pug puppy in mirror

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. Commencing Marker Training your chocolate labrador pup Start Marker Training at 8 weeks of age When you take your 8 week old labrador pup to their new home, you should commence their obedience training immediately. Just repetitively say yes and give your pup a treat immediately. Then familiarise your labrador pup with a leash. Clip the leash to their collar and allow the pup to roam a little. This way they will adjust to its weight and the sensation around their neck. If you try to walk your pup straight away, they will simply resist. Don't pull and command, but rather cultivate a positive experience with a leash. Secondly, I recommend that you feed your new labrador pup with a leash attached until they learn to sit. This will establish you as the master and immediately teach the pup restraint. Do not give the food bowl to your dog without firstly bringing him under your control. Even with my mature dogs, I will not let them feed except on command. Feeding should never be random. Hold the leash close to the labrador pup's neck and push their rear end down to the seated position. When they are sitting, enthusiastically praise your pup and, only then, reward their obedience with food. Remember, food should always represent a reward for good behaviour. They hear tones and frequencies. When we train them, we are conditioning them to associate a particular sound with a response so that it means something to them. Labrador puppies like all dogs learn contextually and by consistent repetition. In this way, a labrador pup learns to associate sounds with responses and rewards. This is why you should reward your pup immediately when they have performed a command correctly, even if they did not intend to do so. In the early stages, I prefer to teach a dog to 'sit,' then move on to 'staying' before teaching them to 'come'. This is especially so while they are still a puppy. Remember that a 12 month old dog is still a pup. They are regularly hyperactive and overstimulated. The goal is to get your labrador puppy into a calm and submissive state as often as you can. Ensure you are demonstrating a calm and composed, yet assertive demeanor. When you are in charge, your labrador pup will willingly sit and look to you for direction. Exercise patience and be repetitive but don't overdo it. Remember that the time you put in now will help you bond with your young dog, even if they do not appear to be advancing quickly. It will be a very worthwhile investment in a long term relationship for years to come. Of these three basic commands, the 'stay' command will take more time to teach. When this is mastered and entrenched in your dog's obedience, it can save your dog from danger. You are teaching them associations, not English words. Sit Teaching your new labrador pup to sit should begin immediately when you take it home. Begin by feeding them on a leash. Hold the leash close to the pup's neck. Give the pup the 'sit' command, but don't reward them with food until they are sitting. In this way you have begun to condition the pup to the 'sit' command. This requires patience at meal time. Remember that a labrador pup requires 4 feeds a day for the first phase of their life. This gives you ample opportunity for repetition and reward. When the dog sits, reward them with a treat and a lot of enthusiastic praise. Each time they repeat the behaviour, reward them with a treat again. You can train your labrador pup for short intervals at any time. Carry a few small pieces of food. Call your pup, then reward them with lots of affirmation and a piece of food when they comply. Teach them to sit by offering a small treat. Say 'sit', then let them smell the food as you move your hand over their head. A labrador pup will automatically lift the nose in the air to follow the food. As the head moves up and back, the pup will tend to sit. Give lots of praise and gradually increase repetition as they associate the word 'sit' with the food. Stay Your Labrador pup will need to understand the 'sit' command before you advance to 'stay'. Before you give the 'stay' command, make sure that the dog is seated. To keep the dog in the sitting position, you will use your hand with the fingers pointing up and the palm in front of their face. To begin with, position yourself about half a metre away from your pup's face. Direct the 'stay' command calmly, with your hand up. Slowly take half a step back and remain there for 3 seconds to begin with. Then step back towards to the dog. Wait for another 3 sec and then reward your dog with a treat. Repeat this 5 times. Reward them at the end of each 'stay' routine by praising them enthusiastically and giving them a treat. Don't praise or reward the dog until they have remained seated in front of you for a minimum of 3 seconds when you return. Your puppy should not move a millimetre until you give the reward. If your dog breaks early, you have gone too far. Simply return to your dog, reset them in the seated position and begin the routine again. Come It is important to make sure your Labrador understands the 'stay' command before you begin the recall or 'come' command. Make sure you pup is seated before you give the 'come' command. As your walk away from your pup, maintain eye contact. Don't back away too far too soon. If the pup breaks early, give the 'come' command to establish association. When you call your dog to 'come', do not let them jump up on you. If the dog wants to stand on its back legs and reach up, place the palm of your hand on their head and hold it away from you. I suggest that you don't say 'no! The down command should be used as a more constructive training command. If your pup jumps up, make your disapproval known by using a 'dog' sound; 'Ahhh! If you find yourself becoming frustrated, then put the pup away and start again tomorrow. Don't take it personally and don't blame the dog. Corrections are necessary, but not out of frustration or anger. If it's not working, then look at your consistency and your communication. If the training is a positive experience then you will strengthen the bonding and learning process. Develop consistent communication and trust with your dog in the process of the training. Labrador pups love to please and they will be very proud of themselves when they accomplish the command and gain your approval. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Puppies are so cute! Just the thought of a little pup romping around the room and playing with his many toys makes people smile. And puppy kisses are the best! But it takes a lot of planning and work to have a successful relationship with the new addition. Remaining with them until then helps him learn how to appropriately play and interact with others. It also teaches him bite inhibition, so that he learns not to bite down too hard on our skin. So what exactly should we expect from our 8 week old puppy? Puppy Proof Your House Puppies are curious about everything. Choose the room your puppy will be in the most and make sure that electrical cords, hazardous chemicals, medications, and small items that can be ingested are out of his reach. When you get him, try to obtain a blanket or toy with the scent of his mother and littermates if possible. That will help him feel more at ease in a new environment. The breeder of my Lhasa apso Ralphie gave us a toy with those scents to help him make the transition, as he had a familiar scent with him which I placed in his pen at home. She was born in rescue but was the last of a litter of nine to be adopted when I saw her. But she made the transition fine. These include the following: Crates and exercise pens. But make sure you buy one with a divider included so that you can adjust the size of the crate as he grows. Collar and leash. Some breeders and rescues provide these. You may also want a harness to walk him. Clean-up tools. Chew deterrent. They make chew deterrents for various surfaces, such as for cloth or for wood such as furniture or baseboards. Toys and chew items. There are so many toys on the market today. Purchase a variety of safe types—some squeak, others rattle. And safe chews like Kong toys and Nylabones are important, because the puppy will explore the world with his mouth. Food and treats. You may want to change the puppy to a food you prefer. Many breeders and rescues will provide you with starter food. Then, if you change it, do so over at least a week or two. Other Preparations In addition to puppy-proofing your home and getting the above-listed items, there are other appointments you should have lined up prior to getting your pup, if possible. Have a veterinarian appointment set for your new puppy to be checked within the first few days after you get him. So, if you can, book the appointment in advance. When you meet with the vet, ask about what vaccinations your puppy will need. Puppies who are eight-weeks old generally have already had their distemper, adenovirus II, parvovirus, and parainfluenza vaccines. Discuss with your vet the appropriate heartworm preventative and flea and tick products for your puppy. Also ask about your puppy being microchipped. A microchip is really important should your puppy get lost. If you have the time, also look into puppy kindergarten and socialization classes. Make sure that the trainer is a positive reinforcement trainer who has experience in training puppies. And the facility should be clean and well-run. All puppies admitted to any classes should also be required to have age-appropriate vaccinations. Post Arrival After your new furry bundle of joy has arrived, the fun starts! And play with him and train him. Some breeders and rescues may have already started to house train him. Scheduling Puppies need consistency. So have a schedule for his feeding, pottying, training, exercise, and socialization. At eight weeks old, he may be getting three to four feedings per day. So feed him each meal at the same time each day. And have a basic schedule for his other needs. You may need other people to help out with some of his needs, such as house training. Socialization Socialization means exposing your new puppy, in a positive manner, to all the things that he will have to face in the real world. So he should be trained to walk over various surfaces, hear everyday noises, and meet friendly people and pets. But you can still have friends and family members over to meet him. And give them tidbits of treats to give the puppy to make any encounter such as petting a positive one. Of course, first give your new puppy a few days to settle in at your home before you expose him to even more new experiences. At home, too, get him used to the sounds of water running, the dishwasher and other appliances running, and the vacuum. You get the idea. Make each a positive experience, giving him a piece of kibble or a small treat. And do this slowly not to overwhelm him. And get him used to car rides. A very young puppy will have to go to the bathroom after he eats, sleeps, and has any excitement including play. He has very little bladder control at eight weeks old. A young puppy can hold his urine about one hour more than his age. So he can hold it about three hours at two months old. You may want to have an exercise pen set up as a safe area. You can place a potty pad at one end and a bed or towel as his bed at the other end. And place a few safe toys, including a puppy Kong. I just make sure to take the puppy out at the right times. Handling Your puppy has to get used to handling and grooming. You can have him chew a safe chew or lick moist food or Kong stuffing out of a Kong to occupy his mouth and make the training exercise positive. Get him used to gently massaging his whole body, including feet and touching his nails. Get him used to gently opening his mouth. Calmly praise any calm behavior. Keep the sessions very short—a few minutes at most. You should do only a part of his body during each session or it will probably be too much for him. If he struggles, calmly wait until he settles before releasing him. Obedience Training Your new puppy is basically a blank slate. He has to learn all the commands to live with us successfully. Training also helps the puppy bond with you. Of course, give him a day or two to settle in for most commands. But you can still help him learn his identity. So, first, teach him his name. You can show him a piece of his kibble or a tiny treat and hold it near your face when you say his name. Do this a few times. Then try to just say his name, not holding the food near your face. When he looks at you, again praise and reward. Remember to never use his name in a negative manner, such as for a correction. Always start any training session without any distractions. Your puppy has to be able to focus on you to learn. One of the first commands we teach our puppies is to sit. You can hold a treat just above his nose and slowly move it back towards his forehead. Calmly praise and reward when he sits. Another command I teach puppies in the first week is to come to me. I make it a lot of fun. Some puppies adapt easily, whereas others buck against the leash. Other Normal Puppy Behaviors Puppies explore the world with their mouths. So the little land sharks will try to chew on you and whatever they can reach. This is where your safe toys and chews come in. Always redirect him to the safe items and praise when he chews them. Puppy zoomies are normal. All of a sudden, your puppy may run around the room bouncing off the furniture. This is normal. Final Thoughts New puppies are so much fun! Do you have a puppy or have you had one? Please tell us about it in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Fourth meal 5 pm You should follow this type of feeding schedule until your Lab puppy is 14 weeks old, after which you can adopt a two meal per day plan. However, keep in mind that Labs are especially prone to overeating and obesity, so if you use treats, ensure you give them sparingly. In fact, a study in the UK listed Labrador Retrievers among the eight breeds most prone to being overweight. So your food-loving Lab puppy requires a bit of control. One way to keep them from overeating treats is to portion out their food for the day and use that as their reward. In most cases, the puppy will respond just as enthusiastically to kibble. Place a bowl of water in a location accessible to your puppy and supervise him to ensure he drinks enough but not too much. Puppies at this age should drink between half and one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. So if your eight-week-old Lab is 12 lbs 5. This is an essential part of puppy care. As mentioned, if you get your puppy from a reliable breeder which should always be the case , the pup should have already started with his vaccinations, and the breeder should provide the vaccination records. Then, make an appointment with the vet for any vaccination follow-up. Also, ensure your pup stays on worm preventative medication as puppies are more prone than adult dogs to worm infection. Sometimes puppies are also born with certain types of worms from an infected mother, especially roundworms and hookworms, where mother-to-puppy transmission is a significant mode of spreading. Be especially sure that your Lab puppy gets the heartworm vaccination. Heartworm is a dangerous and potentially fatal disease, and once your dog is infected, the cure is expensive and extremely harsh on your dog. A trained dog will learn how to behave in and outside the home and around other humans and pets. I have a full beginner guide on how to train an 8 week old Labrador puppy , but in a nutshell, there are three training areas you should focus on in terms of pet training: housebreaking, obedience, and socialization. Housebreak Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Housebreaking means training your puppy to eliminate outdoors or at a designated location inside the home instead of doing it anywhere and at any time. Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks because their system is not yet mature enough to hold it for long. Luckily you can take advantage of that to teach your dog to always use the same spot. Pay attention to the signs your puppy gives when they need to ease themselves, like circling, whining, or sniffing their groin. Puppies naturally need to eliminate at these times: First thing after waking up in the morning. Last thing before retiring at night. After every meal. After drinking plenty of water. Upon waking up from a nap. During or after play or exercise. When they wake up during the night. Their brain, at this point, is like a sponge that will easily absorb new info. Also, teaching these commands early will make living with you easier for your dog as he will know what is expected of him. Teach your Lab puppy to sit, lay down, stay, leave, and other basic commands that are foundational for more advanced training later. Remember to use only positive reinforcement training approaches and reward your puppy with verbal praise, positive gesture cues, and treats. Exposure to these realities will help your Lab puppy adjust fast and nurture proper social behavior. In addition, exposure will preempt signs of poor puppy socialization, like aggression and fear around people and other animals. In general, your eight-week-old Labrador puppy should have two minute sessions of exercise daily. In addition, keep the following in mind: Keep exercise sessions short in the beginning and allow your puppy to adapt gradually. Playtime counts as exercise, so be careful not to over-exercise your Lab puppy. This is the harness I use. Allow your pup spontaneous rest moments between play. When exercising your puppy , avoid taking him for walks during the coldest or hottest times of the day. There are several ways to ensure your eight-week-old Labrador puppy is always safe, including ample supervision and choosing the right kind of toy. They might also try to get away on an exploratory walk if the door is left open. To avoid these dangers, puppy-proofing your home before getting your eight-week-old Lab puppy is vital. Read more here, What Foods are Poisonous to Labradors? Unplug power cords and put them away when not in use, as your puppy could try chewing on them. Remember that your puppy is young and still learning. It is also a legal requirement in some countries, such as the UK, and it may be required when traveling. While name tags are an excellent way to identify a dog, they can be easily removed or get lost, which means you are better off microchipping your Lab puppy, or even better, do both. Choose Safe Play Toys for Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Like us, eight-week-old puppies still have their baby teeth which they gradually lose to make room for their adult teeth. So, expect a lot of chewing and nipping during this time. Like humans, teething can be uncomfortable, and chewing is their only way to relieve some of that pain. To that end, ensure your Lab puppy has the right chewing toys to avoid damaging teeth or accidentally swallowing toy pieces. This toy is great for teething pups, doubles as a fetch toy, and is also a treat-dispensing toy where you can stuff it with peanut butter or other goodies. If proper toys are not provided, your Lab puppy will chew any available object in the house, such as table legs, shoes, remotes, or your hands. As such, they need proper resources for resting and sleeping. That includes the time to do so and a place where they will feel safe in. This synthetic dog bed has an ultra-soft feel and provides maximum comfort for your Lab. You can use it in the crate or as a stand-alone bed, and it comes in a few different styles and sizes. I like this bed due to its 3. Ensure the bed is in a location with no draft and where your puppy does not get any disturbance when resting. If you put your puppy straight into the crate without helping them adjust, it may react poorly. When buying a kennel, the best approach is to buy one that your pup can use as an adult dog, which for a Lab would be around 42 inches .Just be sure to get a crate with dividers so you can make the space smaller for your puppy. An 8-week-old Lab puppy can only walk for approximately minutes at a time. In most cases, young puppies will not walk but