what do you feed german shepherd puppy
We are a breeder of German Shepherds and are located in the Houston tx area. All of our dogs are raised in a family enviornment along with our 2 year old twin girls and none are ever kept kenneled. Our sole purpose is to provide your family with an affordable German shepherd that will bring you joy and happiness. We know that everyone cannot afford the high priced dogs, but that does not mean that you should have to settle for a dog that you wont be happy with or that will have health problems. We have been in business since and our dogs have gone on to accomplish many things. First and fore-most they have been perfect family dogs, but some of our others have gone above and beyond. All of our puppies are handled daily and exposed to a variety of things before they leave us so that they are well socialized and ready to adapt to you and their new living situation when they leave. All pups go with their akc application, current worming, first round of shots minimum of 1 round depending on age , current vet check including fecal exam, 30 days pet insurance through AKC, lifetime breeder support, and are started on NuVet vitamins for added immune support. Deposits are non refundable, however deposit can be transferred to another litter. Please click on the menu button on top left corner to view our males, females, available pups, and upcoming litters. Any questions feel free to give us a call at .We are always available to answer any questions or concerns! We are a German Shepherd breeder that specializes in quality, intelligent dogs with proven superior genetics. We sell German Shepherd puppies that are the perfect choice for professionals and families. We focus on producing a stable, protective line of German Shepherds that you can trust with your children. Sweet tempered companions that will protect your family and property Our German Shepherds have incredible pedigrees and we carefully choose only the best genetics to constantly improve upon the German Shepherd bloodline. We have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas, but arrangements can be made to sell a puppy to any state within the 48 contiguous states. We are always happy to talk or visit with you and would love to show you our beautiful German Shepherds. Our German Shepherd Dogs can be used for search and rescue, tracking, guarding, guide dogs for the blind or physically disabled, police work, show and of course a family pet. Our dogs are well socialized with children and other pets. Our puppies are AKC Registered and come with a health guarantee. Our high quality puppies are excellent with children and very easy to train. We have carefully selected world class German Shepherds with proven superior genetics. Our puppies have the potential to become champions in the show ring and your family hero. The West German bloodlines are bred to have great personalities and superb temperaments. They go through extensive training and rigorous testing to earn their titles. The West German Shepherd bloodlines are not just tested on their beauty and showmanship, but also on their ability to perform difficult tasks that require a high level of intelligence, motivation and desire to please their master. As a German Shepherd Breeder, it is our desire to provide you with an exceptional puppy that can bring you the same joy that ours have brought to our family. Our German Shepherds are the perfect choice for personal protection and are great companions for all ages. Testimonials: "Hi. He blended right into our family and we don't remember life before him. His temperament and intelligence are above average. At the vet I heard the vet and techs in the back gushing over how behaved he was and they sent me home with extra goodies for him hehe. He's already house trained. I've already been able to teach him two commands "here" and "place". He's also the best snuggler and is sooo very patient and forgiving with my tornado of a two year old son. He is the best dog I've had in my entire life and love him to the moon. I can't wait until he's old enough to start going on adventures with us. Thank ya'll for a wonderful dog! We get soooo much attention with her! We've had people literally pull off the road just to comment on her! Lots of people asking if we are going to breed her! We are meeting with someone on Friday to evaluate her for protection training. She's my girl and she knows her job well! Btw, people always ask me where I got her.I tell them all about you guys! Here are pictures of Liberty sunbathing with her sister, Queen Bitsy! She loves her boy! We have answers. German Shepherd cost will vary based on a number of unique factors, and even puppies that look very similar can have a huge difference in price. With the Uptown network, your geographical location is less important than your puppy preferences. Odds are pretty good that one of our partners has a litter of German Shepherd puppies in Austin Texas right now with your name on it. Absolutely not. We refuse to work with any company or breeder who raises their dogs inhumanely, and we strive to ensure that all of our customers are being connected with lovingly raised puppies. Puppy mill dogs face a higher risk of developing genetic diseases.There are all sorts of different kinds of German Shepherd for sale Austin TX, and we know that one-size-fits-all is definitely not the right approach to matching puppies with new families. Our MatchMaker system takes into account not only your color and coat preferences, but also price, breed, temperament, and much more. MatchMaker is our free system for connecting families with the right dogs, not just any dogs.
Use tab to navigate through the menu items. They love racing against the side by side, chasing cattle and chickens, and they will happily swim in our large pond for hours. My love for Australian Shepherds began in I had been saving up my pet sitting money to buy my first Aussie puppy. I found a breeder an hour away and went to look at his available litter. I named her Sasha, and we were inseparable. That girl was the most intelligent dog I had ever met. She even taught herself how to stand up on her hind legs at the water fountain and push the button to get a drink. Sasha was also a social butterfly and was constantly making new friends. He was the most gentle, affectionate boy with an old soul who loved everyone, and was a real looker with his glossy red coat. Chester wasn't my dog, but he made me fall in love with the Golden Retriever. She ended up having a litter of eight on January 4, .There was one pup in particular that I was drawn to immediately. He was a big blue merle with a long tail, and I knew I was going to keep him. I named him Rooster, and we had a connection that is impossible to explain. He never left my side, he slept on my feet every night, he got me through college, he was there when I got engaged and married, and when we moved into our first house. He was the light of my life and completed our little family of three. This was the moment that I decided to get back into breeding When Rooster passed away from cancer in , I was completely shattered. It was at that moment that I decided to get back into breeding because I firmly believe that everyone should get to experience that type of unconditional love and steadfast bond with a dog. We started building our kennel in the Fall of As our breeding operation has grown, we quickly realized that our house would not be able to comfortably house all our dogs and our litters. We started building our kennel in the fall of .Although they typically spend a majority of their time inside our home and under our feet! We have a couple whelping rooms with floor drains to help keep the puppy areas clean and a special meet and greet room for customers to play with their puppies. We take pride in how our dogs and puppies are raised We strive to produce beautiful, happy, healthy and quality puppies for families. Our puppies are handled daily, exposed to livestock, they get to interact with other members of our pack and each one will come pre-loved. Learn more Goldens Our Golden Retrievers are loyal pets and incredible companions. Our foundation stud is the epitome of what a Golden Retriever should be. A good daily average of around 3 cups of dry dog pellets per day is sufficient, but younger Retrievers will benefit greatly from additional protein. Dry food should is best supplemented with good-quality canned wet food. A high-quality wet food is a good way to add moisture to their diet. A dog with high energy benefits from two small meals a day, as opposed to one large meal. This will assist in sustaining them throughout the day. A good source of essential fatty acids will benefit an Australian Shepherd greatly, due to their thick and dense coats. They will also need adequate protein, especially in their formative years, to keep up with their high energy output. It will also assist with skin, nail, bone, and muscle health. Most dogs need around calories per pound per day to maintain a healthy weight. An average Australian Shepherd weighs in at an average of pounds. They will need at least hours of good exercise every day; otherwise, they will become highly-strung and stressed. They will benefit from being walked on a leash, as their herding heritage will make them run off after any unfamiliar scents. Australian Shepherds are clever and they love to play high-energy games. Their innate retrieving instincts make them fond of fetching balls, sticks, and frisbees, and they are also fond of swimming. This is great exercise, plus mental stimulation for your dog. Still, they are a high-energy and hyperactive breed of dog and will require more patience than usual. To successfully train an Australian Retriever, it will help to focus on rewarding good behavior with treats and doing so repeatedly. Retrievers in general thrive on consistency and repetition. As with all dogs, it will help greatly to socialize your dog as early an age as possible. This will help it function well with strange people and situations, which is essential to good training. Treating new places as a fun outing as opposed to a scary one will keep them calm in new situations. Australian Retrievers take well to instructions, and combining reward-based training with a clicker or verbal commands as early as possible is vital. It is also better to do short training sessions regularly, as opposed to long intense sessions. Hyperactive breeds like Shepherds and Retrievers lose concentration quickly, and a minute session is ideal. Their innate herding instincts mean they love to play games with frisbees, sticks, and balls, especially fetching games. Regular brushing, combined with the occasional wash and trim, will prevent their thick coat from matting, which can happen quickly. An occasional nail trimming is also highly recommended to prevent splintering and infections. Their thick coat puts them at risk of skin disorders like atopic dermatitis if not brushed and cleaned regularly. Any signs of itchiness displayed by excessive licking and scratching could be a sign of this or possibly a food allergy. They should be taken to a vet as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur. Golden Retrievers have a genetic disposition toward hip dysplasia, and this can follow over into Australian Retrievers. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among Golden Retrievers, so Australian Retrievers are also at high risk of this disease. Other common minor ailments include bloat, joint issues, and eye problems. Regular checkups with your vet can prevent most of these issues. Unless you intend on breeding, it is recommended to neuter males and spay females. Neutering a male dog has many associated health benefits, including preventing from testicular cancer, making them less aggressive, and calming their hyperactive energy. It will also prevent them from wandering off looking for females, which can get them lost or injured. Spaying a female will assist in preventing uterine infections and cancer. It is recommended to do so before her first heat, as this will further help prevent these complications. If you want to breed a female Australian Shepherd, it is far better for her health to do so only after she has experienced at least one or two heat cycles. Minor Conditions. This dog is naturally healthy, and thus free from genetic-based illnesses. However, there are also reports of this kind of breed getting cancer, hyperthyroid, allergies, and many more. The best way to avoid these scenarios is by getting a breeder. With that, we recommend brushing it on a daily basis if you want to maintain its luscious and shiny coat. Otherwise, cleaning the coat at least once or twice a week will do. It is known to have moderate shedding periods as well, but there are two seasons where they drop more hair than usual. With that, you might also want to invest in a vacuum. Not only will this make your dog cleaner, but it will also save you the trouble of doubling your cleaning chore from time to time. In line with that, you need to create hygienic routines for the dog. As much as possible, give it a bath once a day. Not only that, but you also need to trim the nails, clean the ears, and brush its teeth on a daily basis. Ears that are in this position are more prone to acquiring infection due to the absorption of moisture. If not cleaned and treated properly your dog might be prone to ear mites and other infections. You can also rent grooming services. If you do this, you will only have to take your Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd breed for a bath when it is visibly dirty. For more information regarding this, it would be best to discuss it with your dog breeder. This is due to the flexibility and genetic variety of this particular breed. Reports have shown that the Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is also capable of acquiring diseases such as cancer, hyperthyroidism, deafness, allergies, and epilepsy. Aside from that, some dogs of this kind are also known to be sensitive to drugs. But among all the illnesses this dog is prone to having, the ones you need to watch out for are pigmentary uveitis, heart diseases, eye conditions, and hip dysplasia. Overall, however, you can expect your Golden Retriever crossbreed with Australian Shepherd to be a healthy and athletic dog. A Golden Retriever can live from years. An Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, has an average lifespan of years. With these numbers in mind, you can expect your Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever to live for about years. A dog nutritionist will tell you to engage your dog in routine meals on a daily basis. This will provide it with the standard amount of energy and nutrients to rejuvenate the ones that it lost running around and playing in your house. Meanwhile, here are our top suggestions for dog food. Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe Seventy percent of this dog food is made out of meant nutrients, which can help build lean muscles. With this dog food, you can also be sure that your pup eats corn, soy, and wheat free. You might also be thrilled to know that the company is known to be a manufacturer of locally produced dog food, which crosses out the possibility of some ingredients coming from China. One of the best features of this dog food is its 34 percent crude protein paired with 16 percent crude fat. Its top ingredients are deboned turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, potatoes, and peas. Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage This is probably the best dog food for your Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever crossbreed while he is still in his puppy stage. Earthborn has been known to produce one of the best dog foods for adult dogs, but the company recently released one variety that was specially made for Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd race puppies. This dog food aims to give your pup a healthy brain and good eye development. Your doggo deserves to have the best care and nutrition you can give them. If you come across some of the worst dry dog food in the market, just keep going. Puppies should get food that will give them enough proteins, which you can find among best puppy food brands. Dog-grandpas should get only the best senior dry dog food to make them feel young and strong. Also, if you stumble upon best dry dog food brands for Pugs give it a go these pups have refined taste buds and your doggo might, too. Your cutie carries the genes of super-unique and distinctive parents, so you can always opt for best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd Mix Exercise Requirements Many dog owners are disappointed with having dogs contribute to mischief around the house. Little do they know that this mischievousness is just a result of high energy levels. Such is the case with the Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd race. The dog is quite energetic. In line with that, if they do not get sufficient amount of exercise, it will try to release their energy through other means. This is why some owners find their Mix of Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd chewing and biting their shirt, slippers, or socks. You can schedule a session where the dogs can socialize with each other. Despite being a crossbreed, this dog also needs to socialize with its kind because it has a natural desire to be part of a herd. Socializing with other dogs of its kind will teach your puppy how to play nice with other animals. Still, these two things are done separately. The first thing you need to do is let the dog become acquainted with the environment since these types of dogs have hunting instincts. If you have other pets at home, it would be best to let your Golden Retriever crossbreed with Australian Shepherd mingle with them. Let them play with each other. This will give the animals sufficient time to get to know each other. You might even want to walk your dog around the neighborhood. The reason for this is to familiarize your dog not only with the surroundings but also your neighbors so that when someone visits your home, your puppy will not think of them as trespassers. Once you have done that, you should invest your time in teaching these simple training tricks: Walk. Mini Golden Retriever We are excited to offer something a little different than mini aussies- Miniature Golden Retrievers!! Golden Retrievers have long been one of Americas favorite dog breeds. And for great reasons! I have always loved the breed, but their size just never fit my lifestyle. When I stumbled across a miniature golden retriever, I just had to learn more!! The smaller size is perfect!! Miniature golden retrievers are mixed to bring the size down. Some of our mixes include poodle, cavalier, and cocker spaniel. Our goal is to keep the golden retriever attributes while sizing down and adding in some hybrid vigor! Size ranges for a golden retriever are lb. Our mini golden retriever size ranges will be lb on most pups. We cannot gaurantee size. This is a relatively new breed, still in creation stages, with larger dogs being close up in pedigrees. We will try our best to predict accurate mature sizes. Miniature Golden Retrievers are excellent candidates for sport, guide dogs, therapy dogs, as well as simply amazing family companions. They have an endearing love of life. Miniature Golden Retrievers are outgoing, trustworthy, eager to please, easy to train and very affectionate. Miniature Golden Retrievers need plenty of exercise. They love love to fetch and retrieve!! They love to please and are very bidabble, making training vert pleasant and fun. Miniature Golden Retrievers are natural companion dogs: gentle and responsive. They become very attached to their human families and are excellent with children. Very affectionate and playful with a high degree of intelligence. These cheerful dogs are very sociable and will get along with everyone including people, dogs, cats and other pets cats and other pets need to be exposed at a young age Miniature Golden Retrievers will need grooming. Some may shed less than a standard golden retriever if they have poodle in their lineage. Coat types will vary some. Some may need trims at a groomer, while others will shed more and not need to go to a groomer. Miniature golden retrievers are NOT hypoallergenic. They will shed although typically less. We specifically looked for these for a couple reasons. English cream golden retrievers are healthier than the american golden. They typically are less prone to hip problems and less prone to cancer. They are also well known for their calmer, lower energy. We are very much looking forward to seeing these miniature english cream golden retrievers in the future!!! Maybe you already own one and want to know about the common health problems or how to feed them. The Golden Retriever breed has always been popular among families and other dog owners, they are known to be smart, loyal, and are used in many different areas of work, such as service dogs, hunting dogs, etc. Adaptability Golden retrievers are used to having lots of space to run and play, Golden Retrievers used for hunting and as service dogs, this makes them unsuitable apartment living unless you're prepared to go for walks often and to play many rounds of fetch in the park. The Golden Retrievers