog and assess its medical history. There are different instances and reasons that make it possible to figure out why a Frenchie is vomiting. Since your precious companion does not have the ability to tell you what is going on, getting to the root of the problem will require some investigations. You can expect your vet to find out whether your dog has been refusing to eat, ingesting plants, retching or gagging without anything actually coming out, vomiting bile or food and when the vomiting began. Chronic vomiting can go on for a couple of weeks, which is why many people do not seek professional help when their dog throws up a few times during the week and continues to behave in a normal manner. However, if the situation is continuous, it is advisable to get in touch with your vet promptly. Bloodwork is often useful for diagnosing a variety of conditions as well as other tests that are essential for figuring out the underlying cause of the problem. If your dog tried out a new treat recently or you suddenly made some adjustments to their diet, these are factors that can lead to vomiting. It is also a good idea to keep them away from food that contains substantial amounts of dairy products and eggs. Assessing Different Scenarios Esophageal Issues French bulldogs typically have esophagi that are not properly formed. Consequently, this may result in challenges when they eat and swallow along with digestive problems and taking in excessive amounts of air while eating. Esophagitis is a disorder that consists of the esophagus being inflamed because of acid reflux or a food allergy. Symptoms of this disorder include extreme pain during eating, pain in the neck and back, loss of appetite, avoiding lying down, excess drooling, constant coughing and weight loss. Other esophageal disorders and problems include dilation in the esophagus, which manifests as a weakened system that is unable to transport food to the stomach. The food remains inside the esophagus and this usually occurs among older dogs. Exercising after Eating Frenchies and their fragile stomachs cannot effectively handle rigorous activities immediately after eating. It is important to ensure that your dog has lots of time to digest their food before they exercise or start running around. Unfortunately, their distinct features make them susceptible to inhaling a lot of air when they eat their food too fast. This may lead to straining their intestines and causing them to vomit. You can address this challenge by providing small but regular meals that will enable the dog to chew slowly while making sure they do not plough through their food due to hunger. You can expect your pet to develop various allergies as time goes on, which means they are likely to become allergic to food that you have been serving them for years. Vomiting regularly after meals is among the key symptoms of food allergies in Frenchies. They also tend to diarrhea and other symptoms such as loss of fur, watery eyes and itchy skin may also occur. If you suspect that your Frenchie has food allergies, it important to monitor them closely and avoid any items that they react negatively to. In case any of the aforementioned symptoms worsen, you should take your dog to a vet as soon as you can. Tips for handling a vomiting French Bulldog If your Frenchie is vomiting in the morning, keep a close eye on them to make sure that they are breathing normally. After throwing up suddenly, they might be scared and require you to sit next to them to provide comfort and assurance. When vomiting occurs after a distressing period in their lives, becoming overheated, playing too much or eating too fast, you probably do not have to be concerned. However, if it happens suddenly or often, you may need to take your Frenchie to the vet for thorough observation. The following are some worthwhile tips for giving your French Bulldog tender care after vomiting: One of the priorities when caring for a vomiting Frenchie is to do your best to stop them from throwing them up anymore. You can achieve this by keeping them sufficiently hydrated with water throughout the day. Taking this approach will help to prevent them from throwing up continuously. After at least 12 hours of fasting, you can give your dog a small portion of bland food such as boiled carrots and rice. Rather than providing their regular diet, it is advisable to keep it simple and stay away from oily red meat or fish that contains a lot of fat. Re-introduce the usual diet after the problem subsides. It is essential to monitor your pet even when they start eating their usual diet again. This enables you to determine whether there are any underlying problems. Vomiting may be the result of consuming a poisonous substance or being seriously ill. If your dog is vomiting repeatedly, the responsible thing to do in this situation is visit a vet. Minimizing vomiting in French Bulldogs There are food bowls that are specially designed to help Frenchies eat their food at a slower pace or to eat without taking in a lot of air. Giving your dog a minimum of 20 minutes to digest their food before allowing them to go out and play can minimize the risk of vomiting. You should also dissuade them from being active right after their meals. If your dog has food allergies, it can be helpful to purchase dog food that is specifically formulated for their sensitive stomachs and intolerance levels. However, you may also consider talking to a vet before making dietary changes, especially sudden ones. In summary There are numerous reasons for vomiting, which is why it can be challenging to obtain a conclusive diagnosis. Along with keenly watching your pooch, it is important to gather enough information regarding how frequently the vomiting happens, diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss and lethargy. When a Frenchie vomits once and continues eating normally with regular bowl movements, this can probably be classified as a rare incident. Consulting your vet is an opportunity to examine your Frenchie for different issues. In case your dog has any physical or underlying problems, the vet will be able to recommend the most ideal treatment solution to get the doggie back on track. French Bulldogs are vulnerable to digestive issues and vomiting due to various reasons. While vomiting is not an unusual occurrence, you can take a number of precautions to reduce the risks but in most situations, you have nothing serious to be concerned about. If vomiting in the morning happens constantly without a clear cause or your French Bulldog is miserable, taking them to the vet for assurance and a professional diagnosis will give both you and doggie peace of mind. Gastroenteritis Ingesting Plants Remember, it is not uncommon for a Frenchie to occasionally vomit. There are many reasons why your Frenchie might vomit and some reasons may be more worrying than others. Helping your Frenchie live their best life takes tender, love and care or in other words TLC. Knowing your bulldogs health and personality will aide in abnormal changes to health and personality that may require your vets opinion. Difference between Vomit and Regurgitation Vomiting can sometimes be confused with regurgitation. Vomiting Vomiting is the involuntary forceful expulsion of digested food, water, or bile from the stomach or upper part of the intestines and causes the abdominal muscles to contract. Vomiting may or may not be accompanied by nausea and drooling. Regurgitation Regurgitation, on the other hand, is a passive process, which does not involve any abdominal contractions and even nausea. Regurgitation is a symptom rather than a disorder and involves only the contents of the mouth and esophagus. The food or water that is expelled does not make it to the stomach and is simply ejected from the esophagus soon after eating. Regurgitation happens more often when the french bulldog has consumed their food too quickly. Why do French Bulldogs Regurgitate and Vomit? French Bulldogs are a sensitive breed with sensitive stomachs and sometimes regurgitate food or stomach fluids. French Bulldogs are brachycephalic and find it difficult to eat and digest food properly. There could be myriads of reasons that make French Bulldogs throw up. Esophageal Disorders There are a lot of esophageal disorders that can cause regurgitation in French Bulldogs. Megaesophagus Megaesophagus is the dilation of the esophagus due to a lack of peristaltic activity. The issue can be congenital or can be acquired later in life. Hiatal Hernia In this condition, the upper part of the stomach pushes through the hiatus small opening in the diaphragm through which esophagus passes into the chest. Esophagitis Esophagitis is the inflammation or irritation of the esophagus and is a result of acid reflux, bacterial or viral infections, or a side effect of certain medications. Brachycephalic syndrome Brachycephalic syndrome can lead to gagging, vomiting, and regurgitation of undigested food. French Bulldogs have the soft tissues of their nose and throat squeezed into a small space. This makes permanent narrowing and obstruction of the airways making breathing difficult for them. So, they breathe through their mouths while eating and inhale a lot of air inside causing them to have a bloated and upset stomach. Food Allergies French Bulldogs have delicate tummies and can be allergic to a lot of foods. Food allergies can be developed over time also. The food which your Frenchie would have eaten for years may start irritating his stomach. Food allergies can also be accompanied by diarrhea, although not always. Food allergies in Frenchies can cause other symptoms such as ear infections, itchy skin, watery eyes, dull coat, and bloody looking nails. Food allergies are more common in young puppies than adults. We have everything you need to know on the French bulldog diet here to help you out! Pharyngeal Dysphagia This is a swallowing disorder causing your dog to cough or gag when trying to swallow. Intestinal Parasites Intestinal parasites can cause gastrointestinal-related problems in your dog including vomiting and diarrhea 6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease This condition causes the inflammation of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract and can result in vomiting along with diarrhea, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis results in intermittent episodes of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. This condition causes the inflammation and irritation of the stomach and the intestines. Ingesting Plants Eating any plant or grass can cause mild gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs. Eating Spoiled Food Just as humans, eating contaminated or spoiled food can make your French bulldog vomit. Change the Bowls French Bulldogs eat exceptionally fast making them gag, choke, and vomit. The most effective way of slowing down the pace of eating for these speed-eaters could be done by changing the bowls with less leeway to pick the food. Slow feeder bowl or puzzle toy These make your French bulldog work for their foods and take small bites. This not only slows down their pace of eating but also keeps them entertained. Slow feeders are easily available at both online and offline stores. Putting a Toy in the Bowl with their Food Having a toy in the bowl with food will make your Frenchie work around it and eat small bites because of the constrained space. Although you have to make sure whatever toy you have put inside the bowl is not swallowed. Hand-Feeding your Frenchie This can be challenging and time-consuming for many pet parents but can also be tried. Give Frequent Meals If somebody stays at home all the time then serving small meals at short intervals throughout the day can slow down the eating process. Feeding small meals frequently throughout the day can make your French Bulldog less likely to gobble down their food during their mealtimes knowing that another meal is coming soon. Giving food that uses proteins from high-quality proteins can help your French Bulldog have a healthy digestive system and avoid making their digestive sensitivities awful. There should also be a right balance of fiber in their diet, to make sure your Frenchie absorbs nutrients easily without causing any stress on their digestive system. Feed your French Bulldog a high-quality food consisting of natural ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid giving food to your Frenchie containing allergenic grains such as wheat, corn and soy and also meat by-products. Probiotics Your French Bulldog can benefit from probiotics which helps in digestion and also strengthen the immune system. Probiotics inhibit the growth of harmful bacterias and also provide many other benefits to their gut. Make sure your French Bulldog gets probiotics formulated specifically for dogs to ensure they get the right types of bacteria. Digestive Enzymes Digestive enzymes help in breaking down fats, protein, and carbohydrates to improve their assimilation in the small intestine. They also combat inflammation and swelling. As your dog gets older, the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient amounts of digestive enzymes, which help breakdown the food to make it easier for the dog to absorb the nutrients. Your French bulldog may not want to lie down Unusual movements Pain in the neck or throat Esophagitis will usually mean a trip to the vet for your Frenchie and the condition can usually be managed with medicine or a change in diet. A high in carbs and low fat diet that contains low protein foods with no allergens in them can help heal the oesophagus. Antacids may be prescribed along with other drugs to help your French bulldog swallow. In extreme cases a balloon catheter can be installed to help manage the narrowing of the oesophagus. This condition is often hereditary and diagnosed by barium swallows and x-rays, so again this will mean another trip to the vet for your four-legged friend. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this problem and will have to be managed over the life of your Frenchie. Managing it is not particularly easy. It requires your dog to be in a vertical and upright position whilst feeding and drinking. Hiatal hernia A hiatal hernia is usually detected when your dog is exercising or particularly excited. This causes an opening in the diaphragm called the oesophageal hiatus which the oesophagus passed through prior to entering the stomach. A hernia can sometimes develop in this location due to an issue caused by one of the below: A protrusion of the oesophagus Lower oesophageal sphincter Part of the stomach A hiatal hernia will mean a trip to the vet again for your French bulldog and quite possibly some surgery. Anti-inflammatory drugs can also be used to help reduce inflammation inside the oesophagus. However medication will only reduce the frequency and severity of the hiatal hernia but will not remove it totally. Surgery may be needed to put the oesophagus and stomach back to what is considered the normal position. Related questions about Frenchie vomiting Why does my French bulldog throw up after drinking water? Frenchies wolf down their food and water. Our own dog Claude will lap his water and food up really quickly, which will often lead to vomiting. How can I help my French bulldog after he has been sick? If the problem is down to a food allergy, they will require a specific food for life. Your vet will be able to advise you with this. Never self-medicate your French bulldog as you could end up doing them more harm. French bulldogs often become frightened and distressed after throwing up. You should offer them plenty of comfort and cuddles and monitor them very closely to ensure that they are able to breathe properly. How can I prevent my French bulldog from vomiting in the future? If you think that your French bulldog has food allergies you can buy specially formulated dog food for them; but always consult your vet first before making any dietary changes. You can also buy your Frenchie a food bowl which has been designed specifically to slow down the eating process which in turn makes it easier for them to eat without gulping so much air. Do French bulldogs throw up less as they get older? As your French bulldog matures it is likely that they will vomit less frequently. Vomiting is more common in French bulldogs when they are puppies and it is not uncommon for them to throw up two to three times a day. This will decrease as they age, and your French bulldog can end up going for years without throwing up. Talking from personal experience, when Claude was a puppy, it seemed like he was throwing up on an almost daily basis. When should I take my Frenchie to the vet after throwing up? If your French bulldog is vomiting frequently and seems to be distressed and in pain it is always better to get professional advice. Try and remain calm and just explain exactly what it is that you saw. As unpleasant as it sounds, if you can video your French bulldog whilst being sick or even take a photo of what they produce it would help the vet to identify the problem and therefore get your dog the best treatment. All Frenchies throw up. Nine times out of ten its usually nothing to worry about. If it begins to dramatically affect their personality and is persistent then please give your vet a call. What other health problems should I look for? Frenchies are notorious for having various health issues. Click here to view the list of French Bulldog health issues. It seemed like every few hours we were having to get paper towels and anti-bacterial wipes to clean up the kitchen floor. We very quickly started to learn what the sick symptoms of a French Bulldog were and what we needed to keep an eye on. It was vomited food, sometimes undigested. Grass from the garden see why they eat grass. Small pieces of Lego that he had chewed up. Fur from our cat. You name it, he vomited it. If you do see anything unusual though, please do get your Frenchie looked at, as it could be the sign of something more serious. My puppy is throwing up fairly often. What do I do? Puppies from all dog breeds will occasionally throw up, as will adult dogs from time to time, but, from our experiences, it seems that Frenchies throw up more than most other breeds. The fact that they are brachycephalic short faced probably has a lot to do with this. Frenchies will tend to gulp water and their food which is why they are sometimes [OK, often times] gassy , and this also contributes to their propensity to throw up more than most other breeds. Based on our experience, if your puppy is throwing up a time or three a day, especially early on as they are getting accustomed to their new digs, it is nothing to worry about, especially if your puppy seems happy and healthy and is not losing weight. If they do gulp food and water, there are some food and water bowls on the market which will slow them down, and feeding your puppy smaller, more frequent meals can help. Sometimes, having dry food always available to them can also help as they will not feel a need to rush and gulp their food. As puppies age, they should throw up less and less frequently until it becomes a fairly rare occurrence. If they continue to throw up several times a day, there is a good possibility that your puppy might have a food allergy. We had one adult female which had a problem digesting the dry food, which we feed to all of our dogs, which has rice as the only grain, in addition to all of the other ingredients. We put her on a grain free diet and she did very well, eliminating the problems of throwing up and having loose stools. We also had one young Frenchie which had a problem with all of the dry food we tried, including grain free, so we tried her on a raw diet and this did the trick. The bottom line is that almost all Frenchies will occasionally throw up, so it is nothing to be alarmed about. However, if it is persistent and there are other signs that there is a problem, corrective action should be taken. It very well may be as simple as a diet change, but if this does not solve the problem, your vet should be consulted. Have More Questions?