rather jump around and play. Still, keep in mind that they do not need long exercise sessions. Instead, keep playtimes short and allow for lots of rest. Remember that puppies should only walk about five minutes for every month of age, twice a day. At three months, you can stretch it to 15 minutes. Overwalking your Lab puppy can cause joint and bone issues and should be avoided. As such, a dog from a larger breed will need more food as a puppy than a smaller breed. An 8-week-old Lab puppy should be fed three to four meals of no more than cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy will depend on his size and weight. For example, if your puppy is between lbs 4. These measurements can vary with each dog food product, as different manufacturers have varying ingredients, so ensure you check the packaging first. Eight week old Lab puppies sleep for approximately 18 to 20 hours a day. An 8 week old Lab should pee as soon as they wake up, after eating and drinking, after waking up from a nap, during or after a session of play or exercise, just before going to bed at night, and when they awake during the night. Check Price on Amazon 6. Make Commands Only Once When it comes to training, what you give is what you get. This is known as command nagging. Teach your pup to heed a command at its first mention. If an order is not executed the first time, show your Lab what you want them to do and make the command again. Repeat that until they learn to obey the first time the command is made. Discipline at the Precise Moment of the Unwanted Behavior Timing is crucial when disciplining your 8-week-old Labrador pup. Dogs will typically forget an experience in 2 minutes. However, they can recall your training commands through associative memory. Once your pup has corrected his unwanted behavior with the desired behavior, reward him with a tasty treat and lots of praise. To learn more about how to discipline your dog, check out my top article, How to Discipline a Labrador: What Not to Do! It can also cause aggression in dogs , as found in this year-long study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania. Using physical punishment such as hitting, kicking, or grabbing the jowls and shaking, is simply animal abuse. Other unacceptable methods are physically forcing the dog down onto its side or back, growling at your dog, withdrawing food, using a shock collar, or tying it for hours. Wean Your Puppy off Training Treats Your Labrador needs to learn that skills and commands are not learned or obeyed for the sole motive of a treat. For this reason, it is important to wean your puppy off treats when he has repeatedly performed the behavior and completely mastered it in different locations and with various distractions. Nonetheless, your Labrador puppy is still a dog in training, and you still need to tell him that he has done the right thing. The rule of thumb is that they are trained young when it comes to dog training. You should train Labrador puppies as soon as you bring them home, typically around 8 weeks of age. The American Kennel Club AKC indicates that the first key milestone when training a Lab pup is 8 weeks, as soon as they have left their mother. It is a crucial time to lay the foundation for your Labrador puppy to integrate into the family. When you bring your Labrador Retriever puppy home at two months, it has most likely interacted with a few situations and is eager enough to learn and follow the rules of a new home. A recent study scientifically proved that 8-week-old puppies are quite capable of learning at this young age as they quickly learned to open a puzzle box baited with food and remembered the skill an hour later. Interestingly, these puppies learned the skill better from a human rather than their mother. Other studies have also proven that it is effective for future behavior to teach puppies socialization and other skills rather than adults. In this study, puppies who attended a command and socialization training class for one hour a day for six months responded better to strangers than adult dogs who attended the same classes. Are Lab Puppies Easy to Train? Lab puppies are easy to train. They are a working breed that enjoys physical and mental stimulation and have many positive traits. They are intelligent, devoted, friendly, highly social, and love to please. They are often used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, or search and rescue due to their easy trainability. Apart from the age factor, other breed-specific reasons make training a Labrador puppy easy. Here are three examples: Labradors are among the most intelligent dog breeds. In his book, The Intelligence of Dogs, canine psychologist Stanley Coren lists Labradors in the top tier of the smartest dogs. So, even at just two months, your puppy has it in his blood to learn and carry out commands. To perform their original working job of retrieving fish that came off the trawl, Labradors had to be watchful and enthusiastic. These are essential learning characteristics. As game and waterfowl retrievers for hunters, Labradors have to be obedient. Another core training requirement makes your Lab puppy easy to train. With these ten principles on exactly how to train an 8-week-old Labrador, you can now apply them to the key areas your young puppy needs to be trained in. Labrador Puppy Training: Key Areas There are five critical areas in which you must appropriately train your 8-week-old Lab puppy. In the next section, I will tell you what the training entails. How to Socialize a Labrador They say humans are social beings, but that is also true about dogs. Socialization begins with the breeder and continues with you. To socialize a Labrador, expose him to many different places and situations. Include sounds, smells, other adults, children, animals, cars, objects, etc. Dogs who are well socialized in the first 12 weeks will be set up for life. Socializing and training your puppy young plays a significant role in the development of adult dogs, as evidenced in this important study. Here are two key findings: Dogs that are well socialized as pups will behave more positively with humans and are less likely to display unwanted behavioral problems such as fear and aggression. Socialized dogs are more likely to engage in positive social behaviors with humans. They also learn better how to play games with humans, helping them establish a true bond with their owners. As a puppy, you can teach your Labrador social skills and confidence through intentional training moments in the family. Once he has completed his vaccinations, take him to public places such as parks or puppy socialization classes. Put him outside hourly and learn to anticipate when he needs to go. Reward and praise him when he does go outside. Usually, puppies will need to relieve themselves early in the morning and after meals. Use their natural rhythm for daily pee or poop walks. Dogs hate messing in the area they sleep in and usually hold it. Nonetheless, very young puppies might be unable to do so. Walk your Labrador after his morning meal and hang around for 15 minutes or so to allow him to do his thing. Repeat the same in the evening. Puppies will need to be allowed to relieve themselves every hour, and for vaccinated dogs, a short walk every hours is an ideal routine to prevent them from peeing around the house. If you crate your puppy because you need to go out, get someone to help you stick to the routine. Repeating this routine for the first few days will give your new furry friend a good idea of his expectations. Check out my guide to Labrador potty training here. To crate train an 8-week-old Labrador puppy, start as soon as you bring him home. Slowly introduce him to the crate by throwing a treat inside and let him explore the crate voluntarily. When you first leave him with the door closed, make sure he is tired as he will sleep and not be afraid. Check out my Best Dog Crates for Labradors and Playpens recommendations, including soft crates, travel crates, and furniture styles. Here are six key things you should practice when crate-training your Labrador: Keep your puppy in the crate at night. Initiate crate training from the very first day you bring your puppy home. It will be harder to succeed in crate training if your puppy gets used to other sleeping arrangements. My puppy cried during the first night, but she was just fine after that. Lab puppies can be left alone in a crate for 1 hour for each month of age for up to 4 hours. Keep your dog in the crate when you are out of the house. This is also for his safety, such as when you are cooking. Do not let your Lab out of the cage when barking or giving you those puppy eyes. Instead, reward good behavior in the crate, i. He will quickly learn that being quiet leads to nice things. He will quickly learn that this special place is just for him. Various toys and bedding will offer some comfort for your Labrador. When purchasing a crate for your puppy, the best ones will give your Lab enough room to stand, sit, turn, and lie down comfortably on his side with paws outstretched. Instead, buy a crate with an adjustable divider that allows him to grow into and choose a standard metal model with either a single or double door. Travel kennels like this Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel , also from Amazon, are also hardy when you are on the move with your dog. This one is even airline adaptable and meets most airline cargo specifications. Older dogs may refrain from biting because they have been trained not to hurt as they have learned their bite inhibition. This simply means that the dog has learned to control the strength of his bite. This sends the message that the bite hurts. Persist by leaving your hand in his mouth until he lets go, then use lots of praise. All puppies need to master this technique that they initially learned from their mother and littermates. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Training your Lab puppy to soft bite must be done in puppyhood as an adolescent dog will not know how to adjust the force of his jaws when he has adult teeth and adult jaw muscles. This can be devastating for you both, should your Labrador go on to bite someone! Have realistic expectations — as it can take your puppy weeks to learn his soft bite. How to Train a Labrador Puppy to Walk on a Leash Walking on a leash is not a natural skill in dogs — they need to learn it! Teach a leash cue, then introduce the pup to very short walks. If the dog pulls, stand fast and wait for him to return to you before continuing. Do this by letting him wear them for short periods inside the house and yard. I find the best no-pull harness to be those that are not rear-attached, such as the Walk Your Dog With Love harness. They give you more control and are ideal for medium-large breeds. Give a treat when the command is obeyed. Introduce your Lab to short walks outside on a leash. When it appears he is about to lunge toward another dog or object, quickly distract him with a treat. Timing is crucial. Reward him every time commands are obeyed and gradually reduce the rewards as the art of leash walking is perfected. You can start steps 1 and 2 when the puppy is young, but you can only commence step 3 once the dog has been vaccinated. Final Thoughts Eight weeks old is the perfect time to train a Labrador puppy in key areas such as socialization, crate training, potty training, not biting, and leash training. To successfully train your Lab puppy in these areas, you must follow good training principles such as using reward-based training, being consistent in your commands, and disciplining at the precise moment of poor behavior. Begin with basic commands before introducing more complex or trick commands. Related Posts You May Like:. Crate training , potty training , and learning to settle at night and will all begin in earnest at 8 weeks. Is your 8 week old puppy driving you crazy? Puppies, like babies, can be hard work. Not to mention annoying, and frustrating! But hang on in there. Chances are, you are sleep deprived, and your life has been turned upside down too. Many of the problems that arise with a new baby puppy, are easily resolved with just a little help. And looking after your puppy with diarrhea is no fun. Which he will, because Labrador puppies are always hungry! You have to ration out his food for him. You need to know how much your puppy needs to eat in a 24 hour period, and then divide that amount between at least 4 meals. First night with puppy Your 8 week old puppy should not sleep in or on your bed. Bed sharing with new puppies is too dangerous. He might fall off, and is likely to leave little puddles on your mattress and carpet. Later on you can bed share with your dog if you want to, but not right now, at least not unless you puppy proof the room and sleep on the floor. Your 8 week old puppy should not be free to roam the house at night. There is so much potential for harm. Even if you only sleep for six hours or so, there is a great deal of mischief your puppy can get up to in that time. So, the three main options that work well for 8 week old puppies are described next First night options for an 8 week old puppy Here are those three alternative sleeping arrangement for the first few nights Safe sleeping area Sturdy box or crate next to your bed 1 The puppy safe sleeping area Just before you go to bed and after taking your outside to empty himself, you can put the puppy to bed in a puppy proof room with a washable floor. Or you can put his bed inside a large puppy playpen. Put plenty of newspaper or puppy pads down to cover most of the floor. On the other hand you WILL have to get up in the night. Which option is best? It may also result in vomiting and diarrhea for your pup, and a lot of clearing up for you. It might seem irrational to you, but there are good reasons for your puppy to be scared. If asked to sleep alone on the first night in their new home, they usually cry. For a surprisingly long time. Unless you live in a mansion, you will be able to hear him. And so will your neighbors. The best way around this, is to have the puppy sleep next to you for the first few nights as described in Option 3 above. New puppies learn very quickly. Whilst initial crying is the result of fear or loneliness, puppies they soon discover that crying gets them attention. How much do puppies sleep? Your 8 week old puppy will spend around 18 to 20 hours asleep out of every .But dogs continue to sleep for long periods throughout their lives. Sleeping often and deeply is normal for an 8 week old puppy. This is nothing to worry about if your puppy is energetic and playful when awake, eating and growing well, and seems healthy in every other respect Potty training your 8 week old puppy. Potty training your 8 week old Labrador puppy can start on the very first day. A few new puppies can last six or seven hours at night without a wee. But many cannot do this until they are around ten weeks old. If you crate your puppy at night, expect to get up in the middle night and take your puppy outside for a wee, for up to two weeks. If you opt to leave your puppy at night with puppy pads or newspaper, expect it to take a little longer than this before you come down to a nice clean floor each morning. Getting up earlier for a while is a given with an 8 week old puppy. Puppies pee much more frequently often the day. Some new puppies can last an hour or so between wees, but again, many cannot. If you are going back to work, or want to leave your puppy for three to four hours before he is five or six months old, and you want to crate train, you need to arrange for someone else to take care of him during the day. Even for this short period of time. An 8 week old puppy should not be left in a crate for hours at a time during the day. The secret to success in crate training a new puppy lies in getting good habits established from the start. And this means getting that puppy outside to his toilet area, whenever his little bladder is getting full. Your puppy will quickly become comfortable with you disappearing for a few minutes if you reliably return. But too much isolation is a common cause of noisy or destructive behavior. Puppies need company. Older puppies may cope happily with being left for up to four hours, but even an adult Labrador may become distressed or destructive if left alone for a full working day on a regular basis. Labradors are very sociable dogs and they need to have people around them. No matter how many walks he gets at the weekend. Puppies biting Most people know that puppies nip when teething. Despite learning early bite inhibition from their mother and littermates, puppies continue this spikey behavior when you bring them home. Destructive puppy behavior Your 8 week old puppy will chew, gnaw and dig around the home. It can be quite a shock to discover just how destructive a Labrador can be, both indoors and out, especially if left unsupervised for long periods of time. Expect your puppy to destroy anything he can get in his mouth. Indoors and out. Some even chew the skirting boards, rip plaster from the walls, and tear up carpets in their homes. Supervision, playpens and puppy crates will help keep your home in tact during the destructive phase. Puppies running off 8 week old puppies need time off leash. Tiny puppies have an automatic response with means that they follow people around. This response disappears by the time the puppy is around four or five months old. Labradors are retrieving dogs. They love to hunt and follow scent trails. Expect that an older puppy will want to explore away from you and get that off lead recall established well before he is six months old. Expect that an older puppy will stray further and further away on walks if you are too predictable and just traipse along behind him. Teach him to follow you and not the other way around. What we expect from an 8 week old puppy We expect an awful lot from our tiny puppies. Both when they are still very small, and then as they grow bigger. Some of our expectations are simply not in line with the way puppies think and behave. Cuddles We expect that puppies will enjoy being cuddled. Sometimes they do, mostly they are just being polite. TIP: Wait for your puppy to stop wriggling before you place him on the floor or he will wriggle harder next time! A fun friend for children We expect that our children will be able to play with a new puppy, but small puppies often bite and wriggle too much for little ones to enjoy them. Those pleasures tend to come later TIP: Use baby gates to give toddlers and puppies space apart from one another Success and quick results We expect that the efforts we put in to housetraining will be rewarded, that the puppy will listen to what we say. But potty training and obedience training take time. Your 8 week old puppy will have accidents in the house to begin with and needs your help to understand what you want him to do next. As he grows, we expect our puppy to return our love and affection, to respect us, be loyal, and obedient. And he will be, in time. Nor had we anticipated just how depressing it would be to clear up puppy pee and poop every time we get up in the morning, or return home from a quick shopping trip. But they are common reasons for people to become disenchanted with their furry companion. One of our aims here on The Labrador Site is to help close this gap between expectations and reality. So that puppies go into their new homes, and stay there for the rest of their lives. And most of the problems described above can be avoided or passed through without too much pain, if you have the right information! And a little preparation. You can do this if you are ready. Much puppy naughtiness is linked to over-excitement. Focus on being calm around your puppy, and read up on how to train your puppy effectively. The considered and appropriate use of a crate and baby gates, is a great way to prevent conflict between puppies and their families. Confinement is not a substitute for companionship and training though, and of course it is very important to be sure you have enough time in your life for a Labrador, before going ahead and getting that lovely puppy. Do check out our article: are you ready for a Labrador , before you take the plunge.