are not high maintenance when it comes to caring, but they do take time to mature. Thankfully, because of their intelligence, they are easy to train but you should know that they are very social animals with a high sensitivity level and a low tolerance for being alone. This is why you will often find that many other Retriever owners have more than one dog to keep their Golden Retriever company. Over the years the Retrievers coats have adapted to suit most weather conditions. Their top coats act as a buffer and are slightly water-resistant, their undercoat provides insulation that keeps them warm in winter and helps them keep cool in summer. Temperaments Golden retrievers are known for their obedience, playfulness, intelligence, and being well mannered. They are a very active breed of dog who loves to be involved with whatever the family is doing and they hate to miss out on anything. Golden Retrievers are a very friendly breed and as such, they don't make very good guard dogs. You will find that if they do bark at strangers it would be to say hello and not as a warning. Whether you are a first-time owner or you've always had a Retriever in your life one thing never changes. They take longer to mature than most dog breeds. Many owners compare the first two years of having a Golden Retriever to having a very energetic large toddler in the house creating havoc. Health And Grooming Needs The golden retrievers have a lot of energy to burn and they are happy to take part in any and all outdoor activities whether it is going for walks joining on hikes, playing fetch, or going for a swim! A bored golden retriever is a naughty golden retriever without enough exercise or toys to play with and chew, Retrievers form bad habits- like chewing up your couch. Golden Retrievers are known for their long soft coats and to look and feel as silky as it does it will take some effort on your side to maintain it. Although you may be able to get away with a weekly brush, to keep the shedding down to a minimum, a daily brush is considered optimal. Thankfully because the Retriever is a very active breed, their nails tend to stay short, it was a strong good idea to trim nails once a month. A monthly bath helps to keep the ticks and fleas and other parasites under control, a good bath will help to soften their nails, making them a lot easier to trim. Golden retrievers were originally bred as hunting dogs and as such have got a high metabolism, it's important to feed them the right balance of nutrients to make sure that they don't burn too much energy and end up being underweight, on the opposite end of the scale you also need to make sure that they are not getting too much food. Like with most dogs when they are fed too much and eat more than they should, they get overweight. Unfortunately, the Golden Retrievers are susceptible to obesity, luckily there are brands that cater to the Retrievers specific needs. Some of these top brands include the Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Royal Canin and Merrick Grain-Free dry dog food each of these has been tailor-made to suit the Golden Retrievers nutrient needs, the table below will act as a guide to help you understand how much to feed your Golden Retriever, going by weight and how active they are during the day:. Life Span Did You Know? This cross is meant to produce a smaller version of a Golden Retriever that retains the classic Golden look and their characteristic friendly and sweet temperament. Mini Golden Retrievers tend to maintain a temperament very similar to Golden Retrievers. They tend to have a sweet, open, and friendly nature. Mini Goldens get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. These dogs tend to make great family pets and can also be found working as service dogs or therapy dogs. Due to their smaller size, the Miniature Golden Retriever is a highly adaptable dog breed. As long as they get enough exercise, they are happy in apartments as well as larger homes with yards. They also do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Because these dogs are so people-oriented, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they would much rather be an active member of the family. For Mini Golden Retrievers, these could include elbow dysplasia, heart issues, eye disease, and hip dysplasia. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and checking out available health clearances or tests can help allay potential health concerns. All of the dog breeds in the cross for a Mini Golden Retriever are highly trainable. So, these dogs tend to be highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please their owners. They tend to be a good fit for dog owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. They respond best to positive training methods focused on praise, play, and reward. Although the aim is to have the Miniature Golden Retriever look just like a smaller version of a Golden Retriever, there will be variance in the coats because it is a mixed dog breed. You may have puppies that look identical to a Golden Retriever or you may have puppies with tightly curled or wavy coats from their Poodle or Spaniel parents. With the Poodle in the cross, there may be a chance of a low-shedding coat, but you will want to be prepared for a dog that will shed moderately year-round and that requires regular brushing and bathing with the occasional professional grooming session. Floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear infections, but regular checks and careful cleaning can help prevent them. Dental care for dogs is so important. But, it is often overlooked, which is why dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Miniature Golden Retriever is likely to be a high energy dog that requires plenty of exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks, plus playtime and some extra activity should be sufficient for this dog. They will likely enjoy any activity that means they get to do things with you, which means they may enjoy hiking with you, taking trips to the dog park , swimming, or even training to compete in dog sports. A fully-grown Miniature Golden Retriever usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Mini Golden Retriever generally lives years. Dwarfism does occur in Golden Retrievers, which results in a smaller Golden Retriever and can also cause additional health concerns. Meeting the parent breeds in person and asking to see health tests can help you verify that you have a Mini Golden Retriever. Miniature Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale. Select Page Breeders directory Buying a Golden Retriever is a lifelong commitment and not an impulse decision. Have patience the average wait time for a golden retriever puppy is about 12 — 18 months. The GRCWA is unable to comment on breeders, either positively or negatively and we encourage you do your homework and gain as much knowledge of the breed as you can before making a decision. The worst place to get a puppy is a pet shop and irresponsible non-ANKC registered backyard breeders. Buying from a pet shop or a non-ANKC breeder perpetuates the inhumane practices of puppy mills as well as pet overpopulation and is detrimental to the health and welfare of the Golden Retriever. The fact that these breeders are listed here is by no means a recommendation by the GRCWA for any of the breeders or their line of dogs. Any person considering purchasing dogs or puppies from these breeders should make their own enquiries and form their own opinions. These breeders have passed an education course, have signed and acknowledged the clubs Code of Ethics, they uphold these Code of Ethics and follow all health and other recommended breeding practices. A good breeder has more than ANKC registration. A conscientious breeder will be able to provide evidence of health testing if the parents of the puppies along with the ANKC pedigree papers. The best source of a healthy, well-socialised puppy is a conscientious ANKC breeder with a long-term commitment to the breed and a reputation to uphold. Printing out a checklist for each breeder enables you to keep a detailed record of each breeder as things tend to mix together after talking to a few different breeders. Availability of puppies and conditions of sale are at the sole discretion of the individual breeder.
During this time, they have learned that good breeding is not seldom. This is why they conduct DNA genetic testing on the mating Labs, research pedigrees, and perform x-rays. At other times, they fly in semen from other states to guarantee the best quality future Labs. They have produced family dogs, show dogs, hunting dogs, and service dogs. If you want to reserve a puppy from Humehill, they will send you a questionnaire and a deposit contract. The puppies leave the facility after they are eight weeks old. Prior to this, the puppies are taken to the vet for a checkup, dewormed, microchipped, and receive their first vaccine. They consider themselves knowledgeable breeders because they have degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Engineering. They focus on producing and raising genetically quality dogs, a reason why the parents undergo Embark tests. In addition, they raise the puppies in an acre home with fenced-in yards instead of kennels. The dogs also have a large pond to swim or play in. All Hidden Pond puppies have veterinarian health certification, a one-year written health guarantee, have their first shots, and are microchipped. They also give a lifetime placement warranty and offer stud service. They aim to breed championship Labs that can go to the show program. The pups that do not qualify for show programs are trained for companionship, hunting, therapy, or response dogs. The breeder is dedicated to guaranteeing that future Labs have the best genetics to live a long, happy life. They also receive year-long preventative health care. Stoneleigh Labrador puppies are hand-raised with abundant affection then socialized before they leave the facility. Even though the breeder does not always have available puppies all year round, they will be happy to have you on a waiting list. Legacy puppies receive the same socialization programs as service and guide dogs. They are paper trained, crate trained, taken for car rides, and receive daily playtime. They are also microchipped and AKC registered. Unlike other Labrador breeders, Legacy accepts applications only when there is a litter available. This means you must be on the lookout since they do not keep a waiting list for potential buyers. Occasionally, they have older dogs available after they have finished their show careers. These dogs are suitable for children of all ages because they are socialized at a young age. All pups receive their first shots and worming before they leave. To purchase one, contact the breeder via email or the website. She has a passion for Labradors and loves their sweet temperament. This is proof that not only are the Labs well-bred, but they are healthy and with easy to live temperaments. To find and purchase a pup , visit the website, or contact the breeder via email. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. If you were thinking about purchasing one of these wonderful pets for your home but would like to know how to find the best breeder, keep reading while we answer that question and several more to help you make an informed decision. The 7 Labrador Retriever Breeders in the United States Finding a Labrador Retriever breeder in the United States should not be difficult, and with a little research, you should be able to find one near you. The only problem you might run into is the long waiting list you might need to get on due to the high demand for this breed. Waiting lists not only increase the time you need to wait for your puppy, they can also bump up the price significantly. It will also help you find any other kind of dog just by putting in your zip code. This site can be a pain because it requires you to download a browser extension, but it is easy to use after that. Labrador Puppies Village Labrador Puppies Village will be happy to ship your pet to you, and they have a wide selection. All puppies come with a health guarantee and have a complete checkup before you purchase them. Windsor Kennels English Labs Check waddelldogbreeding. They produce several litters per year, and they have a waiting list you can get on and they will notify you when new puppies arrive. The Labrador Retriever Rescue Check humanesociety. Many people can no longer take care of their pets for one reason or another and turn to the shelter for help to rehome their pets. Some dogs will even have their vaccination shots. Adopting a puppy from a shelter also frees resources so the shelter can use them for other pets in need. Skye Labradors Skye Labradors is an authenticated breeder who has been creating puppies for more than 25 years and produces several litters per year. Tonmar Labradors Tonmar Labradors are officially sanctioned breeders that produce several litters each year using numerous queens. The current demand can produce a waiting list which might drive up costs, and if you want breeding rights, you need to pay more. If you do not get breathing rights, you will need to get the dog spayed or neutered, and it will require several vaccinations over the first few years, which will require visits to your vet. You will also need to regularly buy food, treats, and toys to keep your dog healthy and happy. We recommend asking to see the health certificate of the parents as well as the puppies to rule out any hidden issues. We recommend asking if you can see the whole litter to make sure the rest of the dogs are healthy and happier. We recommend asking if the puppies had any vaccinations and if they take deworming medication. We recommend asking the breeder about their experience breeding these dogs. Laboratory Retrievers like to run, and since they are fairly large dogs, they will need plenty of space to move around without knocking things over or getting into trouble. Labrador Retrievers are clumsy animals, and since they can weigh as much as 80 pounds, they may not be suitable to have around small children. Laboratory Retrievers have a long lifespan with many specimens lasting 15 years or more, so you need to be committed to the long haul before purchasing one of these dogs. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent animals and are easy to train once you get them into a routine and stick with it. Next on your reading list: Labany Conclusion Labrador Retrievers make great pets. They are affectionate, intelligent, and relatively healthy with long lifespans. Finding a breeder is not difficult, and there are many high-quality ones spread across the United States that can create the perfect dog for you. We recommend checking the animal shelter first because you can usually get your dog at a much lower cost, and these animals tend to be grateful and better behaved. However, there are plenty of options if there are no dogs in the shelter. Related read:. Life Span Did You Know? There is a reason that year after year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. The history of the Labrador Retriever dates back to the early s in Newfoundland, just off the Atlantic coast of Canada. Had these families not played a vital part in the continuation of the breed, the loving and affectionate Labs we have all grown to love may not exist today. The first recognized Yellow Labrador Retriever was born in .One of the friendliest breeds out there, Yellow Labs are great companions and love to be a part of the family. While the color yellow is part of their namesake, their coats range from fawn or cream to butterscotch or a deep golden hue. Coming into popularity during the midth century, the Yellow Labrador Retriever has been a staple for hunters and family homes alike ever since. These dogs are patient and kind when faced with energetic young ones. Yellow Labs delight in big spaces, opting to run and play wildly. However, they will happily lounge on the couch after having a long, hard run outside. When given a little training, they can easily learn to control barking habits and restrain themselves from digging. Their double coat also makes them a good fit for just about any climate. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Generally speaking, Labradors are healthy. They can develop certain inherent conditions, along with cataracts and kneecap displacement, but will remain healthy overall. As long as they are taken to their vet appointments with regularity, Labs will usually feel just fine. Yellow Labs are loyal companions with few drawbacks. Treats never hurt, of course. This, paired with their eagerness to please, makes them a highly trainable dog breed that is a good fit for owners of any experience level. With minimal training, these dogs can control their barking and digging without much trouble. Labs have very short, double-layered, and water-resistant fur. Its density protects them from the cold, so they will often try to swim any time of year. They experience heavier seasonal shedding twice a year and slight shedding throughout the year. Giving them a good brush once a week or a few times a week should keep their coats shiny and healthy. Other grooming tasks include nail trimming, ear care, and dental care. Proper dental care for dogs includes brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day. This helps prevent the tartar buildup that causes dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. This breed tends to be very active. They were bred to be working dogs and need exercise. A few daily walks and some time to run should help assuage their energy levels. Yellow Labs also need a fair amount of mental activity as well; they like to stay sharp. Yellow Labs are classified as medium to large dogs. They reach an average height of 23 inches and an average healthy weight of 75 pounds. A Yellow Labrador Retriever generally lives years. It was traditional in Newfoundland for every fishing boat to have a Labrador Retriever that would help retrieve the fish as they came in off the trawl. Featured Yellow Labrador Retriever Article. The caring and committed team are AKC registered dog breeders who strive to provide you and your family with the best companion possible. Reach out to our English Lab breeders today to learn more about what makes our puppies for sale so great! As a Labrador Retriever Breeder with 10 years of experience, they also strive to produce puppies with willing and determined attitudes. This makes the puppies available to use for any discipline and a wonderful addition to any home. Schedule an appointment to meet our puppies today! This type of Labrador is an easy dog breed commonly known to have a patient, laid back and friendly personality. English Labrador Retrievers also have been bred to be easily trained and socialized dogs, which generally means you will have a dog breed that is great around people and tends to not bark as much as other breeds. Another reason this is an easy dog breed is the fact that English Labs, due to their laid-back personality, are typically very tolerant of children. This factor makes them a great family pet for you! Be sure to ask about these products and use the special order code on any of the NuVet Products! With the experience and knowledge of this reputable Labrador Retriever Breeder, you can be sure that you will receive a great companion and perfect family dog. Click here to see our current available litters. Your Labrador Retriever puppy awaits you! View Available Litters What our clients say.He has a clean facility for the dogs and takes excellent care of all of them. His family are all involved in with the puppies so they are used to children. Our Lacie white as lace loves everyone and has picked up commands quickly. I would highly recommend visiting Richard is you are looking for a lab puppy. For nearly 50 years we have produced English Labradors in the true style of the all-around dog they were meant to be. Our ultimate goal has been a beautiful dog conforming to breed standards with soundness of temperament and body. Our Labradors retain the hunting ability that has made them the supreme hunting retriever. This intelligent, well-tempered dog is a perfect family companion and service dog. We are pleased to not only have many of our On The Bluff Labradors in pet, show and hunting homes, but also used as guide dogs for the disabled and specialist for airscent detection. Our breeding program strives for perfection in every litter. We use the highest quality stud dogs with a background of multiple Grand Champions. We combine their linage with the outstanding genetics of our females. The result are not just cute, adorable puppies, but dogs that can be well trained, healthy companions for a lifetime. We have never lost sight of our initial goal to produce the perfect Labrador- in mind and body. Feel free to email us for additional information or to get on a waiting list for one of our puppies. Staffed by professional trainers- each puppy receives several weeks and hundreds of hours of individual lessons- Obedience Training, House Living Training, Group Socialization, and Outside Etiquette. We believe our unique training methods and individualized programs sets us apart from any other breeder. Here you will find many adorable pictures of our current puppies.
