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When you combine the two you have a highly intelligent, gentle, somewhat goofy, loyal companion. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from the large standards that can weigh anywhere from pounds, to the smallest micros which are only pounds and any Show More An F1 Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from the large standards that can weigh anywhere from pounds, to the smallest micros which are only pounds and anything in between. They also come in a variety of colors. The most popular and desirable is the Tri-colored. A beautiful combination of black, brown and white. They can also be parti, bi colored, solid, sable, and several other combinations. They will require regular grooming so be prepared for that. If you are looking for hypoallergenic you should look for an F1b, which is a Bernedoodle bred back to a poodle. They are less likely to shed. Although, keep in mind there is no such thing as a true hypoallergenic dog. At Sterling Ridge we currently breed standards and mini sized Bernedoodles. We do not breed F1's. We are prepared to give these pups the BEST start in life. We are experienced, family-centered, ethical breeders. Our program is based in New England — but our gorgeous puppies have been placed with families from coast to coast. We are longtime breeders of purebred dogs with over 40 years experience. We are passionate about our dogs and puppies. Our elite breeding program strives to preserve, promote, and protect the natural strength and beauty of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle by carefully crossing select bloodlines to produce Bernedoodles that embody the very best traits of both foundation breeds. Our Bernedoodle dogs and puppies are home-raised, never kenneled, and puppies spend the first eight weeks of their lives living intimately with our family and learning how to be good family members. All our dogs receive the highest nutritional support and are fed a premium organic raw diet. We genetically test every single breeding male and female Bernese Mountain Dogs, Poodles, and Bernedoodles prior to breeding to screen for any hereditary health problems. This means we screen for both Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog hereditary diseases. Every single puppy receives a full veterinary wellness exam, age-appropriate vaccinations, internal parasite control, and all recommended screenings before going to a new home. We are constantly monitoring the veterinary literature, both in the US and abroad, for continuing advances in canine genetics, health, wellness, nutrition, and disease prevention. Our breeding program is exceptional in its commitment to veterinary advances, and is constantly improving. Beautiful Fun-Loving Friends and Companions. Bernedoodles are an amazing cross between the giant Bernese Mountain Dog, and the multi-talented Poodle. Bernedoodles are very people-oriented, are great with children, and like nothing better than to be where their people are and to be involved with everything that that's going on around them. They are loyal, highly affectionate dogs, and have an intuitive intelligence that makes them superb companions and very easy to train. They will play all day if that's what you want to do, but just as happily snuggle with you on the couch or lay quietly at your feet while you are working. They are truly stellar companions, at ease with people of all ages. Photo Gallery Five week old red and white micro puppy My Blog. So, given below we give you some of the important tips you should take before choosing any breeder. After the rise of the doodle dog, there are lots of puppy mills and fake breeders come to market that are selling unhealthy dogs with genetic diseases. Visit Breeder Place:If possible, visit the place where the puppies are born and raised. Do good research on breeders, Especially, for this reason, most breeders take a deposit before going to their place. Health and Genetic test: The best way to get a good Bernedoodle puppy in Connecticut is if the breeder gives you welfare and genetic tests from the parent dogs. These things help you to ensure that your dog is safe and free of any genetic diseases. If you know any great Bernedoodle breeder who lives in Connecticut, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in Connecticut? It really helps others who are looking for a Bernedoodle Puppy Breeder in Connecticut. Conclusion for Bernedoodle Breeders in Connecticut If you plan to get your puppy from one of these breeders which we listed above or any other breeders, keep these things in mind, You should not make a deal without proper documentation. Avoid breeders who are hesitant to provide documentation or ask for an extra fee to provide the papers. Other Bernedoodle Breeders. Have your kids and family been pestering you to get a puppy? Or have you been looking at different breeds of puppies and are still uncertain about which breed to choose? Choosing a dog breed can be daunting, especially if you are a first-time dog parent. They are the most loyal and affectionate dogs that love spending time with their humans. Since Bernedoodles love being the center of attention, be ready for a puppy that craves your attention and loves spending time with you. Each Bernedoodle is unique and different. If a Bernedoodle sounds like the ideal dog, the next step is to choose the ideal breeder. To help you out, we have created a list of the 4 best breeders that are offering Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Connecticut. Sterling Ridge Bernedoodles This breeder has been in business for over 12 years. So those in Sterling Ridge looking for Bernedoodle puppies in Connecticut can head straight to this breeder to find the best match and the puppy they are looking for. They are at a acre sprawling farm, so you can rest assured that each puppy gets enough space to walk, run, and play with other puppies. Puppies at the Sterling Bridge are more like a part of the family and get the best treatment possible. Before getting their dogs into the mating program, they ensure that each dog has undergone an evaluation and proper testing. Doing so ensures that puppies have the best and most healthy parents. One of the key factors of this breeder is that they specialize in F1b Bernedoodles, making them excellent for people with allergies. The breeders ensure that each puppy is in good health before release. Then, the puppies are dewormed and get their early vaccines. You can check this breeder out to know more about the Bernedoodle puppies and get your fur-ever friend. Finally, Sterling Ridge also provides shipping services. If you are unable to come and pick up the puppy from the breeder, they offer to ship it safely to your doorstep. You can choose to have the puppy shipped via air, travel to your doorstep with a pet nanny, or fly to you personally. You can discuss the options and cost of each with the breeders. Bernedoodle Breeder Information:. The following Bernedoodle breeders in Connecticut follow ethical standards and have been certified within their communities. Sterling Ridge Bernedoodles Sterling Ridge Bernedoodles are located in the area that gives a title to their breeding program. They have been in the market for over 12 years. This Bernedoodle breeder in Connecticut is located at a acre sprawling farm. Therefore, you can be sure that each dog has enough space to be physically active and healthy. Sterling Ridge Bernedoodles treats each dog as if they were part of their family. Furthermore, all of their dogs are thoroughly evaluated and tested before they go into the breeding program. This way, the puppies can get the best of their parents — although that does not guarantee that the puppy will be as you expect! You should know that Sterling Ridge Bernedoodles has a thorough selection process for owners. Contact information: Phone number: Email: Not specified. You can send a message through their website to get in touch with them via email. Similarly, this breeder has been running the program for over thirteen years. Sterling Brook Doodles likes to get to know all the people interested in adopting a puppy. Therefore, be ready to answer all the questions they ask you. They like to make sure that each puppy will go to a loving home, so they will try to make their best to match your family with the perfect puppy based on your lifestyle. This breeder has very specific and serious information about the whole adoption process — therefore, we recommend you to go through the whole website before making a decision. The starting price goes for bi-color pups, while tri-color puppies are the most expensive. Sterling Brook Doodles offers one year warranty against any genetic disease the pup may present. However, it is only valid if you take the puppy to a certified veterinary and inform the seller within three business days. You can either send them a message via their website to receive updates via email or subscribe to their newsletter. Bad breeders are everywhere, which is why spotting good breeders is not as complicated Investigate everything you can about the breeder. Ethical breeders will often be transparent, allowing you to know every step of their breeding program and the facilities where they raise their dogs. Some of them include testimonials on their website. The best way to discard the possibility of dealing with a puppy mill is to make enough research. Some breeders will allow you to visit the facilities and get to know their dogs, and sometimes, your future pet. Therefore, if possible, try visiting the breeder and get to know them as much as you can. Some of them will charge you for a visit. Make sure they offer a health warranty. Most Bernedoodle breeders in Connecticut will offer a health warranty to their customers against congenital diseases. Typically, it will be around one or two years, although some of them offer up to three years. Conclusion As of now, there are only two Bernedoodle breeders in Connecticut we can really recommend, and both of them have been around for a similar time. Despite that, these puppies offer puppies of all colors and sizes. Therefore, you can be sure that you will be able to find the puppy of your dreams. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Seymour Connecticut and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!

Ask for Our 'Special Order' Option. Teacup Poodle puppies are one of the most impressive dogs in the canine world. Not only are teacup Poodles extremely friendly and affectionate to their owners, these loveable beauties vibe well with young children, strangers, and other dogs. Our delightful toy puppies are also incredibly clever and easy to train. After learning a few tricks, our adorable teacup Poodles will keep you entertained for hours with their playfulness. Are you ready to open your heart and home to your fur-ever friend? Have a look at our available Toy Poodle puppies for sale, or contact us for information about our upcoming litters or the special order option. Temperament: Poodles are highly intelligent and adaptable dogs that are known for their delightful temperament. They are playful, affectionate, and loyal companions that make wonderful pets for individuals and families alike. One of the most notable characteristics of the Poodle temperament is their intelligence. They are quick learners and excel at obedience training and other forms of mental stimulation. Poodles are also highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to larger homes. In addition to their intelligence, Poodles are also affectionate and loving dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They are known for being highly attuned to their human's emotions and can be extremely intuitive and sensitive to their needs. This makes them great companions for people who are looking for a loyal and loving pet. Poodles are also highly sociable dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners and meeting new people and pets. They are outgoing and friendly, making them great pets for families with children or other pets. Poodles also have a playful side to their nature and enjoy games and activities that involve interaction and engagement with their owners. Overall, the Poodle temperament is highly desirable, making them one of the most popular breeds in the world. Their intelligence, adaptability, and loving nature make them wonderful pets for a wide range of people and lifestyles, and their endearing personalities are sure to bring joy and companionship to any household. Available Puppies Appearance: Poodles are a distinctive breed known for their elegant and sophisticated appearance. They come in four sizes: standard, miniature, and toy, and teacup and have a variety of coat colors including white, black, brown, silver, apricot, and red. One of the most notable features of the Poodle is their unique coat. Poodles have a dense, curly coat that is hypoallergenic, meaning they are a great choice for people with allergies. Their curly coat is also water-resistant, which makes them excellent swimmers. Poodles have a long, narrow muzzle and oval-shaped eyes that convey a sense of intelligence and alertness. They have long, furry ears that hang close to their head, giving them a regal and elegant appearance. Poodles also have a long, slender neck that flows smoothly into their well-proportioned body. Another defining characteristic of the Poodle is their distinctive gait. They have a springy and energetic step, and their movements are graceful and fluid. This, combined with their elegant appearance, gives Poodles a sense of aristocratic refinement. Overall, the Poodle is a visually striking breed that boasts a unique and sophisticated appearance. Their curly coat, elegant body structure, and distinctive gait make them one of the most recognizable and beloved dog breeds in the world. Learn more Exercise Poodles are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. While the amount of exercise they require may vary depending on their size and age, all Poodles need daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. A typical exercise routine for a Poodle may include a brisk walk or jog in the morning and evening, along with some playtime or training sessions during the day. Poodles also enjoy playing fetch, running around in a securely fenced yard, or going on leisurely hikes with their owners. In addition to physical exercise, Poodles also benefit from mental stimulation. They are highly intelligent and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Puzzle toys, obedience training, and other forms of mental stimulation can help keep Poodles mentally stimulated and engaged. It's important to keep in mind that Poodles can be prone to weight gain, especially as they age. Regular exercise not only helps to keep them physically fit but also provides them with mental stimulation and helps to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Monitoring their diet and exercise routine closely is crucial to prevent them from becoming overweight or obese. Overall, Poodles are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. With the right amount of exercise, attention, and care, Poodles can live long, healthy, and happy lives. Learn more History The Poodle is an ancient breed with a history that dates back several centuries. While the exact origins of the breed are unclear, it is believed that they originated in Germany, where they were known as the "Pudel," which translates to "splash in water. Their unique coat, which is hypoallergenic and water-resistant, made them well-suited for this task. Over time, Poodles also became popular as circus performers and were trained to perform tricks and acrobatics. During the 16th century, Poodles became popular with European nobility and were frequently depicted in paintings and artwork of the time. They were also a popular choice for the court of Louis XVI, and were often seen in his court as well as other royal courts in Europe. In the 19th century, Poodles were standardized into three different sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. This allowed for greater versatility in the breed, and they became popular as companions and family pets. Today, Poodles are one of the most popular breeds in the world and are beloved for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and distinctive appearance. They continue to be used as retrievers and are also trained for a variety of activities, including obedience, agility, and therapy work. Learn more Maintenance Poodles require regular maintenance to keep their distinctive curly coat in good condition. Their curly coat can easily become matted and tangled, so it's important to brush and groom them regularly to prevent this from happening. The frequency of grooming will depend on the length of the Poodle's coat. For example, a Poodle with a shorter clip may only need to be groomed every six to eight weeks, while a Poodle with a longer coat may need to be groomed every four to six weeks. Regular brushing is also important for Poodle maintenance. Brushing helps to remove any loose or dead hair from their coat, as well as prevent matting and tangles. Poodles with longer coats may need to be brushed daily, while those with shorter coats may only need to be brushed a few times a week. Bathing is another important aspect of Poodle maintenance. Poodles should be bathed every three to four weeks, or more frequently if they get particularly dirty or smelly. It's important to use a dog-specific shampoo that won't irritate their skin or strip their coat of its natural oils. Poodle maintenance also involves regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. Their nails should be trimmed every two to three weeks, their ears should be cleaned weekly, and their teeth should be brushed several times a week to prevent dental issues. Overall, Poodles require regular maintenance to keep them healthy, happy, and looking their best. Consistent grooming, brushing, bathing, and other forms of maintenance can help prevent common issues like matting and tangling, and keep them looking and feeling great. These tiny little pups are loyal and loving and can fit just about anywhere! Also intelligent, the Teacup Poodle will keep you on your toes and carries many of the same characteristics as their standard sized parents. This breed is selectively bred and is a variation of the Toy Poodle. The only difference between the Toy Poodle and the Teacup Poodle is their size, so we can look to the Toy Poodle for a lot of information about the Teacup. Breed Origin The Poodle is one of the most popular dogs in the world and is in fact one of the oldest pure bred dogs. These dogs originated in Germany and were originally bred to be a working and gun dog that made the perfect hunting dog. The Poodle has a waterproof coat and great retrieving talents. Nowadays, this breed is more known as a lapdog rather than a working dog. They are bred in smaller breeds so that more people can enjoy having a Poodle as a best friend. The Teacup variation of this breed has been selectively bred from the Toy Poodle and must be under 9 inches in height and less than 6 pounds in weight to qualify as a Teacup. Teacup puppies are normally born in litters of one to two, although occasionally there can be more. They weigh around 2 pounds when born and will only grow to around 5 pounds once fully grown. They also are always under 9 inches in height. This is because of the selective breeding process and the fact that there are fewer dogs in every litter. Although there are no official breed standards, the general rule of thumb is that a Teacup Poodle is 9 inches in height and they weigh less than 6 pounds, whereas a Toy breed is less than 10 inches. Their breed is very elegant looking, no matter the size, and they always stand poised. Their eyes are also small, dark and are always alert and they have a long muzzle with floppy furry ears. Coat Their coat is curled and thick and they do not shed any fur. This means they are a hypoallergenic dog and are perfect for those with allergies. Unlike other Poodle mix dogs who may have a mixture of different fur colors, this dog only comes in solid colors. This way, you can determine whether you are being sold a purebred Poodle or not. They are extremely loving and make great companions for everyone, including individuals, families and the elderly. Because of their size, too, they fit into many different environments and will do well in apartments and in city living and also in large homes in the country or in open-spaced environments. Their exercise needs are not great, although they do get bored very easily and do not like to be left alone. If they are left alone for too long they will begin to suffer from separation anxiety and exhibit destructive behaviors. Lifespan The life expectancy of a Teacup dog is relatively long. These dogs can be expected to live anywhere between 12 to 14 years. Some of these problems are similar to the issues that may be carried by their standard sized ancestors due to their genetic similarities. These include: Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Dysplasia — this is normally seen in large dogs but can affect different joints in the body. Also, because of their selective breeding and small size, they are also prone to some other health issues. You should always check with the breeder you are buying from to see whether the dogs show any signs of these problems. The three most common are hypoglycemia low blood sugar , heart defects and patella luxation. Patella luxation 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. To ensure you identify the signs of any of these issues early, ensure you take your dog to the vet for regular checkups. Daily Life Fortunately, taking care of a Teacup Poodle in day-to-day life is not too challenging. They do not have as many needs as other sizes of the Poodle breed. Food And Diet Because they are small dogs , their food needs are not huge. Experts recommend that you feed your Teacup Poodle approximately calories per day, which is the equivalent to approximately 1 cup of high quality dry kibble per day. You should try them on a diet that is specially formulated for toy sized breeds, so you are ensuring that they get the right nutrients. You can also reward them with treats when they exhibit good behavior, as well as fruit snacks. Exercise The Teacup Poodle does not have great exercise needs, because of their size. Despite this, they still need to be walked every day. Exercising your dog can be a great way to bond with them and increase mental stimulation, as well as allowing them to experience new sights and sounds. Experts recommend you take your Teacup Poodle for no more than a 30 minute short walk a day. It is best that you split the walk into three so they do not over exert themselves. This way you could take them in the morning, in the middle of the day and in the evening and you could vary the locations to give your dog new experiences. Your dog will also benefit from toys at home that will increase bonding time with you. Keep in mind that a Teacup Poodle has trouble keeping warm because of their small size. If you live in a colder area, your Teacup will benefit from a sweater or jacket to keep warm! Family Compatibility Poodles love humans and make great companions for everyone, including families. Because of their size, Teacup Poodles can fit into any home, whether you live in an apartment in the city of whether you live in a large house in the countryside. They love to be around you, so they are not well suited to a family that is going to be out for most of the day. That being said, they are extremely loving and a great lapdog — and small enough so you might be able to take them with you! The Teacup may feel intimidated when being held by small children and therefore get a little cranky. Fortunately, with early socialization, this can be fixed. Training Teacup Poodles are easy to train, which is another reason many people love these dogs. They are naturally intelligent which makes your life a lot easier, especially if you have never trained a dog before. Teacups want to learn and want to please and they respond well to positive reinforcement. This includes verbal praise and treats. You will also need to socialize them, especially because they are small. They need to be introduced to other people and animals from a young age so they learn how to interact. You should aim to do this twice a week. You should also clip their nails and brush their teeth. To help prevent dental decay and disease, daily brushing is the normally recommended. Teacup Poodles certainly do well in a family environment and love to be around people. They can feel intimidated when they are around small children, so it is not usually advised to house them with young children. However, this can be fixed with socialization. They can live in both small apartments or in big houses, as long as you give them enough love. How much do Teacup Poodles cost? They are expensive because they can be difficult to breed and there is normally only one or two puppies in a litter. If this is too expensive for you, you may find a Teacup Poodle at your local shelter who needs a home. Summary Teacup Poodles are an adorable, friendly and loving dog. Ensure that you give them the right amount of food, exercise them every day and play games with them and they will love you forever! Teacup Poodles love to be around people and can make the perfect family dog. They are not difficult to train and walking is minimal, so they make a great pet to everyone! What do you think — is a Teacup Poodle the right dog for you? Search Dog Breeds.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Shepherd Dog Overview The German Shepherd Dog, recognized as the Alsatian in Great Britain and various parts of Europe, stands as one of the foremost canine breeds globally, often finding its place in the top 10 most favored breeds in the United States. Its distinction and fame can be attributed, in part, to a poignant tale from World War I. Amidst the turmoil of war, Corporal Lee Duncan rescued a young puppy from a war-torn breeding kennel in France. This pup, later named Rin Tin Tin, would become a legendary figure in the entertainment industry, starring in numerous films and amassing an astonishing 10, fan letters weekly during the pinnacle of its stardom. Beyond the silver screen, the German Shepherd has embraced a multitude of roles. From aiding the visually impaired and apprehending criminals to detecting illicit substances and serving in the military, this versatile breed has exhibited its prowess. It has also demonstrated its compassion by visiting the sick and exhibiting its herding instincts with livestock. Originating as herding dogs tasked with day-long duties, they possess substantial energy levels, necessitating ample physical activity and mental stimulation. A lack thereof can lead to undesirable behaviors like excessive barking and destructive chewing. Characterized by an aloof and occasionally wary disposition, they excel as vigilant watchdogs but may not exude the warm welcome typical of a family pet. Nevertheless, early exposure to diverse situations and individuals during puppyhood can cultivate adaptability. Descendants from American breeders often prioritize the pursuit of dog show accolades and distinctive aesthetics, sometimes at the expense of traditional working abilities. These dogs tend to exhibit heightened energy and determination. Thus, a visit to a shelter provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with your potential lifelong companion before making a commitment. German Shepherd Dog Highlights Renowned for their vigor and intellect, German Shepherds thrive when engaged in various activities such as learning, playing, and purposeful tasks. Daily routines should incorporate both physical exercises like jogging and Frisbee, as well as mental challenges like training sessions. The German Shepherd may not be the ideal choice if your schedule frequently keeps you away from home or requires extended absences. When left alone, they can develop feelings of unease or monotony, which might manifest through undesirable behaviors like excessive barking , chewing, and digging. German Shepherds often exhibit an aloof and cautious demeanor towards unfamiliar individuals. Initiating obedience training, commencing with puppy classes, aids in familiarizing them with other dogs and humans, while also instilling fundamental canine etiquette. Crate training proves invaluable not only for housebreaking purposes but also in instilling a sense of tranquility and contentment when separated from their owner. This aspect is particularly significant for the German Shepherd, as they can experience separation anxiety, leading to heightened distress when left alone. While they excel as vigilant watchdogs, it is essential to avoid chaining or tethering the German Shepherd solely for guarding purposes. This practice can result in frustration and potentially aggressive behavior. Optimal living conditions involve indoor coexistence with the family, along with access to a spacious, enclosed yard where they can expend their abundant energy. Consider exploring local shelters or breed-specific rescues for your next furry companion, including German Shepherds. Adopting from these sources before resorting to a breeder not only benefits the dog but also offers a chance to make a meaningful difference. An officer in the German cavalry, Captain von Stephanitz harbored a distinct ambition: to cultivate an unparalleled German herding dog. In preceding centuries, German farmers and their European counterparts relied on dogs to manage and safeguard their livestock. Certain canines gained legendary status for their herding prowess, prompting shepherds to traverse great distances to mate their female dogs with distinguished sires. However, as von Stephanitz astutely observed, the local herding dogs had yet to evolve into a distinct and unified breed. In , upon retiring from his military career, von Stephanitz embarked on a new chapter dedicated to his passion: experimenting with dog breeding to fashion an exceptional German herding dog. Drawing inspiration from the British, renowned for their exceptional herding dogs, von Stephanitz studied various breeding techniques. He traversed Germany, attending dog shows and closely observing German-style herding dogs. Amidst the fine examples he encountered—athletic, intelligent, and capable—he found a crucial element lacking: a single dog that encapsulated all these traits. While von Stephanitz initially intended the breed to excel in herding, the industrialization of Germany led him to envision a different path. Among them was an American corporal from Los Angeles, who rescued a newborn puppy from a war-ravaged kennel in France. However, the aftermath of the war introduced challenges. By , he recognized certain unfavorable traits emerging in German Shepherds, such as poor temperament and dental issues. He instituted a rigorous quality control system, requiring dogs to pass rigorous tests before breeding, assessing intelligence, temperament, athleticism, and overall health. American breeding prioritized appearances and show wins, while German Shepherds from Germany remained steadfast in their working abilities. In the face of performance challenges and genetic health concerns among American-bred dogs, a shift began, with some U. This breed falls squarely within the medium to large dog category, characterized by a strong and robust build that exudes both elegance and power. Adult German Shepherds typically possess a height range of 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm at the shoulders, with males often standing slightly taller than females. However, these measurements may vary based on factors such as genetics, lineage, and geographical regions of breeding. This weight range contributes to their substantial and muscular appearance, reflecting their historical role as herding and working dogs. Their well-proportioned body structure, characterized by a level back, strong hindquarters, and deep chest, further emphasizes their agility and strength. While their imposing stature contributes to their role as capable guardians and protectors, it is important to note that their size is coupled with intelligence and an eager-to-please temperament. This blend of physical prowess and mental acuity positions them as versatile companions, excelling in various roles such as search and rescue, police work, service, and family pets. Maintaining an ideal weight and overall health is crucial for the well-being of German Shepherds. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine veterinary care contribute to their longevity and vitality. These dogs are inclined toward reserve, forming connections not instantly but deeply, and once those bonds are forged, their loyalty knows no bounds. Within their family circle, they exhibit an affable and approachable demeanor, yet when faced with threats, they can transform into stalwart protectors, showcasing their exceptional watchdog abilities. Endowed with remarkable intelligence and trainable instincts, this breed thrives when given a purposeful task—no challenge is too great. However, one aspect that requires careful consideration is their need for companionship and engagement. Prolonged periods of solitude do not align well with their nature. Without the necessary interaction, exercise, and opportunities to engage their sharp minds, they can experience boredom and restlessness. A German Shepherd left under-stimulated and isolated from family activities may resort to undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking and destructive chewing. In line with all canines, early socialization proves pivotal for a well-rounded development. The German Shepherd should be exposed to diverse people, environments, sounds, and encounters during their formative stages. Such socialization lays the foundation for an adaptable and balanced adult dog, equipped to handle a variety of situations with confidence and ease. By embracing these qualities and providing suitable outlets for their energy and intellect, the German Shepherd can evolve into an outstanding companion and guardian, embodying the best of their remarkable personality traits. German Shepherd Dog Health German Shepherds typically enjoy good health, yet, akin to all breeds, they have susceptibility to specific health conditions. Hip dysplasia can manifest with or without apparent symptoms. Some dogs may display lameness and discomfort in one or both hind legs, with arthritis potentially developing as they age. Screening for hip dysplasia through X-ray assessments is conducted by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding. The consequence is painful lameness. Veterinary recommendations could encompass surgical intervention or pain management medications. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Bloat : A life-threatening situation predominantly affecting deep-chested large dogs, bloat occurs when the stomach distends due to gas or air and subsequently twists. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent shock and possible fatality. Suspect bloat if your dog exhibits abdominal distension, excessive salivation, retching without vomiting, restlessness, lethargy, and rapid heart rate. Dogs with DM struggle to coordinate hind leg movements, often progressing to an inability to walk. Treatment options are limited, although rare instances might involve vitamin deficiencies, necessitating vitamin supplementation. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI : This genetic pancreatic disorder diminishes digestive enzyme production, leading to impaired food digestion and absorption. Symptoms include gas, appetite loss, weight reduction, altered stools, and increased hunger. Allergies: German Shepherds are susceptible to various allergies encompassing contact and food sensitivities. Indicators may involve persistent scratching, paw licking, and facial rubbing. Consult your vet if such symptoms emerge. This translates to a surplus of energy that necessitates daily exercise for release. Extended periods of solitude without physical exertion can result in issues. Boredom and inactivity pave the way for undesirable behaviors, such as chewing , digging , and barking. To satiate their energetic demands, German Shepherds require both physical engagement jogging, playful sessions at a dog park and mental stimulation participation in agility or obedience competitions. Similar to many herding breeds, German Shepherds have a penchant for vocalization. Furthermore, these dogs have an inclination for chewing, and their formidable jaw strength can swiftly demolish various materials. German Shepherd Dog Feeding Tailoring a diet for a German Shepherd Dog requires consideration of their large size and elevated energy demands. Seeking guidance from your veterinarian or a certified nutritionist is prudent to determine the appropriate nourishment and portion sizes for your German Shepherd. As they progress through puppyhood, adulthood, and senior stages, their dietary requisites will evolve. Remaining attentive to these nutritional shifts is crucial. For German Shepherd puppies, particular attention is necessary when it comes to feeding and physical activity. Their rapid growth between four and seven months leaves them susceptible to bone-related issues. To mitigate such concerns, a high-quality, low-calorie diet is advisable to regulate their growth rate. Grass surfaces are more suitable, and puppy agility with minor jumps is permissible. Cautious portion control is essential to prevent excessive weight gain and potential joint complications. Striking a balance with treats, promoting regular exercise, and adhering to scheduled mealtimes, as opposed to constant access to food, safeguards against overfeeding. By being attentive to their dietary needs and mindful of their activity levels, you can contribute to the well-being and overall health of your German Shepherd. German Shepherd Dog Coat Color And Grooming Originally bred to manage flocks in challenging climates, the German Shepherd boasts a medium-length double coat that suits this task impeccably. This coat serves as a natural shield against rain, snow, and prevents the accumulation of burrs and dirt. The German Shepherd exhibits a diverse range of coat types and colors. The outer layer features dense, straight hair that lies close to the body, occasionally presenting a wavy or wiry texture. Notably, the American Kennel Club does not endorse white as an accepted color for conformation shows, though they remain eligible for other competitions. Prospective German Shepherd owners must brace for hair on various surfaces, from clothing to furniture. While no foolproof remedy exists for shedding, regular brushing , ideally two to three times a week, can help manage the hair situation by capturing more in the brush than on furnishings. A reliable vacuum cleaner also proves advantageous. Despite their shedding reputation, German Shepherds tend to maintain a fairly clean and odor-free disposition. Supplying durable and secure dental chew toys or bones can combat tartar buildup, especially on the back molars. Supplementing this with periodic brushing using a soft toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste enhances gum and teeth well-being. German Shepherd Dog Children And Other Pets A well-trained German Shepherd that has been exposed to children, especially during their puppyhood, can make an excellent companion for kids. Some liken them to a blend of a caretaker and a guardian, as they exhibit gentleness and protective instincts towards the youngsters within their family. However, given their size, there is a potential for accidental bumps with toddlers or small children. Their reserved demeanor translates into a cautious approach with unfamiliar kids, yet their reliability generally prevails. While not overtly exuberant, German Shepherds can harmoniously coexist with other dogs and pets, provided they receive proper guidance from their early days. In such cases, enlisting the aid of a professional trainer or seeking guidance from the rescue organization, if you obtained the adult German Shepherd from there, can prove beneficial. German Shepherd Dog Rescue Groups Many individuals acquire German Shepherds without a comprehensive grasp of the responsibilities associated with their ownership. A multitude of German Shepherds are seeking adoption or foster care, and numerous breed-specific rescue organizations are spread throughout the nation. Below are a few links to a few of these German Shepherd rescue groups. History Where are German Shepherd Dogs from? Perhaps never in the history of any breed has such concerted effort been put into improving a dog, mostly due to the formation in of the Verein fur Deutsche Scharferhunde SV, an organization in Germany devoted to overseeing the breeding of the German Shepherd. Breeders sought to develop not only a herding dog but also one that could excel at jobs requiring courage, athleticism, and intelligence. During World War I, they were the obvious choice for a war sentry. The Wolfdog was later dropped as it caused many people to fear the dogs. How big do German Shepherd Dogs get? The double-coat, with a thick undercoat that sheds twice annually, loses hair continuously but can be maintained with regular brushing one or two times weekly. What are the German Shepherd Dog colors? Black, tan, solid black and solid sable. How long do German Shepherd Dogs live? Lifespan: 10—12 years What are some German Shepherd Dogs facts and information? The German Shepherd held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. Although presently it has dropped from the top spot, the German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, serving as a police dog, war dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, narcotics- or explosives-detecting dog, show dog, pet—and even shepherd. Related Content. In the late s, Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, began searching for a working dog breed with all the essential qualities of this class. Horand was the first dog that von Stephanitz registered in his new breed club — The Society of German Shepherds. Beowulf went on to father more than 80 puppies. The wolf-like appearance of the German Shepherd has led many to argue that wolf crosses were also bred into this early gene pool. For the next 35 years, von Stephanitz strived to refine the breed standard of the German Shepherd and promote it as a fine specimen of working dogs. The sought-after qualities of this breed, such as its intelligence, strength, speed, stealth, agility, loyalty , and beauty, were molded during this time. Today, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds used by police and military units worldwide. Currently, most breeders do not need a license or permit to breed dogs. However, some states require a permit when a breeder has a certain number of female dogs at the same time or crosses a particular number of litters in a year. The practice of dog breeding differs between business and commercial breeders. If you wish to become a commercial dog breeder, you will have to apply for a commercial license. Depending on the state you live in, you must follow certain laws and regulations and meet specific requirements to obtain a permit. To ensure the legality of your dog breeding business, you must follow certain rules such as the ability to have dogs on your property, the number of dogs you can have at one time, and registering your breeding stock. You must also obtain a business permit — it will serve as legal proof that your business follows all the laws and regulations of your state. You must register puppies with a reputed kennel club such as the American Kennel Club. This will allow you to sell your puppies and assure future owners of their health. Decide whether you want to breed a show dog or a working dog. Schutzhund-titled dogs belong to the pedigree of a working dog. Meanwhile, the pedigree of a show dog usually has more American Kennel Club winners. You also need to look at other factors besides championship titles. Learn about their history and pedigree through their vet records and other documents. They should have been regularly screened for hereditary health concerns, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and irritable bowel disease to name only a few. In line breeding, breeders must ensure that the elbows and hips of several generations of pups are healthy. Many dog breeders prefer line-breeding as it provides better assurance that all puppies in a litter look alike and have a similar temperament and health to their parents. If you have any doubts or questions before you purchase a German Shepherd pup, talk to breed experts and consider their input. Most breeders wish to begin as soon as these dogs enter their heat cycle for the first time. But a responsible breeder should know that breeding German Shepherds too early can be dangerous for their health. The first heat cycle of a female German Shepherd usually occurs at nine months of age, but they can go into heat as early as six months old. However, at this age, a female German Shepherd still has the mind and habits of a puppy. It lacks the instincts and maturity to nurture a litter successfully. And, more importantly, its body is not quite fully developed to bear the stress of pregnancy and lactation. Ethical breeders start breeding a female dog at two to three years of age. By then, its body and mind will be able to carry and care for healthy litter. Breeding often stops after a female German Shepherd turns eight. Older female dogs release lower-quality eggs, and there is a greater risk of stillborn puppies. The sperm of male dogs also deteriorates with age. Regular check-ups will ensure good health of a male dog so it can continue to stud into its tenth year. Responsible breeders do not use male German shepherds as stud dogs until they have reached sexual maturity. A stud dog must also conform to the breed standard before it can be used to breed German shepherd dogs. When to Breed German Shepherds? Even after a German shepherd dog reaches sexual maturity, a responsible breeder will not use it for breeding until it undergoes the required tests. This practice leads to healthy litters. This should be done at two years or older to screen for elbow and hip dysplasia. Preliminary evaluations can also be done for dogs over four months to less than two years old. If the dog is suffering from or a carrier of a genetic disease or hereditary health issue, it should be treated and removed from the breeding pool. The average age at which a reputable breeder will breed German shepherd dogs is about two years. By this time, the dog should have undergone the necessary health clearances and can be certified healthy and free of genetic disorders. Note that the American Kennel Club does not register puppies from male dogs that were under seven months old or female dogs under eight months of age when they were bred. Once a female dog is ready for breeding, it must be examined thoroughly by a vet at least one month before breeding. It should be dewormed, updated on shots, and tested for parasites. It should also undergo a brucellosis test. German Shepherd Breeding A female dog enters its heat cycle every six to seven months; on average, it lasts about three weeks. In the first phase of the heat cycle, called proestrus, a female dog may mark with urine more than usual. You should observe visible swelling and a pinkish discharge. Male dogs may show interest, but female dogs will not allow them to mount. This stage lasts for one week. The second stage estrus also lasts for about a week. The discharge will become a straw color, which marks the fertile stage when the female dog is more willing and may flirt and play. It will then lift its tail out of the way and allow a stud dog to mount. During this stage, it is best to allow the dogs to mate every other day. To register the ensuing litter of puppies produced by artificial insemination, you will need DNA certification. In the last stage of the cycle, known as diestrus, there is progesterone dominance, and the female dog will no longer be interested in the stud dog. This is when you should stop breeding dogs until the next heat cycle. Most animals stop secreting progesterone when they are not pregnant. This poses a challenge when trying to find out if a dog is pregnant or not. Diagnosing pregnancy in dogs can be done in three ways: palpation, ultrasound, and X-ray. Palpation can be done 23 to 30 days after ovulation. Pregnancy can be difficult to determine in overweight or very muscled dogs. An ultrasound can be done from the 21st day after ovulation. X-rays, after the 50th day of ovulation, can help determine the number of fetuses — the heads and spines of the puppies can be counted accurately. These diagnostic methods must only be performed by qualified vets. It is important to avoid an incorrect diagnosis or even damage to the embryos. Dog pregnancies last around 63 days. Give your dog a healthy and nutritious diet, ideal for canine pregnancy. This ensures that the dog and pups have all the nutrients they need to remain healthy. You can determine when a dog will give birth by taking its temperature. For that, you need to insert a lubricated thermometer into its bum. This temperature drop means the dog will go into labor in the next 24 hours. Early Puppy Care If there are no complications after whelping, the brand-new litter should be kept warm and comfortable. You can maintain the ideal temperature using a heating pad controlled by a thermostat or an insulated heating lamp. This milk contains essential antibodies that protect newborn puppies from diseases. The mother dog may not eat much during the first few days as it is too busy caring for its puppies. It will keep them warm, stimulate them to urinate and defecate, and clean up their waste. Monitor the mother dog for complications after birth, such as eclampsia low calcium levels and a retained puppy or placenta. Once the puppies are four weeks old, you can wean them gradually from milk and introduce them to foods. You can easily find puppy mush and gruel recipes online that help with healthy weaning. Once the puppies are familiar with eating kibble, feed them high-quality dog food that is easily digestible and suitable for growing puppies. This is important as this large breed is prone to digestive issues. They must also be kept lean and active from a young age. Weigh the puppies regularly to track their growth and groom them regularly. Additionally, provide them with sufficient socialization and training to ensure a good temperament. Selling a Puppy German Shepherd puppies should not be sold until they are at least eight weeks old. During this period, you can interview prospective dog owners to ensure that your pups will go to good, caring homes. Responsible breeders do not resort to misleading advertising tactics or sell their puppies to puppy mills, pet stores, or wholesale dealers. Keep in contact with the new dog owners in case they have any concerns or questions about their new pup. You should also be prepared to take the puppy back if the need arises. Is Breeding an Expensive Process? Breeding can be quite expensive, with many expenses involved in breeding pairs and new litters alike. This is why the most successful and long-running dog breeders are very passionate about the breed and are not out to make money. Then there are many more pre-breeding tests, along with artificial insemination costs, or stud fees. If a pregnant dog requires a C-section or there are birth complications, breeding expenses increase significantly. Breeders also pay registration fees and purchase puppy mush, regular puppy food, vaccinations, and deworming. Conclusion Breeding German Shepherds is an incredibly challenging but rewarding job. Breeders have a thorough knowledge, good ethics, and consistent professionalism. Whelping healthy litters that stand out as fine specimens of this large breed and are loved by dog owners make the job well worth it!

Support and Contact French bulldogs have higher risk of 20 common health disorders French Bulldogs have significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with 20 common disorders compared to other dog breeds, reports a study published in the journal Canine Medicine and Genetics. To reduce the risks of breathing disorders associated with the typical shorter muzzle and flat head of French Bulldogs, the authors propose a shift to focus breeding towards more moderate characteristics. Authors from the Royal Veterinary College Hertfordshire, England used records from veterinary practices across the UK from using the VetCompass database, including 2, French Bulldogs and 21, other dog breeds. The authors observed that French bulldogs were at significantly greater risk than other dogs for narrowed nostrils .Of the French Bulldogs included in the study, the authors found that 1, .This suggests that French Bulldogs may have slightly lower odds of being diagnosed with a disorder in general but could also indicate owners are better at identifying health concerns in other dog breeds. Despite having a higher risk of developing 20 common disorders, French Bulldogs had lower odds of being diagnosed with 11 out of the 43 common disorders compared to other dogs, including undesirable behaviour, lameness and obesity. This highlights that the breed has the potential to move towards a healthier profile. The authors suggest that selectively breeding away from the extreme high-risk physical features of French Bulldogs, such as shorter muzzles and skin folds, that are associated with health disorders could improve the overall health of the breed. This is a very positive step to prioritise the health of dogs over human desires for how these dogs look and we must now continue this evolution of the breed towards a more moderate conformation. They also caution that owners may not recognise that snoring in French Bulldogs could be indicative of a breathing disorder and may not take their dog to the vets. The authors conclude that kennel clubs, breeders and the general public need to work together to encourage the breeding and purchasing of French Bulldogs with less extreme features associated with poor health. Acne Skin allergies most often present when a Frenchie is years old. These dogs also often have more than one allergy, which can make it that much harder to diagnose and treat. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available. However, these are often lifelong and can add up in cost over the years. Ear Infections 1. Allergies, which often cause ear infections in dogs 2. The shape of their ear canals French Bulldogs have narrower-than-normal ear canals, making it harder for debris and moisture to make their way out of the ear canal once it gets in. This makes it easier for infections to develop. Ear infections can easily be treated, but chronic ear infections in dogs can also change the skin that lines the ear canals. This further narrows the canal and leads to even more ear infections. Frenchies come with a slew of medical problems that can cost a lot of money to manage. You need to be financially prepared to handle any health issues that develop, and purchasing pet insurance is highly recommended. Birthing Issues French Bulldogs are rarely able to give birth naturally and almost always need a cesarian section C-section. The reason? Again, it comes down to their breeding. Frenchies have been bred to have notoriously large heads but very narrow hips. This causes the puppies to get stuck in the birth canal, which puts both the mom and puppies at risk of death. Back Injuries French Bulldog puppies can be born with a spinal deformity known as hemivertebra , or an incomplete vertebra spinal bone. While this deformity does not always cause issues, it can result in compression of the spinal cord, which can cause weakness in the hind legs, as well as fecal and urinary incontinence. If compression of the spinal cord does occur, advanced imaging techniques such as myelography, CT scans, or MRIs are usually required to diagnose it. Mild cases of spinal cord compression can often be treated medically but severe cases may require surgery. Because of their narrower trachea and congenital airway abnormalities, it can be much more difficult to insert an endotracheal tube, which is needed to help dogs breathe under anesthesia. When recovering from anesthesia, if their endotracheal tube is removed too soon, they may not be awake enough to compensate for their airway issues when breathing. This can cause respiratory distress and the need to be re-intubated. Frenchies are also more susceptible to inflammation of their already small airway after anesthesia, which, again, puts them at higher risk for respiratory distress. Frenchies are also predisposed to several stomach issues, which puts them at increased risk for vomiting and regurgitating, either after their pre-medication is given prior to anesthesia to help them relax or while under anesthesia. This then increases their risk of developing aspiration pneumonia after anesthesia. Because of these risks and issues, veterinarians typically take extra precautions with this breed to help mitigate risk. Cataracts Cataracts are a hardening of the eye lens, causing it to be opaque cloudy rather than clear. As cataracts progress, they eventually lead to blindness. French Bulldogs are genetically predisposed to cataracts, and the only treatment is surgery. Corneal Dystrophy and Corneal Ulcers Corneal dystrophy is another French Bulldog health issue that causes the cornea the outer surface of the eye to become opaque cloudy. However, as it progresses, it does make dogs more susceptible to corneal ulcers scratches on the surface of the eye , which are painful and require medical treatment. Ocular Dermoids Dermoids are a growth of skin in an abnormal place. French Bulldogs are predisposed to having dermoids in their eyes. This is a congenital condition typically present at birth. Distichiasis Distichiasis is an abnormal growth of eyelashes in dogs. Instead of growing out of their normal hair follicles along the eyelid, they can grow out of the glands along the edge of the eyelid. This causes the eyelashes to rub on the eye, which can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and corneal ulcers. This can be corrected with surgery. When the eyelid rolls inward, the hairs on the eyelid may touch the eye. This can cause irritation, increased tearing , conjunctivitis , and corneal ulcers. Surgery can correct the issue. Tear Stains Dogs and cats have a duct that runs from the inner corner of the eye down through the nose. This duct is typically where most tears from the eye are drained. This causes their tears to run down their face, causing brown or rust-colored tear staining. Retinal Dysplasia Retinal dysplasia is an inherited trait in dogs that causes abnormal formation of the retina the part of the eye that sends images to the brain. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this disorder. Cherry Eye Dogs and cats both have a third eyelid in the inner corner of the eye. Cherry eye occurs when the tear gland attached to this third eyelid prolapses flips outward. This often appears as a pink or reddish round mass at the inner corner of the eye. Frenchies are genetically predisposed to this disease. Surgery is needed to correct this. Chronic Diarrhea French Bulldogs are predisposed to a number of gastrointestinal issues. One of the most common is food allergies, which can cause off-and-on diarrhea or soft stools. Frenchies are also genetically predisposed to inflammatory bowel disease IBD , which causes chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract, leading to chronic diarrhea. Treatment for both allergies and IBD is lifelong, and often requires special prescription diets and medication. Hiatal Hernia Another commonly inherited health issue in French Bulldogs is a hiatal hernia. Regurgitation most commonly occurs after eating and is a passive process where food slides back up the throat. This is different from vomiting, an active process that involves contraction of the stomach. Surgery can be performed to fix the diaphragm so the stomach can no longer slide through it. Pyloric Stenosis French Bulldog puppies can also be born with an abnormality known as pyloric stenosis. The pylorus is a valve-like structure that allows food to pass from the stomach to the intestines. Brachycephalic dogs such as French Bulldogs are genetically predisposed to a thickening of this structure, resulting in narrowing of the opening that passes food into the intestines. Common symptoms include regurgitation, decreased appetite , weight loss, and dehydration. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a commonly inherited joint issue in French Bulldogs that results in a loose hip joint. This typically leads to arthritis and degenerative joint disease, which causes chronic pain. Medical management with pain medications, joint supplements , and physical therapy can be used to help with symptoms. Dogs with severe cases may need surgery. Always ask your breeder for all health information on your Frenchie puppy and their parents. Luxating Patella Luxating patella occurs when the kneecap slips out of place. You might see your pet with luxating patella suddenly limp for a few steps while running. They may kick out their leg a few times, then continue running like nothing happened. In mild cases, this condition can cause arthritis. Severe cases may need surgery to correct it. Dental Disease Dental disease is the most common chronic disease in dogs and cats. Frenchies and other brachycephalic breeds are even more predisposed. Overcrowding makes tartar build up faster. Frenchies also usually have an underbite, which further causes tartar buildup. As the tartar builds up on the teeth, it gets under the gumline, leading to gingivitis and deterioration of the gums and surrounding bone. Bladder or Kidney Stones Intact adult male French Bulldogs are predisposed to bladder and kidney stones made of a crystal called cystine. The cause for this is suspected to be genetic, but the gene has not yet been identified. Bladder and kidney stones can be incredibly uncomfortable. Fortunately, they can often be dissolved with a prescription diet that adjusts the acidity of the urine to help dissolve the stone. Pulmonic Stenosis Pulmonic stenosis is a congenital heart disease in which the pulmonary valve and artery the valve and artery that lead from the heart to the lungs are narrowed. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen, and in severe cases can lead to congestive heart failure. While not all cases require treatment, those that do will need a relatively high-risk procedure to widen the pulmonary artery and valve. Because this is an inherited trait, a good French Bulldog breeder will have a cardiologist assess their dogs prior to breeding. But if you are going to get one, you need to be prepared. Budget for Medical Care Frenchies come with a slew of medical problems that can cost a lot of money to manage. Find a Reputable Breeder Because French Bulldogs are purebred dogs, most people find them through breeders. This is a number given by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals once the pet has had the recommended testing for breed-specific issues. You also can use this number to check the results of the tests through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website. The breeder should ask you a lot of questions as well. This means they care about making sure their dogs go to the right home and that the breed is a good fit for you. They will want to meet you, whether in-person or via a video call. The breeder will let you look at their facilities and be proud of their setup. The mother should be on site with the puppies. You may have to wait. A good breeder will give you veterinary records for your puppy. Brittany Grenus graduated from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in with her doctorate in veterinary medicine and a.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? It only takes a few minutes to perform and does not require sutures. This procedure can usually be performed at the same time as a neuter or spay. Laryngeal collapse is a condition that happens when there is a loss of the rigidity and support for the laryngeal cartilage, causing the larynx, or voice box, to collapse. This leads to severe respiratory problems that make it hard for your dog to breathe in. This condition usually develops in dogs older than two years of age, but can happen earlier in brachycephalic breeds such as the French Bulldog. What causes laryngeal collapse in French Bulldogs? Laryngeal collapse usually develops as a complication to long-standing brachycephalic syndrome. What can you do if your French Bulldog is suffering from laryngeal collapse? Luckily, there are many different treatments options depending on the severity of the laryngeal collapse. Treatment of Mild Cases of Laryngeal Collapse Mild cases of laryngeal collapse may be treated with less-invasive procedures, such as shortening the elongated soft palate, enlarging the nostrils stenotic nares , and removing excessive, obstructive tissues within the throat. Shortening the elongated soft palate involves removing a portion of the tissue to help open up the airway. Enlargement of the nostrils stenotic nares : Stenotic nares are nostrils that are too narrow, which can make it difficult for a dog to breathe. Enlarging the nostrils involves removing a small amount of tissue from the nostrils to help improve airflow. Removal of excessive, obstructive tissues within the throat: In some cases, other tissues within the throat, such as tonsils or adenoids, may be obstructing the airway and making breathing difficult. Removal of these tissues can help to open up the airway and improve breathing. These procedures can help to open up the airways and improve breathing in dogs with mild laryngeal collapse. Treatment of Moderate to Severe Cases of Laryngeal Collapse Moderate to severe cases of laryngeal collapse may require more invasive procedures, such as partial removal of the collapsed cartilage. Partial removal of the collapsed cartilage: The cartilage in the larynx may collapse or become deformed, obstructing the airway and making breathing difficult. In moderate to severe cases of laryngeal collapse, partial removal of the collapsed cartilage may be necessary to open up the airway and improve breathing. Treatment of Severe, Persistent Cases of Laryngeal Collapse In severe, persistent cases of laryngeal collapse, a permanent tracheostomy may be required. This procedure is reserved for severe, persistent cases of laryngeal collapse when other treatment options have been exhausted. Regular veterinary care can help identify and manage laryngeal collapse early on, which can help prevent the condition from worsening over time. Hemivertebrae Hemivertebrae is a congenital present at birth condition of the spine. It refers to when the vertebrae of the spine are deformed and fuse or develop abnormally. This can result in twisting in the spinal cord and compression of the spinal cord. Compression of the spinal cord is a serious condition as the spinal cord is the central nervous system structure; it can result in nerve impulses not able to transmit their signals to the final destination. Symptoms of a more severe case of hemivertebrae include Weakness of the hind limbs Inability to control urinary and bowel movements Hemivertebrae can be diagnosed with a simple x-ray. Intervertebral Disc Disease This is a condition in which the discs between the vertebrae in the spine bulge or herniate into the spinal cord space. These discs can press on nerves, causing pain, nerve damage, and paralysis. What are the symptoms of Intervertebral Disc Disease? Damage to the discs in the spinal cord can be caused by forceful impacts such as jumping and landing. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a rare, progressive disease of the spinal cord that usually develops in older dogs between the ages of 8 and 14 years old. While French Bulldogs are actually less likely to develop this genetic problem when compared to other breeds, it is still a possibility. Symptoms generally begin to manifest with a loss of coordination in the hind legs, progressing to buckling limbs and difficulty standing. Within 6 months to a year from the beginning of the onset of degenerative myelopathy, most dogs will become paralyzed in their hind legs. After this point, the dog may experience a lack of control over their bladder and bowel movements. Weakness will eventually develop in the front limbs. What causes Degenerative Myelopathy? Degenerative myelopathy is caused by degeneration of the white matter within the spinal cord. The white matter in the spinal cord contains fibers that transmit nerve signals for movements from the brain to the limbs. Research has shown that a mutation in a gene is correlated with a higher risk of developing this disease. Unfortunately, this number is expected to rise in the future and we may start seeing many more French Bulldogs affected by degenerative myelopathy as time goes on. How is Degenerative Myelopathy Diagnosed? Degenerative myelopathy is diagnosed once other causes of the weakness have been ruled out. Your veterinarian will most likely rule out herniated intervertebral disks, tumors, cysts, infections, injuries, and stroke. There is no definitive testing available for diagnosing degenerative myelopathy; the only way to confirm the diagnosis is when an autopsy is performed and the spinal cord is examined. What Treatment Options are Available for Degenerative Myelopathy There are currently no available treatment options for dogs affected by degenerative myelopathy; nothing has shown evidence of stopping or slowing the progression of this disease. There are a few ways that you can improve the quality of life for dogs affected by degenerative myelopathy Treatment options include…. Medical bills can quickly add up and frenchie owners may struggle to pay vet expenses and eventually surrender their fur baby to a French Bulldog rescue. Before getting your first Frenchie breed dog We encourage you to do as much research as possible and explore all possible health issues in the French Bulldog breed. While selecting a good responsible breeder can greatly reduce the risks of major health issues in your Frenchie, you must understand that life does not have guarantees. Breeders usually provide one year health guarantee against major genetic health issues. After the year is up you are pretty much on your own. Frenchies are not cheap! If you are struggling financially to get your first Frenchie you probably should not get the Frenchie breed. Here are the most common French Bulldog health issues: 1. While these dogs have an unusually squeezed face, they are loved by many pet owners all over the world. Unfortunately, the physiology of their face predisposes brachycephalic dog breeds to certain health conditions. The condition is not a single health problem, but can manifest in different forms including: Labored breathing Inability to exercise for a sustained period due to reduced oxygen intake Tendency to suffer from heat stroke because of their inability to pant efficiently Brachycephalic dogs suffer from all these conditions because of the shape of their head. These dogs have an elongated soft palate which obstructs the windpipe which is very narrow in brachy dogs, cutting off air supply from the outside. Paddy, a 1 year old male English Bulldog, was referred by his usual vets to see Chris Shales, one of Willows soft tissue Specialist surgeons, because his owners had noticed he was having increasing problems with his breathing. Chris found that Paddy had severe airway problems associated with his head shape a condition known as 'brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome' or BOAS, which affects short nosed breeds of dogs and cats. Chris discussed things with Paddy's concerned owners and it was decided that he should undergo surgery to try to improve his breathing and his quality of life. During surgery, Chris performed a number of procedures inside Paddy's throat to help to improve the flow of air passing to and from his lungs. The good news is that Paddy recovered well from his surgery and was soon able to go home. Paddy's at his re-check appointment with Chris a week later when he was a much happier and quieter boy! We looked at many hospitals and surgeons. We took him to several surgery consultations until we felt comfortable and confident with the doctor we chose. We asked success rate of each and every surgeon we saw. Please do not be afraid to ask their success rate as well as how many dogs died in their care. This question alone had a huge impact on the surgeon we ultimately chose. Problems with Anesthesia -due to their compromised airways, brachys face a higher risk of complication due to anesthesia compared to dogs with normal facial physiology. The reason is the dog cannot get enough oxygen during the anesthetic and while trying to wake up from the procedure. Many vets feel jittery to perform surgeries on brachys due to the increased risk of something going wrong during and after the operation. If you own a brachy which needs surgery, make sure the veterinary doctor informs you of the risk involved in the procedure and take necessary precautions. One thing the surgeon or vet will not tell you is that BOAS surgery is not a fix for life. In time BOAS does come back somewhat. The nose and other parts do close up and resort to the genes of the dog. An owner of a dog with a previous diagnosis of BOAS will never be care free however there are many ways you can help and manage this condition and give your dog the best quality of life possible. How we innovated our Health Harness Prior and after surgery we struggled to find a harness that did not choke Bluenjy while walking due to pulling. When using the back D ring in a regular harness the fabric of the neck region would pull him backwards and constricted his neck. Inspired by our Frenchie for the health and safety of your pet. On several occasions we noticed Bluenjy choking to stop for air with a cough. We couldn't find a single dog harness on the market that had all the elements we were looking for. Lastly, we wanted a dog harness that was fashionable to accommodate Bluenjy's sense of style. After months of engineering, trial and error we developed a Health Harness that is vet approved and supports the emotional and physical well being of our Frenchie Bluenjy. Furthermore there may be other charges associated not mentioned above for instance we had to get a cardiovascular assessment and tests prior to the BOAS surgery which resulted in additional costs. Is Boas hereditary? BOAS can be passed on to puppies and is inherited. This is the reason it is extremely important to find a reputable breeder. Why is my French bulldog gagging? Gagging, vomiting or regurgitating in Frenchies or other brachycephalic breeds all describe their inability to digest food and water properly due to the shape of their head. This is one of the most common symptom of BOAS. BOAS can cause heatstroke Unlike humans, dogs cannot sweat because they lack sweat glands. The only way dogs release excess body heat is panting. However, brachycephalic dogs have a smaller mouth and inefficient airway, making it difficult for them to dissipate heat. This weakness makes them susceptible to heat stroke. It is important to know heat stroke can lead to death in brachys, which is why such dogs must never be allowed to become overweight. An overweight brachy dog has more fat that traps in heat, increasing the chances of heat stroke. Further read: What is the ideal weight of a Frenchie? Whether you own a French Bulldog, or Lhasa Apso, it is vital to keep your brachy in top shape by exercising the dog regularly, providing healthy and nutritious meals and be on the lookout for any sudden changes in your pet's normal sounds. The shape of the skull and nose of these dogs make it difficult for them to breathe effectively and dissipate heat. The result is that brachys tend to overheat quickly, putting them at a higher risk of heatstroke, which can become an emergency. Here, we look at simple ways to cool your brachy dogs during the hot months. It might be cool and breezy outside, but make sure your brachy dog stays indoors as much as possible during the summer. Invest in dog cooling accessories A cooling mat is an effective way to help your brachy dog cope with the high summer temperatures. You can buy a cooling mat at the store or online at relatively affordable prices. Alternatively, you can make a simple cooling mat by freezing water and wrapping the frozen water inside a heavy towel. Place the towel in the canine's bed but make sure it does not touch your dog's skin directly. Dog cooling bandana If you want an inexpensive and effective cooling accessory you can place directly on your dog you can purchase Frenchiestore cooling bandana. These pawfect innovative cooling bandanas are compact, small and effective. All you have to do is wet it, wring it and place it on your dog. The cooling light mesh fabric will stay cold for hours. The same applies to your smushed face pup. During the high heat season, make sure there is always an abundance of cool drinking water in your dog's bowl. Reduce Physical Activity While your brachy still needs to exercise during the hot months, you want to reduce the frequency of physical activity to avoid overheating. A good rule of thumb is to monitor the dog's sound. If the breathing becomes labored or too noisy, let your dog rest immediately. Remember that the head shape of pug face dogs makes it difficult to breath, and physical activity increases the energy needs of the animal. Exercise your brachy during the summer, but in moderation. You can reduce the risk of overheating by providing a kiddie pool to cool down the summer heat. However, the pool must be under a shade and you need to change it whenever it becomes warm or hot. Otherwise, you will end up overheating your adorable pooch. This condition affected our family. Brachycephalic dogs need constant supervision. As a responsible pet owner, know your dog and pay attention to their sounds. Make sure to provide as much comfort and love. Support their physical and mental well being and give them the best quality of life possible. BOAS is not a death sentence, with your help your pooch can live a long and healthy life. Eye challenges in French Bulldogs Due to the smushed face of brachy dogs, the French Bulldogs eyes have limited socket space. Further, the overly exposed eyes of brachycephalic dogs make their eyes dry and irritated frequently. This is one of the reasons a collar is never recommended for daily walks and could potentially be dangerous especially if your Frenchie dog is a puller. Checking for a Corneal Ulcer in an English Bulldog If you own a French Bulldog chances are you dealt with eye ulcer at some point in their life. This is a very common injury since they don't have a nose to protect their eyes. Conjunctivitis Pinkeye Conjunctivitis or pink eye in French Bulldog is an inflamed eye tissue. Symptoms include but not limited to: swollen eyelid, red eyes, squinting or blinking excessively, discharge from the eyes and rubbing the eyes with paws. Conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies, dry eye, or other irritants. Treatment can include antibiotics in the event of a bacterial infection. Other eye issues that can be found in the French Bulldog breed: Entropion. Skin Allergies in the Frenchie Does your dog itch constantly? There are so many different type of skin allergies they can be difficult to identify at times even by a professional vet. In this blog we look at the five most common skin problems that affect dogs, identify symptoms and solutions to prevent them. The allergic reaction also can lead to diarrhea and vomiting. To examine if your dog is allergic to a certain food, your vet will create an elimination diet comprising non-allergic foods. Most vetrinarians recommend duck protein as it is the least known protein to cause allergies to dogs by modern medicine. For itchy paws we recommend Iodine foot soak. Atopic Dermatitis Atopic dermatitis or atopy is an environmental allergy resulting from contact with allergens such as pollen, mold spores, plants, and grass or dust mite among others. Environmental allergies are a common cause of discomfort for many dogs, often requiring a visit to the vet. Brachycephalic dogs are more prone to environmental allergies because of the skin folds and short snout. As a pet owner, you should always be on the lookout for signs of these allergies. If left untreated, the affected spot can become infected and transform into generalized dermatitis. It is best to prevent these allergies from happening in the first place as they cause great discomfort for your dog. Our hypoallergenic organic PJ's are scientifically known to minimize the environmental allergens. If your dog is sensitive to the environment, you may need to provide medications or steroids, medicated wash or wipes, hypoallergenic clothing , and environmental changes to manage the condition. Your dog can suffer from this condition even with one flea bite, making it essential to keep your pooch flea-free at all times. Limit your dogs contact with grass and other dogs whom you may not know, for a more natural remedy please use a shampoo that is gentle and prevents fleas. You can also use anti flea dog collar. In the most extreme situations you might have to visit your vet to get a professional medical opinion. Ringworm Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes serious itch on the affected area. The condition is contagious and an infected dog can spread it to other dogs and humans. Call your vet for advice immediately. You can manage ringworm with oral medications and medicated washes based on the level of infection. Dandruff In dogs, dandruff results from skin irritation or excessive skin dryness. If your dog has dandruff, increase his intake of high quality protein and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for enhanced skin and coat health. Giving your dog supplements like fish oil might help significantly. Breeders also swear by CBD oil and coconut oil. There are several skin problems that can affect your dog. But many of them are preventable with the right precautions. If your dog experiences any extreme allergic reaction please contact your vet immediately. It even looks like it is an obsession. French Bulldog are the type of breed that suffer from allergy problems quite often. The changing seasons can also play a major role in this, so if you are a new Frenchie owner just because your puppy didn't seem to have an issue last summer doesn't mean that allergies won't develop next season. Be sure to be on the look out for any signs or distraught in your Frenchie. If your dog is exhibiting any of the above mentioned issues you may want to consider a foot-soak. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian discusses about pets foot soaks. Mix povidone iodine and water until it looks a bit cloudy, and soak your pup's paws 5 minutes. You can find povidone iodine pretty much anywhere that has a pharmacy or you can get it online. It's anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, It will NOT irritate your dog in any way and it doesn't stain. A completely safe method to give your dog some relief and comfort! Reverse Sneezing In French Bulldogs Reverse sneezing in Frenchies is not necessarily a health concern but rather a result of a breed with breathing difficulties. Reverse sneezing also known as a snorting attack is a common phenomenon in dogs and especially French Bulldogs. In a regular sneeze, your Frenchie pushes air through the nose; in a reverse sneeze air is pulled into the nose. Reverse sneeze is usually triggered byexcitement or stress and may be related to allergies, nasal irritants or nasal inflammation. It can also be triggered by a viral infections like the common cold or a dog collar pressing against the throat too tightly. It happens more often in small breed dogs Brachycephalic breeds like pugs and bulldogs perhaps because they have smaller throats and windpipes. Symptoms of reverse sneeze attack Your dog will look distressed. May besnorting or choking. Will have rapid and long inspirations Struggle for air. Its important to keep calm and not to panic!!! Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian discusses reverse sneezing. A reverse sneezing attack may look scary however, it is not a harmful condition and there are no ill effects. Reverse sneezing attacks are generally quite brief lasts a minute or two and not life threatening. You can try placing your fingers over his nostrils for a second or two. Your dog's automatic reaction is to lick, and this is followed by a swallow. A couple of licks will usually resolve the situation. Stimulating saliva. Stroke or massage your dogs' upper throat area to encourage relaxation and dilation of the trachea. Can reverse sneezing kill a dog? Your French Bulldog will come out of an attack of reverse sneezing without help and will not suffer permanent damage quite shortly. Just as dogs sneeze intermittently throughout their lives, most dogs have at least a few reverse sneezing episodes during their lives as well. In the vast majority of cases, the episodes are temporary and intermittent, resolving on their own, and leave the dog with no aftereffects to be concerned about. When should you seek for help? How do I stop my French bulldog from reverse sneezing in the future? To minimize the chances of a future snorting attack episode try to be as cool and calm around your dog as possible. Excitement can be a major trigger when it comes to sneezing attacks in Frenchies. Bad odor in Frenchies We all love kissing our French Bulldog however if your dog has bad breath kissing your dog would be the last thing on your agenda. Foul odor can indicate a health issue in your Frenchie so it is best to do your research, be well informed, treat the cause and prevent it from happening in the future. Just as human beings, the development of plaque and tartar can prompt bad breath. A lot of plaque and tartar can push the gums from the teeth, uncovering new microscopic organisms. This arouses the canine's gums, and can prompt gum disease, and discharge. Obviously, it will come with incredibly, terrible breath. Dietary Habits - where has your dog been? Dogs once in a while will get into things they shouldn't have such as: drink from a toilet, get into trash and even eat their own feces. Some pooches eat the feces of other canines, a condition called coprophagia. In addition to the fact that this is foul, it is incredibly unhygienic. The above will cause awful breath in dogs and every so often even make them sick. Diabetes -If your Frenchie's awful breath has a sweet or fruity smell to it, you should see your veterinarian. Sweet, fruity breath is an indication of diabetes. Kidney Disease -If your Frenchie's awful breath has a has a pee scent to it, you should see your vet. This can be an indication of kidney disease. Liver Disease -If your French Bulldog's gums have a yellow tinge it may indicate of liver issues and you need to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Infected or blocked anal sac gland -can produce a foul smell. Fish Oil -can have a fishy smell linger around your Frenchie's mouth. Facial Folds -can produce a bad smell if not cleaned daily. Ear Infections -like any other infection can produce a bad odor and needs immediate medical attention. Paw licking -can cause odors especially is the paw is injured. Treating your French Bulldog's Bad Breath As critical as it is to apprehend the underlying issues of your Frenchie's breath, what we really need to understand is why it is happening and how we can prevent it. Curing awful dog breath relies upon the cause. Your veterinarian may run blood work and other tests to be certain your Frenchie can endure anesthesia. Prevent bad breath in Frenchie puppies The most effective manner to prevent bad breath in your Frenchie puppy is to brush the dog's teeth on a regular basis. Tooth brushing reduces plaque and promotes higher oral hygiene. With a bit of training most puppies learn to adjust to having their teeth brushed. Offering your canine with plenty of chew toys can also be helpful. Chewing prevents plaque and tartar construct-up and relieves boredom, maintaining your dog healthy and happy. Smaller dogs may require extra dental care than large dog breeds as they are more prone to periodontal disease, according to the akc health foundation. Smaller breeds have a tendency to have teeth that are closer together, which promotes plaque and tartar build-up, so make certain you provide them with lots of bite toys from a younger age and brush their enamel frequently. Feeding your Frenchie a well balanced diet and providing plenty of exercise will prevent health issues like diabetes. There are different oral health products apart from dog toothpaste in the marketplace. Talk in your veterinarian about the options and what is best for your French Bulldog. There are a lot of products on the market that can help stop foul breath. If you're looking for a cheaper, healthier alternative to commercial products, try these homemade dog treats for bad breath. Why does my canine smell like fish? When was your dog's anal sac gland checked? It is possible your Frenchie has an infected or blocked anal sac gland. If the anal sac s are not operating properly, the fluid builds up inside those glands and might result in a foul smell. What are anal sacs glands? Despite the fact they are usually known as anal glands, they're technically not glandular in structure. Anal sacs are small sacs located on both aspect of the anus between the inner and outside anal sphincter muscular tissues. There are instances, however, that they may not function the way they were supposed to and turn into bags of fluid. If your dog has been experiencing watery stools or diarrhea chances are that no sufficient strain is being applied and the sac can possibly get full. A tell tell sign your Frenchie's anal glands are full: A fishy smell may not be the most effective and only sigh that your French Bulldog has a full anal sac s. Another sign that you could watch out for is your canine dragging his or her bum throughout the floor. We've all seen it before and even though this may seem funny to some, it is probably a sign that your dog is stricken by a blocked anal sac and is experiencing pain. Other signs your French Bulldog's anal sac glands might be blocked A foul odor. Butt scooting or sitting awkward and uncomfortably. Red accompanied by swelling around the anus. Dog scratching or nipping at the rear. Are blocked anal gland sacs in French Bulldogs dangerous? A full anal sac s can inflict bodily pain on your Frenchie making him or her act out of the ordinary. If a full anal sac is a reoccurring occasion and left untreated it may cause an infection on your dog. What can be done to relief a dog's blocked anal gland? Proper diet and regular exercise is key. As referred to above, a healthy bowel movement is greatly affected by your Frenchies' diet. You can try increasing your dog's fiber intake if the stool is not firm enough. Raw food diet may help your dog to have a ordinary bowel movement. Treating your French Bulldog allergies to prevent anal gland infections. If your French Bulldog gets sufficient amount of exercise and has healthy bowel movements, but still experiencing blocked anal glands, you might want to consider allergies. Your likely wondering, how do allergic reactions causes my Frenchie to have a blocked anal gland? Allergies are a reaction of the immune system when it releases histamines that cause swelling and infection. The swelling and infection precipitated from hypersensitive reactions and can cause your dogs anal glands to become blocked and inflamed. If your dog suffers from a blocked anal gland,we recommend seeing your vet. There are natural remedies you can try but we suggest you first see a vet to rule our other causes. Visit your vet Your veterinarian can manually empty your dog's glands. Although this method will work in emptying the gland, it does not solve the issue of why the gland didn't empty on its own in the first place. Your vet will help you identify the core issue until it is resolved. In some cases with chronic anal gland blockage, you may choose to surgically remove the gland. Why does my French Bulldog's breath smell like fish? It is possible that a blocked anal gland can cause a fishy smell in your Frenchie's mouth indirectly. A natural response of your Frenchie dog would be to bite and lick their rear ends in an attempt to relieve the discomfort due to a blocked gland. As gross as it may sound some fluid in the anal sac can release onto your Frenchie's tongue or mouth which can ultimately affect their breath. Treating the source will fix the bad breath in your Frenchie. If the source is stemming from a blocked anal gland you need to treat the condition in order to see improvement. Are you giving your Frenchie fish oil supplements? Fish oil can have great health benefits for your French Bulldog however giving it to your dog does come with a fish breath price. Your Frenchie dog or puppy just like humans do and with that may come the foul linger fish smell. Good Frenchie oral hygiene may be helpful in preventing fish breath. Brushing your French Bulldogs teeth on a daily basis will prevent plaque and tartar and prevent any bad odors coming out of your dog's mouth. You should check your dog food ingredients to see if it contains fish products. If you see omega-3 or omega-6 then there is a good possibility that it contains fish product. Other ingredients to look for that might cause fish smell in dogs: Fish oil. Their playful and affectionate nature, and quirky antics have seen this breed become the third most popular dog breed in Australia! Do French Bulldogs have health problems? Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome and allergies are also some of the more common health problems that French Bulldogs experience. Many of these issues persist throughout their lifetime, significantly impacting their quality of life and leading to extensive veterinary expenses. The most common French Bulldog health problems include: Allergies Similar to humans, all dog breeds are susceptible to allergies. Unfortunately, Frenchies are genetically more susceptible to chronic allergies including food and environmental allergies. Symptoms of allergies in your Frenchies include: Excessive itching or licking, especially of the paws. Watery eyes, ear infections or sneezing. Diarrhoea, bloody or smelly stools, vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss, inappetence or lethargy. If you suspect your Frenchie has an allergy, veterinary advice should be sought to diagnose the allergen. This will then allow for appropriate management strategy dietary, environmental or medication to be put in place to improve their quality of life. As the name suggests, this form of dermatitis can occur in other folded areas of skin, including the armpits, neck and vulva. Signs of skin fold dermatitis that owners can look out for include: Excessive scratching, biting and itching around folded areas of skin. Development of redness and sores around affected skin. Luckily, pyodermas are very easily treated with topical or oral antibiotics from your veterinarian. Similar to skin fold dermatitis, signs of pyoderma include: Itching around the wounded area. Development of redness, loss of hair, crusting or pussy discharge from the wounded area. The best way to prevent skin fold dermatitis and pyoderma is regular and careful cleaning and drying of skin folds with pet approved products. Otitis Externa The highly desirable flat face of the Frenchie often means they have smaller ear canals. These narrow canals mean Frenchies lose the ability to naturally clean their ears resulting in their canals remaining warm and wet. This provides an environment that promotes yeast and bacteria growth, leading to ear infections or otitis externa. Symptoms of ear infections include: Excessive scratching of the ear or head shaking. Redness or scratches inside the ears. Excess wax when cleaning the ears. Keeping your Frenchies ears clean and moisture free is the best way to prevent ear infections. Your veterinarian will be able to show you the best way to clean and dry your Frenchies ears with pet approved products. Conjunctivitis Pinkeye and Corneal Ulcers The flat face appearance of the Frenchie makes them more susceptible to conjunctivitis. Also known as pinkeye, conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies, other irritants or a condition known as dry eye. Additionally, the large, prominent eyes of a Frenchie mean their eyes are more prone to scratches and ulcers. Signs to watch out for that can indicate conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers in your Frenchie include: Red or swollen eyes or discharge from the eyes. Pawing at the eyes, blinking or squinting. Ensuring your Frenchies eyes are kept clean and avoiding irritants getting in their eyes such as dust or sand will help prevent these eye conditions. Their short snouts mean the soft palate is too long in length, causing wind pipe obstruction. Another component of BAS is stenotic or narrow nostrils, resulting in a degraded ability to breathe through their nose. Retching, regurgitation and vomiting. Exercise intolerance and intolerance to heat. Maintaining your Frenchie at a healthy weight is one way of minimising the effects of BAS however, surgery is the best of improving a Frenchies quality of life. Surgical correction involves shortening of the soft palate and widening of the nostrils to help increase air flow to the lungs. Heat Stroke Did you know flat faced dogs, including the French Bulldog, are twice as likely to suffer from heat stroke? Their long soft palate and stenotic nares make breathing difficult for these brachycephalics, in turn affecting their ability to cool themselves down. This results in flat faced breeds overheating quickly and suffering from heat stress, potentially culminating in heatstroke. In hot or humid weather, your Frenchie should be kept in a cool or air-conditioned space to avoid them overheating. Signs your Frenchie may be suffering from heat stress or heatstroke includes: Excessive panting. Blue or bright red gums. Vomiting, diarrhoea or convulsions. If your Frenchie starts showing any of the above signs they should be immediately moved to a cooler area and cool not cold water should be run over their body, especially the back of their head and neck. Veterinary assistance should also be sought as soon as possible. This occurs when the knee cap or patella is dislocated from its groove at the front of the stifle knee joint. Signs that your Frenchie may suffer from patella luxation include: Occasional skipping or abnormal hindlimb movement. Sudden or hindlimb lameness. Surgery to deepen the groove the patella sits in is an extremely effective way of treating this condition. If left untreated, patella luxation can lead to osteoarthritis due to repeated damage of the patella to the inside lining of the joint. Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is another genetic condition Frenchies are prone to and results in the ball and socket hip joint not developing properly. This leads to joint deterioration as the hip joint rubs and grinds as opposed to sliding smoothly. Environmental factors such as obesity as well as excessive growth and exercise also contribute to the progression of Hip Dysplasia. Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia include: Bunny hopping, decreased activity or difficulty standing up. Hip pain or sensitivity. Inability to climb stairs. Avoiding over exercising and over eating when your Frenchie is a young pup as well as maintaining a healthy diet and weight will assist in preventing the progression of Hip Dysplasia. Arched or hunched posture, crying out when touched or picked up. Sudden paralysis. Keeping your Frenchie at a healthy weight as well as preventing jumping on and off furniture slows the progression of Intervertebral Disc Disease. If your Frenchie shows signs of paralysis they must be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The selection of an ethical and reputable Frenchie breeder will greatly reduce the risks of your French Bulldog suffering from major health issues; however, the highly desirable flat faced appearance of the Frenchie means not all health problems can be eliminated. Need Veterinary care for your Frenchie? At Southern Cross, we are here to help. Book an appointment to see one of our Vets with an interest in French Bulldogs. The study, published in Canine Medicine and Genetics , looked at a random sample of cases from vets including 2, French bulldogs and 21, dogs of other types. The data showed that the flat-faced Frenchies had "significantly increased" odds of being treated for 20 out of 43 specific disorders compared to the other dogs. The French bulldogs were found to be 42 times more likely to suffer from narrowed nostrils, about 31 times more at risk of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, four times more likely to have ear discharge, and about 10 times more likely to have skin fold dermatitis and difficulty giving birth. The "study suggests that the health of French Bulldogs is very different, and largely much poorer, that the health of the wider non-French Bulldog population," the paper concluded. Plastic surgery for pets The authors of the U. Lead researcher and study author Dan O'Neil, of the Royal Veterinary College, said that while shifting the shape of the popular breed "requires 'buy-in' from a wide range of stakeholders including breeders who make the mating selection decisions, and kennel clubs who publish breed standards.

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. 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. Fullbred pure white German Shepherds 3 males 6 females Will have their first shots and deworming. Best family dogs, loyal protectors! Stunning GSD, champions working and protection dogs for generations; that means tested.No shots provided located in Drayton Valley, will deliver. Puppies are super lovey and are great with kids and other dogs Urgent Husky puppies Edmonton 2 beautiful puppy left male if fluffy one two brown eyes and female is all white with one blue eye one blue hazel they have probably one of the best temperament I've ever seen very playful very happy.FREE delivery anywhere in central and southern Alberta. Text or call .Puppies are vet checked and.We are offering purebred German.Born August 5th and ready for their fur-ever homes September 30th. All our pups go home with.Albert Adorable German Shepherd puppies for sale and ready to go. Mom Nasha -last photo and dad Stanley- second last pic are both beautiful, healthy dogs not registered but we.Great dog and he is loved Our family life got too busy for this pup and he learned how to jump our fence. House broken, knows sit. .Great Guardian, Companion and Service Dogs. King Shepherds are Hybrid bred for use as Family dogs, with a.She is a sweet little pup that is six months old and shows promise in many ways. She listens well, sits, stays, and shakes a paw. She needs indepenendance in order to proceed with her.Well socialized, affectionate and brave. He was raised at first on a farm.We have two 3wk. The mom "Sheba" is a German Shepherd. All pure GSD but not registered Serious dogs for serious owners Dewormed twice, vaccinations, vet health check, socialization ongoing, weaned and eating.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.

Image used with permission by copyright holder Are French Bulldogs easy to train? According to the AKC, French Bulldogs fondly known as Frenchies can be stubborn, but they are people-pleasers at heart, which makes them easy to train. Positive reinforcement is the way to go when it comes to working with this breed. By making a game out of training and rewarding with treats and praise, your Frenchie will be excited to learn. Recommended Videos Sharon Dykes , a board member of the French Bulldog Club of America, describes Frenchies as active, intelligent, alert, and playful dogs. Puppies will be ready to learn as soon as they arrive in your home, Dykes says. Puppies have short attention spans so training sessions should be short. Sessions can be broken into five minutes at a time and spread throughout the day. In addition to training at home, early socialization and puppy training classes will help your Frenchie grow into a well-adjusted adult. If all puppies in the class have had their initial vaccinations and are healthy and parasite-free, the health risks to your dog are low and the potential benefits are enormous, according to Horwitz. How do you discipline a French Bulldog? You should never discipline your dog with punishment. Not only is it cruel, but it will destroy the bond between you and your new puppy. Instead, stick with positive motivation training. This means redirecting your dog away from bad behavior and rewarding her for desired behavior. Ask once and wait for the dog to follow through before rewarding and praising. Everyone in the household should use the same cues and training techniques to avoid confusing your dog. How long does it take to train a French Bulldog puppy? As your puppy progresses in her basic obedience training, you may reach a bump in the road between 6 and 8 months of age. Her hormones will start to kick in at this point and she may try to establish her place within the pack. This is a good time to enroll your dog in more advanced training classes, according to Dykes. By the time your puppy is 1 year old, she should be well on her way to becoming a good canine citizen. Keeping training sessions fun and adding new skills will provide your Frenchie with the mental stimulation she needs to stay happy and healthy. Image used with permission by copyright holder How do you train a stubborn French Bulldog? In an article entitled Living with The French Bulldog, Dykes says that, while Frenchies have big hearts and are generous with their affection, they need an investment of time, love, and commitment on the part of their owners. Consistency is the key to success when working with Frenchies. Pet parents need to create a training schedule and then stick to it. Using high-quality treats that are reserved only for training is a great way to get your stubborn dog excited about learning. On a final note, remember that training is part of being a responsible pet parent. To love your dog is to learn with your dog say experts at the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. Positive reward-based training will bring out the best in your French Bulldog while strengthening the bond between you and your pet. Editors' Recommendations. Be Consistent This is arguably the most important aspect when it comes to properly disciplining your French Bulldog: be consistent! Frenchies are not necessarily known for their intelligence, and creating a simple and consistent discipline regiment will ensure they understand what you are asking of them. A perfect example of a mistake many Frenchie owners make is allowing them to nip while they play as puppies while then trying to train them not to bite or nip! Use Firm Language and Body Language Your dog is looking for a leader, and you can help them understand your alpha status with your voice and body language. Remember, discipline is not punishment, so a firm voice does not mean yelling or shouting, but instead a low and firm tone will do the trick. They can sense your change in attitude and tone of voice more than you know! Making your voice louder does not make your commandment clearer, in fact, it may scare your dog and make them feel threatened and they are less likely to hear the instruction. Be Present at the Time of Bad Behavior To help your Frenchie understand what they have done wrong, you really have to catch them in the act. They have a fairly short attention span, so if you return home after work and they have gone through the trash, disciplining them will essentially fall to deaf, albeit cute, ears as they have most likely already forgotten that they did this naughty deed. One of the most popular positive reinforcements is giving your dog a small treat when they do something right. For example, if you are potty training, and you take your Frenchie outside to urinate, if they choose the right spot, reward them with a treat! If you are trying to keep your Frenchie off the bed, give them a treat if they go straight to lying on the floor at bedtime. You can also use a kind voice, extravagant petting, and even smiling at your pup when they behave well to show them you are proud of their actions! Take Breaks While Disciplining Excessive disciplining is not known to work well with any dog. They will learn that if they want to keep playing with you, they will have to tone it down. Use Distraction Methods Often your dog will be so excited with their current actions that the basic means of discipline will not do the trick. In this case, you can use the distraction method. Grab a ball or something else that is appropriate to chase and divert their attention away from the soon-to-be prey! Final Thoughts French Bulldogs are a wonderful breed! They are well known in the canine community for their cute features, amiable disposition, and their willingness to learn and obey! Hopefully, you now know that there are several proven tactics you can use to successfully discipline a French Bulldog and can start being the alpha they need! However, in order to have a well-behaved Frenchie, you need to play your part as the disciplinarian so they understand what you want from them! Remember, stay in control of the situation, do not punish, but instead be informative and clear about your expectations and your French Bulldog will get the message loud and clear! Consider this your guide to understanding and correcting French Bulldog behavior problems. Do French Bulldogs have behavior problems? French Bulldogs can make wonderful companions. Health problems. French Bulldogs can be vulnerable to many health conditions, including cataracts, hip dysplasia, and gastroenteritis. Some bad behaviors might be symptoms or side effects of whatever is ailing them. Dogs can be remarkably similar to toddlers. Is yours getting enough physical and mental stimulation to keep them from getting into trouble? Bad habits. Your pup might just need some discipline. They might do it just because they know that they can get away with it! Different problems will have different solutions. What are the most common French Bulldog behavior problems? Destructive Biting and Chewing Most dogs will gleefully tear into a toilet paper roll at least once in their life. It could also have a physical cause like pain from teething or an undiagnosed injury. Bad Leash Discipline As active, playful dogs, most Frenchies love a good walk. This can become a problem when they pull on the leash or lunge at bunnies and interesting-looking joggers. If your dog is older, however, or if they start making messes around the house for no apparent reason, the problem could be physical, mental, or emotional. Excessive Barking Howls are cute from tiny little pups. How do you stop French Bulldog behavior problems? Every dog is different, and the training techniques of one pet owner might not work for another. Identify the cause Are they bored? Are they stressed? Make a plan of action Maybe you can buy more chew toys for a teething puppy. Stick to your guns Training your French Bulldog will require time and patience. You just have to be consistent. You may like to try out an online training course, like Pupford Academy. Wrapping up Are you ready to fix the behavioral problems of your French Bulldog? You just have to draw it out! Pin1 1 Shares Dogs learn from their owners, and none more so than Frenchies. Our dog Claude is a great example and he really does mirror me in so many ways. With good training and discipline, you can sculpt the personality of your French Bulldog. But the key here is to not confuse discipline with physical punishment or loud yelling. Dogs get scared when you shout. How do you discipline a French Bulldog puppy without punishment? So many new dog owners will struggle with their French Bulldog, but if you persevere, stay consistent, and use corrective discipline you can soon iron out any unwanted behavior. Before I get into the tips you can use to discipline your French Bulldog without using physical punishment, here are the rules of engagement: Always use positive reinforcement when they do something good. Always discipline them at the time of the issue so they understand. French Bulldog discipline tips The following tactics are all ones that I used with our Frenchie and have never had to resort to any physical methods of punishment. This was probably the biggest training mistake I ever made with Claude — when he was around 10 weeks old, I would play fight with him in our garden, encouraging him to nip at my hands. I should never have started this game though… By the time he was 4 months old, those teeth were sharper, and he still wanted to play the nipping game. I had re-train him to stop biting , which probably confused him at the time. With any French Bulldog discipline, you need to be consistent. By doing so you will get quick results, and the result you want. However, if you do catch them doing something wrong, you can discipline your French Bulldog there and then with some firm words and body language — which I explain in the next point. Use firm body language and tone of voice Dogs understand change in voice and tone, and even your chosen body language at the time of punishment. Loud voices and pain will be interpreted as a threat, rather than something relating to their behavior. Use positive reinforcement After you have disciplined your Frenchie and you get the required result, you should always reward their good behavior. French Bulldogs brains will become trained with rewards. If you are teaching them how to recall and come back to you , give them a treat each time they get it right. By withholding a treat, you can punish them for getting it wrong. Take breaks and give them a timeout One of the ways we taught Claude not to bite was without time outs and verbal clues. He soon learned that if he bites us when playing then the playing would stop for probably what seems like hours to him — timeouts are a fantastic way to discipline Frenchie puppies because they just want to have constant fun with you. Handy Hint: Find out what games we play with our Frenchie for ideas, plus a list of the best toys you can buy to keep them mentally stimulated. Try using a squirt bottle or water pistol This is not something I have ever tried, and in truth, knowing my Frenchie, he would probably think it was a game as you can see in the YouTube video below. The video is from our French Bulldog Owner Youtube channel subscribe here. However, some owners swear by this punishment and disciplinary method. This was a method I would use in public with Claude, as often it was the only way to get him to stop being bad as a young puppy. For example, I was out on off-leash walk with him, and some little kids where playing ball. Claude ran over, got their ball and would not give it back, and even starting to jump up at the kids… he was only 5 months old at the time, so still very much an adolescent in the training phase. The best way I could get him to stop was to call his name, get his attention, then pretend to run off myself. I made myself look far more exciting than the kids, meaning he then dropped the ball and ran after me, thinking he had a better deal. Never shout at your Frenchie. Never hit or hurt your Frenchie. Never drag or jerk your Frenchie on their leash. Never chase after your Frenchie. Never use electric shock collars with your Frenchie legal in the US still. Your dog could even start pooping or urinating in the house. If your Frenchie does start urinating indoors, here are some tips on how you can stop it. Conclusion There are some owners who say that if you only mark the dog behaviors you want with positive reinforcement, then there might not actually be any need for discipline. That makes it hard for them to change the bad behavior, instead becoming fearful when shouting and hitting is used. Why Discipline your French Bulldog? Therefore, disciplining a Frenchie is a crucial thing to improve the personality and behavior of the dog. Whatever you teach them, they learn quickly compared to the adult ones. So, as a new Frenchie owner, it will be a bit challenging for you to discipline them. You just have to follow them keeping the safety of your dog in mind. But, there is a particular way to punish them. There is a particular way to discipline your Puppy French Bulldog in this situation. So ensure you follow that method instead of doing it on your own. The French bulldogs are the smartest dogs in the world. They also understand anything you do in front of them. Even when there is a change in your voice or expression, they quickly figure it out. This is the right way to discipline your dog when they do something offensive, instead of beating or assaulting them. The Environment is a thing that we get influenced by a lot. When we live in a toxic environment then we tend to become the same. The same are dogs; when you behave rudely with them or shout at them at tiny things, they tend to become sad and rude, just like you. Provide them with their favorite food, a comfortable couch, a well-settled room, and anything that can make their life comfortable. The French Bulldogs love rewards; nothing can be happier for them than getting rewards from their loved ones. How do you do it? And then go out of the room, leaving it alone there. But, try to apply the above-mentioned tips whenever you can and be consistent at training them. When you do any of these things, it will bring a lot of adverse changes in the behavior of your French Bulldogs. Apply all of the tips carefully and do the things that can harm your Bulldog. Be consistent at disciplining the to get better results. Your answers will highly be appreciated. Dino Man Dino is a passionate French Bulldog lover and owner who has dedicated himself to learning everything there is to know about these charming and charismatic canines. By consistently enforcing rules and boundaries, your Frenchie will learn what is expected of them and what is not allowed. This helps to establish clear communication between you and your dog, which is crucial for effective discipline. Imagine that you want to teach your French Bulldog not to jump on the couch. Therefore, if you want to maintain consistent discipline, you must enforce the same rules every time. This will reinforce the behavior you want to see and help your Frenchie understand what is expected of him. Redirect Unwanted Behavior French Bulldogs are notorious for being heavy chewers, and chewing is a natural behavior for a puppy. Having a variety of appropriate, and puppy-safe, chew toys will help satisfy this natural urge. On the other hand, if your puppy does not have access to appropriate chew toys, they may direct this behavior to your favorite pair of shoes, furniture, or even walls. Filling interactive toys like Kongs with peanut butter is a great way to keep your puppy engaged. Plastic teething bones and soft stuffed animals are often not enough to satisfy puppy chewing. For example, if your puppy is chewing on a shoe, take the shoe away and give the puppy a toy or bone. Chew on this, not that. You want your puppy to understand that they can chew on this the toy or bone and not that AKA your shoe! You can learn more about how to puppy-proof your house to safeguard your furniture. Discipline Them at the Time of the Offense Catching your puppy in the act is key to correctly disciplining your puppy. Staying with our shoe example, if you leave your puppy unattended and return to find your favorite pair of shoes destroyed, disciplining your puppy after the fact will be ineffective. Puppies have short attention spans. Your puppy will not associate discipline with his act of destroying the shoes. Disciplining in this situation will only create confusion. When your puppy does something right, like going potty in the yard instead of on the floor or sitting nicely in the kitchen instead of begging for food, get ready to give him lots of praise! Toys, verbal praise, treats, and physical attention like pets or ear scratches are all good tools for positive reinforcement. Some dogs are more food-driven and will respond better to treats than praise, and vice versa. Find out what your puppy responds best to, and use that when engaging in positive reinforcement techniques. It can be difficult to get a stubborn Frenchie to stop bad behaviors, especially when traditional methods of discipline fail. Instead of scolding him or trying to force him back to the game, I grabbed a treat and offered it to him. This caught his attention and encouraged him to come back to me and the game. With consistent use, distractions can help your French Bulldog develop good habits and break bad ones. Never Use Physical Punishment Physical punishments should never be used with a puppy. Because your puppy lacks training at this young age, it will not know how to associate physical punishment with misbehaving. In fact, physically punishing your puppy may lead to fear and even aggression. If your puppy comes to fear you, they may become defensive in your presence, which will lead to further negative behavior. The last thing you want to do is create an environment of fear for your new dog. If your dog fears you, not only will future training be more difficult, you may never have a healthy, happy relationship with your dog. Doing so will only make your puppy nervous and anxious around you. Puppies cannot hold their bladders as long as adult dogs. If your puppy has an accident, ask yourself: Have I established a potty routine for my puppy? Is he getting outside frequently enough? Has a trusted veterinarian ruled out medical conditions? Frequent urination or defecation inside may be linked to an undiagnosed UTI or parasite. Our natural reaction is to give the dog attention when it paws or jumps up. But rewarding undesirable behavior with attention will only encourage your dog to engage in these behaviors more. Some owners or their friends may even think this behavior is cute. Rather than give in to this behavior, when your puppy jumps on you or starts barking for attention, walk away. Removing yourself from these attention-seeking situations will let your puppy know that these behaviors will not result in pets or attention. Once your puppy understands this, they will stop this behavior. A dog who feels the need for attention may then intentionally do something they know will cause their owner to give them this attention. Establish a routine and stick to it. For the best training results, always train in short time segments — five to ten minutes, at the most. French Bulldog puppies have short attention spans and will respond best to learning new things when they do so in short, repetitive intervals.