Adopt a Goldendoodle! At the time, they rescued and put up for adoption 24 Goldendoodles that were rescued from a breeding center that needed to be shut down. In addition to Goldendoodles, Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue also rescues and puts up labradoodles for adoption. Delaware Rescue has strict guidelines that must be followed. This is one of the largest doodle rescue and adoption centers in the world. IDOG Rescue is a non-profit organization that is headquartered in Houston, Texas, but they receive calls and entertain inquiries from around the country. They mostly rehome and set up retired Goldendoodle adults for adoption. Some pups are rescued, but they are extremely rare. Wavy coat F1b Goldendoodles are typically non-shedding while still maintaining that teddy bear look. If you want to adopt a Goldendoodle, then Doodle Dandy Rescue is a great option. They have strict guidelines for adoption that must be met. The entire adoption process is quite long and rigid so it can take some time for your adoption request to get approved. What are the best Goldendoodle rescues in the US? Norcal Poodle Rescue Adoption is a certified non-profit organization made up of people who specialize in rescuing and looking after poodle breeds like the Goldendoodle. They are currently based out of North Carolina and cater to humane societies, pet owners who have given up their poodles, and shelters. In addition to adoption applications, they also accept shelter volunteers. They have saved close to 4, doodles. They primarily focus on rescuing and nurturing labradoodles and Goldendoodles. Although they are based in California, they have over volunteers from all over the country who help rescue and get Goldendoodles adopted. They rarely have Goldendoodle puppies for adoption, but when they do, they provide transport and help the puppies find a new home. As the name suggests, the center primarily focuses on the rescue and adoption of golden retrievers and its mixes. GRIN is a non-profit organization that operates with over volunteers. Rather, they are a group of people and homes scattered all over Western Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio. They advise you to apply for a younger dog in advance through their website. They have rigid guidelines for adoption that must be met and their acceptance period takes anywhere between 2 to 4 weeks. They have become increasingly popular, which means finding one for adoption can be a bit of a challenge. Goldendoodle puppy plays with a toy actively outdoors. You can also reach out to your local animal shelters and rescue organizations to inquire about Goldendoodles in need of a loving home. By expressing your interest, you can be among the first to know when a Goldendoodle becomes available for adoption. Another option is to join social media groups and forums dedicated to Goldendoodle enthusiasts. These communities often share information about Goldendoodles in need of homes, upcoming adoption events, and more. Being part of such groups can increase your chances of finding a Goldendoodle that needs a loving family. Keep in mind that the adoption process may take some time, as these organizations want to ensure that the dogs are placed in the best possible homes. You may need to complete an application, provide references, and even have a home visit. Another thing to consider is offering your home as a residence for a family dog that is part of a breeders program. Many breeders offer free or very discounted dogs as long as you are okay with them having a litter or two throughout their life. It never hurts to reach out or ask the question in a local Facebook group for the Goldendoodle breed! They require a lot of attention. If you leave them alone for more than a few hours, they can be difficult to manage. A lot of people are initially enthusiastic before adopting a Goldendoodle but very quickly realize how much time they have to spend with these little canines. Goldendoodles thrive in environments where people are at home at all times. Like other smaller dogs, Goldendoodles bark as a defense mechanism. If you adopt a Goldendoodle that barks a lot, take the time to get your dog trained. We might get sick or move, and sometimes we may need to find a new job. If you know that these factors could potentially hamper the time you devote to your dog, you may have to put your dog up for adoption. Why Is Adopting a Goldendoodle Rare? Although this is a list of some of the best Goldendoodle rescue shelters and networks in the United States, most of them may not have Goldendoodles up for adoption when you check. Some adoption facilities have never received any Goldendoodles at all despite being open for their rescue. There are a couple of reasons for this. A Goldendoodle puppy needs enough sleep for best health. If these dogs get on any adoption websites or similar websites, they will likely be gone within the first day. This can lead to a puppy mill or dodgy breeder scenario where the popularity makes the breeder chase litter after litter without caring for the dog. A dog owner who adopts from a breeder must take appropriate steps to ensure it is not a puppy mill, and is in fact an ethical and reputable breeder. They form strong bonds with their owners. If owners face any problems with their dogs, they would rather find ways to work through these problems than give them up for adoption. However, Goldendoodles are one of the friendliest and most social dogs out there. Desirable Goldendoodle Personality Goldendoodles are extremely adventurous. Generally, these cute canines are outgoing, friendly, and happy dogs. They love meeting new people and dogs. One thing to remember about these dogs is that they do well in open spaces like spacious yards or country homes. Their affection, intelligence, and bubbly personalities make them great therapy and working dogs. They enjoy mentally stimulating activities. For example, Goldendoodles are known to be able to smell peanuts in foods for people suffering from nut allergies. To satiate their need for activity, you will have to take them out for walks and runs daily. Goldendoodles are also known for enjoying swimming and playing in the water. They Are Good with Children If you have children at home, then adopting a Goldendoodle is a great choice. These dogs play well with kids. They are gentle, loving, and patient around young kids which is one of the reasons they make great family dogs. You should still exercise caution and check on their behavior. You must also teach your children how to behave around dogs. Prevent your child from agitating your Goldendoodle with ear or tail pulling and other rough activities. Like any other animal, dogs are protective of their food and can become aggressive if they perceive a threat. This may not be true for all Goldendoodles, but you should still take precautions to protect your kids. These dogs are social animals and love interacting with other dogs. Wavy coat Goldendoodles are typically low shedding. However, they still need a certain amount of grooming. To prevent them from shedding, some people cut their hair short. It will take some time for the rescue dog to get comfortable around you and you may have to deal with issues like separation anxiety. Goldendoodles require a few hours of activity every day. You will have to spend time walking and playing with them daily. Active play, a visit to a dog park, or fetch are appropraite activities. Grooming Is Imperative Though your new doodle puppy will likely shed lightly, you will still need to groom their coats or have a pet groomer take care of their grooming once a month. Just remember to do your research before adopting a dog. Standard Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Personality The place where the Goldendoodle puppy really excels is its personality. Its breed is known for being simultaneously intelligent and adoring. A Goldendoodle puppy is very sociable, which makes them perfect animals for households with children and other animals or pets, even cats. Just like the Labradoodle, this breed requires correct socialization to ensure they get used to different sights, sounds and smells during puppyhood. This means taking your Goldendoodle to plenty of doggy-friendly parks so they can meet canine friends and introducing them to other people. Our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are fully trained Doodles, so you can focus on the fun bits, like bonding, eating food and playing. These dogs prefer to live in a house with a gated backyard where they can get regular exercise breaks. Do They Like to Play? Goldendoodle Puppy Training These clever dogs are perfect for first-time dog owners because Goldendoodles love to please and take great pride in learning new skills. Are Goldendoodles Intelligent? Both of its poodle and golden retriever parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Goldendoodles have inherited this breed trait. This means the person training a Goldendoodle needs to be strong-willed, firm and consistent — but never harsh or aggressive. Much like a poodle, Doodles are sensitive dogs, and positive reinforcement is a must to bring out the best in them. How Obedient Are They? Goldendoodle pups adore human company, and making their pet parents happy brings them genuine satisfaction. As such, correct puppy training produces a highly obedient and loyal adult Goldendoodle. Older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders can benefit significantly from the warmth and sweetness of these adorable Goldendoodle pups. Are They Easy to Train? Doodle puppies can be mischievous and cheeky, but aggression is practically unheard of. So as long as you treat them with the same gentle respect they offer, a Goldendoodle is one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Goldendoodles have loads of energy and require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and calm temperament. A Goldendoodle need a moderately high level of outdoor activity — usually a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally one hour, of moderate to vigorous exercise per day will keep Goldendoodle puppies at their best. Unlike puppy mills, all good puppy and dog breeders provide a certificate that shows health clearances. At Pride and Prejudoodles, our tests cover common health conditions. As such, you have peace of mind when purchasing your new puppy from us. How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? Goldendoodles live for between 10 and 15 years. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Goldendoodle puppies for adoption. Vocality level 2 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament As a crossbreed, it is hard to say for sure which behavioral and personality traits each Doodle will possess. Overall, pet parents report that Goldendoodles are friendly family dogs who do well with children and other pets. Good puppy socialization is key to their development as a well-rounded adult dog. They have an average to high energy level and require roughly minutes of exercise daily. Due to their loyal, people-pleasing nature, Goldendoodles can be easy to train, and if done properly with positive reinforcement, can be extremely obedient pets. They prefer room to run around, so would thrive with a fenced yard. They may not be the greatest choice for apartment dwellers, unless you are big on daily outdoor exercise. Upkeep With an average-to-high energy level, Goldendoodles do best with more active families who can dedicate time to playing games with them. They thrive on socialization and playtime with other dogs to help to burn their energy. Mental stimulation in the form of agility or ongoing training will help keep their adventurous spirit content. If not properly occupied, they can sometimes become destructive -- another reason why they might not be the best match for a small apartment. Goldendoodles have a double coated fur that can be quite dense. Some have fur that can be left in its natural state but you should still expect to brush it out roughly once per week. Others may have fur that will require more upkeep, including professional grooming every weeks the more dense the fur, the more it will trap dirt. Otherwise, bathe your Goldendoodle as needed, brush teeth regularly, and trim nails times per month. Be sure to check and clean their ears to remove any buildup and avoid infections! The mix of the two did not appear in America until the s, but has been gaining popularity as people value a type of dog that could possess the low dander levels of a Poodle and the intelligence and happy personality of a Golden Retriever. The Goldendoodle was originally offered as a larger alternative to the Cockapoo, one of the early intentional crossbreeds. Because Goldendoodles are so popular, they certainly can be found for adoption in animal shelters and Doodle-specific rescues. If sharing your home with a Doodle is your dream, be sure to consider adoption! Related Content.

Females: pounds. Height Males: inches. Females: inches. These dogs were renowned for their size, power, strength, and tenacity, and their modern-day descendants Mastiffs and Bulldogs continue in that tradition. Eventually, the reputation of the Molossian dogs preceded the breed. Hopner, Elard Konig, and Friedrich Robert—decided to develop these dogs into their own separate breed. In , the first Boxer exhibition dog show was held in Munich, and the following year, the first Boxer breed club was established: the Deutscher Boxer Club, which later established the original breed standard. Since the end of World War II, the Boxer has been recognized and celebrated as a popular, capable, and loyal companion and working dog. He has served in many capacities, from war dogs to farm dogs. Today, he can often be seen strutting around the show ring or working as a therapy dog, but many simply know the Boxer as a faithful and beloved family companion. Breed Characteristics Head: Somewhat brachycephalic skull-type, having a fairly short muzzle and slight upturn to the lower jaw. However, it should never appear as an extremely brachycephalic skull, as seen in dogs that are completely lacking the length of the muzzle or with an extremely upturned lower jaw. The head is moderate in size and in proportion to the rest of the body. When viewed from the front or profile, the skull is slightly arched and never prominently rounded or flat, with a median furrow that starts at the stop and progresses toward the back of the skull. The occiput is visible but not distinct or pronounced. The head may be chiseled or slightly padded with smooth never bulky muscle to denote strength. The head is free of wrinkles and excess skin, although some folds on the forehead and topskull may appear when the dog is alerted. Eyes: The eyes are large, lemon-shaped, or open almond, dark brown in color, and set somewhat wide apart. The eyes should never appear almond, oblique, narrow, overly round, too deeply set, or bulging. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. Inner eyelid membranes are preferred to be darkly pigmented and not pink. Exposure of whites or haws, drooping of the eyelids, or rolling of the eyelids either inwards or outwards is incorrect. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Ears: The ears are set high on the skull and wide apart at the outer edge of the skull. They may be naturally dropped or cropped long. Natural ears are moderate in size, v-shaped, broad at the base, and somewhat short, with the inner edge and tip falling close to the head in repose. Tips will come forward when alert. Cropped ears should be cropped long and tapering. Improperly cropped ears are not to be penalized. Upper and lower jaws have good bone substance, appearing strong and well-developed, never appearing snipey or weak. The muzzle plane must be level from the stop to the point of the nose. It may not be excessively pushed-in, long, dished up concaved , or downfaced convex. The tip of the nose should be level on the skull or may be just slightly higher than the muzzle at the stop. In profile, the end of the muzzle protrudes, or rounds, just beyond the point of the nose, giving the end of the muzzle a somewhat rounded profile. The lower jaw is only slightly turned up and must never protrude beyond the break of the lips. Nose: The nose is large, well-pigmented, and black or self-colored according to the coat. The nostrils are well-opened, never appearing narrowed or closed. The nose is never excessively pushed into the stop but sits at the end of the muzzle or just before the rounding of the end of the muzzle. Neck: Moderate length to allow for proud head carriage, strongly-muscled and distinctively arched. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap. Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. The forechest is well defined, yet not overly prominent. Body: Compact, solid, deep, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Tail: Set high on the croup, thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail may be left natural or docked short. Natural tails preferred are of a medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. They may be straight or gently curved. Docked tails should never be completely removed, leaving at minimum three vertebrae. The tail should never be kinked or screwed. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. They are confident, devoted, eager, and watchful. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed. The ideal body height-to-length ratio is between and .Females may be slightly longer. The body is well-put-together, with sturdy substance and medium bone. Males should appear masculine, being more substantial in size and mass, while females should appear more feminine and slightly less substantial. Neither should lack overall type. The weight of a male or female is always in proportion to height. Head General Appearance: Somewhat brachycephalic skull-type, having a fairly short muzzle and slight upturn to the lower jaw. Expression: Alert, intelligent, confident, and capable. Stop: The stop is definite, preferably forming a degree angle between the topskull and muzzle. Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is between to , with the topskull being longer than the muzzle. The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is somewhat convergent. Lips or Flews: The lips are thick, broad, somewhat padded, and slightly loose. They are never overly droopy or pendulous. They fit snugly over the teeth and cover the jaws well. The upper and lower lip edges meet in front of the incisors, never covering the chin or lower lip. Cheeks: Cheeks may appear smooth or with slight padding of muscle to denote strength. The cheeks should not appear bulky or coarse. Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. Reverse-scissor bite or slightly undershot bite preferred. Body and Tail General Description: Compact, solid, deep, and of good substance. Topline: Straight yet gently sloped from prominent withers to croup. The back is short, broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut and may be flat, level, or just slightly almost imperceptibly arched, yet supportive. The back is never level when standing, swayed, or roached. The topline may level out as the dog moves. Croup: Gently sloped and in line with the rest of the topline. It is strong, straight, and muscular. The croup and pelvis may be slightly longer and wider in females. Underline: The underline is short and tight, with a slight tuck up. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight. Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided. Forequarters and Hindquarters Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm. Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle and bone, and parallel to one another. Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns. Pasterns: Never weak or broken. Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of good bone, and well-muscled. Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another. Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another. Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns. Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters. Coat Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog. Coat Type: The coat is short, smooth, close, and fitting to the body throughout. The texture is hard and glossy. No fringe or feather is permissible. Standard color variety: Various shades of fawn light tan to mahogany, always with black mask , light brindle fawn with black mask , all with or without white tuxedo markings. From the root of the nose, folds are always indicated, running in a downward direction on both sides. Note: All standard-colored Boxers should have a clearly distinguished mask confined to the muzzle to contrast sharply with the rest of the coat. Non-standard color variety: Solid white, black, reverse-brindle, or seal, all with or without white markings, or primarily white with markings in the previously listed colors and patterns. Faults All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles. Further information: Bullenbeisser Friedrich Robert and his boxer, The Boxer is a hunting mastiff developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the now extinct Bullenbeisser , a dog of English Mastiff descent, and Bulldogs brought in from Great Britain. Its task was to seize the prey and hold it until the hunters arrived. In later years, faster dogs were favored and a smaller Bullenbeisser was bred in Brabant , in northern Belgium. The Brabanter Bullenbeisser is generally accepted as being a direct ancestor of today's Boxer. The club went on to publish the first Boxer breed standard in , a detailed document that has not been changed much since. During World War I , the Boxer was co-opted for military work, acting as a valuable messenger dog, pack carrier, attack dog , and guard dog. Taken home by returning soldiers, the dog was introduced to a wider audience and soon became a favorite as a companion, a show dog, and a guard dog. Boxer early genealogy chart Flocki, the first Boxer German citizen George Alt, a Munich resident, mated a brindle-colored female dog imported from France named Flora with a local dog of unknown ancestry, known simply as "Boxer", resulting in a fawn-and-white male, named Lechner's Box after its owner. This dog was mated with his own dam, Flora, and one of his offspring was a female called Alt's Schecken. George Alt mated Schecken with a Bulldog named Dr. Flocki was the first Boxer to enter the German Stud Book after winning the aforementioned show for St. Bernards in Munich , which was the first event to have a class specific for Boxers. Blanka von Angertor, Flocki's sister, was even more influential when mated with Piccolo von Angertor Lechner's Box grandson to produce the predominantly white particolored female dog Meta von der Passage, which, even bearing little resemblance with the modern Boxer standard early photographs depict her as too long, weak-backed, and down-faced , is considered the mother of the breed. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white particolor, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing female, few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day pedigrees. Combined with Wotan and Mirzl children, they made the Boxer. Breed name[ edit ] The name "Boxer" is supposedly derived from the breed's tendency to play by standing on its hind legs and " boxing " with its front paws. Brace's Pet Owner's Guide to the Boxer, this theory is the least plausible explanation. At that time, the spelling "baxer" equalled "boxer". Both the verb boxen [English "to box, to punch, to jab"] and the noun Boxer were common German words as early as the late 18th century. The term Boxl, also written Buxn or Buchsen in the Bavarian dialect, means "short leather trousers" or "underwear". The very similar-sounding term Boxerl, also from the Bavarian dialect, is an endearing term for Boxer. These dogs were the result from mixes of Bullenbeisser and other similar breeds. Bier beer probably refers to the Biergarten, the typical Munich beer garden, an open-air restaurant where people used to take their dogs along. The nickname "Deutscher Boxer" was derived from Bierboxer and Boxer could also be a corruption of the former or a contraction of the latter. This seems improbable. Any such action would likely result in a badly bitten if not broken leg. On the other hand, a German breeder of 40 years' experience states positively that the Boxer does not use his feet, except to try to extinguish a small flame such as a burning match. But a Boxer does box with his head. He will hit not bite a cat with his muzzle hard enough to knock it out and he will box a ball with his nose. Or perhaps, since the German dictionary translates Boxer as "prize-fighter", the name was bestowed in appreciation of the fighting qualities of the breed rather than its technique. Boxer is also the name of a dog owned by John Peerybingle, the main character in the best-selling book The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens , which is evidence that "Boxer" was commonly used as a dog name by the early 19th century, before the establishment of the breed by the end of that same century. A brindle Boxer with two white socks Brindle, fawn, and white Boxer puppies See also: Dog health A healthy Boxer puppy Leading health issues to which Boxers are prone include cancers , heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy the so-called " Boxer cardiomyopathy " , [35] hypothyroidism , hip dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy; other conditions that may be seen are gastric dilatation volvulus also known as bloat , intestinal problems, and allergies although these may be more related to diet than breed. An emerging health concern among boxers is Boxer Juvenile Kidney Disease JKD , where the kidneys do not develop normally during gestation and leads to chronic renal failure. There is strong evidence to suggest JKD is an inherited condition in boxers with research being undertaken by the University of Ohio to determine the gene mutation, as well as other work separately by the UK Boxer Breeder Council. Mortality due to infection increases significantly with increases in inbreeding. The breed is particularly predisposed to mast cell tumours, a cancer of the immune system. Because of their brachycephalic heads, they do not do well with high heat or humidity, and common sense should prevail when exercising a Boxer in these conditions. See also: Dog food Boxers need plenty of exercise, which means their diet should be high in quality calories. The main source of these calories should be lean animal protein, which include lean chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish. They sometimes appear at dog agility or dog obedience trials and flyball events. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, police dogs in K9 units, and occasionally herding cattle or sheep. The versatility of Boxers was recognized early on by the military, which has used them as valuable messenger dogs, pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs in times of war. Notable Boxers[ edit ] Punch and Judy were awarded the Dickin Medal for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in a military conflict.