And we all know that German shepherd head tilt is one of the cutest gestures they can do. But have you ever wondered why dogs tilt their heads? For all we know, there might be disturbing facts about German shepherd head tilt. After all, German shepherds tilt their heads more often than with other breeds. There are actually many people that made theories behind this behavior. Some involve hearing, while others are concerned with vision. So read this blog post and learn about the possible reasons behind German shepherd head tilts so you can be sure of what to do when you encounter the behavior again. Because German shepherds have a particularly better sense of hearing than most breeds. Not only that, but they can also pinpoint the source of a certain sound. When German shepherds concentrate on locating the source of the sound, they tend to tilt their heads. Just like with radios of sorts, they need to adjust the position of their ears so they can perfectly hear the sound. Contrary to common belief, German shepherds try to understand what you say despite having different languages. A prime example of these gestures is hand signals. As previously said, German shepherds are intelligent. One of the ways to communicate with their owners is head tilting. Take note, however, that German shepherd head tilts can mean different things depending on the situation. A recent study discovered that those with flat faces and big mouths are the ones that often do head tilts. Presence of Ear Problems This might be the most serious case of German shepherd head tilts. It is known that head tilting is one of the signs of ear problems or infections. This complicates things since you may find it difficult to separate German shepherd head tilts involved with ear problems and those that are not. You can distinguish between the two with these following signs: Tilting their head repeatedly in an abnormal rate have a high likelihood of having ear problems. Head tilts without communicating with you or without any strange sounds can also mean your German shepherd has ear problems. You were shown six possible reasons behind head tilts. You even learned about the issue with ear problems. But look at the bright side, it may also be just a simple habit of your dog. The bottom line is, you are now aware of the reasons why dogs tilt their heads. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Nov 19, German shepherds are very beautiful dogs that are also very expressive. One behavior that is adorable to watch them do is a head tilt. Many German shepherds start tilting their head as a young puppy. Even before their fuzzy ears are up, they will rock their little heads back and forth in the most amusing way. As their ears grow, their head tilts just keep getting more adorable. As they tilt their head, they will often sport many different facial expressions that makes them look as though they are thinking hard or asking a question. As a German shepherd owner, you may have learned some of the things that will trigger your shepherd to tilt their head and be able to anticipate when the tilt is coming. You might even be able to trigger them to do it for you. Often a certain sound, such as a particular voice you speak in, a noise, or even when they are concentrating on something will cause them to tilt their head. Have you ever wondered why German shepherds tilt their head more than some other breeds? It is believed that German shepherds tilt their head to capture and decipher more sound. They Tilt Their Head to Pin Point Sound German shepherds were built for hearing and their ears are in the perfect upright position to maximize the reception of sound. IG ragnar. IG penny. Dogs can also detect softer sounds than people can. The loudness or intensity of a sound is measured in decibels and some sounds too quiet for people to hear. Those sounds are given a negative decibel rating. IG lex. But they will also tilt their head at sounds people can hear, too. At times, German shepherds may also tilt their head for reasons other than capturing sound. Often, they will tilt if they have a medical problem, such as a stroke, ear infection, or dirt or debris in their ear. So, if you see them tiling their head at odd times or walking with their head tilted, you should check with your vet. Some owners believe that German shepherds will also tilt their head for other reasons other than capturing sound. These may include: Paying attention to their owner Looking past their muzzle When they are trying to decipher meaning Trying to communicate IG hello. We hope you enjoy this article, please feel free to pass it along to your friends. It feels almost impossible not to melt when they do their infamous German Shepherd head tilt. Have you ever wondered why these dogs tilt their head? However, we seem to notice it more frequently in this breed than in others. German Shepherds actually have a better sense of hearing than most other dog breeds. When they concentrate, they tilt their heads to scope out where exactly a specific sound is coming from so that they can hear it perfectly. Image Credit: thraniwen, Pixabay 2. Head tilting is also seen in other smart breeds like Retrievers and Labradors. Think of head tilting similar to how we gesture with our hands. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 4. To See Better This breed is known for its rather large snouts that sometimes block the view when looking from certain angles. Sometimes they tilt their heads just because they are trying to get a better view. They could also be trying to see their owner better. After all, you are their favorite person. Ear Problems While most reasons for head tilting, there are a few circumstances that might require you to take a closer look. Health tilting, while normally fine, is sometimes the sign of an ear infection or other types of ear problems. It can be especially challenging to distinguish between normal behavior and them trying to tell you that something is wrong. If your dog is tilting their head at an abnormal rate, then it could be a sign of an ear infection. You should check the inside of their ears every week. Check for strange odors, weird colors, discharge, or any other things that seem abnormal. Habits Humans develop habits, and dogs do as well. Dogs may not even have a reason for tilting their heads. After they do it for so, it simply becomes a part of their everyday mannerisms. Similar to how you unconsciously smile or shake your head, dogs have the capability of doing the same. Conclusion The subtle head tilt of a German Shepherd is quite alluring. Their enormous ears and big brown eyes are enough to make your heart melt. Even though this is an expected behavior, you should always keep an eye on them and make a note of any weird behaviors that are accompanied by head tilting. There can be a number of reasons why dogs do the head tilt, but the most likely reason is that you are reinforcing the behavior in your dog. But their regal heads and tall, cocked ears definitely make the head tilt look more pronounced and deliberate. We will talk much more about this and other reasons in this article. Watch a German Shepherd Do the Head Tilt Just in case you are brand new to German Shepherds and you are not quite sure what all the fuss is about, you can watch this YouTube video of two adorable German Shepherds tilting their heads. These reasons are not mutually exclusive. Your dog may actually tilt their head for all kinds of different reasons depending on what is going on at that time. Reason 1: You think it is cute and respond positively How do you react when you see your German Shepherd doing the head tilt? Do you run to get your camera to take a picture or video? Do you drop whatever you were just doing and devote your full attention to your dog? If you were your German Shepherd, all of these behaviors would likely be good enough reasons to do the head tilt again and again. They could be having trouble because of a medical issue as we will talk about in the next few sections here. Or they could simply be evaluating your body language , tone, facial expression, or other cues from every different angle. While this period of evaluation might look to you like your cute dog is just tilting their adorable head, your dog may be using their senses to pick up extra cues to take their direction on what to do next from you. Reason 3: Your dog has an ear infection One commonly overlooked possible reason for why a dog might tilt their head is because they have an ear infection or ear mites. While you are more likely to see your dog tilt their head to rub their ears on something because they itch, you may also see the head tilt happen if there is fluid build-up or infection in the ear causing swelling in the ear canal and trouble hearing. Reason 4: Your dog is having trouble hearing well Speaking of trouble hearing, sometimes a German Shepherd may cock their head to one side to pick up frequencies or to gather more information about what they may be hearing. Dogs can hear very well and use their hearing not just to detect the source of a sound but also its location, distance, and threat potential. When your German Shepherd cocks their head, this may help the ears communicate a lot more information about what they are hearing from you or around you. Reason 5: Your dog is having trouble seeing clearly Still, another frequently overlooked reason why some German Shepherds may cock or tilt their head is due to vision needs. One canine biologist hypothesized in Psychology Today that dogs with longer muzzles, like the German Shepherd for instance, may do more head tilt behaviors because they are trying to see without having their own muzzle blocking what they see. In this study, the biologist noted that more owners with long muzzle-type dog breeds said their dogs frequently tilted their heads. This is another possible reason why it might be important for your German Shepherd to tilt their head to try to get the best and clearest view of what they are looking at. So when your German Shepherd tilts their head and makes those mournful puppy dog eyes at you, it is likely not a coincidence. But it all gets a lot more interesting when you start to look at why your particular dog tilts their head at you. Now that you have a deeper understanding of the current theories about why dogs tilt their heads at their people, you can start to take a closer look at when your German Shepherd does this and what it might be linked to. Does your dog want treats? Is it almost time for dinner or their evening walk? Is your dog trying to work out a particular tone in your voice or a look on your face? Do you have something yummy that smells delicious and your dog wants to try it? Could it be your dog is frustrated because you are patting the family cat? These are all interesting questions to ponder as you and your dog continue to get to know each other better. You may even want to jot down what happened just before you looked up to see your dog tilting their head at you to start to connect the dots. When to Have Your Dog Checked By Your Veterinarian Earlier here we mentioned that sometimes the head tilt behavior may actually be due to medical issues with vision, hearing, or discomforts such as infection. This can be particularly important to know about if your German Shepherd is in their senior years of life, a time when eye cataracts, skin and ear infection or hearing loss can be more common for many dog breeds. Dogs may not have human language abilities — although it sure would be wonderful if they did! The more you can learn about all the different reasons your dog may do the head tilt, the better you and your dog can talk to each other about what you each want and need.

