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Yorkshire Terriers Shih Tzus Congenital hydrocephalus may also result from a brain hemorrhage in a newborn after difficult labor, exposure to certain drugs during pregnancy, or prenatal infection. Acquired hydrocephalus may appear due to a Vitamin A deficiency, parainfluenza virus, intracranial inflammatory disease, swelling in the brain, or other infection. However, the most common cause of acquired hydrocephalus in dogs is brain tumors. The goal is to reduce the inflammation or the production of cerebrospinal fluid. Usually, vets prescribe corticosteroids this purpose. Sometimes, they may also prescribe anti-seizure drugs and other medications to treat the symptoms. However, in some cases, surgery is the best option for treatment. The procedure involves placing a shunt that redirects cerebrospinal fluid away from the brain and into the abdominal cavity where it can then be easily reabsorbed by the body. This surgery requires a brain surgeon and is usually expensive, so many dogs never receive it and are euthanized, instead. Vets generally treat cases of acquired hydrocephalus by focusing on the underlying causes. They may use medication, surgery, or radiation and chemotherapy in cases of tumors. When treatment begins early, it can prevent brain damage, and dogs can mostly make a full recovery. Have you ever cared for a dog with hydrocephalus? Did your vet treat the condition? Then let us know in the comments below. Are certain breeds more likely to develop hydrocephalus? Small, miniature, and toy breeds seem to be more affected. Hydrocephalus Puppy: low and back set ears, bulging eyes, large domed head How is hydrocephalus diagnosed? In young puppies, a large fontanel and clinical signs consistent with hydrocephalus are usually all that are needed to diagnose congenital hydrocephalus. Including bulging eyes and low, back set ears. Ultrasound evaluations through the fontanel can reveal dilated or enlarged brain ventricles open areas in each half of the brain. Brain scans using computed tomography CT or magnetic resonance imaging MRI can also be used to diagnose hydrocephalus. Electroencephalography EEG , which involves connecting electrical sensors onto the head in multiple locations, may also be used to aid in diagnosing hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus Dog Scan How is hydrocephalus treated? In the acute or early phases of hydrocephalus, treatment is directed toward reducing CSF production and inflammation by using corticosteroids steroids, such as cortisone or prednisone. In more severe or chronic cases, anti-seizure medications will be needed, and drugs may benefit affected dogs. Shunt for Hydrocephalus Surgery to place a tube that runs from the open spaces in the brain to the abdomen can be performed at some veterinary teaching or specialty hospitals. Considerable risks and potential complications are associated with this procedure, so be sure to thoroughly discuss the benefits and risks of shunts with your veterinarian. For acquired hydrocephalus, therapy is focused on treating the underlying cause and may range from medications to surgery to radiation therapy. Should dogs with congenital hydrocephalus be bred? Absolutely not. Because congenital hydrocephalus is a birth defect. What is the prognosis for dogs with hydrocephalus? In general, hydrocephalus in dogs is a serious, often life-threatening, condition. The forecasted outcome for hydrocephalus depends on its duration and severity. Puppies with congenital hydrocephalus may do well following shunt placement if severe brain damage has not occurred. Our experience with hydrocephalus is not a pleasant one. The two pups we have worked with failed to thrive and it was recommended by our vet to move forward with humane euthanasia. Dogs with acquired hydrocephalus have a poorer prognosis due to the likelihood of an underlying tumor or infection such as encephalitis inflammation of the brain. How common is hydrocephalus in dogs? Our veterinarian once told me years ago that this defect is to be expected 1 out of every puppies produced in all breeds with large domed heads examples above. I have experienced this defect twice now. One was in one of my own litters and the other was in a litter I was whelping for someone else. Prior to his loss, he has only pooped maybe 5 times during those 5 weeks. We tried enemas and warm water baths. We were sucking his nose every 30 minutes with an electric nasal aspirator. We tried steam to clear the airways and nebulizer treatments. He was also on antibiotics and had been given subcutaneous fluid treatment as well as cupping tapping the sides of the chest to break up phlegm and release fluid in lungs. The other puppy we worked with, was euthanized at 3 weeks of age. He had a massive open fontanel I could feel his brain and was unable to walk or nurse. He frequently circled and did not tolerate feedings well at all. Canine Open Fontanel Images What are open fontanels? They can be normal in young puppies, especially small breeds, but they typically close or harden by weeks of age. In some breeds, such as Chihuahuas and Miniature Dachshunds, it is not uncommon for open fontanelles to persist beyond 12 weeks of age. Open fontanelles are a normal finding in very young puppies. As normal puppies mature, the growth plates in their skull fuse together and the soft spots known as open fontanelles gradually reduce in size until they no longer exist. Persistent open fontanelles, however, are a common genetic condition that is seen in some small dog breeds. In these dogs, persistent open fontanelles are caused by genetic abnormalities in normal developmental skull closure. The growth plates in these dogs simply fail to fuse in a normal manner, leaving a persistent soft spot in the skull. In some cases, open fontanelles may be caused by an underlying brain condition, such as hydrocephalus. Cerebrospinal fluid CSF accumulates within the brain, causing the brain to swell. This swelling places pressure on the skull, which can contribute to open fontanelles, a dome-shaped skull, and other abnormalities. Fortunately, most cases of open fontanelles are genetic and are not associated with hydrocephalus. Conclusion These issues and whelping in general are not for the faint of heart. Im thankful to have given them the best chance at life I could. There will be times when nature has intended for a pup to not make it, but because of your love and care, that pup may live much longer than expected or even come back to live a completely normal life. Consider purchasing one of our made to order incubators! It maintains heat with attachment holes for nebulizers, oxygen concentrator, or whatever else you may need humidifier! Oxygen is a great tool for weak and failing puppies, boosting the immune system, click the link to learn more about how oxygen benefits newborn puppies. Check out all of our other blogs! Dont forget to subscribe and follow socials! Hydrocephalus in french bulldog puppies discussion.

Research: First and foremost, make sure that the breeder is reputable and has a good track record. There are many ways to research this, including reading online reviews and talking to other dog owners who have purchased Bernedoodles puppies from them. Health: Second, you want to make sure that the Bernedoodle puppies are healthy and well-cared for. Ask the breeder about the health of the parents and grandparents, and whether or not the puppies have been to the vet for a checkup. This means they should be introduced to a variety of people, and other animals, which will be beneficial for novice owners. Puppies from a reputable breeder are going to be more expensive than those from a backyard breeder. But, in the long run, a puppy from a reputable breeder is going to be healthier and have fewer behavior issues. Meet the Parents: If possible, you should meet the parents of the puppies before making your final decision. This will give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of temperament and appearance. But if you need more convincing, here are just a few reasons why a Bernedoodle might be the perfect pup for you. Coat: Bernedoodles come in three different coat types: wavy, curly, and straight. Temperament: Bernedoodles are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They are also very loyal and affectionate with their families and get along well with children and other pets. Size: Bernedoodles come in three different sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Standard Bernedoodles can weigh anywhere from pounds, while Miniature Bernedoodles usually weigh in at pounds. Toy Bernedoodles are the smallest of the bunch, weighing in at 12 pounds or less. Health: Bernedoodles are generally a healthy breed, and are not known to suffer from any major health conditions. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. But with proper care and regular vet check-ups, your Bernedoodle should enjoy a long and healthy life. When it comes to finding the perfect Bernedoodle puppy in Louisiana, price is often a major consideration. While there is no definitive answer when it comes to how much a Bernedoodle puppy may cost, there are a few things that can help you budget for your new furry friend. However, depending on the specific breeder and bloodline of your puppy, the price could be higher or lower. In addition to the cost of the puppy itself, there are also a few other expenses to consider when bringing a Bernedoodle into your home. These include things like shots, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. All of these costs can add up, so be sure to factor them into your budget when deciding whether or not a Bernedoodle is the right breed for you. When it comes to finding the perfect Bernedoodle puppy in Louisiana, price is certainly something to consider. If you know any great Bernedoodle breeder who lives in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana? It really helps others who are looking for a Bernedoodle Puppies in Louisiana. Conclusion for Bernedoodle Breeders in Louisiana: Hope you Like this post, so these are the best Bernedoodle Breeders in Louisiana that we have added to our list. And we believe there are many but we will thoroughly review and close check the breeder before adding it to our list. If you are looking for the best Bernedoodle Breeders in Louisiana, you can consider one of these breeders. You've come to the right place. Here, at Premier Pups, our Mini Bernedoodles are happy, healthy, and ready to embark on a life-long journey with their new families. These puppies are raised with love and cared for by the best in the business. We align ourselves only with the best breeders that meet our high standards. All our Mini Bernedoodles come with a year health guarantee that backs up our Premier Promise. Nationwide delivery is available for all out-of-state customers looking to adopt a Mini Bernedoodle. The beautiful Mini Bernedoodles are a blend of fluffy looks and darling personalities. They can be small or medium depending on their generation, but regardless of their size, they are simply adorable. Mini Bernedoodles are designed to be loyal and loving companions for equally loving owners. They thrive in a setting where attention and fun are plentiful. We partner with the best dog breeders in the nation to offer you healthy, happy Mini Bernedoodle puppies. Find your dream Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix puppy today! A few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups. 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 Breaux Bridge Louisiana 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!

Given that they are experts in the field of animal health and welfare, they will know the best meal schedule for your dog. This is one of the simplest methods to keep your Bulldog happy and healthy. Therefore, by choosing the best food for your beloved buddy to eat, you could extend its life span! Some examples of dry dog food are dog biscuits, kibble, and flaked cereals. Before serving dry dog foods to Bulldogs, warm water or broth is frequently added to this to improve the texture and enhance the flavor. Canned Wet Food: Canned wet food is sometimes preferable to dry food because it has a lot more moisture and thus will keep your dog hydrated. Moreover, wet dog food is also more likely to be appreciated by your English Bulldog puppy because it is usually more flavorful. However, wet food may increase the likelihood of dental issues. Homemade Diet: Homemade diets can help you save money. This diet also allows you to have more control over the macronutrients your dog consumes. As a result, with a homemade diet, you can rest assured that your dog is only consuming the best ingredients. Raw Diet: Raw dog food can be purchased as a frozen log, or it can simply be prepared at home. However, keep in mind that it should be prepared using quality meat and healthy fats. When it comes to choosing the right food for a Bulldog puppy, you need to be sure that it has high-quality protein to allow its body to function properly. If you accidentally drop something on the floor, these canines will gobble it up. However, some foods are incredibly toxic and dangerous for English Bulldogs to consume, even in small amounts. Here are some foods that you should avoid feeding your Bulldogs: Chocolate: This delectable human food includes theobromine , a poison that impairs the kidney, heart, and other important organ functions of a Bulldog puppy. If consumed in large amounts, xylitol can cause severe liver damage to your Bulldog. Raw Bread Dough: This is extremely poisonous. Milk and Other Dairy Products: Providing milk and other dairy products could lead to puppy diarrhea and other digestive system problems. These human foods may also set off food allergies, which may result in crusty scabs around the mouth of your dog. Grapes and Raisins: These may be enticing to dogs as treats or snacks, but they could also contain mold and fungus, which can result in gastrointestinal discomfort, seizures , lethargy, or kidney failure. Tomatoes: These contain tomatine , a poisonous alkaloid that can cause muscle weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures. Avocado: This tasty human food contains persin, which takes dogs some time to digest. It may cause severe stomach pain, breathing problems, and a buildup of fluid in the chest. Mushrooms: If your English Bulldog puppy consumes wild mushrooms, you should treat it as an emergency because it can result in neurological symptoms, kidney and liver failure, and even death. Macadamia Nuts and Walnuts: These delicious Hawaiian treats rank among the most hazardous human foods for dogs. These nuts can cause hind legs to become paralyzed for anywhere between 12 and 24 hours after consumption. Aside from the listed foods, there are other foods that your Bulldog puppy should stay away from. Therefore, when your dog transitions from a puppy to an adult dog and also when they get closer to seniority, it makes sense to switch to a different diet. It could take some trial and error to find the best food for them. You can use the following transition chart as a guide for your English Bulldog puppy: Day. This is why it is crucial that you understand how much to feed an English Bulldog puppy for proper health and longevity. These puppies need the same attention, particularly when it comes to eating, which is essential for good growth and development. If you have an English Bulldog puppy or are thinking about obtaining one, you will find our English Bulldog feeding chart invaluable. Puppies of all breeds, including the English Bulldog, need a diet tailored to their specific needs as they grow. Puppies under 3 months of age need more frequent feedings three to four per day , whereas pups aged 3 to 6 months only need three meals per day. They should be fed twice a day once they reach 6 months of age. You should also provide clean water for your dog at all times. They should be fed a high-quality puppy chow that has been moistened with water if they have begun eating solid food. An English Bulldog puppy of 6 weeks old should be energetic and sociable. Kids may start to act independently and exhibit their own unique identities. Take care not to leave any little things lying about that they may accidentally ingest. Give them a lot of things to chew on since teething may be uncomfortable for them. An English Bulldog puppy of 8 weeks old will likely be full of life and activity. They might be resistant, therefore your training efforts will need some time. Keep an eye out for symptoms of separation anxiety and work on establishing a routine. An English Bulldog puppy of 10 weeks will likely still be a lot of fun. Control their food consumption based on their weight. This may be given to the dog in two or three smaller meals. By the time they are 16 weeks old, English Bulldog puppies usually have a lot of excess energy and need to spend a lot of time playing and being active. Although signs of increased autonomy are encouraging, further training is still essential. Keep an eye on their eating habits and make any necessary adjustments to curb obesity. In some cases, you can feed them 4 cups but this is only if they are highly active. To avoid obesity, it is crucial to keep an eye on their weight and make dietary adjustments as required. Avoid overfeeding your English Bulldog since doing so might lead to obesity and health issues. It would be necessary to increase this till maturity. Puppies need a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients in addition to the macronutrients protein, fat, and carbs they consume. There should be a healthy equilibrium between calcium and phosphorus to avoid orthopedic issues, since both are crucial for bone formation. Avoiding obesity and its associated health risks requires careful nutrition and weight monitoring. To meet their energy demands and encourage healthy development, English Bulldog pups should be given many short meals throughout the day. Puppies should be fed three to four times a day until they are six months old, however, this may vary according to their age. They may reduce their intake to twice a day after six months. Overfeeding and free-feeding may cause obesity and other health issues. Kibble is practical since it can be stored easily and because it aids in the maintenance of healthy teeth. Wet food is a better alternative for fussy eaters or dogs with digestive concerns since it is often more appealing and may be simpler to digest. It has a shorter shelf life and may be more costly than kibble. The best option is ultimately determined by the specific requirements and preferences of each dog. Between 12 and 18 months of age, most experts advise making the transition to regular table fare. If you want to save your English Bulldog any stomach trouble, make the transfer to a new meal slowly over the course of a week to ten days. The best way to introduce a new meal to a pet is to incorporate it into their regular diet slowly at first. Selecting a premium adult dog food that is tailored to the specific dietary requirements of English Bulldogs is essential. Talk to your vet about when and what kind of food is best for your dog. Puppies have distinct nutritional demands that need feeding them at certain times and in precise quantities of food. Maintaining a healthy weight in your puppy may be achieved by regular feeding on a schedule and careful monitoring of food consumption. The Bulldog-shaped kibble is simple to pick up and chew, and the high-quality proteins and prebiotics support good digestion and stool quality. At this point in life, puppies should be with their parent, the English Bulldog mother, which is breastfeeding them on demand. Of course, if such a thing occurs, you should seek advice from a vet on what steps to take next. English Bulldog Puppy Feeding Chart 4 to 6 weeks Although puppies at this stage are still extremely close to their mother, they are slowly starting to explore the world around them. At four weeks of life, puppies might not yet be ready to try any other food. However, they will start teething at this point, so the mother might begin the weaning process. At around six weeks of life, puppies should already have an almost full set of baby teeth, which will make nursing a very painful experience. The best way to switch from nursing to solid foods is to separate the English Bulldog mom from her puppies for an hour, two or three times a day. You should introduce puppy food to the doggies before you completely cut off breastfeeding in order to ease the process of transition. English Bulldog Puppy Feeding Chart 8 to 10 weeks A two-month English Bulldog puppy is completely ready to eat puppy food, and will need to continue to be raised by the owner. Your pup might not eat much during the first few weeks of being on solid food, so one, to one and a half cups will be more than enough divided into three meals during the day. If you notice that your pup is eating everything from its bowl shortly after you give it food, it might be time to check its weight. The average weight during this stage should be somewhere between 12 and 15 lbs. If your pup has less or more pounds, you should consult with a vet for further feeding instructions. The amount of food your pup needs will depend on the level of its activity. However, this period is very challenging for both puppies and their owner. Remember that pups are just like people when it comes to food. You can expect your pet to eat between 1 and 1. Some pups might even eat 2 cups as they get closer to their tenth month, but only if the vet recommends it. The amount of food varies on the individual development of each pup. Food is essential for the healthy development of your puppy. However, as you might notice, your big pup requires more food because it serves as the energy that enables him to enjoy his activities, and helps him develop in a healthy way. To be honest, the answer is both yes and no. I know this sounds confusing, but essentially, your adult canine can eat puppy food without any great consequences. Puppy meals are specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies. As soon as your pup becomes a full-grown canine, the food they had when they were little will not be of any particular use. If you feed your dog puppy food occasionally, without turning it into a regular habit, nothing wrong will happen. Unfortunately, English Bulldogs are quite similar to French Bulldogs when it comes to risks of certain conditions and diseases, including obesity. If your puppy consumes an excessive amount of food, it runs the danger of gaining extra weight, which could have a negative impact on its growth and development. In order to determine the precise amount of calories that your puppy needs each day, you will first need to take into account its weight. Feeding Your English Bulldog Kibbles And Wet Food Wet and dry dog food are two of the most common types of meals that are used by almost every pet-friendly household, not only in the United States, but also in the rest of the world. Both of these types are commercial, which means that they can be found in almost every market in the United States. There are many brands available on the market that differ not only because of their package, but also the ingredients that each of them contain. However, although this type of food has plenty of benefits, there are certain things you should pay attention to. Also, not every type of dry food is good for your English Bulldog, so make sure to read the nutrition label and the ingredients list before you make the purchase. Make sure the dry food you buy for your English Bulldog is made particularly for growing pups as well as medium and big breeds when you go to the store to get it. However, there are owners who will put that