If you are based in Alberta, you will likely have encountered a German Shepherd while strolling the streets and may be intrigued to learn of German Shepherd breeders in Alberta. We recommend doing plenty of research when seeking to find a reputable German Shepherd breeder. Reputable breeders will provide you with full registration and certification papers, a full medical history and information on the bloodline. This article will provide you with information about the 9 best German Shepherd Breeders in Alberta, to help you select the best breeder to suit your needs. We will provide some basic information about the breeder as well as contact details for you to follow up. Identifying the good from the bad can be a challenge, especially for first-timers. Luckily for you, there are plenty of great breeders in Alberta which we are happy to connect you with. Firstly, some tips on finding quality breeders. Normally, good quality breeders exhibit the following characteristics: They are very knowledgeable about the German Shepherd breed and can answer a range of questions. They do due diligence on you as a prospective adopter by asking you questions. Good breeders are transparent about their breeding practices and can provide a full medical history. They have approaches that encourage puppy socialization before adoption. They will provide you with a contract to sign. They will follow up with you during the adoption to ensure all is well. It is useful to consider these traits in mind when undergoing research on breeders. You can easily call, email or visit breeders to get a sense of their setup and breeding approaches. Explore the breeders below. They have well-bred, nicely built, and healthy German Shepherds. These dogs also have wonderful personalities and excellent temperaments. The Homestead German Shepherds are not show-line dogs. The breeding priority of these animals is the exterior. Most of the show-line dogs in North America have been bred because of a fad of over-angulation. This is desirable in the show ring, but poor working confirmation can lead to many health concerns. Therefore, the look of these German shepherds is not true to the standards of the original breed. The Homestead German shepherds are working line dogs and as well come from proven lines. They do not have extreme working dogs but instead have amazing dogs with the highest respect for the time they invest in growing such dogs. The German shepherds are bred selectively to have intense prey drives, great energy, and fearlessness. They are great for police, military, and detection roles, and the ones that lifestyle complement their lifestyle such as German Shepherds. They will not work well for the average family or person. The goal of the Homestead German Shepherd is to breed a dog that has the positive attributes of a well-bred dog. Courageous spirits, solid temperaments, intelligence, minds, good health, and beautiful bodies. They bred dogs from East Germany, European and Czech. These countries have dogs with excellent health. At one year of age, she is distinctly a German Shepherd Dog and a very beautiful one at that. Most of us buy German Shepherds when they are puppies and many of us have no idea what the puppy will look like as a grown dog, except that it will definitely be a German Shepherd. Some people don't care what the dog looks like so long as it will bark and protect their property. Others want a show dog. Still others are buying a member of the family. What are you looking for when buying a German Shepherd? Don't buy the first puppy you see All puppies are appealing. If you are buying a puppy because of its pretty face, it will not look like that grown up. If you are buying it because it seems gentle and quiet, it simply may be well fed and sleepy. If you are buying the one that comes to you and bites your hand, it may do that the rest of its life. Be a discriminating buyer. You will be living with this dog for as long as 12 years. Still others have unregistered dogs and are unable to provide you with papers. Ask to see the health certificates on the parents Some breeders will tell you that they have never had a problem with "hips" in their line but will not give you any x-ray information to support their statement. There is only one way to verify whether or not a dog has hip or elbow dysplasia and that is through x-ray screening. There is only one data base available to find out if your breeder has x-rayed their breeding stock and that is through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or OFA. The OFA lists only dogs that have been cleared for hip and elbow dysplasia. This information is available for search on their web site. More information is given on the page called Titles. These certify that the dog has been x-rayed and has been found to be free of hip and elbow problems. If the dog is over two years of age, ask to see the "final" certificate. Do not accept the "prelims" or underage certificates. If the breeder does not have the certificates, ask for the OFA numbers and the registered names of the parents so that you can check to see if they have been x-rayed. Ask about litter evaluations for structure and temperament One of the reasons for seeing the parents, if possible, is to get an idea of what the puppy will look like when it is an adult dog. Another is to evaluate the parent's temperament as suitable for your home environment. Ask to see siblings or other relatives, if possible. These will give you a general idea about the temperament and structure of your puppy but are not guarantees. There are methods of testing litters and ranking them on an objective form. Two are most commonly used: Puppy Puzzle and the litter evaluation as described by the Monks of New Skete. The temperament of the puppy you choose may not be suitable for your home environment. When people are looking for a puppy as a show prospect, they look for things such as structure, "attitude" and movement. People who wish to use their puppy in Schutzhund, look for a strong play drive. Still others look for a temperament suitable for a home with children in a neighborhood of small children. There are tests for each of these traits. Ask the breeder if the tests were performed on all members of the litter and what the test scores were. If you don't know what the test scores mean, ask for a print-out of the test. Some breeders are trying to breed puppies that conform to the standards set by the Canadian Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club as to what a German Shepherd Dog is supposed to look like. To do that, they try to breed away from serious faults in structure, movement and temperament in order to maximize what is good in their dogs. The German Shepherd Club of America has an Illustrated Standard posted on its web site available to all serious breeders and buyers. The following are the faults listed in the CKC Book of Dogs for the GSD that must be considered in any breeding program as they are all inherited: Disqualifications Faults that should not be present in any GSD or any of their relatives. Should not be used for breeding. My name is Missy, and I'm a 7-year-old shepherd with a heart full of love to give. I promise to be the most loyal and caring companion you've ever had. I'm a perfect gal for a family with kids! I even attend Edmonton Humane Society summer camp with the kids. I get excited to greet all the kids and have them throw the ball for me! Now, let's talk about my preferences and needs. I've had some experiences with other dogs that left me feeling a bit fearful and unsure. That's why I'm looking for a single dog home where I can be your one and only furry friend. I know that might sound like a lot to ask, but I promise to fill your life with so much joy and affection that you won't need anyone else! Because of my past experiences, it's important for me to find an adopter who understands my limitations and is patient enough to help me overcome them. I'm working on my reactivity, and I believe that with the right guidance, I can learn to feel more comfortable around other dogs. An experienced adopter who is willing to work on this with me would be a dream come true. If you're the kind and patient person I'm looking for, willing to help me grow and overcome my fears, I promise to be by your side through thick and thin. Let's embark on this journey of love, trust, and companionship together. Are you ready to be my hero? I was recently spayed and had a dental with a tooth extraction prior to going up for adoption. Fullbred pure white German Shepherds 3 males 6 females Will have their first shots and deworming. Still available if ad is up. Female- April 19, , four months old black Male- March 30, , Albert Beautiful Sable puppies wth cute black faces, purebred German Shepards. Very loving and playful looking for their forever homes. Grandparents and great grandparents are CKC.FREE delivery anywhere in central and southern Alberta. Text or call .Puppies are vet checked and.Albert Purebred sheppard looking for their forever home, first and second shots, ckc registered, comes with micro chip. Females, .Males, 2 females and 4 males left. Look no further! We have 3 adorable female and 2 handsome male White German Shepherd puppies ready to steal.There are 4 boys 2 all black with bits of white and 2 tan and black and 4 girls 2 all black with bits of white and 2 black and tan. He can be left alone all day inside or outside. He is very adaptable to situations. We need to downsize. Call or text Please Contact Bernese cross puppy needs a new home Mundare This beautiful little guy needs a new home, he's very loving and very playful and willing to work and learn new things, with a heavy heart he needs a fair bit of attention and I can't give him all.Only females left. Puppies will make wonderful Guard dogs and family pets! Puppies will come with first shots and deworming and vet record booklet. We did have him as an outdoor dog but now are unable to keep up with.Dad is black and mom is tan and black Comes with necessities like leash, food bowl.Please Contact Look for a good home for purebred German Shepherd Morinville She is sweet and needs a lot of trim to run. She is 1 yrs old and answers to the name of Ace. I am trying to regime her to a good home for a friend of mine who lives in an apartment and got left with.Almost two years old. She is excellent with other dogs and mostly ignores our outside cats. She is crate trained, housebroke and has basic pet obedience. She is not a dominant dog.Puppies ready for their forever homes Edmonton Only Females left: - Red - just like her mom. She will attach to her people and be happy and loyal to be their friend forever. She would be good.Born July 25th 3 females left!! First shots, de-wormed, vet-checked, and micro-chipped with CKC chips. These pups have been raised in a family environment and are.Still available if ad is up. Female- April 19, , four months old black Male- March 30, , FREE delivery anywhere in central and southern Alberta. Text or call .Puppies are vet checked and.Look no further! We have 3 adorable female and 2 handsome male White German Shepherd puppies ready to steal.There are 4 boys 2 all black with bits of white and 2 tan and black and 4 girls 2 all black with bits of white and 2 black and tan. He can be left alone all day inside or outside. He is very adaptable to situations. We need to downsize. Only females left. Puppies will make wonderful Guard dogs and family pets! Puppies will come with first shots and deworming and vet record booklet. Dad is black and mom is tan and black Comes with necessities like leash, food bowl.Please Contact Look for a good home for purebred German Shepherd Morinville She is sweet and needs a lot of trim to run. She is 1 yrs old and answers to the name of Ace. I am trying to regime her to a good home for a friend of mine who lives in an apartment and got left with.Puppies ready for their forever homes Edmonton Only Females left: - Red - just like her mom. She will attach to her people and be happy and loyal to be their friend forever. She would be good.Born May 18th - 15 weeks old as of yesterday Thursday, August 24th. These pups are considered superdogs!!! Look no.Second photo, Bear, she is sweet quiet and cuddly. First photo, CB, she is very playful and competitive, she.Best family dogs, loyal protectors! Stunning GSD, champions working and protection dogs for generations; that means tested.Super friendly dog, great for keeping unwanted critters away from our property. Needs a bit more training. Knows basic commands such.Very friendly with kids and family. House dog. Saling her due to work schedules. Early reservations for 1st and 2nd picks for our September 29th litter are now filled. All remaining spots for both males and females will be opened upon arrival of.Browse other categories in Pets in Edmonton.