We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Lab puppies are incredibly cute, but their teeth really hurt when they are puncturing your skin every time you try to play. No one likes to be bitten, so how can you get a lab puppy to stop biting? The best way to stop a Lab puppy from biting is through a combination of proper exercise, training, redirection, and the use of positive affirmation. Most owners attempt at least one of these methods, but it is the combination and use of all of them that will effectively curb unwanted biting. Keep in mind that before you can stop it effectively, you should know why Labrador puppies bite so much. Additionally, know when they tend to naturally stop biting. Only then can you effectively begin to work on preventing them from biting. Lab puppies use their mouths to explore their environment and gather important information. When puppies are growing their adult teeth, they will often chew to soothe the ache along their gums. Labs may also bite to play or out of fear and aggression. Biting for Sensory Information When a puppy bites something, they learn how hard they can bite it, what it tastes like, how it feels, and if they can bite it again. All of this information is stored in a mental catalog your dog looks back on when encountering a similar object. This learning process is very important for puppies to become well-socialized dogs. When a puppy bites another puppy too hard they will lose their playmate. Biting too hard can have negative repercussions! Biting for sensory information is a totally normal behavior for puppies and even adult dogs. Since they don't have hands to explore with, their mouths are the only option. However, if you don't want your dog's mouth on you or your belongings, there are ways to stop this biting but we'll get to that later! Biting for Teething As your Lab matures, their mouths will start to change. Once their adult teeth begin to push up through their gums, the teeth they were born with begin to fall out one by one. It is the same process humans go through when their baby teeth come in and are later replaced with adult teeth. Just like with humans, this process is somewhat painful and incredibly uncomfortable. To help quicken the process, puppies will chew on things to wear down the gum between the new tooth and their mouth. This practice is also very soothing for puppies, especially if they chew on something cold. Biting for Play vs Biting for Aggression In the wild, dogs and wolves play by wrestling around and biting one another. Since your dog sees you as a member of its pack, they will try to play with you in a similar way. Of course, this biting still isn't ideal, but it's important to know the difference between play and real aggression. When a dog bites out of aggression, it is because they are scared, or you are asking them to do something they really don't want to do. Biting out of aggression is important to watch and fix at a young age so you don't end up with an aggressive dog. The most significant indicator of aggressive biting is body language. When a puppy is being playful, their body and facial muscles are relaxed. When a puppy is biting out of aggression, their body will be stiff or frozen, their face will have a lot of tension in it, and their lips may be pulled back in a snarl or growl. If you are seeing a lot of aggression in your puppy, you should contact your Veterinarian to make sure they are not in pain. When a dog suddenly becomes aggressive, they may have an unseen condition that is causing them to lash out. If you get a clear bill of health, you should seek the help of a professional trainer to help you. As we said earlier, as your Labrador matures, they will start to develop adult teeth. This change usually occurs around 12 to 16 weeks of age; the process will reach its end at about 7 months. Therefore, if your Lab is biting to soothe its gums, then the biting should end around the same time their teeth have fully grown in. If your puppy is biting for sensory information and play, it will lessen as your Lab matures and begins to slow down. While there is no magic number that says when your Lab will calm down , it usually happens between the ages of 2 and 4. First, don't hit your puppy as punishment. They aren't doing anything wrong in their mind because biting is natural. You also can't decide when it is and isn't okay to bite. Doing so can cause great confusion. When trying to prevent your Lab from biting, a few tips can help you. Exercise, training, redirecting, and positive affirmations are your secret weapons against those adorable, tiny, sharp teeth. Exercise Exercising your Lab daily will cause them to be too exhausted to do anything but sleep, let alone bite you. You can exercise your Lab by playing fetch, going on walks, or using enrichment toys. Training First, I recommend formal fundamental training before attempting anything specialized. Training your Lab not to bite sounds complicated, but it can be as easy as slapping some butter and seasoning on. If your Lab is biting YOU, put some butter on your arms and clothes wear they like to bite you. Show the butter to your Lab, and when they lick at it, say "yes, kisses, yes. This associates the word "kisses" with the act of licking and the yummy taste your dog gets. The next time your Lab tries to bite you, say "kisses," they should start to lick you instead as they try for the yummy taste. If your Lab is biting furniture or shoes, there is another approach. Grab a spicy seasoning, like paprika or taco seasoning, and sprinkle it on the places your Lab chews. Then, the next time they go to chew it, they will get a nasty taste in their mouth and leave the thing alone! Redirecting Redirecting your dog to things they are allowed to chew on when playing is another way to avoid being bitten. Have some good chew toys handy whenever you are playing with your Lab. When your Lab starts to bite you, show them a chew toy and try directing the bite towards it. After a while, your puppy should go after its toys instead of you. This type of training takes time , but is proven to be very effective. Positive Affirmation When your dog does what you want, whether it's licking or going for a proper toy, make sure you give them lots of praise. Tell them how good they are and even provide them with a treat or two! Final Thoughts Biting is a natural part of a Lab's life, but it is crucial to decipher playful nips and aggressive ones. Playful body language is loose and relaxed Aggressive body language is stiff and snarling If you are seeing a lot of aggressive body language in your Lab, make sure they are healthy and contact a trainer A Lab will probably stop biting after they stop teething If your Lab doesn't stop biting after teething, they should stop upon reaching maturity between 2 and 4 years of age Exercise, training, redirecting, and positive affirmation are the best ways to stop biting NEVER hit your dog to stop biting. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You turn your attention back to your computer screen and suddenly feel little teeth grabbing at your sock! You look down. Your once-angelic puppy is now having a full on game of tug-of-war with your pant leg! This cute baby is now more like a furry little monster. You get up and try to walk away, but the fur alligator is still attached, munching away at your trousers and having the best time! If this sounds like your life, read on to learn how to stop a puppy from biting. Why Do Puppies Bite? Believe it or not, this scenario is actually very common! Biting is one of the most natural things in the world to a young pup; and they do it for many reasons. You would be left with your feet and mouth to interact, taste and feel your environment. Now, what if you had puppy paws — incapable of grasping anything? That leaves you with one final way to interact — your mouth. For good measure, add in the incredible curiosity of a child. How many times do you see a baby grab things with their hands and pop them into the mouth? Puppies have that same mindset. Your mouth strength and play bite helped you communicate and determine your rank in society. Your mouthy mojo gave you respect in canine culture. Puppies interact with their surroundings largely through their mouths. Labradors, like most sporting breeds, have the drive to chase after prey, put it in their mouths, and bring it back to you. This translates into a strong need to chew. They will try this same tactic with their human pack members. If ignored, one bite on the toe is often enough to get the focus back on them. Remember, to a puppy even negative attention is still attention. Terrible Teething When you add teething into the mix, you have the recipe for a furry gator. Most pups will have an increased need to chew while teething , which can begin at 6 weeks and last to 8 months of age. Unlike teething, there is no magical age that puppies grow out of a learned mouthing behavior. Thankfully, with positive training, most dogs eventually lose interest in chewing on their owners. Types of Biting: Aggression or Play? Puppies use their teeth in many ways. However, this is actually just very intense play. Play biting can be accompanied with growling and snarling. This is just part of the fun to a young pup. Instead, we will look into how we can prevent playful mouthing. However, it is important to recognize the signs of aggression. Pay attention to the timing of the biting as well. If so, the motive behind the bite may be more aggressive. Could it be Resource Guarding? Some dogs also aggressively bite when they are guarding a toy or food item, commonly called resource guarding. With resource guarding, you will see the same behavior as aggressive biting, but they will also stand over an object and defend it from any perceived threat. If you think your puppy is behaving aggressively, seek professional help to learn how to actively manage this issue. In contrast to this, playing puppies will be relaxed and have a wiggly body. They will be bouncy, easily roll onto their backs and often be panting with open mouths. Even if they are growling, a relaxed face and body mean a happy puppy. What Can Trigger Biting? Do you really want your pound Labrador to target your hands as a toy later? Children Little kids tend to excite puppies more than adults. Children move erratically, run around, make strange sounds and have a lot more energy. Puppies can easily associate them with toys. Ankle Biters Puppies target fast moving objects that excite their prey drive. Your feet moving by at their eye level can be irresistible. After all, what self-respecting puppy would snub shoes with those floppy laces that are perfect for playing tug? How do we do this? Redirection with Hands When training your puppy, always have a toy to offer. Remember, puppies are like babies. Your job is to redirect them to fun toys instead of human skin. You must do everything possible to make toys extremely attractive so the puppy chooses them over your clothing, hands or feet. Redirection with Kids You can also use redirection around children. First, teach your puppy to use interactive toys and then show your child how to play with the puppy correctly. In the event that your dog forgets, teach your kids to be a tree when their puppy begins to bite them or their clothes. This position makes them less interactive to the puppy. They look boring and the puppy will lose interest. Most bites occur because the child is running or moving erratically. Remember, dogs have the same prey triggers as wolves. If something is running away, it looks like prey. Your job, therefore, is to have an even more amazing toy than your feet. You can take a toy, tie it to a rope, and then tie the rope to your belt so that you are dragging the toy whenever your pup is out. If your puppy is coming for your feet, stop moving them and wave the toy around excitedly instead. Once the pup is attached to the toy, you can start walking again. This way, they will pounce on the toy instead of you! Bite inhibition simply means that the puppy learns not to apply too much force behind their teeth. They apply gentle, but firm, pressure to their greeting. Puppies also learn to limit this pressure with their mouths by feedback from pack members. When puppies are little, they learn bite inhibition through play with their siblings. If two pups are tussling, and one bites down too hard, the other puppy yelps loudly. This startling sound usually causes the offending party to let go. The play stops for a few minutes, as the first pup nurses his wounded ego. Play then resumes, but with less brutality. Instead, let the puppy release your hand and then simply get up and and move away from your pup while ignoring them. Your job is to teach them when they bite down on you, the fun stops. Ignore them for about a minute, then return and resume the play and praise them when they focus on the toy. If they bite you too hard again, repeat this process. You can either step over a puppy barrier or go into another room and shut the door. Just make sure they are in a puppy-proof area, as they may take out their frustration on inappropriate household items. You can also keep the puppy on a leash while playing with them. If they bite you, you can calmly tether them to something and then walk out of their reach. Your goal is to correct the puppy only by taking away your fun presence. You should not be threatening or angry. Give them the appropriate time out from the fun interaction to settle down, and then come back with a toy to redirect their energy. Once they understand they have to be gentle, you can then start to ask more of them by ending the game with lighter and lighter pressure on your skin. Finally, you can take the game to the highest standard — no teeth on human skin at all. If you slowly progress to this over weeks, you teach your pup to have a soft mouth. If they do feel the need to put their teeth on a human, they know not to put much pressure into their bite. You need to teach your puppy that human skin is fragile and requires a softer touch than a canine interaction. Your goal for this exercise should be to help your puppy understand that the play and fun things continue as long as they keep their teeth on their toy and not on you! More Ways to Stop Your Puppy Biting While the yelp and time-out method works for most pups, there are additional ways to reinforce good behavior. When your puppy bites your hand, they get a terrible taste. You can use anti-chewing sprays like Bitter Apple to make your hands less appealing. When your puppy bites you, be still and wait for them to react to the bitter taste. When they let go, praise them and redirect them onto a treat or toy. You want the crate to always be associated with only good things. Crates also should be in the middle of the household, with the rest of the pack — not isolated. This is the same way other canine pack members would isolate them. A laundry room or puppy pen works well for this exercise. Make sure the room is comfortable and safe for your puppy. When the puppy is too stimulated, calmly put him in the room with some teething toys and leave. Teaching them interactive games like fetch or bringing you a toy to tug helps show them that they can have even more fun when they play by your rules. Positive play helps develop a bond with your dog. You never want to avoid it, you just want to show them how to play without biting you. Teaching puppies to retrieve objects helps to tire them out, gives them something positive to chase, and focuses their bite on an appropriate item. Plus, most Labradors are pretty good at retrieving! Remember, anytime we ask a puppy to stop a behavior, it should be because they are rewarded in an even more exciting and positive way for doing something else and things our way. The following video shows how. Video: How to Stop a Puppy from Biting This video shows how to use clicker training to stimulate a puppy in situations where they normally would bite; and then reward them when they choose a closed mouth and calm interaction. Dominant Puppies Dogs are individuals. However, as puppies mature, there may be the rare pup that uses biting as a way to take charge. Dominant puppies may bite to show you that they want to be the boss as they mature. This happens naturally among littermates, as all packs have a pecking order. This reinforces to them that you are backing down and that they are the leader in the relationship. Always remain calm and assertive with your puppy, but end the game as soon as they begin vying for leadership instead of playing. Remember, the alternative to not training your dog is a large animal putting his mouth on people. Be patient with your puppy. Remember, mouthing and biting are normal parts of canine culture. If you stay patiently positive, train consistently, and redirect and reward good behavior, you will soon see a puppy that learns to bring you a tug toy instead of shredding your trousers. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative to 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. This awful biting time with puppies seems like it will go on for ever, but actually it only lasts a few weeks - mostly by the time the new teeth have come through, at about four to five months, the biting stops, and soon you will find you have a dog with a gentle mouth. You may not realize it, but your puppy is already being careful to some extent - if you have ever fed a puppy a raw chicken wing, for instance, you will know that he would be completely capable of biting right through your fingers, if he really wanted to. He is already pulling his punches, and now just needs your help to learn that human skin is more delicate than the thick fur of his mother and siblings. Your puppy sounds like he gets wound up and overtired the mad running around the house. This is the time a crate or quiet area can work wonders. Stay calm, keep giving him toys and chews to chomp on instead of your hands, refuse to interact with him when he bites you - even a second or two of no attention will help him to realize you really don't like it. Grabbing his cheeks and pulling him obviously doesn't work, he probably thinks it's some kind of game, and the attention you are inadvertently bestowing on him in that way seems to be making the situation worse.It will help if you teach him what you DO want, which is calm, gentle behaviour. Don't forget to praise him quietly and calmly when he is being good and quiet. I found holding one end of a chew such as a bully stick , so that we were interacting without him actually hurting me, helped. I also found that working out a routine was very helpful, so that we would go outside to play, then he would have his food, go out again to pee, then I would put him in his bed in the crate or behind a gate for a rest. Don't panic, this is very normal puppy behaviour, and I guarantee it will pass. You will get there. In a couple of months you'll be telling us what a delight he is.But as your kids approach the puppy, he starts biting and nipping them, causing a few surprised cries. The AKC says Labradors are an affectionate breed, treating adults, children, and other animals like family without causing any trouble. Labradors are easy to train and receptive to learning new commands since their main goal is to please their families. Do All Labrador Puppies Bite? As your new puppy settles into their new home, they are many stimulants, and he needs time to get to know your family, its new surroundings, and that not all slippers are a toy. Just as when people move to a new house, city, or country, your new Labrador puppy is exploring the world. This process will take a few weeks, so be patient. But what happens when he suddenly starts biting you and your kids? Every family that gets lab puppies faces this challenge. Although your puppy is only a few pounds, Labrador puppy biting is still painful. Many owners worry that the behavior will continue into adulthood, especially when biting becomes an ongoing issue. The good news is that there is usually a short time frame that you have to experience this. So in reality, Labrador puppy biting is primarily instinctual. Reason 1: Teething Puppies Sometimes, a Lab puppy biting is simply due to teething. Teething is uncomfortable, so your pup likely just wants to relieve that discomfort in any way possible. If that means biting a chew toy or your fingers, then so be it. Once your Lab puppy has its teeth, it might stop biting and nipping. You can help ease his comfort by offering him teething toys for puppies, like frozen chew toys. Reason 2: Excitement Biting Behavior Your new Lab puppy could get excited by just about anything: Your kids squealing, shouting, or crying, and adults shouting or being angry can set off your Lab puppy biting with its sharp teeth. The solution: Deter your puppy from biting you by redirecting him to what he can bite, like a toy. Reason 3: Biting for Attention Most Labrador puppies are receptive to conditioning and positive reinforcement. Dog lovers know that dogs crave attention from their families, but Lab puppies are extreme attention seekers. They love any form of contact with their families, whether playing, petting, or even just eye contact. So if your pup gets these responses from you while biting, he will interpret them as attention. The solution: Stop giving your puppy the attention he wants when he bites so he learns not to associate the two. When puppies are with their mom and siblings, the mom teaches them how hard they can bite each other without it being too painful through play fighting. Your Lab puppy learns how to calibrate strength based on his own family experience. Do Labrador Puppies Bite Children? One major adjustment is the play-biting: A small Lab puppy has a powerful bite and can cause pain, especially to such sensitive skin. The downside is that Lab puppies are more likely to bite children and teenagers than adults. It all comes down to learning how to interact with the puppy. Children and teenagers are inherently more confusing for a Lab puppy. The great news is that you can stop your Lab puppy from biting your kids through consistent training, but the training should be on both sides. Your kids also need to learn how to play and interact with the puppy, understanding its boundaries and playing just enough to keep them from overexciting. You plan to throw a chew toy into the yard for him to chase — but before you can throw it, he suddenly starts nipping and tugging at your hands while making odd puppy sounds that sound dangerously close to snarling. You might also be worried that you have a puppy displaying aggressive biting behavior. Most of the time, they mean no harm and just need a little training to control it! Without the proper guidance and education, many of these methods might be wrong: Instead of discouraging your puppy from biting, you could unintentionally reinforce it. Puppy Biting Tip 1: Discourage Play Biting Whatever stage of puppy development your adorable pup is in, he will always crave attention. If you encourage and reward play biting, he will associate it with attention, praise, and treats, causing him to do it more. So if your puppy has entered its biting phase and is displaying rough or aggressive behavior, stop yourself from giving any reaction. Simply follow rigid training steps, and it will eventually stop. Although that might be very hard to do because a Lab puppy is so adorable, you will thank yourself in the future for doing this. In fact, it might even make things worse. When you punish your Labrador, he might learn to fear you. This can worsen the biting and lead to your puppy developing more aggressive behavior as an adult. Some people also do a light swat on their puppies when they misbehave. When your pup starts biting, remain calm and follow positive training methods rather than negative ones. This is especially true when it comes to a nipping Labrador puppy. While a biting puppy is normal puppy behavior, without proper training and techniques, your Labrador might bite well into adulthood. Step 1: Teach Small Children Boundaries The first step in your training routine should be teaching your kids how to interact with the puppy. But if they start barking and biting out of excitement, you must stop playing with them immediately. Instead, pick up the toy and step away. Bite inhibition is when you teach your puppy how much is too much. After that time-out, you can return to the room and resume whatever activity you were doing. As your puppy learns to bite with less intensity, you can start training it not to put your hand in its mouth. This training takes time, so be patient, and you will see a positive result. Step 4: Reinforce with Additional Training You can also use other training techniques to reinforce positive behavior. Move your hand closer to the puppy and follow the same technique. If the puppy bites you, walk away from it. As you train the puppy to tolerate your hand getting closer to it without biting, you can finally keep your puppy calm and play safely without causing overstimulated biting. Puppies and dogs might go back to their bad habits if you change how you interact with them, so being consistent is crucial. Remember that children tend to take more time to learn training steps, so always reinforce the boundaries and supervise them during playtime in the early training days. Be patient and give your puppy time to learn. Seek help from professional trainers. Professional dog trainers are experienced in redirection, toy-play, and bite inhibition training to give you helpful tips and tricks. Take your puppy to puppy school. There are hundreds of puppy schools and programs that teach puppies good manners. Remember to never punish your puppy for biting. Invest in some good toys, such as different chew toys or Kong toys, so you always have something to redirect him towards. Conclusion Whether teething, scared or just excited, most Labrador Retriever puppies bite for various reasons. Unfortunately, those sharp little puppy teeth can hurt — so if you notice some unwanted biting from your Lab puppy, you should immediately start training him into different behavior. Learn more about what we do and check out our available Labrador puppies today! Share on. Print How to stop your puppy from biting your hands and feet — fast! Have you ever watched a litter of retriever puppies play with each other? They are all mouths and feet as they growl, bite and paw at each other. Over time, if left to it, each pup will naturally figure out their place in the pack. However, when you bring your Lab puppy home there are no longer littermates with whom to tussle. And the result is often that your Lab puppy will start biting and growling at you! The problem is that puppy teeth are sharp. Very sharp! And when your puppy bites you, even if they are playing, it hurts. So, what can you do to stop this behavior before it gets out of hand and you find yourself or someone in your family injured by your puppy? Before I go any further, I want to be clear about what we are talking about. You should seek professional help and evaluation. Why puppies bite and growl Puppy play is a kind of training for a dog as they grow and mature. It is also a way that dogs determine rank within a group. Remember, dogs are pack animals. In a pack there is only one Alpha lead dog. Every other dog is under the authority and control of that dog. No two dogs share the same rank. So, while biting and growling starts as play, it does not stay that way. All dogs, whether in a group of dogs or a human family, want to understand their place in the family. They need to know their place. It helps they be more mentally balanced and will help solve a multitude of behavioral problems. Once a puppy or dog understands where they rank in the pack, they often assume that place, at least for a while. Remember, they are dogs. They are not robots so occasionally they may challenge their position, but if the boundary remains clear, the challenge is short lived. Biting, nipping and playful growling at a human can become a challenge of dominance. If your puppy is young, you can quickly and easily end this behavior by establishing boundaries and consistently enforcing these boundaries each and every time your puppy shows this type of behavior. If you have let this behavior go on for a while, you may be in for quite a fight to take back your authority. Biting is not the same as chewing A puppy biting your hand or feet is not the same as a puppy chewing on a shoe, toy or other item. All puppies have a need to chew. As their puppy teeth grow and their adult teeth come in, it is common for dogs to chew on things to relieve the pain and help the new teeth to come in. This should not be discouraged, but rather encouraged on an appropriate item like a chew toy, nylabone or rawhide. And if this works, this is an appropriate solution. Instead, it is likely an issue of dominance. How to stop puppy from biting you Biting is just one puppy dominance behavior. There are many others such as jumping on you, putting a paw on your feet, and lifting and placing paws on your arms or legs. The behaviors I have listed are often gateway behaviors that escalate into more aggressive or troublesome behaviors like stealing food off your plate or the counter, pushing you out of the way when going through doors and pulling you around on a lead. Start by establishing firm boundaries The first step to stopping your puppy from biting or mouthing you is to set up firm boundaries for your puppy. You can set these up for not only biting but for all dominance behaviors. So, what is a boundary? Well, here are some examples. Some people we have worked with are okay with their puppy mouthing their hand as long as there is no tooth pressure. If you feel the same way, then make that a boundary. But if there is any tooth pressure, a swift and consistent correction will follow. This boundary is stronger and does not give the dog any room for confusion. In fact, they often will understand what your boundaries are but will test that standard against everyone else in the family. Each person needs to set and enforce boundaries. React with firm consistent corrections After you establish the boundary, you now need to react every time your puppy or dog crosses that boundary. Each and every time! There can be no room for confusion. Your corrections must be swift and consistent. Not all dogs react to the same level of pressure. For some dogs, this squeeze and strong words will be all it takes to stop the behavior. Especially if you are consistent in your correction. But some dogs have a stronger or more challenging personality. This will give your puppy a taste of his own medicine since his puppy teeth are sharp and will pinch into his lips or flews. You must be consistent. How long will it take to stop my puppy from biting me? If you are firm and consistent, the behavior should stop for the most part in a day or two. Some dogs require more pressure, some less. Your puppy should feel some discomfort. That is okay. The point is to show your puppy that biting hurts and that it is not an acceptable behavior. When nothing seems to work If you puppy is a bit older and has been getting away with biting and mouthing you for a while, you may struggle to end this behavior. Often the problem is a strong dominance issue that needs to be addressed. If your puppy continues to snap or bite at you even after a correction, you likely need to exert some dominance over your puppy. This is similar to what a mommy dog does to a puppy that is not behaving. Humans can do the same thing to show dominance over a rebellious puppy. I know, it sound a bit ridiculous but it really does work. Instead, remain calm and patient. Stay in control. Reacting with emotion can lead to strong reactions or punishment that you will later regret. The point is to show your dog that you are the Alpha in the relationship, and you can and will determine what behavior is acceptable. Biting is not love As a professional dog trainer, I am always surprised at what some of clients consider appropriate behavior. Some owners feel that setting boundaries and enforcing those boundaries means that you do not love your dog. That you need to accept all dog behaviors otherwise you do not love your dog. This is a false and faulty mindset. We have seen clients who have been injured by their dog multiple times and they still refuse to take steps to end the behavior. That is not love. What if the next person that dog bites is a child? Would you be able to live with that? A dog that is allowed to continue harming humans is only one bite away from having to be put down. It may sound harsh, but it is the sad truth. Some people may argue that the dog is unable to understand what they are doing is wrong. This is not based on reality. Dogs are very smart. They can learn to do amazing things and become incredible hunting partners and family companions. But they rarely achieve this potential without an owner who cares enough to set boundaries and enforce them. Final thoughts on how to stop my puppy biting me all the time You can stop your puppy from biting you and others if you are willing to take the steps necessary to make your dog understand that biting is not an acceptable behavior. A firm consistent correction each and every time your puppy bites will quickly teach your puppy to stop biting. These corrections will not harm your relationship with your puppy, but will, in fact, enhance it. Your puppy will quickly learn where the boundaries are and how to operate within those boundaries. We see it time and again, once a puppy is taught that there are boundaries, they quickly adjust and become wonderful loving and obedient family members. Help, my Lab puppy keeps biting me! Calm puppy behavior. Conflicting advice on how to stop your pup biting Many articles will tell you to ignore a puppy when he bites and to offer him a toy instead. Some people will tell you to punish your biting puppy. Others will tell you that you must not stop your puppy biting too suddenly, or punish him for biting, for fear of drastic consequences later. So who is right, and who is wrong? Does ignoring stop your puppy biting? Many new puppy owners try to ignore the biting puppy initially. This failure tends to be for one or more of the following reasons. Does noise stop puppy biting? There is no doubt that a sufficiently loud squeal, followed by immediate withdrawal of attention, will cause many Labrador puppies to break off from biting. Sometimes long enough for a skilled owner to then redirect the puppy into a more appropriate activity. There is also no doubt that for some puppies, this has the reverse effect, and causes them to bite harder and more fiercely. A puppy that has spent sufficient time with his Mum, may be more likely to take heed of this verbal warning, as he will expect it to be followed by a sharp click of her teeth and a fiercer rebuke if he ignores her. But there are no guarantees here. And the fact is, squealing simply