Often occur with allergies and intolerances. Skin inflammations Can be hereditary in certain breeds. Heart disease Can occur frequently in dogs and can sometimes be treated with medication. Breathing problems Dogs with shortened muzzles can often experience respiratory problems. Amyloidosis Amyloidosis refers to a group of diseases that share a common feature: the pathological abnormal deposition of a fibrous protein called amyloid in various tissues of the body. Several organs are often involved. What does a mix of English Bulldog and Shar-Pei look like? A mix of English Bulldog and Shar-Pei can look different, but typically has the head and body shape of an English Bulldog with the wrinkles of a Shar-Pei. How big do English Bulldogs and Shar-Pei mixes grow? English Bulldogs and Shar-Pei mixes can grow small to medium in size, depending on the size of the parents. They usually weigh between kg. What is the temperament of an English Bulldog and a Shar-Pei mix? English Bulldog and Shar-Pei mixes are usually friendly and good-natured, but can sometimes be strong-willed and stubborn. They usually get along well with other dogs and children. Do English Bulldog and Shar-Pei mixes make good pets? Yes, English Bulldogs and Shar-Pei mixes generally make good pets. They are generally affectionate and easy to train. However, they can sometimes be very strong-willed and stubborn. Therefore, it is important to be consistent in training and discipline. Author Sissi Author Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Since then she struts daily her steps with Loki through the world. The Beagdor Labrador-Beagle mix is a therapy dog for children and also accompanies her to schools. Secretly she fancies a French Bulldog as a second dog. Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Useful Articles. Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog living as long as possible. Make sure your dog is clean between the folds of their skin to keep them from getting infections. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. One of the toughest jobs in caring for any dog will be maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as many dogs are prone to dental issues. You can do this yourself, or have a vet or groomer do it. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. Look for a high quality dog food. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week will probably do, it helps spread the oil through their coat. Bathe approximately every twelve weeks. Frequent baths can irritate their skin. After bathing, they need to be thoroughly dried between all the folds of their skin to keep them from getting yeast infections. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, odor, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Bull-Peis could go either way. If they are raised from puppyhood, chances are they will be overly protective every member of their home. Bull-Peis may be more suitable for households with older kids who know how to behave and interact with animals. They can get along well with other dogs, if they are raised with them. Close supervision around other animals is strongly recommended. This mixed breed could be prone to chasing cats and other small animals. Learn more about this pup by reading about their parent breeds, the Chinese Shar-Pei and English Bulldog. However, you may want to try English Bulldog or Shar-Pei breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. She weighs about pounds and is still a puppy at heart. She is very much a 'social' dog and loves people and other dogs. She is still a great pet and is 'Queen' of our house! It is a cross between the English Bulldog and the Shar-Pei. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She has spent the day protecting our house, chasing squirrels and lizards, and barking at passing dogs. Now she has eaten her belly full and retired for a nap! She plays hard and sleeps hard. It's not unusual for her to wake us up during the night snoring. What a face! She is a very friendly dog and loves people, dogs and even cats. She never meets a stranger and can be very entertaining. She drinks from a bird bath and loves to hang over the tub and watch it fill up with water. She was very easy to housebreak, but prefers the outside. She loves to go on walks. She has a very muscular body and a soft coat. Overall, she is a great pet and this seems to be a good combination of breeds. She has tons of wrinkles and a nice, short coat. She is one of the pups from my current litter. Yazmin the Bull-Pei puppy at 7 weeks old walking around in the grass. She is 8 weeks old in these pictures. Her mother was a purebred English Bulldog and father a purebred Shar Pei. Her coat is all black. Inside her mouth is a tint of blackish blue on her top pallet and some black spots under her tongue. I wanted an English Bulldog and my husband wanted a Shar Pei so we met in the middle hoping that she will not have any of the major health problems from either breed. Although when we go to welcome another new family member into our home I believe we will go with a breeder who is looking to better the breed itself and stick with purebred. After all the back and forth I've read on the internet of people bashing each other over the mix of the two breeds. Of course pure dedication and proper training with time will tell. We believe in giving her the best chance at life and in doing so she is on high quality food and has a vet just a few blocks down the road. I believe if its a mixed breed or a purebred you should always give them the best chance at life. Although if everyone thought that way there would be no dogs in shelters either. Also be careful what you are getting yourself into with the mix of these two breeds, you may end up with an alpha and one very stubborn little pup. With proper training and hopefully she will find her place in our home and enjoy her life. I have been watching a lot of Cesar Millan and I am using a lot of his techniques to help with training. We brought our babygirl home when she was 8 weeks old. She is amazing around children of all ages and loves playing with dogs of all sizes. Cats on the other hand not so much she cries for them and is very interested but they don't like how she snorts all over them lol. One thing is for sure, when ever I get up in the middle of the night you can be sure to find her in my spot once I return!!! She is always trying to steal my spot at night!!! They are solid build, with thick necks, muscular and triangular in shape and are energetic engaging loyal companions. They have lots of wrinkles and loose skin but not all the health issues of a purebred English Bulldog. They are stout, solid fun loving loyal pets. I love their wrinkles! This way you know that you are getting the right information from them. They are noisy. Bull-Peis will snore and bark. They require a lot of food. The majority of Bull-Peis will get along quite well with children because of their English Bulldog part of the breed. Every interaction with little children needs to be supervised as this breed is very powerful. They are also likely to chase smaller pets in the household rather than another dog. A Bull-Pei is often fairly simple to train, even though some are more difficult and stubborn. While training, be consistent, patient, and firm. Training your Bull-Pei using positivity, praise, and rewards will be very effective. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They will play with the children and be loving and affectionate with them. They are also protective and will act to keep children safe. Make sure that you are socializing your Bull-Pei early. Before you bring your new puppy home, we want to let you know what you should expect from your new four-legged pal. This will help the transition be a lot easier for you and for your new dog. This will all help them to make the right recommendation for your Bull-Pei. So, get this dog if your ultimate canine is a chill companion who appears quite distinguished. However, it is vital to do your homework about this pup before you take it home. You need to provide proper care and provide everything it needs. They are loyal and loving, and easy to train. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. If you want a dog but you are not so keen on exercise, then the Bull Pei may be for you as they do not require too much exercise. The only thing is that they are unpredictable as you never know which characteristic will be dominant. Generally, Bull Pei dogs are somewhat peaceful and not overly excitable. They can be playful and friendly like their Bulldog ancestors or tough, assured, and independent-minded like the Shar-Pei. These dogs are the happiest and content when they are around their family, so much so that they are never concerned about making friends outside the home. Bull Pei dogs are also reasonably easy to train except for some bit of stubbornness, as well as protective and highly adaptable thanks to their Shar-Pei strain. Are These Dogs Good for Families? A Bull Pei requires early socialization with owners, kids, strangers, and other pets to prevent aggressive tendencies and anxiety. An unsocialized Bull Pei is more likely to lash out towards strangers. It can also be a good companion and playmate for kids as long as you socialize them. The Bull Pei will be loving, affectionate, playful, protective, and quick to act to keep the children safe. However, their Chinese Shar-Pei parents have a dogfighting history, so your pup can instinctively challenge other dogs. Ensure you stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave its food out throughout the day. A Bull Pei is a heavy eater and requires 2 to 3 cups of dry dog food daily. Therefore, it would be best to split the food into two to three meals a day instead of one main meal. Offer your dog sufficient proteins and limit the treats. So your dog will appreciate a short exercise session every day if you want. Plus, this dog also has no issues staying alone for long. Plus, it is bright and works hard where there are rewards and praises. However, these dogs are somewhat independent-minded, a trait that can make them stubborn. You can prevent future training struggles by socializing and training your pup early. Be just be consistent and patient, and avoid scolding and punishments. As a result, they only need moderate maintenance to continue looking good and healthy. You may need to vacuum regularly, though, as these breeds shed moderately throughout the year and increase during the shedding season. Also, ensure that you give them monthly baths using dog shampoo and dry well, especially at wrinkly places. Be careful to ensure that no moisture or grime gets trapped in the wrinkles and folds on the skin, as it may irritate their skin and cause a foul odor. Also, clip long nails or ask a vet or groomer to help. But these dogs may inherit some conditions from either side of their heritage. Here are the most common health issues you may run into with your Bull Pei: Hypothyroidism This condition occurs when the thyroid glands fail to produce thyroxine hormones responsible for efficient cellular metabolism. As a result, you may notice signs like lethargy, temperature fluctuations, weight gain, low appetite, and fur loss. Demodectic Mange Demodectic or red mange is an inflammatory condition caused by the microscopic parasites known as Demodex mites. Reverse sneezing occurs in dogs with brachycephalic skulls, where the back of the head appears flattened. Other conditions that Bull Pei dog breeds experience include eye issues, patellar luxation , hip dysplasia, heat sensitivity, cancer, ear infections, and tartar buildup on the teeth. Minor Conditions.
From a very young age we train our puppies in a few things that aid them in being successful adults as family members, companions, service dogs, agility dogs. The Coltriever is a mid sized dog, they weigh between pounds and are built similar to a Golden Retriever. Available Puppies Our next litter will be in September ready for their new home in early November. Usually we have… Early Learning Each of my litters is born inside my home, rather than a kennel setting. This allows them to hear the sounds and smell the scents associated with a household from the very start. They are continually exposed to the everyday sights and sounds of a family home. This includes potentially scary sounds such as vacuum… About Our Puppies I have been raising Coltrievers in Lacey, Washington since .They are a designer dog, which is a mix of Golden Retriever and Border Collie breeds. They are a mid- sized dog, weighing between 40 and 80 pounds. The conformation of a Coltriever is similar to a Golden Retriever. Their colors vary with some black… Thank you for giving me my Sprinkle. Our dog, Scout, was an instant playmate to my kids, aged 2 and 5. Showing 1 - 27 of 27 resultsPage 1 - 27 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. Dewormed, first vaccinations and clear health check. These babies are desensitized to.They are a mixed breed of Golden Retriever, Great Pyrenees, and.See all All pending Mixed Breed Puppies! Will have vet check, first vaccines and deworming. Mom on site. Thank you for your understanding! Ready to go! Stirling We have 5 adorable Golden Retriever cross puppies for sale. Jacobs Mixed large breed puppies for sale. Call or text us to get a quick reply. The perfect family pet they are great with.We have two handsome boys that need to find their furever homes. Toronto Ready to go! I hope you're having a great day. Please take a moment to read through the information provided before asking.One of their other names, the Shichon Teddy Bear refers to their.Smart healthy and deformed good with cats. The wife says I can't keep them lol. They need a good home. Pls call or text Please Contact Adorabull Pocket Puppies Toronto I have a gorgeous litter of pocket puppies ready for their new homes. There are 3 girls available. They will come fully vet checked with first and second shots, de worming and a clear bill of health.Parents are family dogs with prefect demeanors and are great with children and chickens : even cats Pick up is an option in.Both Mom and Dad are on site. Puppies will be dewormed, vet checked with certificate of first shots. Puppy grab bag also included. Ready anytime.Making a trip to Moncton regularly. I offer two Breeds of puppies. Pure Bred Border Collies for anyone who has ever been around a.Albert 9 months old golden retriever with boarder collie for sale. All immunization updates. He knows all basic commands. Very friendly with kids.