Quality Not Quantity Our aim is to breed dogs as near the breed standard as possible. As a small breeder, we at Bonsaviour aim to have approximately 3 to 4 litters per annum, selecting our Dam and Sire carefully and concentrating on quality, healthy puppies as a priority. Bonsaviour dogs are fed a natural BARF diet which is keeping them all extremely fit and well. The barf diet is based on raw meat and meaty bones along with a few vegetables and added vitamins. More about puppies About us At Bonsaviour all of our dogs are first and foremost our companions and their welfare and happiness is of paramount importance to us. We are dedicated and love our dogs they are part of our family, they all live inside our home and are cared for in the best possible way for health, happiness and temperament. Our puppies are reared naturally for true health and temperament and are used to the normal day to day living. The puppies are socialised with our grandchildren and all the normal noises such as the hoover and TV. When the puppies are 8 weeks old and are ready to move on to the new family we guarantee the puppy will be a confident healthy and happy puppy. Bonsaviour are committed, responsible breeders rearing our puppies on a natural diet as nature intended for health. We're based in a small village in the beautiful, wooded countryside of Neachley which is near the village of Albrighton in the County of Shropshire West Midlands UK. Golden Retriever Puppies are available all year round, all bred from parents not only of superb quality from long-established proven bloodlines, but also with wonderful temperaments - a factor on which we place great importance. Our puppies are bred with love for type, temperament, intelligence and health, making excellent companions, as well as being suitable for the various purposes for which these dogs are renowned. Retrievers are wonderful dogs with great temperaments and we are sure that you and your family will be happy to become Retriever Lovers. Our Buddy is a lively, loving and gentle boy. With a teenager attitude right now. We had a puppy from you last year. He was born in March and we picked him up in May. We called him Alfie. Any accolades gained are from our customer or Independant third party reviews. In the "Dog World", ferocious opinions clash all the time. Our philosophy can be digested from the following article. Some of our Retrievers Puppies Litters of puppies are planned very carefully and are born and raised in the house. Bonsaviour puppies are adapted to family life well before they leave us. We have an occasional litter each year, most often puppies are sold before they are born. Reserving a puppy from planned litters is recommended. If you are interested in a puppy, we will require some background information about yourself, your family members, your home and lifestyle, including where you live, whether you have owned a pet before, opportunities for exercise and when you hope to welcome a new addition to your home. We are very happy to help in the process of selecting a puppy that is right for you and your family. When you purchase a puppy from Bonsaviour we will always be here to offer support for you and your puppy and help with any questions you might have for the life ofyour puppy and beyond. This is one of the finest family dogs in the world: cheerful, demonstrative, trustworthy with everyone, and forgiving of any mistakes made by inexperienced owners. Give this breed two brisk walks each day, play fetch games, and take him out for a good run once a week, and he is adaptable to almost any lifestyle. Friendly with everyone strangers, children, dogs, cats, smaller pets , his bark is welcoming rather than protective. You must control his tendency to chew on objects and to mouth your hands -- provide a box filled with toys so he can carry things around in his mouth. A Golden Retriever remains enthusiastically puppy-like for many years, so early obedience training is required to instill calmness and good manners. Eager to please and wonderfully responsive, he is nonetheless distracted by exciting sights and sounds, so you must be both patient and persistent. The mind and heart of a Golden is sweet and gentle, but his body is robust — until he's taught not to pull on the leash, you'll need good biceps to walk him. Our beautiful girl was born last April and we collected her in June. We named her Sienna and she is just the most adorable and loving girl. She loves going for long walks and running round the fields surrounding our home, although she does manage to seek out every muddy puddle to roll around in. She loves nothing more than playing hide and seek with her many toys and is so clever, she always finds them. My favourite time is in the evening, when she becomes sleepy and snuggles on the sofa with us, being totally pampered. We absolutely adore her and feel so blessed she is part of our family. Thanks again Jude. Bonsaviour Retrievers is located in the picturesque tiny town of Whinston, and parents produce all puppies with long-established, confirmed bloodlines. Bonsaivour Retrievers only have three to four litters yearly and are fed a raw meat and vegetable diet with extra vitamins. As pups are carefully planned and reared in the home, it is advisable to reserve a puppy from a planned litter. A deposit of pounds is required to reserve a puppy, and each Golden Retriever puppy now costs 3, pounds. All of their stud dogs and Kennel Club-accredited breeders are documented. Before being placed in their new homes, all puppies are thoroughly socialized and screened for health. In addition, the puppies are microchipped, dewormed, accompanied by a puppy pack, and come with six weeks of complimentary insurance. Not only are all pups socialized before going to their new homes, but you also receive a comprehensive health guarantee and, if necessary, puppy transportation. All pups sold by Harmony Golden Retriever include an ISO microchip, a health guarantee, playthings and snacks, and much more. Also included is a day money-back guarantee. On their website, they list the Golden Retriever pups, and there are also owner testimonials. They breed Golden Retrievers seldom and strive to create dogs true to kind. Before breeding, all dogs are screened for genetic disorders, and the website has information on both male and female dogs. If you are interested in purchasing one of their Golden Retrievers, you must do it as soon as possible. You may also see picture albums and puppy albums on their website and information on their show results. Location: Leicestershire, UK.

While some people use their bathtub, many prefer bathing their Poodle in a large plastic tub with a hose outside. If your Poodle has a white coat, you may want to purchase a purple or blue-colored shampoo. These shampoos have properties that help make a dull coat appear more brilliant. When brushing your Poodle , start at the skin level and work your way out to the tips of their curly hair. With your Poodle in a safe and comfortable tub, hose them down with warm water. That way, you can test to see if they have any allergic reactions. The important part is that you end up scrubbing every inch of their fur and skin from head to tail. If you have a nervous dog, make sure to use positive reinforcement techniques, including talking to them in a soothing voice and using treats to reward them for good behavior. If you thought you had to be careful with getting water down to their skin when getting them wet, you need to be even more cautious with the rinsing process. As a result, you could end up watching them display skin allergy-like symptoms despite not having an issue with their shampoo. Repeat the Process If your eyes just grew twice as large by reading this title, I get it. But hear me out—you only need to repeat the last two steps shampooing and rinsing. The benefit of doing so is that the first wash will remove dirt and oil, and the second wash will leave your Poodle sparkling clean. So, given that Poodles have such a dense coat of curls, it makes sense that shampooing their fur twice is beneficial for them. Dry Your Poodle You should dry your Poodle thoroughly with a towel after a bath. The coat will dry better with some help. Instead, use a towel to dry them well. Take special care to dry their face well, including their ears. Standing water in the ears is one of the leading causes of ear infections in dogs. So, grab the cotton you gathered and dry their ears. Some conditioners and creams require rinsing after application. In other cases, conditioners are leave-in. I recommend bringing your Poodle to the groomer every six to eight weeks. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. How often should I groom a poodle's hair? When to bathe a poodle puppy for the first time Poodle puppies are very delicate, just like babies, and must be handled with care during bath time. If the puppy lives with the mother, it is important to wait until they have weaned to prevent the parent from not recognizing their own puppy. The mother will clean and care for the puppy herself when the puppy is considered to be dirty. On the other hand, it is important not to bathe a puppy if is has just started their vaccination schedule because bathing could their effects. The recommended age to bathe your poodle puppy for the first time is 3 months old, once the administration of their vaccines has ended. You should bathe your puppy once a month because dogs have a natural protective lipid layer on their skin. If you bathe them excessively, you will get rid of this layer that protects them, so it is not advisable to bathe them too much. Tips to clean them without bathing If your puppy is very dirty and smelly you don't have to let them stay that way. There are some very effective tricks that will help keep your unruly puppy clean: Wet wipes: Use baby wipes to clean specific areas of hair that are dirty and then brush the fur thoroughly. It is the easiest and cheapest option. Wet sponge: Wet the sponge and rinse it well. Apply to the dirty areas. You should then dry your dog to prevent them from catching a cold. Wrap them in a towel and use a dryer if necessary. Dry foam: You will find professional products to dry-bathe a dog in pet shops. All you need to do is apply the foam and then brush it thoroughly to remove traces of the product. Bathing a puppy poodle, step by step A poodle's first bath will undoubtedly be the most important because this will determine whether the puppy is fearful of the water in the future. It is a fundamental part of the socialisation process. Of course, don't fill the tub with too much water; the level should not cover your puppy too much. Choose a safe place with no drafts. Remember that the puppy poodle can get a cold very easily, so they should not be too cold. Wet your dog with a sponge or with your hands and when they are completely wet, apply the shampoo. We recommend you look for a special shampoo for puppies, with an acid pH, and carefully massage it into your puppy's skin. Don't forget to reach all areas - legs, belly, groin. .You should try to make this experience as positive as possible, so that the puppy associates it as something they like and enjoy doing. When you have finished, rinse your puppy well. At the end of the bath, you must take precautions to prevent the puppy from getting too cold, as puppies do not regulate temperature as well as adult dogs can. Wrap your poodle in a towel and when it is fairly dry, use a dryer at its gentlest setting. Products to bathe poodles Although you can use more generic products on your poodle, it is advisable to use shampoos, conditioners and sprays specific to the breed. It may also be good to use shampoo for white-haired dogs if your poodle has white or light fur. This will make the stains in the fur disappear. Take advantage of the situation to remove the stains from your poodle's eyes , which usually accumulate as time goes by. How often should I bathe my poodle? There are sebaceous glands in your dog's skin that help keep the skin stable and give the hair stability. It is very important to understand that excessive washing or using of inappropriate products will result in a dermatological alteration which can cause allergies, for example. You should bathe your poodle approximately every 21 to 35 days, which is enough time for the skin to regenerate and regain its natural oils. After this period of time, you can bathe them without any problems. Bathing an adult poodle, step by step Remember to use specific products such as those mentioned earlier, so that your dog's ph is not altered: Fill your tub with warm water without the water level being too high. Help your dog into the tub, but make sure they don't slip! Wet your dog using your bath hose so that their entire body is wet. We recommend starting with the legs: rub them thoroughly to remove any dirt. Carry on with the torso, genitals and neck. Don't get the head wet or soapy. Once completely lathered, you can begin rinsing the entire body. Take your time when rinsing to remove all traces of soap in their fur. When you've finished, cover them with a towel and wait so that it absorbs some of the water. Next, simply use the dryer until they are completely dry. Use a brush to make your poodle look better. Don't forget that after the bath, you must apply an anti-parasite pipette to prevent fleas and ticks from settling into their freshly washed coat. How often you clip it and groom a poodle depends on the choice of hairstyle. If you're not sure how you want to style it, don't hesitate to visit our article on 10 haircuts for poodles. However, and in general, on average you should clip your poodle's hair every 40 - 50 days. Even though you can cut your dog's hair at home , it is highly recommended to go to a dog groomer until you have the necessary experience to do it. The different types of cuts require expert hands who know how to shape and what they should look like. For example, you should cut the hairs around the ears carefully and avoid getting them inside the ears, which can cause moisture and fungi. If you want to read similar articles to How often to Bathe a Poodle and Groom them, we recommend you visit our Beauty tips category. Shampoo color enhancing if the coat is dull or yellowing Creme Rinse or conditioner Several clean, soft bath towels Young puppies and toy Poodles often do best in the kitchen sink. Prepare this as you would the bathtub by having it clean and having all your supplies within reach. Before you begin the bath, use cotton to gently plug your Poodle's ears so that water cannot enter the ear canal. If your Poodle has any type of chronic ear troubles, you can put a bit of Vaseline on the cotton to make double sure that water does not enter. For show dogs - All topknot, ear wrappers and bands must be removed. While it is not mandatory, if you show, you may find it helpful to part the long mane down the center of the back with a pin brush, letting the long hair fall to ether side. Phase 3 - Shampooing Most owners know this, but it is so important that it must be mentioned: Never use human shampoo. It is vital that the shampoo be Ph balanced for canines, it is essential for healthy skin and coat. All shampoos are either acid, alkali or neutral. The degree of acidity or alkalinity is measured on a Ph scale that runs from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything between 0 and 7 is "acid" and anything between 7 and 14 is "alkaline" You need to use an alkaline based shampoo on a Poodle. Coats can become stained, colors can become uneven.For this reason, some owners may wish to use color enhancing canine shampoo , which does not contain any dyes but rather intensifies the natural color of the Poodle's coat. For white and light colored Poodles, this will help to remove yellow or grayish discolorations. For black or brown Poodles, it will help to remove any red or orange tipping and make the coat more solid. There are 2 methods for shampooing a Poodle, the most common being to stand the dog in the tub and then use warm water with the spray hose or container to wet the coat thoroughly, avoiding wetting the head or ears. It is very important that the coat be extremely wet, to the roots, before you apply the shampoo. If you are using a hand held spray, hold the nozzle as close as possible to the dog's body, this will force the water to the skin and flush out any dirt. For show dogs, the Poodle should be shampooed and rinsed 2 times. If you are keeping your Poodle in oil treatments, 3 cycles may be necessary. Please do refer to the AllPoodleInfo Book for full chapters on bathing both pet and show Poodles correctly. Phase 4 - Rinsing When rinsing, it is very important to be sure all traces of shampoo are removed. The final rinse should begin at the head, with the eyes covered and ear flaps held down by your hand. If any shampoo remains it can cause the coat to look dull, cause irritation that can result in scratching and it will be more difficult to do an scissoring. Phase 5 - Applying Conditioner or Cream Rinse Shampooing does a great job of cleaning, but unfortunately can cause tangles at the same time. Conditioner is an important step in bathing a Poodle. The shampoo does little to protect the hairs. The conditioner or creme rinse will moisturize the hair and skin, smooth the cuticle, restructure the hair shaft, restore elasticity and add depth of color. Excess moisture should be squeezed from the Poodle's coat 1st and then the rinse or conditioner applied by gently working it into the the coat with your fingertips. You may also be interested in: Removing a tangle from a Poodle - You'll want to take time to try and remove any knots from the coat since clipping them off and add up over time and lead to quite a messy, uneven coat. How to remove Poodle tear stains - If your Poodle has stubborn discoloration of hairs under or around the eyes, you will find this information to be helpful. How much food to feed a Poodle - This section covers all feeding questions including when to offer meals, how much to give and the types of feeding options that owners have. Are you a Member yet? When you sign up to become a Member, you will be able to receive a friendly notice when new information is added to the site. Poodle Coat Issues - Common yet troubling issues that can happen to the coat. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Categories Poodle How often should you be bathing your poodle? The correct bathing frequency can be the difference between your poodle having healthy skin and coat, or a trip to the vets! As explained above, the best frequency is every weeks. This is more than enough to keep her clean and healthy. However, If your poodle gets particularly dirty only a week after her last bath then, by all means, go ahead and bathe her again. That will be fine. I will go into this further below. Bathing at this frequency is good for two important reasons: 1. To preserve natural oils. Bathing at this frequency should not remove too many of the natural oils. Natural oils are constantly produced by the skin and are responsible for keeping the skin and hair moisturized and strong. The moment that these oils are removed in excess it leaves the skin dry and scaly and the hair brittle. Then, the body will realize this and suddenly produce an excess of oil to compensate. Unfortunately, this only leads to further issues, with clogging of the pores, matting of the coat, and a smelly greasy coat. Which then requires another bath, right? Sufficient to keep her clean. Many owners prefer to bathe their poodles on a weekly basis. So is this okay? Well, it seems to be working well for many others, so it may also work well for your poodle too. But I would without a doubt, pay very close attention to how her body responds. Keep tabs on the texture of her hair, how she feels and how she smells. If all is well, then weekly will be fine for your poodle too. The kind of shampoo and conditioner you use on your poodle is important anyway, but at this increased frequency, could be the difference between whether your poodle reacts badly or not. The Best Kind of Shampoo For Your Poodle The shampoo and conditioner can make all the difference when it comes to bathing your furry friend. The best and only shampoo and conditioner you should be using on your poodle is a natural-ingredient dog shampoo. This means avoiding the use of human shampoo and even regular dog shampoo. The issue with regular dog shampoo is that it contains far too many harsh chemicals, alcohols, detergents, parabens and fragrances. Yet, will still do a great job at cleaning. Baby shampoo is designed to be incredibly mild, yet still has some basic cleansing ingredients included. Popular Article: Why is my poodle so clingy and needy? Brush first Brushing first is a must. This will help to brush out any loose hairs as well as detangle her coat before getting wet. For poodles, a pin and bristle brush is by far the most appropriate. Use lukewarm water only To keep this as pleasurable as possible, the water should not be too hot or too cold. Lukewarm is ideal. This will avoid your poodle getting too cold, and avoid the chances of her skin drying out by using water too warm. If your poodle stays still then a leash might not be needed. With enough positive associations with bath time, a leash might not be necessary for the future. Even small dogs can slip and really injure their legs, hips, and joints. A simple, but important precautionary measure to take. Quality non-slip mat 5. Cotton balls in the ears To avoid ear infections, use some cotton balls placed just inside the ear to keep her ear dry. Of course, keep the balls large so there is no risk of them going deep inside. Shampoo thoroughly Use your fingertips to really get the shampoo down through her coat and onto her skin. One of the most common mistakes owners make is not sufficiently lathering up the shampoo and massaging it into the skin. Shampoo twice Yep, double shampooing is such a thing. Shampoo, rinse, then repeat. This ensures you really clean her skin and coat sufficiently. This will leave her smelling extra amazing! Believe it or not, your voice is the single most important sound to your poodle and you can do a lot with it when using the right tone. Any amount of shampoo residue could lead to scratching, irritation, dry skin, and even infections! This is an easy mistake to make so be sure to rinse thoroughly. Dry with a towel and hairdryer Pat your poodle down with a clean towel as much as possible, then use a hairdryer on a cool to low heat setting. Be sure to keep the hairdryer moving at all times, remaining about centimeters away from her. She should be dry to touch, before being allowed to do the post-bathtime zoomies! Leaving her wet could result in her getting too cold, too quickly, which could end up being a medical emergency. This is the final touch and helps to detangle and separate the curls in case they became knotted throughout the bathing or drying. Trending Article:.