aside once they see that their pups are getting more animal protein as it contains more meat. Wet food is also a great way to keep your pet hydrated, especially if it is in both the physical and mental development processes. However, after it has been opened, it must be stored in the refrigerator in order to prevent spoilage. Raw Food The number of canine owners who are switching their pets to raw feeding has been increasing during the last few decades, especially since it has been claimed that raw food has plenty of health benefits. Find companies that put money into research, preferably ones that do it through non-traditional veterinary organizations. Also, talk to your veterinarian about the best way to give your puppy a raw-food diet, and get their recommendations on how to do it. However, it should be taken in small amounts as it contains mercury, which might be detrimental to their health. Also, coconut helps its fur look even more beautiful and shiny. Many Bulldog owners use cashews as an occasional treat because it contains fibers, proteins, and healthy fats. Healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins contribute to the overall health of your pet and increase its energy levels. That is because turkey contains nutrients that are essential for the development of canines, including proteins and phosphorus. The second reason is the inability of canines to digest almonds, which might cause stomach issues. The amount of fat can also lead to some serious conditions, including pancreatitis. Any type of added sugar sweets, cakes, etc. If your English Bulldog puppy is healthy, it can start with adult food at 12 months of age, but under certain conditions. The transition should be made gradually, meaning that you should begin by adding only around 25 percent of adult food during the first week of transition, increasing it to 50 percent for the next few days, and continuing with 75 percent for another few days until the puppy food is completely gone from its plate bowl. I agree that this takes some patience and hard work, but just remember that your pup will greatly benefit from this change. Food for puppies is generally based on calories as it needs to accommodate the growth of the canine. However, once your pup reaches its final size height , puppy food will no longer be necessary, and it might just increase the weight of the dog without offering enough nutrients. Since English Bulldogs have such a propensity to be overweight, you really do not want to keep them on puppy food any longer than is absolutely necessary. These canines might show signs of hunger even shortly after they eat, which is why most owners give in and offer more food. Canines are then stuck in a loop of believing that they can obtain as much food as they want without an understanding of how this might impact their health. Because of this, you are unintentionally teaching your dog to be perpetually hungry, which is not in either of your best interests. Canines can have a difficult time digesting grains because it is not a natural meal for them. However, if the vet finds a relation between a medical issue and the constant hunger of your pet, you should strictly follow their instructions rather than general recommendations. Plenty of dog lovers go to great lengths to discover the optimal dog food for their Bulldog puppies. Should Bulldog puppies be fed a raw food diet or wet and dry food? How can I optimize English Bulldog puppy feeding to promote a healthy immune system for my pup? Is commercial food bad for my Bulldog puppy? If you have ever owned an English Bulldog puppy, you have surely sought the answers to these questions. Some sources promote dry and wet foods, while others advocate for feeding an English Bulldog puppy raw food for high-quality protein. So, is one choice better than another? What sort of puppy food is best for your English Bulldog puppy? Before you seek answers to these questions online, consider that no one knows your English Bulldog puppy better than you do. Do you really want to take English Bulldog feeding advice from random individuals online? Have confidence in your abilities to choose a puppy food that is best for your pooch. You can try feeding them wet dog food, commercial dog food, dry dog food, or a raw food diet. There is no option that is inherently better than another. If it seems like your dog enjoys what they eat, then be consistent and routinely offer them the food that they enjoy. Healthy eating habits can easily be established from a young age for your tiny pooch. English Bulldog puppies can be brought to their forever home when they are around 2 months old. As a dog owner, there is no time more exciting than bringing your new English Bulldog puppy home. Why is my English Bulldog puppy neglecting to eat its food? Luckily, it is perfectly normal for young English Bulldogs to lack an appetite during their first day or two in their forever home. Why, you ask? Well, this is because the process of a puppy being uprooted from its dog family to go live with its human family can be frightening initially. An English Bulldog puppy may scarcely know its new owners when it gets adopted and brought home, and the new environment in which it is living can be unfamiliar and unsettling. This means that your English Bulldog puppy may—understandably—lack an appetite during its first couple of days at home. After a day or two, your puppy should begin eating like normal and beginning its rapid transformation into becoming an adult. These dogs will be plenty tiny at this point, but they will grow into sizable adult Bulldogs before you know it. To support the growth of your petite pup, how much food should they receive every day? English Bulldog puppies that are around two months of food should be offered 2 cups of food every day during their first week or two at home. As your pup gets used to living in its new home, its appetite may begin to increase. Young English Bulldog pups need to eat a sufficient amount of food. Feeding A Three-Month-Old Bulldog Now that your English Bulldog puppy is undoubtedly larger than it was when you first brought it home, you will need to increase the amount of food that you give to your precious pooch. By the time your English Bulldog is three months old, it should be consuming at least 2. English Bulldog puppies on the large end of the spectrum can eat anywhere from 2. This may seem like a lot of food for a puppy, but remember that these dogs grow rapidly. Therefore, though eating 3 cups of food every day would be a lot for puppies of most other breeds, it is a good amount of food for a three-month-old Bulldog. A typical four-month-old English Bulldog puppy should eat at least 3 cups of food every day. As they age, they will be able to eat closer to 3. Five-month-old Bulldog pups should consume more than 3 cups of food daily. In fact, this is about the time that English Bulldogs consume their peak daily quantities of food. As an English Bulldog puppy grows older than five months old, the amount of food that it requires every day will begin to trend downward. Proper English Bulldog puppy feeding is crucial during this pivotal time of growth. Five-month-old Bulldog pups can eat up to 3. A six-month-old English Bulldog can still eat a bit of food, so plan on feeding these dogs around 3. If you notice that your pooch is developing a bigger belly than expected, try to cut back on the amount of food that you give your dog. As your English Bulldog puppy reaches seven months old and beyond, you can begin to offer it less food since it will be finished with the teenage stage in its life. Seven to eight-month-old Bulldogs should be consuming about 3. Owners should pay attention to the weight and body size of their pooches during this time. Dogs on the heavy or lightweight ends of the spectrum should have their diets adjusted. By the time an English Bulldog puppy is nine months old, its food should again be decreased. Feed nine-month-old Bulldog puppies around 2. Feeding A Ten To Twelve-Month-Old Bulldog Around 10 to 12 months old is the time in which many puppies eat the most food during their lifetimes, but this is not the case for English Bulldogs. Ten to twelve-month-old English Bullies hardly look like the puppy that you brought home when they were 2 months old. Now, your precious pooch will look like an adult dog. This means that they should be eating like adults. Feed your ten-month-old English Bulldog pup around 2. As they approach twelve months old, continue to decrease their food. Twelve-month-old Bullies should eat around 2. This may be hard for you to believe that your furry friend is all grown up, but you can now consider your canine companion to be an adult. So, what does adult dog food have that puppy food does not? The two foods tend to have similar ingredients, but adult food usually has more protein and fats while possessing fewer calories. These ingredients are better suited to look after the nutritional needs of an adult dog. Adult food may be dry dog food, wet food, or other types of food. Again, you can feel confident with feeding your dog wet food, dry food, or raw food. Each type of dog food has pros and cons, and none are inherently better than the other options. Given that adult dogs are no longer growing, they do not need to consume nearly as much food as puppies. However, adult English Bulldogs still consume a considerable amount of food. Plan to feed an adult English Bulldog anywhere from 2 to 2. The exact amount of food that you should feed your English Bully will depend on its size, sex, and activity levels. Small adult Bulldogs will only need to eat 2 cups of food every day, while large adults should be eating closer to 2. Since adult Bulldogs are no longer growing, they may be prone to gaining weight. Though 2 to 2. Pregnant or Lactating Bulldogs Pregnant or lactating English Bulldog mothers need to consume an enormous amount of calories every day to ensure that they and their puppies are getting enough nourishment. The energy required to simply move around while carrying their developing pups is immense. Pregnant or lactating Bulldog mothers should eat well over 3 cups of food every day. Around 3. If it seems as though your mother Bulldog is still hungry after eating her daily food quota, be sure that you offer additional food to her. This is a time in which owners should not be concerned with the amount of food that their English Bulldog eats. Especially Active Bulldogs Pet lovers who own especially active Bulldogs will need to offer these dogs more food than a typical adult English Bulldog would consume. Bulldogs are not known as an activity or athletic breed of dog, so plenty of active dogs will need to be offered enough food to meet their energy requirements. Providing anywhere from 2. There are plenty of dry dog food options for senior dogs that are available in pet stores, but you may instead prefer to feed your dog wet food that is easier for them to chew than dry food. Ultimately, senior English Bulldogs will be perfectly content with wet food, dry food, or another option. No matter what food you select, it will be slightly different than adult dog foods in that it will prioritize healthy fats and proteins to maintain immune system health. Moreover, a senior dog food will have less of an emphasis on caloric intake. Being fed an amount of food over two cups every day would probably be too much food for your senior pooch. Instead, owners should aim to provide their seniors with anywhere between 1. If you are unsure of how many calories your senior dog needs or what type of food to provide your Bulldog, you can consult with your veterinarian. Many Bulldog owners wish to know if they can use free feeding to ensure that their Bulldog receives enough food. Unsurprisingly, having an unlimited amount of food at its disposal can lead to unhealthy weight gain for your furry friend. Owners searching for a simple way to go about English Bulldog feeding will find this method attractive, but free feeding makes it difficult for a Bulldog to maintain a healthy weight. Now that you know how much an English Bulldog should be eating based on its age, you are doubtlessly wondering about how many meals your Bulldog should consume every day. The amount of times a Bulldog will need to eat every day is directly correlated to the age of a dog, with young dogs requiring more food than adults. Bulldogs aged two to five months should eat high-protein puppy food at least three times every day, with some puppies consuming four daily meals. You may find that feeding a morning, late-morning, mid-afternoon, and evening meal is a great feeding schedule for you and your English Bulldog puppy. Bulldogs that are six to twelve months old do not need to eat quite as frequently as they did when they were younger since their metabolisms have slowed since that age. Still, Bulldogs at this age should be eating at least two meals every day. Some English Bulldogs at this age may prefer to eat three meals daily. Adult Bulldogs need to eat even less frequently than puppies since they are finished growing. Some dogs may continue eating two meals every day, while others will be content with a single meal. Senior Bulldogs should be on a feeding schedule similar to that of adults. Being fed high-quality protein food once or twice a day will be ideal for these dogs. So, how many cups of food should an overweight English Bulldog be eating every day? First, be sure that you are not overfeeding your dog. Refer to our recommendations in this article to discover the perfect amount of food for your Bulldog. If your dog is eating more food than recommended, reduce how many cups of food it is fed every day. If you are feeding your Bulldog a good amount of dog food, consider the other foods that it ingests. It is certainly not wise to feed English Bulldogs human foods like raw bread dough and most other human foods, as this can lead to health issues. If your Bulldog is eating a good amount and not consuming too many treats, perhaps they simply need to receive more exercise. Dog obesity is a serious issue. Food aggression is a behavior in which a dog becomes hostile while in the presence of food. This behavior is dangerous for both a Bulldog and a human. If your dog seems aggressive while presented with food, you should work to correct the behavior. Consult A Veterinarian Talking to a trusted veterinarian will reveal a wealth of information about English Bulldog puppy feeding for new pet owners. A vet may have recommendations about dry food options or food alternatives for your dog, and they will also describe how many calories your Bully should consume based on its size. You can always search for answers online, but a vet is able to physically evaluate your pooch to determine the perfect amount of food for English Bulldog puppies and adult English Bulldogs alike. English Bulldogs eat an assortment of different food amounts based on age, but an English Bulldog feeding chart will provide accurate estimates of the amount of food that would be optimal for your pooch. A Bulldog puppy feeding chart or adult feeding chart may also feature a certain take on the best dog foods for a Bulldog. An English Bulldog feeding chart may also assess the pros and cons of dry food, wet food, or other kinds of dog food. An adult or puppy feeding chart is an easily-accessible way to quickly find the information that you seek. Different sizes and breeds of dog, naturally, need different amounts of food. But how much should you be feeding your English bulldog or puppy per day? How many cups of food should I feed my English Bulldog? How much you need to feed your English Bulldog will depend on their age and weight. It can vary between half a cup to 2 cups of food a day. Adult dogs are fed twice, puppies should be fed 3 times. English Bulldog puppies are still developing and will burn through calories quicker, meaning their feeding schedule should be 3 times a day. English Bulldog feeding chart and guide Below you can see an English Bulldog feeding chart which gives you a great overview of how many cups of food you should feed an English Bulldog puppy or adult. This is how many cups of food you should feed an English Bulldog puppy or adult according to the Royal Canin pet food company. How many cups of food should I feed my English Bulldog puppy? English Bulldog puppy at 2 months: 1 third of a cup, 3 times daily English Bulldog puppy at 3 months: 1 third of a cup, 3 times daily English Bulldog puppy at 4 months: 1 third of a cup, 3 times daily English Bulldog puppy at 5 months: Half a cup, twice a day English Bulldog puppy at 6 months: Half a cup, twice a day English Bulldog puppy at 7 to 12 months: Half a cup, twice a day This English Bulldog puppy feeding schedule should continue until they are 12 months old. After that point your English Bulldog is an adult and should switch to the recommended feeding guidelines shown on the feeding chart. What vets say about English Bulldog feeding amounts When you first get your English Bulldog, your vet should be able to recommend you an amount of food and how many times a day to feed them. Puppies need less food than an adult dog, and as the dog gets older you will gradually have to increase the amount of food you give them. There are several different types of food available for dogs, each having its own pros and cons, and with each dog having their own preferences. Dry food: including kibble and flaked cereals, has very low moisture content, meaning that they will have a higher appetite. Dry food is also often made into dog treats and dog biscuits, which can be a great occasional in-between meal snack to keep your dog occupied or to reward them for good behaviour. Wet food: is far better for keeping your dog hydrated, cooked at high temperatures and being incredibly fresh. Unfortunately, they have a short shelf life when opened and can be a messy option for over-eager dogs. Semi-moist: has a combination of the chewiness of dry food with the hydration of wet food. Coming in sachets, they are a popular alternative for those who are unsure if wet or dry food is the best option for their dog. How much food should I feed my English Bulldog puppy? Feeding a puppy is rather different to feeding an adult dog, needing smaller amounts of food more often throughout the day, with their eating habits changing as they grow older. Your vet should be able to recommend an amount per day to feed your new bulldog puppy if you are unsure about how to understand the puppy feeding chart shown earlier. English Bulldog puppies are typically fed three times a day, with around a handful of kibble each time around a third of a cup per portion until they are around 6 months old. However, your vet may recommend a larger amount if they do not think they are getting enough. English Bulldog puppy feeding schedules will differ, with 3 times a day being recommended. When feeding English Bulldog puppies, make sure that the food is easily accessible, and that the food bowl or tray is not set too high that they struggle to eat it. English Bulldogs have naturally short muzzles and can sometimes struggle to lift their heads up high, so setting it lower down will make it easier for them to swallow. If your puppy is turning its nose up at its food, make sure it is fully hydrated and well before trying out a mixture of dry and wet foods; every dog has different preferences to food, so finding out what your puppy likes can really help make dinner time easier and less stressful for you both. Handy Hint: Your English Bully can throw up after eating too much food, but the vomit could also mean something else. Here are the top reasons why this breed throws up so much. What food is best for English Bulldogs? With so many different dog foods on the market, it can be difficult to choose what the best kind of dog food for your bulldog is. It contains Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health, as well as other antioxidants and vitamins. Made in the USA, it contains no fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors or added sugar. Natural Balance — Ultra Premium Wet Dog Food: made with real beef, this wet dog food comes in many different flavors such as Beef, Chicken, Lamb and Liver, all mixed with brown rice, carrots and potatoes. What human food can bulldogs eat? Sometimes you want to share your food with your English Bulldog, but you do have to be careful as many foods we eat every day can prove harmful if not fatal to our furry companions. Aside from meat, some other human foods that dogs can freely eat are: White and brown rice: with many dog foods containing some form of rice as an ingredient. Dairy products: in small quantities, this does not include lactose intolerant dogs, who should not eat dairy products at all. Peanut Butter: this is a favourite for many dogs, make sure that it is natural, unsalted peanut butter with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs. Fruit: such as blueberries, goji berries, bananas, cucumbers and watermelon are all suitable for dogs to eat. Make sure any watermelon has been deseeded before allowing your dog to eat it. Vegetables: everyone needs their five a day, and English Bulldogs do too. Green beans, carrots, peas, sweetcorn, cauliflower and broccoli are all safe for your dog to eat, with many already included in dog food. Related questions Now you know how many cups of food your English Bulldog should eat, the types of food they can eat, and what the best feeding schedule is see chart , you might want some extra information. What can English Bulldogs not eat? There are certain foods that English Bulldogs should never be allowed to eat. This is due to differences in their digestion and immune system that means that harmless human food such as chocolate is fatal to dogs. English Bulldogs will often eat whatever they can find, most dogs do, but what should you keep away from them? Chocolate: the best-known no-go treat. Dog-friendly chocolates are available, but human chocolate can cause major issues for dogs. Grapes: unlike other fruit, grapes can cause everything from nausea to kidney failure in dogs. Mushrooms: wild mushrooms are especially toxic to dogs, as they are humans. Other vegetables that dogs should avoid include asparagus and onions. Bacon: while the meat itself is fine, fatty and crispy bacon can cause your dog digestion and pancreatic issues, slowly losing its functionality over time. Macadamia nuts: these have only been recently discovered to be bad for dogs, although nearly all other animal species do not suffer the same issue. How many calories should an English Bulldog eat? While amounts of food per day are usually measured in cups for English Bulldogs, there are recommended guidelines about how many calories a bulldog should be eating, depending on its age. While your vet will be able to recommend a more personalised eating regimen, once your dog has grown out of its puppy stage, young, energetic adult dogs eat around 1, calories a day, while less active adults only need around 1, calories per day. A lot of this depends on how active your English Bulldog is on a day to day basis, dictating how many calories they burn off and how much needs to be replaced. Most packets, cans and bags of dog food contain a recommended serving size for certain types of dogs, so check the packaging for more information. Handy Hint: English Bulldogs need daily exercise. Conclusion Now that you know how many cups of food you need to feed your English Bulldog; I would also recommend implementing a decent exercise regime. Without it, your furry friend could develop a lot of health issues including diabetes. Especially if they start eating more cups of food that is recommended in the English Bulldog feeding guide. Vets say English Bulldogs should have at least 20 minutes of exercise each day. You might also like….