Apply treats for training or relaxation, great for indoor rainy days or to help relive stress. Imagine your German Shepherd as a brilliant detective and puzzle toys as intriguing mysteries waiting to be solved. This not only keeps them entertained but also encourages persistence and adaptability. Imagine a toy that dispenses treats when your pup maneuvers it the right way. Puzzle Toy Pros Keeps their minds sharp and engaged. Enhances their cognitive abilities. Provides a mentally challenging activity. Puzzle Toy Cons Some puzzles might take time to figure out. Dogs with low patience levels might lose interest quickly. The Mammoth Cottonblend 5 Knot Dog Rope Toy offers a double delight: satisfying their natural urge to chew and providing an interactive game of tug-of-war. The robust texture of the rope soothes their teething tendencies, and the interactive tugging game solidifies the bond between you and your canine companion. Rope toys are the OGs of canine entertainment, and German Shepherds adore them. Rope Toy Pros Great for bonding through tug-of-war games. Helps clean teeth and massage gums. Provides an outlet for their energy. Rope Toy Cons Rope fibers can unravel over time. Supervision is necessary to prevent tearing away the fibers and swallowing. Classic Launcher Dog Toy. These nifty gadgets allow your pup to enjoy the thrill of chasing a ball without leaving your arm sore from all the throws. For a breed that adores fetch, interactive ball launchers are a game-changer. Just use the mitt-style launcher to grab onto the ball on the ground and save those back muscles for cuddles later. Provides exercise without exhausting you. Your dog can run, jump, and sprint with the power and height the ball launcher gives you. Interactive Ball Launchers Cons Some launchers might not accommodate larger balls. Why not give them the softness of a plush toy as a security blanket, providing comfort during relaxation time? Some plush toys, like the Multipet Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Dog Toy, even come with squeakers to satisfy their instinctual need to capture prey. Plush toys offer a sense of comfort and companionship during their downtime. These toys become their cuddly buddies. Plush Toys Pros Provides a soft, cuddly companion during rest. Can ease separation anxiety. Satisfies their instinct to "capture" prey. Plush Toys Cons Not suitable for aggressive chewers. Squeakers can pose a choking risk, so always check for toy damage. Soft toys generally require more frequent replacement than harder toys. These toys are durable and can withstand the powerful jaws of a German Shepherd. Their stick-like shape can provide additional fun and variety during playtime. Pros of Squeaky Toys Provides mental stimulation, while the physical act of pouncing, chasing, and shaking it helps release pent-up energy. You can toss the toy, play tug-of-war, or simply watch as your dog enjoys their solo playtime. Can keep your German Shepherd entertained and distracted, especially when they are alone or need to redirect their focus. Cons of Squeaky Toys Some dogs may play too rough with the squeaky stick-toy. While the squeaky sound can be delightful for your German Shepherd, it may not be as enjoyable for you or your neighbors, especially if your dog becomes obsessed with the squeaker. Some German Shepherds can become fixated on the squeaker and develop an obsession with it. This unique toy engages their natural foraging instincts by hiding treats or kibble within its furry fabric, encouraging them to use their nose and paws to uncover the hidden treasures. With its soft texture and stimulating design, the Pet Parents Forager Snuffle Mat provides a relaxing and enriching experience for mealtimes or playtime. German Shepherds enjoy the challenge of using their problem-solving skills to find the treats, turning mealtime into a fun and engaging activity. Just a quick pull of the drawstring closure and your treats are safe from falling out, so taking the snuffle mat with you for a day out is a breeze! Encourages German Shepherds to use their sense of smell and strengthens their foraging skills. Slows down mealtime, preventing dogs from gulping their food too quickly. May help alleviate stress and anxiety in dogs by providing a calming and enjoyable activity. Cons of Snuffle Mats Always use the snuffle mat under supervision, especially with German Shepherds who tend to chew or ingest non-food items. With the Chuckit! The Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy provides an outlet for their high energy levels and allows them to engage in an exciting game of fetch. Watching my German Shepherd sprint across the field, her tail wagging with enthusiasm, is a true joy. Playing fetch with your German Shepherd and their favorite ball toy is not only a fantastic way to bond but also a wonderful opportunity to keep them physically fit and mentally engaged. Grab a ball, head outside, and get ready for endless hours of fun with your playful and loyal German Shepherd companion! Pros of Ball Toys Provides an excellent opportunity to engage in physical exercise. Engages their mind, as they have to track, chase, and retrieve the ball, stimulating their problem-solving skills. Strengthens your bond as it involves interactive play and encourages socialization. Can be used as a positive reinforcement tool during training sessions, as German Shepherds are highly motivated by the opportunity to chase and retrieve the ball. Cons of Ball Toys Select appropriately sized ball toys to prevent the risk of choking, especially for German Shepherds who have a tendency to chew or swallow objects. Can sometimes lead to overexcitement and overexertion, which may result in fatigue or potential injuries. Some German Shepherds may exhibit possessive behavior with their ball toys. I own about a dozen!! KONG dog toys, from the classic red to the extreme black, and swear by them! Its unique shape and hollow center allow for treats or kibble to be stuffed inside, turning it into a mentally stimulating and rewarding puzzle toy. German Shepherds will spend hours working to extract every bit of deliciousness from the Kong, keeping them engaged and mentally sharp. More importantly, chewing is a natural, daily activity that German Shepherd puppies enjoy. The durable rubber material of the Kong toy satisfies their natural urge to chew, providing a healthy outlet for their chewing instincts and helping to keep their teeth and gums clean and strong. Treat your German Shepherd puppy to the joy and entertainment of a Kong toy, and watch them happily chew, chase, and puzzle their way to endless fun! Can help alleviate boredom and separation anxiety in dogs by keeping them occupied. Come in various sizes and strengths, making them suitable for different chewing styles, whether you have a strong chewer or a teething German Shepherd puppy. Cons of Kong Toys If the toy is too small or not strong enough, it may pose a choking hazard or get easily destroyed. Can accumulate food residue or become dirty over time, but this is easily remedied by cleaning the toy regularly. While many German Shepherds enjoy Kong toys, some dogs may not show much interest in it. The Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole is a fantastic toy that can kick your playtime up a notch and release the runner in your German Shepherd! The flirt pole consists of a long pole with a rope attached to one end. To play, you simply move the pole, swinging the toy around in different directions, enticing your German Shepherd to chase and catch it. German Shepherds love the flirt pole for several reasons. Firstly, it taps into their natural prey drive and instinct to chase. The quick movements and unpredictable nature of the toy mimic the movements of prey, triggering their hunting instincts. As your German Shepherd leaps, jumps, and sprints to catch the toy, they engage their muscles and get a great workout. This is especially beneficial for high-energy dogs like German Shepherds, as it helps prevent boredom. Additionally, the flirt pole can also serve as a training tool. It enhances their focus, impulse control, and obedience skills while having a blast. Grab a flirt pole and get ready to kick your playtime up a notch with your energetic German Shepherd! Pros of Flirt Poles Provides an excellent form of physical exercise since chasing after the lure burns off excess energy. A great bonding experience because it allows you to interact and have fun together. Easy to use and require minimal effort on your part, plus you can control the movement and speed of the lure, making it suitable for dogs of different ages and fitness levels. Cons of Flirt Poles Avoid using it on hard surfaces to prevent joint injuries. The Frisco Silicone Treat Lick Mat is a distraction toy that promotes positive reinforcement and mental stimulation. A lick mat is a flat mat with textured patterns, made of food-grade silicone. This activity can be highly engaging and satisfying for your dog. Lick mats are a great multipurpose toy that German Shepherds like. Firstly, they provide mental stimulation as your German Shepherd has to figure out how to access the treat. This can help alleviate boredom and prevent destructive behaviors that may arise from a lack of mental stimulation. Secondly, the repetitive licking action can have a calming effect on your dog, helping to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be particularly useful during times of separation or when your German Shepherd needs to relax. Moreover, lick mats can also promote good dental hygiene. The repetitive licking action may have a calming effect on your German Shepherd, helping to reduce anxiety and stress. Can serve as a slow feeder, extending mealtime and preventing rapid eating. Only hold a certain amount of food, so you need to be mindful of portion sizes and avoid overfeeding. What are you waiting for? Let the games begin! Use it along with all the free training advice here on ShepherdSense to give your skills a boost. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. With so many unique options on the market, it can be difficult to figure out which of them are the best toys for German Shepherds. So why exactly does a German Shepherd need to have toys? Toys Provide Physical Stimulation Have you ever felt the need to do something with your hands? Nothing specific, you just feel like your hands have to be moving, and most of the time, you just find a small, repeated movement like twiddling your thumbs. German Shepherds are the same, and often feel the need for some sort of physical engagement. The difference, however, is that they feel the need to do something with their teeth, which usually means chewing. Without toys to keep them busy, your German Shepherd will start chewing anything and everything they can get a hold of. Toys Provide Relief In another case of dogs being remarkably similar to humans, your German Shepherd will often use their favorite toy as a security blanket of sorts. This is because a familiar toy helps soothe their mind by giving them comforting scents and physical stimulation. Toys are Great Training Aids As with anything your German Shepherd enjoys, the right dog toy is an excellent motivator during training. Just use it like you would any other training aid, giving them a bit of time to play with it after they successfully follow a command. This will allow your German Shepherd to associate training with play, creating a much more fun and positive experience for all parties involved. Toys Help Build Strong Bonds Of course, having plenty of dog toys also provides you with the opportunity to bond with your German Shepherd. Toys Prevent Boredom As we mentioned before, German Shepherds need steady sources of physical stimulation, and this stimulation helps to stave off boredom. Bored dogs may become depressed or anxious, causing them to embrace destructive behaviors such as chewing. Essentially, giving your dog plenty of fun toys is a way to keep them happy and healthy and your belongings undamaged. First of all, the toys you buy need to be tough. From there, look for variety. Your pup should have access to a variety of toys, textures, and functions. Go for a mixture of hard toys, soft toys, chew toys, puzzles, and anything else your pup will enjoy! The best toys for your German Shepherd appeal to their natural instincts as a herding dog. In addition, you need to consider that German Shepherds are particularly prone to separation anxiety, so they should have a mentally engaging toy to keep themselves occupied, such as a treat puzzle. German Shepherd Exercise Needs German Shepherds are large, energetic dogs, so they need about hours of exercise per day. You should try to give them a variety of activities aside from your standard walk such as wrestling, chasing, or searching for objects. A good combination of mental and physical exercise will keep your pup happy and healthy! It comes with a variety of items your pup will love, with two ultra-tough toys, two bags of diet-adjustable bags of treats, and two delicious chews. Indestructible Beef-Flavored Bone This indestructible chew toy comes with a delicious beef flavor that will keep your German Shepherd entertained and always ready to play. Orka Bone Dog Chew Toy This dog bone is unique, serving both as your standard chew toy and a treat puzzle. Just pop a treat each into the two treat compartments and let your dog gnaw on the resilient rubber bone! Naturals Jute Puzzle Rope Dog Toy This toy is perfect for when you want to play with your German Shepherd, made of a tough, plant-based material designed to withstand game after game of tug of war. It works much like a standard puzzle toy, but once your furry friend gets the tennis ball out, you can treat them to a good old-fashioned game of fetch! Tux Tough Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy For more persistent chewers, this puzzle toy from Tux is incredibly tough, but also tricky enough to provide a solid challenge. Harry Barker Cotton Rope Tug and Toss Toy This toy is designed for humans and pups who love playing together, perfect for the two most popular games: fetch and tug of war! While there are plenty of good toys for your German Shepherd to play with, there are also plenty of bad ones. One of the greatest dangers certain toys present is their size. Many toys, especially plastic ones, can be chewed down to a sharp point after a while, which then poses a risk of choking or injury. If you notice that a pointy tip has been formed, the best thing to do is toss the toy out and buy a new one. Finally, stay away from toys with frills or ribbons as well as those that resemble common household objects. Toys that resemble household objects, on the other hand, can promote destructive habits. Your pup is sure to be happier, healthier, and absolutely thrilled with their new toys! Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions! German Shepherds will enjoy just about any toy you give them, but they definitely prefer toys that engage their natural instincts. Toys such as frisbees or tennis balls that allow them to chase will appeal to their herding instincts, while treat puzzles will help keep them mentally engaged. Of course, everyone needs a bit of mindless entertainment, which your standard chew toy will deliver perfectly. German Shepherds are an extremely intelligent and active dog breed, so they need a fairly high amount of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored or depressed. Most vets recommend getting in around hours of exercise or playtime with your German Shepherd, as well as keeping around a variety of toys so that they have multiple ways to keep themselves mentally engaged. Of course, they have to be able to keep themselves entertained sometimes, but nothing beats direct engagement, so try to play with your German Shepherd directly whenever you have the time. German Shepherds all have standard dog hobbies such as walking and wrestling, but their instincts as herding dogs mean they also have a few unique interests. Or sometimes even their humans! Being the little balls of energy they are, German Shepherd puppies need plenty of toys to learn and grow. Once you reach the teething stage, chew toys are going to be an absolute must to allow them to teeth without destroying your valuables. In addition, you want to promote their natural spirit of curiosity and adventurousness from a young age, so be sure to keep them mentally stimulated with a variety of puzzles as well. The best interactive toys for German Shepherds typically have some sort of food reward involved, giving your pup incentive to focus on the toy. German Shepherds are commonly known to suffer from separation anxiety, but having something like a puzzle or a kong will keep them busy enough to prevent that anxiety from setting in. Related Articles:. Goughnuts Toy Collection This toy collection has a style and shape for every bite. They are virtually indestructible dog tug toys for aggressive power chewers that come with a Lifetime Guarantee! They are ideal for interactive play and bonding. This toy is excellent for even the most aggressive chewers and helps reduce problem behaviors such as chewing and separation anxiety. It has dental ridges that are stimulating for your dog while also cleaning your dog's teeth while he chews, helping prevent tooth decay and bad breath. Made from an all-natural rubber compound that is FDA compliant, non-toxic and biodegradable. It is sustainably harvested helping us reduce our carbon footprint. Animal and planet friendly! It is one of the most durable dog balls around! These balls will stand up to the toughest dogs and comes in several sizes. They roll and float on water and will help your dog relieve his built-up energy. Proudly made in the USA from hard plastic. This mat provides hours of enrichment for your pet. Licking soothes and calms your dog. Also promotes fresh breath, healthy teeth and gums and stimulates saliva to aid digestive health. This is not a chew toy! They fly slow, straight, and level, making them easy to catch. They are made of highly durable soft foam that will hold up to being in your dog's mouth without cutting or hurting them. Even floats in water. Colors may vary. These are not chew toys. Ball On Rope Hollow -Gappay This fun tug toy is built to last and is made from high-quality material for a long life. However, the ball is tapered on the inside to help prevent it from pulling off the cord so that the risk swallowing is minimized. Hollow cast, colors vary. Bite tug, fetch toy-Bull Fit These tug toys equal fun and great for training. They are made from high quality firehose and French linen material that will provide hours of interactive play to help strengthen the bond between you and your furry buddy, to keep them happy and healthy. At the end of play, the bright color is easy to spot. This toy is durable but is not a chew toy. The ring is light and easy to work with which allows you to train a dog for a long time. The unique durable non-toxic material will not damage your dog's teeth and gums. It also floats which opens up additional opportunities for training and interacting with the dog. Made in the Ukraine. Comes in 2 sizes. This durable ball is perfect for pet parents seeking a new and exciting game to play with your dog. Strategically created with our four-legged friends in mind, this ball toy for dogs is designed with a unique indented shape that creates a handle for both dogs and their human play buddies to pick up, carry, and roll. Made of durable rubber with an authentic basketball feel, this fun dog toy keeps its shape, even if punctured. Plus, the innovative design offers mesmerizing bounce-and-roll action. Bounce crazier, grip better, and play harder with the Original B Ball Gripz basketball toy for dogs! Not only do you have to make sure that the toy is big and strong enough to withstand a dog that is as powerful as a German shepherd, but you also have to make sure that it is interesting and engaging enough to keep their attention. If you are the owner of a German shepherd, then you know how true this is. Fortunately, there are a few German shepherd toys on the market that are sure to please even the most discerning dog. Here are my favorite picks for the best German shepherd toys of the year: 1. KONG Extreme Dog Toy One of the most important factors in finding the right toy for your German shepherd is making sure that it is strong enough to withstand their powerful jaws. The KONG Extreme Dog Toy is specifically designed for the toughest of chewers, with a durable natural rubber formula that can withstand even the most powerful bites. Another great feature of the KONG Extreme Dog Toy is that it can be stuffed with bits and kibbles, making it a fun and interesting toy to play with. German shepherds are known for their intelligence, and this toy is sure to engage their minds as they figure out how to get the treats inside. You can fill it with your dog's favorite treats such as peanut butter or cheese, or you can even freeze it to keep them entertained for even longer. This bounce helps to fulfill a dog's need to play, providing them with hours of entertainment. Plus, the unpredictable bounce also helps to keep your dog's mind sharp and engaged. The Harry Barker Cotton Rope Tug and Toss is not only a great toy for playing games of tug-of-war with your German shepherd, but it can also help floss their teeth. This flying disc is perfect for playing fetch with your German shepherd in the park, throwing it around in the yard, or even taking it to the beach or lake for some water fetch fun. West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Flying Disc is made from a material that is more pliable than a hard-shell Frisbee and faster than those made from fabric. This means that it will fly farther and faster than other discs, making it more fun for your German shepherd to play with. The pliability of the material also means that it is more likely to bounce back into your hand when thrown, making it easier to play with for both you and your dog. This means that it is safe for your German shepherd to play with, and you can feel good about using it around them. There are no bleaches or chemicals used in the manufacturing process, ensuring that the Barkworthies Elk Antlers Dog Treat is a safe and healthy treat for your pet. Here are some of the benefits of giving your German shepherd the Barkworthies Elk Antlers Dog Treat: German shepherds are an active breed of dog that needs proteins and minerals to maintain their health. Barkworthies Elk Antlers Dog Treats are a good source of both of these things. The antlers are hard enough to help remove plaque and tartar from your dog's teeth, but they are not so hard that they will damage your dog's gums. The Barkworthies Elk Antlers Dog Treat is not only good for your dog's teeth and gums, but it is also beneficial for their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Chewing on the antlers helps to reduce stress and anxiety, and it also provides a healthy outlet for your dog's natural chewing instincts. Don't wait any longer - get your German shepherd the best toys money can buy from Glad Dogs Nations today! With such a wide variety of toys to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect one for your pup. With a curved base, this chewable wiggles back and forth as your pup tries to lick and chew, keeping him focused on the tasty task. Features: Made of vanilla-scented natural rubber Can be filled with liquids like bone broth, pastes like dog-safe peanut butter, and solids like kibble Safe for washing on the top shelf of your dishwasher for easy upkeep Made in China Can be used with most common canine treats Fun, tasty way to beat the summer heat Great pricing perfect for stocking up and having several ready at a time! Cons Not the toughest chew on the market Different Types of Toys for German Shepherds The German shepherd is a large, active dog requiring daily physical and mental exercise. Toys are an excellent tool for making the task easier and provide a fun way to unwind with your pooch and build your bond. Dog toys come in many forms, however, with some better suited for German shepherds than others. The most common types of toys enjoyed by German shepherds are: Balls and Fetch Toys The German shepherd is a chase-happy floof ready to run, making fetch toys like balls or Frisbees some of the best toys for him. Like retrievers, German shepherds can be a little too fetch-obsessed, giving your arm one heck of a workout. Invest in a dog ball launcher to make things easier and give your arm a break. Incorporating a treat-dispensing ball is another great idea, as these toys keep your shepherd occupied on his own as he paws, nudges, and shakes the ball to free goodies hidden inside. Doing your homework here is vital since chews come in various types, from chew toys for teething puppies to long-lasting chews for the most determined chewers. Some German shepherd owners like to offer edible chews on occasion, too, such as beef collagen and bully sticks. Tug Toys Most German shepherds love a good game of tug, so tug toys are a natural choice for the breed. These toys should be large enough that you and your dog or your dog and another dog can safely hold either end of the toy. Training Toys Many German shepherds have specialized skills that require ongoing training. This can include working dogs like police pups and herders or those who practice canine sports like Schutzhund or agility. Maintaining these skills takes a lot of training that can get boring or repetitive. Adding dog training toys to the mix makes sessions more fun and engaging. Water Toys Not every shepherd is wild about the wet stuff, but water-loving ones are obsessed. Puzzle toys offer a great test and heaps of fun for your wise woofer, usually with a tasty reward that food-motivated shepherds are eager to work for. Every dog has likes and dislikes that may not always align with their breed. Also, consider his age and overall health. Picking a Toy for Your German Shepherd: Things to Think About Every dog is unique, but there are some basics to consider while toy shopping, as only some products are a good fit or even safe for your dog. This is especially true with a large breed known to be hard on toys like a German shepherd. Another dog might prefer a simple chew for laid-back fun. Food-motivated shepherds love Lickimats as an indoor option. Freezing them helps them last longer, too. Snuffle mats are another great option, as they put his sniffer to work for hidden goodies. Toys made of solid heavy-duty rubber or nylon are ideal, particularly those without small pieces that can be chewed away. While fun for a dog to gnaw at, these nubs are choking and ingestion hazards if chewed free and swallowed. Materials Dog-safe construction is a must for any toy. The U. Dangerous chemicals like arsenic and lead have been found in toys manufactured overseas. For this reason, many pet parents opt for American-made dog toys only. Other toys can be used for games of fetch on land or in water, and some can double as chew toys and tuggers. Warranty Some manufacturers stand behind their products so much that they offer a money-back or replacement guarantee if your doggo damages or destroys the toy. Sometimes, these have time limits such as 30 days, while others offer lifetime guarantees. These warranties are great for peace of mind about the product and for getting the most for your money. Most toys can be rinsed clean with mild soap and water, while others are dishwasher-safe for more in-depth cleaning. To keep your German shepherd safe around his toys: Purchase responsibly: Only buy size-appropriate toys for your dog made of dog-friendly, non-toxic ingredients. These super hard chews are especially risky for dogs who chomp down on toys versus gnawing at them. To see if a dog toy is too hard, press your fingernail into it. You also want to see if any are due for a cleaning or if your pup has outgrown them super important with puppies! Discard damaged or small toys: Promptly trash any broken or damaged toys. These are serious choking and ingestion hazards, as well as risks for mouth lacerations if they have sharp edges. Not only are these foul-smelling, but they can also make you and your dog sick. Every dog is different. When in doubt, ask your vet. The Importance of Toys for German Shepherds All dogs originated with a job, but few take working as seriously as the German shepherd. From herding to police work to sniffing out bombs, these doggos are the floofs-of-all-trades in the dog world. This makes the breed one of many that need a job, which can be hard to offer all the time. This is where toys come in. Here are a few ways toys benefit German shepherds: Burning off physical energy. German shepherds started out herding livestock around the farm, covering large swaths of land with speed and agility. This athleticism remains at the heart of the breed and demands a daily outlet. A long walk or brisk jog is ideal, but not everyone can go as fast or as long as the breed would like to. Toys help take off some of the physical workload of exercising your German shepherd. Instead of hiking with your dog for an hour every day which not everyone can do! Providing mental stimulation. He can and will get bored quickly. This is where toys can shine. Easing anxiety. Anxiety can lead to many issues, from destructive chewing to nuisance barking and even health problems. Offering a safe outlet for chewing instincts. Chewing is a natural instinct that dogs need to express. This is as costly as it is dangerous, with non-chew items risking potential mouth injury, bowel obstruction, and poisoning. Does your German shepherd have any of the toys we listed? Share the details in the comments for other shepherd parents! Like it? Share it! Best Chew Toys for German Shepherds Large breed dogs like the German shepherd can be heavy chewers, and you need some durable toys that can withstand those powerful jaws. So what are the best chew toys for these power chewers? Here are two we think are top of the line. The unique Orka TPE rubber material keeps these toys lasting through tough chewing while keeping dogs interested. The flat shape of the Orka Mini Bone helps exercise jaw muscles while rope pieces support good dental hygiene by… Chewy This is a great chew toy for your GSD. It has a rope running down the middle with knots at each end. You can use it as a tug toy, toss it for a fun game of fetch, or just let your pooch enjoy chewing it. It comes in different sizes, so you can get one for your puppy or adult dog. Featuring squeak and crinkle sounds dogs love, rope handle and ultra durable material, these plush toys stand up to tough tugging play. This eco-friendly rope Outward Hound tug toy is made of jute rope and durable rubber rings. It also doubles as a puzzle toy since your dog works to figure out how to remove the rings. Once he does, you can put them back on to keep the game going. This is a great toy for those tough chewers who really like their toys chewy, and it will leave your best buddy with clean teeth too! Best Interactive Toys for German Shepherds German shepherd dogs are intelligent dogs, and because of that, they need toys that provide them with hours of mental stimulation. Here are some of the best toys that are great for those intelligent dog breeds like the German shepherd. The tennis ball and multi-sized openings are sure to keep your pup mentally engaged for hours of play! Can your pup figure out which two tunnels let the ball out? You can even add treats inside for an extra tasty challenge. You can also put tasty treats like kibble or other types of dog food inside the tunnels so your dog will also be treated to a delicious reward. This intermediate level toy features three tiers with twelve compartments for dog snacks or kibble. The Dog Tornado is a level 2 interactive toy that will keep boredom at bay for hours. Stuff it with treats or even peanut butter. Some of them grow up to be working dogs too so they need to get out and about a lot! Here are some great toys to help them do just that. This durable fetch toy has a thick rim that doubles as an easy grip for you and a tough chew for your dog. Made from TPE material and reinforced with inner ribs and raised textures that feel satisfying to chew while being gentle on teeth and gums. The Orka Flyer bounces and floats so you can take… Chewy This is a great dog toy for your pooch. This fun fetch toy can soar and it also floats, making it a great water toy. This set is great for training your dog to learn new tricks or commands with an easy to set up obstacle course. This outdoor training set features one circular collapsible tunnel, six weave poles, and an adjustable jump with hoop that come in a slim carry case. You can teach him new tricks and commands with this easy-to-set-up obstacle course. He actually has a real hoop to jump through! The kit comes with 1 circular, collapsible tunnel, 6 weave poles, and that adjustable hoop. It will provide you and your dog with hours of fun, mentally stimulating exercise. Here are a couple of great toys that offer a new twist on the classic tennis ball. Your pup will love fetching this squeaky tennis ball whether playing indoors or enjoying the great outdoors. As far as rubber toys go, these are top-of-the-line! They can be used indoors or out, and they are made with high-quality rubber to ensure they will last a long time. Be sure to order GSD-sized balls. Balls that are too small can present a choking hazard. It has the classic rubber ball enclosed in a durable rubber phthalate-free and lead-free shell that helps it last longer. It also keeps your formidable chewer from damaging the squeaker as easily as with other toys. The outer natural rubber shell not only protects the rubber ball but also gives your dog another fun texture to work with. What more can you ask for? Final Thoughts German shepherds are a popular dog breed that will be a loyal best friend for many years. There are also some fun toys on our list for you to enjoy with your buddy too! This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one, Outward Hound may receive a small commission.