does not work as an effective anti-biting strategy, for some puppies. Punishing the puppy to stop biting I have heard, even quite experienced, breeders tell new puppy owners to punish their puppy if he bites. Either by intimidating the puppy with an angry growling voice, or even with physical punishment such as a scruff shake or slap. But there are problems with this approach. This process is called bite inhibition. And the use of punishment may curtail all biting rather than just the hardest, most painful, bites. Nowadays many people like to train dogs without punishment. And there are strong reasons for joining them — check out this article — the downside of punishing dogs. Teaching puppy to stop biting Why would we want to teach dogs to bite humans gently? Why is it not best to teach them not to bite at all, right from the start? The idea of reducing biting gradually was popularised by Ian Dunbar. The theory is that a dog which learns to inhibit his bite i. You can read more about bite inhibition here: Labrador Puppies Biting. The concept is a sound one, and most canine behaviorists agree that teaching gradual bite inhibition is a good thing. The problem for many new puppy owners, is stopping those painful bites in the first place! The first step is not a technique at all, but an adjustment in the expectations that we have of a small puppy How much do Lab puppies bite? New puppy owners tend to have false expectations of puppies. They also anticipate that stopping a puppy from biting will be a fairly quick and simple matter. None of these expectations is true. Most puppies bite hard, frequently and growl fiercely whilst they are doing it. This noise is not a sign of aggression see Help my puppy is aggressive. Stopping a puppy from biting is a process, a journey. And it can be temporarily an uncomfortable one! It is important to accept that there is no guaranteed way of stopping biting immediately. Indeed, as we have seen, bite prevention rather than inhibition may be a bad thing in any case. Supervise your puppy around children Once you have got your head around the fact that this process will take some time, that it will be a gradual thing, you need to think about how you are going to protect any children that might come into contact with the puppy. This is important because small children can, both hurt and, be hurt by small biting puppies. Calm your puppy to stop him biting The next priority is to keep your puppy calm. Overexcited puppies bite harder and more frequently than less excited puppies. This will merely start the biting up all over again. There are lots of ways to interact with puppies without physically playing with them. Check out our article on playing safely with your dog. What to do when a puppy bites When your puppy bites you really hard, take immediate action. Stand up, move away from him and completely withdraw your attention. You can try the squeal thing if you want to. This works well with some puppies. Be ready for it, and repeat your actions. If the puppy chases after you, biting at your legs and feet, step over a baby gate, or pop him in his crate for a few minutes. You can read up on this process in more detail in this article: How to cope with biting. Remember, puppies enjoy chewing , and teething puppies need to chew on something. Whilst you and your clothing are not suitable chew toys, you need to provide your puppy with alternatives, like Kong toys. How to stop your puppy biting Biting is normal Biting should be inhibited in stages Training takes time The key points to take away from this are that biting is normal, and that training a puppy not to bite takes time. Stop the painful bites first, then work on putting a stop to mouthing. If what you are doing is not working, you probably just need to be more patient and persistent. If your children are suffering, you need to separate and supervise. Work hard on keeping your puppy calm — it makes the biggest difference. How to train a puppy not to bite Is it normal for puppies to bite a lot? Yes it is! Almost all puppies bite and some bite much harder than others. How long do puppies teeth and bite? With some exceptions, puppy biting will stop by the time your puppy has his full set of grown up teeth at 7 months. Fortunately, you can stop your puppy from biting long before they have cut all their adult teeth. Do puppies grow out of biting? If you do nothing at all, to teach a puppy not to bite, the biting would likely subside over the next few months. But its very easy to do the wrong thing, and actually encourage a puppy to bite more. And in those cases, play biting can become very rough and the relationship between a young dog and their family can break down. Do All Labradors Bite? Anyone who shares their home with a 10 or 12 week old puppy will tell you that Labradors bite! And I can reassure you that this applies to all Labradors in the first few months of life. Fortunately this is a phase puppies go through and not a permanent character flaw. And most adult Labradors are indeed very good natured dogs. And also at what is normal, and what is not. If your children are in tears at being bitten every time they try to play with and cuddle their new friend, you may be wondering if your puppy is becoming aggressive. You may even worry that your children might be at risk. Fortunately I can reassure you that this is not the case. While your puppy may frighten your children with his sharp teeth and growling. The way he is behaving now does not mean he will be a threat to their safety in the future. Happily, studies have shown that behavior in small puppies is not predictive of the way that they will behave as adults! Why Do Puppies Bite Children? Some breeders will not sell puppies to homes where there are small children. This is because puppies often bite children and teenagers harder and more persistently than they bite grown-ups. It is normal for small puppies to make small children cry, but before you rush your puppy off to the local shelter, bear with me a moment, because I can help with that. Children give off conflicting signals to the puppy. Fortunately there are lots of ways to make it easier on yourself and on your kids. In short, you need to be a little patient at this point, and it helps to know that this phase does pass quite quickly. And that it is completely normal for all puppies to bite a lot, and to bite children with particular enthusiasm! It has to be said, Labradors are even more bitey than some other breeds of dog during this stage in their development. In fact, retrievers generally tend to be very bitey as puppies. As can the pain of being bitten. Puppy bites do hurt. And sometimes they leave marks. Pain, bruising, scratching, little tooth marks on your toddler, these are all part and parcel of raising a puppy. Some very enthusiastic puppies will even draw blood on occasions. All this is normal, but I will explain what you can do about it. Perhaps the most serious concern that new puppy parents have, is the fear that their puppy is becoming aggressive. What really worries people is the snarling. When puppies play, they practice being fierce. They throw themselves into the whole play acting thing with huge enthusiasm. And they are brilliant at it. And the most important part of that game is to make as much noise as possible and to sound as angry as possible. So, all puppies growl or snarl ferociously when they play, while they are biting, and sometimes when they are trying to entice their poor owners into yet another game. His little face will be all scrunched up, his lips drawn back, his teeth showing. So he has no idea that he is frightening your children or that you are wondering if he is turning into a horrible aggressive and dangerous beast. Please do be reassured, that however fierce your ten week old puppy sounds. It is just a game. He is truly just playing. Normal Puppy Play Behavior So, the hard truth is, all puppies bite. And many puppy bites are quite painful. Some Labrador puppies bite more than most, and biting a lot, and growling or snarling at the same time is normal. So is biting so hard that it makes your eyes water, and even occasionally breaks the skin. Puppies bite at hands that go to stroke them, at bare feet, and happily tug away at clothing, all the while trying to sound as fierce as they possibly can. All this is normal. And you, quite naturally, will want to know exactly when it is going to stop! When Do Puppies Stop Biting? It also happens in working dog families where the dogs may be kennelled or at least are not allowed unsupervised interaction with anyone apart from their trainer or main carer. A study carried out on Guide Dog puppies in showed that simply rejecting interaction and refusing to play was enough to stop the puppies biting their adult puppy walkers. But, and it is a big but — in most young families, this is not always what happens. In many families, especially where the puppy is a novelty, everyone plays with the puppy, and often in quite a physical way. This gets puppies very excited and tends to make biting worse. Inexperienced puppy owners also tend to inadvertently prolong the biting phase by rewarding the puppy with attention when he bites. The more excited they get, the harder they bite. Rough physical play gets puppies excited, rubbing puppies tummies, chasing puppies, grabbing at puppies. All these things get puppies bubbling with excitement Noisy behavior can get puppies excited too, so children squealing, or crying, grown ups shouting or getting cross. You might not think you are rewarding your puppy for biting, but you probably are. Labrador puppies are particularly social and love attention more than most puppies do. Any kind of contact with you, or other members of the family, including physical contact, talking, shouting, even eye contact, all reward your puppy. And if you give him these things while he is biting, this will reinforce the biting behavior and he will bite more in the future Poor bite inhibition What makes the bites hurt more, is poor bite inhibition. So the next section explains what bite inhibition is and how you can help your puppy improve his. What Is Bite Inhibition? At just eight or nine weeks old , Labrador puppies are actually capable of crushing bones the thickness of your little finger, with their jaws. Your puppy has been learning to inhibit his bite since he was tiny. His mother and brothers and sisters all helped to teach him how hard he can bite without hurting them. This is where your training will come in. You can read more about bite inhibition and bite inhibition training in this article What About Puppy Teething? We mentioned teething earlier because people tend to associate biting with teething. So, is it true that puppies bite so much because they are teething? And how long will teething go on for? In fact, most problem puppy biting is simply play. Puppies may chew or mouth at fingers to help relieve the discomfort of teething, but this is not the major cause of the biting problems we find in homes with small puppies. Most puppies have their adult teeth by the time they are 7 months old, but biting does not usually last that long. He is growing fast and by 11 or 12 weeks those bites will hurt a lot more. The time to begin taking action is now! But for the time being, you need to put this image aside. Children under five are simply not capable of playing with a puppy under four months without getting bitten. So you need to supervise every interaction between them. Do put baby gates across doorways, even if you no longer need them for your children. Baby gates allow you to separate children and puppies when you are not free to supervise. Do show children how to stroke the puppy gently whilst you hold one end of a rawhide chew and let the puppy gnaw on the other end. It will end in tears. Playful Visitors It is not just children that play inappropriately with puppies. I have known grown men grapple roughly with a tiny puppy, rolling him around the floor, making growling noises, whilst the puppy gnaws on his knuckles. You can find out how to play safely with a Labrador in this article. Saving your sanity and enjoying your puppy If you were not expecting this, it can seem like a big deal, but supervision and some separation is essential if you are to keep your sanity, and your children are to dry their tears and carry on enjoying their puppy. With older children, you need to teach them how to interact with the puppy without getting him overwrought. Labrador puppies, like toddlers, are easily over-excited. And when they are over-excited they start to be silly. Your first job at this stage, is to keep your puppy calm. Your second job is to stop giving your puppy rewards for biting. Make sure the puppy gets no reward at all when he bites someone. Especially no attention. The next stage explains how you can do that. The process whereby the puppy learns to use his mouth gently on your skin — and it takes a little while. Bite inhibition is taught in stages. The puppy learns to reduce the power of his bites gradually. What to do when your puppy bites If your puppy bites and hurts you, remove your attention immediately. This is where baby gates can be really helpful. If you are playing with your puppy and he bites you, you can step over the gate, thus effectively removing all attention from him. All of a sudden his playmate has disappeared. What about squealing You may have heard that a puppy will stop biting if you yelp or squeal. And you can try this, because it does work with some puppies. But many puppies get even more excited by the yelping, and on others it has no effect. The strongest signal you can give your puppy is the loss of your presence and attention. What about punishment? Some people try and stop puppies biting by smacking them or shouting at them. There are several problems with this. Firstly, it tends to only stop the puppy biting the person who did the yelling. Which is of course the very opposite of what you are trying to achieve! You can find out more about the potential impact of punishing your Labrador here. What if you need to move a biting puppy? If you need to move the puppy away rather than stepping away from the puppy you may find he bites at your hands when you go to pick him up or take hold of his collar. Others bite when they are stroked or petted. We are fond of wiggling our fingers at puppies, petting them and rubbing our fingers in their fur, not behaviors that dogs really understand. And many puppies see fingers and toes as something to chase and play with. Hands are a particular target for puppy bites so teach your children to interact with your puppy using toys that he can tug and bite on, rather than playing with him using their bare hands. Distracting your puppy If you want to sit and pet your puppy, or your children do, use treats or hold a rawhide chew with one hand so he can gnaw on the end. Have your puppy wear a harness and houseline so that you can pick up the end of the line and move him to where you want him to go without his grabbing at your hands. Stage Four: Train Your Puppy Not To Bite This is where we teach the puppy to let us stroke and pet him, or handle him in any way we like, without him putting his mouth around our fingers. The best way to do this is with a clicker and some dog treats. But you can also use a word like YES instead of the click. And place a treat on the floor in front of him You see where I am going with this? Build up slowly so that you can touch him anywhere on his head or body, pick up his paws etc. All without him grabbing or mouthing at you. What do I do if he mouths at me? If the puppy grabs at your hand, you got too close. Make smaller hand movements further away from him until he ignores those, then bring the movements gradually closer. Stage Five: Playing Safely As puppies grow older biting can reappear. Puppies between six and nine months of age, are extremely boisterous, and may start nipping with their teeth during play. At this age, your puppy is more than half grown, and his size and weight are a significant problem if rough play is allowed. The secret to avoiding and resolving this issue is to change the way you interact with your puppy. And to ensure that children follow your example. Boisterous and excitable puppies must not be allowed to play rough games with small people. The consequences can be very unpleasant, and it is no coincidence that this is the age at which many young dogs are abandoned or given up to rescue. Here are a few more articles that you might find helpful:.

A licence 'allows' them to breed from upto plus bitches - this does NOT mean they are better!! Please be patient, don't encourage these 'Greeders' with your money - get onto a waiting list and then do that - wait! If you send an e-mail simply asking the price your e-mail is very likely to be ignored! We always help the owners of a litter sired by one of our boys to find the right forever homes above still applies at present! Your email will be answered provided the above information is included however PATIENCE is a virtue both in awaiting the initial reply and the right puppy being available! Click HERE for The Kennel Club's Dog Owners Handbook If you are successfully placed on our waiting list it is only POLITE to let us know if you find your new family member elsewhere Our puppies are not on a conveyor belt, they are not made to order and is very frustrating when we do have a potential puppy for you to learn that you have found one elsewhere that in itself is no problem - not letting us know is - it only takes a minute to send an email! Do NOT add to your email that you would like a 'bobtail' To achieve the 'bobtail' which can be anything from a stump to almost full length the genes of a Corgi have been crossed with the Boxer gene We do NOT have any mixed genes in our puppies - you will also note we do not allow our boys to be used on bobtail bitches! January 19, Photograph: Jonathan Yearsley Credit: Jonathan Yearsley Clownish and energetic, yet devoted and trainable, boxer dogs make an entertaining addition to the family. Katy Birchall learns more about these former police dogs. Boxer dog Biff is something of a celebrity. After landing the role of Buster in the heartwarming John Lewis Christmas advertisement in , Biff became an overnight sensation — the two-minute spot, which saw the exuberant boxer bouncing up and down gleefully on a trampoline, was the most-watched Christmas TV advertisement worldwide on YouTube that year, gaining more than 20 million views. We only auditioned because my agility trainer saw the advertisement and suggested we go along. They can look so different from one minute to the next. Boxers have a lot to give. Originating in Germany, the boxer evolved from the Bullenbeisser, meaning bull-biter — agile, powerful and exceptionally courageous dogs bred to hunt bears and boars, as well as being used in bull-baiting. When it was outlawed, these tough, intelligent dogs, with a natural distrust of strangers, made suitable guard dogs. By the late 19th century, the name boxer had been coined to differentiate the breed from bulldogs and the first boxer club was formed in Munich. Still relatively unknown in Britain, the brave boxer became highly valued in Germany for police work and served as messenger, guard, pack-carrier and as patrol dogs during the First and Second World Wars. Neil McMahon is currently training his second successful boxer in IGP, a three-part sport consisting of tracking, obedience and protection, designed to show off the abilities of working breeds used in police training or the military. He was also a real extrovert with the delightful temperament that you would expect from Fineas Fogg and Misty. In short, Jubilation and Highland Mist seemed to be a very well matched pair and we were looking forward to the puppies enormously. A dark brindle and white bitch appealed to us very much indeed with her very pretty head and her smart outline. Keeping on the '-shun' theme, she was called Inspiration and at one of her first shows she was Best Puppy in Show at the Cotswold Boxer Club Championship Show under Sue Drinkwater from over puppies. However, with so many to show at this time, we were concerned that we were not doing her justice and when Christine Beardsell asked if she could buy her in April we agreed, knowing that she would have a lovely home and that Chris would get her to many more shows and really campaign her well. After a difficult few years when Chris had unfortunately lost her husband, she was really looking for something very good to get her back into the shows and so 'Poppy' went to Newlaithe. It really had been a whirlwind success story and we were so pleased for Chris. Charles Walker then added a fifth at Birmingham National. Inspiration was the last Boxer Champion to gain her title in the 20th Show. The following is a reproduction of the P. Although similar diseases are found in other breeds of dogs and other animals, this particular disease is only found in Boxers. PA is inherited, the mode of inheritance being that of a simple recessive such as that for white pups. Less than 60 cases have been identified since the disease was first recognised. Suspect cases lacking veterinary diagnosis have also been found but remain few in number. P A as a disease has therefore never been a major breed problem; the difficulty for the breed has lain with the large number of clinically normal P A carriers. A scheme was drawn up by the Breed Council in to combat and control the spread of P A and was directed at the carrier animals. It received the support of all clubs and their membership throughout the country. The control scheme remains in operation and should continue for several years to come. For the scheme to function, all suspect cases must be examined by a specialist Vet and notification sent to Breed Council. Therefore, if a vet in general practice suspects a puppy has PA he should refer it to one of the named diagnostic centres for final diagnosis. As far as a pet owner is concerned it should be emphasised that 1 the likelihood of any adult Boxer developing P A, whatever its ancestry, is negligible and 2 there is no reason why a possible carrier puppy should not be a perfectly normal, healthy animal so long as the breeder has followed the Breed Council Control Scheme. Small Anim. Pract 21, as a neurological disease specific to Boxers. The published paper was brought to the attention of the Breed Council at their Spring Meeting by Dr Bruce Cattanach, an animal geneticist and Boxer breeder and exhibitor, who started collecting information supplied by the veterinary profession and breeders throughout the country. From this information it was established that P A was an hereditary condition and that the mode of inheritance was that of a simple recessive gene. The initial findings were presented at the Autumn Breed Council meeting when it was decided that details of the disease should be circulated to members of all breed clubs and that assistance of the veterinary profession in general practice be sought through the publication of letters in veterinary journals J. Luckhurst, Vet Rec , No. An Axonopathy fund was set up by means of a levy paid by the breed clubs. At Boxer Chatter' 81, held the day after Crufts, Dr Griffiths described the pathology and symptoms of the disease and, with the use of a film, illustrated the dramatic effect it had upon affected Boxers. Dr Cattanach then presented a summary of the genetical findings. A week or two later the names of three well known stud dogs who had proven to be carriers were announced by their owners. They and all other proven carriers contacted have been withdrawn from breeding. A panel of six people, comprising Sheila Cartwright. The scheme was discussed by club committees and presented to members and Boxer owners generally at open meetings held throughout the country. Subject to minor amendment it was accepted by all clubs and their membership. In November '81 a further letter was published in a veterinary journal I. Griffiths, Vet Rec. Early in the pamphlet was reproduced by the British Small Animals Veterinary Association and distributed in one of their Newsletters. Following the occurrence of PA in Norway in late Dr Cattanach reconvened the panel to consider the pedigree implications for British breeding stock. Recognising that the Norwegian cases identified P A carriers in the close ancestry of several top British stud dogs of the previous decade, the panel put forward the proposition to Breed Council that the P A control scheme recommendation 'that no dog that has a proven carrier within five generations be used at stud' be reduced to 'four generations'. The object was to avoid excessive depletion of current young breeding stock. At the March meeting the proposition was unanimously accepted by all member clubs. However, at the following October meeting they were able to reverse this decision when the results of retrospective analyses of the breeding records of most of the stud dogs originally implicated showed that they were in fact clear of the disease. The main effect of the disease is upon the nerve axon and its medullary sheath, there being a reduction in the number of myelinated nerve fibres and a lessening in the thickness of the medullary sheath which surrounds the axon. This results in a swelling and ballooning of fibres and their ultimate degeneration. A Clinical Signs 1 Progressive loss of co-ordination initially affecting the hind limbs. This causes a wobbly, unsteady gait, a wide based stance and a marked tendency for the limbs to cross when turning sharply. Since the disease was first described one or two animals have stabilised for a time, i. B Diagnosis This is carried out by specialist vets at certain veterinary centres and is made on the and had met with their approval. B Diagnosis This is carried out by specialist vets at certain veterinary centres and is made on the following grounds. Little muscular wasting. These are electrophysiological tests performed under anaesthesia. The lesions are suggestive of the condition but do not provi4e complete diagnosis. Diagnostic Veterinary Centres Arrangements have been made with the following specialist vets to examine all future possible cases of PA as to ensure a totally reliable diagnosis. Referral should be made through the General practitioner. Glasgow: Dr. Tel: .Liverpool: Mr G. Tel: Cambridge: Dr A. Palmer MA, ScD. Humberside: Mr J. Northern Ireland: Dr R. Tel: Dublin ext .Consultant Geneticist : Dr H. Tel: day ; Home evenings. The evidence that PA is inherited is as follows:- I PA only occurs in Boxers 2 It occurs only within certain family lines and crosses between them. From the above and from the finding that the frequency of affected puppies within the litters accords with a calculated expectation, it has been determined that PA is inherited as a simple recessive, just like that for the white puppy in the Boxer breed. The following diagrams show the types of matings that are possible within the breed. No matings which involve affected animals are shown since the onset of P A occurs so early in life and the symptoms are so severe that it is highly unlikely that such animals could be used for breeding. Three points should be noted: 1 To produce an affected puppy both parents must be carriers. The known cases derived from different areas of the country and the only factor shared by them all was common ancestry. Three affected litters were then detected in Norway. These were closely related to each other and traced back through common lines to a bitch exported to Sweden from the UK several years earlier. This bitch shared a close common ancestry with all British PA family groups. In total, these 45 cases derived from 29 litters. These had been found over a period of about 8 years during which time many thousands of Boxers had been bred in this country. Therefore, although cases may well have been missed, from the onset the incidence off A in the breed could not have been high. The original problem was that a significant proportion of top show dogs had carriers within the first few generations of their pedigrees and many would therefore have been carriers. Only 2 further litters, these containing 6 affected pups, have since been found in the UK despite extensive screening of the breed both by breeders and vets. More importantly, with the passage of time it is now improbable that any show breeding stock has known carriers within 3 generations and only a relatively small number of show Boxers may have known carriers within generations. The likelihood of unknown carriers deriving from more distant generations will also be decreasing. To date, the possible number of possible P A cases recorded in British Boxers is 53, these from 32 liners. The number includes 2 further possible cases from one 'historical' litter. It seems likely that the original mutation occurred in a British-bred Boxer in the 's but could have derived from an earlier generation. The original carrier must lie behind Summerdale Knockout and Ch Hazefield barrister through which all PA lines, detected so far, trace. B Methods available 1 Culling If all known carriers and their decendants were withdrawn from breeding and such action was carried out wherever PA might be subsequently appear then the disease could be eradicated. However, if carried out in full, this action would defeat objective 3 above. Furthermore, If such selective breeding away from known sources of PA were continued over several generations then the frequency of carriers in the bloodlines concerned would decrease. The risk of descendants of proven carriers would, on average be reduced by one half in each generation. Generation Risk of being a carrier 1st .A policy of continued out-crossing away from PA without any restrictions on the numbers of potential carriers used for breeding would still leave many carriers among their descendants even after five or more generations. Therefore this procedure alone, would not be effective in eliminating PA from affected bloodlines. Three types of test-mating are theoretically possible; two others are of present day application. If one or more litters containing a total of at least 7 progeny were reared and none developed PA, then a test animal could be declared clear. However, because most affected animals become severely physically impaired at an early age, few, if any could ever be used for breeding. This type of testing is therefore not a practical proposition with this disease. If one or more litters containing a total of at least 16 progeny possibly only 10 in the case of bitches were reared and none developed PA, then the test animal could be declared clear. However, since i the number of pups required for test mating bitches is so high and ii there are very few proven carrier bitches available for test mating dogs, this type of test is unlikely to have much future application but could be applied retrospectively on the basis of past breeding performance. If litters containing about 50 progeny were reared from 7 or more bitches and none developed PA, then a dog could effectively be proved clear. However, since i the number of progeny required to clear a dog by this procedure is so high and ii a high proportion would be carriers and therefore a further burden on the breed this type of test cannot be justified but, as with b above could be applied retrospectively on the basis of past breeding performance. Should an animal have a single PA carrier in its pedigree, matings back to ancestors in line to the carrier e. The rationale is that the test animal can only be a carrier if the relevant ancestors are carriers. The number of pups required for clearance purposes is as for b above. The rationale is that inbreeding upon any animal that carries PA is liable to produce the disease. The closer the inbreeding the more effective the test Thus, for dogs, litters from about 6 daughters might be adequate for clearance purposes, depending on the litter size. However, other forms of inbreeding e. It should be noted that information from all kinds of test matings can be combined for clearance purposes, but it is advisable to seek genetical advice before embarking on upon any test-mating programme. All test-matings should be conducted under the Breed Council Control Scheme and the Secretary kept informed. The Control Scheme presented below incorporates the essential elements of all methods that are practical for PA control and, if implemented fully, should ensure that PA remains rare and possibly even become extinct in the show Boxer. Similar schemes have been implemented in Scandinavian countries. All proven carriers be withdrawn from breeding — except when used for test-mating under Breed Council controlled conditions. In this situation it is recommended. In later generations, i. All owners of stud dogs prior to accepting a bitch for mating a. If PA lines are involved, satisfy themselves that the owner is complying with the above recommendations. Each year, Boxer puppies are among the most popular dogs in the United Kingdom. And we totally get it — Boxers are incredible dogs. Unfortunately, increased Boxer dog breed popularity has led to the increase of irresponsible breeding. Nowadays, there are many adverts on pet market sites and most of them do not promise healthy Boxer pups. I mean, they do promise a high-quality Boxer puppy , but most do not have adequate documentation. This breed is very specific in terms of its heart problems. Irresponsible breeding can only produce Boxers that are prone to serious health conditions such as Cardiomyopathy and Aortic Stenosis. It took many years of careful selective breeding to achieve these incredible results. Thoughtful selection along with regular health tests is what makes a pedigree dog that is suitable to compete in championship shows. Many reliable Boxer breeders do not have their own website. Instead, they are listed on trustworthy sites like Champdogs and reputable Boxer clubs. Who They Are Christine Beardsell and her late husband have been into Boxer breeding and judging for most of their lives. They participated in championship shows and their Boxers have been winning one award after the other. Christine has been in dog show judging since .However, once her husband Patrick passed away, it was her daughter Vikki Van-Beck that continued the legacy. Today, this mother and daughter duo are on a championship show winning spree! On their website, you can see how much they have accomplished from up until today. They are focused on eradicating congenital health issues that most Boxers suffer from. What They Offer Purebred Boxer puppies with excellent genetic profile. Newlaithe does not offer bobtail Boxers as they are mixed with Corgi genes. They only produce Boxer pups with a clear genetic profile. That being said, Newlaithe Boxers are the healthiest puppies around. They are also the prettiest — you have got to check out their brindle Boxer pups! They also offer high-quality Boxer stud dog service. Newlaithe Boxers details.