A Golden Retriever is a wonderful family dog, but it needs space for playtime and exercise to lead a healthy life. You will also need time to train and socialize your dog. Here are some things to know about Golden Retrievers before bringing one home: Size Golden Retrievers are medium-sized dogs that can grow up to 22 to 24 inches. They can be between 65 and 75 lbs. These dogs need space and can also eat a lot, especially if they are active. A beautiful Golden Retriever with a bandana on his neck stands outdoors. Grooming Golden Retrievers may not need as much grooming as other dogs, but they can shed a lot and must have their coats brushed more during those times. They will shed their outer coat once or twice a year, so a daily brushing would help remove dead fur. You should also bring your dog to a groomer for regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and the occasional shower and tooth brushing. But other than that, most Golden Retrievers are not high-maintenance pets. Exercise And Training Golden Retrievers are a sporting breed, so they need a lot of exercise and activity. You need room on your property so your dog can play and run around. A Golden Retriever takes a lot of training and a healthy diet to run so fast! Early socialization is also important for sporting dogs because it makes them easier to train. Golden Retrievers are easy-going animals, but socialization makes it easier for them to adapt to any situation and makes them ideal companions for children and other animals. Finally, these dogs love the water! The breed was meant to retrieve waterfowl such as ducks and geese. Your Golden Retriever will be fond of fetching things from any body of water, whether a pool or a lake. Health And Life Expectancy Though Golden Retrievers are one of the healthiest breeds, they are also prone to health issues, including hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and heart disease. Golden Retriever standing and guards over a property. The life expectancy for the breed is 10 to 12 years, although in some rare cases where Goldens live up to 15 years. New Jersey has many breeders, but you should find a reputable one instead of landing at a puppy mill that breeds unhealthy pups and follows unethical breeding practices. Searching dog information, breeders and rescues online. Many search engines like Google have a rating and review system, so check these reviews to see what clients say about the breeder. You could also do some old-fashioned research by asking friends and neighbors where or how they got their pets. Visit a dog kennel or a veterinarian and ask them if they know ethical breeders in the area. Combining the results from your research could help you find a breeder that would fit your budget and timeline. They can help you find an ethical and responsible breeder so you can choose where to get your puppy. You can talk to them and discuss their dogs. You can ask them about the sires and dams in their kennels and how often they have a litter. Visit The Breeder Once you have a list of potential breeders, visit their facilities and see the condition of the pups and their dams. Ask about their breeding program, and check the condition of the pups and the state of their operations. Choose a breeder that makes the health of their dogs a priority, both for the dam and the puppies. These are all essential to finding healthy and well-socialized pups. They focus on the health and well-being of their puppies, so the dog litters are small. They have bred Golden Retrievers that have won in many dog shows and have excellent health certifications. Golden Retriever puppy with a ribbon on a plain background. If you want to get a puppy from them, you must submit an application to be included on their waiting list. The dogs are in a cage-free environment, allowing them to grow healthy and well-adjusted. Golden Retriever puppy eats kibbles. The dogs live in a beautiful house, and the breeder takes the time to prepare the puppies before sending them off! They highly recommend the breeder. Breeder Details:. A Private Membership Organization dedicated to the betterment of the breed animal caregiver you can trust. All health tested and excellent hips! We breed healthy English Cream Golden Retriever puppies with excellent temperament. As small home hobby breeders we are passionate about the breed and dedicated to improving the breed. Our dogs are our beloved pets, and are members of the family. These girls sleep in our beds and enjoy our pool, and are fed fresh, organic home-cooked meals, the best quality vitamins and dog food available, and live a life of luxury and love, adored by myself, my children, and the whole family. He is our Russian Prince imported with an impeccable Championship pedigree. Both parents and all grandparents have Russian titles as Champions of Russia. His mother is a champion Bird Dog as well! They are both behemoth Goldens but gentle Giants. They are large gorgeous specimens who tends to be a sweet cuddly Momma's boys and never want to be far from my lap. Both have sired the largest litters we have ever had in stature, and all these puppies have been a bunch of gentle giants much like their fathers! She has just passed all her tests as she turned two and son we welcome her in ton our breeding program. She is sweet and affectionate and has a adorable cheeky personality. She is also calm like her mother and very bright and intelligent. Her favorite activities are swimming and cuddling in bed. We excited about the opportunity to to breed her because she is absolutely perfect in every way, tall slender, magnificent face and healthy but also a shadow dog who is in every way my best friend. Check out our FB page for live videos and pictures and most up to date information on current litters!! We believe young puppies should have the opportunity to develop emotionally, socially and physically from the moment they are born. We imprint each puppy daily by touching and handling. Military for their canine training programs to give the dogs a superior advantage in life. There were five benefits observed in canines that were exposed to the stimulation exercises. Improved cardio vascular performance heart rate stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress and greater resistance to disease. Buying a genetically superior puppy meaning the most well-bred puppy will reduce the number of trips to the Veterinarian you have to make in the long run. His championship linage traces back to "Dew Mist Kennels" in Sweden. He is our pride and joy. Reservations now being accepted from qualified families for a puppy from our expected breeding. Mother Nature permitting Plan Ahead! Mother Nature permitting Read what owners have to say about our past Golden Retriever puppies. See Pepper and Maximus's past puppies. Originally bred for hunting, the Golden Retriever has a great reputation for their skill and proficiency as hunters, family pets, and magnificent looking dogs. The roots of the this particular breed can be definitively traced back to Sir Dudley Marjoribanks who was also known as Lord Tweedmouth, for the specific goal of trying to create a breed of dog that would be skilled in the hunt for waterfowl, and worthy of an aristocrat. Lord Tweedmouth was a wealthy land developer who resided in Guisachan, an estate in the Scottish Highlands of Glen Affric near Inverness-shire where hunting game was both sport and a means of putting food on the table. Lord Tweedmouth was a very proficient breeder who was able to successfully foster a number of animals such as Scottish ponies and cattle, and most notably the Golden Retriever. Nous was the only retriever pup of yellow color in an otherwise black litter that he purchased from a cobbler in Brighton, bred by Lord Chichester. Without a deeper examination of the history of each of these dogs, we cannot say with complete accuracy as to their ancestry. With the mating of Belle and Nous in , three females and a male, Ada, Crocus, Primrose and Cowslip, made up the first litter. The male pup, Crocus, was given to the second Lord Tweedmouth. The dogs that were bred include an Irish setter, the St. This created the perfect dog for hunting as well as imbuing characteristics such as gentleness, the ability to navigate water, and exceptional trainability. It was clearly established which dogs were bred to create the Golden Retriever, and why Lord Tweedmouth chose to mix these dogs. Lord Tweedmouth was a sporting gentleman who very much enjoyed the hunt for waterfowl on his estate with his countrymen. Recent innovations in weaponry of the period allowed shotguns to shoot at greater distances; therefore, it was necessary to have a keen dog capable of waterfowl retrievals in rough terrain. The innovations in saw new developments in hunting guns such as the center fire, breech loading, and hammerless shotguns. The type of breeding incorporated, along with new gun technology, showed how proficient retrievers were in the field. Most breed dogs today have been widely taken out of the workforce and become show dogs or family pets. This likely began when retrievers were introduced in the early 20th century for show. Lord Tweedmouth kept the yellow retriever away from the public eye until one of his prized dogs won the first field trial for retrievers in .Consequently this is when retrievers, Golden and Yellow, were first classified and showed prominence by placing first in Bench Competition. In , the Golden was given a separate breed class and became the Golden Retriever; henceforth, the Golden Retriever Club was founded that same year. In , the first Golden Retriever was documented in the United States and from here we can assume America fell in love with this dog. In addition, Canada registered a Golden Retriever in and played a significant role in developing the Golden Retriever of today. The Golden Retriever Club of America was founded in , and is closely related to the AKC for which the present day standard is followed. Furthermore, as a part of Golden Retriever lineage, a sire, Speedwell Pluto was born in England in , and had a global impact on the breed. Lord Tweedmouth died in , but managed to leave behind a very profound legacy. We can look at the characteristics of a modern Golden Retriever and discern what temperament and abilities Lord Tweedmouth was looking for. However, there are some distinct differences between the American Golden Retriever and the British line. The English Golden Retriever is wider, shorter, and more muscular, with a forehead that is a bit more block like. In addition, their chest is deeper, with shorter legs and a shorter tale. They are also heavier and have a height of 56 - 61cm, 22 - 24 inches at the withers, the tallest point behind the neck at the shoulders. Females are slightly shorter at 51 - 56cm or 20 - 21inches with narrower heads. The eyes are a bit darker and rounder as opposed to a more triangular and slanted shape of the American breed. However, these are not the most important qualities if you use the retriever in the field. The Golden Retriever, used in the field, needs all of distinct abilities that were originally bred into it. They are known as non-slip retrievers, which are dogs who are able to sit quietly in hunting blinds until they are ordered to retrieve game, both on land and water as well as walk without making any sound at heel. In addition, they need to be biddable, which is the ability to take direction from owners and handlers. In order to be proficient bird dogs, retrievers must have soft mouths so that they do not destroy game. Besides being a hunter, the golden retriever is an excellent companion for any homeowner who is willing to provide the kind of environment they need in order to thrive. As in most high caliber breed dogs, plenty of exercise is paramount to their happiness and success as a family pet. These dogs are not bred to exist in all family situations. One of the down sides, if any, of owning and taking care of a Golden Retriever is health related issues that may arise due to their breeding history. Depending on the breeder you buy from the average lifespan is anywhere from 10 to 12 years and they are susceptible to a wide array of medical problems. Some of these problems include cancer, cataracts, hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, heart problems, Von Will brand's disease, skin disorders and they gain weight quite easily so one should be careful not overfeed this breed of dog. However, this should not dissuade the serious dog owner from having a companion that loves children, is extremely loyal, friendly, intelligent, and overall very good natured, not to mention great hunters. Grooming a Golden Retriever as an essential part of any well maintained dog and this breed is no exception. You should dry shampoo on a regular basis, but only bathe when necessary. They are considered an average shedder which means that brushing and combing twice a week is a good way to remove wooly hair from their dense undercoats. The Golden Retriever is a fine breed of dog that will provide many years of companionship if kept active throughout its life. For instance, Gerald Ford owned a retriever named Liberty, author Dean Koontz is pictured on the back of his books with his golden retriever Trixie. We have an impeccable reputation for providing quality dogs exclusively to peoples' homes. We begin by raising our dogs alongside us within our home. The sharing of our space with our dogs makes for social, healthy, beautiful puppies and happy adult dogs. We hold our dogs to the highest standards, with regular vet check ups and visits for all. They exercise on almost two fenced acres and receive premium foods. Care is the best available, their health and happiness is paramount to all our success. Parents are chosen to mate based on carefully selected characteristics and family lineage. Hours of study and work go into pairing the right males and females toward breeding the best together, with improving our dogs and the breed always our priority. The gestation period is 63 days. At the end of that time, puppies are born into custom designed whelping boxes built in our own bedroom so that we hear and can respond to every sound. The puppies are accompanied by their moms with an occasional visit by dad and select other females. The puppies live the early weeks of their lives with their litter mates. Content, nursing puppies can bring tears of joy to your eye Mission: To create the best of the best in puppies, choose the best of the best in families and strive for those puppies to live with their families for long, healthy lives. There is NO room for error. Our daughter, Molly, was a figure skater and our other daughter, Emma, was a dancer. Our lives were incredibly busy so I didn't think we could give a puppy the time and love he or she would deserve. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in and now that our girls are grown, I thought a dog would be a good companion for him. A golden retriever was our 1 choice - specifically an English Golden. Moon River Goldens came highly recommended from a dear friend, and immediately upon speaking with Sue, we knew we had found the right breeder. Sue spent a great deal of time getting to know us and learning about our needs as a family. It was obvious to us from the start that she loved her dogs and was careful to be sure that the puppies would be placed with loving families. Sue not only was our breeder - she became our friend! When the puppies were born, my husband, my girls and I visited Sue to meet them. I will never forget the sheer joy of seeing my husband and girls sitting in the yelping box trying to choose the perfect pup for our family! This was no easy task as all of these pups were a delight! One puppy in particular seemed to gravitate to my daughters - he circled around one daughter and jumped in the lap of the other. I was focused on another pup, and it was Sue - knowing the demeanor of the pup that was trying so desperately to get our attention - who suggested we take this little one home with us. She knew what we needed as a family, and I can honestly say that she was right. We chose "Gold" - meaning he had a gold ribbon around his neck - and it was one of the best decisions we have ever made as a family! We brought our boy home on a sunny day in April, .Henry Allan M. To say that he has changed our lives is an understatement - he has given us more love than we could have ever imagined possible. There is constant laughter in the house, in large part due to Henry and his silly antics. All the neighborhood kids ring our bell just to say hi to Henry. Everyone is greeted with love and kisses. He means the world to us, and Henry lets us know exactly what we mean to him each and every day. About Us Happy, Healthy Bloodline Happy, Healthy Bloodline More than 15 years breeding puppies in partnership with a diverse and knowledgeable veterinary team, always standing by to offer the best support. The "lineage" of Moon River Goldens lives here, with our family at our home. In our commitment to better the breed, we choose from the best of the best to create even better English Golden Retrievers. A Furever Friend Happy, Healthy Bloodline A Furever Friend We carefully make sure we mix lines and do not overwork females to make sure each litter and puppy is a healthy treasure. When our females are still young and very healthy they are retired to live a long and happy life, here at Moon River. They are not rehomed at retirement, as we return their commitment to us as a commitment to them. Sign Up For Updates Be the first to hear about new litters, availability, and helpful pet advice. Here, all that is raised and grown is nurtured with love. They compete in different dog sports and venues. We only breed dogs that have full health clearance. We take pride in our dogs. To consecutively produce Golden Retrievers with good instincts, who are healthy, and sound in body and mind, our deliberate breeding program is extremely selective. Health is of the utmost importance in our breeding program. Temperament and trainability is vital to our breeding program. As a family breed, a Golden should be friendly, reliable and trustworthy. We intensively train dogs for different purpose, and show them in different venues. Whether we are looking for a show prospect, a performance dog or just a companion, intelligence, sweetness and an eagerness to learn are valuable assets to success. Our carefully bred, well-nurtured puppies are purposed to be honeysweet and bright. A precious, pleasant and synergetic human-dog partnership is what we aspire to bring to our dog owners. We believe form follows function. Even tough judging dogs is subjective, an adequate, versatile dog is our preference. We strive to breed balanced, moderate, and athletic Golden Retrievers that fit the breed standard and have good gun dog instincts. Thank you for visiting our website! Please feel free to contact us for any inquries. We have provided a large amount of land fenced in just for our Goldens to enjoy the sunshine and run and play together. English Goldens are the Ultimate family pet!!! They are very intelligent, kind, loving, fun, obedient, easy to train, and have an exceptional eagerness to please. Our Goldens are loyal and devoted companions and are particularly patient with children. You will be amazed with one of our English Golden Puppies who have a calm and mellow temperament. Goldens excel at almost everything. Being a dog breeder herself she knew exactly where to go, ask the right questions, and read the Russian Pedigrees and Health Clearances. After searching the European Goldens for some time, she found 2 English Cream Golden Puppies who came from the very best breeders in Russia. The puppies were beautiful, friendly and had the International Champion Lines we were looking for. When the time was right Sasha invited Anya to come to Russia where she attended one of the largest dog shows in the world and visited many Golden breeders. An experience Anya will never forget! Then 2 years later Anya flew back to Russia again coming home with another beautiful English Golden. We decided to stay mostly with the Russian Lines as they had the look, temperament, Champion Lines and were happy and healthy. To enhance our lines we imported a few Goldens from the Ukraine who also have the same qualities as our other English Goldens. All of our Goldens come from International Champions and International Champion Lines, also with health clearances, mostly from Russia. We spent a great deal of time in choosing our breeding dogs, not settling for the next one available. At Icewind we have made a commitment to the breed not to have any ICT affected puppies. Bringing a new puppy into the family is a financial and emotional investment. For a better understanding visit our website adult page for the links to the Genetic Veterinary Sciences. The benefits noted can be found on the Internet. All Icewind puppies receive ENS and are well socialized with grandchildren, other pets, friends and family. Also included are age appropriate Vaccines, dewormings, AKC papers, a lifetime health guarantee and lifetime breeder support. Please read through our website there is a wealth of information available. We are very proud of our testimonial page where you can read and learn experiences from other people and families who now own an Icewind English Cream Golden Retriever. There are many AKC Titles you can compete for. More information can be found at akc. We believe young puppies should have the opportunity to develop emotionally, socially and physically from the moment they are born. We imprint each puppy daily by touching and handling. Military for their canine training programs to give the dogs a superior advantage in life. There were five benefits observed in canines that were exposed to the stimulation exercises. Improved cardio vascular performance heart rate stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress and greater resistance to disease. Buying a genetically superior puppy meaning the most well-bred puppy will reduce the number of trips to the Veterinarian you have to make in the long run. Watch your puppy grow from Newborn to 8 weeks old!!! Accepting Deposits Now on our Upcoming Litters!!! New Born.