It's our goal to provide the best dogs, by raising them in our home with our family. We provide them the best care, lot's of love, attention, and training in order to have confident socialized family dogs. This breed originated in Australia to fill a need for an intelligent dog that was allergy friendly who could serve as a guide dog. This breed was carefully infused over generations for temperament, coat, conformation, and size. Generations of careful and responsible breeding. The breeding clubs that govern the accredited breeders have a history of verified pedigrees with required health testing which holds the breed to a higher standard. Our passion is to share our love for this breed by being committed to upholding the integrity and standards of these amazing dogs completing families one puppy at a time. Family Dog We are animal lovers especially dogs. We found this special breed after researching to find the best puppy for our family. We suffer from allergies so we needed an allergy friendly puppy, as well as a one with a great temperament growing up with our children. This is exactly what you get with this Amazing breed. A great family pet that is loyal, loving, and ready to go on adventures with your or just relax on the couch. We love to explore and take our dogs with us just as much as we love downtime at home with our fur friends. Since we raise our pups in our home with our family they are confident, well rounded and socialized pups. Our pups are best described by one our junior puppy trainers as "Mood Puppies". That is they are always ready to adapt and be there for you as a loyal best friend. About Labradoodles What is special about Alpen Ridge and why get your puppy here? Alpen Ridge has always been based on a guardian program where the breeding dogs live with families not in kennels or overcrowded situations. This allows them to be the companions they were bred to be and have their life long families. My focus is quality puppies that are reared in a home environment. You become part of the Alpen Ridge Family, not just a customer. Here are some helpful tips to understand what a breeder means when they are using these phrases. The original multi-gen Australian Labradoodle, which is the original Labradoodle, has a foundation stock including 6 different parent breeds. This was a breed that was developed with goals in mind for a low shedding service dog, not a designer dog. The multi-gen Labradoodle has only poodle and lab in its heritage. It does not include the other parent breeds that were originally used by the creators of the breed. These dogs tend to shed their coat since they are more closely related to the Labrador and often have a wire hair or feathered look to them. F2 would be two F1 bred together and there can be quite a variation in coats. These dogs have not had the multiple generations of Labradoodle mated with another Labradoodle nor the addition of Australian Labradoodle foundation stock or multiple parent breeds. They are often developed to bring new bloodlines into the breed and bred into the mulit-gen lines. Australian Labradoodle Breeder - specialising in miniatures and small mediums Family Feedback My precious girl Ruby, had the best start in life, Peter and his family provided a secure and loving home, where she and her litter brothers and sisters were socialised with children, adults and other animals. Being raised in this family environment means Ruby has a great temperament, she is such a happy little dog, I think she was born with a smile on her face. Her mother Tess and auntie Bella are beautiful dogs, together they raised five healthy and adventurous puppies, all have great personalities. Ruby settled into her new family without any issues and quickly found all the best snoozing spots. Being so intelligent she was very easy to toilet train, we attended puppy school then dog training. She requires very little grooming, her coat is non-shedding and does not matt, I brush her once a week and have her clipped about every twelve weeks. Regards Kathy There are no published blog posts yet. We may have another Beachcomber birth towards the end of the year. Please complete an adoption inquiry and we will contact you. Beach Shack Honeymooners. Apply for a Puppy Sunset Hills welcomes you! You will find available some of the most beautiful allergy and asthma friendly Australian Labradoodles for sale as family companion pets and breeding stock. Our Family Care Home Program Our breeding centre is dedicated to the development and breeding of the multi-generation Australian Labradoodle. The majority of our breeding dogs live with our carefully selected care homes as their family pets here in South Australia. This is one of the many ways we ensure our puppies come from the best possible sires and dams who have already proven their success living as adored family pets themselves. Temperament and trainability are a very important consideration with our family. You will find in your research of the breed that our breeding stock is some of the best Australian Labradoodles to be found in the world. Assurance of Quality Sunset Hills goal has been and continued on in providing beautiful, well figured, healthy, genetically sound, well rounded, excellent temperament, allergy and asthma friendly dogs to families and breeders throughout Australia and around the world. We have strong confidence about our investment of genetically sound, and healthy lines to the Australian Labradoodle breed and its future health. Thank you for visiting Sunset Hills website. If you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact us at any time. Full Name. Importantly, our dogs and puppies are well-socialised with children, making them "Kid Friendly". Our two children are both very fond of animals and… Read more Health All of our dogs are DNA checked for heritable diseases. We worm regularly. Puppies are not treated for fleas and ticks unless fleas are present. There aren't ticks in our environment. Our dogs predominantly eat premium dry food with the occasional cooked chicken and greek yoghurt, as recommended by our vet. Home environment We are located on a farm at Warramboo on the Eyre Peninsula. Our puppies grow up in a predominantly indoor family environment but we also have loads of space in our outdoor environment for a game of chase or play and tumble. When they are old enough to explore the outdoors, we have a large secure yard full of… Read more Included with our puppies Our extensive puppy pack includes: - Thorough Vet check fit to fly available upon request - 1st Vaccinations - Micro-chipping - Up to date worming - Access to an online training platform upon payment of deposit. It can result in puppies or dogs who collapse after only five to thirty minutes of exercise. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition. Canine Elliptocytosis Genetic Test Canine Elliptocytosis is a rare genetic disease causing the red blood cells to be abnormally elliptical in shape, rather than round. It generally does not cause a clinical problem to affected dogs, but puppies may be mildly anaemic and smaller than others. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. A DNA test is available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition. It is a blood disease resulting in low numbers of very large platelets. Cystinuria Genetic Test This condition mainly affects Newfoundlands although other breeds can be affected. It is a genetic condition which results in the production of kidney and bladder stones. There is a DNA test available to confirm that breeding dogs are not carrying this condition. Degenerative Myelopathy DM Genetic Test This is a disease affecting the spinal cord of older dogs, initially causing wobbliness and eventually hindlimb paralysis. It can affect a wide range of breeds. There is now a DNA test that can indicated if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. It results in the dog collapsing after periods of intense exercise, even if they are normally able to cope with lower levels of exercise. There is a DNA test available which can indicate if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. Elbow Dysplasia Physical Test These breeders have had x-rays taken on their breeding dogs to assess the quality of their elbow joints. It causes very dry and crusty skin around the nose that predisposes to infections. There is a DNA test available to determine whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition. HUU Genetic Test Hyperuricosuria HUU is a genetic disease that causes a build-up of uric acid in the urine, predisposing to painful bladder and kidney stones. It can occur in a range of breeds. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this disease. It results in the body rapidly overheating and is sometimes fatal. There is now a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition. MPS Genetic Test Mucopolysaccharidosis is a genetic lysosomal storage disease that can cause various problems including stunted growth and bone deformities. There are a few different variants of this disease that have been identified in different breeds. For many breeds there are DNA tests available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying the condition. Affected puppies are small and lack coordination. Within weeks, the puppies may have difficulty holding their head up or standing and may collapse after exertion. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog might be carrying this condition. Narcolepsy Genetic Test Narcolepsy is a genetic disease which causes affected animals to fall asleep suddenly following periods of excitement, such a feeding or play. These dogs might collapse and appear drowsy or might completely fall asleep. They usually grow out of the condition after about one year of age. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition. There are a variety of sub-types of PRA, which can occur in various breeds. There are various DNA tests available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition. I am Beck, a Preschool Director and my husband Troy, is a grain and sheep farmer - Glenroy is the name of the family farm. Why we got involved in breeding My first taste of breeding was prior to having children where I bred a litter of Kelpies. Once we had a family we were looking for a small dog for our daughter who was animal mad! I had never heard of a cavoodle before so when researching for a dog i was searching "small dog with Kelpie temperament".As Beck is a teacher she values early education. Included in our puppy package is the Puppy Parent Modules. Connect with us.
This is done on a first come, first serve basis, depending on when your payment is received. When you make the deposit, you must specify the litter and sex of the pup that you desire. For example: If there are 4 female puppies in the litter and you have the 3rd pick of the females in that litter, you will pick after the customers with picks 1 and 2 respectively. We will not reserve a puppy based on predetermined preferences based on color, size, or markings. We have no control over that! Pups are selected at 5 to 6 weeks of age. Under no circumstances will your deposit be refunded! All pups have had their dew claws removed. The pups will have their first puppy shot at 6 weeks of age. We worm them on a regular basis. Prices may vary due to fuel surcharges. Puppies have to be at least 8 weeks of age. We can usually ship two puppies in one larger crate which will save more, as long as each puppy does not weigh more than 20 lbs. We are in the process of upgrading our email. During this time we would like to make sure that we are able to to receive all of our customers messages so please send them to both addresses listed below:. Over the years, we have always kept breeding stock that was structurally correct and naturally muscular with a great personality. Our females are medium size when compared to Labs. They hold their body condition on a limited amount of food and have maintained the great personality. The stud males are very strong, correct dogs that will walk up to any stranger and lick them in the face after a couple pats on the head. All adult breeding dogs must hunt, retrieve and track a downed bird with no formal training. But along the way something unpredictable happened: we fell in love with too many of the puppies. We had to stop raising puppies because our kennel was full and we did not have time to market the pups. Our hunting guests kept asking: where did we get those beautiful Labs, what is story with the spotted female, and where can I find one? So, after many requests, we started a breeding program in .View More About Us Our Adults and Working Dogs While we'd like to tell you the spotted female was a carefully planned creation, truth be known, she just showed up one day in a litter along with 10 black puppies. She is a beautiful female that hunts, points and retrieves with great energy. She has had three litters of pups; these dogs are scattered across the US, are loved by all that have them and are a constant source of high praise by their owners see the accompanying letters of praise. Though we have 12 adult dogs in the kennel, we limit breeding stock to five adult females and three proven stud dogs. Our goals are to offer more spotted puppies; though rare, we should be able to offer more in the future. We now have three young spotted prospects that we selected from two spring litters. If they pass the hunting tests, this fall they will be added to our breeding line. View Our Current Litters Questions? We are very blessed with the dogs we have in our care. By upholding high standards in our breeding program, it is our wish that others may enjoy the great qualities and uniqueness of these Hybrid Dogs for years to come. Should you want to reserve one of our pups or started dogs, please fill out our contact form and which puppy you are inquiring about. Currently we are making litters for Spring ! What exactly does that even mean? At their very core, labrador retrievers define versatility. This phenotypic diffusion complicates genetic selection for breeding. When selecting breeding pairs, it is of the utmost importance to be true to the basic breed fundamentals while selecting for the specific traits desired in the adult dog. The litters of puppies we produce are the heart and soul of Hunters Point Kennel. Our job…our purpose…our focus is to produce the best possible pointing labs and family companions. We fortunate that over the years our clientele and therefore our genetics have expanded beyond only hunting dogs. We serve clients looking for: It means that Labrador Retrievers do way more than just serve as cute and loyal companion. Labs can do a wide variety, and can serve many purposes including: Drug dogs, dogs for the physically disabled, dogs for the mentally disabled, AKC field trial dogs, AKC hunt test dogs, UKC hunt test dogs, British and Canadian hunt test dogs, show dogs, agility dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs, occupational therapy dogs, nursing home therapy dogs, dock jumping dogs, bereavement dogs, pest control dogs, commercial mascots, hunting companions, Pointing Labs, and finally, the all-American family pet. Pointing Lab Puppies are the core of our business and genetic base. Professional guide dogs — We supply pheasant hunting guides and duck hunting guides with the genetics needed to work all day. As I am quite sure, dear reader, you can imagine — the way to make a great dog is to start with a great pup. Great pups come from great genetics. Great genetics come from thoughtful selection and analysis of the Sire and Dam combination for each litter. This is what we do. Carefully planned and deliberately thought out mated pairs always with the end use of the puppies in mind. Need guide dog? Our greatest strength is being able to — through communication with the customer — pair them up with a dog that will suite their needs. We truly do enjoy talking to our clients and look forward to hearing from you! They worked with me every step of the way and helped us find an amazing chocolate pointing lab that makes a great hunting companion, and a great dog my family and I love! I would highly recommend them to anyone.
With their pointy bat ears, Frenchies are adorable miniature bulldogs with extremely flat muzzles. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support and skin health, and aid with digestion to help cut down on their not-so-adorable gas during puppyhood. Royal Canin French Bulldog dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed French Bulldog puppy. This exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your French Bulldog puppy, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system to keep their bodies growing strong. Exclusive nutrients reinforce the skin barrier for healthy skin. And a combination of highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources supports healthy digestion to help decrease flatulence and unpleasant stool odors. Once your French Bulldog puppy is over 12 months old, transition them to Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult dry dog food for precise nutrition into their adult years. Not satisfied? Then neither are we. Just contact us for more details. Ingredients Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, wheat, wheat gluten, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, vegetable oil, fish oil, monocalcium phosphate, sodium silico aluminate, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, fructooligosaccharides, salt, sodium tripolyphosphate, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate source of vitamin E , niacin supplement, L-ascorbylpolyphosphate source of vitamin C , D-calcium pantothenate, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride vitamin B6 , riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate vitamin B1 , vitamin A acetate, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], hydrolyzed yeast source of betaglucans , L-lysine, choline chloride, taurine, glucosamine hydrochloride, marigold extract Tagetes erecta L. Guaranteed Analysis. With their pointy bat ears, Frenchies are adorable miniature bulldogs with extremely flat muzzles. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support and skin health, and aid with digestion to help cut down on their not-so-adorable gas during puppyhood. Royal Canin French Bulldog dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed French Bulldog puppy. This exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your French Bulldog puppy, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system to keep their bodies growing strong. Exclusive nutrients reinforce the skin barrier for healthy skin. And a combination of highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources supports healthy digestion to help decrease flatulence and unpleasant stool odors. Once your French Bulldog puppy is over 12 months old, transition them to Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult dry dog food for precise nutrition into their adult years. Read more Promoting pet health and wellbeing Creating value for our entire ecosystem Committed to become certified carbon neutral by Cookie Settings. Or use express checkout methods: Checkout Order now, fast shipping and specialized vet support About this item Details If your best friend is a young and sturdy French Bulldog, you need the Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy to give them the best nutrition their breed needs. Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy is a dry dog food suitable for purebred French Bulldogs from 8 weeks to 12 months old. This dog food is formulated especially for these bat-eared dogs, and it aims to meet their nutritional needs. The addition of essential nutrients also reinforces the skin barrier, supporting healthy skin and the cutest wrinkles. And since French Bulldogs are known for their powerful flatulence, the Royal Canin French Bulldog food also helps to reduce gas and stool odor thanks to its highly digestible proteins and specific fiber content. Your dog can feel when something is tailor-made for them - and the best food for your royal purebred French Bulldog is definitely Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy. Contains an exclusive complex of antioxidants, including Vitamin E, for immune system support. Essential nutrients reinforce skin barrier, promoting healthy skin and wrinkles. Aids in reducing gas and stool odor due to highly digestible proteins and specific fiber content. Features exclusive kibble shape for easy pick-up and chewing by French Bulldogs.
what do you feed german shepherd puppy - With their pointy bat ears, Frenchies are adorable miniature bulldogs with extremely flat muzzles. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support and skin health, and aid with digestion to help cut down on their not-so-adorable gas during puppyhood. Royal Canin French Bulldog dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed French Bulldog puppy. This exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your French Bulldog puppy, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system to keep their bodies growing strong. Exclusive nutrients reinforce the skin barrier for healthy skin. And a combination of highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources supports healthy digestion to help decrease flatulence and unpleasant stool odors. Once your French Bulldog puppy is over 12 months old, transition them to Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult dry dog food for precise nutrition into their adult years. Read more Promoting pet health and wellbeing Creating value for our entire ecosystem Committed to become certified carbon neutral by Cookie Settings. Add all to basket Product description Complete dry dog food for growing French Bulldog puppies up to the age of 12 months, with nutrients and a patented antioxidant complex combined with prebiotics and highly-digestible L. French Bulldog puppies undergo a very short, intensive growth phase that requires them to have a specialised food such as this Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy. It is a kibble tailored to the unique nutritional needs of these puppies in the first 12 months of life. An antioxidant complex with vitamin E can help to support bodily immune system function. Prebiotics and highly-digestible, high quality proteins can also help to keep your young puppy's digestion working gand developing well, supporting healthy gut flora balance. The French Bulldog is an affectionate, intelligent and playful breed, with a tendency to be moody and stubborn at times, offering sensitivity and a charming character. The French Bulldog is a muscular, active and wiry breed, with a compact body of strong muscles and bones that make this breed unique. Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy at a glance: Complete food for growing French Bulldogs up to 12 months old Tailored to the special nutritional needs of the breed Antioxidant complex with vitamin E: can support natural defences and immune system Digestive security: prebiotics and easily digestible L. This means that Royal Canin offers your dog high-quality, balanced nutrition. Technological additives: Clinoptilolite from sedimentary sources 10g. Contains preservatives and antioxidants.