Print Potty train your puppy quickly Housebreaking is one of the least desirable tasks when adding a new puppy to your family. It is never fun but consider it a necessary task. You will never regret having a dog that knows your home is not a bathroom. When to start housebreaking Housebreaking should begin the day you bring your puppy home from the breeder. It is important to establish quickly that there is a right and wrong place for your puppy to go potty. How long does it take to house train a lab puppy? I wish I could give a definitive answer for this, but the truth is that every puppy is different. Most puppies can be completely house broke by the time they are months. But assume there will be a lot of ups and downs through the process. Some puppies learn very quickly and rarely have an accident. Others take more time to make the connection. Here are some things you can do to help the process go smoothly. Have the right attitude! Keep your attitude in check to help this process go quickly and smoothly. Have patience! As already stated, potty training can take some time. It may happen, but it is unlikely. Instead, plan for a long haul and then you will be more patient and understanding when mishaps happen. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Step 1: Establish a place for your puppy to go potty To get started housebreaking your puppy, you must first establish a place where it is okay for your puppy to do his business. Find a place outside that is not too far from your home, but an area where you are not worried about killing the grass or trampling plants that are important to you. Consider this carefully, because once your puppy starts going potty in this area it will be exceedingly difficult to move or change the area. Once the scent is there, it is natural for dogs to continue going potty in the same area over and over. Do I have to potty train outside? In some areas of the country, winters can be very cold. Some new puppy owners wonder if it is too cold for their Labrador puppy to go outside to potty train during these times. The answer is no. Most Labs can easily be outside for a few minutes even during the coldest nights to go potty. A pee pad is a disposable, leak proof pad that is scented to attract your dog and encourage going potty on them. We highly discourage using pee pads because in the long run it is confusing to your dog. If you spend time teaching your puppy to NOT go potty inside your home and then flip-flop and begin letting them go inside your home on a pee pad, your dog will be confused. Besides, eventually you must retrain them to going outside, so the best policy is to never start letting inside be an option. Step 2: Establish a routine and schedule for your puppy Establishing a routine is the single most important step for housebreaking. The more consistent you are, the faster your puppy will learn to go outside for potty. This time will increase rapidly over the next few weeks, but that first week is going to take a lot of time and energy on your part to consistently let your puppy out on a schedule. To make being consistent easier, consider this: Set a timer When housebreaking puppies, we find that setting a timer is helpful. An hour flies by and you hardly realize it. For the first few days at least, set a timer and let your puppy out hourly, especially if your puppy is not in a crate. We will discuss that more in a bit. Timing is everything There are other times when you need to let your puppy outside. Immediately after eating or drinking your puppy should go outside. Eating and drinking will trigger a need to go potty, so to avoid accidents, take your puppy out every time they eat or drink. And if they drink a lot of water, you may have to take them out several times before they are back on schedule. Anything you can do to make going potty a routine will help your dog learn and associate that going outside is where I need to go to go potty. Use a command I know this sounds crazy but using a command can help your dog form an association between the command and going potty. At first this is meaningless to the puppy. And you cannot discipline your puppy for a potty accident in the house that you never saw happen. The solution for this is never let your puppy go unsupervised. This can be exhausting, that is why we suggest using a crate to help. The stern words must be said during the accident or immediately after to have any effect. Using a crate to house train your puppy First, while your puppy may not love his crate right away, if properly introduced and used consistently, Labs usually come to love their crates. As den animals, dogs will view their crate as a den where they can go to sleep or get away from the business of the home. Learn more about crate training your Labrador puppy here. When using a crate to housetrain your puppy, you first want to make sure that you have a very small crate. One that is just a little bigger than your puppy. This is particularly important because you do not want your puppy to be able to move around much in the crate. If they can move around, they can and often will go potty in the crate. So, start with a very small crate and get bigger crates as the puppy grows. Whatever you choose to use to block off the larger area, make sure that it is not something your puppy can chew on or ingest. You will still need to find a way to gradually increase the area that the puppy has access to, so I just find the multiple crate solution easier. You should still set a timer and take your puppy out on a regular basis, and you will want to schedule some time each day for the puppy to run around the house and play while supervised. Step 4: Using praise to speed the house breaking process You can help your puppy more quickly understand that going potty outside is the right thing to do by giving your puppy well-timed praise. But the praise must be well-timed. You should give the praise while your puppy is going potty outside or immediately after. Timing is very important! Lots of people get upset when the dog goes inside but fail to praise when the dog does the right thing. Not all dogs are the same. Some puppies will whine just before they go potty in the house, or whine at the door when they need to go. Some will hide somewhere you cannot see them and do their business there. Still others may scratch at the door. How long can a puppy hold it overnight? With young puppies, weeks old, you will need to get up several times a night to let them out. It can be helpful to limit the amount of water your puppy has access to close to bedtime. We usually aim for every 3 hours and then steadily increase the time as they get older. But each puppy is different. Final thoughts on how to house train your Labrador puppy Remember that housebreaking is a process. It rarely follows a straight line and more often there will periods of success and occasional mishaps. Stick with it and before long your puppy will understand that going potty in the house is not okay. Until next time, happy retrieving. How to housebreak your Labrador puppy. Labrador house training routines. We want them to learn to wait until they are outdoors before emptying their bladder or bowels. It is about maturity too. We need to understand that tiny puppies have immature bodies and are not physically capable of waiting very long. On your side There are two factors on your side in the potty training process. When it comes to bladder control, fortunately your puppy improves with every day that passes, so this factor does not work against you forever. The same applies to the fact that the puppy has been removed from his nest, he will soon learn to accept his new nest. The principles of puppy potty training The puppy is learning the principle of extending the nest area, which he keeps clean instinctively, to include your entire home. Punishment is counter-productive in this process as it teaches the puppy to avoid emptying himself in your presence. Rewards are helpful, but given the right routine, a puppy will naturally learn to be clean without them. The secret to successful house training lies in selecting targets that the puppy can achieve. If your puppy sometimes needs to wee every 15 minutes whilst he is awake and active, you will have to take him outside every 15 minutes. Restricted access Start small applies here too. Allow your puppy access only to a small part of your home. Increase the area he has access to, only when he is capable of keeping the current area clean. Just because he can. And because the sensation of a filling bladder is a new one. Your job is to teach him to wait a little longer. You do this by confining him for a short time, every time his bladder fills. You can confine him in his nest within a crate , or in your arms. He will be reluctant to wee in either location. If he wets himself, you have waited too long! It takes two You need to go outside with your puppy, and stay out there with him, each time he needs to wee. A tiny puppy is unlikely to empty himself on his own. This especially applies in cold or wet weather. Routines Matter When House Training a Labrador Retriever Based around these practical requirements you can create your own house training routine. For a puppy that needs to wee every half an hour, it will go something like this Take puppy outside to the toilet area and wait with him until he empties himself Bring him indoors and allow him free access to your kitchen for fifteen to twenty minutes Crate or cuddle the puppy until it is thirty minute since his last wee Take the puppy back out to the toilet area If at any time the puppy does not empty himself then confine him for another ten minutes and try again. As soon as he is regularly not needing to wee after thirty minutes you can extend the duration of free access to your kitchen. Provided you stick to these principles and strategies, the house training process, though quite intense for a short while, will pass smoothly. Supervise Your Puppy Your second job is to supervise or contain your puppy when his bladder is filling up. You can do this by crating him for a few minutes, or by cuddling him in your arms. I recommend the cuddle option for the first few days, that way you can introduce the crate gradually once he has settled into his new home. Either spend your first day together in the yard getting a feel for how frequently they pee. As you can see, there is some guesswork involved in house training a puppy, but not too much. The secrets of successful outdoor toilet trips Not wanting to pee outside is a common toilet training puppy problem and one we look at in more detail in this article. Keeping your puppy company is the key. You need to go outside with your puppy and wait there with him until he has done a wee. This may take longer than you would like, and you probably have better things to do than stand in your yard while your puppy chases butterflies or plays with your shoe laces. But stay outside you must, until he has done that wee. Coming Indoors Early If you must come indoors before your puppy has relieved himself, you need to supervise him very closely. Hold him in your arms — or put him in a small crate for a few minutes — before going back out to try again. It is a new puppy problem, and it will pass. And if you teach your puppy to pee on command, it will pass even quicker! Rewarding success If you put plenty of effort in, and take your puppy out a great deal in those first few days, he will quickly learn that the place you have allocated to him for potty purposes is the place to pee. You can praise him and give him a little treat for doing so. Have your treat on hand keep them next to your poop bags so you remember to grab both on the way out , and deliver it right after your puppy has completed their business. Rewarding his successes and ignoring his accidents is the quickest way of successfully communicating what you want, and quickly potty training your puppy. Stage 2 — Learning self control During stage 2 your puppy begins to develop some self control. This means he can wait a few minutes before emptying himself when his bladder starts to feel full. Keep an eye on your puppy for the tell tale signs that he needs to use the toilet: whimpering, whining or barking sniffing about, especially sniffing in circles! Using Your Crate If your puppy is now used to his crate, you can start using it stretch out the gaps between toilet trips. Accidents during stage 2 At some point during stage 2, many puppies will be able to last an hour or so between wees. This is when puppy parents often relax their vigilance, and their puppies start having accidents in the house again. Simply go back to shorter gaps between trips to the yard for a few days. Then start to space out those trips again, but more gradually this time. Stage 3 — Extending the clean zone This is where all your hard work starts to really pay off. Once your puppy is confidently and consistently toileting outdoors, and you can further stretch out the gaps between toilet breaks, and start to introduce your puppy to the rest of your home. Take it slowly, and if accidents occur, to go back to shorter gaps between trips outdoors for a few days. Bear in mind that your puppy may be used to peeing in the yard and not in the kitchen by now, but they might not automatically understand which rule applies to the lounge. Method 2: How to potty train a puppy indoors This section has a lot in common with how to potty train a puppy when you work. So follow method 2 if you need to know how to potty train a puppy in an apartment as well. And that means using pads. How to potty train a puppy on pads The simplest way to do this is to restrict the puppy to a smallish room with washable floors. Cover the floor with puppy pads to begin with, with their bed in one corner. How do you train a puppy to pee on a pad? With this arrangement in place, as long as your puppy leaves his bed to pee which his mom will have encouraged him to do , he will pee onto the pads. So over the next few days, reduce the area of the floor that is covered with puppy pads by half. You should find he begins to make an effort to pee and poop on the part of the floor that is covered — but it needs to be a sizeable part to get this good habit established. How to potty train a puppy fast using pads — reducing the toilet area By the end of the first week, you can begin to reduce the part of the floor that is covered with puppy pads right down to a small area, preferably near the back door. It is usually best to do this when you have some time booked off work — or during a long weekend when the weather is fine. But if you choose to crate train your puppy LINK alongside potty training him, the crate can be a useful aid for potty training too. Once your puppy thinks of the crate as their bed, they will be reluctant to soil in it. You Still Need To Watch Your Puppy Always watch puppies closely in their crate during potty training, and whisk them out to the right spot at the first sign they might need to relieve themselves. You can find out a lot more about crate training and the role it plays in rapid house training on this page. As well opportunities to use the toilet, Labrador puppies need company and socialisation while they are small. So, if you are going to go back to work you need to arrange someone to look after him, or to come in at intervals throughout the day to play with him and take him out. Here are some articles which will be of interest if you are thinking of getting a puppy and work full time:.