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Austin Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Austin? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Austin? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Contact Us Welcome to the Katian Kennel! This site was developed to share our love of Goldens. I hope you enjoy your visit, and come back often. For those of you who don't know: "Katian" pronounced "Kay-shun" is a play on Katie and Cajun my late husband's background - he used to say I'm leader of the Katian Nation - Yes, I know.We purchased almost 30 acres and are transforming our new golden retriever paradise. More about us.I recently lost my husband and am very thankful to have so many goldens who love me and occupy my time. When I do work on non-dog tasks, I work mostly from home so I can maximize my time with my canine crew. As the old adage goes, a tired dog is a happy dog.We purchased 30 beautiful acres…. Our new place is just outside of Lexington, Texas less than an hour east of Austin and just a few miles from Giddings, TX. I am truly blessed in that many of my puppies come back to me for training.I love seeing them grow and learn and am so grateful that my extended puppy family trusts us with the next stage in their puppy's life! Our dogs socialize with each other, mind their manners in the house most of the time , have free play in the fenced backyard and supervised free play throughout the rest of our property. They spend their time checking on the ducks in our aviary, the goats in our pasture and trailing all of the deer, rabbits, squirrels and other wildlife who call our property home. The golden crew confidently ride in our vehicles cars, trucks, 4wheelers, boats, kayaks, and our RV. In addition to being well-adjusted family companions, our dogs are duck hunters and competitive athletes. They compete in hunt tests, field trials, obedience and agility - needless to say, we are an active and busy family! My daughter, Katelyn, with one of the pups wooded front yard Angleton We are located on about 30 acres - golden paradise with rolling hills, woods and a beautiful pond! We do not raise our dogs in kennel runs. We have cameras set up so that we can keep a constant eye on our crew when we are tied up with non-dog duties. Security and safety of our furry family is of the utmost importance to us. Katelyn is my life-saver and helps out with the dogs whenever I need her. Between judging assignments and handling my own dogs at competitions most weekends, it is good to know that I have reliable help at home to take care of everything so I can enjoy the dogs off-property. In our pre-Harvey Angleton home, we had a perfect set-up. We are working on developing the perfect set-up at our new place in Lexington.The puppy nursery is almost done and in my home so that I can keep a constant eye on the pups.In Angleton, we had a small swim-by pond as well as a wooded green-tree reservoir for plenty of water training opportunities.Django, Grip, Nacho and Willow are our "launchers" and Gaga, Pebbles and Cica like to swiftly glide into the water - but all of them can't get enough of that wet stuff! Grip, Willow and Django will do laps together for hours if I let them! Whoever says golden retrievers don't like water, needs to stop by and visit! Availability of puppies and conditions of sale are at the sole discretion of the individual breeder. You are not obligated to purchase a puppy from the breeders whose names you obtain from GRCA puppy referral. He's our third Golden and is the king of our home. He has a larger than life personality and keeps us on our toes. Active, smart, playful, loving and funny all rolled into one handsome boy. He is everything a Golden should be. We couldn't imagine life without him and love him more every day. He's the most gentle, friendly and affectionate guy! The perfect addition for a family with young children.Sue was great to work with. She brings knowledge and expertise about the breed and has earned her positive reputation. You can easily tell that she genuinely loves each and every puppy. They are treated with loving care in her home. From the first week with our family, Memphis has been going to work with his momma. What started as a way for Memphis to be socialized and cared for during the day soon progressed to his becoming a member of the team. Nowadays, when he goes to work, he welcomes all of the employees and clients to the company. He makes the rounds throughout the day to make sure everyone pays sufficient attention to him. When not hard at work, he is looking after his person. He helps wake her up and get her ready for school in the morning. He also makes sure she is never alone at bedtime. And of course, he always makes sure she has a playmate. But every busy dog also needs downtime. In all seriousness, Yellow Rose and Susan are amazing. When we first reached out to Susan, she welcomed us into her home so that we could meet her dogs and see where she raises and works with them. It was clear from the start that she is not simply a breeder. She clearly loves each of her babies as they are part of her family. The level of attention she gives to them is beyond compare and it shows in the process she uses for finding families for her puppies. With her application process and the puppy selection process, we felt confident that she would select the right puppy for us. And we were right. Memphis has been a wonderful addition to our family. He loves playing with our daughter, whether she is laying on him while reading a book or running around the yard playing ball. He loves to go on 5-mile walks with his momma or sleep on the couch and watch a movie with his daddy. He is a perfect match for our family. We would like to thank Susan for being such a thoughtful and caring breeder. The time and attention she gives to her dogs and her puppies is evident in everything she does. We recommend her and her dogs to everyone wanting a wonderful golden as part of their family. Jay and Santana Susan exhibits the finest qualities all responsible canine parents should seek out. She leaves nothing to chance with regard to her puppies health, wellbeing and placement. The amount of dedication Susan displays before, during and after a puppies placement is admirable. In addition we are just two hours west of the Houston, Katy area. Also, three hours south of the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. Our home sits on 25 acres of rolling pasture. I love that we can just open a gate to take our Golden Retrievers for a run in the field or for a swim in one of our two ponds. As a Golden Retriever breeder one of my goals has always been to produce healthy puppies. Therefore, all Golden Retrievers used in my breeding program have their hips and elbows x-rayed and then submitted to the OFA Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for a rating. All of our pedigrees have generations of health testing. Equally important to health is temperament. A properly bred Golden Retriever is a joy to live with. Goldens should get along well with other dogs and possess a willingness to please. Golden Retrievers love spending as much time as they can with people. They are always ready to fetch a tennis ball or cuddle on a couch. This is why the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds for families. Reputable breeders only use Goldens with correct temperament in their breeding programs because they know that temperament is one of the most important aspects of our breed. Lastly, is the importance of Breed type and structure. Breed type are the traits that make a Golden Retriever resemble a Golden Retriever and not a Labrador Retriever or any other breed of dog. For instance, the coat of a Golden is very different from the coat of a Labrador. Likewise, the ears of a Golden Retriever are very different from those of a Doberman. Each breed recognized by the AKC has a breed standard, a description of that breed. The Golden Retriever breed standard describes what the ideal Golden Retriever should look like and behave like. Reputable breeders use the breed standard as a guide when making breeding decisions. After all, who wants to purchase a Golden Retriever who looks like an Irish Setter and acts like a Rottweiler? Structure is as important to a dogs health as clearances. For example, if a dog has weak front pasterns, a cow hocked rear, a weak topline, etc. So while it may seem unimportant to have many Champion CH dogs in the pedigree of your puppy, those CH dogs would most likely not have earned that title if they were not structurally sound. Structural soundness is important for all living beings. I hope that you enjoy your visit to our site and find some of the information presented here helpful.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You probably already know that learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy can be a stressful time. But… once you know these easy steps, great things happen! Knowing how to potty train your German Shepherd is vital to having a happy, comfortable life with them. Use this training consistently to have the most effect. A proactive approach works best. Which means you should… focus on preventing accidents, instead of waiting on them to happen! Follow a strict feeding and bathroom schedule to see the best results. Basically, you teach your German Shepherd puppy the right potty skills… until it becomes a habit humanesociety. The key to quick success is taking your pup out every 2 to 3 hours and never giving the opportunity for them to have an accident inside. This means at least 8 to 10 trips outside every single day! In their welcoming and safe crate either resting, eating their meals, or enjoying a play toy. In an exercise pen or playpen with a strict potty area. Under your direct, undivided attention. This means you are always watching your pup. All it takes is for you to check your phone for a few seconds for your pup to have a toileting accident! You can either use a crate to speed up their potty training or provide them an area indoors to eliminate. I prefer the crate method. Housebreaking with the use of a crate speeds up your success rate incredibly! But you want to use the crate positively so they learn to love their little den. Make their crate an enjoyable and inviting place to go. How to show your pup how to love their crate: Never force your pup into their crate! Take your time with crate introduction and allow them to explore under their own will. Serve your pup at least one meal a day inside their crate. Use a Kong with their meal stuffed inside and mixed with a small spoonful of unsweetened Greek yogurt or peanut butter to entice them to stay and work on the Kong inside the crate. Offer treats when they willingly go inside to rest or explore their crate. Use a verbal cue when you want your pup to go into the crate. You can learn all the benefits of teaching your dog to use their crate in this easy post on crate training your German Shepherd successfully. Check it out to get the complete facts, tips, and step-by-step instructions to perfect crate training today. Use Puppy Pads You can use puppy pads if you need to… or skip to step 4 to learn potty training without pads. Not going to use puppy pads? You can skip to step 4. But… if you prefer to use puppy pads, then you need an area where you always take your dog when they need to go to the bathroom. Preferably place their pads near the door that you eventually want them to use to go outside. Place more pads down than you think you need at first. This is because puppies have poor aim and also may find a spot they prefer other than the one you pick. After a couple of weeks, you may remove the extra pads until there are only two puppy pads on the floor in the primary area they prefer to go. Keep the food and water area away from the puppy pads in another place. Using Puppy Pads Successfully Change your puppy pads as they become soiled. But a lightly soiled pad is attractive to your pup in the beginning stages of training and helps them learn the right area to potty indoors at first. Once they are reliably using the correct spot, you need not continue to use this trick and can throw away the pads as they become too soiled. Training Them to Go Outside After Using Pads Indoors If you set up your pads near the door you use to take them outside to their elimination area, then you can transition them to go outside more easily. So, place or move your puppy pads closer to the door from their original spot to begin the transition to the outdoors. When your pads are close to the door, watch them for their elimination signs and get them to the outside as swiftly as you can. While I generally use a crate to house train my German Shepherd puppy I also totally understand that you might prefer to learn how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy using a puppy pad for any number of reasons. Teach Them a Potty Routine Every day, follow the same routine and schedule to keep your puppy from having accidents inside your house. Teaching your dog to eliminate outside means that you must have a strict schedule. Watch for signs that your pup needs to go potty so you can avoid indoor accidents. Morning Potty Routine First thing in the morning when you let your pup out of their crate or from their sleeping area take them to their potty spot. If in doubt, carry them outside yourself. If you will not leash your pup when you take them out in the morning, then run ahead of them to lead them outside quickly. If you have stairs, carry your pup since rushing downstairs on a full bladder is never a good idea. Outside Potty Routine Stay with your pup until they do their business. You can place your pup in a small confined area to go potty or keep them leashed to you. Stand quietly until they potty. Then, praise them and offer a tasty treat. This can bore you at first, but potty training a German Shepherd puppy becomes easier every day. After 10 to 15 minutes, take them out of their crate and repeat the above process. Learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy takes repetition and patience. How do you know when to take your GSD puppy outside to potty? Take them out after a nap. They need to relieve themselves after sleeping or napping in their crates. Take them out after a play session. Take them out after they drink a large amount of water. Take them out first thing in the morning and the last thing before you place them in their crate or go to bed. Take your dog out when their body language says they are searching for a potty spot! You should take out your German Shepherd puppy every 2 hours for an 8-week-old pup. Add an hour for each month your pup is old. So, a week-old dog needs to go out every 3 hours. And a week-old German Shepherd needs to go outside to relieve herself every 4 hours. Puppy Age How often do you take them outside to potty? Accidents are part of the process, but if you follow these basic house training guidelines, you can get the newest member of your family on the right track. To potty train your puppy, establish a routine Puppies do best on a regular schedule. The schedule teaches them that there are times to eat, times to play and times to do their business. Typically, a puppy can control their bladder one hour for every month of age. So if your puppy is 2 months old, they can hold it for about two hours. Take your puppy outside frequently—at least every two hours—and immediately after they wake up, during and after playing, and after eating or drinking. Pick a bathroom spot outside, and always take your puppy on a leash to that spot. While your puppy is relieving themselves, use a specific word or phrase that you can eventually use before they go to remind them what to do. Take them out for a longer walk or some playtime only after they have eliminated. Reward your puppy every time they eliminate outdoors. This step is vital, because rewarding your dog for going outdoors is the only way to teach what's expected of them. Put your puppy on a regular feeding schedule. What goes into a puppy on a schedule comes out of a puppy on a schedule. Depending on their age, puppies may need to be fed two or three times a day. Feeding your puppy at the same times each day will make it more likely that they'll eliminate at consistent times as well, making house training easier for both of you. Pick up your puppy's water dish about two and a half hours before bedtime to reduce the likelihood that they'll need to relieve themselves during the night. Most puppies can sleep for approximately seven hours without needing a bathroom break. If your puppy does wake you up in the night, don't make a big deal of it; otherwise, they will think it is time to play and won't want to go back to sleep. Turn on as few lights as possible, don't talk to or play with your puppy, take them out to the spot where they relieve themselves and then return them to bed. Top 10 pet tips Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of important information about caring for your pet, including training techniques and answers to frequently asked questions. Tether your puppy to you or a nearby piece of furniture with a six-foot leash if you are not actively training or playing. Watch for signs that your puppy needs to go out. Some signs are obvious, such as barking or scratching at the door, squatting, restlessness, sniffing around or circling. When you see these signs, immediately grab the leash and take them outside to their bathroom spot. If they eliminate, praise them and reward with a treat. Keep your puppy on leash in the yard. During the house training process, your yard should be treated like any other room in your house. Give your puppy some freedom in the house and yard only after they become reliably house trained. When you can't supervise, confine When you're unable to watch your puppy at all times, restrict them to an area small enough that they won't want to eliminate there. Browse Dog Crates on Amazon. You can use a portion of a bathroom or laundry room blocked off with baby gates. Or you may want to crate train your puppy. Be sure to learn how to use a crate humanely as a method of confinement. If your puppy has spent several hours in confinement, you'll need to take them directly to their bathroom spot as soon as you return. Mistakes happen Expect your puppy to have a few accidents in the house—it's a normal part of house training. Here's what to do when that happens: Without a lot of drama, immediately take them to their outside bathroom spot. Praise your pup and give a treat if they finish there. Don't punish your puppy for eliminating in the house. If you find a soiled area, just clean it up. Rubbing your puppy's nose in it, taking them to the spot and scolding them or any other punishment will only make them afraid of you or afraid to eliminate in your presence. Punishment will do more harm than good. Clean the soiled area thoroughly. Puppies are highly motivated to continue soiling in areas that smell like urine or feces. It's extremely important that you use these supervision and confinement procedures to minimize the number of accidents. Make plans for when you're away If you have to be away from home more than four or five hours a day, this may not be the best time for you to get a puppy. Instead, you may want to consider an older house-trained dog who can wait for your return. If you already have a puppy and must be away for long periods of time, you may need to: Arrange for someone, such as a responsible neighbor or a professional pet sitter, to take them for bathroom breaks. Alternatively, train them to eliminate in a specific place indoors. Be aware, however, that doing this can prolong the process of house training. Teaching your puppy to eliminate on newspaper may create a life-long surface preference, meaning that even as an adult they may eliminate on any newspaper lying around the living room. If you plan to paper-train, confine them to an area with enough room for a sleeping space, a playing space and a separate place to eliminate. In the designated elimination area, use either pet pee pads, newspapers cover the area with several layers of newspaper or a sod box. To make a sod box, place sod in a container such as a child's small, plastic swimming pool. You can also find dog litter products at a pet supply store. If you have to clean up an accident outside the designated elimination area, put the soiled rags or paper towels inside that area afterward to help your puppy recognize the scented area as the place where they are supposed to eliminate. Most dogs do not have full bladder control until they are six months old. This means that even if your puppy does learn to hold it, accidents may still happen if it is left inside too long. Not potty training early can extend the process and make things harder. As the puppy grows, the mess and smells will increase. It is also harder to break an existing habit than prevent one from starting in the first place. How long on average does it take to potty train a puppy? If everything goes according to plan, your German Shepherd can be potty trained within five days. However, that does not mean your pup will be able to be locked indoors for eight hours while you go to work and not make a mess. Therefore, a two-month-old puppy needs to go out every two hours. A three-month-old can hold for three, and so on. German Shepherds also often have a high play drive and might completely forget that they need to potty when they want to play instead. There are few things more frustrating than playing outside with your puppy for an hour, only to have them calm down enough to relieve themselves the moment they come indoors. Have a complimentary diet An upset stomach is one of the most common setbacks in housetraining. In particular, puppies are vulnerable to garbage gut because they tend to eat anything smelly or exciting. This is another reason to make use of a crate. Excellent digestive health is not only good for your puppy, but it makes it much easier to stick to your routine. Use a specific door By now, you might be noticing a theme of consistency and routine emerging. Taking your puppy out through the same door helps condition and imprint the housetraining process on your dog and will also serve you later when your dog learns to always ask to go outside at the same door. Leash and lead The leash or lead is a further way of conditioning your puppy. The lead ensures that you can keep them close and make sure they always go to the specific spotty to potty. Do some research on the best collar for German Shephards , as there are some breed specific requirements. Then give a treat or some playtime to reward the correct behavior. Guide your dog back inside A potty run needs to be conditioned as a potty run. While praise, playtime, and treats should be used to make it a positive experience, your pup must learn to stay focused on the task at hand. Creating a negative experience for your dog is more likely to cause sneaky behavior such as peeing and pooping secretly out of fear that you will reprimand them if caught. Make sure you check on your puppy at least twice throughout the night Set an alarm clock and check if your puppy is awake and restless at least twice a night. This is your cue to take the pup outside. If the crate is near your bed and you are a light sleeper, you will likely wake when you hear rustling or whimpering. Stick to a routine A rigid routine is the quickest and smoothest route to a house-trained puppy. Be sure to take the puppy outside as soon as it wakes up in the morning, as well as after a nap, after playtime, and after meals. Until they are at least twelve weeks old, they should be taken out a minimum every two hours during the day. Positive Reinforcement As with all dog training, positive reinforcement works best. Make sure to praise and reward within three seconds of your puppy going potty to make a positive association. While your German Shepherd is learning that the entire house is out of bounds for elimination, the crate is a useful tool to avoid accidents. Once this has been achieved, you can gradually allow your puppy more free rein indoors. Pee Pads are not helpful.