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what do you feed german shepherd puppy - Country Life June 21, This picture could only be improved if the puppies were using their paws to cover ears, eyes and mouth respectively.But, well, you can't have everything. Credit: Alamy If you're after a labrador — aka 'the world's favourite dog' — you'll need to take some expert advice. It is one of the most versatile breeds, capable of working in search and rescue, as a guide dog, in medical detection, as a sniffer or assistance dog and in the theatre of war. Labrador tips from the experts Go to a specialist breeder, so that you can see the different generations of a breeding line. Make temperament, not sex, your overriding factor when choosing. As soon as your puppy wakes up, take it outside. When introducing the labrador to a lead, walk it with an older dog. A yellow Labrador puppy. Possible labrador problems to look out for Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, causing the abnormal development of the hip socket, resulting in pain and lameness. Listen for a popping sound when the dog walks, and look for reluctance to use stairs, as well as sensitivity when you touch the hindquarters. Labradors can also be prone to retinal dysplasia, an inherited condition that affects labradors used for field work, and results in their developing blind spots. Generally, the dog can work around this by changing head position. Reputable breeders will be able to show certification that the dog has no eye conditions, which you should ask to see when buying a dog. Head and skull: Skull broad with defined stop; clean-cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snippy. Nose wide, nostrils well developed. Eyes: Medium size, expressing intelligence; brown or hazel. Ears: Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back. Mouth: Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Coat: Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat. No need to scroll down: we can confirm that the Golden Retriever is indeed on the list below. Credit: Alamy Which is the more popular spaniel, the springer or the cocker? Shooting Times's David Tomlinson weighs up the pros and Close up of dog. Credit: Getty Images With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its Credit: Getty As the dog world prepares for Crufts , we take a look at the breed of dog which has been A sprocker spaniel Picture: Alamy Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged Related. Your breeder should be concerned with breeding healthy dogs, rather than focused primarily on selling them. Visit a potential breeder and observe his interactions with his dogs; they should be friendly and relaxed. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Look for breeders who are registered with national organizations such as the American Kennel Club [3] X Research source or with breed-specific organizations such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Ask the breeder why these two particular dogs were bred. If they have had other litters, ask for references from people who bought those puppies. If you want a gun dog, don't choose a breeder who primarily raises cuddly pets or award-winning show dogs. These breeders will be able to assess puppies more accurately for the qualities you're seeking. Look for quantifiable measures. For example, select breeders with litters from parents who have hunt test or field trial scores if you want a puppy who will grow into a good hunting dog. These are organizations that work to find homes for Labradors who need a good home. While these organizations often have many adult and even senior dogs who need homes, they also place puppies. Charities or non-profits may offer Labrador puppies for auction as a means of raising funds. Because these auctions are often conducted without appropriate legal oversight and because they encourage rash decisions about pet ownership, they are opposed by groups such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. I am new to this forum so should introduce myself. As you can imagine its left an uneasy quietness to the house so we are looking for her successor In our home its my wife, myself and our 8 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. He says he breeds only for good disposition only as any good breeder should and our quick meeting with parents it looked to be accurate. The dad was in a large outdoor kennel and looked to be very friendly. She did a quick snarl when we first got near which I have to give a pass as i'm sure she's just being protective, right? After the breeder told her its OK she calmed right down. Anyways, there are 4 females that we get first pick of when we go back. Of course training and exercise play a huge role in this so that we'll have covered. Does it still hold true that when you are looking at the liter to see which ones come to you and let you hold them on their back and settle after a short period to determine good nature rather than overly squirmy? Such a big decision i just wanted to make sure we do this right. We were so spoiled with our last pup its hard to compare! Tweet on Twitter Getting a healthy, pedigree Labrador puppy requires planning. In this article we are going to share with you 8 steps that you can follow to ensure that you are buying a healthy Labrador puppy. There are potential problems that many new puppy buyers are not aware of. The litter of puppies next door, or in your local newspaper, might not be the right one for you. So you need to be cautious as you set out on this exciting journey! Plan in advance Good breeders do not usually struggle to get puppy buyers. On the contrary, they often have waiting lists. So, if a litter of eight week old puppies is still unsold, be wary. It pays to plan in advance. Six to twelve months ahead of when you want your puppy is not too soon. The structured approach below is designed to help those with no contacts in the dog breeding world, find the right puppy. Step 1. Those bred for the show ring or as pets, and those bred for work as gundogs. You can read about these two types of Labrador, and their characteristics in this article: which Labrador is right for you? In the UK we call these two strains working type or field type and show type. They look and are, very different dogs. In the USA, working bred Labradors are often referred to as field type or American and show bred gun dogs as bench type or English. The split is the same in both countries, whatever they are called. And you need to know which is which and which you prefer. Step 2. This article looks at all the different places and ways in which you can buy puppies and explains the pros and cons of each. Finding a reputable breeder if you have no contacts in the doggy world, is not as easy as walking into a pet shop, but it is worth every bit of the effort that goes into it. One way to start your search, is by looking at your local Labrador breed club. This will lead you to some experienced breeders. You will then need to do some further checks to find out whether or not the breeders meets the standards you are looking for. Many people that are involved in the committee of their breed club are themselves breeders. If they no longer breed, they will be able to put you in touch with someone that does. One will be labelled FT secretary. The FT stands for Field Trial and suggests that this person is involved with working type labradors. If someone is showing their dogs, the dogs themselves are more likely to be show type rather than true working type. Step 3. Contact some Labrador breeders Make a list of contacts to approach, you can then phone them or email them. Let them know that you found them on the Kennel Club website, and are looking for a pedigree Labrador puppy. Tell them which type work or show you are interested in. Have a separate list ready, to enter details of any litters. So the second question is often the best way of getting a puppy from one of her dogs. If you have a colour preference, let the breeder know. He or she will ask you plenty of questions later if you want one of their puppies. Step 4. For several reasons. They may not have any puppies at the moment, or they may not meet the criteria you have set for the breeder of your puppy. They will however, be able to give you more contacts to add to your list. What you are aiming to do, is to make a list of half a dozen or so litters of puppies that you can then check out and narrow down. One of the best ways to find a litter of puppies, either before or after they are born, is to find a nice stud dog, and track down all the female dogs he has been mated to over the last month or two. A reputable breeder will be happy to email you photos and may even let you visit her stud dog, so that you can decide if you like him. This trail will also lead you to some smaller, less experienced breeders so you will need to do your homework carefully to make sure that the mother of your puppies has the right credentials. Checking those out is our next step Step 5. Checking credentials It is up to you to check the credentials of the litter. This is something that people are often unaware of. A pedigree does not guarantee very much at all. The Kennel Club pedigree is simply a statement of ancestry and contrary to popular belief, does not imply that the puppy it belongs to or his parents have met any standards. The three credentials you need to personally check and verify are Temperament Abililty Temperament The most crucial of all credentials has to be temperament. An adult Labrador may weight in excess of 70lbs. These are large powerful dogs that everyone expects to be friendly. You cannot take any chances with poor temperament. He will inherit tendencies to friendliness or unfriendliness, nervousness or confidence etc, from both of his parents. Never buy a puppy without meeting his mother. And if you can meet the stud dog, so much the better. If you cannot meet the stud dog, make sure that someone who has met him, can vouch for his good nature. This may not be quite as crucial with a show champion as any successful show dog will have proven itself happy to be handled in the most personal manner by total strangers. Working dogs are a different matter, and occasionally dogs with poor temperaments do succeed in competition and are used at stud. Health Health credentials are essential. Follow this link to read all about inherited diseases in Labradors and read our article on health checks. I cannot stress this too much. You must physically check certificates or copies of certificates way in advance of collecting your puppy. It is very hard to turn down a puppy once he is in your arms. Ability Ability is important if you have an activity in mind for your dog. If your aim is to compete in working trials, you might want to choose a puppy whose ancestors have been successful in that sport. Choosing a litter Narrowing down your choice to a single litter can be tough. Unless you have your heart set on a puppy from a particular dog, you may find it difficult to decide. In many cases though, there are not that many litters that meet the right criteria. You can narrow down your choice further by looking again at the breeder. How friendly and helpful is she? Do you think she will be supportive if you get into difficulties with your puppy? Has she offered to take the puppy back at any point in his life if you cannot cope? If you can answer yes to all three, then that is a real bonus point for that litter. This person is important and you need to feel that you can trust her. A breeder with a lot of dogs may have her pups in an outdoor kennel, but they should still spend lots of time with the family. Check out this article: How to spot a good breeder , and this one How to spot a bad breeder for more information. It pays to be picky. Step 7. Choosing gender Should you buy a dog or a female dog? Some people simply prefer one gender over another. And it is very hard to generalise about the sexes. Male Labradors are no more difficult to train or control than female dogs. And though entire males may be more likely to roam if not supervised in an unfenced property, female dogs can do this too. Females come into season twice a year at which time they may need to be confined to washable floors. They will also need to be kept separate from entire males with vigilance for a period of around three weeks. Neutering a female is more expensive than neutering a male. And older, un-neutered female dogs are prone to a serious and potentially deadly condition called pyometra. These are all things to consider. But overall, it often just boils down to personal preference. Step 8. Choosing your puppy And now for the final and most exciting step Choosing your puppy. Which one of these gorgeous bundles of Labrador loveliness should you take home? One of the very best things you can do when choosing a puppy from a litter, is to take someone experienced with you. Another good reason to choose an experienced and dependable person well in advance. If there is a choice, a good breeder will be able to guide you in this. All they can tell you is what you can hope for from the pedigree, and that the puppy seems OK physically. Check out this article: Choosing the right dog for more information. To make sure all is well, you will need to have your new puppy checked over by your own vet, within a day or two of bringing him home. Health and temperament problems in a large dog can be devastating. Now available in most countries, the handbook is already a bestseller in the UK. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. That sweet ball of fluff who will be your walking buddy, later snuggling up on the couch together. After all, your pup will probably be with you for a dozen years or more. So he has to be a great fit. It should never be a hasty decision. But it should also be FUN! That brings us to the question: how to choose the perfect puppy? Read on! You picture fun romps in the field, playing frisbee, and showing little Max off to all of your friends. But before getting a puppy, there are so many practical things to review in deciding whether to even get a puppy. My first dog as an adult was a shih tzu named Cuddles. My husband and I had discussed getting a dog for a while. We both worked and knew that the pup would take up a lot of time. Not to mention the expenses associated with a dog. But I saw the little gold and white week-old ball of fluff and was smitten. Luckily, I had a family member who could take her out to potty and exercise her during the day. In choosing your new pup, the following considerations are important. Are You Active or a Couch Potato? Can You Afford a Puppy? A puppy is more than the initial purchase. That can be a drop in the bucket compared with the lifetime costs of owning a dog. There are bills for: food and treats; chews; vets; crates ; beds; collars, harnesses, and leashes; training classes; dog walkers; dog daycare; pet insurance; enzymatic cleaners ; grooming—and more. These can really add up. You may decide not to get pet health insurance and not need pet walkers or doggie daycare, but expenses can really add up over the years. Do You Have Children? Children and pets can be a great match. You want to make sure that you choose the right canine. A toy breed may not be the right choice for a toddler. A tiny dog may inadvertently be injured by such a young child. We raised puppies for years before we had kids so we had a good idea of expectations for our puppy. If you have very young kids a rambunctious Lab may not be the right choice. Do You Have Other Pets? You need to take into consideration any other pets you have. If you have a senior dog, for example, a young puppy may not be a great choice. Are you gone too many hours to take care of a puppy? A friend of mine who works hour days decided not to get a puppy. The pup would have been alone too long. A puppy needs attention and potty breaks. Of course we need to work. You may be able to have someone come in and exercise, feed, and potty the pup. And give him attention during the day. As I discussed, you may need help with the new puppy. If you have reliable relatives or friends who can regularly help out, it can make getting a puppy much more realistic. Or you can hire pet sitters or walkers to help out. If you live in small quarters, a large, rambunctious breed may not be best. As young puppies, goldens can be wild, even inside. Of course, with a sufficient amount of mental stimulation and physical exercise, you can make it work. After Dalmations came out, everyone wanted one. Dalmations are high-drive, independent dogs. I was called to work with a family who got a Dalmation puppy that was wrecking their house. The minute walk the pup was getting was just a warm-up for the dog. We set up an exercise and training program for the puppy and the family was able to keep him. Do your research. The American Kennel Club lists purebred dogs and their needs and health profiles. Before choosing a certain breed, consider the following. Large or Small? You should have an idea what size dog you want. Conversely, if you want a frisbee or jogging partner, a chihuahua would be a bad choice. Why Do You Want a Dog? This may seem like a silly question. Most people want a dog for companionship. But you may have additional things in mind. You may want a jogging partner. Or a dog to do therapy work with. Or to show in obedience. Grooming Needs Would you love spending time every day brushing and combing a dog? Exercise Needs As you know, some breeds need a lot of exercise. We also do obedience training and she plays with puzzle toys. Lifespan Of course we want our pups to live forever. But some breeds generally live longer than others. Generally, larger—especially giant breeds—have shorter lives than their smaller counterparts. Friendliness or Independence Of course within any breed and litter you can have a wide array of personalities. But there are certain breed characteristics that can help guide your choice of which breed you want. I have dogs at both ends of the spectrum. My golden retriever Riley loves everyone and would do great in any setting. But my Lhasa apso Ralphie—true to breed—is more discriminating when making friends. So Riley would be great with well-behaved children and would love to be hugged by them. Health Problems Any dog can have unforeseeable health problems. But some breeds are likely to have more health problems than others. For example, bulldogs, pekingese, and pugs are among the breeds that are more likely to have breathing problems and overheat. Breed Types Of course there are many breeds and mixes to choose from. If you get your dog from a breeder, consider what lines your puppy comes from. If from working lines, the dog will likely be more intense than if from show lines. All of the below classes of dogs can make great companions in the right setting. Herding dogs were bred to herd, of course. Popular examples are border collies, Australian shepherds, and Shetland sheepdogs. Generally, they require more exercise than some breeds like toy breeds. And they may become destructive if left to their own devices. Also, some bark excessively and may not be good in an apartment setting. Sporting dogs were bred to hunt. They have a lot of energy and need regular, invigorating exercise. Popular examples are golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, and cocker spaniels. Just like other working-type dogs, hounds have almost limitless energy. So attention to you may be an issue. Also, some bay when excited. Popular examples are beagles, dachshunds, and greyhounds. Dogs from the working group are alert, intelligent, strong, and bred to work with people to perform various tasks. Some were bred to guard property, to pull sleds, or to perform water rescue. Some popular examples are Doberman pinschers, huskies, and rottweilers. They require not only exercise and precise training so that their natural instincts are kept in check. Terriers are feisty and energetic and vary greatly in size. They were bred to hunt and kill vermin, So a squirrel they see on their walk will be very alluring to them—and, without training, they may almost pull you off your feet trying to get to it. Some popular examples are Parson Russell terriers, Staffordshire terriers, or West Highland