It was said that these cute, fluffy dogs were mostly developed keeping in mind the need of those suffering from allergies. Most Maltipoo litters were a product of breeding the first generation Poodle and Maltese, however, later on one Maltidoodle was crossed with the other also. What is a Tea Cup Maltipoo It is not a category of the Maltipoo but a tactic of breeders to produce tiny variants of the dogs to attract people. However, the AKC and other major kennel clubs are against such practices as such dogs could have a lot of health ailments. Maltipoos who have a weight lesser than 5 lbs once they have grown entirely fall under this group. Temperament and Personality Most Maltipoos would be seen inheriting the intelligence of the Poodle, besides displaying the fun loving, gentle and affectionate nature of both its parents. This trait of theirs could result in separation anxiety especially when left alone for prolonged periods, making them resort to destructive activities like self-harm. They are great alarm dogs like their Poodle parent, with a sense of alertness, barking constantly to warn their owners about all that is happening around them. However, these canines lack the aggression of the Maltese and do not fit the bill of a guard dog. Like the Miniature Poodle and Maltese, the Maltipoo is also not suited for homes with kids below the age of 6 because of their small and delicate nature. Moreover, these dogs might even be snappy like their Maltese parent especially when teased or bothered by the kids. They however, share a comfortable rapport with other canines and pets even if they are not raised with them. Care Exercise Though active and energetic, the Maltese Poodle mix would do well with a moderate amount of exercise, needing a brisk walk twice a day, coupled with sufficient playtime outside or even within the house. If their physical needs are met well, these small-sized dogs would perfectly adjust to apartment living. Grooming They shed less just like their parents, needing a little amount of grooming. Brush two to three times in a week using a pin or slicker brush, apt for their thick coat, helping to keep their hair soft and clean. If your Maltipoo has attained the curly coat of the Poodle, then it should be taken to a professional groomer in every four or six weeks. Their coat needs to be clipped one or two times in a year while the hair located on their head around their eyes and ears need frequent trimming to ensure cleanliness, besides preventing the formation of mats and tangles. Other hygiene needs include brushing their teeth twice or thrice a week, trimming the nails one or two times a month as well as cleaning its eyes to avoid tear stains and ears on a routine basis. Bathe your Maltipoo on a monthly or whenever its coat is soiled and dirty, using warm water and vet-approved dog shampoo. Health Problem Some of the health problems faced by the Maltidoodle include White Shaker Syndrome characterized by body tremors, uncoordinated gait, and rapid movement of the eyes , patellar luxation, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, Legg Calve Perthes disease and portosystemic shunt abnormal blood flow between the body and liver. Training They are intelligent and smart, they could take to the Maltese in terms of stubbornness, hence needing to be handled with firmness. Crate training the Maltipoo puppies are a mandate to lessen their pangs of separation anxiety. Make the crate warm and comfortable by putting their choicest belongings. Do not force them in against their wishes and never use the crate as a mode of punishment. Note: While selecting a crate do not go for spacious and big ones as that could put your dog at a stress. A 19 inch crate size would be aptly suited for your Maltipoo. If you desire to put it in the crate since its puppy days then go for ones with dividers so that you can block a portion of it when it is a puppy and then eventually remove it as it grows up. Socialization training since their puppy days is a must, which should involve exposing the Maltipoo to a variety of situations, the good and the bad. In this way, these dogs would be able to have a control over their barking instincts and not yell at anything and everything they come across. Feeding Give them good quality dry dog food devoid of any artificial colorings or additives. You can also add homemade food but in measured amounts. Morkie vs. The Morkie is high at barking and even yappier than the Maltipoo. Lifespan Sociability The Maltipoo is a mix between the gentle and playful Maltese and the active and smart Poodle. They can have any mix of these traits. They may be brilliant or have more average intelligence. Their exercise needs can vary a bit as well, depending on how active they are. Most of the time, these dogs are decently smart and typically train pretty quickly. Of course, this can vary quite a bit. Some may be smarter than others. Usually, Maltipoos are friendly. Early socialization and training ensure that they are accepting of strangers and other pets as well. These are not typically aggressive in the least. Maltipoos are described as 1st generation or 2nd generation. These are one of the few mixed breeds that are sometimes bred past the 1st generation. Colors vary greatly. Maltipoos can look very different from each other. They come in a variety of different colors. You can find a puppy in just about any color. Size depends on the size of the Poodle used. The Poodle used in breeding has a large role in the size of the puppy. Usually, toy Poodles are used, and this is the size we have used when writing this article. However, rarely, standard Poodles are used, and this results in an enormous puppy. They are affectionate and usually gentle. Puppies can be playful and quite active. However, they tend to calm down as they age. Some may stay relatively active into adulthood, like their Poodle parent. They are well-suited to families with children who like to play as well as snuggle. These dogs are a bit loud and vocal. They can make good alert dogs on some occasions, depending on their specific character and training. Maltipoos tend to bark at anyone who passes by. Related Read: Maltese vs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are playful and cuddly, so they fit in with many different people. They are usually very friendly with strangers and friends alike. Sometimes, these dogs are not particularly good with children, though. They are smaller and can be more easily injured by toddlers and preschoolers. This can cause them to snap and be more fearful of children. This dog is not incredibly territorial, nor does it have a significant prey drive. Of course, dogs that are properly socialized and raised around cats and other pets usually see them as part of the family. Puppy classes and socialization are essential for raising a well-meaning dog. They can eat any other high-quality food that any other dog eats. Of course, we recommend a high-quality dog food that contains quite a bit of meat and protein. These dogs are not particularly prone to food allergies, but they can happen. Some dogs are quite active and need a lot of playtime. Others prefer to lounge around. It is usually better to be on the side of too much exercise than too little. Plan on taking your dog on at least one walk a day. Playtime in a backyard may be necessary as well. They are typically smart and eager to please. They are not particularly stubborn or anything of that sort, so they usually take to training well. Because of their intelligence level, they need a bit of mental exercise every day, or they may become destructive. Training is an easy way to do this, so many dogs enjoy it immensely. They do not shed much, but their coats are high-maintenance otherwise. Their wooly coat requires daily brushing from a young age. Luckily, most dogs get used to regular brushing. They typically need a bath at least once a month on top of whenever they get visibly dirty. They will likely need a bath after running through leaves, for instance. Or, at least, a good brushing. Clippings every few months are required, though their faces and paws may need trimming more often. We recommend scheduling them a monthly grooming appointment unless you are willing to learn how to groom them properly at home. Their nails should be trimmed every month at the very least. They need their teeth brushed quite a bit as well. Daily is best. These dogs are particularly prone to dental problems, so brushing is essential. They are not prone to many different health conditions. Minor Conditions. Their coat is somewhat hypoallergenic, although not completely hypoallergenic. This is because they trap more dander than other breeds. If you are an allergy sufferer, make sure you spend a lot of time with your Maltipoo before you bring them home to ensure you are not allergic to them. We will go into more detail about grooming your Maltipoo further on. Color While the breed standard color of a Poodle is white, a Maltese can come in many different colors. This means that your Maltipoo can also come in many different colors and, as they are a designer breed, most likely will be unique in their colorway and design! You Maltese Poodle Mix could be black, blue, grey, brown, cream, silver or white, although the most common colors are a light beige or white. Temperament The Maltese Poodle is a true companion dog who loves to be around people and thrives on human attention. They are very loyal to their owners and will care for you as much as you care for them. That being said, they love all people they meet and will want to be friends with everyone! Fortunately, separation anxiety can be helped with socialization from a young age. The Maltipoo is also a playful dog. Although they do not have a high activity level, they are very intelligent and require mental stimulation. They will love to play with you and have known to be mischievous from time to time! Lifespan The typical life expectancy of a Maltipoo is around 12 to 16 years. Known Health Issues Unfortunately, as with any dog, the Maltese Poodle mix can develop some health issues. They inherit these health problems from their parent breeds and can, therefore, be more susceptible to issues the Maltese and Poodle are. The most common health problems with the Maltipoo are set out below: White Shaker Syndrome — this is a syndrome that is common in small dogs and causes the whole body to shake. It is caused by an inflammation in the brain which is idiopathic. Some owners mistake this for their dog just being cold but if you suspect they are suffering from white shaker syndrome, you should take them to the vets. Patellar Luxation — this is a common condition in smaller dogs and is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. Epilepsy — this seizure disorder can be treated with medication. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Buying from a reputable breeder will help to reduce health issues in your Maltipoo. You should also watch out for any signs of the issues about and take your pup for regular health checkups. Daily Life Now we have learnt all about the characteristics of a Maltese Poodle Mix, it is time to take a look at what everyday life with one of these pups is really like. Below we cover their food and diet, their exercise needs and their grooming needs. The general rule is 40 calories per pound of body weight per day, which can average out to around calories or one cup of food a day. However, you should always check the bag of the food packet to see the exact amount of that particular food you should be feeding your pup based on their size. It is recommended that you do not feed your Maltese Poodle in one go and instead break up their food into three to four meals a day. The food you give them should be high-quality dry kibble that is formulated for smaller breeds of dog, so you are sure they are getting the correct amount of energy, protein and fat. Your dog will function at his best with enough protein. Without adding any grains, their recipes are created with the assistance of doctors to provide your dog the ideal ratio of protein and fat. Each batch is checked to ensure it meets our high standards, and high quality ingredients are mixed in the USA for quality control. These pups should be getting between 30 to 40 minutes of exercise everyday. This can be split over games, walks and runs to keep them engaged and entertained. Your Maltipoo will also benefit from mental stimulation. Because they love to spend time with you, playing games with you indoors will be their favorite pastime. Family Compatibility The Maltipoo is a pup that adapts to any situation and makes the perfect family pet. A loyal companion, they are also excellent with couples, seniors and individuals. Because they are a little dog, they are also great for apartment and town living and their exercise needs are small they do not require a large yard to run around in. These dogs get on very well with other animals and will do well in a home with other pets. They are easy to train and socialize too, which means they are a good dog to have if you do not have experience with pups. The Maltipoo does well with children, but because of their size they are very vulnerable and delicate. You will need to teach your young children to be careful with this hybrid dog otherwise they could hurt them! The Maltese Poodle Mix is a lap dog that requires a lot of attention and you must ensure you have the time to spend with your Maltipoo before you buy them! They do not do well when they are left alone and like to be around people. When they are left alone for too long they can begin to exhibit destructive behaviors, so you must make sure you have time to curl up with them on the couch or, even better, take them with you wherever you go! Training and Socializing Both the Maltese and the Poodle are intelligent dogs who love to learn. Therefore, the Maltipoo is a dog that is easy to train. You must be patient and consistent with them, but they will pick up basic commands very easily. You should always use positive reinforcement with your Maltese Poodle hybrid. This includes verbal praise and treats. Never use punishment with them. Because they are so devoted to their owners, they will not understand and be hurt and confused, which can lead to destructive behaviors. You should do it from a young age and introduce them to lots of different sounds, sights, places, smells and people. Luckily, this breed of dog love both humans and other pets. Grooming The Maltese Poodle Mix is a generally easy dog to take care of, although they do need to be groomed often. This is because of their beautiful coat! Whether they have the curly coat of a Poodle or the longer coat of a Maltese, you will need to brush their fur almost every day. This is especially important if they have the curlier hair of a Poodle because matting can occur and this can become uncomfortable for your pooch. Their coat will need to be professionally groomed every 6 weeks or so to keep them looking their best. Their ears will also need to be checked and their nails should be clipped by the groomers. Dental hygiene is also important for your doggie to prevent gum disease and dental decay. Try to brush their teeth as often as you can to keep any health problems at bay. Regular grooming from a young age will reinforce the bond you have with your Maltipoo. Maltipoo Breed Traits. The Maltese poodle originated in the United States around , with the breeders intending to create a more low-maintenance lap dog for companionship. The intelligence, affectionate nature, and easy trainability of the Maltese are combined with the low shedding and more hypoallergenic nature of the poodle to create this designer dog. Maltese poodles are small and bred to be fun playful lap dogs. While Maltese poodles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club or other purebred dog kennel clubs, there are several organizations hoping to help Maltese poodles obtain recognition with the American Kennel Club by adhering to certain breeding and appearance requirements. However, this is still a work in progress as reputable breeding organizations work toward creating a crossbreed with desirable traits and a consistent appearance. They are affectionate, fitting well into families, and they are a perfect apartment-sized dog, which makes them a perfect addition to the home for people in more urban areas. Plus, Maltese poodles come in a range of colors and coat patterns due to their crossbreed heritage, making each dog as unique as their loveable nature. Since Maltese poodles are a cross between the Maltese and toy poodle dog breeds, they have a similar small stature. They stand between 8 and 14 inches tall and weigh between 5 and 20 pounds, depending on lineage. Most Maltese poodles will have medium to long hair that is very soft, fluffy, and may contain a wavy pattern. Maltese poodles are available in a number of different patterns such as bicolor, tricolor, tuxedo, sable, and merle, and the colorations of Maltese poodles range from black, brown, and grey to red, blue, cream, white, gold, and fawn. What Size Is a Maltese Poodle? They grow between 8 and 14 inches tall, though occasionally, you will find one as small as 5 inches tall and weigh between 5 and 20 pounds. This breed has a single-layer coat that will continually grow, hence the increased grooming needs of this pup, but is less likely to shed as much as a double-layer coat would. The Maltese poodle is known for being a sociable, friendly, affectionate, and loyal pup. For the most part, Maltese poodles are gentle and love to receive attention from their family as much as they love to give attention. Maltese poodles are quite alert, a trait that comes from the toy poodle in their genetics. However, they are not prone to aggression or a high prey drive. Your Maltese poodle may bark more when they are bored or anxious, but these behavioral issues can be fixed with proper care and training. Are Maltese Poodles Affectionate? Maltese poodles are highly affectionate pups. They love to sit with their humans and spend time lounging around in addition to spending time playing outside, taking walks, or visiting dog parks and dog-friendly areas. Maltese poodles have a need to receive lots of affection from their families, and they will certainly give just as much affection back. You should remember that because the Maltese poodle is such a people-loving and affectionate pup, they can be prone to separation anxiety and may not handle long periods of separation from their families well. Maltese poodles are good with kids, thanks to their relatively gentle and calm nature. They can be playful and affectionate and easily get along with children who want to play or spend time properly petting them. It is important to note that children who play rough with your Maltese poodle may hurt the dog due to their small and more fragile size, so older children and children who know how to treat animals properly are likely a better match for this pup. Maltese poodles are generally good with all other animals that they may meet or live with. They are outgoing and sociable and unlikely to become aggressive, though they may bark at first if they see the other animal as suspicious. Larger dogs may not be the best choice for a companion for Maltese poodles, as this dog breed can be easily injured by rough play or accident. Are Maltese Poodles Aggressive? They may bark at things that frighten them or find suspicious, but they are unlikely to bite, growl, or nip unless they are being directly threatened or accosted. Do Maltese Poodles Bark a Lot? Maltese poodles can be quite the barker in certain situations. This breed tends to bark at things they find frightening or suspicious, but they will stop after they see what the item is clearly or the unfamiliar person is proven to be friendly. Maltese poodles can develop anxiety and behavioral issues when left alone for long periods of time, which can result in excessive barking; proper training and care can reduce the amount of barking and make this pup happier. Are Maltese Poodles Intelligent? Maltese poodles are reasonably intelligent dogs due to the genetics of the toy poodle. Toy poodles are known for their above-average intelligence and the ease at which they pick up basic obedience training or more advanced skills. Are Maltese Poodles Easy to Train? Maltese poodles are fairly easy to train thanks to their average to above-average intelligence. They pick up basic obedience commands quickly and may even be suited for more advanced skills and commands. They also love to show off to their owners and spend time with their families, which makes training them a good time for all. Are Maltese Poodles Energetic? Maltese poodles are quite an energetic dog, but their exercise needs are moderate. They love a quick minute playtime with their toys inside or outside the home, and they require a 15 to minute walk at least twice daily to stay happy and healthy. You should also take your Maltese poodle to dog parks regularly in order to get them to socialize with other dogs in a safe, contained