During week two, your Labradoodle puppy will enter a phase of development called the transitional period. Any day now, the puppies will open their eyes and see the world for the first time. There are many other physical and mental changes in store for our puppies in the coming weeks. Find out what the Notch Hill Labradoodle puppies will be up to. Experiencing sight and sound This phase of development begins when the puppies open their eyes for the first time. Once that happens, the puppies can start recognizing and interacting with things in their environment, including their mother and littermates. The puppies are now aware that they belong to the canine species. Their ear canals will open around day 14, which means that they will start responding to noises. Thanks to the gift of hearing, the puppies will learn to expand their vocabulary from tiny grunts and mews to boisterous yelps and barks. Gaining some independence While the puppies are still completely dependent on their mother for feeding and care, they start to develop the first signs of independence during the transitional period. The puppies will be better at regulating their own body temperature. However, rapid or extreme temperature changes can still be harmful during this period. Their mobility will increase and they will start to stand up around day .By day 21, they will be taking their fist steps! Natural instincts kick in At this stage, the puppies no longer require stimulation from their mother to eliminate. In fact, the instinct to go potty away from the nest kicks in during this stage. The puppies will start playing, wrestling, and showing social behaviors, including growling and tail wagging. These early interactions signal the start of social hierarchy placement within the litter. Puppy teeth come in The puppies will get their first teeth during this period. As the puppies learn to lap up liquids, they will become comfortable drinking from a bowl or bottle. They will also start showing interest in solid foods. They are getting ready for the weaning process, which starts around week three. Continuing the imprinting process At Notch Hill, we continue working with our puppies during this important period of development. The puppies are exposed to soft music and low level light changes, so they can learn how to use their new senses. Getting puppies used to noises is an important part of socialization. The puppies are handled and weighed every day for the first three weeks. Around this time, we also start hand feeding the puppies to supplement their nursing, so they become more accustomed to human contact. If you have questions about how Notch Hill Labradoodles are raised, feel free to contact us anytime. But in the early days, we recommend keeping them close to you at night. It will help them feel safe and cared for — leaving their litter is quite a big step, after all. Your puppy may be unsettled and will most likely need at least one bathroom break through the night. It will all be okay in a few weeks time, though. The crate should be a cozy warm den for your puppy. Soft blankets and a cuddly toy should do the trick to help them settle. It is also a good idea to cover over the sides but keep the front uncovered so your pup can still see out. Just before bed, take your pup out for one last potty stop. With that beautiful voice of yours, gently reassure them and rest your hand in the crate so they know you are there. When your puppy wakes up in the night they definitely will at some point , listen to see if they are settling back down. Expect to be out at or am to take them straight to the loo. They will be bursting! That just about covers the first steps of Labradoodle sleep training. Very tired. But early mornings, late nights and disturbed sleep are all part of owning a puppy. As they mature emotionally and settle into their new home they will be happy in other parts of the house, and even outside of their crate. Having them in your room does not cause separation anxiety later on. Stick to a routine! Consistency is everything. It will backfire on you. Check out our guide on how to get a puppy to sleep through the night for more tips. Alone Training Labradoodles are very sociable. That can mean two things — they will always be happy to see you and that being alone can be challenging for them. This will help them feel at ease without you and also help them love their crate a little bit more too. While they are eating, go and do something close by. No need to go completely out of sight, but try not to focus on your puppy either. Labradoodles love to eat, so use this time wisely to distract them away from you. Just a few seconds is good enough in the early stages. Repeat: Practice makes perfect! Do this exercise at least once a day to build up alone time, and check out our guide to puppy separation anxiety. We expand on our little secret in our puppy potty training article. Every 30 minutes, after eating, sleeping or playing. Socialization Exercises to do This Week Early socialization is important for all puppies. It gives them confidence and teaches them to view the world in an optimistic way. Here are some puppy socialization exercises to do with your Labradoodle. Let your Labradoodle Puppy Explore the Yard The yard is a great way to introduce your puppy to the great outdoors. They will also get used to walking on different types of surfaces such as your tiled, wet lawn or open flower beds. To get them there, here is a quick exercise you can run through: Exploring different surfaces exercise Have plenty of treats ready. Only use safe surfaces, nothing too slippery. Gather surfaces such as: A piece of carpet A large tray with a thin layer of water A large piece of tin foil or cardboard, something that makes a noise. Put the surfaces out on the floor and let your puppy investigate. Let them take their time and go at their own pace. In our experience Labradoodles are quite food motivated, and you can probably use a low or medium value treat for this. You can even try to use their kibble as many will be delighted to work for their food. For more info on what rewards to use check out our article on rewards and treats. Teach your puppy their name One of the first things your puppy will learn from you is their name. Fortunately, teaching a Labradoodle puppy their name is rather simple. Pretty easy, right? Practice this a few times everyday until they start flipping their head at you every time you call their name. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name too! Teach your puppy to sit Labradoodle training is often started by teaching them how to sit. We call this a marker word. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow with a tasty treat. Bits of smelly sausage or cheese will definitely do the trick. If this happens, try to keep it simple at first and just use their own kibble if they are motivated to work for it. Save the big guns in treat terms for when you really need it! How to do it Always begin training at home. The outside world is far too exciting at the moment, and your puppy will probably not focus on you. Stand in front of your pup with a treat in your hand and place the treat on their nose, then bring it up to your waist. Recall — How to teach your Labradoodle puppy to come back when called Your puppy should have a good grasp of their name by now, which should make recall training pretty straightforward. Pun intended. How to do it You will need plenty of those high value treats and your best cheery voice. Call your puppy only once! This is super important as you want them to learn that their name only has to be called once for them to react to it. How to do it Get your puppy excited by showing them their favorite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Once they are interested in the toy, throw it a short distance away from you. With that lovely singing voice of yours, encourage them to bring it back to you. When they do, swap the toy in their mouth for another identical toy. Repeat about 5 times and practice everyday. Get your puppy excited by showing them their favorite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Prevention of Resource Guarding This part of Labradoodle training is important — it will prevent resource guarding by teaching your puppy how to give up items willingly. Resource guarding is this thing that happens when dogs are unwilling to give up items back, or when they get protective over something from humans or other dogs. From the training tips above, preventing resource guarding always comes down to a good swapping. Resource guarding starts when we force our dogs as puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. To avoid that, resist your temptation to reach deep inside their mouths to get whatever it is they have. Ultimately, we want our puppies to be willing to give things up when we need them to. What we really mean is care, handling, health and grooming. Start by just showing them the brush and running it over them with the apartment side so they get used to the sensation minus the bristles. Hand Touch and Handling If you handle your puppy too roughly or grab at them, not only are they going to have a bit of a fright, but it could make them feel scared about being touched in the future. Use plenty of treats, and remember to stop if they walk away. Touch should be a pleasant thing not forced. Week 2 — Training your Labradoodle puppy Week 2 already! Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Well developed sense of smell. Nuzzling against warmth. Development of sucking response and motor skills. Sleeping, eating, Pooping.During this period, mild stress to the puppy is helpful in creating a stable personality. Mild Stress: handling by a human, thermal stress Transitional Period days. Eyes begin to open. Increase in sensory capacity and motor skills. Beginning of sociability. Puppies prefer to remain in their group and with their mother, rather than alone even if external conditions are favorable. Toward the end of this period, the puppies will show increased in inquisitiveness and the emergence of their upper canine teeth. Also at this stage the puppies will experience the very beginnings of play. Much more play and exploration of the outside world. Development of fear and avoidance of strange situations. Sensitivity to the outside world. Subjection to humans is paramount during this phase. If social contact with humans is kept to a minimum, your puppy never really becomes comfortable with people and never develops a sense of trust. Socialization with other dogs is also extremely important during this period, as well. Understanding of the canine social system, behavioral posturing and responses. Eating of solid foods and weaning by their mother. The puppy's sensitivity increases; the puppies can run, wrestle and play. At 12 weeks of age, your puppy is like an 18 month old child. Inquisitive, responsive to verbal language, but still is not sure of what is being requested of them. Your puppy's attention span increases, energy level increases. Social responses increase. Your puppy desires longer contact with a social system, human and dog, and longer periods of play. At 6 months of age, your puppy is comparable to a 13 year old child. Your puppy's energy level increases dramatically. Independence is a land mark change in your puppy's behavior. Refusal to comply with simple requests to go outside or to come inside. Your puppy may begin to resist physical dominance. Early on this positioning takes the form of play. Growling over the food dish and favorite toys may take place. At 1 year to 18 months of age, your young adult dog is similar to a 16 to 17 year old, ready to take on the world. If the foundation is lacking or nonexistent, you will have a juvenile delinquent on your hands. If training begins at this point in your dog's life, you may be up for a knock -down-drag -out battle. Depending on the dog's basic temperament, you could end up with a well mannered member of society or a dog that will consistently challenge authority, walking around with a chip on his or her shoulders. At 2 years of age, your dog is finally an adult. The training program that you have established throughout has paid off. Tasks that were normally performed in a heartbeat may be thought about a little longer. This is the perfect time for a refresher course in the basics, if you allowed them to slack. The owner will say they kept up the training program for a period and then began to let it slack. The owner will tell me that their dogs seem to have forgotten everything. Dogs don't forget.Remember, you have an adult now , not a puppy.Arthritis, sight failings, hearing loss to name a few. Tolerance is the key here since correction is not warranted. Just like us.Light obedience, if nothing else, is a good program for your older dog. Most dogs enjoy the special one on one time that obedience training provides and older dogs are no exceptions to this. 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. Most vets recommend treating your puppy for worms at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks of age. After that, they should receive treatment every three months for all of their life. Based on where you live, your vet will advise you of what type of treatment your dog should have. Worming medication is relatively easy to administer yourself, so you may choose to go that route, or you can have your vet do the treatment. Here are some signs your puppy may be infected with worms: Diarrhea or vomiting. Weight loss despite eating well. Weakness and listlessness. Abnormally swollen stomach. Biting Phase All puppies bite! When the puppy starts teething, he is going to chew and bite. Biting gives the dog relief from the pain of teething. It also helps with boredom. When the puppy starts biting, take your hand away and give him an acceptable substitute like a chew toy. Having a variety of toys to choose from can really help here, as puppies, like children, will quickly lose interest when given the same toy over and over again. This variety toy bundle is packed with 12 different toys — ropes, balls, chews, and squeaky toys — that are perfect for little puppy mouths and needle-sharp teeth. An excellent value! No products found. Each time he bites, repeat this process and praise him when he chews on the toy instead of your fingers. When my dog, Oliver, was going through this phase, I found that a frozen puppy Kong really helped. Just be patient. The most important thing to remember is that this is just a phase that will soon be outgrown. Housebreaking is a huge responsibility that can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months depending on the puppy. For example, a 5-month-old puppy may be able to go for five hours in between potty breaks, but a 3-month-old puppy can only wait up to three hours before needing relief. For the best success at housebreaking, you need to be consistent and take the puppy outside at the following times. First thing in the morning. Right after eating. Right after waking from a nap. Just before bedtime. Any time you see the pup sniffing the floor. Carry the puppy outside to where you want him to go and put him down. As soon as he goes, praise him and bring him back inside. Do not allow him to play. With persistence and consistency, you should have your Labradoodle puppy housebroken in no time at all. Tip: Crate training your Labradoodle puppy will speed the housebreaking process significantly. This is the crate I use for my Doodles. Take the puppy around other dogs and animals once your vet gives the go-ahead. This can easily become overwhelming for shy or timid pups — we give you tips for making this a positive, successful experience in this article. You may also want to encourage young children to gently pet the dog with supervision of course to get him used to other people. When socializing your puppy, be aware that puppies undergo two distinct fear periods as they mature. The first occurs between 8 and 12 weeks, and the second can happen anytime between the ages of 4 and 14 months. If your puppy grows up feeling he should avoid children or be afraid of other animals, it can become a problem later. Visit our socialization article for more ideas and tips. Training Training your Labradoodle puppy should begin almost as soon as you bring him home. Give him a day or two to get used to you and his new surroundings and then begin working with him. Exactly how easy are they to train? Find out here. By the time your puppy is about 4 months old, you can begin teaching him tricks. Labradoodles are playful and intelligent dogs that love learning new things. Even the color might be slightly different. Depending on the type of Labradoodle you have, your pup will have either a fleece, hair, or wool coat. We explain more about Labradoodle puppy coats here. It will have to be groomed or brushed out as the new coat begins to come in. Failure to brush out the old dead coat can result in severe matting of the new coat, which can be a mess to deal with. Your Labradoodle will begin losing its puppy coat between 10 weeks and 14 weeks of age. The entire process of puppy coat to adult coat usually takes anywhere from one to several weeks. Although it varies from dog to dog, the baby teeth begin falling out between 14 and 30 weeks of age as adult teeth begin pushing their way through the gums. They may even begin falling out as early as 10 weeks old. The incisors are the first to fall out followed by the canines, and the premolars are the last to fall out. By the time the puppy is 8 months old, he or she should have a full set 42 of adult teeth. The dog will have 16 premolars, 12 incisors, 10 molars, and four canines. Keep those new adult teeth healthy by following the tips found in our Brushing Guide and how-to video. Related Questions: What is the average size for a Labradoodle litter? Although this can vary from dog to dog, the average size for a Labradoodle litter is eight. Litter sizes of five to nine are very common. Usually, the larger the breed is, the more puppies per litter can be expected, though first-time moms sometimes have smaller litters. They usually start yipping and barking around four to six weeks old, although it may not sound like barking at first. All dogs are not the same. Each one is different. Conclusion After obtaining all this information on the various stages of development your Labradoodle puppy will experience, you may still have some concerns. All puppy parents do! Worry just goes with the territory. Focus on enjoying and treasuring each growth stage because before you know it, that cute little puppy will be all grown up and puppyhood will be a thing of the past. Also, having an information-packed guide at your disposal can give you answers and calm some of your worries. Key milestones to look out for include teething, going for their first walk, completing potty training, and being ready to start obedience training. Your Labradoodle Puppy Your new Labradoodle puppy may be an adorable little bundle of fur now. But Labradoodle puppies, like all puppies, grow up fast! When will your Doodle puppy reach its full adult size? What about behavioral milestones, such socializing with other dogs, fetching toys, or responding to commands? New puppy owners often have lots of questions about puppy growth and development. Before your puppy even comes home with you, it will have already completed some important early phases of development. The time spent in the womb is called the gestation period. The average gestation period for Labradoodles is around 63 days, or 9 weeks. If your puppy came to you from a breeder, chances are it spent the first couple of months of life with mom and littermates, before coming to you. What went on during those first few weeks? The earliest stages of puppy development are important to the good health and behavior of a dog over its whole lifetime. Neonatal Weeks Newborn puppies are born deaf, blind, and unable to stand or walk. In the first days of life, your puppy will seek warmth, nutrition, and care from the mother. Your puppy will want to be close to mom and is totally dependent on her care and attention. Separation from mom at this stage will cause your puppy distress as it is still too soon to be away from the mother. Your puppy will become more aware of its environment and begin to explore. Interaction with mom will expand to include play, and your puppy will also play with its littermates. After socializing with its canine family, your puppy will also begin socializing with humans. During this time, a puppy can be fearful of new experiences, so introduction to people and animals should be done carefully. Your puppy will also start weaning onto solid food from 3 weeks onwards, and by 8 weeks old, your puppy is old enough to come home and join their forever family. Late Socialization 12 Weeks-6 Months Some Labradoodle breeders prefer to wait until this development stage before giving puppies to their new owners. This is also a time to encourage good behaviors and discourage bad behaviors like biting and aggression. Potty and crate training are key during this time. Puppy Growth Milestones Lots of physical changes happen to a young puppy in the first few months of life. Here are a few important changes that your Labradoodle puppy will experience after coming home with you. Teeth A puppy grows 28 baby teeth also called deciduous teeth that will fall out and then be replaced by 42 permanent teeth. They may begin to fall out while your puppy is still with the breeder, or once they are home with you, at around 12 weeks of age. Like most dogs, Labradoodle puppies like to chew during the teething process. They also chew to explore the world around them. Provide your puppy with a variety of safe chew toys and discourage biting during play. While your puppy will probably continue to enjoy chewing, most excessive chewing behavior will go away by months of age. And is neutering necessary? There is some evidence that there are health issues associated with neutering. Keeping a male or female dog intact is not a straightforward decision. Especially for a female dog that will come i nto heat every six months or so once she is mature, unless she is spayed. Veterinarians take several factors into consideration when advising on the best age to spay or neuter puppies, including the breed, size, and overall health of each individual animal. Recent research shows that early spaying and neutering before 6 months of age can increase the risk of joint disorders like hip and elbow dysplasia associated with neutering, in larger dog breeds, including the Labrador Retriever. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best plan of action for your individual puppy. Getting Ready To Go Outside Taking your puppy out for their first walk is an exciting and proud moment for many puppy parents. The exact timing of this will depend upon what age they receive their first shots. When is a Labradoodle Puppy Fully Grown? When will your Labradoodle puppy reach adult size? There are three sizes of Labradoodle: standard, medium, and miniature. A full-grown Labradoodle can weigh anywhere from 20 to 70 pounds and stand between 14 and 24 inches at the shoulder, depending on its size category. Many Labradoodle owners report that their puppies reach their adult height at around one year of age, but they will continue to fill out and gain weight for several months beyond that, up to age two. A high-quality diet, plenty of exercise, and good training and socialization in the first year of life can ensure that your Labradoodle puppy develops into a healthy and happy dog. During this time they grow physically, mature emotionally, and learn lots of new skills. For some stages of puppy development, such as socialization, timing is critical. What milestones are they meeting at the moment? Let us know in the comments box down below! Accessed February .Week 8 Week One A puppy is born with a vulnerability that still amazes me. They come into the world blind, deaf, and without the ability to maintain their own body heat or bodily functions. Their entire existence is navigated by their keen sense of smell. They stay very close to and on top of one another- all curled up to conserve warmth. They are able to cry if they find themselves separated or alone. Once a puppy gets cold, their chances of survival are tenuous. Many deaths of puppies during this period can be traced to chilling. Once chilled, a puppy has trouble digesting food, and often develops secondary infections and pneumonia. During this crucial period, they are never left alone. They nurse for short periods and sleep. Mom attends to all bodily functions by licking stimulating them, since their bladders and intestinal tracts are not functioning on their own yet. They are weighed at birth and every day thereafter. Their weights are charted so that we are able to determine everyone is gaining each day. Careful attention is paid to smaller pups to assure they are getting what they need. A primary focus at this stage is the health and happiness of the mother. Selective breeding, love, proper nutrition, and exercise are key ingredients that will help assure that your puppy will be just right for your family. Week Two Puppies have gained between oz. They are moving around more, but are still not able to crawl. They scoot and wiggle about to position themselves for nursing, or pile together if mom is not present. It is time to have nails trimmed for the first time. We are handling them more often- touching feet and gently working and stretching their muscles, and getting them used to the loving human touch. Mom is keeping her pups tidy and clean, and we are keeping the whelping pen and mom the same. Laundry at this point becomes daunting! Mom is wolfing down her high calorie anything and everything her heart desires; cheese, eggs, chicken livers, ice cream, and yummy puppy starter — not to mention treats! Week Three Eyes are beginning to open. All puppies are born with blue eyes. It takes another week before they are able to focus and see clearly. Useable vision is at days. Ears are beginning to open as well; noises startle pups and they are still unable to locate the source of the sound. However, exposure to sudden, loud noises at this time is essential and encouraged, as fear has not yet developed. They are getting stronger and are able to push up onto all fours, but standing is still a scary and very wobbly proposition. This week sees rapid development of motor skills. Puppies are able to move backwards as well as forward, and begin to move around quite a bit more, especially toward the end of week 3. Otherwise, they are problem solving— stimulating their learning ability. They are able to eliminate on their own now, and will be begin to move away from their nest to potty. They are also learning to walk instead of crawl. Week Four Now that the puppies have the use of all their senses, huge strides in development will begin to take place. It is at this crucial point that a breeder, knowledgeable in all aspects of behavioral development, begins increased individual attention. Imprinting is so important; a poorly imprinted puppy will have issues throughout their adult life. Social imprinting, both with other dogs and with humans, is paramount to becoming well adjusted. Handling, cuddling, and picking puppies up is just about the best thing one could wish for- and our friends and neighbors think so too! Early morning coffee with good friends, each with a puppy in their arms, is as good as a day can get. Play-fighting is now the fun thing to do, although mom is watching carefully if they get out of hand. She is also painfully aware that baby teeth are on their way in. Learning to eat solid food is not far behind. This is the time that they graduate from the familiarity of their whelping pen to the puppy room. While we introduce them to their new living space, they all huddle together, usually all in one little bed, looking like a tiny lifeboat filled with wide-eyed survivors in a sea of tile. Soon, curiosity takes over and one or two brave souls will venture out. Within minutes, they are scampering and running and tumbling and skidding into walls and having the times of their lives. Week Five Puppy gruel- one part blenderized dry puppy starter, 2 parts goat milk, and one part warm chicken broth- Yummy! Puppies now have a full set of sharp little teeth. They are learning to lap water but seem to think they need to step in it first. Ditto for the food. This is the Curiosity Period weeks. As the puppies are weaned from their mom, they are less apt to depend on her and begin to climb, crawl, taste, and snoop into everything and anything they can. They have very little sense of fear. Now is when a puppy has the lowest fear and the highest acceptance of all things new or scary. It is also the time to approach the puppy with all different ages and types of humans. Wonderful and varied stimuli are important too, to help them build confidence in new situations. If frightened by something now, the pup will bounce back quickly and will still have learned solid coping skills. As we approach week 6, the puppy is leaping ahead with their motor skills and intellect. It becomes increasingly difficult to present more and more intense challenges and complex stimuli; a basket or pasteboard box has long since lost its thrill. More and more research backs up the conclusion that puppies raised in environments lacking challenges, are more likely to develop into fearful, less successful adults. They have all worked hard navigating steps, up and down. Using the pet door took one whole minute to learn the reward was huge. Outside is where the mysterious and exciting world of the puppy play yard lives. Getting there means conquering steps and the pet door- done and done! Click the arrow icon for full size! Week Six Puppies have been learning the rudiments of housebreaking this week. It follows naturally now that the out of doors is an option. Natural instinct motivates them to try not to soil their living quarters. Socialization Period weeks , socializing does two things: It reduces the number of things in the world that a puppy and eventually an adult may be frightened of, and it provides the experience of being afraid and then recovering. The more things that a puppy must experience with trepidation, the longer the list becomes of things that are no longer fearful. As his confidence snowballs, the faster a puppy recovers and reacts positively to situations— consequently the better adjusted the adult dog will become. Week Seven Observations of temperaments of each puppy are ongoing. To further assess behavior, we use a formal temperament testing method. We are qualified Litter Evaluation Experts certified by and with Avidog. Many generations have gone into refining dispositions with the goal that each puppy is sound and gentle in spirit. We take great pride offering what we think is the perfect family companion. Watching the puppies play and interact, we gain a better understanding about individual temperament, how they engage each other and their environment. Authorities agree that by weeks, puppies have fully developed brains, and are capable of learning anything. The one minor caveat is that their attention span is equivalent to that of a 2 year old. However what they learn at this stage is imprinted and permanent. At the end of week 7, all appropriate vaccinations are given, micro chipping, veterinary health checks with Dr. Wolf and Dr. Dragon, and a final review of the health and well-being of the puppy. Puppies are beginning to sleep through the night- if you consider morning to be at 5 AM. They are awake and ready to potty- hurry and get the door open! They all run out with success and no accidents. Life is good. Week Eight Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are old enough and mature enough at 8 weeks to go to their new and permanent homes. At this stage, we feel they are more receptive to individual attention and training objectives such as crate training, housebreaking, and more extensive socialization. This is a freshly made premium food free of preservatives and specially formulated with the necessary and perfect combination of ingredients. That imprint window closes at 16 weeks! However, for the puppy, the period of learning can well determine how they engage with and react to the world for the rest of their lives. How they cope with new situations and behave with strangers, children, new stimuli, people with hats, canes, sunglasses, new sounds, lights, new everything, directly results to how well they have been socialized during their first 4 months of life; thus eliminating separation anxieties, fearful, shy phobic or aggressive behaviors. We treat our obligation for the first two months very seriously, and invest considerable time and energy into their development in the 8 weeks that they are here with us. We do the first two months…. If the appropriate time and energy is again invested during the next 8 weeks the return will provide you and your family a lifetime of joy with a well-adjusted dog that you love, and that loves you. Week 1 Week One A puppy is born with a vulnerability that still amazes me. Week 2 Week Two Puppies have gained between oz. Week 3 Week Three Eyes are beginning to open. Week 4 Week Four Now that the puppies have the use of all their senses, huge strides in development will begin to take place. Week 5 Week Five Puppy gruel- one part blenderized dry puppy starter, 2 parts goat milk, and one part warm chicken broth- Yummy! Week 6 Week Six Puppies have been learning the rudiments of housebreaking this week. Week 7 Week Seven Observations of temperaments of each puppy are ongoing. Week 8 Week Eight Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are old enough and mature enough at 8 weeks to go to their new and permanent homes. Family Labradoodles.

Dark yellow urine How to Check for Dehydration at Home A well-hydrated dog is generally active with shiny bright eyes. Methods to estimate for dehydration at home include checking the gums, evaluating skin elasticity, and monitoring urine frequency and color. The normal texture should be silky, shiny, and feel moist. Dehydrated dogs will have dull colored, sticky, and dry gums. Normal turgor results in the skin quickly falling back into place. The skin of dehydrated pets will lose this elasticity and fall back into place more slowly. Urine in a normal, hydrated dog should be pale yellow in color. Dehydrated dogs with normal kidney function will have concentrated dark yellow urine and will urinate less frequently. Practice these hydration tests on a healthy dog, so that you can better see the difference in a case of dehydration. Remember: these are rough tests. For example: Are bowel movements normal or is there diarrhea? Is your dog urinating normally? Are they licking their lips or drooling, which could suggest nausea? Is there any vomiting? Is your dog coughing? Have you noticed any trouble breathing or labored respiration? Does your dog appear to be in pain? Is your dog limping? Hunched posture? Reluctant to move? Can you see any wounds on your dog? Does your dog have the same behavior and activity level? Are they playing or greeting you at the door like normal? Or are they lethargic and less active? Any abnormality is cause for concern. This can be compounded if your dog is very young or old, pregnant, nursing, or has medical problems such as diabetes or kidney disease. Learn more about causes for dehydration here. Fill the bowl daily with fresh, clean water. Soiled bowls. Bowls with dirt, molds, insects, or soap residue can discourage a dog from drinking. Wash and rinse the water bowl thoroughly with weekly cleaning in the dishwasher. Bowl types. Some dogs have bowl inclinations. Try a variety of materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic to see if your dog has a preference. More bowls. Adding additional water bowls around the house or outdoors can encourage dogs to drink. Having more bowls can ensure there is water for every pet. Optimize accessibility. Bowls should be easily accessible to dogs with arthritis or other mobility issues. Dogs should not have to go upstairs or downstairs to get water. You can also periodically take the water bowl to your dog to encourage them to drink. Pet fountains. Some dogs enjoy fountains and will drink more when available. If you use a fountain and your dog loves it, make sure you keep it clean. Some dogs will stop using the fountain if the water becomes moldy. For an unknown reason, some dogs will lick water from your fingers. Offer water to your dog by allowing them to lick water from your hand or your finger. Canned food. Canned dog food has a much higher water content than dry dog food and can be a very good source of water. You can also add extra water, giving the canned food a gravy consistency. Flavor the water or food. Offer your dog broth, flavored water, or add moisture to dry food. Warm water or low-sodium chicken or beef broth can be added to canned or dry food. It works well to add the water or broth about 30 minutes before trying to feed. Mix Pedialyte with water in a ratio and offer small amounts at a time. Adding an ice cube to the water bowl can encourage some dogs to drink. You can also freeze broth into cubes or inside toys and offer them outside on a hot day. Water quality. Consider the quality of your water. Did something change? Some homes are on public water, while others may be sourced from a well or spring. Trying a different water source, such as bottled or filtered water, can encourage dogs to drink. If traveling, consider taking a gallon jug of your home water and their familiar bowl with you. Syringe water. As a last resort, you can use a syringe to give your dog water. Fill a syringe without the needle with water, place the syringe between the teeth and cheek, and slowly offer a small amount. If they swallow well and accept it, wait 5 minutes, and offer more. If your dog coughs or gags, stop. How much you offer will depend on the size of your dog. Try offering a dog less than 10 pounds about 5 ml 1 teaspoon , a medium size dog 40 pounds 15 to 20 ml 1 tablespoon , and a large breed dog 30 to 60 ml 2 to 4 tablespoons per dose. If your dog swallows the water and does not vomit, repeat in 1 hour. Gradually increase the quantity and frequency. In general, if your dog is so sick that you need to give fluid by syringe, they would benefit from the advice and treatment of a veterinarian. You can generally purchase a syringe from your vet, at most pet stores, or at your local farm supply store. Treat pain. Dogs in pain, such as dogs with arthritis, may not want to get up and walk to the water bowl. Treat their pain with medications as provided by your veterinarian. While it is important to get your dog to drink, it is equally important to not allow your dog to drink too much. When To See the Vet Ultimately if your dog is not drinking, the risk of dehydration exists. It is best to see your veterinarian to help identify the underlying cause and provide treatment if needed. They can supplement fluids through an IV or by subcutaneous fluid administration. How To Prevent Dehydration in Dogs Tips to prevent dehydration in dogs include: Ensure your dog always has fresh, clean water. Never leave your dog for more than 12 hours. Water can be spilled or knocked over. Ensure your dog always has shade when outside. Provide opportunities to exercise during cooler times of day, such as morning or evening. Keep trash covered to ensure your dog does not ingest items that will cause gastrointestinal distress leading to fluid loss. There are many reasons that a dog may not be drinking water. Any disease or problem that causes nausea or impacts metabolic function can cause this problem. Learn more about the many possible causes of dehydration in dogs. What should I do if my dog is not drinking water? If your dog is not drinking water, look for other clinical problems. Are they vomiting or having diarrhea? The best thing to do is to call your veterinarian. How do I get my dog to drink water? If your dog is not drinking, the best thing you can do is encourage water intake. You can do this by flavoring the water, offering fresh water in a different bowl, or offering some canned food. How long can a dog go without drinking water? A dog can live a few days without water. How long depends on how quickly they are losing fluid or not taking in fluids. For example, if a dog is not drinking as well as having vomiting and diarrhea, they are both losing fluids and not taking fluids, which can cause faster and more severe dehydration. Give them a little time. If they go into a shaded or cool environment and have access to water, most dogs will drink when they are thirsty. There have been reports of bloat in dogs that drink too much after exercising. Drinking too much can be as big of a problem as drinking too little, and can ultimately lead to water intoxication. Is this a problem? There are some dogs that love to drink from puddles. Rainwater has a different smell and taste compared to chlorinated tap water, making it more appealing to dogs. While this is not a problem for most dogs, there is a risk of the puddles being contaminated with bacteria, molds, and even automotive products like gasoline. How much water should I let my dog drink? The general rule of thumb is that dogs should drink about 20 to 40 ml of water per pound of body weight per day. Their water consumption will vary depending on if they eat canned food, which contains water. You can measure their water consumption daily to see if it is more or less than those listed above. If your dog is ill, please call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Additional Articles:. If this is the reason, there is no need to worry! A slight decrease in water consumption due to reduced activity is no cause for alarm. However, consult a vet if your dog persistently refuses to drink. Dogs should never go more than a day without water. Learn more 2. And thanks to their acute sense of smell, dogs know how to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar sources of water. However if the smell of the water is not recognized as familiar, your dog may simply refuse to drink it. Planning a trip somewhere new? Bladder infection or urinary tract infection can also cause a decrease in thirst. Aging An older dog may also avoid drinking water. It could simply be that getting to the water requires too much effort, or that the sense of thirst may be diminishing along with its appetite. Older dogs get less exercise and therefore may not be as thirsty as younger dogs. However, older dogs need to maintain adequate hydration levels, so if drinking seems to be an issue, switching to a moist food might help. As always, consult a vet before changing dog foods. If they experience fright or pain, they typically associate those negative feelings with the circumstances in which they first experienced them. If your dog has had a bad experience while drinking from the water bowl, for example someone accidentally stepped on his tail or paw, he may associated those negative accidents with the action of drinking. To remove the fear of drinking, you can try to use a new water bowl or you can try to put his water bowl in a different place. At puppy age, many animals produce the lactase enzyme, responsible for decomposing the lactose. After the breastfeeding period, many dogs lose this particular enzyme and are not able to metabolize lactose anymore. Symptoms of lactose intolerance:. Your dog may need to be weaned from its mother and getting him or her to drink from a bowl can be a monumental task. Or they may be recovering from an illness or surgery and need to be retrained on how to drink. Either way, it takes some effort to get your puppy to drink again and on its own. But to entice them to drink, you can feed them lactose-free milk, a little broth or even some fruit with a high-water content. Another good way is to feed him or her moist dog food. That way they will get water regardless of how much they drink from a bowl. How to Stop Puppy Diarrhea? Click here to learn more. That means larger dogs need a lot of water while smaller ones can do with little amounts. When your dog is not drinking, you can try to change the water temperature. Some dogs like it cold, so they drink out of the toilet. Instead of feeding your dog water at room temperature, put some ice cubes in it. The cool temperature should entice many dogs to drink again. Take your dog for a good walk. The hot temperatures should motivate your dog to drink something. Or you can put their water or food bowl in a different place where there are no distractions. You can also try changing bowls to see if that is what stops your dog from drinking. Dogs do get a little fussy sometimes when it comes to bowls. Other methods include splashing their nose, play water games, keep his or her water fresh at all times or moisten his or her food. There are lots of tricks to use when you are worried about your dog going long intervals without water. Puppies start drinking from almost the minute they are born. After about a month after birth, your puppy will start drinking water. Puppies start to eat real dog food at this time as well. Do not try to give your newborn puppies water prior to the 4-week benchmark. Your puppy could get sick, and water does not contain the nutrition they need at this stage in its life. If you do give them water before 4 week is up, they may get a little sick. It is best to wait a little bit and let your puppy get all the nutrition they need to be healthy before giving them any water to drink. Some dogs just take a little longer than others. There are several good reasons why this situation arises. One is that they are too busy playing and having fun to notice they are thirsty. A second reason is that they do not like the water temperature. Some dogs like their water nice and cold and others prefer room temperature. The former dogs tend to be the ones who drink out of the toilet, as that is almost the coolest water in the house. A third reason would be that there is too much noise in the house. Some puppies like peace and quiet when they drink or eat. Reason number 4 is that they are stressed. That stress can come from having a new baby in the house, they are new to the house themselves and so on. The good news is that they will or should return to drinking on their own in a little while. Need to know How to Get a Puppy to Eat? Click here to find out. Some Final Words Getting your puppy to drink is vital, but you should not panic. There are some good tricks to try that should entice them to drink again. You just have to be patient and watch your puppy. If the non-drinking lasts for some time, then call your vet to see what can be done. Sometimes an illness will; cause your puppy to stop drinking and they will need medication to start drinking again. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It has even been called the most important nutrient with regards to survival. What if your dog is not drinking enough water? Then, multiply that number by 50 to determine approximately how many milliliters of water per day your dog should be drinking. Most dogs drink plenty of water to meet their hydration needs. But what if your dog is not drinking water? Here are six possible reasons why your dog is not drinking enough water. However, just having a bowl out for them may not be enough. You have to consider the quality of the water, the placement of the bowl, and the number of bowls available. If the water is dirty or contaminated with debris, your dog may refuse to drink it. Since some dogs may have preferences on how they like their water placed, you may need to offer water in different locations or elevations to see what they like. There may be times when a dog is denied access to water by another animal in the household. This is known as resource guarding. Also consider whether your dog may have had a frightening experience in the area where the water bowl is. Some dogs are more noise-sensitive than others, so having the water bowl in a noisy area like a laundry room or high-traffic hallway may discourage them from drinking as much water as they should. Change in Water Source Many dogs are sensitive to the taste of the water that they are commonly offered. For example, a dog that has always been offered tap water from a municipal water source may find drinking well water off-putting if the family moves to a new home in the country. Likewise, if your dog is accustomed to drinking distilled or bottled water and you switch to tap water, he may drink less than he should. In these situations, try to help your dog gradually adjust to the new water by mixing the two types and slowly phasing out the old water type until your dog accepts the new water. Type of Food The type of food your dog eats contributes to their hydration. Some types of foods contain less moisture, causing your dog to drink more water, while others contain more moisture, so your dog drinks less. If only dry kibble is fed, your dog will need to drink more water to meet their hydration needs. However, if your dog eats only wet or canned food, they will get a large amount of water from that food, so you may notice her drinking less water. If you are feeding a kibble-only diet, keep an eye on water bowl levels to make sure your dog is drinking enough water. Dogs with an infected or broken tooth and tumors in the mouth often find it painful to drink. Bad breath can be a sign that your pet is suffering from an oral issue. If you suspect any of these conditions, it is important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to determine the best treatment. Nausea There are some diseases that can cause nausea in dogs, and nausea can cause a dog to drink less. Kidney disease often causes increased thirst in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses and kidney enzyme levels rise, dogs often become nauseous. This nausea may then result in decreased appetite, decreased thirst, and possibly even vomiting. Diseases that cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, such as pancreatitis and gastroenteritis, may also cause nausea. There is a phase of rabies in which affected animals refuse to drink water. Thankfully, rabies is a preventable disease since safe and effective rabies vaccines are available through your veterinarian. While not terribly common, disorders of the part of the brain called the hypothalamus may cause dogs to not drink water. If your dog stops drinking water and also exhibits unusual behavior or changes in gait, seek veterinary help immediately. Water is a basic need for all living creatures. Seek the help of your veterinary medical team if you see unusual changes in thirst. Featured Image: iStock. Grota decided at an early age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. A native of Indiana, she grew up in a home where animals were.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Luckily there are some easy ways to make sure your Pug is drinking enough: 1 Never assume that your Pug knows how much water he needs. It will be up to you to oversee this. Keep the guidelines in mind see above. If you have a goal each day of how much your Pug should drink, measure it. Water that is not changed out during the day can become filled with slimy particles of food and can even have a top layer film of saliva that makes it very unappealing to dogs. In addition, room temperature water is often ignored over nice, cool water. Clean the bowl daily with hot water and soap and refill it as needed pouring out old water, not just topping it off. While dogs generally take a drink after getting back from an exercise session , it's best to bring water along for the walk and offer a break at the halfway point of a short walk or every 20 minutes or so during longer outings. This will help your Pug cool down, get their breath under control and refill on fluids. To make this easy, you may want to use a canine travel water container like the H2O4K9 Dog Water Bottle and Travel Bowl in which the lid serves as a bowl; this is made of stainless steel and holds 9. Canine water fountains can be a great help with Pugs that are not overly interested in their water bowl because they are attracted to the sound and sight of the flowing water. Certain fruits are healthy and safe for dogs to eat, are low in calories, and the natural sugar fructose is absorbed slowly due to the fiber content and therefore will not spike insulin or cause a 'sugar high'. These can be given fresh or frozen, alone or mixed into food, and most Pugs love the taste of these fruits. Whether it comes from surface water lakes, reservoirs, etc. Tap water can contain as many as 60, chemical compounds of which only 91 are regulated via the Safe Drinking Water Act. Some of the compounds commonly found in tap water include: Prescription drugs - Filtering systems cannot catch the fine particles of many drugs that are expelled in people's urine including birth control meds, beta blockers, anti-anxiety meds, and even Viagra. Arsenic — This has been classified as a cancer causing agent yet is allowed to be in tap water. This chemical that was once used as rat poison has been shown to cause both brain and kidney damage. Chlorine — This is added to water to kill bacteria however it has been clinically proven to cause serious cell damage, leading to tumors. Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids — These two by-products of chlorine are thought to cause cancer and reproductive problems. Factory runoff, pesticides and even rocket fuel — These and many other compounds are allowed to be in tap water and only deemed safe if drank by healthy humans over 6 years old and this is based on simply one 8 oz. What to Do: There are a couple of effective choices to make sure that your Pug is drinking clean, safe water: 1 Connect a filtering device to your kitchen sink - This type of device typically attaches to the faucet from under the sink and has replaceable filter cartridges. This can be installed by a plumbing professional or homeowners with DIY skills. You can choose from a wide variety of sizes, depending on if it's just you and your Pug or a larger family. A recommended one is the Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher ; you just fill this with tap water and as you pour the water out, it removes all chemicals and toxins, leaving pure, fresh H2O. A gallon contains 16 cups and therefore would last about 5 days Changes in Thirst When a puppy or dog is suddenly not drinking as much as normal or has a noticeable increase in thirst, the most common reason is a health issue. This type of change should not be overlooked. Some common health issues that cause increased thirst polydipsia or decreased thirst adipsia include but are not limited to: Diabetes. How to Get My Pug To Drink More Water One of the best ways to get your Pug to drink more water is to keep a variety of water bowls in different places around the house. Stick to the style of bowl you know they like. Some dogs will stop drinking water if they are not feeling good or have a medical condition that has caused them to stop drinking water. You can also teach your dog to drink on command. You can even consider rewarding them with a treat for good behavior. It all boils down to the tone in your voice, after all, Pugs just want to please their owners. We like nice cold water because it just tastes better right? Well, your dog is the same way. Yes, I said debris. It could be more on hot days. It is designed to circulate and filter water, so it stays cleaner and tastes fresher. Some dogs tend to drink more because they love drinking from the running water. My sister-in-law has a fountain and her dogs love it. Take their doggie bag with a stack of dog biscuits, a portable water bowl, and some fresh water. Whenever we took Mindy with us anywhere, we always carried a portable water bowl like this. Make sure that you offer your dog water every 10 or 20 minutes. Veterinarian Patrick Mahaney , says that Brachycephalic dogs like Pugs find it hard to drink out of narrow bowls and deep bowls. Wider and shallow bowls are much better for Pugs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs or other short-headed breeds. This is what we used to use for Mindy and she loved it. You can even take them to the dog park and let them roam around and play with other dogs. Just make sure you have a harness ready, in case one of the other dogs acts up and you need to get quick control. If you have a back yard, you can let them roam around your yard and play. As an occasional treat, you can also use a low sodium broth or instant bone broth to make it even more enticing. You can even use diluted carrot juice. Just soak the dry dog food in the low sodium bone broth, until all the liquid is absorbed, then serve it to your pooch. This is a great way to replenish electrolytes your dog has lost due to dehydration. After all, you want your dog to drink more water, not get used to the bone broth. At one point there was a nasty Internet cube rumor that said it was dangerous to give dogs ice cubes. Well, according to Dr. There are some dangers with cubes and dogs which are: Dental damage to teeth from chomping on ice Not monitoring your dogs while chewing ice cubes can cause a choking hazard. Why not try this flavored ice bowl to see if it gets your Pug to drink more water. At least once a week. Slime build ups on the bowl over time can contain harmful bacteria for your pooch. Read this article to find out how to give your pooch watermelon. You can even add pieces of the fruit to their water. You can even add other fruits such as blueberries, and apple cubes to help get your dog to drink more. If you notice that your dog is drinking more water from your garden instead of their water bowl, try using filtered water to entice them to drink more. Tap water is known to contain high amounts of chlorine, which can be one of the reasons Fido refuses to drink water from their bowl. Mindy hated drinking tap water, we only used filtered water. We use this filter, which you can attach to your existing kitchen faucet. This will allow some of the nasty chlorine flavor to dissipate. If your budget allows, you can even give them bottled water. If you have a two-level house, place bowls both upstairs and downstairs. Older Pugs with joint problems may avoid drinking if the water source is too far away. If you make the water accessible and within reach, your dog is likely to drink more H.Would you want to walk a mile every time you wanted a drink of water? Take your pooch out for potty breaks every few hours instead of making them hold their pee for eight hours. If you have an older dog, then invest in a pet door and let them have access to the backyard. Of course, this only makes sense if you have a fenced yard. We had a pet door for Mindy, so she could relieve herself whenever she needed to go. Try switching up their food or at least mixing some wet food with their dry food. A combination diet will help increase their water intake while you get them used to drinking more water from their own bowl. They may have to give your pooch a saline IV or administer fluids to help restore the fluids in their body. The veterinarian may also want to test for any medical problems that can be preventing your dog from drinking such as dehydration or kidney disease. Your Pug needs water to survive, so make sure they are drinking plenty of H20 especially in the summer. I have no doubt that one of these tips will help you get your dog to drink more water. Absolutely NOT! Some juices such as grape and cherry are extremely toxic to dogs. They have a lot of sugar and can give some dogs an upset stomach due to their high acidity levels. Can my dog drink unsweetened tea? No, tea and coffee should be avoided. They both contain high amounts of caffeine, which can be toxic to animals. Some herbal teas are good for Pugs , but you should always consult with your veterinarian before giving them some. What about giving my dog milk? Read this about giving dog milk. Dogs need to drink in order to remain healthy. Your dog can get seriously sick very quickly if they stop drinking enough water. You will want to know some of the common reasons for your dog to stop drinking so that you can be sure about when it is time to take your dog to the vet. If you are ready to learn some more about why your dog is not drinking enough water, you need to keep reading. Bladder Infection A bladder infection is one of the most common reasons that dogs stop drinking water. This can be a very painful condition, and dogs are usually also not hungry when they have a bladder infection. If your dog has been urinating in places that it should not be, or if they are urinating more often than normal, this can indicate a bladder infection. When combined with a lack of thirst and hunger, this can indicate that your dog needs to see the vet for additional workup to get rid of the infection. Old Age Older animals can show a declining interest in food and water. This can be due to a lack of appetite or disruption of the normal signals that lead to thirst. Dogs that are older often have underlying conditions that leave them not feeling very good, which can lead to nausea and pain of various kinds. This can lead to a lack of thirst as well as a lack of interest in food. There are medications that can be used to help your older dog to feel better, and your vet can also make sure that your dog does not have a more serious condition going on that is causing them to stop drinking. Ingestion of Poison or Bad Food When dogs get into something that is bad for them, they can make themselves very sick. This might be something poisonous , or it could simply be food that has gone bad. When your dog has eaten something it should not have, this can lead to nausea, which causes a lack of appetite and a lack of thirst. This is often the very first early symptom of this problem, and it will eventually be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and other serious symptoms. Poisoning cases are often on a very short timeline, so if you think your dog might have been poisoned, you will need to get them to the vet right away. Dental Issues Dogs with sore mouths are often not interested in eating or drinking. This can lead to other significant health risks over time, and you will need to address the dental issue that your dog is suffering from right away. This might be broken teeth, abscesses , or dental disease. Bad Smelling Water If you have recently moved to a new place and the water is different than your dog is used to, they might think that it smells bad and be unwilling to drink it. If their water has been contaminated in some way, they might also be unwilling to drink it until it is cleaned. Not every dog is really picky about the smell of their water, but in some cases, even the change from well water to city water can make a dog stop drinking. You might need to use a safe flavoring agent for their water until your dog gets used to the water in your new locations. If the water is just not clean, you will need to make sure that it is cleaned up so that your dog can drink it safely again. Anxiety Some dogs are prone to being anxious and fearful, and this can lead to an unwillingness to drink or to eat. Dogs that have been sacred in some way while drinking might connect the fear with the act of drinking. Issues with fighting between animals in your home over food and water can also cause anxiety in fearful dogs. You can resolve this problem by helping your dog to be more secure in its eating and drinking location and by separating dogs who should not eat or drink together. Getting the help of a dog trainer can also make it easier to resolve this kind of issue. Your dog might need a creative solution to feel safe when drinking or eating, and professionals can offer this kind of solution in most cases. Dog trainers can be very helpful with complex behavioral issues or issues rooted in fear. Dogs cannot go too long without drinking enough water without getting sick. You will probably only have a few days to figure out why your dog is not drinking. For more information, contact EVCC by calling one of our locations. You can trust us to help you and your pet whenever you need us. Water is an essential part of life for dogs, just like it is for humans. Dogs should consume one ounce per pound of body weight every day to ensure that they are hydrated. The only sweat glands on a dog are on his paws, and those are not enough to keep him cool. The higher risk factor of dehydration comes from their inability to cool their body as quickly. Water is the key to keeping your dog cool, healthy, and happy. Change in Weather One reason that your dog may not be drinking much water is a change in weather. When fall comes around, many dogs will slow their water intake causing their parents to be alarmed. Without a high level of exertion, they may not be as interested in slopping up a gallon of water as soon as they reach their bowl. They might not be as lively and may not eat or drink as they normally would. This was one of their many survival tactics developed centuries ago. Bladder infections or urinary tract infections are two major culprits of reduced thirst. It could also be diabetes or kidney disease. Old Age As your dog gets older, he may start to drink less water. Associate the Activity with a Negative Experience There are also dogs that may associate drinking water with a negative experience. If you adopt a shelter dog, he may refuse to drink out of the same type of bowl that the shelter provided because he associates it with a negative experience. There are an abundance of reasons he could have negative feelings. If you suspect this to be the case, try buying a new bowl that looks totally different and placing it in a new location. This might clear the issue up right away. The pain of the cold water on sensitive teeth will make him avoid it. In this case, your dog is experiencing severe separation anxiety. That kind of change can really affect your canine companion and he may lose his desire to eat and drink. Your dog will need to get used to new surroundings, new smells, and new sights. It can be overwhelming for them just like it is for us and one reaction might be to ignore his water bowl. You can also give your pup ice to snack on. Try a new bowl or a new place to place the bowl to tempt him. They will be able to provide additional advice.

Black Black and tan Once the breed becomes standardized, these coat colors may become official. But, for now, the goal is to create the blue version as much as possible. Blue Bay Shepherd Temperament Though Vicki was aiming for the lupin look with these dogs, she will sacrifice the look for the temperament. Her primary goal was to create a family pet though getting them to look like wolves was a close second. Regardless, she succeeded at both. Blue Bay Shepherds have a sweet, loving temperament without the aggression and aloofness of their wolf ancestors. But the dogs naturally tend to be sociable, gentle, affectionate, and playful. You can even trust them around livestock and other animals! Can you trust this dog that looks so much like a wolf with other pets? Owners report that their Blue Bay pups have done well with other dogs and cats. They should be properly socialized and raising them with other pets is best. However, this is common amongst dogs in general — not just ones that look like wolves. Their sweet, affectionate nature makes the Blue Bay Shepherd a great family pet. But they will do best in a specific type of home. They also tend to be huge. So a home with a large yard and lots of space to run is an ideal place for them. Are you looking for a simple way to keep track of your dog's daily activity? It has never been easier to monitor your dog with the Fi smart collar. With this slender, smart collar, you can count your pup's steps and set daily, weekly, and monthly goals. You can keep an eye on Fido's fitness routine with it, almost like a FitBit for your dog. Blue Bays can also be prone to separation anxiety, so an active family that will be spending lots of time with the pup is best. Homes with small children may not be the best choice for them purely because of their size. They are gentle, but they are still big and energetic which means they can accidentally harm tiny family members. Wondering if your home would be a good fit? The best way to find out is to ask Vicki herself. However, because the breed is so new, there are no established health patterns and no way to know if there are common problems. Dogs with wolf blood in general tend to be healthy and have a long life expectancy. However, counter this with the tiny gene pool. All Blue Bays come from the same place and the breeders at Southern Breeze Ranch have to be cautious to avoid inbreeding and the problems this can cause. Vicki specifically used the old-style German Shepherds to avoid the modern GSDs' sloped back and the hip dysplasia that commonly comes with it. Plus, the Shepherds she used may still pass down issues like epilepsy, degenerative myelopathy, pituitary dwarfism, and eye abnormalities. To help prevent this, avoid feeding within 30 minutes of exercise — either before or after. You may also consider using a slow feeder bowl if your dog tends to eat too fast. And wolf dogs are exactly the same. A Blue Bay Shepherd requires daily brushing during the worst seasons to keep this shedding under control. The rest of the year, you can get away with brushing them times a week. Regular brushing will also help keep their long hair free of tangles and give it that shine that makes them so beautiful. Regardless, brushing your dog is a great way to bond with him and helps him to feel safe and loved in your home. Since they are so active, Blue Bay Shepherds will generally wear down their own nails running around on hard ground. If not, you should have clippers on hand to keep them from overgrowing. Note that ear infections are common in German Shepherds. Since there are so few and the breed is still in development, there is commonly a one or two-year waiting list for these pups. The pups can also be quite pricey, though less than you might expect from an exclusive breeder. This innovative collar offers real-time GPS tracking, ensuring that you can easily locate your furry companion whenever needed. It goes beyond just tracking by providing valuable insights into their daily exercise levels and sleep patterns. With its sleek design and durable construction, the Fi Smart Collar seamlessly integrates into your dog's lifestyle. Prioritize your peace of mind and strengthen the bond with your Blue Bay Shepherd. Invest in the Fi GPS Smart Collar and the Fi app today and experience a new level of connectedness and care for your beloved furry friend. Final Thoughts Do you love the idea of adding a blue wolf German Shepherd-type dog to your family? The gorgeous Blue Bay Shepherd could be a great option for you. Plus, you would become part of the development of a new breed! Vicki keeps in contact with all the owners of her pups to monitor their development and behavior over time. She wants to create and maintain a standard with her new breed and well as make improvements with each new generation. If you become the lucky owner of one of these pups, you will join a new adventure that is more than just getting a new dog. Plus, you will be the lucky recipient of more love and loyalty than you might have bargained for! The link has been copied! You might also like. As their name suggests, this mix is made up of a German Shepherd and a Wolf, these hybrids crossbreeds are often called Wolfdogs or Wolf-Shepherds. Whilst there are many types of German Shepherd Wolf mixes, the Saarloos Wolfhund is the most notable. They were created by Leendert Saarloos back in when he crossbred a German Shepherd with a Eurasian wolf. The aim of this cross-breeding was to bring back the natural traits the GSD had lost when domesticated. You should also keep in mind that they are illegal in several areas across the US, so do your research before keeping one. The German Shepherd already resembles a wolf, so this hybrid does not look hugely different. Due to the genetic diversity, there is no way to tell what a specific pup will look like when they mature. However, there could be a pup that will look more like their German Shepherd parent, rather than their Wolf parent, and vice-versa. Wolfdogs tend to have smaller skulls than the common wolf, they have pointed ears and brown almond-shaped eyes. Height and Weight A German Shepherd can weigh around lb male and lb female. Males stand at around inches and females between inches. So depending on age, sex, diet, and genetics, the German Shepherd Wolf mix can weigh anywhere from lbs. Colors Pups can be found in a number of colors as the classic German Shepherd has 11 different official colors, with the most common being black and tan. But they can also have colors such as sable, black, white, and gray. Wolves can be mottled gray in color, but occasionally can be nearly pure white, red, brown, or even black. Coat German Shepherds have a thick double coat that is medium length. They have a dense outer coat with straight hair that lies close to the body. They have short undercoats and long, coarse outer coats. The GSD and Wolves have very similar coats, so it is fairly likely that their mix will have a double coat and medium-length fur. They will also shed annually, getting rid of their winter coat when the days become warmer. It is safe to say that this crossbreed should not be kept in warmer climates. German Shepherd Wolf Mix Personality and Temperament Both German Shepherds and Wolves have very different personalities, so it can be difficult to predict what their mix will be like. But we will do our best below to explain some behaviors which should be expected. Wolves are pack animals, meaning they are very protective and loyal to their family — they will do anything to protect their kin. They are den-dwelling animals, meaning that your mix is likely to dig anywhere they want. Being wild animals, Wolves are reserved when it comes to unfamiliar surroundings, people, and inanimate objects. They may be very protective but will cower at the sight of strangers. It should be said that the German Shepherd Wolf will be unpredictable in social situations, they can become aggressive when fearful. This can be avoided by giving them lots of socialization as a young pup. They are also very curious and will try to escape whenever opportunity strikes, so make sure to keep your backyard securely fenced. This hybrid will have a strong prey drive, as the GSD was bred to herd livestock and the wolf is a natural predator, so your Wolfdog mix will chase anything and everything that moves. They are also prone to howling as this is how they communicate in a pack. This is not a dog that should be living with small children. This dog should be kept by experienced keepers who are firm and disciplined with their pooch. If they favor their German Shepherd parentage, they will be eager to please dog training will be easy. Either way, you should be training them with positive reinforcement. Give them rewards when they follow your command or when they stop unwanted behavior. Many people believe that dominance training is the way forward with this dog as wolves are pack animals, but studies show that this training method leads to further aggression and reduces the quality of your relationship with your doggy friend. This is a dog for someone who has experience training strong-willed dogs before — you need to be firm and consistent. Do not let them think they are the boss of you. Socializing a dog like this is very important as the wolf can be reserved and unpredictable. Make sure to socialize them with a range of people and different situations. Mental stimulation is very important if you do not want your Wolfdog to get bored and chew everything in sight. You can give them lots of toys and play with them, playtime can decrease their stress levels and make them more confident. Caring for a German Shepherd Wolf Mix Owning a German Shepherd Wolf mix is not something you should take lightly, there are specific laws on owning Wolfdogs, so you should check your state regulations. This cross breed needs an owner who is experienced in training difficult dogs that need lots of attention and care. You will also need a large backyard which has very secure fencing. You should not own a Wolfdog in heavily populated areas, as they have a habit of howling a lot. There are many other responsibilities that you will have when owning this hybrid so keep reading to learn more… Exercise Requirements This is a very energetic dog, as wolves can travel up to 30 miles a day. They will need around hours of exercise each day to keep fit and healthy. Not getting their exercise will result in them destroying your furniture and anything else they can bite. It is also recommended to let them roam around in a fenced backyard, so they can play, dig and explore. You should not take your Wolfdog to dog parks and make sure to keep them on a leash and harness. They will need regular brushing to avoid matting and tangles, and more when shedding season comes along. Do not bathe this dog too much as it can strip away the natural oils that make the coat healthy and shiny. As with every dog, dental hygiene is important so brush their teeth once a week. You should also cut their nails, to avoid overgrowth and splitting. Feeding and Diet Deciding what to feed your Wolfdog is not an exact science, but you should be feeding your dog a diet rich in protein. Avoid buying traditional store-bought dog food as these are rich in carbohydrates and artificial ingredients. You will need to do research into what type of meat-based diets you would prefer your dog to eat. Be mindful of how much you are feeding your dog, too much food can lead to obesity. Keep an eye on their weight by using a body condition score. Known Health Problems Wolfdogs are generally healthy animals, but they are still prone to certain health issues. Having pet insurance could save you from the headache of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on! The German Shepherd resembles a wolf in appearance, to begin with, so you can count on the hybrid to be large, with a long face, thick coat and pointed ears. The coat of the Wolfshepherd can be gray, sable, white, black, or a mixture of these colors. It will most likely inherit the thick fur that is standard for both parents and is known to shed heavily. You can take a closer look at this Wolfdog mix in the video. Is a Wolf Shepherd dangerous? If a Wolfdog is uncomfortable, it can attack out of defense. This has earned them a reputation for being dangerous and they are banned in several US states. Wolves build dens and roam frequently. They also have a strong pack and predatory instincts. These traits translate into destructive behavior for the Wolfdog, such as digging holes in the garden and chewing up wooden furniture. They also may urinate more frequently than other dog breeds to mark their territory. It takes one who is passionate and willing to devote time and energy to a German Shepherd Wolf dog. Because of its unpredictable nature, it is advised that this crossbreed should not be left alone around other pets and especially children. Black German Shepherd Wolf mixes in particular, are known for being less tolerant towards children. They have been known to react by biting and shaking. This is a natural response of the Black GSD when correcting puppy behavior. With rigorous training, a Wolfdog makes a protective and loyal companion. They are strong, intelligent, playful, and affectionate towards family. Are Wolf German Shepherd Mix health issues common? As we mentioned above the life expectancy of a German Shepherd Wolf Mix is up to 14 or even .However, the German Shepherd breed is vulnerable to serious genetic diseases that can get passed down to this particular Wolfdog hybrid. Hip Dysplasia : A painful hip joint deformity that causes loss of mobility and lameness. Elbow Dysplasia: A joint deformity that affects the elbows and can cause pain and loss of mobility. Bloat: A build-up of gas in the stomach that can cause it to twist and lead to shock or even death. Cancer: Abnormal cell growth that can spread throughout the body. Feeding time Since the Wolfshepherd is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia , it is important to keep her on a strict feeding regime to avoid obesity. Aim for 2 to 3 cups of meat-based dog food divided between meals each day. Remember that every dog has different health needs. Exercise time The German Shepherd Wolf hybrid needs daily activity to thwart destructive behavior and keep physically fit. A house with a large fenced-in yard is the most suitable environment for this crossbreed. They need room to stretch their legs and roam. If you live in an apartment, you might want to consider a smaller dog breed or perhaps a dog that resembles a wolf. Not only is an apartment too small a space, but this mix prefers to spend time outdoors, like its Wolf parent. Playing fetch with a ball or tugging games can help get that chewing habit under control. Can you train a Wolf Shepherd? This is the only way to lessen the inclination towards aloofness, fear, and an unpredictable temperament. Training needs to start at the puppy stage to be effective. Be prepared, because Wolfdogs are not easy to train and require time, patience, and consistency. Dominance is one of the main German Shepherd Wolf mix characteristics that you will have to focus on. As the owner, you must be confident and assert that you are the leader of the pack. If attention wanes during a game or your Wolfdog decides to ignore commands, stay positive yet firm and above all — do not let them dominate you. Socialization is key to helping a Wolfdog accept other pets in the household. Walks around the park can help, but always keep your pup on a leash. Supervise them when other dogs are present. When searching for reputable German Shepherd Wolf mix breeders, look for someone that is open to you visiting and will provide health clearances. They should be able to answer questions about the parents, especially regarding medical history. This results in a high number of them being left at rescue shelters. Here are 3 Wolfdog rescues where you can look for a German Shepherd Wolf mix along with other Wolfdogs. Many places have laws against owning any sort of wolf mix, including a German Shepherd-Worf hybrid. This is because, unlike dogs, wolves are completely wild animals, and while they can be domesticated to a certain extent, that wild streak is likely to live on. It just means that in extreme circumstances, these dogs are likely to be less predictable than those without wolf DNA inside them. The appeal is undeniable, but you still need to do your homework before adding one to your pack. Most experts would contend that a wolf mix is one with a purebred wolf in its bloodline within four or five generations. They act just like canine puppies for the most part. However, once they start to grow up, the wolf-like tendencies begin to emerge. They can start slowly in adolescence before becoming extremely apparent in adulthood. Many people have fallen in love with a wolf mix puppy, thinking that it has the features of a wolf but the sweetness of a dog. That may be true in some cases, but in others, the animal grew up to be quite a fearsome pet indeed. They Can Be Quite Unpredictable You would think that a wolf mix would be proud and fearless, never backing down from anyone or anything. The fact of the matter is that while these dogs can certainly be ferocious, they also tend to be extremely shy and skittish. Wolves are scared of people and for good reason, sadly. That means that while your German Shepherd Wolf mix would readily sacrifice their own lives to protect their family, they usually also prefer to cower and hide when strangers arrive. That can lead to dangerous situations, especially with children. If you push these dogs past their breaking point, the wolf will eventually come out — and that can have tragic results. Some of these animals take after their canine parents, while others favor their wolf lineage. Generally speaking, though, you can expect your German Shepherd Wolf mix to be fiercely loyal and protective of their families yet wary of outsiders. Due to the wolf in them, these dogs tend to be more pack-driven than other pups. You may even want to give them a canine companion, although this can have its own set of challenges. That intelligence makes them capable escape artists, though. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Little ones will often push a pet too far, and you never know when the wolf will come out. If you do bring one of these animals into a home with little kids, never leave them unsupervised. You should also teach your kids how to deal with the dog, making sure they know not to mess with their food or toys or abuse them in any way. Older kids may be able to get along with them, though, so if your children are a little more mature, you might be able to bring one of these dogs home without issue. All of this assumes that you know how to handle one of these animals, of course. They get lonely easily and may become depressed if left alone for long periods of time. However, they may be prone to aggression with other dogs as well. Pack culture is a much bigger deal for wolves than for dogs, so your mix may be prone to dominance. Other pets, however, are likely a bad idea. Cats and smaller animals will most likely be seen as food rather than friends, so you should keep your German Shepherd Wolf mix as far away from them as possible. All of this also means that you need to be absolutely certain that your mix is kept on a secure leash and collar or harness during walks. You may not feel up to the task once you realize how much is involved with raising one of these animals. That will affect how much they eat, but you can expect them to have a healthy appetite regardless. These are energetic pups, so they need as much long-lasting energy as they can get. Avoid problematic ingredients like soy, wheat, corn, or animal by-products, as these can make your dog fat without giving them much in the way of nutrition. Many dogs have trouble processing these ingredients as well. In addition to feeding them a proper diet, you should exercise strict portion control and never allow them to free-feed. As a result, expect to provide your pet with plenty of exercises. They can easily destroy your entire lawn if not properly tuckered out. Long walks are a good idea, but you should also play fetch or something that requires more energy every day. Just be careful not to make them run and jump too much, as it puts quite a bit of strain on their spines. Mental stimulation is equally important. You can give them puzzle toys, play hide-and-seek, or put them through extensive training sessions. They respond best to positive reinforcement, so try to convince them to cooperate by offering them treats or affection. The problem with this is that eventually, those emotions will boil over. That could lead to unpleasant consequences for you. The shedding becomes extreme twice a year when the dogs blow their coats. You should only need to bathe them if they get visibly dirty, but you will need to brush their teeth and trim their claws regularly. Be sure to keep their ears clean as well, as they can be prone to infection. This reduces the risk of spinal issues later in life. Still, there are a few things to be aware of. Minor Conditions. Serious applicants only. Potential homes will be vetted for proper placement. Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential Wolfdog breed info to find out everything about the Wolfdog. How to find Wolfdog puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their Wolfdog pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the Wolfdog kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers. Prone to shedding. Lifespan: 12 - 14 years. They can have several health issues including joint problems and cancer. No - definitely not recommended for families with young kids. Unpredictable temperaments. Although GSDs are easily trainable, wolves are wild animals. These hybrids should be reserved for very experienced dog owners. They need a ton of exercise, which is easier said than done. Once they reach a certain age and level of strength, walking your wolfdog in public can be difficult. In most places in the United States, it is illegal to own a wild animal like a wolf unless you have a special and expensive wildlife permit. GSD-wolf mixes walk a tightrope between being considered wild animals or domestic pets. Because of the wolf parent or grandparent, the law considers the resulting mix not reliably domesticated, and thus prone to acting dangerously. Therefore, if you want a wolf-dog mix, you may have to do a lot of research to even find a place in the world that will let you do so. Some proponents of wolf-dog mixes claim that some dog breeds have more grey wolf parent DNA than other dog breeds. If these breeds are allowed, then so should GSD and wolf mixes. According to Science Trends. These breeds include the Finnish Spitz, the Shar-Pei, the Siberian Husky another breed often crossed with wolves , and the Greenland dog. However, the ancestors of these breeds branched off from wolves thousands of years ago, and not simply one or two generations ago. Over one hundred years ago, German shepherds were popularly called Alsatian Wolf Dogs, since they were bred in the Alsace region of what is now France and looked like wolves. However, no wolves were actually involved in creating German Shepherd mixes. Other breeds mistakenly thought to have wolves in their recent ancestry include Siberian Huskies and the Alaskan Malamute. Although descended from wolves, the last wolf in their pedigree was thousands of years ago. Even puppies in the same litter can act in vastly different ways. Wolves tend to ignore people and do what they want. Any wolf-dog mix will be prone to unpredictable behavior at times, and will tend to act more like a wolf than a dog. Wolves are intensely territorial creatures. They attack any predator in their home range, including wolves not in their packs. This behavior has convinced some people that GSD-wolf mixes make better guard dogs than dogs. This, however, is a myth. According to the International Wolf Center, dogs have been bred for thousands of years to bark when intruders appear. Wolves on the other hand stay silent. This is because large dogs age faster than small dogs. Why this happens in dogs and not other species is not known. The future health of a wolf mix is harder to predict than the health of a purebred dog. After decades of study, it is now known what health problems certain breeds are prone to. Because German Shepherd — wolf hybrids are a genetic toss of the dice, you have no way of knowing what health problems these animals will be prone to. A wolf mix needs to be well-behaved in order to be treated for an illness, but the mix may even be too dangerous to treat. Never assume that all vets will be willing to take in a German shepherd wolf mix as a patient. All the vets in your area may refuse to work on such an animal, and this is not due to prejudice against wolves. Although all vets are trained to help domestic animals like dogs, very few are trained in the care of exotics. One problematic area for vets and exotic animal owners is that of vaccination. Rabies vaccines are crucial for dog owners. Because of the threat of rabies and the problems of the rabies vaccine working on wolf-dogs, any wolf-dog that shows signs of rabies or has been exposed to a rabid animal needs to be euthanized. The two most common medical problems with any wolf-dog mix are complications from being overweight and hip dysplasia. Being overweight can also contribute to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is very common in German shepherds and in most large dog breeds. Hip dysplasia symptoms like limping start when the dog is young, and gets worse over time if left untreated. This is a very painful and chronic condition that may require surgery to treat. Depending on the genetic roll of the dice, a GSD wolf puppy may be looking at a very short, unhealthy life. GSDs are also prone to a deadly and incurable condition called degenerative myelopathy that hits GSDs seven years of age and older. However, this can become quite complicated since wolf-dogs cannot be walked and played with like normal dogs. Puppies may be able to walk on a leash in the beginning. Sadly, a lot of wolf-dog hybrids wind up staying permanently in an outdoor pen because they cannot be walked or trained. Despite the endless unknowns surrounding a GSD wolf mix, their size is actually predictable. The smallest hybrids will be as small as a GSD — roughly 49 pounds. The largest will be about pounds, which is the size of a large male Mackenzie Valley wolf, the largest known wolf species. As is common in most wolf species and dog breeds, females tend to be smaller. GSDs are as tall as small wolves, but wolves can actually reach heights of 34 inches tall at the shoulders. GSD wolf mixes come in a wide variety of colors, but most have two or even three tones to their coats. Common two-toned colors include black and tan, grey and white, silver and white, brown and grey, and tan and grey. Puppies of dogs, wolf-dog mixes, and even wolves can be trained and easily handled. However, once the wolf-dog hybrid becomes physically and sexually mature, all bets are off. Just when a GSD wolf mix matures differs from puppy to puppy. Dogs mature a lot faster than wolves. A German shepherd wolf mix could mature as early as six months, when a GSD matures, or as late as four years old when a wolf typically matures. However, these are not wolves. However, if you want an animal that obeys commands all the time, why not just save yourself the time and money, and go with a dog? They also ask people for affection. They have to be taught to hunt by their older pack-mates. They grow accustomed to being given food at predictable times. All wolf hybrids, including GSD wolf mixes, have severely bitten or attacked people and pets in the United States. Wolf-hybrids often attack children more than adults because children make noises resembling small prey animals. More often, wolf-dog mixes will attack other pets than people. These are very territorial animals. If any other animal is perceived as being on their turf, a GSD wolf mix may not only attack but kill a dog, cat, or other animal. Not only will you have to pay restitution and possible court costs, but depending on your local laws, your GSD wolf mix may be confiscated and euthanized. Your chances of appeal are very small, and will involve significant legal expenses. The only known factors are that this is a large animal with the ability to inflict serious damage on pets, livestock, wildlife, and people, especially children. You may have to keep the animal in a pen for the rest of its life. You may never be able to find a vet willing to look after the GSD wolf mix. You may have laws banning the ownership of such an animal where you live. A GSD wolf mix puppy or adult costs thousands of dollars. You will need plenty of land, fencing, and legal advice in order to keep it. When it comes to any wolf-dog mix, leave it alone. Get one of the safer German Shepherd mixes instead. German Shepherd wolf mix breeds are one of the biggest dogs you can get, averaging to around 24 inches tall. In terms of weight, they average to around 60 lbs heavy when they are fully grown. While this is slightly smaller than the average German Shepherd, this is still large for a dog. Remember, their personality will make them seem even larger than they physically are. This mix breed is highly unpredictable. This means that while German Shepherds are generally bigger than the wolf mix breed, they are much more obedient. A larger and more obedient German Shepherd will seem much smaller than a GSD wolf mix that has an unpredictable and potentially dangerous temperament. Even though GSD wolf mix breeds might grow to be slightly smaller than a regular German Shepherd, the average lifespan of both is the same. They are both considered medium-large breeds, which means that they can come with a variety of health issues including joint problems and cancer. What percentage of German Shepherds are wolf? Technically speaking, every dog derives from wolves. They were never bred with wolves. It all depends on the genetics of the German Shepherd, as some might have come from a background that bred wolves into the family. Instead, German Shepherds descend from the Canidae biological family in the same way as other domestic dogs do. This biological family includes wolves, foxes, and dingoes. Other breeds of dogs like Siberian Huskies and Finnish Spitz are more closely related to wolves as their ancestors had been wolves for thousands of years. How can you tell if your German Shepherd is part wolf? German Shepherds were never bred with wolves when the breed was standardized in Germany in the s, which means that there is no element of wolf in their DNA. Still, they are part of the Canidae family in the same way as other domesticated dogs are. However, you can still commit to a genetic test to see if your German Shepherd has come from a family that attempted to breed a wolf into the genetic line. Also, when buying or adopting your GSD, the seller should make you aware of if the dog is part wolf.