How does the Labradoodle growth chart work? The following numbers are estimates based on the litter of a Labrador Retriever crossed with a standard Poodle. If your pup's Poodle parent is a toy size, then they are likely to be significantly smaller than these estimates. Their health is what matters most, so if you have questions or concerns about your puppy's development, reach out to your veterinarian. At what age is a Labradoodle fully grown? Labradoodles typically need 12 to 18 months to reach their full size, especially if their parents were on the heavier side of the average weight spectrum. Large breeds grow slower and take longer to reach their full size compared to small and medium-sized dog breeds, which usually reach maturity within nine to 11 months. How big should a 6-month-old Labradoodle be? A 6-month-old Labradoodle may weigh anywhere between 40 and 55 pounds. As a general rule, male Labradoodles weigh more than their female counterparts. In terms of height, a 6-month-old Labradoodle puppy will stand around 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulders, but this varies based on their genetic makeup. Pro Tip: Download our new puppy checklist for tips on how to set up a vaccination schedule, essential pet care supplies, and more. How much bigger will my Labradoodle get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much more your Labradoodle may grow. Most Labradoodles need anywhere from 12 to 18 months to reach their full size. If your pup is younger than a year old, they are likely still growing. Refer to our Labradoodle weight chart to estimate how many more pounds they might put on as they mature into adulthood. If they look oversized compared to their limbs, then they're probably still filling out. Oversized paws are a classic puppy feature indicating that your pup still has more growth underway. Lastly, if you purchased your puppy from a breeder, you can contact them about your Labradoodle's weight. Alhough the breed varies greatly in size, knowing the weight of your puppy's parents and those of previous litters can help you predict your Labradoodle's adult size. What is the size of a full-grown Labradoodle? As a hybrid dog breed, Labradoodles vary significantly in size based on their geneology. Per Agape Labradoodles , adult Labradoodles typically weigh over 45 pounds, with some Labradoodles weighing as much as pounds. However, most Labradoodles will weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. In [terms of height], Labradoodles stand 21 to 24 inches tall when measured from paw to shoulder, or approximately two feet excluding their neck and crown of the head. How do I make sure my Labradoodle is healthy? Our Labradoodle puppies are important, cherished family members who we want the best for. One of the best ways to help your Labradoodle thrive is by taking them to regular veterinary appointments to have them routinely checked out and evaluated. Prevention is always better than treatment, and regular veterinary exams provide your veterinarian with the opportunity to screen your Labradoodle for disease. Your puppy will need to see the veterinarian several times in their first six months of life for core vaccinations against things like Rabies, and then at least once a year as an adult for annual health check-ups. Like their parents, Labradoodles are also more susceptible to hip dysplasia , a common orthopedic condition that occurs when the hip joint forms improperly. Hip dysplasia can lead to pain in their back legs, impaired mobility, and even lameness if not treated - fortunately, the condition is treatable with surgery. When over 20, pet parents were surveyed, only .As loving pet parents, it can be devastating to think that our four-legged friend could develop a painful disease that requires expensive treatment. This is where pet insurance comes in. Most pet parents opt for accident and illness pet insurance plans as they cover both injuries and most illnesses, such as hip dysplasia or eye diseases. Pet wellness plans can be added to your insurance coverage to help you pay for preventive veterinary care, like your regular vet exams, x-rays , dental cleanings , vaccinations, and more. Like humans, dogs are living longer, which creates an even bigger need for excellent veterinary care so that our dogs can live their happiest and healthiest lives. Pet insurance helps alleviate the financial strain that's often caused by vet visit costs. If your Labradoodle puppy gets sick or hurt, you and your veterinarian can work together to provide your pup with the best treatment plan - without worrying about how much it might cost. Key Takeaways Adult Labradoodles weigh pounds on average. The parent Poodle breed has toy and standard size variations that impact the size of the offspring, along with other genetic factors. Most Labradoodles grow until months of age. The breed is known for several congenital health disorders, and is especially prone to hip dysplasia. Pet insurance can protect your puppy and provide a financial safety net for vet costs throughout their life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Is your Labradoodle chewing on the brand new sofa set? Labradoodles are fluffballs of energy and can seem overwhelming to control. They are naturally known to have an optimistic and passionate outlook towards life. In their early stages as a puppy and adolescence, their energies are the most heightened and at their peak. A Labradoodle is not considered fully grown until around there years of age, and this is when you can expect them to calm down. But, when they begin to grow up, mainly between the ages of two and three, and enter adulthood, they tend to calm down and become relatively in control of themselves. However, if their erratic and crazy behavior is not looked into, they might continue being active and overly excited into their mature, senior years. Puppyhood The first five months of your Labradoodle are their puppyhood phase. This is probably the most adorable stage of their life when they are still getting used to all the attention and affection. They begin to form strong associations with people and objects, which is a prime reason why you might often find them active and hopping around in glee. This is also the best time to expose your babies to new experiences, train them through positive reinforcement, and bond with them. Adolescence Do you remember your adolescent years when you were either sleeping on the couch or were caught making mischief? The period of adolescence for a Labradoodle lasts for about two years, usually starting when the dogs are about 5 to 6 months of age. At this stage, your Labradoodle is either bored and sleeping or hyperactive — there is no in-between. And, because this is the time when their hormones kick in, they are always jumping around, chewing everything that comes in their contact, and basically having the time of their lives. A Labradoodle running on the beach 3. Adulthood Your dogs are finally fully grown and mature when they enter adulthood. This stage usually begins when the dog hits three years of age. At this stage, the most crucial aspect to look into is their diet and weight. If not correctly taken care of, your Labradoodle can become fat and unhealthy in no time. If you trained your friend adequately during the first two stages of their life, you would start to observe a noticeable change in their behavior. Because they grow both mentally and physically, they are likely to become more calm and composed. Middle Age You should expect your dog to enter into the middle-age phase when they are about seven years old. Your dog will have both active and inactive days. They have transitioned into a mature stage of their life, so a drop in their excitement level is to be expected. As a pet parent, you must ensure to start taking care of their health and well-being a little more cautiously. They will become prone to developing common ailments and will require extra care and warmth. Senior Age When your dog hits the ripe old age of 10 to 12 years, they will enter the last, most crucial stage of their lives — old age. You will observe that your dog will considerably slow down and will develop habits that will be challenging to take care of. However, this is also the stage when they need your most attention. This is the time for you to return all the years of unconditional love they have given you, and more. Do you have a standard, miniature, or toy cross? The smaller breeds will mature quickly but live longer. And the older breeds will live a relatively shorter period. Puppies of any breed are expected to act crazy and excited. They have a lot of pent-up energy and excitement inside them, and they are always finding ways to release that. Labradoodles are considered more intelligent than most other dog breeds. They are very sharp and have excellent hunting abilities. This is one primary reason why they seek to learn and discover new things right from a very early stage. They are curious creatures that love being out in open spaces. Now, if they are to be suddenly confined within the four walls of your house, they will obviously look for ways to release their energies inside the home. This often tends to make them more hyperactive and agitated than usual. If your labradoodle is a rescue dog, it is likely for them to be coping with past traumas or because they have been conditioned or bred to behave in this manner by their previous owners. Labradoodles tend to jump around in excitement when they are trying to grab your attention. The issue of hyperactivity in Labradoodles can stem from a lack of proper stimulation. If your dog gets bored of their daily routine and has nothing new and exciting to look forward to, they can become hyperactive and often display destructive behaviors. Lack of social interaction with other dogs and people around them can also make Labradoodles hyperactive. They might suffer from hyperkinesis or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD. Signs Of Hyperactivity In Labradoodles If you want to hit the dog-parent jackpot, it is crucial that you keep your eye open to the following signs of hyper activeness in your furry friend before they turn into more serious implications: Even in familiar situations, you will find your dog overly excited and unable to relax. They will have a short attention span and will be unable to pay attention or concentrate on the smallest of things. They will display bouts of impulsiveness in their behavior. They will lack the ability to socialize with other people and pets around them. They will frantically move or fidget around. This includes running madly in circles, trying to catch their own tail. And an excellent way to display your love for them is by dealing with them with care when they are hyper and a little more excited and naughty than usual. Here are several tips that you can follow to control your dog when they engage in uncontrollable behaviors. This is where exercising comes into play. Walking You cannot keep your dog locked in the house the entire day. One walk per day is the least they require. You can take them to a nearby park or for mountain hikes; they will equally enjoy both. Swimming Labradoodles are water babies. They are bred from Poodles and Labradors, and both these breeds are excellent swimmers. Therefore, Labradoodles leave no chance to enjoy and play around in pools. Play a game of fetch, a nose-work game, or the old and classic hide and seek — outdoor games add the element of fun to exercising, something your dog will be excited for every day. Many of these collars are packed with essential oils that help to calm a dog down when they are anxious. Plush toys The motive of plush toys is to eliminate the risk of separation anxiety that tends to develop in a dog. They are the ultimate cuddling buddies for your pets that provide comfort, aid, and keep them calm. Calming beds Lack of sleep tends to make dogs anxious and hyperactive. If you want to create a soothing environment for your Labradoodle where they can relax and calm themselves down, a calming bed would be a great choice. These beds are specially designed to provide your pet with a sense of security and safety. Training Training a dog is no joke. It is the best way to instill good behavior in your Labradoodle, both physically and mentally. Teach your dog to carry themselves well and be in control of their emotions through reward-based training. Discourage their hyperactive behavior, but never punish them for the same. Understand that being hyperactive is a part of growing up. If you punish them and instill fear in them, they may never bond with you or emote themselves properly. Whenever you feel your dog is calmer than usual, make sure you encourage their behavior. Reinforce calmness in them by showing them affection and love. Reward them with their favorite treat every time they show good behavior. Some Additional Tips: Maintain a set routine for your dog. Having a specific time set aside for eating, walking, or playing will help limit their energy to certain times of the day. Before you try to calm your labradoodle, make sure you manage yourself. Never yell, shout, scream, or show any anger or aggression toward your Labradoodle. This type of negative behavior will only make the situation worse. A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. So Why Choose A Labradoodle? Even though handling a Labradoodle may feel like a lot of work, there are so many reasons why I believe Labradoodles are one of the best dogs to have. The joy of being a Labradoodle parent is unexplainable, and you can only know it by experience. Labradoodles are incredibly friendly and social dogs; they even love swimming, making them great outdoor buddies! Labradoodles are also an excellent choice for those allergic to dogs as they are hypoallergenic and do not shed fur. Not only that, Labradoodles make excellent therapy dogs for people who have autism, depression, or other mental or physical disparities. The sociable, loving, and empathetic traits make them one of the best candidates for therapy dogs. Final Words A calmer pet means a more relaxed you. It is just a phase, and it too shall pass. I hope you now have more clarity on what age Labradoodles calm down. Everything is paw-sibble with a bit of love and warmth. Happy dog-parenting! My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. When considering bringing a new dog into your life, it is always important to consider how long that dog is likely to live. In this article, we will go through exactly how long you should expect your Labradoodle to live, which is largely determined by whether their poodle parent was a standard, miniature, or toy poodle. We will also go through all the different life stages of a Labradoodle and what to expect in each. What Is A Labradoodle? Labradoodles are crossbreed dogs that you get when you mix a Labrador retriever with a poodle. They are varieties that are a mix between a Lab and all the different poodle sizes including standard, miniature, and toy. They were bred because, while the temperament, intelligence, and trainability of Labrador retrievers make them excellent service dogs, they shed—a lot. This can be a huge problem when it comes to taking them into hospitals, public places such as restaurants, and even cleaning up after them at home. Poodles were chosen to crossbreed because they have a low-shedding coat. Their tight, curly coats mean that instead of leaving hair wherever they go, it gets caught up in their coat. Poodles are also highly intelligent dogs, even more intelligent than Labradors, and also very friendly, having been bred as companion animals. They are less outgoing than Labradors, but overall it was thought that they would add to, rather than subtract from, the characteristics that make Labradors excellent service dogs. You can read more about the Labradoodle coat and shedding in this article. How Long Do Labradoodles Live? All Labradoodles have a lifespan of roughly 12 to 14 years. Various factors influence where each dog is likely to fall within this scale. Labrador retrievers and standard poodles both tend to live around 12 years. So if you have a standard Labradoodle, you should probably expect them to have a slightly shorter lifespan at around the year mark. Miniature and toy poodles often live longer, as small dogs tend to live longer in general. So if you have a Lab that is mixed with one of these smaller breeds, you might expect them to live for an additional year or so. While these expectations are based on the average lifespan of their parent pups, some research suggests that crossbreed dogs live longer than their parents, by about a year or two. There are plenty of examples of Labradoodles living well into their late teens. Labradoodle Life Stages Throughout their lives, you can expect your Labradoodle to pass through five main life stages: puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle age, and senior. Exactly when they will pass through each of these stages again depends on whether the Labradoodle is a standard, miniature, or toy cross. Smaller dogs tend to grow to maturity more quickly but then live longer. Conversely, larger dogs stay puppies longer but have shorter overall life expectancies. Puppyhood Labradoodles tend to be classified as puppies for the first five months of their lives. But just like with human babies, because they are growing so quickly at this time, they will pass through a number of different puppy stages. It is during this stage that you will find that littermates love to cuddle up and spend the day sleeping one on top of one another. During this stage, they are more interested in their mother and siblings than there are in people, but they do begin to learn that there is a bigger world and might start to explore a little in the later weeks. It is around this stage that they can also start to move onto dog food. This is often a necessity, as the mother will refuse to suckle them as their growing teeth cause her pain. This is a very important time, as they are also very impressionable. So they need plenty of attention, praise, and love. Training them at this stage will also teach them about action and reward, which will make them easier to train to do other things as adults. They will already understand that correct behavior can result in good things. At this stage, you can also start to expose the puppy to new people and new experiences. This is essential to the socialization process, so that they learn what to do when confronted by the unknown. This is a great time to try to take the puppy with you most everywhere you go. Essential training should continue throughout this stage. Adolescence Much like humans, during this stage Labradoodle puppies seem like they are either eating or sleeping all the time to manage big growth spurts, or getting into trouble. This period tends to last from around five or six months until about two years of age. But they also become more unpredictable as hormones start to play a role. Expect them to want to play all the time, to jump up a lot, and to do things that test your limits. Nevertheless, at this stage your Labradoodle should be fully housebroken, should have passed through that biting phase, and should be better at paying attention to you. They also lose their awkwardness around this age and seem more coordinated. Labradoodles in particular will start to show quite a bit of strength and agility at this stage. They should have all their adult teeth, but they still love to chew! This is something they inherit from the Labrador parent. Make sure to have an abundance of chew toys available to focus their otherwise destructive chewing. It is also during adolescence that territorial behavior tends to kick in. Your pup may become protective of their possessions, territorial of their home, and could start to bark at strangers. Also be aware that at some stage during adolescence—it can vary quite a bit—your dog will become sexually mature. Adulthood Depending on the particular type of Labradoodle that you have, you can expect them to settle down into adulthood at between two and three years of age. They should be about fully grown at this stage. So instead of getting bigger, you need to worry about them getting fatter! While it is natural for them to fill out a bit in the early stages of adulthood, it is important to keep an eye on their weight and their diet at this time. They will enter their physical and mental prime during this period, as they are much calmer and more tranquil. If they are being trained as a service dog, they can start working once they reach adulthood. None of this is to say that Labradoodles cannot continue to develop and learn new things at this time. Labradors and Labradoodles are very easy to train and can be taught new skills and behaviors at almost any age. Middle Age Your dog will start to enter the later stages of their life at about the ripe old age of seven years. At this point, Labradoodles still tend to be active and healthy dogs, but they do start to slow down a bit. It is also at this time that their joints might start to become stiff, and they can begin to develop more serious joint problems. You can try and alleviate this by feeding them supplements to support their joints. You can read more about joint supplements here. Senior When your Labradoodle hits nine or 10 years, they are truly senior and they will probably start to need a bit of extra care and attention. Joint pain is a common problem for Labradoodles, so you may need to make some adjustments to your home to accommodate them. Labradoodles also have a tendency to lose their eyesight in later years, and to feel the cold more intensely. Their appetite is also likely to change as this time, as is their metabolism. So again, watch their weight and what they are eating to maintain them at a healthy weight. This is especially important if they are suffering with joint issues, as excess weight will just make mobility even more challenging. Labradoodles are inclined toward a variety of health conditions, inherited from both their Labrador and poodle parents. The main Labradoodle health conditions to be aware of are: Allergies Labradoodles often develop food allergies, usually in their early years before they reach two years of age. This can often be caused by eating too much of certain foods in these formative months. But Labradoodles can also develop allergies in later life, and you might find that at age eight they are suddenly reacting to something that they have eaten their entire life. Labradoodles usually show an allergic reaction with skin itchiness and an upset stomach. If you notice these signs, visit your vet to try to identify what might be causing the problem. Ear Infections Labradoodles have floppy ears that cover the ear tracts. This means they are generally moist, dark spaces, which means breeding grounds for infections. This is also a common problem for Labradors but can be worse for Labradoodles because the curly hair in their ears can also trap moisture and foreign bodies. If they seem to have itchy ears, or if you notice smells coming from their ears, this is a sign that something is not quite right. This will mean a trip to the vet to determine the type of ear infection and the best treatment. Regular ear cleaning, especially after sleeping or bathing, is the best way to reduce the prevalence of ear infections in Labradoodles. Epilepsy Epilepsy is a neurological condition, of which one of the main symptoms is seizures. Labradoodles are quite prone to this condition. There is no cure, and treatment depends on the severity of the seizures and how often they occur. If your dog rarely has seizures, your vet will probably avoid medication, as it is not worth the risk. You may need to do some things to make your home safer for your dog, making it less likely that they will accidentally hurt themselves in the event of a seizure. Joint Issues Another issue inherited from their Labrador parents, Labradoodles often develop joint issues, especially in the hips, but it can be anywhere. Over time, what was an uncomfortable twinge can develop into serious pain, arthritis, and even lameness. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Sometimes joint supplements can be enough to keep your dog comfortable, while in other cases they might need serious pain medication. Progressive Retinal Atrophy This is a condition where a portion of the eye degenerates, eventually leading to blindness. This is quite common in Labradoodles and will usually affect both eyes, resulting in complete blindness. However, it is known to occasionally occur in puppies as well. There is no known treatment, though it is thought that a diet high in antioxidants may be able to help slow the progression of the condition. Signs of the disease include excessive bleeding and bruising where the dog is injured, but also spontaneos bleeds, for example nosebleeds, or blood in their urine or stool. This poses a risk to your Labradoodle throughout their lives, as they may need to avoid certain medications that can further thin the blood, as well as activities where they are at risk of getting injured. If they need surgery for some reason, such as when they are neutered, they will probably also require a platelet transfusion before the surgery. The Verdict When you decide to bring a Labradoodle puppy in your life, you are committing to love and care for that dog for about 12 to 14 years, which is the average lifespan of this crossbreed. During that time, they will pass through a number of different life stages, from being adorable puppies, naughty adolescents appropriately called the terrible twos , intelligent adults, and vulnerable seniors. But throughout all these life stages, a Labradoodle should give you a great deal of love and fulfilment. Do you have a Labradoodle? What is your experience living with these wonderful dogs? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or via our social media. Related Article. They venture into the surrounding environment. Puppies removed too early tend to be nervous, tend to bark inappropriately, tend to bite simply because these lessons a mother and littermates usually provides were missed. Training problems and long-term behavior problems can often be attributed to a puppy removed from the litter much too soon. Beginning at 3 weeks of age, what is going on at this stage of puppy devleopment: The first lessons learned are dog specific behavioral patterns They will learn various postures meanings and their affects to their mother and littermates. They will learn how to bite and what it is like to be bitten. They will learn what barking and other vocalizations mean and their uses. They will learn how to establish social relationships with other dogs. Beginning at 5 weeks of age, what is going on at this stage of puppy development: Vocalization and tempered activities dog manners usually are learned at approximately 5 weeks of age. They will learn how to be submissive to the leader of the pack. They will learn and refine additional postures, vocalizations, and acceptable dog interaction behaviors. With a few very clear signals and repetitions, the young puppy will learn quickly. At that point, a mothers glare or low growl is all that is needed to keep a young pup in line. Littermates also learn clear signals of communication to each other. It is during this time, that your dog needs to have positive experiences. They need to be introduced to new things and begin the groundwork to a happy, well-adjusted dog. Beginning at 7 weeks of age, what is going on at this stage of puppy development: Short attention spans. Things learned are permanent and will be resistant to change. Puppy will be eager to learn. What he does and learns now, he will do as an adult. Puppy will be transitioning his education from his mother to his human environment. Beginning at 8 weeks and ending at approximately 11 weeks of age, what is going on: Any traumatic, painful or frightening experiences can have a lasting impact. What You Can Do: Gradually introduce your puppy to new things, environments and people. Do not let others push your puppy or be forceful with them. Provide a secure comforting demeanor. Teach the puppy you are there to protect and lead. He has been watching you and the family very closely. He is picking up on human behaviors and reactions. He is learning the pecking order of the pack. As he observes and learns, he will then attempt to figure out where exactly he stands in the pack order and to also see if moving up in the pack will work. How could such a cute little pup be such a pistol? What is going on at this stage of puppy development: Puppy will begin to question authority. Puppy will attempt to move himself up in the pack order. Puppy will try to dominate. Puppy will grab leashes Puppy will try to determine what activities are going to be done and when. Puppy may growl. Puppy may put his mouth on you. Puppy can often become over excited. What you can do: Learn how your actions and body language communicate to your dog. Do not play aggressive games during this phase. Tug or wrestling If puppy becomes over excited, growls or mouths you, you stop all activity. Be very aware of how the puppy interacts with children — do not leave children unattended with the puppy. Enroll in a puppy kindergarten class to redirect some of the energy. He has been aware of where you are and would stay pretty close. During this period that same cute little puppy will decide that he is ready to go solo and take off running quicker than lightening. During this time, teaching the puppy that he must stay close by or come when called is critical. The failure to do this will result in a dog that will not be reliable to come or to stay close by as an adult and very well could lead the dog into a life or death situation. What is going on at this stage of puppy development: The puppy will become more independent. A puppy that previously would never go very far, will venture off. The Puppy will ignore commands to stay close or come. How you handle refusal to come or stay will affect future reliability off leash. Puppy will be clever in attempts to run around loose. Never allow dog loose in an unconfined area. Yes this is redundant to the above, so it must be pretty important for us to say it twice. Being off leash outside of a confined area is reserved for who have been well trained. Enroll in a training class that utilizes positive training techniques. Make coming a very positive experience. Oh… and never allow your puppy to be off leash in an unconfined area. This often is a time when many families start to worry that maybe they made a bad decision in getting a dog. Remember: you get what you put into it. You take the time right now to teach good habits, you will have the dog you always dreamed of for many years. This work will payoff. What is going on at this stage of puppy development: The puppy will become a free and independent thinker. The puppy will continue to review the pack order. The puppy will be very energetic. The puppy will be exuberant and enthusiastic. They turn into clowns with teeth. They will delight in learning new and fun things. What you can do: Appreciate the humor of it all. Have you read the book The Dog Listener yet? It will help. Understand that despite the behaviors it is your time to continue to train and reinforce the things you do want him to do. Reaffirm the family pack order. Be realistic about expectations still very much a puppy in a big boy body Channel all that energy into positive learning experiences. Continue with training classes; explore options for additional training opportunities. This is normal, but you must help your dog figure out how to deal with his fears or concerns. It will also reduce the chances that the things he fears will not be permanently imprinted for life. What is going on at this stage of puppy development: The puppy that was so confident will suddenly become reluctant to new things. This period can be subtle. This period can come and go several times over this entire period. It may appear to be unprovoked or unrelated to any specific occurrence. Puppy can become frustrating to owners. You may notice this behavior more in males. What you can do: Avoid extremes in your response no anger or forcing or over comforting Be patient and understanding. We aware of surrounding and potential triggers. Work on desensitizing him with gradual introductions with rewards. Praise with grand rewards for his attempts. Your dog will take his clues from you, if you act frightened or concerned he will too. He will begin to fill out a bit and develop more muscle tone. But, mentally, the dog is still working out some last details of his life and what it means to him. He IS a member of a pack and now begins to find that his turf is worthy of monitoring and protecting. You do not want you dog to take over these responsibilities because in no time you too will be under the rule of the King Dog. Which can lead to aggressive behaviors, protective to the point of creating fear or actually harming someone or another animal as he protects. This is bad news, and often a reason a dog is taken out of the home or destroyed. What is going on: The dog may become more turf protective. Strangers may be greeted with barking. Barking at noises, birds, cars, butterflies, pretty much everything he believe worthy of attention. Playing with other dogs may escalate to fighting. Same sex confrontations of other dogs can occur. Once again, checking the pack order to see if he can move up. What you can do: Reinforce how to greet strangers into your home. Teach your dog to ignore dogs he cannot be nice to. Practice or reinforce dog manners utilizing no threatening dogs Learn to read your dog and other dogs. Circling, walking on toes, stiff tail wags, tense facial expressions — are the signs of aggressive behaviors Rally your family to review that the pack order is clear and very one is consistent with training and corrections. Reward him for good behaviors. Give that dog another job, therapy work, obedience classes, agility. Republished with permission from International Doodle Owners Group. Save Save Ready for your puppy? It takes traits from both breeds, and new puppy owners will quickly see this combination was chosen intentionally. The Labrador retriever is an intelligent, loyal breed with an excellent temperament for nearly any family or living situation. Unfortunately, these dogs also shed a lot, which can be a hassle. It also makes a Labrador a poor choice for public social situations, such as outdoor dining at dog-friendly patios. Instead, the coat traps dirt, allergens, loose hair and other debris inside it. This means less shedding but also means daily brushing is required. The poodle is also an intelligent breed that makes a perfect addition to most homes since it was bred to be a companion animal. Any puppy is a lifelong commitment. Understanding what to expect at every life stage will help you prepare to give your cute little puppy a long, prosperous, happy life. A normal-sized labradoodle will live an average of 12 to 14 years. Smaller labradoodles resulting from a miniature or toy poodle crossbreed will generally live a little longer. However, you must remember that this lifespan is only an average. There are plenty of labradoodles who live into their late teens. A healthy diet, regular exercise and periodic vet visits are crucial to your labradoodle puppy living a long, healthy life. These main life stages include puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle-aged and senior. Each life stage is discussed in more detail below. Puppyhood If you adopt a labradoodle puppy, this will be the first stage you get to witness. A labradoodle puppy will remain in this life stage from birth until five or six months. Birth to 7 Weeks From birth until about seven weeks of age, labradoodle puppies stay close to their mother. They spend all their time eating, sleeping, growing and cuddling with their littermates. As they get closer to seven weeks of age, they may begin exploring their world a little. Around seven weeks of age, a labradoodle puppy will start becoming more interested in people. This is also when it begins forming bonds with you and other humans in the home or family. These adorable puppies will become more playful and curious at about eight weeks old. Instead, you want to create only positive experiences during this time to ensure it grows into a secure young adult dog. This is the perfect time to start positive training techniques. Teaching your labradoodle puppy about action and reward now will benefit its lifelong training. During this stage of puppy development, socialization is crucial. Now is the perfect time to take it to new places, introduce it to new people and provide it with new experiences. The most important part of this stage of puppy development is that your pup becomes a free and independent thinker. With its curiosity at an all-time high, this is the perfect time to bring your new companion everywhere. Socialization and bonding are other vital aspects of this stage of puppy development. Pet owners will find their puppy wants to be with them all the time and may become mildly anxious when separated from them. Most of its time will be spent eating, sleeping or getting into trouble. Your growing canine should have lost its baby teeth, have all its adult teeth and be out of the biting stage it may have had during puppyhood. Thanks to the Labrador genes, your labradoodle will always love to chew. You can stop destructive chewing behaviors by providing a chew toy or two or 20 to keep it occupied. It may become territorial, but regular socialization can help ease these issues. Your labradoodle will also begin showing quite a bit of strength, so continuing its training during this time is crucial. Acting out, wandering and even behaving aggressively are all normal during this time. Adulthood For a labradoodle, adulthood starts somewhere between two or three years of age and lasts until around its seventh birthday. During adulthood, labradoodles are at their prime. Their adult coat will grow in, which may be thicker or denser than their puppy coat. This breed is very intelligent and easy to train, so if you want to keep teaching it new tricks, you can. Weight Management Your labradoodle will reach its adult size between two and three years old. They can tell you if your dog is a normal size or needs diet and exercise. Middle-Aged Your doodle puppy will turn middle-aged around seven years old. This life stage is relatively brief and only lasts until the dog turns nine or .During middle age, most dogs are still active and overall healthy. It may exercise less and sleep a little more as it transitions between adulthood and its golden years. A middle-aged dog may begin to develop some health problems, especially as it gets closer to its senior years. The primary issues of concern are obesity, joints and teeth. The teeth and joints will become especially vulnerable during this stage, so you must take your dog for regular teeth cleaning and wellness visits. In addition, your vet may recommend supplements to protect the joints. Extra weight will also place unnecessary additional stress on the joints and heart of your dog. Senior Your dog will officially be considered a senior from around nine to 10 years of age until the end of its life. During their golden years, your labradoodle will require extra care and attention. Health problems are most likely to occur during these years, and your vet may suggest two annual well visits instead of only one. After 10 years of age, your dog will likely encounter issues staying warm. You might consider a heating blanket in their bed, keeping the house slightly warmer during winter or providing extra blankets to snuggle under. Your dog may also have problems with its eyesight. The most common issue for senior labradoodles is their joints, which tend to ache as they get older. In addition, they may have mobility problems caused by sore and stiff joints. For example, consider a ramp to help it get into the car or up your porch steps. Developing one or more health problems could mean a shorter lifespan for your labradoodle. A few of the most common health problems affecting labradoodle puppies or adults include: Allergies usually to food Ear infections which can lead to hearing loss after repeat infections Epilepsy. The life stages of a Labradoodle include four phases — puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, and senior. Most small breeds obtain their maturity quickly and tend to live longer. Larger breeds mature slowly and generally have shorter adulthoods and senior years. Your Labradoodle is considered a medium or standard dog and should be about 50 to 65 pounds. They hopefully have an excellent range of living or from years. This phase ends when your dog is about five months old. Of course, dogs do age at different speeds, and larger dogs mature slower than smaller dogs. The stages of a puppy are: From weeks, puppies are learning submission and attention behaviors, attention, and how to get along with siblings and mom. At weeks, puppies are forming a strong bond with people and are mentally mature enough to adjust to changes. They eat dog food and no longer need the attention of mom. From weeks, your Labradoodle puppy is impressionable. They look for objects and people associations. Make sure your puppy has positive experiences with other animals, people, and new situations. Try and avoid scary experiences at this time. Unpleasant experiences should be turned into positive experiences. Praise, love, and laugh up your puppy. Do not give the human empathetic response of reassurance, even at vaccination time. At weeks, try enrolling your puppy in the training class. In class, you are taught how to train your puppy. Never punish your puppy for any reason. Expose your labradoodle puppy to new things and experiences as well as people. Keep the situation positive. Use a leash to keep your puppy under control and safe. When your puppy is between months, they are considered pre-adolescents. Labradoodle puppies gain confidence and more independence. Continue training, and do take your puppy with you everywhere. Keeping your puppy by you gives your puppy time to bond with you and understand what is expected of them. When your puppy is months, be aware that your puppy has needs for stimulation, companionship, and activity. They get bored quickly and never seem to be inactive. They will run away, chew, bark, and be generally obnoxious. Yet, at this time, Labradoodles are wonderful companions, teachable, and pleasurable. Just like a child, love your Labradoodle during this Labradoodle life stages. You will be well rewarded for your efforts. Adolescence is when your puppy starts to lose its awkward nature, and adolescent behavior driven by hormonal influences starts to emerge. Often vets will claim a dog is in the adolescent phase for years, depending on the breed. Dogs are most challenging between the age of 8 months to about 18 months. At this point, you can call your dog a teenager, and they exhibit controlling habits like: Elimination; should be potty trained, No more indiscriminate biting, Focus improves, Labradoodles begin to sense their strength and agility, Labradoodles have their adult teeth, but still, need to chew. Keep your dog from being bored, curious, or anxious, and they will not chew on everything. However, just like the teenage years in humans, your dog will be erratic and unpredictable. They will act goofy, playful one minute, and in the net instant, they will be obsessed with what is going on around them. An adolescent will be: Bolder in play, Jump on everyone and everything, Chew on random things, Tend to wander away. Having a rebellious labradoodle can be an exciting time. Labradoodle life stages of adolescence are the time these dogs show independence, territoriality, and protectiveness of possessions and food. They are interested in other dogs and strangers and may start barking. Now is the time to begin intensive training. Be aware that adolescence is the time when dogs begin to find their sexuality. Sexual maturity can happen as early as six months, or in larger breeds, this type of maturity can take as long as two years to be sexually mature. If you have had your dog since puppyhood, you are already off to a good start building bonds. Keep up the excellent work. Teething is just about done. No more teething is an awesome phase when your dog no longer chews on everything. Make sure you give your teenage dog appropriate toys to chew on — they have powerful jaws. Different sleeping schedules seem to appear. When your puppy spent more time asleep than awake, it was lovely. However, your teenage labradoodle will have an endless supply of energy. Keep up the fun training sessions and brain games and give you labradoodle plenty of exercises. Your labradoodle will likely wake up at nighttime to roam around and play. Have patience and put up with this phase! Socialize your teenage dog. You have socialized your puppy during their young age, but do not stop now. Expose your dog to different places, people, dogs, and situations. Keep different experiences positive. Do not worry if your dog appears to be fearful of things or situations he previously loved. These moments will come and go, and fears and likes will change. Your teenage Labradoodle will love going for walks. Keep them on a leash and train them well. If your labradoodle suddenly stops walking and stands very still, do not worry. Just keep walking, resist the urge to punish your labradoodle, and do not let him off-leash. Training will come and go, but although he learned to sit, lie down, and to come, and he ignores your commands, he will still remember. Right now, your teenager is having trouble accessing all the knowledge he learned. Training will return to normal if you are patient and keep up the rewarding, training, and your breathing. Males begin marking their territory and lifting their leg for the first time. Females also start marking their territory at this time. Aggression to other dogs can increase during this time of adolescence, and your labradoodle is learning to establish their territory, social status, and bonding with their family. Depending on the size, breed, and individuality of your labradoodle, adulthood starts at about three. Now your labradoodle is not growing so fast, and instead of getting longer and taller, your dog begins to fill out. Their chest and shoulders may broaden a bit. Troublesome behaviors calm down, and your labradoodle is not as excitable as when they were adolescents. Your labradoodle is maturing and gaining confidence. Labradoodles reach their physical prime in adulthood. If you have trained and socialized your labradoodle in puppyhood and adolescence, you will have a well-trained adult dog. You can take them out in public, walk them on a leash, and your dog exhibits confidence. An adult labradoodle is still capable of social development, training, and learning. They are influenced by their environment, social interactions, and by you. Keep up established routines, socialization, training, and leadership. Find new opportunities to keep your labradoodle exercised in both mind and body. Usually, a labradoodle older than seven years is considered mature. If your labradoodle is smaller, they will tend to live several more years. Mature dogs are easier to care for than puppies or adolescents, but they still need your companionship and socialization. Make sure your Labradoodle gets plenty of exercise to keep him active and at a healthy weight. Do not neglect vet visits. Good dental hygiene is essential as your labradoodle ages. Professional cleaning and regular brushing will prevent dental disease and decay. Use dental treats and toys if your dog will not let you brush their teeth. Mature dogs may have food issues, lack of appetite, obesity, or digestive difficulties. You may need to add fiber to their food to aid with digestion. Ask your vet about supplements to alleviate joint pain. Exercise is essential for mature dogs. Take your dog on short and easy walks and monitor breathing and gait to ensure that nothing is wrong. Play with your mature labradoodle and use age-appropriate toys to keep your dog aware. Senior Dogs Older Labradoodles need special accommodations, food, and care. If your dog has sore joints or hip dysplasia, you may need to build a walking ramp so your Labradoodle can join you on your bed or jump in the car. Keep food and water in areas where your Labradoodle can easily reach. It is a good idea to watch for vision impairment. Heated beds soothe achy joints and keep your senior dogs on a non-slip surface. Look for changes in behavior, appetite, weight loss, or gain. Taking care of a senior dog can involve more work than you gave to your Labradoodle in their younger years, but caring for your senior dog gives back the years of unconditional love they gave to you. We hope you learned a lot from this enlightening post about Labradoodle life stages. If you enjoyed reading this, then you might also enjoy these other awesome posts about Labradoodles:. Labradoodles, are one of the most popular crossbreeds in America. All young puppies experience a period of hyperactivity. Labradoodles should calm down by around three years old. Table of Contents What age do Labradoodles calm down? Most Labradoodles reach adolescence at months old and grow to their full adult size by 12 months of age, although they can take as long as 18 months to develop fully. They take a little longer to mature mentally, and may not be emotionally mature until 3 years old. At that point they are a lot better at regulating their energy levels. That said, Doodles should remain relatively high-energy dogs as adults, well into their old age. However, being too hyper can cause problems. Signs of hyperactivity in Labradoodles Signs of hyperactivity in Doodles include fidgety movements, a short attention span, impulsiveness, attention-seeking behaviors, unprovoked snapping, aggression, and not being able to socialize well with other dogs. Why is my Labradoodles so hyper? Labradoodles are naturally high-energy, playful dogs. They are part Labrador Retriever, a very energetic breed, and part Poodle, one of the most intelligent breeds on the planet. The more intelligent a dog is, the more mental stimulation they tend to need to avoid getting bored. So, naturally, Labradoodles need a lot of exercise and play. This can result in pent-up energy and hyperactivity. It can also lead to anxious and destructive behaviors, such as pacing, panting, excessive barking, and destroying personal and household items. How much exercise does a Labradoodle need? A healthy adult Labradoodle needs around an hour of exercise every day, preferably split into two walks. Doodles enjoy walking, running, hiking, and swimming, so try to vary the location and do different activities on your walks to keep them stimulated. Labradoodle pups need to build up their exercise routine, with 5 minutes of exercise per month of their life twice a day. What do Labradoodles like to play? Dogs love playing games that exercise their natural instincts. Historically, Labradors and Poodles were both bred to hunt, and primarily in water. So, Labradoodles love games like fetch and chase, and anything involving water. Paddling pools are a good idea! Some other popular games for bright dogs include hide and seek, treasure hunt, and the cup game. To play hide and seek, ask your Labradoodle to sit and stay while you hide somewhere in your home. Then, call them to come and find you. To play the cup game, place two empty cups face down on the floor in front of your Doodle, and put a treat underneath one of them. Switch the cups around and ask your dog to find them. Toys that stimulate the senses are great, too, especially for younger Doodles. The importance of socialization Socialization is very important for dogs of all kinds, but especially super-social breeds like Labradoodles. Not only is it essential for their well-being, but it is also very stimulating and will burn up a lot of their daily energy. Try to involve your dog in your family life as much as possible, and interact with lots of friendly people and dogs on walks. This will also prevent aggressive behavior and snapping during periods of hyperactivity. Ideally your breeder will have already started some socialization and exposure with the puppy such as to different sounds and surfaces before you bring him or her home. Training a hyper Labradoodle Hyperactivity can make training a dog difficult, but not impossible. The key is to harness their energy and playfulness, rather than try to suppress it or punish them for it. Start training your Labradoodle as early on in their life as possible and try to keep your training sessions concise, consistent, regular, and fun to avoid stubbornness. How to calm down a Labradoodle? If your dog behaves badly, ignoring them by crossing your arms and turning away from them is the best response. Once they calm down, you should reward them for their calm behavior, so that they understand that this is what you want. They use naturally soothing ingredients like CBD and lavender to bring down stress levels and relax the body and mind. There are also calming collars and beds that emit calming scents and provide a sense of security. Do Labradoodles make good family dogs? Their high-energy, playful nature makes them ideal for large families, active families, and families that love to have fun and explore. However, because of their training and exercise needs, they are not ideal dogs for first-time dog owners. Is separation anxiety common in Labradoodles? Separation anxiety is fairly common in Labradoodles, especially those that are also experiencing hyperactivity. This is because the most common cause of hyperactivity in dogs also causes separation anxiety. You can do this by leaving your Doodle alone for short periods of time, and gradually building up the time that you are apart. This will create trust and understanding with your dog that you will always come back. This lets them know that there is something to look forward to the next time you leave. You can also relieve some anticipatory anxiety by doing some of the things you commonly do before leaving the house, such as grabbing your keys or turning off the TV, and then not leaving to remove the association. If your dog is destructive at first, try putting them in a crate or confining them to a safe area of the home with a dog gate. Can Labradoodles be low-energy? Labradoodles are generally high-energy dogs. Several health conditions can cause low energy in dogs, including infections, diseases, allergies, and hormonal disorders. As long as you can meet their needs, the lovely Labradoodle makes a wonderful companion and a great family pet! Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.