manner. Maltese poodles are one of the best breeds for apartment living. They may bark from time to time when hearing noises from other apartments or seeing things outside, but with proper training and care, your Maltese poodle should not cause too much noise or disruption in an apartment. Are Maltese Poodles Good Watchdogs? Maltese poodles are pretty good watchdogs; they are alert, bark at anything suspicious they see, and are fiercely loyal to their family. You can expect your Maltese poodle to bark at unfamiliar strangers or things they perceive as threats which can be helpful when you want a small dog that can alert you to potential trouble around your home. Maltese poodles may be good service dogs in certain situations. This dog is quite small, so they are not suited for mobility or guiding-related service tasks, but due to their trainable nature and constant want to help out their families, they can make good medical alert or emotional support dogs. The Maltese poodle is pretty emotionally perceptive, something that helps them relieve conditions such as anxiety and depression, and they can pick up medical alert commands easily, in addition to learning more advanced skills such as fetching medications, phones, and water. How to Care for a Maltese Poodle Caring for your Maltese poodle requires spending time with your pup exercising them, loving on them, and providing them with the nutrition they need. You should take your dog out on walks at least twice a day and spend time playing with them and their toys whenever possible. Regular visits to dog parks and walking in public can help socialize your dog, and you should always remember to stay up to date with veterinary care. Your Maltese poodle will likely need regular bathing and grooming services to keep their hair clean and free of mats. You will also need to feed your Maltese poodle two meals a day, supplemented by treats and other highly nutritional additions. You should remember not to leave your Maltese poodle home alone for long periods, as this can cause behavioral issues and upset your dog. Maltese poodles do need to be groomed. Their hair grows constantly, and since it is on the longer side, it can become matted and dirty easily. Brush your Maltese poodle several times a week, bathe them approximately once every month or so, and take them to a groomer on a regular basis to get their hair brushed out and trimmed so that it stays clear of their eyes and out of the way. Do Maltese Poodles Shed? Maltese poodles shed a small amount, but they are considered a low-shedding and more hypoallergenic dog breed. This lack of shedding is attributed to their single-layer coat that continually grows instead of shedding small hairs all over the place like a double-layered coat often does. What Should a Maltese Poodle Eat? Your Maltese poodle should eat high-quality dog food divided into two to three meals daily. Like many crossbreeds, the Maltese poodle may present health issues inherited from its parents and health issues resulting from being bred into a small-sized dog. Maltese poodles are prone to health problems such as mitral valve disease, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, luxating patella, bloat, and allergies. Proper care of your Maltese poodle and regular veterinary visits can help ensure your pup stays in top shape and may help you to catch a developing health problem before it turns into something more serious or life-threatening. Maltese poodles have a life span that ranges between 10 and 13 years. In order to give your pup the longest, happiest life possible, you should be taking proper care of your dog, ensuring that regular vet visits are maintained, and keeping an eye on your Maltese poodle for potential emerging health issues. Are Maltese Poodles Expensive? Maltese poodles are considered a designer breed and can be more expensive to purchase as a result. How to Find a Maltese Poodle Breeder? To find a Maltese poodle breeder, you can perform internet searches for both local and national reputable breeders. Most of the time, you will be put on a waiting list for a puppy, and the breeder will keep you updated on when your puppy can come home. Keep in mind that you should attempt to gather as much information about the breeder, their licenses, and the conditions in which the dogs are being bred to ensure that you purchase from a breeder that properly cares for their animals. Can You Adopt a Maltese Poodle? While you can adopt a Maltese poodle from a shelter, this breed may not often turn up at local and national organizations. This is because Maltese poodles are considered designer dogs and are typically purchased directly from breeders; owners who spend money on a dog like this are unlikely to rehome them. That being said, there may be several rescue organizations dedicated to rehoming this breed when they have been given up due to unfortunate circumstances; keep an eye out on the websites of local and national organizations to see if any have Maltese poodles available for adoption. Are Maltese Poodles Purebred? Maltese poodles are not purebred dogs. They are a crossbreed, created from a mix of the Maltese dog breed and the toy poodle dog breed. Can You Show Maltese Poodles? You cannot show Maltese poodles as they are not official purebred dogs and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. They may be recognized by specific mixed and designer breed kennel clubs; you will need to search for these organizations and see if show opportunities are available. Maltese poodles are usually a pretty good choice for new dog owners. This breed is gentle, friendly, and affectionate and is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise. They love spending time with their families and are quite playful, in addition to fitting well into apartment-style living. The only things new dog owners may be overwhelmed by are the higher grooming needs of this pup and the fact that they are companion dogs, meaning they cannot be left alone for long periods. Deciding whether or not the Maltese poodle is the right dog for you can be a difficult choice. Below, we make a list of points about when this dog may or may not fit into your lifestyle; review these items carefully to determine whether or not the Maltese poodle is the best dog breed for you. The Maltese poodle might be the right dog for you if: You want a friendly, loving, and sociable dog that loves to spend time with you and give affection as much as they receive it. You want a dog that is easily trained for basic tasks and has a playful, more energetic outlook on life. You want a dog that fits in well to apartment-style living. The Maltese poodle is not the dog for you if: You plan on leaving your dog home alone for long periods of time; Maltese poodles need social interaction and plenty of time spent with their families to stay happy and healthy. You want a dog that will mix well with any larger breed dogs in your home; Maltese poodles are generally too small to play well with larger dog breeds, though it is possible. You want a dog that can spend plenty of time outdoors with you hiking, hunting, or generally being active; Maltese poodles are playful and energetic, but they are too small for labor-intensive outdoor activities. Once you review these items and our complete dog breed guide, the decision of whether or not to add a Maltese poodle to your family should be clear. And, no matter which dog you decide to adopt, as long as you take proper care of it and provide it with ample love, you and your pup are sure to live happily together for as long as possible. March 15, Table of Contents Maltipoos — Adorable designer pups Maltipoos are dogs that result from crossing a Miniature or Toy Poodle with a Maltese. The Maltipoo has yet to be recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club and other organizations across the world. Most dogs have a fluffy and wool-like coat, though, which is one of the features they are most appreciated for. How big does a Maltipoo get? This is a relatively small breed. Adults get to a height that ranges from 10 to 12 inches, depending on their gender and genetic inheritance. Most have a weight between 10 and 20 pounds, also depending on their gender, whether they were spayed or neutered, and if their parents were smaller or larger. If you are looking for an especially small Maltipoo, you should pick a female and also ask your breeder for a cross of two smaller parents. If you are looking for a larger dog however, make sure to pick a male puppies from parents that are on the larger side. Genetics are strong when it comes to size! Temperament The best thing about a Maltipoo is that it usually inherits the personality of its parents. However, like any other breed, whether mixed or not, this one needs to be socialized as early as possible. Another Maltipoo personality trait that dog owners love is that they can be quite affectionate. They do tend to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for many hours during the day, so if you tend to be away from home for more than 10 hours on a daily basis, this might not be the right dog for you. Are Maltipoos easy to potty train? Most Maltipoos are very easy to train, especially if some of the training was done by the breeder. Praise and repetitive routines offer the best results when it comes to potty training a Maltipoo. For more information on house training your Maltipoo, talk to an experienced trainer. Is a Maltipoo a good dog? Most dog parents seem to agree that Maltipoos make not good, but great dogs. On top of everything, a Maltipoo maintains their puppy temperament even in their senior years, which can be very refreshing. Are Maltipoos barkers? Some Maltipoos can cause problems if they are adopted from inexperienced or irresponsible breeders. All puppies have to be trained to some extent in order to maintain good behavior, especially in relation to other animals and people. As we previously mentioned, they do not do well when they spend a lot of time alone. Unfortunately, that can be a problem for most pet owners unless they live in a house and have a yard where the dog can have some fun while they are away. On the other hand, they cannot be considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. They do shed several times a year, and their coat should be groomed every months depending on whether it is curly or not. Some Maltipoos have fluffy or curly hair around their eyes, so the latter can sometimes get irritated. If you ever try to cut some of the fur around the eyes, make sure to cover them with your hand first. Others prefer a lamb cut or a fancier style such as the Miami cut. Do Maltipoos have health problems? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Are you planning to adopt a Labradoodle in Oregon? And we can certainly understand why. How To Choose A Labradoodle Breeder Responsibly In Oregon When looking for Labradoodles, the Oregon breeders in our guide have proven to follow ethical practices while providing the dogs the highest of care. So, what should you look for when choosing an ethical Labradoodle breeder in Oregon? This greatly reduces the chance of puppies inheriting any life altering conditions. For more on issues that can plague Labradoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Additionally, some breeders are also recommended by Gooddog. More specifically, in Azalea, Southern Oregon, which is about 10 miles northeast of Glendale. All of their dogs live with them in their own home or with carefully selected guardian families. You can be sure that they really are one of the best Labradoodle breeders in Oregon, as all of their puppies come from loving family environments. In addition to that, Autumn Harvest Dood Ranch already starts with introduction to potty training, crate training, and obedience training. Puppies will also have numerous car rides, a trip to the vet, groomings, and other experiences that will make your transition much easier. Related Content. We Produce Australian Labradoodle Puppies … and not just any puppy, but one of the best! Our focus at Mountain View Doodles is breeding multi-generation Australian Labradoodle puppies that have a blocky body type, a wonderful coat of silky soft, non-shedding fleece, as well as a fun-loving, sweet temperament. Since our puppies have gone all over Oregon, to every state in the US, and some internationally as well! Apply Today We are always accepting applications for Australian Labradoodle puppies to reserve! Please visit our Available Puppies page to see our expected litters for the coming months. Sometimes our litters fill up fast so we encourage you to apply and get on a reservation list to ensure your spot. We provide all three sizes of Australian Labradoodles. We take great pride in the puppies we produce as well. Our process works with each family individually to find exactly what they are looking for not only from a aesthetics standpoint, but also a personality point of view. Our goal is to find a fabulous fit for each family that will thrive in their home. Available Puppies. Signature Labradoodles Our purpose.We are a small family breeder located in Oregon. It is our sincere desire to match the best Labradoodle puppies to wonderful families. They are truly magnificent animals. With 15 years of experience, we have always strived to bring the best of the breed to our customers and soon to be friends. We are proud to be listed among the other fine breeders in the Australian Labradoodle Association of America! Do you live within a couple hours of Eugene Oregon? Please go to our Guardian Home Opportunities page to see if you are interested in this unique program. We have an exciting lineup of litters. You can see what is happening on our Current Litters page. We have some special summer prices on our Older Puppies page! Dale Lindgren, Co-Owner, Website designer, and facilities manager. Thank You! The organization promotes responsible dog companionship by cataloguing helpful information about the breeds and by offering networking services to breeders and owners. As a leader in this effort, we are working to make a difference. The ALAA manages the largest database of Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles in the world, with vital statistics for nearly 20, dogs and ancestral information for more than 25, dogs. Our membership grows daily, and we invite you to join us as we help to write the history of these incredible breeds. Recommended Breeder Since , owners have found this site and placed their stories on it. We decided then as a group that we would only list Goldendoodle and Labradoodle breeders who met certain criteria. We wanted breeders who not only health tested, we looked for breeders who backed their puppies with owner-friendly health warranties and who earned a reputation for providing healthy puppies and treating people with professionalism. The breeders who are awarded this logo are tried and true, and come highly recommended by the owners of their dogs. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Why get a labradoodle puppy? Labradoodles are smart, loving, child-friendly dogs. They have light to non-shedding, allergy-friendly coats, and they do not have the dog smell associated with other breeds. They are highly trainable, fun loving, family companions. Labradoodles also come in miniature, medium, and standard sizes. We breed all sizes of labradoodles, but concentrate mostly on mini labradoodles and medium labradoodles with an ocassional litter of large standard size labradoodles. We have found the miniature and medium sized labradoodles to be the perfect size for families on the go. They are wonderful companions and are just the right size for a snuggle on the couch, sleeping at the foot of the bed, or riding in the car running errands. On a personal note, our family fell in love with labradoodles when we saw what a patient, loyal companion a labradoodle was for our 6 year old son with autism. By breeding labradoodles, it is my hope to provide this type of loving companion for other families. Why choose Pacific Rim Labradoodles? Located in Southern Oregon, Pacific Rim Labradoodles takes pride in being a very reputable and ethical breeder of Australian and American multigeneration labradoodles. We are a family that has fallen in love with the labradoodle breed. We began breeding labradoodles in so that others could experience the joy of labradoodle ownership. Every labradoodle puppy is born and raised at our home. We are a small Oregon breeder that believes in quality before quantity. Our goal is to breed wonderful labradoodle puppies for companion and family dogs while continuing to advance the labradoodle as a breed. All of our breeding stock undergoes genetic testing for soundness of hips and eyes. The temperaments of our breeding dogs is also very important to us. We breed only labradoodles with phenomenal temperaments since the disposition of the parents is the best indicator of the disposition of your puppy. We back up all of our labradoodle puppies with a 2 year genetic health warranty and our continued support for the lifetime of your dog. The climate and low population of our gorgeous Oregon coast means that our dogs and puppies have 36 acres of trails and forest land to play on. Our labradoodles are kenneled only for safety issues when necessary. Our goal is to provide you with a happy, healthy labradoodle puppy and an enjoyable puppy purchasing experience. We look forward to working with you to find you the perfect new addition for your family. Email us at: springcreeklabradoodles gmail. Spring Creek Labradoodles has served on several committees focused on the development and health testing of the Australian Labradoodle breed. Our commitment to quality and accountability means you can have peace of mind about purchasing one of our puppies. We specialize in allergy friendly, non-shedding, wavy fleece coats and gentle, intuitive, friendly, intelligent puppies. Consistency in looks and temperament set our dogs apart. We are dedicated to breeding only the best Australian Labradoodle puppies that are the quality you deserve, from health tested lines. We offer life time support to our families who adopt one of our puppies! Our 20 acres of forest land is nestled in the rolling hills between Creswell and Lorane. It is the ideal place to raise our puppies and to give them room to run and play. Come visit us when you pick up your puppy and enjoy some time exploring this gorgeous area of the Willamette Valley! Read our testimonials from families across the world and discover why Spring Creek Labradoodles has been the Australian Labradoodle breeder of choice for many families when looking for the Australian Labradoodle puppy of their dreams! What does our commitment to health testing for all the common genetic issues mean for you? It means peace of mind. We ensure all breeding dogs will not produce genetic issues that can be ruled out by diagnostic testing. Being a conscientious Australian Labradoodle breeder, we have very strict guidelines and requirements in place for our dogs before they become part of our breeding program. Newsletter Subscribe to Spring Creek's monthly newsletter for training tips, recipes, dog health care, seasonal tips, grooming advice, behavioral help, and more! Just enter your email address and sit back and enjoy our monthly news! Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Spring Creek Labradoodles is an Oregon Labradoodle breeder, and one of the first in the U. Pine Lodge T-Shirts are here! We have been seen around the globe wearing various iterations of our iconic Pine.Axie Luna Lime boy just turned one year and he is doing great. We enjoyed your blog on the flying.Deeply in Love with Sasha We are deeply in love with this girl. Thank you for joining our family with Sasha. They have done an excellent.More Adventures with Jones Hi Heidi and family! We hope you all started this new year good! And in the snow! We just wanted.Hailey is All Settled in We wanted to say thanks to you and Roy and of course all the supporting people around. Little Willow the Graduate Willow is a whopping .Jones went on a little holiday to Ameland, one of our.Ricky, Our Friend for Life! Hello Heidi, Roy and family, After so many years of considering on getting a dog, Lucy is Incredible Lucy is growing fast and an incredible dog who is loving and super smart. We have.Max at One [Max] received two pet pun pillows from relatives in CA and it looked like he was.They are still having so.We are totally in love with our furever love! What a cutie.Nova the Graduate Pine Lodge Charity, also known as Nova, has completed 3 levels of training, before.Pine Lodge Labradoodles is located in a Level 3 mandatory evacuation zone so we have had to temporarily relocate. All of our efforts must currently go toward keeping our dogs and puppies healthy and safe. If you have already submitted an application please be patient while we work through these and get them answered. Our goal is to have applications opened back up at the end of the month. Thank you for your patience. Current Litters.