Also called the Bernese Mountain Poo, Bernesepoo, Bernesedoodle, and Bernepoo, the Bernedoodle hybid mixes the happy-go-lucky temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the intelligence of its Poodle parents. Mini Bernedoodles are happiest when they're spending time with their families, children included. They are willing participants in playtime and cuddle fests alike. Fans of the breed adore their friendliness, playfulness, intelligence, and affection. They are fairly adaptable and go with the flow. If you need a dog for the whole family, or if you're a single owner looking for a lovable, smart mixed-breed with good health that will put a smile on your face with their antics, you won't be able to find a much better choice than the Miniature Bernedoodle. They do well with children and other animals, and are happiest as part of a family. They love spending time with their human family and should not be left alone for long periods. They can be wary of strangers, but early training can help their socialization. Toy and mini Bernedoodles can be more energetic and stubborn than the standard version, but you will find them relatively easy to train because of that Poodle intelligence. Their skull is moderately round with flat cheekbones and a long, straight muzzle with a scissor bite. Their eyes are dark, oval, and set far enough apart to make their facial expressions appear alert and intelligent. Ears have wide and thick ear leather and hang close to the head, at or just below eye level. Coats can be curly, dense, and highly textured, or corded, hanging in tight even cords of varying lengths. The coat is tricolor with black as the base and markings in rich rust and clear white. The tail will vary in length, but it is bushy and carried high. Exercise Medium Activity Bernedoodles are moderately active and will love daily walks. They enjoy playing fetch and spending time with you. This breed tends to wander and hunt, so a fenced-in yard is important. They can adapt to urban or rural settings provided there is time and space for daily exercise. This breed requires a lot of human interaction, so leaving him alone outside for long periods will not work for the Bernedoodle. We recommend at least an hour of exercise every day. They will do well with time to fetch, run, and learn new tricks. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. With the Australian Mountain Doodle you get the best of all three breeds! The health and smarts of the Australian Shepherd, the sweet and gentle nature of the Bernese, plus the allergy friendly properties and longevity of the Standard Poodle! Our goal for our Australian Mountain Doodles is to create a lower energy Aussiedoodle while improving the lifespan of the Bernedoodle side, thus enhancing the main trait that the other breed lacks. Can't decide between the Aussiedoodle or Bernedoodle? Consider the Australian Mountain Doodle where you get the qualities of the Aussiedoodle and Bernedoodle that we love all in one package! We were one of the very first breeders to intentionally produce this unique cross! Our idea for mixing the Australian Shepherd, Bernese, and Poodle stemmed in early when we brought home Ozzy, our first F1 Aussiedoodle male and shortly after our very first F1 Bernedoodle female, Zoey. We fell completely in love with the personalities and characteristics that both breeds had to offer and thought how wonderful this mix would be combined together. Our goal was to create the perfect family dog that not only had a longer lifespan, but also had an energy level that would be ideal for the average household. We wanted the smarts, willingness to please, athletic Australian Shepherd heritage to round out and compliment the easy going, gentle nature and lovable Bernese Mountain Dog that everyone adores. Combined with the stellar temperament, loyalty and coat traits derived from the Poodle we knew this would be one extraordinary cross! Over the course of two years we then sought out the perfect pairing to produce our first F1 generation Australian Mountain Doodle litter in .We truly hit the Jackpot with our first litter from Willow and Jack! We are now working towards perfecting a Multigen Australian Mountain Doodle line and hope to continue to spread the word about our newfound love, the AMD! Most Australian Mountain Doodles tend to shed very little if any at all straighter coats can be prone to more shedding. Our Multigenerational Australian Mountain Doodles are recommended for those with mild pet allergies. An Australian Mountain Doodle's coat is different than a double coated dog and can be shaved without damaging the hair. We recommend daily brushing and professional grooming every weeks to avoid tangles and matting. Tricolor Australian Mountain Doodles are either Black or Choclate and White with the traditional copper trim along their face, legs, chest, and above the eyes. Merle Australian Mountain Doodles are either Blue or Chocolate Merle and White with copper trim along their face, legs, chest, and above the eyes. Females tend to be smaller than males. Generally, Our "Mini" category is 19" at the shoulder and under while our "Medium" category is 20" at the shoulder and up. They make great family dogs and generally do well with kids of all ages. Training must be done with rewards, firmness, patience and consistency. Basic training should start as soon as you take your Australian Mountain Doodle puppy home. They will require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destruction in the home. They have a medium energy level and are perfect for those who like outdoor activities or one who prefers to lounge around the house. Much like their parent breeds, it is important to keep in mind that Australian Bernedoodles require firm yet gentle training. They are intelligent and eager to please. Basic training should begin as soon as you bring your Australian Bernedoodle puppy home. Just remember that patience and consistency will be key! Australian Bernedoodles are known to have a low to moderate energy level, but they are an intelligent breed that still requires mental simulation and physical exercise in order to keep them happy and healthy! It is important to remember that not all Australian Bernedoodles are the same and some may enjoy more or less exercise to keep them happy and healthy! When carefully bred, they display the most desirable traits from each breed. Australian Bernedoodles are highly intelligent, gentle, and tend to be on the mellow side. They are also known to be a silly, playful breed that thrives with attention which means they are not suitable for someone who is rarely home. If so, then an Australian Bernedoodle may be the breed for you! Their smart yet goofy personalities mixed with their sweet, loving dispositions make them great family pets! While we do see stubbornness in some Bernedoodles, we typically do not see any in the Australian Bernedoodles. They are known to be a friendly breed that loves to be around people and their eager to please attitude makes them suitable for first time dog owners. Australian Bernedoodles come in several different sizes and many will do well in most living situations, including apartments as long as they get exercise each day. You may also see them called multigen Australian Bernedoodles. As with any doodle breed, this will vary greatly based on the parents. However, Australian Bernedoodles are typically very low to non-shedding. When the parents are carefully selected and paired together, the higher the Bernedoodle generations F1b, F2, multigen bred to a true multigen Australian Labradoodle are generally non-shedding. Australian Bernedoodles typically have either a straight, wavy, or curly coat. At Doodles of Oz we produce all three coat types. Australian Bernedoodles can come in all of the same colors that Bernedoodles and Australian Labradoodles are. We do occasionally have standard Australian Bernedoodles as well. Doodles Of Oz. We fell in love with Doodles when our son raised a puppy to be a future service dog and we wanted to do more. You can read more about how we began this journey by reading Our Story below. We understand how difficult it can be to identify reputable breeders from the puppy mills and online brokers, so we have partnered with TellTail. Feel free to click the TellTail badge to verify our ID and confirm our identity. We are also happy to connect by phone so you can feel comfortable in who you are choosing to raise your future family. Our Story My husband and I have been married 30 years and have two sons. Over a dozen years ago, we fell in love with Doodles when our youngest son raised a Doodle puppy to be a future service dog as part of his Eagle Scout Project. In the blink of an eye, we welcomed Luke, a shaggy doodle puppy into our home and hearts and my son spent a year taking this sweet boy with us everywhere. This was our introduction to Doodles and we were smitten - low shedding, low allergen, affectionate and Muppet cute. We set about learning all we could about responsible breeding practices, canine health and longevity, canine genetics, inheritable diseases and their prevention and very importantly the best methods of puppy raising to shape future temperament. During our deep dive into all things Doodle, we considered many breeds, including Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. We wanted a medium size since not all veterans had large homes and yards. We prioritized health, trainability, intelligence and friendliness. And of course we needed to ensure we had the low allergen, low shedding qualities that would make them easy to live with and take into restaurants and retail establishments. We loved the Goldendoodle puppy we raised, but his energy level was high and Goldens and Labs are know for maturing slowly, essentially staying a puppy until they are a year or two years old. It was essential to us to include a working breed that comes into their brains quickly as this would be an important trait for a service dog. And knowing what traits were important for a service dog, meant they would then also be excellent for therapy work and as family companions. So we began our program with Australian Mountain Doodles at the time, we called them Aussie Bernedoodles , as well as Bernedoodles and Aussiedoodles. To my knowledge, we were the first to do the Aussie Bernedoodle cross which combines the good natured, calm and strong attributes of the Bernese Mountain Dog, the smart, work-oriented Australian Shepherd and of course the versatile, intelligent, low shedding, low allergen Poodle. We consider ourselves fortunate to have been raising these amazing Doodles in Southern California since .In , we made the decision with extended family to re-locate my parents and ourselves in order to be more present in their later years. So we rounded up the Doodles and my coffee pot okay there was a lot more involved but those were essential and made the transition to the Oregon Coast where we continue to raise healthy, affectionate, family-friendly, hypo-allergenic Bernedoodles and Australian Mountain Doodles. This is a family affair and we are devoted to our Doodles full time. This means no vacations, no out of town weddings, no being away for more than a few hours and every day begins and ends with their needs being put first. It takes a huge commitment and a lot of passion to devote ourselves so entirely to placing healthy, happy puppies with new families. We are always evaluating, refining and striving to improve our program. We try to do what is best for our dogs and future puppy owners while trying to maintain a balance with our family. Below are some photos from a trip to Knotts Berry Farm with the Doodle that started it all. We would like to see every family pet come from a responsible source. If you truly love dogs and want the best for all canines, you should also support the idea of responsible breeding. If the only dogs you deem acceptable are the messes made by irresponsible breeding or negligence, purchased through the proxy of rescue, and you demonize the practice of breeding or the expansion of healthier hybrids, then what you are saying is that the only dogs that should have a place in this world are those bred irresponsibly. Better breeding goes hand in hand with responsible rescue. The critical window to set puppies up for good adult behavior is when they are weeks of age with being the most critical. Our puppies are raised in a loving environment and from healthy, happy parents who were genetically tested to be free of common issues so they can live long, happy lives with their people. We take great care, raising each puppy to ensure they are well-rounded and prepared for their new life with you. When making decisions about our breeding programs, we prioritize the physical and emotional health, and well-being of our breeding dogs above all else. Healthy, happy moms make for healthy, happy puppies. We ensure the moms feel loved and cared for so that they in turn are excellent tenders of their puppies. The puppies are held everyday and weight checks are done regularly to ensure they are gaining weight and thriving. Every puppy in addition to mom is loved on and nurtured every day. We follow and utilize three methods of early neurological stimulation and handling for our puppies, timed to coincide with specific periods in the puppies life where they are most receptive to it. This method utilizes tactile and thermal stimulation and 3 positioning exercises, done once daily when the puppies are days old. When puppies receive consistent, non-traumatic handling, they become more outgoing and friendly and show less inclination to be fearful when they are older. This encourages the puppies development into an emotionally balanced mature dog and ultimately a better family companion for you. Puppy Culture is a comprehensive guide as to what can be done with and for puppies at each point in their development to ensure the best possible outcome for the puppy. It's a "how to" on raising confident, happy puppies, using early neurological stimulation, enrichment and resiliency exercises to encourage the best out of each puppy at each stage of its development. Puppy Culture utilizes clicker training however we believe the doodle breeds we are raising are easily motivated with treat training and rely on that method instead. So many breeders underestimate the role a good gut biome plays in the health of their breeding dogs. What mom is eating while pregnant and lactating, passes to the puppies and affects their health as well. This is huge! The fact that breeders have the ability to influence the health of their puppies into adulthood for their future families is a game changer. We feed a nutrient-dense, biologically appropriate food to our dams and sires. We include prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, goats milk, fresh foods and veggies and no inflammatory grains or excess carbohydrates. We raise chickens and ducks using fermented organic feed, sprouted barley and fresh scraps from our garden so our canines have the very best natural eggs for their meals. We rotate proteins and products, including raw, lightly cooked, freeze-dried, air-dried and a small amount of Farmina kibble in different varieties. All of this is done to support their gut, skin and coat health. We believe in the most natural approach possible. We use no pesticides around our home, We exercise great caution to only use necessary deworming protocols and minimize toxic chemicals on and around our dogs. Protecting their immune system improves gut health and consequently the health of their future puppies. We ensure our adults and puppies lead happy lives. Some of our pack live with different family members so we still have great influence on their condition, feeding and vet care. I groom them at my home so they regularly visit and hang out. A few live in local guardian homes that we trust. They whelp and raise their puppies in our home. They love and trust us and are comfortable going through such a momentous and emotional time as childbirth with us close by. I cannot emphasize enough how stress on mom channels as stress in the puppies and can influence their future personalities. Happy moms make happy puppies. Welcome to New England Bernedoodles we are a family-owned breeder of exceptional Bernedoodles. We breed for temperament, trainability, and affectionate, lovable companions for any family. We started with this breed after having Australian Labradoodles for many years. However, the shedding and the largeness of the breed were off putting. We decided to put our understanding of genetics to work and combine quality, loving, gentle Bernese Mountain dogs with smart, affectionate poodles to produce Bernedoodles here at New England Bernedoodles. We are also producing the Australian Bernedoodle. Yes, they really are low to non-shedding. We here at New England Bernedoodles breed specifically for temperament so we know that our bernedoodles will excel in gentleness, trainability, love and sweet demeanor. Our bernedoodles have exceptional beautiful coats. There is nothing like snuggling up close to your New England Bernedoodle. New England Bernedoodles strive for excellence and we produce puppies that are extremely intelligent, abundantly affectionate and forever your best friend. Welcome to Alpine Bernedoodles, we are located in beautiful southwestern Colorado in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. I have been a Veterinary Technician for over 16 years and it is my passion to produce exceptional quality Bernedoodles. I am committed to breeding for excellent health, confirmation and sound temperament. My bernedoodles are bred with responsibility and integrity to be cherished family companions. Every puppy is raised with attention to physical and mental health, and nurtured with love and care. We cannot guarantee size or color but we will deliver a beautiful, happy healthy puppy. We are accepting applications for future litters. Please visit our Purchasing information page regarding our waitlist policies and application process. Now is a good time to start planning for your next best friend. Cannot recommend Alpine Bernedoodles enough! Our trainer at puppy class raves about how lucky we are to have such a smart trainable pup. Kathryn was great throughout the process sharing pictures and providing information to help us pick our pup and made it so smooth in getting her. The Kingery Family, Washington Today was a great day because we welcomed home our new puppy! She instantly lit up our home with joy! We adore her! They are amazing! The Priehs Family, Michigan I fell in love with bernedoodles about 3 years ago or so, I have wanted one for along time. It was important to me to find the right breeder of this breed as there are alot that are not. I had the most enjoyable experience from the day I sent in my deposit to this day. I love all the new friends I have met watching our puppies grow together. Kathryn is super great to work with! This puppy has changed our house. Less stress, more love. And I thought we were in pretty good shape before, so that says alot. The Heidemann's, Idaho Big day for the Porter family! We love Minna Hayley so much, we had to have Rocket Noah too! Marley and Logan and Kathryn sure make some awesome pups! This was a surprise to our kiddos, hence the tears The Porter Family, Colorado Kathryn, it was lovely to meet you and your husband. Thanks so much for everything! Thank you, Kathryn Hadfield for everything! What a wonderful experience it has been finding you, Alpine Bernedoodles, and this perfect little guy! The Cowgill's, Wisconsin Colt Mack has been such a joy! He is so sweet, happy, smart, and adorable! We are always asked about him when we are out in public and everyone always says how cute he is. People actually think he is a Bernese puppy because of his markings. His coat gets more beautiful every day. It is shiny and wavy and has not faded a bit! It has gotten much thicker and fuller and is gorgeous. The Dutton Family, Colorado We had a fantastic experience with Alpine Bernedoodles, well worth waiting for the perfect dog for your family! Finley has a hilarious personality and could not be smarter or more lovable. She was sleeping through the night after one week and we had her potty trained in two weeks using the bell method — they are SMART dogs. She is a favorite of everyone she meets and has not met a stranger yet. Alpine Bernedoodles has been there for us every step of the way if we have questions, and we love knowing there is a Facebook group for additional support if we need it. We could not be happier with our puppy and suggest Alpine Bernedoodles to everyone we meet! The Bogenreif's, Texas From the moment our puppy arrived we knew we had made the right choice with Alpine Bernedoodles. She arrived happy, beautifully cared for and well behaved. We would highly recommend Alpine and Kathryn to everyone! Thank you for giving us our perfect Scout! She melts our hearts and makes us smile all the time. Her fabulous looks are only enhanced by her amazing personality. She is so sweet and very spunky and she literally stops traffic wherever we bring her. Timber Ellie is the best pup we could ever ask for. She loves cuddling on the couch, politely sitting at the kitchen table with us, and hiking all around Colorado while winning over the hearts of everyone she meets. Timber has a beautiful, silky coat and a fluffy teddy bear face. She is like a person with how smart she is and how well she listens to us. We love her tri-color markings that are still there even as as she approaches 2 years old…and no shedding! Thank you so much for our furry family member! The Meyer Family, Colorado. Life Span Did You Know? They tend to be affectionate and loving dogs that make great family pets. They are even known to make great therapy dogs! Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other canine registries. One of the facts about Bernedoodles is that they are true companion dogs. They are cuddly companions that love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, Mini Bernedoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Miniature Bernedoodles are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in larger homes as well as apartments. They are sensitive to heat and extreme cold, but do well in most climates. Because they bond so closely with their families and thrive on attention, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time and can develop separation anxiety if you do not work with them early on. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can ask about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Mini Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. This makes them a highly trainable dog that is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They can become stubborn if training is not consistent or clear. Although their coat tends to be low-shedding and will range from straight to wavy or curly, the Mini Bernedoodle coat requires some maintenance. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Professional grooming is recommended every weeks. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Ear checks on a weekly basis with careful cleanings as needed help to prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, Mini Bernedoodles are more prone to developing gum disease. Good dental care for dogs early and consistently throughout their life can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Daily tooth brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is ideal. Although Mini Bernedoodles will be playful and have bursts of energy while playing, they are not high-energy dogs. They tend to sit in a more moderate range. Daily walks plus some playtime throughout the day are usually enough for them. But, they love spending time with you and will likely be up for more activity if you are. They may be smaller dogs, but they also tend to be relatively athletic. When puppies finish growing , you can try higher-impact activities like running, hiking, training for dog sports, and more. Fully-grown Mini Bernedoodles usually stand inches tall. They can range from pounds. F1B and F2 Mini Bernedoodles usually weigh pounds and are on the shorter side of the range. Mini Bernedoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Bernedoodle Article. I also wanted to say thank you again for all your kindness and getting us another puppy after losing our dear Ollie. I can tell you Sherman is just such a joy. Look at that face! We absolutely love him. You picked us the best dog. We could not be happier with our little bundle of fur. He is mellow, fun, happy, friendly. Piper has taken to being his trainer and we are working on all kinds of commands. Sit, Stay, Come, Drop. As you can see he loves to lay in the bushes and stay cool. He also loves to go in the lake. Only up to his knees, but he seems to like it. Sherman is the perfect combination of playful and mellow for our family. Thank you so much. We just love him. Clementine was born on July 4, .She has become such a part of our family. She is the most beautiful dog I have ever seen. Our daughter is a professional photographer and took these pictures. We have plenty more where these came from :-D. And more than her beauty, her personality is ridiculously incredible. She is still a pup and gets into trouble now and then. She loves to play. She loves everyone she meets. And she loves to just hang out with us. She was in the car with the 2 of us and our two 10 year old twin granddaughters for two straight 10 hour days on the way there and 2 more full days on the way back and could not have been more perfect. She just seems to know when to be spunky and when to be mellow. We could not be happier. We waited 11 months for her and paid an arm and a leg for her, but we would do it again a thousand times over to get her. Thank you so much for breeding your dogs. We love our little Clementine. Let us know if you would like any more pictures. The wait was so worth it. You have given us the most incredible animal — smart, loving, healthy with the best personality anyone could wish for! She truly is an incredible dog. She is bringing so much joy and love to our family and after only 7 months with us, we are starting to question whether Kota needs a SwissRidge sibling! My husband, who did NOT want a dog, is crazy in love with her! I loved coming out to meet you and see your wonderful facility. Straight away I knew that a lady as lovely as this could only breed amazing dogs! Thank you, Sherry — you truly have changed our lives and we are so proud to be part of this amazing SwissRidge family! He is gentle, quick to learn, and loves to play. We live in the city, and so it was important to us that he be well adjusted to meeting new people and new dogs. He is a cautious pup, but always friendly. We are very happy and thank you! I had just made the hard decision to send my year-old Miniature Poodle over the rainbow bridge. Perfect timing I thought! Beau delights us every single day with his silly antics and clever shenanigans. He is gentle with everyone he meets and is patient and kind to every child, especially my one- and two-year-old grandchildren. I have owned many different breeds throughout my life, from Great Danes to the tiniest Maltese, and have to say I have never, ever had a dog as wonderful as him! She is smart, calm, relaxed and very loving. She was so easy to train and we are constantly complimented on her calm demeanor and excellent manners. We have many SwissRidge friends in the area and meet up frequently for mini romps. We have been so happy with Coco and our experience with Sherry. We are all absolutely in love with him! Our youngest child, Zach, and Elliot are best friends! The whole experience has been unreal! You and your staff are truly experts at what you do…and we will be clients for life! Attached is a picture of Elliot…he is doing amazing! He is house trained and no more crate! We had an amazing summer — long walks, a month at the beach in Canada , etc. Finley is very eager to please and her sweet eyes follow you everywhere you go. She is so playful and constantly happy, and my goodness is she smart! She picks up on tricks so quickly and really understands them. She has this trick down pat along with so many more! I have people over all the time and I also take her around town with me. Each time someone meets her they comment on how well behaved and how gorgeous she is. It is very hard to pass by a SwissRidge Doodle without commenting on their temperament and looks. They are absolutely stunning and Finley is no exception. As you can probably tell, I am completely smitten! From day one, they answered every question that I had, and I promise you, I had hundreds! They truly understand that these puppies become our dearest family members, and they treat you with the utmost care and compassion as you eagerly await your precious pup. Believe me when I say that when you begin your journey with SwissRidge, you will receive so much more than you ever imagined. Every interaction I had with SwissRidge made me that much more excited to bring Finley home. This level of care and dedication does not stop once you receive your puppy — Sherry is still there for you every step of the way as you begin to make a home and a lifetime of memories with your doodle! I hope after researching this site, hearing raving reviews from owners like me, and taking time to understand the breed, that you will also begin to embark on the incredible journey of making a SwissRidge Bernedoodle your very own! She is always first at the door when someone comes home and will greet you for an hour if you let her. She loves nothing more than laying at your feet or cuddling beside us on the couch. She absolutely adores her half brother Lefty Australian Bernedoodle from SwissRidge and they spend most of their days chasing and wrestling each other. She is a social butterfly at the dog park. She makes sure to spend as much time playing with the other dogs as she does soaking up the attention of their owners. She gets very excited when meeting new people. She loves walks and since day one with us has been very good on the leash. She is cautious around water but will wade in the water when she is feeling brave. She is a joy to be around! I have had other breeds, and while they all were very special, in their own way, none hold a candle to our mini Australian Bernedoodle. He is the most gorgeous tri-color, and weighs 43 lbs. He is so happy and joyful, smart, comical, loving, loyal, inquisitive, clever and eager to please. He loves adults, children, dogs and cats. While he can play rough, at home, he is always gentle with anyone he meets for the first time, especially children. Because he is so intelligent, a bit of training would not hurt. He is very sneaky, which makes me laugh. I wake up every day, happy to see his face. I thank SwissRidge every day for bringing him into my life. Sherry, you are an amazing, responsible breeder. It is not a business, as much as a calling for you — to bring joy to so many families. I am so lucky to have found you and SwissRidge. Hudson has brought so much happiness and love into my life. I could not have asked for more. He has the sweetest demeanor and loves to cuddle. Trek likes to go swimming, hiking and play fetch, but is perfectly happy sitting next to us on the sofa. He has always been eager to please and always wants us to be happy with him. Trek actually knows how to make my husband and I laugh. If we are grumpy and just not in the best of mood, he will bring us one of his squeaky toys. If we ignore him, he starts squeaking it but does it in such a way it sounds like he is scolding us. Never fails to make us laugh and change our mood. He is just an all-around perfect dog and has brought so much joy and laughter to our home. He loves every person he meets and every critter he encounters. Trek is a true testament to a wonderful breeding program. He loves to run around the yard with his big brother and then come in the house for a snuggle. I am always amazed at how well he listens to commands for being such a young pup. I am constantly impressed with SwissRidge Kennels and the pups that come from there.

The Labrador is a highly capable and versatile working breed as well as the number one most popular family dog in UK and several other countries around the world! But despite being a common pet dog, they are an extraordinary breed with a fascinating history and a breed profile full of superlatives. This includes fabulous intelligence and trainability, adaptability, friendliness and trust towards people and other animals, motivation for work, endurance, and a phenomenal sense of smell. This makes the Labrador a breed of choice for many canine jobs, for example, medical scent detection, military and security force scent detection, search and rescue, a service or assistance dog for the disabled and people with a broad range of medical conditions, an autism support dog, hunting dog and even a therapy dog! Adorable Labradors can make wonderful family dogs, but only if their needs are met. They have a really goofy and playful nature which is heartwarming for many people! And, their trusting nature and eagerness to please people means they fit in easily into a family and human society as a whole. They tend to be bouncy and full of energy, which makes for a great company on countryside walks, jogging and recreational dog sports. Their boundless affection makes them particularly lovable, which is highly important for a family dog. Labradors: What To Consider As with all dogs, there are some things that you absolutely must consider before you add a Labrador into your home. And, Labrador training is always going to be a big essential. With all of their amazing energy, intelligence, enthusiasm for work, and highly social nature, also comes a list of requirements for potential owners. Unfulfilled and untrained Labradors are likely to find themselves a job or another outlet to release that energy and frustration. This can lead to destructive or inappropriate behaviours and a dog who is simply out of control. Typical challenges can include pulling on the lead and lunging towards anything that interests them, boisterous and over-excited behaviour including jumping up, grabbing the lead in their mouth, crashing into people and objects, stealing food and other items, and running off to greet people and dogs instead of coming back when called. But what do you need to do to make sure that they grow up into perfect family pets? Check out our top tips below to find out more about training this sweet and fun-loving breed. Socialise them early! Early appropriate socialisation is key with this breed. This includes all kinds of places, people, animals and sensations that will be a normal part of their life by the time he or she is 12 weeks old. Self-control is a big part of Labrador training Teaching your dog self-control is a really important skill for a Labrador, or any dog really, to have. You can help teach them self-control through impulse control games and real-life situations. This will help with teaching them basic doggie manners such as how to politely greet people and other dogs with all four paws on the ground, how to wait for their food bowl or their lead to be clipped on, how to pass through the door politely without dashing through, and so on. All those skills require mental self-control and focus despite distractions, which is essential for an excitable and boisterous dog. Lead etiquette is always needed Teach your Labrador to walk politely on a lead from as early an age as possible. For a Labrador, the world is full of fascinating scents, posts and tufts of grass that must me scent-marked immediately, especially for males, dogs and people that he or she is absolutely delighted to see including strangers , and objects that must be immediately investigated. This makes it hard for them to remember that there is a person on the other end of the lead. But with lots of practice, patience and a smart way of rewarding that works for them, keeping an eye on their human counterpart can become a habit for your dog that will last a lifetime! Once this happens, training will become a lot easier. Even better, the whole family can get involved and play with the dog. Recall is vital Teach your dog a reliable, fast and enthusiastic recall as soon as possible. This is so that no matter what other fascinating things are going on, they will always turn on a penny and run like the wind back towards you! Having a great recall is not only useful for your day to day lives, but it is also a safety concern. If there is a potentially dangerous situation for your pup ahead, you can always recall your dog back to you and keep them safe! Their mental wellbeing and happiness is important too! So, make sure to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, including walks, swims, and sniffing opportunities. So, make sure that you provide them with something appropriate to do if you have to leave them alone. Food dispenser toys, puzzle games for dogs and appropriate raw bones can keep your dog busy and calm, and your furniture and shoes whole! Keep health and wellbeing in mind Always try your best to keep your dog slim and fit. Labradors have a tendency to become overweight because of their keen appetite. You can help to keep your dog lean by feeding them the right amount of nutritious food for their age and activity level, using their normal food as training treats wherever possible so that they can work for their food, and a versatile and appropriate exercise regime that you really stick to! And their appearance! And, regular health checks at the vet are important for any dog, to ensure that they are well and any potential health issues are caught early. Labrador Training Video We love our Labrador customers who come into Royvon for training or boarding! They really do make the perfect pets, especially with a bit of training to help them along their journey. Check out this video featuring Archie the Labrador to see more about what a well-trained Labrador can look like! Here at Royvon, we are passionate about training dogs of all breeds, and this includes Labrador training! Many owners come to us for a whole variety of reasons. Or, they may simply just not have the time to train their dog as they wish, and want to leave it up to the professionals. Whatever the reason, there is no shame in getting dog training help! In fact, you will be amazed at the difference it can make and how well behaved your dog will be, especially for problem pets who are hard to handle! We offer everything from group puppy classes to residential training tailored to aggressive or anxious dogs. Simply visit our website today! Enjoyed this post about Labrador training and want to learn about more dog breeds? We think you will enjoy this post about Rottweilers, or this one about Shiba Inus! Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the toilet at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialisation Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the garden Besides the gnomes and questionable garden furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own garden is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and garden to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favourite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. Print We recently brought home Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to train her and raise her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. That means Bubba will be with for almost a year and a half. We train one or two of these puppies each year, and over the years we have gotten pretty good at it. We also train adult dogs for hunting and competition, so we see a lot of dogs come into our program. Dogs that have each been raised differently. There are some definite training tips that can help you help your lab grow up to be the best version of himself. Training and socialization for very young Labrador puppies — week one The first week of a puppy being away from its litter is very stressful for the puppy. Most often, the first two days, the puppy will sleep a lot! The pup is adjusting to all the changes, and they need time to do that. After the first couple days you may notice a spike of energy. This is your sign that the puppy is adjusting well and is ready to be exposed to a few more things. Labrador puppy training that first week home Here are the things we work on during week one. A nylon adjustable one is usually best since puppies grow quickly. It often takes the puppy a few days to adjust to having a collar on. Intro crate We introduce our puppies to a crate on day one. Literally the day we bring them home. Most puppies will cry, bark or howl while in the crate the first few or many times. Ignore it, it does not hurt the puppy at all. Always wait until the puppy settles down and is quiet, even if that quiet only lasts for just a minute or two. Learn more about crate training. Intro to housebreaking Another day one lesson and one that will last for a few weeks or months. We introduce housebreaking day one by allowing the puppy to run around an enclosed area under close supervision. If your puppy then goes potty outside, great! The thing to remember about housebreaking, is that your puppy should never be allowed to roam the house or a room without supervision. The only way to housebreak a dog is for them to get caught in the middle of an accident. That is how they learn that what they are doing is not right. Learn more about housebreaking. Intro leash We introduce a leash to our puppies around day three of being home. But once they start getting more energy and get more inquisitive, we use a Flexi-lead attached to the nylon collar to take the puppy outside. This accomplishes two goals. The gentle tugs on the leash and pressure when the puppy strains against the leash are great training for handling pressure as they get older. Intro to pressure and correction The last thing we introduce to our new puppy during the first week home is pressure and correction. This is an often-missing element to training that can severely handicap a dog that you want to be a hunting companion or competition dog. The kind of pressure I am talking about is very mild such as saying NO to the puppy when they are chewing up your shoes or scratching through the carpet. This is the way mama dogs carry their puppies and it does not hurt them at all. This does not hurt the puppy; it is exactly what a mama dog does to teach her puppies. Learn more about introducing pressure and correction. Commands to start using that first week home The first week there are some commands we start using so that the puppy will associate the words we use with actions. Puppies play and explore with their mouths, and often they will think it is great fun to bite your hands and feet. If this does not curb the behavior, I grab her lower jaw, wrapping her gums around her teeth and squeeze. I have found this to be very effective, especially if you start this the first week you have the puppy home. The longer you wait to start, the harder it becomes to stop this behavior. It takes very little pressure to stop a 7-week-old puppy from biting. Learn more about how to stop your Lab puppy from biting you. Off command The OFF command is also started day one. The OFF command is used to stop a puppy or dog from jumping on you. It can also be used to keep a dog off a sofa or other furniture. Starting day one, I gently use my knee to push down the puppy each time they jump on me. I say OFF when I do this. Usually, a gentle push with the knee is all it takes with a very small puppy. They learn this command very quickly. If your puppy is a bit more energetic or stubborn and tries to jump on you despite your gentle pushes, then you may need to use a little more force. Even if you were to knock your puppy backwards onto her back, that is not going to hurt her seriously. But it will likely make a good impression and cause her to think twice before jumping on you again. With jumping, consistency is important. You must knock your puppy off every time she jumps on you. Learn more about how to stop your Lab from jumping on you. We use this as a que when we are taking the puppy outside to go potty. We use this while the puppy is on a leash, and we are pulling them toward us. I only use this command for very young dogs. Your goal is to get the puppy to rest in your arms and not move. But if you keep at it, you will see your dog settle for longer and longer periods of time. Introduction to retrieving Lastly, since all our puppies are retrievers, we start introducing the puppy to retrieving. The first few times are simply throwing a toy a few feet and if the puppy runs out and gets it and comes back to you, great. Then take the item and throw it again. If the puppy does not come back or does not even run out to get the item, then stop for the day. Just let the retrieving develop naturally. Next week we will start more formal retrieving training. Final thoughts on what you should do that first week with your new Labrador puppy As you can see, there is a lot of training that you can do with your seven- or eight-week-old puppy. And while you can wait for training, your puppy is ready and able to learn quickly right now. I will be posting weekly on the training we are doing with Bubba, so you can get a week-by-week snapshot of how we raise and train a puppy up to be a excellent, responsive hunting or competition dog as well as a well-mannered family dog. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Learning to be alone Happiness is a Balancing Act Your job is a bit of a balancing act. Keeping your little one happy, while ensuring that he is educated in the ways of our curious human world, and that he learns to behave himself Here are a few tips to help you along the way. This is natural and normal. It makes them feel safe. Puppies also feel safe if they have a den, a place of safety, like the whelping box or nest where they were born, to rest in when they are on their own. But you can hurry that process up by leaving the door open all day and leaving food and nice toys in there for your puppy to find. If you or your children are very excited, your puppy will get excited too. He may get very overexcited, which is when biting can get very out of hand. Of course, there are bound to be times when, despite your best efforts, your puppy gets a little too over-excited. But, learning how to deal with this can help calm things back down. Outdoor Time To Potty I get a lot of questions from people that are struggling with potty training because they are expecting a new puppy to go too long without a wee during the day. Sometimes two or three hours. Some eight week old puppies will empty their bladder in the garden, come indoors and wee again just 15 or 20 minutes later! This is very annoying, but it is a short-lived phase. Restricted Access Many people find it hard to cope with their puppy simply because they are giving him access to too large an area of the family home. He has no chance of learning to be clean if he cannot be watched constantly by a family member and is far more likely to have accidents on carpets, than on hard floors. He will also be constantly in trouble for chewing things he should never have been able to reach. Baby gates are a brilliant way of restricting very small puppies to a fairly small designated part of your home with washable floors. The puppy can then be gradually introduced to more rooms as they mature. The Right Feeding Routines Puppies often have sensitive tummies. Especially in the first few days and weeks in their new home. Most Labrador puppies are greedy and will eat large meals. The quantities on food packet are daily rations and should be divided into at least four portions to begin with. And the result is can be a nasty attack of diarrhea, although of course there are other causes of upset stomaches too! Puppies need to be out and about. There is a small period of time during which puppies can easily accept new experiences. And after which they become fearful of strangers, strange objects, and strange experiences. This unique time slot is called the window for socialization, and it is all but closed before the puppy is 14 weeks old. So you need to get your puppy out and about, meeting all kinds of people, vehicles, shops, machinery, and so on. Positive Reinforcement Leads To Happiness! Nowadays we train dogs using positive reinforcement. Essentially this means with rewards. These rewards can be anything he enjoys, from toys, to food, to simply running around. But puppies need to be shown how to earn rewards the right way. So that we get the right responses from them. It is all too easy to reward your puppy for doing the wrong things. Lots of puppies learn to bark to get attention for example or to jump up to get a stroke. There are lots of games you can play with puppies to help them learn how to earn rewards. Let the puppy know what you like them doing with a marker word like YES and follow it up with a treat. You can start rewarding your puppy like this, for making eye contact with you, right from the very first day. Learn To Be Happy Alone? All companion dogs need to be alone at times. And the best time to learn this skill is when he is small. As soon as your puppy has settled in to his new den, after the first few days it is time to start leaving him alone for short periods of time. Pull up a chair and start by getting the puppy used to being shut in the crate with you next to him. When he is happy to be crated while you are there, you can start leaving him for very short periods of time. Just a few seconds to begin with. Time Off The Leash! Small puppies have a powerful following response — I call this the safety response because they do it to feel safe. If you put and eight week old puppy on the ground and walk away, he will follow you. If you keep your puppy on a leash for the first six months of his life, when you let him off he will no longer have this following reflex, and you will have wasted a great opportunity to establish this good behavior. Check out below for a demonstration, on teaching the puppy recall. So that he can learn to follow in your footsteps as you lead the way in exploring the great wide world. Obviously this needs to be done in a very safe space. Later on when you take your puppy into a more distracting environment, you should attach a trailing line to their harness for safety. If your little one is allowed on the sofa today, he may think he is allowed on the sofa tomorrow. Decide what your rules are, and work out how to achieve them. Find out everything you can about how puppies learn so that you can teach your puppy how to live in our world, with love and kindness. Quiet nights and crate training. This article will take you through everything you need to know, from what to buy, to how to help your pup settle in on his first day and night. Bringing a Puppy Home Bringing home a new 8 or 9 week old puppy is a potentially stressful experience for you and the pup. Of course, it will be better if you have been able to visit your puppy regularly before collecting him. But for most people, time and distance make this an unlikely option. Everything he sees, smells and hears, in your home will seem very strange to him at first. Fortunately, most puppies leave their mother and siblings at an age when they will readily accept their new friends and family. In a few days time, he will have settled in and accepted your home as his, and your family as his own. Holding Your Puppy The first thing to master when bringing home a new puppy is holding them the right way. This is the most comfortable position for puppies. But if you have had a long car journey, the first thing your puppy will need is to pee! Carry him in your arms to the area you want him to use for toilet purposes, and put him down there. Your first steps in potty training have begun. Maintaining Regular Bathroom Breaks Puppies vary widely in how often they need to empty their bladder. Some may last an hour or more from day one, whilst others seem to need to go every 15 minutes or so. During the course of the day, take the puppy to the toilet area at regular intervals half hourly at least to begin with. In addition, take him there every time he finishes a meal or wakes from a sleep. Set an alarm on your cell phone to remind you. Many Labrador puppies are very greedy and will eat astonishing quantities of food. New puppies are especially prone to upset tummies. The new environment and the stress of leaving home all add to the risk. You can reduce that risk by feeding little and often. If you want to change diets, do this gradually once the puppy has settled in. How often to feed Four times a day is the minimum number of feeds for an 8 week old puppy. Five or even six portions are better for a puppy with an upset tummy. Remember that the daily quantity is the same. More portions means smaller portions. If you get this right, there will be little or nothing left to put in the bowl when mealtimes come around You can find out more about using puppy food in training games by joining our Puppy Parenting course Meeting the Kids Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for all the family. For much of the first day, your puppy will probably be cuddled and admired. Kids should also be aware of safety precautions, such as learning to let the pup be if he seems uncomfortable. Some older dogs will play too roughly with a puppy. Others will growl and appear to reject the puppy at first. These are normal reactions but they do indicate that you are going to need to keep a close eye on things for a while. A baby gate or other barrier is a perfect way to keep a puppy from annoying the resident dog or cat while they adjust to the newcomer. As the day draws to a close, your thoughts will turn to night time, and getting your puppy to sleep! Or he howls the house down either constantly or intermittently throughout the night. There are two approaches to choosing where a puppy sleeps for those first few nights. One is to get him used to his permanent sleeping quarters right from the start. The other is to have him next to your bed until he has got over his homesickness usually three or four days. And if you keep going back, the howling may well increase. Leaving a puppy to cry alone in a strange house is also probably very distressing for the puppy and not a great way to start their new life. But we recommend having the puppy next to your bed for the first three nights. This reduces the risk of getting into an increasing spiral of night howling or having your puppy miserable for the first week. Just pop his blankets in there and put the box right next to where you sleep. Night waking Most 8 week old puppies wake in the night to pee for the first week or so. But the first few days is a time for settling your puppy in, building their confidence and avoiding bad habits such as whining or howling, getting started The best way to meet all those goals, is to keep your puppy very close to you until their homesickness has passed. Bonding with your puppy Your main objective now is to bond with your puppy. Spend lots of time with your puppy. Make him feel at home. Pay him a lot of attention when he is quiet, fuss and praise him when he pees outside. Once he has settled in, there will be plenty of time to think about crate training and learning manners, but for now just enjoy his Labrador puppy loveliness, and that scrummy new puppy smell. It will be gone all too soon, replaced by a bouncing, boisterous, and joyful friend who all too often smells of pond water. What you are doing is establishing good habits, which will last a lifetime. What About Crate Training? A quality dog crate is an excellent source of help with potty-training. But a puppy should not be left inside a crate for longer than his immature bladder can hold its contents. For some puppies, this is not very long at all. Socialization is a big part of bringing home a new puppy. This is the process we take puppies through, to make sure they are comfortable with all aspects of living in human society. For instance, dogs need to be confident around things like vehicles and machines. They should be happy to meet people of all different shapes and sizes and to go boldly wherever people want to take them. A confident dog is not just a happy dog; he is a safe dog. Socializing also means taking your puppy out and about. Naturally, many worry about exposing a not-yet-fully vaccinated puppy to the risk of infection. Yes you can! If you use modern dog training methods, you can get going right after bringing home a new puppy! In the first week puppy training is based on a series of fun games. So that your puppy will be learning without even realising. The games you play should lay foundations for future good behavior, teaching your puppy not snatch, to say please, to focus on you, to love their crate, to wear a harness or collar and to run towards you rather than away from you. A lot of people worry about whether or not to take a puppy to classes, and some are unable to do so. But there is a great deal you can do at home by yourself. You can avoid this by getting off to a great start with recall training in the very first week. The video below will help you. And never chase after a puppy. Puppy recall training starts right after bringing home a new puppy. Build an association between the act of running towards you and the sound of the recall word or whistle. If you call the puppy and he does not come, you will have begun to teach him that the recall command is optional. Check out our puppy recall training video to give you an idea of how easy it is to build this a good association if you start off in the right way. You can find out more about building a great recall from the beginning in Total Recall. But for now, in these first few days at home together, make sure no one calls the puppy to them. When they want him, they can simply pick him up. If he runs away, all they need to do is run in the opposite direction and he will come chasing after them. For the first few days after bringing home a new puppy, focus on bonding and helping him to feel safe. Consider having your puppy next to your bed for the first few nights. This will comfort him while he is feeling homesick and missing his mom and playmates. Expect to get up in the night to take your puppy out to pee for at least the first couple of weeks. Set a reminder to avoid teaching your puppy to cry for your attention. During his daytime naps, dive into the feeding, potty training, and obedience training guides mentioned in this article, and head over to the forum for support from our other readers, many of whom have been where you are now, and come safely out the other side! If you want help choosing an adorable puppy name, make sure you take a look at this article too! Labrador Retriever pups are working dogs. This means they live to please you for a treat. The more you engage them with different puppy training behaviors the happier they will be. Of course, Labs will be Labs, and this means that dogs do dog things unless they are trained to follow your expectations. Potty training your puppy is just the beginning of you making clear expectations for your Lab. Puppy training from long leash training to potty training, to not nipping is discussed in greater detail along with clear, easy to follow videos at www. But we will give you an expert training tip summary below. For this reason, you need to become an expert on puppy training. Contact us for a discount on the Puppy Trained Right positive reinforcement training program. Expose your puppy to as many different people and situations possible. Teach dog to dog manners when required. Use Positive Reinforcement. Allow for Play with Other Puppies. Play with other Lab Puppies not only allows your pup to get some exercise it is a form of puppy socialization. Bond with your Puppy. Once a strong bond is formed your Lab Puppy will want to please you even more. Potty Train Right Away. Learn how Dogs Learn. Training a Lab puppy is easy if you understand how to go about it. Give your Lab Puppy Play time to Explore. Labs need this as part of their natural development. Spend more time with your puppy when young. This is the time when your expectations should be clearly outlined and can decrease as she gets older. Begin Training day 1. This happens weather or not you intend it to. Every action and reaction is something your puppy uses to form new habits. So ignoring them jumping up as an 8 week old puppy is training them to jump up and will be much more difficult to un-train once they are 70 lbs. Relax and make learning fun. Your pup needs you happy and enjoying yourself! Use Positive Training Methods because they work. This means reward what you desire. Ensure most Experiences are Positive. Imagine a training session of No, No, No, No! Expose them to as Many Human Situations possible. One cause is that there was not adequate socialization with different men. Be Patient. You are building an amazing K9 personality. The window is between 8 and 20 weeks old. Make the most of it. The better your Lab is socialized the happier they will be. Anxiety in dogs comes from many things. The more things your dog is comfortable with the less chance for anxiety and therefore the happier they are. Prepare yourself, your family and your home before your puppy comes home. It is too late once you meet your puppy as simply interacting with her is training. Allow for Safe Experiences both in the home and outside. Seek professional trainers to help guide you when faced with a problem. Be consistent. Clear expectations are easiest to learn. Focus on Guiding not controlling. Best Start Training or Training Classes are beneficial for both you and your puppy. Expect Success. We tend to move in the direction we believe we will travel. Reward the Behaviors you want to see even something as simple as 4 paws on the ground if you are trying to train your Lab not to jump up on you. Become Well informed. You are teaching a skill like reading that takes clear expectations and builds upon last session. Lab Puppies need constant supervision either human, a crate, a fenced area or a baby gate across a doorway. Encourage a soft mouth. Keep your training up or it will be forgotten. Begin Walking on a Loose Leash Right away. This is always easier for your Lab when they are 12 lbs not 70lbs. Change direction before the leash tightens so they are followers not leaders. This is much easier to train before it happens than correct. Allow alone time for your Lab. Know when to end a training session. End training before your puppy quits. Make time for a few shorter training Sessions. Three fifteen minute sessions are better than one 45 min one. Teach your Lab to respond to their name. Teach your Labrador basic obedience before tricks-come, sit, stay, down, leave it. Have all humans learn the commands and be consistent. Ignore undesirable behaviors. Ignoring includes not saying no, bad dog, touching your dog or making eye contact. Find rewards that your Retriever loves and use them when you have breakthrough training moments. Adjust your expectations as your Lab puppy matures, the older more experienced the higher the expectation. Set Realistic Expectations. Minimize distractions when you begin training. Be aware of your Body Language, Labradors pick up cues from you. Be aware of your leash tension. A tight leash says anxiety from the handler. Know when to get Help .Have fun! Understand that Labs do Lab things. Make them work for food and treats. Exercise your Retriever properly for both intensity and duration. Learn some exercise games Labs love. Give lots of repetition. Stop before they get bored. Establish a Pattern by Praising. Redirect undesired behavior. Accept partial actions at first and gradually increase your expectations. When treats end Verbal treats and chin scratches rule. They will know. Enjoy your well balanced purebred Lab puppy for many years. Purebred Lab Retrievers, are they easier to train? The answer to that is definitely maybe! Not all purebreds are bred for intelligence. For example, if a Labrador Retriever breeder chooses to breed their dogs for a certain look then they may overlook intelligence as one of the important characteristics in order to get a specific Lab look. We however breed for intelligence, health and temperament. So in our case, yes, our Purebred Lab Puppies are easier to train than many because we choose the parents and their puppies specifically for their smarts!

They weigh 40— lbs and can grow to be 25 inches. This largely depends on the breed of Bulldog. Puppies Most Rottweiler Bulldog mixes take after their Bulldog parent. They only weigh 10—14 lbs at three months old and measure 4—6 inches high. When they are six months old, these puppies will experience drastic changes in their body, making them taller and heavier. Adults Full-grown Rottweiler Bulldog mixes grow up to 50 lbs and 17 inches. Meeting their food requirements helps achieve optimal growth. Rottweilers originated in Germany, while Bulldogs trace back to England. Bulldogs originated in England. They evolved from English mastiffs and an extinct dog breed called Alaunt. Breeders produced short dogs with strong jaws by only mating bulldogs with the said traits. When bullfighting was banned, those who admired Bulldogs bred them to become excellent companion dogs. Rottweilers came from Rottweil, Germany [3]. The predecessors of Rottweilers served Romans as war dogs and drover dogs. When the empire crumbled, villagers adopted them as drovers, herders, and guard dogs. Rottweilers get their name after the village that fostered them. They do not show aggressive behavior towards strangers and wild animals. These dogs are clingy and follow you wherever you go. Kids will love playing with Rottweiler Bulldog Mixes because they are energetic and playful — traits that come from their Rottweiler parents. These dogs are quirky and can uplift your spirits wherever you are stressed. Rottweiler Bulldogs are slow-moving, so you do not have to worry about your appliances toppling over. Here are some indoor activities you can do with your Rottweiler Bulldog mix: Play fetch Hide and Seek Trick Training They do not bark frequently, so dog owners do not have to worry about disturbing their neighbors. These hairs are so thick that they leave little space for dirt and fluids. Brushing them every three days removes dirt and liquids quickly. Dog owners do not have to worry about removing dog hair from clothes and furniture every day. These dogs are moderate shedders, and brushing them regularly helps remove old and damaged hair in their coats. Their genes make them susceptible to these diseases. Regardless of who they take after, Rottweiler Bulldogs mixes have a bone structure that makes it difficult to function. They typically have a compressed skull, short snout, or bones that grow larger than their sockets. These dogs need regular check-ups, proper exercise, an appropriate diet, and regular grooming to keep them healthy. They Make a Lot of Noise Rottweiler Bulldogs are usually brachycephalic, meaning they have a flat face and a short muzzle. This trait makes it difficult for these dogs to breathe, resulting in grunts, squeaks, and snores. They have a hard time tolerating hot and cold environments. A study found that brachycephalic dogs are more susceptible to eye, heart, skin, and cell diseases [4]. Proper grooming, exercise, and care help alleviate breathing difficulty. Rottweiler Bulldog Mixes Are Inactive dogs Bulldog Rottweiler mixes are inactive dogs due to their short legs, heavy weight, and brachycephalic traits. They prefer to lie down rather than exercise. Training them requires patience and time as they are stubborn. Identify what they like as it can help motivate Rottweiler Bulldog mixes to participate in physical and mental activities. As an owner, you need to encourage them to exercise because they are prone to obesity and cardiorespiratory diseases. Rottweiler Bulldog Mix Diet A meal containing a balanced amount of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fat, and water helps keep Rottweiler Bulldog mixes healthy. They are prone to obesity, like their parents [5]. Gaining weight makes it difficult for your dog to breathe and move. When feeding them, do not give them the typical dog bowl. Rottweiler Bulldog mixes have a short muzzle, so they need a slightly tilted bowl to avoid inhaling food and make it easier for them to eat. Do not serve your dogs with any food that is high in cholesterol, sugar, and salt because it can cause heart, liver, and kidney problems. Here are some healthy foods that you can serve: Chicken. 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. It is a cross between the American 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. The mother had a litter of 10 puppies. His temperament is wonderful and he is a lot of fun. Very obedient and aims to please much like the Rottweiler. We are enjoying our new puppy; he is a lot of fun. He is definitely the protector of our house and yard. He does his rounds every morning, walking the perimeter of the yard, chasing any animals who happened to jump our privacy fence or crawl under, even "chasing" the birds in the trees away. He has grown up with our female Pit Bull , Pixie, and they are best of friends. He is very vocal, if you don't respond to his request immediately his bark gets louder until you do. He likes his head on a pillow of some sort, like your legs, side or an actual pillow. He is definitely a jealous guy and can be a real bully to Pixie, claiming all the toys as his own. He is a very heavy lap dog , weighing around lbs. He can cover quite a bit of ground when he runs, and he "prances" around the house when playing. Our home would not be the same without him! We rescued Gracie from the Oregon Humane Society in .She looked very "Shepherdy" and my children and I always disagreed on what type of Shepherd she was. Last month I took her to the vet for her regular check-up and asked the doctor if there was any way that she could identify the type of Shepherd she was; I guessed Aussie , and my kids guessed German. It is amazing how much she looks like one of the pictures of this breed mix that you have on your web page. She is super sweet and loves to give kisses throwback to the name! She is actually a pretty calm, laid-back puppy. She loves to play but never gets over-excited. I have four kids including two toddlers and she never jumps up on them or knocks them over. She was a rescue from a shelter in a nearby city and we are grateful to be her forever family. 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. Allergies due to contact with an allergen Eye issues Issues like Progressive retinal atrophy and Cherry eye Dental problems Overcrowded teeth increase dental issues Epilepsy Seizures can begin after the first few years of life The ethicality of bulldog breeding has been questioned by many due to the numerous health issues. An exaggerated physical feature like the shortened muzzle gives this breed severe, life-threatening breathing issues. Bulldogs can pass down this trait to their Bullweiler offspring. Bullweilers live for about 8 to 10 years, depending on their health. Bullweilers can experience the several health issues in bulldogs, like breathing issues contributing to a shorter lifespan. Many individuals advocate for reshaping the bulldog and its mixes to increase their life expectancy and overall health. The trainability of a Bullweiler: Temperament and Intelligence The mellow Bullweiler is relentlessly loyal and dotes on the owners and loved ones. Bullweilers may display the self-assured aloofness of the Rottweilers but warm up easily once you get familiar. They may exhibit territorial tendencies and tend to get protective of their loved ones. Bullweilers have a soft spot for kids, making good family dogs. Despite their family-oriented nature, kids should never be left with these mixed dogs or any other dogs without adult supervision. Early training and socialization ensure your dog is child-tolerant. Bullweilers are moderately intelligent and incredibly motivated by food, making training relatively easy. Their Bulldog parents are not the smartest, but the Rottie genes and food motivation compensate adequately. Are Bullweilers Good with Other Pets? Bullweilers have a high prey drive and are territorial, so interaction with other pets must be supervised. Early socialization increases the likelihood of your dog interacting better with other animals. Smaller pets like hamsters can trigger their prey drive and must be carefully watched. These dogs may also struggle with dog aggression aggression toward other dogs , so socialization is essential. Bullweilers are family-oriented dogs that would make a great addition to the family, especially one without too many other pets one other dog of the opposite gender is ideal. Their minimal grooming and medium exercise requirements make them relatively low-maintenance dogs. Early socialization and training are key to having a good pet. How Much Does a Bullweiler Cost? You can consider getting one from a shelter to provide a home and a second chance at life. Be careful of cheap Bullweiler puppies, as most of these are from unethical backyard breeders. Conclusion Bullweilers are a mixed breed and a great addition to your household. Bullweilers can be prone to breathing issues and other life-threatening conditions for which you must brace yourself if you want one. Early socialization and training will make owning this dog smooth and easy. I have been an animal lover and owners all my life having owned a Rottweiler named Duke, a Pekingese named Athena and now a Bull Mastiff named George, also known as big G! I'm also an amateur equestrian and love working with horses. I'm a full-time Veterinarian in South Africa specializing in internal medicine for large breed dogs. I enjoy spending time with my husband, 2 kids and Big G in my free time. This mixed breed has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its strong, loyal nature and loving personality. Both the Rottweiler and the English Bulldog share certain traits, but they also have some key differences that should be considered when making your decision. Rottweilers are an ancient working breed with a natural prey drive. They are fiercely loyal and protective of their families, but they can also be overly aggressive if not trained properly. They require lots of exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy. The English Bulldog is known for being affectionate and gentle, with minimal energy needs. When it comes to genetic health, both breeds come with potential health issues like hip dysplasia and skin allergies. With thoughtful breeding practices and careful vetting of puppies from reputable sources, you can ensure that your furry friend will have a long life filled with love and joy! Temperament And Personality The Rottweiler English Bulldog mix is a unique combination of two popular and beloved breeds. Loyal, gentle and protective, this mixed breed has the perfect personality for any human family seeking an addition to their pack. Though these dogs may appear intimidating due to their large size and muscular structure, they are incredibly loyal and loving towards their families. But rest assured that if you or your family ever find yourself in danger, this dog will protect you without hesitation. So take some time out each day to show your furry friend how much they mean to you; their appreciation will know no bounds. This hybrid breed is an ideal choice for those who crave the companionship of a lovable pet but also appreciate a strong watchdog. Aggression Levels The Rottweiler English Bulldog mix, like the other two breeds, is known for its strong territorial tendencies. While there are certain situations where this behavior may be warranted, such as protecting their owners from potential harm, no owner should ever let their pet act aggressively without proper guidance or training. With appropriate training and guidance, your Rottweiler English Bulldog mix can become a loving companion who knows how to interact appropriately with strangers and other pets alike. Just remember — patience is key! Size And Features The Rottweiler English Bulldog Mix is a medium-sized breed with an average weight of 40 to 50 pounds and a height of 15 to 20 inches. It has a large head, deep wrinkles, loose skin around the muzzle and neck, strong jaws, and short legs. Its coat is dense and low shedding, with colors ranging from fawn to black. This hybrid dog can make for an excellent companion due to its friendly nature. When looking after this mix, you have to pay particular attention to its ears since they are prone to infection, given their shape and structure. Also, keep an eye on its dense hair, as regular grooming sessions will be necessary in order not only to prevent matting but also to keep it healthy and happy! To sum up, the Rottweiler English Bulldog Mix is a great family pet that offers companionship, love, loyalty, and fun all rolled into one package — perfect for anyone looking for a four-legged friend! Exercise is essential for these dogs in order to keep them healthy, happy, and fit. Daily Walks The Rottweiler English Bulldog mix needs daily walks to burn off energy and maintain its overall health. A minute walk in the morning and evening is ideal to meet their exercise needs. These dogs also enjoy exploring new surroundings, so taking them to a park or a nature trail can be an excellent way to keep them engaged. Playtime Apart from walks, Rottweiler English Bulldog mixes also require playtime to keep them mentally stimulated. These dogs enjoy playing fetch, tug of war, and other games that require physical activity. Playtime can also include interactive toys, such as puzzle feeders, to keep them mentally stimulated. Training and Agility Exercises Rottweiler English Bulldog mixes are intelligent dogs that enjoy learning new things. Incorporating training and agility exercises can be an excellent way to meet their exercise needs while also stimulating their minds. These exercises can include obedience training, agility training, and other activities that require physical activity. Swimming Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for Rottweiler English Bulldog mixes as it is low impact and helps build endurance. These dogs enjoy swimming and can be taken to a nearby lake or pool for a fun workout. While exercise is crucial for the overall health of a Rottweiler English Bulldog mix, it is essential to consider its unique characteristics when planning a workout routine. Here are some things to consider: Heat Sensitivity Rottweiler English Bulldog mixes are sensitive to heat due to their Bulldog heritage. Exercise should be avoided during the hottest part of the day, and water breaks should be frequent to prevent heatstroke. Joint Issues These dogs can be prone to joint issues, such as hip dysplasia. Low-impact exercises such as swimming and walking should be incorporated to prevent joint damage. Breed-Specific Behaviors Rottweiler English Bulldog mixes are bred for guarding and protection, so it is essential to consider their natural tendencies when exercising them. These dogs may be protective of their family and may need socialization to avoid aggressive behavior towards strangers. A great way to provide mental stimulation for your Rottweiler English Bulldog mix is through interactive toys. Puzzle feeders and other interactive toys can keep them occupied for hours and help them develop problem-solving skills. These toys can include treat-dispensing balls, puzzles, and other games that require them to think and work for their reward. Socialization is also a crucial aspect of mental stimulation for Rottweiler English Bulldog mixes. These dogs have protective instincts and can become aggressive toward strangers if not socialized properly. Taking them to dog parks and allowing them to interact with other dogs can help them develop better social skills and keep their minds engaged. Lastly, regular playtime can provide mental stimulation for Rottweiler English Bulldog mixes. They enjoy playing games such as fetch, tug of war, and other interactive games that require physical and mental activity. Playing with them also strengthens the bond between you and your dog, which is essential for their overall well-being. Training Needs Now that you have a basic understanding of the mental stimulation needs of your Rottweiler English Bulldog mix, it is important to understand how to provide adequate training for them. Providing proper training is essential to ensure that they develop good behavior and become well-behaved members of your family. Obedience training is an essential part of training your Rottweiler English Bulldog mix. This training involves teaching them basic commands, such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Agility training is also an effective way to provide physical and mental stimulation for your Rottweiler English Bulldog mix. These dogs are known for their athleticism and enjoy learning new things. Agility training involves obstacle courses, jumps, and tunnels, which can help build their endurance and improve their coordination. This training can also improve their confidence and overall well-being. Another essential training for Rottweiler English Bulldog mixes is socialization. These dogs are protective of their family and can become aggressive toward strangers if not socialized properly. Socialization involves exposing them to different people, animals, and environments, which can help them develop good behavior and social skills. Socialization is critical to prevent behavioral issues, such as aggression and anxiety. Are They Child Friendly? Rottweiler English Bulldog mixes make great family pets. But when it comes to children, there are some important factors to keep in mind. These dogs have high energy requirements and require lots of exercise and stimulation. They can become aggressive if not given proper attention or training. A tired dog is less likely to exhibit any kind of aggression toward their owners or their children. This will help them form a strong bond while reducing any potential aggressive tendencies they may display toward one another in the future. Overall, Rottweiler English Bulldog mixes make wonderful companions for families who understand their needs and commit themselves to provide plenty of love, structure, and boundaries — all things necessary for happy, healthy relationships! Are They Friendly with Other Dogs? When it comes to canine interaction, Rottweiler-English Bulldog mixes have a tendency to be quite friendly. With regular exercise, they can make great companions for other pups in any home or neighborhood. Rottweilers and Bulldogs possess many similar traits that create an ideal balance when mixed together; this includes moderate energy levels and a desire for human attention. This means that Rottweiler-English Bulldog mixes need plenty of exercise every day for optimal mental and physical health conditions. These pooches often require just enough activity to keep them healthy throughout their life expectancy. These hybrid mutts can get along with various breeds if exposed properly from a young age. They respond best to firm but gentle leadership while being trained to understand boundaries around other animals, making sure they respect their peers without feeling threatened by them. Allowing your pup adequate time in safe areas under supervision will help both you and your doggo feel more at ease when meeting new friends! Grooming Needs When it comes to grooming needs, the Rottweiler English Bulldog mix is a unique breed. They have an adorable wrinkly face and skin folds that will need regular cleaning. This hybrid dog is a heavy shedder, so brushing should be done at least twice per week. Make sure to use long strokes when brushing in order to reach all of their fur and get rid of any dirt or debris they may have picked up while playing outdoors. In addition, these pups require occasional baths using shampoo specifically formulated for dogs — but only once every six months or so unless they happen to get really dirty! These are just some basic tips on how to effectively groom your beloved Rottweiler English Bulldog Mix! With proper care, they will look stunningly gorgeous and remain healthy year-round. It is essential that you provide a diet of high-quality food to ensure they get all the vital nutrients they need for optimal health. Instead, look for foods with adequate protein content suitable for medium-sized dogs — this includes wet or canned options as well as kibble. Also, consider supplementing their meals with fresh fruits and vegetables steamed if possible. Serve several small meals throughout the day rather than one large meal since this can help digestion and absorption of nutrients better. Overall, getting nutrition right is key to ensuring good physical health in your Rottweiler English Bulldog mix. By following these guidelines while keeping an open dialogue with your vet, you can give them the best chance to thrive! Being aware of these health issues can help you provide proper care and prevent potential health problems in the future. Joint Problems One of the most common health issues that Rottweiler English Bulldog mixes may face is joint problems. Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can help prevent joint problems in your dog. Skin Problems Another common health issue is skin problems. Rottweiler English Bulldog mixes can be prone to skin allergies, which can cause itching, redness, and hair loss. Breathing Problems Rottweiler English Bulldog mixes can also be prone to breathing problems due to their short snouts, which can make breathing difficult. This condition is known as brachycephalic syndrome and can cause coughing, gagging, and difficulty breathing. Avoiding exercise in hot or humid weather and keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help prevent breathing problems. Eye Problems Finally, this mixed breed is also prone to eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. These mixed-breed dogs have become popular family pets due to being incredibly loyal and loving companions. The average life expectancy for these mixes is years, but this varies depending on lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise. With good nutrition and regular exercise, your pup should easily live up to 12 or even 13 years of age. The best way to ensure longevity for your four-legged friend is by providing plenty of love, attention, exercise, and a healthy diet — just like any other canine companion! It also helps to find an approach to training that fits both your needs and those of your pup; after all, happy dogs tend to live longer lives! But no! This is especially true when it comes to finding a pet for families; so many people want to give their kids one as a companion without breaking the bank in the process. The key takeaway from this section? Researching your pup before buying will go a long way in saving time and money down the line. So, choose wisely and have fun doing it — after all, owning such a majestic creature is worth every penny! This will help guarantee the health and welfare of your future furry friend. When looking for a puppy, be sure to ask the seller questions about their breeding practices, socialization methods, and general care. Additionally, make sure that you can visit the premises before buying a puppy so you can check out how the puppies are raised in person. Look for breeders or owners who have experience with raising dogs since this will give you peace of mind knowing that they understand what needs to go into taking care of them properly. Finally, do some research on different breeders online before making any decisions—look at reviews and take time to compare prices in order to find the best fit for both yourself and your pup! I teach my clients that consistency is key when training any dog, especially this breed. You might also experience some separation anxiety from time to time. If you put in the work now, then soon enough, you will reap the rewards of having such an amazing pet! Eager to please Playful The Rottweiler is the most infamous guard dog in the world! But did you know that they are also one of the oldest herding dog breeds in the world as well? The Rottweiler dates back to Roman times. Back in 70 A. The Romans used the Rottweiler for herding cattle and protecting the cattle and other herd animals from wolves and other predators. Rottweilers were also used as meat cart pullers as well as personal protection detail. Did you know that in the mids, the Rottweiler nearly went extinct? Yes, the Rottie almost went extinct because trains were now a much cheaper way of transporting meat. Grooming — Brush four to five times a day throughout the spring and fall. Colors — Black, golden, brown, merle, brindle, speckled and spotted Eye Color — brown Exercise — Tons of exercises, consider getting them a job at a farm herding or protecting. Training — The Rottweiler American Bulldog mix is notoriously stubborn, a trait inherited from both parents. Socialization — Positive exposure to other people and dogs daily for best socialization. Temperament — Loving, caring, watchful, loves to hunt small game, eager to play, very protective Good in an apartment? The American Bulldog Rottweiler mixed breed is a powerful yet elegant and loyal nature dog. The mark of a great pack leader for these guys is to have them listen to your commands. Training of This Beautiful Breed! I often say that training, socialization, and, finally, exercise are the key foundation for making and keeping a stable and happy relationship with your dog. If you only do two or just one of these, then you are creating a situation in which it will bite you in the end. As a baby, work these commands over with, of course, frequent breaks in-between the training sessions. Make the training longer than the playing by as much as half or even more, and make the training fun with lots of praises and a little treat here and there. When training, it is imperative that you do not give up on your commands while also using positive reinforcement training. This breed is stubborn, so you will need to repeat yourself constantly. Socialization for the American Bulldog Rottweiler Mix Socialization for dogs is key to having a very polite dog to humans and animals; the more they meet strange looking people and animals. The more they will be well behaved, greeting new people and animals. As a puppy, if you can take them out into different environments, say the park, coffee shop, or just walking the streets would be super beneficial to getting your pup socialized. One of the most important things not to do is take your puppy to the dog park. Dogs can be very mean and can scar such a small puppy; secondly, the puppy has not had its shots, so they can transmit and or get a disease. So never take your puppy to the dog park until they are old enough to be able to hold their own and be able to defend against any diseases. Rottweiler American Bulldog Exercise Requirements Exercise for this breed means running about a giant property or being put to use on a farm. May it be herding or protecting against coyotes or humans. As strange as it may seem to read, some people still steal cattle, ducks, or sheep.