whirte terriers. Pit bulls which is a generic name for many types of terriers are also in this group. Toy breeds were generally bred as amiable companions. They may make great lap dogs and have big personalities despite their small stature. Shih tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire terriers, and chihuahuas are some very popular examples. Nonsporting group dogs are a catch-all group with various sizes and personalities. Some popular examples are bulldogs, French bulldogs, bichon frise. There are so many options. You may want a certain breed. So a breeder or rescue of that breed should meet your needs. Just make sure that the breeder is a good one. Good breeders do so to improve their breed. Bad ones care only about making money. They do any necessary health certifications. They put a lot of time into their litters socializing them to new experiences and people. Good breeders are invested in their litters and will help you choose the right puppy for you. They stand behind their dogs for life and will readily answer your questions and take the dog back if you need to give him up. You can get referrals to such breeders through breed clubs, dog clubs, and resources such as the American Kennel Club. A reputable, good breeder also will have questions for you regarding your family, work, home, activity level, and reason why you want a dog or their breed. The pups will also have been checked by a veterinarian and been given the appropriate vaccinations for their age. There are also breed rescues that rehome dogs of their chosen breed. However, they rarely have puppies. Shelters and rescue groups can also be great places to get a puppy. Many use foster homes, where a puppy or litter of puppies are located. Foster parents get to know the puppies and can help determine whether any particular puppy is a good fit for you. Many rescue groups try to place a puppy in the best home possible. When I adopted my Aussie mix puppy Mille, the rescue group would adopt her out only to people who had experience with herding breeds. Many shelters are first come-first served. In order to place as many dogs as possible, they will adopt out a puppy to the first person who wants him—barring any obvious reason not to. How to Choose a Puppy from a Litter There are many tests that can be given to determine whether a puppy is a good fit. This assumes you have a litter to choose from. There is a range of temperaments and personalities in each litter, No puppy may perfectly meet every test below. But look at the big picture. So, in addition to your own observations, you can bring a friend along to have another opinion about the litter. Or you could hire a trainer to help you choose. Overall, as a companion, a middle-of-the-road dog usually works out best. Also, a reputable breeder or good rescue group or shelter who knows the puppy can help guide you in making your decision. See the Mother and Littermates If you can, watch the puppy and his littermates and mother interact. The puppy you choose should be able to take a proper correction and back off then re-engage. The breeder should have the mother available. Check Out the Puppy The puppy should look healthy and alert, not lethargic. Inspect his coat and skin. He should be well-fed with a little fat around his rib cage. The pup should run and walk normally, without a limp. A puppy should engage with people and be curious, not slink away or cower. A scared puppy will probably be more difficult to socialize and train. Will he follow you if you walk away? Clap your hands and make a kiss sound. Will he come towards you or run for the hills? Hold Puppy on His Back Hold him on his back for about 30 seconds. Ideally, he should briefly struggle and relax. When I had two sheltie puppies to choose from and one fought constantly when held and the other struggled briefly, then settled, I chose the latter. I had already gotten another dog from this great breeder. I wanted a dog who was a companion but who I also wanted to show in competitive obedience. My choice turned out to be the right one. Duffy was a great dog to live with and became a nationally-ranked obedience dog. He also did agility for fun and was a therapy dog who visited a hospital on a weekly basis. Hold the puppy and touch and gently open his mouth. Look in and gently rub his ears. .Gently touch each paw, even putting slight pressure on them. The puppy should be comfortable with these activities. He may slightly struggle. But a puppy who really fights against such touching, even to the point of mouthing or growling may turn out to be difficult to groom, handle, and pet. Pet the dog calmly from head to toe. He should enjoy it and relax. Pick the Puppies Up If you hold each puppy around the middle, ideally he would be relaxed and not struggle. Also, cradle the puppy up against you. Ideally, he should relax and like the attention. He may startle at first but should rebound and even go and check out what made the noise. Social Dominance Fall to the ground at least a few feet away from the puppy. He should want to come over and see what happened. Even if you like the look of a certain puppy, he may not be the right puppy for you. Consider the above factors as well as the following when choosing a puppy. The dogs live in rabbit-type hutches or dark barns. They receive no proper socialization, vet care, or human contact. There are also small back-yard breeders which, essentially, are puppy mills on a smaller scale. The mothers are bred at each heat and have horrible lives. Dogs sold in pet shops and through the internet usually come from them. Of course, do your own research because no one will admit they are a puppy mill. But two puppies may bond too much with each other. And to train, socialize, and exercise each puppy requires a lot of time, energy, and money. The dogs in shows have been highly trained and specially selected for their jobs. Then pick a great breeder, rescue, or shelter. Final Thoughts Getting a new puppy is such an exciting time! Do you have a puppy? How did you decide to choose him? Please let us know in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. I had wanted a female red lab, none were available. A trainer near me was getting a second dog from a renowned breeder in Ireland and she asked if he had a puppy for diabetic service dog work. Both her pup and my pup flew over from Ireland together. A pup with a desire to work, a willingness to please, and a calm demeaner. I received a cute ball of fluff, a male yellow lab pup with red ears and red highlights. A good breeder is able to match you with a dog that will meet your needs, give them all the information you can. I never met the breeder, but my pup arrived at 10 weeks old already already on his way to being well socialized, exposed to sounds, not nervous, liked the vacuum, fireworks are not a problem, loves the motorcycle sounds, handled all sorts of traffic noise at 3 months. We started his public training at 3 months old and he handled it like a champ. I had to buy a motorcycle with a sidecar as he always wanted to go out when the bikes were started up, so at 9 months he was in the sidecar with Rex Specs goggles. Did I mention he loves to travel and meet me people, when his tail wags which is all the time his whole body wags. Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. No doubt, selection of the right pup to meet one's particular expectations is extremely important. Making a correct choice can improve the odds of producing an excellent retriever with the least amount of frustration and perhaps even avoid disappointment. The first and most important point to consider is that one must approach puppy acquisition as a genetic selection process rather than trying to utilize methods to select a promising prospect from a particular litter. Focus not so much on picking a pup, rather pick litters. The way to pick potentially successful liters is to pick a breeder who has proven brood stock and a credible reputation for producing healthy pups genetically predisposed to perform in a manner you desire. Carefully consider your expectations for your future gundog. What are the desirable traits? What will the dog's primary functions include? What breeds interest you and why? Once you decide on a breed and the desired traits are defined based upon your intended uses, then seek a reputable breeder who has experience producing pups which exemplify the traits that best suit your purposes. Genes determine the reaction of the dog to its environment, as well as, confirmation and soundness. Genes are the building blocks of heredity and are passed from parents to offspring in a predictable manner. The topic of genetics can quickly progress into a lengthy discussion unsuitable for this article but one can count on knowing this-like begets like. Total outcrosses, matings of unrelated genetics, may produce the occasionally exceptional offspring, but this is an unpredictable undertaking. The only way to gain predictability of traits is to seek an experienced breeder with proven bloodlines which produce successful progeny. This will usually involve some form of line breeding. The mating of similar genetic relationships line breeding is conducted to intensify qualities within the line and to improve upon the predictable traits within litters. Line breeding is successfully practiced in all forms of livestock. Line breeding itself produces nothing, good or bad, it merely intensifies what is genetically there in the bloodline. Most professional breeders use some form of line breeding as soon as they find a successful combination. In other words, outcrosses, random matings, despite the parents' apparent abilities and or titles, will not assure that the traits of the parents will be passed to the offspring. Only line breeding can offer this possibility. Consider, too, there is often as much difference between litter mates in ability, temperament, and tractability as one might find between separate litters within a breed. The chance factor remains, but the odds improve if the buyer: 1. Buys from established, reputable breeders who know their business. Buys pups from breeders who specialize in producing the type retriever they desire. Buys pups produced by excellent gundog parents who have produced proven progeny from previous matings. Select litters with strong mother lines. Dams should be trained hunting dogs and she should possess the qualities you desire in your dog, not just in the sire. Dams project more influence on the litter than the sire. Good bitches are seldom mated to poor dogs, yet the opposite frequently occurs. A poor bitch is unlikely to produce good pups despite the virtues of the sire. Look closely for desirable traits and strength in the trailing bottom line of the pedigree That is the dam, granddam, great granddam, etc. Excellent mothers are important. Don't pick litters based solely on the number of titles in the pedigree. These are impressive achievements to be sure, but they are not indicators of natural tractability, temperament, and gamefinding ability. Nor do titles indicate whether the traits may be passed successfully to the offspring. Evaluate parents of pups based upon gundog standards important to your needs and their demonstrated ability to produce good pups. Seek out sires, dams and grandparents that project strong genetic traits that can be passed through to their offspring. Research has indicated grandsires and granddams prove to have more genetic influence upon the litter than the sire and dam. Genetics can influence natural gifts, such as: calm temperament. Normally Lab puppies travel well, find more on this here. For many people it can be stressful not knowing how to pick or why you should pick any specific puppy. We will try to clear things up here so that you have a few criteria to select with. For the most part, the genetics of the purebred Lab puppies in the litter are set once the parents mate. When we choose to keep parents to breed we are choosing the best specimens and mating them with the hope that we are going to be creating even better puppies through the combination of their genes. Improving on weak areas with each litter is what professional breeding is all about. Now that you understand the genetic potential is set, you will work within your litter to try to narrow down the puppy who goes home with you. Keep in mind, that all of the puppies in the litter are of high quality. So, standing over the puppy box containing the puppies have a look without saying anything or doing anything. The puppies will either have different colored collars or different colored ribbons on them to identify them. Each different color corresponds to a unique microchip number implanted in that puppy. What are you looking for? Well, observe which puppies are the most active and the least active. Observe which puppy is bossy and more of a leader, and, which is more of a follower. Are there any outgoing puppies? Are there any shy ones? Please understand that puppies and all dogs for that matter will feed off of the energy of the animals and the humans around them. So, if you bring your children and they are full of energy, talking loudly, excited, etc… then the puppies will pick up on that and imitate their behavior to an extent. We love to see the kids! The vet bills, training, the poop cleaning, nail clipping, taking out to go pee at 6 am, trips to the vet, and so on are yours. All yours! So unless you feel your children have better skills to choose the puppy than you, try to leave them out of it. You want to use the criteria here to select the lab puppy that fits your family the closest. Ok, there are a couple of things I need to say first. On your pick up day and depending on how many puppies are in the litter, your puppies may be sleeping. The good news to this issue is that there will not be a bad puppy in the litter. As professional Labrador Retriever Breeders our primary goal is to create better Labrador Retriever puppies with each litter we produce. Depending on what the issue was with the puppy we would care for them or home them with a person who fully understood any issue present and was willing to care for them. Getting back to selecting your puppy. As you watch over the litter try to narrow it down to two puppies you are interested in and watch them. Look for any excitement, playfulness, shyness, active or lying around, or differences in color, size, or other physical attributes such as tail size, ear size, forehead and snout size, etc…. This means that these dogs are super smart, even tempered, loving and willing to please all because of the Labrador Retriever breed and the selections we make in our breeding program. Training is key to having a well behaved Purebred Lab Retriever puppy. On the day you pick up your puppy it will be normal for the puppies to be on the shy side. Though they have been socialized by 5 or 6 of us they get use to us. So the new sights, smells, sounds etc… that you bring will all be a brand new thing for them. At 8 weeks old they are unsure if these new stimuli are safe and they may be cautious coming to you. Again, all normal. On the other hand, a puppy who comes right up to you with no apprehension may be the one you want. Especially if you are a hunter and you need your dog to work to retrieve game. You should also know that if a puppy runs from its pack to see you it is not choosing you! It could be the more dominant or most curious puppy and it would approach anyone coming to see the litter not just you. Can we pick your lab puppy? Sure we can! The latest research we have read on the topic indicates that how a puppy behaves at 8 weeks old when with its litter has no bearing on the puppy it becomes after you train it properly. This means that for most people the training and socialization you provide is much more important than which puppy you choose. We always suggest picking the most easily trainable puppy and we will be happy to do this for you. For the best explanation on setting yourself up properly to lead your puppy to becoming a well behaved dog, please sign up for the www. A generous discount is available for our clients to help you understand how to use positive reinforcement to train your puppy. So we are happy to offer advice and can absolutely choose your puppy in the event you cannot make it, but doing so on your own would be the best scenario. Another method we frown on is the breeder evaluating a puppy with a tool to grade their personality and then comparing that to a marking tool that you complete to grade yourself. Remember when I said puppies respond differently to different people? Well they have basic emotions similar to that of a two year old. If you are not in the room, and I am evaluating the puppy remember my experience with puppies and your lack of , then how can a score sheet be used to match the two of you together effectively? You need to see the puppy behave with you. So you have it narrowed down to two puppies, compare similar personality traits and physical features as I mentioned earlier. Toss in the fact that they have medium energy and poof! Please understand what you see the puppies doing on pick up day are not how they are going to act for the rest of their lives. Puppies are not born with any knowledge of these things and rather need to be trained to understand your boundaries. For this reason we have focused on breeding smarter puppies generation after generation. At least you have some guidelines to use when you arrive. For example, the largest puppy is not necessarily going to be the biggest one when full grown. At 8 weeks old the biggest puppy has been the one who is the pushiest at the food bowl and eats the most at feedings. This is why 8 weeks is the best time for your Lab puppy to go to bond with their human family. As some puppies get larger in size they can push the other smaller puppies around so size then becomes another factor in the development of your puppy. Take your puppy home at 8 weeks old and you have provided them time with their litter to learn puppy to puppy manners weeks 4 to 8 and you have eliminated the possibility of them being bullied by the larger pups after week 8. The larger pups also will not learn to become overly dominant because there are not smaller ones around them to boss around. What about people who want the runt? The first group feel that because the runt is smaller they will listen better when truly listening is a skill learned through training. And the second group feel that a smaller puppy is sick and weak and will not thrive. Again this is not the case as smaller puppies simply do not have as strong of a food drive than their siblings. The larger issue surrounding the runt is this. Professional Lab Retriever Breeders breed for consistency. It is this consistency in our breeding program that ensures the first picked puppy is of the same high quality as the last picked. So before you arrive to choose your Purebred Lab Puppy, have a couple behavioral qualities in mind and a couple physical qualities. Observe quietly and try not to bring too many people with you so that the puppies only pick up your energy and not the energy of the group. This is the best way to truly observe how the puppy will react to you alone. Narrow it down to a couple and compare them together measuring them against your list of traits. If you make a choice to not train you have to be ready to deal with whatever your Lab decided to become. And one final note. Some people have heard to wipe a blanket where the puppy sleeps or on the mother because the scent will calm the puppy in your home. Think of it this way, if your puppy smells the mother or one of its littermates what does it do next? So a blanket with this scent on it will cue your puppy to look for someone who is likely not coming back. Imagine the frustration of a puppy newly separated from its litter being able to smell them but not find them. We suggest you do not do this to your puppy. Our suggestion to help settle the puppy only if you need to is to put a t shirt into the crate with the scent of the person who they bonded the most to. This is their new pack. Get them accustom to their new pack and the quicker they forget their old pack the easier it will be for them. Love them, set clear guidelines, and enjoy them for years to come. Chocolate Lab with pumpkin.