It gives them a much-needed boost early on — with regard to healthy growth, weight and general health. It contains lots of protein and the ingredients make it easy to digest for your pup. Perfect for breeds that love to chow down and move around a lot, this wet food will support your loyal Labrador pup. Plus, there's a variation with a multipack. FAQs How much food does a Labrador puppy need? Thankfully, many of our picks above keep things easy for us by having a feeding guide, which can be found at the back of the packet or online. Which health problems are common in Labradors? For prevention, acquire your pups from a reputable breeder that cares about the welfare of your pups. With this, ask about necessary screenings and tests. Hip dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a condition resulting from abnormal formation of the hip socket which causes the hip to deteriorate, says Purina. So, how do we spot this? Unfortunately, this condition can lead to arthritis in the future — so, we suggest screening your Labrador for this. Elbow dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is similar to the former - but with the elbow. Surgery may be necessary if the condition worsens to restore range of motion. Again, we recommend screening this on potential Labrador pups with an elbow scoring scheme. Arthritis Arthritis is a common health problem in Labradors. This is a result of their size, and it puts a strain on their joints. It can be caused by trauma to the neck or throat — or even hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, your Lab puppy is more at risk of this disease, and they may gain weight as a result. As well as this, your Labrador may lose their fur, experience lethargy and stay away from the cold. We recommend a slow feeder dog bowl to help them eat calmly. After all, obesity is a serious health issue with this breed and can lead to other issues. Common in larger breed dogs, this condition can cause sight loss over time. Specifically, Purina claims that Labradors are prone to an inherited variation, known as rod-cone degeneration, which can be fatal. Though an endearing element of their appearance, Purina claims that this breed is more susceptible to ear infections. For example, Tricuspid valve dysplasia TVD is a common issue in Labradors, which mainly affects male dogs from birth. In severe cases, this can lead to heart failure. But, most dogs with mild TVD can live happily. Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us. This thoughtfully crafted dog food is formulated to meet the unique nutritional requirements of Labrador Retriever puppies up to 15 months old. It contains premium proteins and prebiotics for optimal digestion and energy. With vitamin E and minerals, it supports the immune system and overall health. The kibble size and texture promote dental health. This puppy food provides a tasty and balanced diet to support healthy growth and development, making it an excellent choice for Labrador Retriever puppy owners. This nutritious dog food is made with real chicken and eggs and provides essential vitamins and minerals for healthy digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. It also supports strong bones and healthy skin and coat. Its balanced nutrition and delicious taste make it a satisfying choice for adult Labrador dogs. This high-quality dog food offers a complete nutritional profile at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value-for-money option for pet parents seeking to provide their dogs with a nutritious diet. How to find the best Labrador dog food? Selecting the optimal dog food for your Labrador necessitates the meticulous evaluation of various factors. Look for high-quality ingredients: Choose dog foods that contain high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and are free from artificial preservatives and fillers. Choose a formula for Labrador Retrievers: Some dog food brands offer recipes designed explicitly for Labrador Retrievers, considering their unique nutritional needs. Suitability with age: Age factors matter a lot when choosing Labrador dog food. Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different dietary requirements, so select a formula appropriate for your dog's age. Read the online reviews to get an idea of how other dog owners feel about a particular dog food brand. You may be interested in Product. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Increase portions as your puppy grows. Be sure to follow the rule of dog treats. This is about changes over time. Nutritional deficiency or excess can lead to disease and ultimately death. You may have noticed that your dog has dandruff after changing food, but the food is really good — try adding levels of zinc and vitamin A. Your main task as a pet owner is to monitor the health of a small family member and be responsible for this life. Image credit: canva. The first one is a protein that can be found in meat, poultry, fish, yogurt, and cooked eggs. Protein is responsible for the structure of muscles and tissues, as well as the formation and growth of new cells. In the diet for a Labrador puppy, it is imperative to include carbohydrates that are found in brown rice, potatoes, and wheat. Carbohydrates supply the body with glucose, which is responsible for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. An obligatory component of dog food is fats. It is a source of energy, development, and functioning of the cells and muscles of the body. Fats are included in oil and even fish oil. Puppy food for Labs or any other dog includes a certain amount of minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and others. Minerals in dog food form bones and cartilage and balance the nerves. It promotes the production of hormones in the Lab puppies, regulates the balance of fluids in the body, and transports oxygen into the blood. Like people, dog and puppy foods should include plenty of water. Water is life! Once in the body, they strengthen bones, and teeth and fill the Labrador puppy with energy. Cost point Every time you buy pet food, you think about the issue of price. Of course, cost is important when making a purchasing decision. You should be aware that higher-quality puppy food can cost more than the average price. Your dog is an irreplaceable member of your family, which must be protected and loved with all your heart. Risks and diseases Lab owners should know well about all risks and diseases that their dogs may face. Numerous studies confirm that the Labrador Retriever breed is prone to digestive sensitivities and skin allergies due to irritating foods. This leads to pruritic diseases. Skin allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract are severe. Labs are prone to obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight and body is considered an important point of caring for a dog. In general, Labrador Retrievers should have a taut, hourglass-shaped figure. Obesity puts additional stress on bones and joints and makes it difficult to stay healthy. To combat weight gain, you need to exercise your dog with certain physical exercises, follow a proper diet, control portion sizes, and receive treats. Another disease caused by malnutrition is Gastric dilatation-volvulus. In short, this is boating. Indigestion is a severe problem that should not be ignored. The worst risk is death from the musculoskeletal disorder of muscles, nerves, joints, arthritis, and spinal discs. Also, you should be aware that feed processing of dog foods affects the occurrence and development of cancer. Dry food is cooked at a very high temperature, which leads to the formation of harmful chemical elements in the body of the dog. Such food also contains carbohydrates, which break down into cancer-causing glucose. You can combine dog food with homemade recipe food for your pet yourself. Moreover, it is a good way of feeding your dog if the dog food at home is over or there is very little left, but you need to extend the time until the next purchase. Dogs fed solely on home-cooked or combined diets lived for about 13 years, while those fed only processed food lived for about 10 years. Like human food, it can be chewed easily. Food is broken down in the body so that key nutrients are absorbed more quickly. Such food facilitates digestion and relaxes the stomach. Reducing stress on the digestive system reduces the likelihood of bloating. If you still decide to cook homemade food, follow the rules. Study each ingredient. Cook all animal products for the exact finish to kill harmful bacteria. Risks of homemade dog food Most of the problems are caused by a misunderstanding of the nutritional needs of the Labrador. If you do not understand the effect of food on the body of your pet, which reaction is correct and which can lead to negative consequences and different stages of life, contact a professional veterinarian who can tell you in detail about the effect of food on the body of a dog and how to properly form a pet diet. What food is best for a Labrador puppy? We made for you the list of the best puppy food for Labrador puppies. We can highlight the most noteworthy products from this list. Should I feed my Lab puppy dry or wet food? Mix dry and wet food. What is better to choose — opinions are different. But if you are in doubt about which puppy food to choose, consult your veterinarian. What is the recommended amount of water for a puppy? Older pups that have been nursed require one-half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight. What do you feed an 8-week-old Lab puppy? An 8-week-old puppy should be fed several small meals a day. After 14 weeks, the Lab puppy can switch to two meals a day. Food for a Labrador puppy should be full of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for healthy development. Giving treats is fine, but remember that Labradors are prone to overeating and gaining weight quickly. Also, try to give treats for obedience. You can choose canned food and dry food for your dog as you wish but you should always think about the effect of this dog food on your dog. Hope this article was helpful for you and that your pet will grow healthy and strong. Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review An additional reason for there being specific food for puppies is the pieces are smaller which not only prevents them from choking, it also makes the food easier to digest. The pieces are richer, denser and the ideal size for smaller mouths. These ingredients are where your pup gets the nutrients they need to grow and live, nutrients that are sadly lacking in the cheaper dog foods. With foods that are a bit more expensive, your pooch can eat a more well-balanced meal and enjoy it. They eat more, they poop more, and this means house training becomes much harder for you. What you feed your puppy is a major factor in the success of your house training process. Firstly, dry food tends to be more complete and balanced with the correct amount of vital nutrients in it. The ingredients tend to be of better quality as long as you pick the right brand. Plus, dry food helps to keep teeth strong due to being a solid food, and the slightly abrasive nature of the solid food has a natural teeth cleaning effect. It also lasts far longer than cans as you need to feed less of it. Recommended Best Puppy Food For Labs And Large Breeds In this next section we give you 4 of the best foods on the market made from high quality ingredients but still available at a reasonable price. These foods will provide your puppy with all the nutrients they need in just the right mix and quantities, not just so they survive, but so they can truly thrive. Deboned chicken is high quality chicken protein, whereas the chicken and turkey meal is a concentrate. It is nutrient rich with vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A as well as containing minerals like zinc, iron and calcium. It even has some fruit content like apples and blueberries. The Lactobacillus acidophilus, green tea extract and rosemary extract are all known to help prevent infections. This is a very high-quality food your puppy will truly thrive on and is our top recommendation as the best puppy food for labs. However, if price is no object, K9 is certainly one of the best foods available! K9 Natural Grain-Free Puppy Freeze-Dried Dog Food gives your puppy all the benefits of raw food, aiming for optimum levels of growth and development — not too fast nor stunted — and for lean muscle mass and peak conditioning. Its main ingredient is grass-fed New Zealand beef. And this is rounded out by whole food ingredients like flaxseed, kelp, New Zealand mussel, fruits and veggies, and hoki oil which provides DHA for EPA for healthy brain and eye development. It gets a big thumbs up from us. The first ingredient is bison and is a high quality meat product. The next ingredient is lamb meal, which has a large amount of protein in it being a meat concentrate, percent more than fresh lamb meat. The third highest ingredient is sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of complex carbs. They contain fiber and beta carotene. In fact, this food consists of approx. This provides your puppy with a source of energy ideal for his busy puppy lifestyle. Overall, this food is highly recommended and your puppy should thrive on it. They also allow regular independent inspections of their manufacturing process and source ingredients the US, EU and NZ. So quality control is well taken care of. The large breed puppy formula contains a scientifically formulated balance of proteins, fats, phosphorous and calcium in just the right amounts and proportions to promote a healthy rate of bone and muscle development, highly important for large breed puppies where excessive nutrients can be just as harmful as malnutrition. The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for the health of connective soft tissues which is reassuring for large breeds, and especially Labradors, who can suffer from many joint problems in life. It also contains omega oils for healthy brain development, as well as other fatty acids known to promote healthy skin and coat. So Eukanuba large breed puppy food comes recommended. The fiber in it will help with digestion while it has antioxidants that are known to help keep your dog healthy for many years to come. Royal Canin Breed Specific Labrador Puppy Royal Canin is a very well-known brand with lots of positive reviews from past and present dog owners on Amazon. It has an above average protein content than the minimum recommended for your dog, coming in at 31 percent protein at dry weight. The protein it has comes mostly from chicken by-product meal which is considered somewhat low quality and consists of whatever is left after chickens are slaughtered. However, it does NOT — as you might read elsewhere — consist of anything from feet to beaks. According to dogfoodadvisor. After chicken by-product meal, the second ingredient in this food is brewers rice. The fourth ingredient is corn gluten meal which is a residue left over once most of the useful, starchy carbohydrates have been washed out of it. With such popularity, high ratings and reviews with so many people saying their dogs thrive on this, there must be some truth to it. The third to 5th ingredients are wholesome whole grains that provide high energy from complex carbohydrates that are easy to digest. These are far better than corn and most other sources of carbs found in cheaper foods that are hard for a puppy to get any nutrition from. Out of everything in this product, 40 percent of it is protein, which is higher than average. About 14 percent of it is fat, and of the remainder, 38 percent is carbs. And the omega oils may help reduce risk of developing arthritis. Not only this, but Labradors are a large breed and are more sensitive to nutritional imbalances than smaller breeds. You really do need to get their diet right to do the best for them. Luckily, many brands of food specifically aimed at large breeds and Labradors have been created that provide everything they need in just the right amounts, that are easy for an owner to feed by simply following instructions on the packet. I know there is a lot of conflicting advice out there when it comes to dog food and it can be a nightmare to wade through if trying to find the best puppy food for Labs. So hopefully this article has been of some use to you. A very good resource that does good work for dog food quality awareness. Check them out! Please be aware this page contains affiliate links and Labrador Training HQ receives a small commission if you make a purchase through any such links. This has no effect on the eventual price you pay and we are very grateful for your support. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies.