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Early Start Method STEP 1: Take your Golden retriever to group obedience classes The so-called peer-pressure works on dogs, too, and they are thus more likely to remember the useful commands when trained in groups. It will also help socialize your furry friend with other dogs. STEP 2: Play games with your dog Playing fetching games with decoy toys is highly beneficial since it will help familiarize your dog with its future prey. STEP 3: Introduce your Golden retriever to its future hunting environment Grab a leash and take your canine buddy to the future hunting environment. Make sure the dog is not overly excited and never let him or her run wild. Quiet walks will be much more beneficial as you want your pet to get acquainted with all the sounds and sights he or she will experience. STEP 4: Use a reward system Your dog should be rewarded whenever he or she obeys the command, especially when chasing prey. You can opt for words of praise, pet on the back, or a tasty treat- it is up to you! Never punish your dog, or it might become discouraged and give up altogether. Punishment techniques can make your retriever aggressive and even dangerous. Scent Method STEP 1: Play with a decoy toy for at least a few minutes every day Spray the decoy toy with a scent spray and play with your dog. Decoy play will make your dog all worked up at the very sight of a toy so spend at least a few minutes every day playing tug of war and fetching. Take the scented toy out into the yard, wipe it onto the ground over and across, and then hide it. STEP 3: Teach your Golden retriever to follow a trail Grab a leash and take your future hunting buddy to the beginning of the trail he or she should follow. Guide him or her by pointing or whispering; if it gets distracted, pull him or her back gently and encourage him or her to continue in the right direction. STEP 4: Reward your dog When your four-legged friend gets to the end of the trail and sniffs out the decoy, he or she should be adequately rewarded. Praise them, play with them, and give them their favorite treat! Therefore, every time you set up a scent trail, try to make it harder than the one before. Introduce new distractions until your retriever can sniff out the prey on its own no matter where it is. So, if you seem excited every time you are around the prey, your dog will be too. You can point or whisper — it is up to you! You can shout or wave your arms — once again, it is all up to you! STEP 3: Reward your furry friend as soon as he or she joins you in what you are doing As soon as your dog starts charging at the prey too, reward him or her! Do it each and every time. Keep your enthusiasm for as long as it takes! If you lose interest, your golden will lose it too. So, even if you are tired or bored — do not let your dog see that! It would be best if you chase the prey every time you see it until your dog starts doing it as a routine too. When your dog starts chasing the prey even before you do, you can finally relax. Of course, your pet will not be successful every time, but you should reward him or her nonetheless. Conclusion I hope you enjoyed this intro to teaching your golden retriever to hunt! Big thanks to Robert from ArcheryTopic. Golden retrievers have a charm all of their own, as Patrice Fellows reports. Register for our newsletter To continue reading this content please register for our newsletter. Since their foundation in midth century Scotland, these attractive retrievers with a keen desire to work in both cover and water, and famously soft mouths, have contributed massively to shooting. Although not as common as the ubiquitous Labrador, goldens have made up for the disparity in numbers by the quality of their contribution to the field. As a consequence Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Baron Tweedmouth, developed a vision of a specialist retriever to meet these requirements. In he bought a pup named Nous from a cobbler in Brighton, the only yellow dog in an unregistered litter of black wavy-coated retrievers. Three years later he crossed Nous with a Tweed water spaniel named Belle; this mating produced four yellow pups that became the foundation of the breed. Through a combination of line breeding and judicious crosses he attained his ideal companion: a powerful retriever that was also gentle and trainable. His Highland estate and line of Guisachan Retrievers are honoured today as the home and foundation of the breed. For almost 50 years the breed remained little known; as Lord Tweedmouth developed his bloodlines he kept some puppies, gave some to keepers in nearby estates and gave others to friends and relatives. This changed in when a friend of the family, Viscount Harcourt, exhibited the first golden under the affix Culham at a Kennel Club event. He was joined by Mrs Charlesworth the next year, who exhibited the offspring of her bitch Normanby Beauty, a highly intelligent and tireless worker. Eight goldens were exhibited at Crufts in , all registered as yellow flatcoated retrievers. A small group of enthusiasts formed the Golden Retriever Club in , which has grown to over 2, members across the world today. It is joined by 12 regional breed clubs in England, Scotland and Wales, as well as 14 breed rescue organisations scattered throughout England. Many early breeders competed both on the bench and in the field, but today most dogs are divided into show or working strains. There are, however, a handful of dual-purpose breeders that continue to pick up or shoot over their goldens. These dogs may not compete at the highest levels, but they more than prove their worth in the field. From the beginning Golden Retrievers have maintained a strong presence in field trials, winning the annual IGL Retriever Championship four times. Mazurka went on to win three more awards, including second place. There have been more than FTChs in the history of the breed, and many have won any variety as well as single-breed stakes. It is considered intelligent, kind, gentle and confident. One of the most adaptable of the sporting breeds, it can carry out many tasks in addition to its original purpose in the field. With its kind and patient nature it is an ideal choice for families with children, making them better suited to living in the house than in kennels. They are typically friendly with other dogs, pets and livestock, as well as people. A common question is, are Golden Retrievers smart? They are widely used as disability assistance dogs, such as guide dogs for the blind and hearing dogs for the deaf. They excel in obedience training at all levels and can be trained for work in numerous disciplines, including detection, search and rescue, and lifesaving. They are also consistent top performers in agility, obedience and working trials. The size of Golden Retrievers can vary from medium to large, and they are strongly built with a balanced body and powerful gait. They have a broad skull and powerful muzzle, black nose, round dark eyes and moderate sized ears. The dogs stand about 22—24" at the shoulder and females slightly less at 20—22". Their topcoat is medium length and slightly wavy or flat with good feathering and a dense undercoat, which keeps them cool in summer and warm in the winter. Any shade of gold or cream is permitted, with some white on the chest. Working Golden Retrievers are generally lighter in build and more athletic than show varieties, with a shorter coat suited to working in the field. With dark yellow to reddish-gold coats, they look more like their early ancestors. When the first breed standard was written in , cream was not permitted as a coat colour, and throughout the s very dark dogs were favoured. Health And Care Adult goldens need up to two hours a day of exercise as well as mental stimulation. Their coats shed copiously, especially at the change of seasons twice a year. With puppies this will entail just brushing, but with working adults it will be necessary to check for burrs, knots and tangles, and to keep their feet trimmed with scissors. Like other pedigree dogs, goldens are prone to a number of hereditary conditions. There are currently three health schemes offered by the British Veterinary Association in conjunction with the Kennel Club. Although breeding stock is screened under these schemes, there is no guarantee that pups will be clear, although the likelihood is increased. Breeding stock should also be x-rayed for hip and elbow dysplasia. These are multifactorial conditions influenced by genes, nutrition and exercise, so always follow the advice of breeders in the care of a young pup, even if its parents have good results. Cancer is one of the main causes of death. Aside from the hereditary conditions listed above, goldens can also suffer from skin problems and allergies, ear infections, epilepsy and thyroid conditions. Unlike spaniels, a retriever is not required to quarter ahead to quest and flush live game, although some people use retrievers in the beating line or for rough shooting. Early days focus on obedience commands, steadiness and walking to heel, single marked and memory retrieves, as well as hunting in a restricted area. Once basic skills and control are established, more advanced dummy work incorporating multiple or blind retrieves, handling at a distance with whistle and voice commands, water, gunshot and obstacles are introduced. Once these skills are mastered, there is a transition period of working with cold game before the first introduction to the field. A young dog might spend its first season sitting up at drives or walking to heel while other dogs are sent for retrieves, with a reward of a few birds at the end of the day. Throughout the process, the emphasis is on acquiring new skills on a step-by-step basis to encourage success, simplifying and backtracking whenever necessary. Harsh handling is never advised, especially in the case of goldens, who are sensitive and prone to stubbornness when treated with force or coercion. During the off-season, Golden Retriever clubs and gundog societies hold retriever gundog working tests GWTs , which seek to further good gundog work without live game. GWTs are divided into puppy, novice and open categories, and each club publishes its entry rules on its website. Three or four tests simulate varying shooting scenarios requiring single and double retrieves, blind retrieves, hunting in an area, walking-up and retrieves in or near water. Field Trials for Golden Retrievers Retriever field trials have grown immensely in popularity in recent years and are usually oversubscribed. That said, it is still primarily an amateur sport, open to anyone willing to take on the required commitment. Golden Retriever field trials are run as closely as possible to an ordinary shooting day. If feasible, they are conducted on ground where dogs can be tested walking in line to heel in roots or cover and waiting off the lead at drives, but the day may consist of just one or the other. In August a few trials are held on grouse moors in the north, and in September there are some walk-up days on partridge. The majority of trials are held in October and November as walked-up or driven days over partridge and pheasant, leading up to the annual IGL Retriever Championship at the end of November. Most trials are held under a four-judge system, where pairs of judges evaluate the performance of the competitors, working down the line in numerical order. In the first round, dogs are usually sent for two retrieves each, and can be discarded for a variety of misdemeanours such as running-in, chasing, whining or being eye-wiped by the judges or another competitor. Dogs that survive are called up for further rounds until the top few dogs remain, at which point the judges confirm the final placings with a run-off, usually working all together at the centre of the line. Why Not A Golden? One major drawback is the extra care and attention their coat requires. They are large dogs and prone to getting dirty, especially in the field. Burrs and tangles must be dealt with - and not just brushed aside, so grooming your Golden Retriever is an important daily task. Another drawback for some people is they do not make good kennel dogs. Sarah Gadd, a prominent trialler who started out with both goldens and labradors, gave them up for this reason. While show-bred Golden Retrievers are very popular, working kennels are few and far between. Finally, there is the issue of training your Golden Retriever. Although the breed is considered biddable and easy to train, it is sensitive and perhaps not as resilient to handler mistakes or short cuts as the labrador. Captain HFH Hardy, who won the first field trial award for the breed in , favoured them amongst all gundog breeds. In order to achieve success, you have to have a feel for what makes them so distinctive. But if you are definitely up to the challenge, and willing to learn the secrets to their success, gold-dust beckons. Broad skull and powerful muzzle, black nose, dark eyes and moderate sized ears. Medium length coat with feathering in any shade of gold. Character: Intelligent, kind, gentle, playful, biddable and confident. Ideal for families with children. Usually friendly with other dogs and animals and likes people. Easy to train and adaptable to many jobs as well as work in field. Slow to mature, sensitive and at times stubborn if treated harshly. Daily care: Requires up to two hours of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Coat requires daily or frequent grooming. Basic obedience and gundog training recommended. Health: A healthy breed. Average lifespan of 12 years. Prone to cancer and skin ailments. At work: Tireless worker with a good nose and excellent in cover and water. Also a good tracker of wounded game with a soft mouth. Well-suited to field work as a peg dog, picking up or wildfowling. May be used for beating or rough shooting. Trained for many other jobs, such as assistance, detection and search and rescue. Top performer in obedience, agility and working trials. More Information About This Gun Dog Breed We love sharing our trusted resources, the more we learn about each breed the better we are able to take care of our beloved dogs. Below we have listed some of our favourite websites and books used to create this article and to learn more about this fantastic gun dog breed. Take a look at some of these resources: www. Print When to start training your retriever to hunt As a professional retriever trainer, I am often fielding calls from people who need advice regarding dog training. One question that I hear the most is: At what age should I start training my retriever puppy to hunt? My answer is always the same — start now! Everything you do with your puppy from the time you pick him or her up from the breeder is technically training. Who can I jump on or step on? Is it okay to steal food off the table or counter? What things in the house are okay to chew and which are not? Even this most basic training can substantially impact the ability for your retriever puppy to transition into a hunting machine. What age to start training retriever as gun dog or duck dog? There is no specific age that you should start training your dog for bird hunting. These traits will determine how fast or slow you are able to progress through hunting training. But the good news is, you can help shape and develop these traits in your new puppy! During this time, and ongoing through that first year, you can and should do some essential training. And the more socialization you do, the better. How can I socialize my hunting dog? Socialization is simply the process of introducing your puppy or young dog to new things and teaching him or her how to adjust quickly to changing circumstances. As a hunting dog, your retriever is required to adjust quickly to new locations, new terrain, and new hunting situations. You will expect your dog to hunt well and consistently regardless of the day, the weather conditions, or the type of bird you are hunting. To do this, your dog must be very well socialized. Like young people, young dogs are eager and ready to learn new things. So, while you can socialize an older dog, it is much more difficult. Here are some suggestions on how to socialize your hunting dog: Take your dog to new places. Expose your dog to different terrain, weeds, or cover. Expose your dog to water — both dirty weedy and clean. Put your dog in new situations. Walk your dog in the rain and snow. Attend family gatherings where your dog will be exposed to new people, young and old. Walk your dog in the country or on a dirt path, through a weedy field, anywhere there will be many new scents. Introduce your dog to new people, noises, and equipment. Have your dog sit in a boat or hunting blind with you. No shooting! We are just looking for exposure! Expose your dog to noise from cars, trucks, ATVs and other loud noise. These are just some ideas. Every new experience will help your dog learn and adjust. The importance of socialization cannot be understated. Learn more about preparing your dog to be a hunting dog in this post. If you want your dog to be well-adjusted and quick to adapt, socialization is how you do that. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Housebreaking and crate training Even if your dog is going to be an outside dog, I highly recommend house breaking your hunting dog. Because you will never regret having a clean dog! House broken dogs tend to keep their kennels and runs clean because they have learned that there is a right place to empty go to the bathroom and a wrong place. Outdoor dogs do not always learn this lesson. Crate training is also an essential step for preparing your dog for hunting and home life. I know some people think using crates is cruel, but I wholeheartedly disagree. Dogs are den animals. They like small, confined spaces because these spaces make them feel secure and protected. Introduced your dog to a crate when he is brought home from the breeder. Our dogs often go into their crates to sleep on their own. We leave the crate door open during the day and they willingly go into the crate to sleep or just have some time alone. Manners Teaching a dog manners while they are young is critical. By setting up rules and boundaries, you will be teaching your dog to handle pressure, a trait that is vital to teaching a dog to hunt. Some behaviors are cute when a dog is a puppy, but these same behaviors can quickly become problematic as the dog grows. Learn more about these behaviors in this post. Use the OFF command with a correction to keep your dog from jumping on you. Yes, even when they are only months old. In fact, especially then. If your puppy learns at this young age that jumping on you or others is not acceptable, you are less likely to have a jumping problem as the dog ages. A few other ways to teach good manners include making your pup SIT before he is allowed to eat and SIT before you allow him to go through the door to outside. Your corrections do not need to be harsh, but they do need to be firm and consistent. Getting used to a collar will take some time, that is okay. This is also a good time to get your pup used to a leash. Every once in a while, pick up the leash and hold on to it. Each dog will react differently to this type of pressure. Some may throw themselves on the ground in a full-blown temper tantrum, others will think nothing of it. This would be the worst thing you could do. Rather, just remain calm and hold or step on the leash until the dog settles down. Once they settle down, let go of the leash and repeat this exercise often so that your dog learns to handle pressure and not throw a fit. There is a correct process of working on these first retrieves, and it is important that you follow it. For complete details on how to do this properly, check out this post. Lastly, you should remember that your puppy is growing, so do not do too much running or exercise during these first two months or you could damage or injure your pups growing bones and muscles. After socialization, the next most important trait we look for in hunting dogs is high prey drive or desire. High prey drive is not something you can create in your dog. It is something that is handed down genetically through the pedigree. But there are things you can do, to help develop the drive and desire provided the dog already has a genetic inclination in this area. Many high-quality breeders will introduce the pups to a pigeon or bird wing while they are still in the litter. Even if this is the case, you will still want to do a live bird introduction with your pup. We will discuss this more in the next section. Hunting dog training age months You should start obedience training for SIT and HERE when your pup is around 3 months old, but around the 5—6-month age, your dog is ready to learn formal obedience. Obedience is always the first step. All our programs here at Otter Tail Kennels begin with obedience. In my opinion, a dog can never have too much obedience training. It is the foundation on which all other training will rest. Even older dogs can benefit from obedience tune up drills. Teach these commands on-lead, with a chain collar, and in short sessions minutes each day. Taking your dog for a short walk and stopping frequently to make him or her SIT is a great way to get obedience work in each day. Doing obedience work with a flat collar will create more problems than it will help. Your dog needs to learn how to handle the pressure of a chain collar and you will get much better heeling results. Introductions to hunting equipment and situations In addition to obedience, if you have not already, now is the time to start introducing your dog to various hunting equipment and situations. If the weather is appropriate, this is the best age to introduce your dog to water. Make sure that you find a shallow area and allow the dog to enter on his own terms. You can encourage him or her to get into the water using a rubber bumper or other toy. You should also take time to introduce your dog to a hunting boat, a hunting blind, decoys and live and dead birds as we discussed previously. Lastly, you can start working on gun introduction at this time. Gun introduction MUST be done slowly and correctly. The last thing you want is a gun-shy dog. For more information on how to properly introduce your dog to gunfire, check out this post. If your dog is not firm on the HERE command, make sure you do all retrieving on a long check cord. We do not want the pup to get away with not returning to us with the bumper. That is a bad habit that we do not want to start. With a long check cord, you can gently direct the pup back to your side. Do not get carried away throwing retrieves with your young dog. Too many people love to play fetch with their dog so much that they throw a bumper dozens of times — resulting in the dog getting exhausted or bored with the game. This can cause other issues to pop up. Limit the amount of retrieves you do each session to three or four and work instead for quality — a good retrieve and a good delivery. This is where the real hunting training begins. This is also the age, if you are considering having a professional train your dog that you would want to make that decision. What age to send my dog to a professional trainer? If you are considering sending your dog to a professional trainer for retriever training, generally trainers accept the dog any time after the adult teeth have come in. Formal training ideally should begin around the 6—7-month age, but, generally, any time under 2 years is considered acceptable. Preparing your dog for hunting Up until now, the training has been generic — the training focused on making your pup a good citizen and family dog. But at this age it is time to dig into preparing your dog for his future hunting career. It is also at this age that many retriever owners get anxious, or impatient, and decide they can jump right into actual hunting. Training beyond obedience will depend largely on what you plan to use your dog for. Moving to e-collar pressure Hopefully, you have been doing the obedience work with a chain collar as previously recommended. If you have, your dog should be obedient on-lead and now its time to start working with an electronic collar. If you are using an electronic collar, make sure you take time to properly collar condition your dog. Not sure how to do this? We have a series of posts on this topic. If your need help understanding electronic collars and training with them, check out this post. Finish up hunting equipment introductions If you have not completed the introductions suggested in the 5—6-month-old training, now is the time to work on that. Gunshot exposure should be ongoing during these months, but make sure that you are doing this correctly. This is one area that can quickly spell disaster if it is done incorrectly. Learn how to do it correctly here. Do I have to force fetch my retriever? I am constantly getting emails from people who have dogs that recently stopped retrieving. They wonder what they can do to fix this problem, and I will admit it frustrates me. I know that if they were following a proven, reliable training plan for their dog, the dog would never have gotten to this point. Force fetch is a controversial topic, but as a retriever trainer for over 30 years I can attest to the importance of the process. Learn more about force fetch in this post. Lastly, force fetch will clean up mouth and delivery problems you might be having with your dog. If your dog is dropping the bumper on return and not delivering it to hand, force fetch will fix that problem. Retrieving with a 7—month-old dog Around age months, your retriever should be retrieving consistently and bringing the bumper back to you. Now is the time to really put some energy and focus into setting up marking scenarios for your hunting dog. There are limits to how far you can throw a bumper and it is rare that a bird would approach you from your back and fly directly in front of you. By using another thrower, you can set up marking scenarios that more closely represent what your dog might see while hunting. Vary the distance and direction of the marks, and preferably take time to learn about marking drills and how they can help your retriever. Now is also the time to set up simulated hunting scenarios. Think about how you hunt, and then do marks with your dog that mimic that. If you hunt from a boat, incorporate that. Or if you hunt from a blind, or sitting on a bucket, add those elements to your training. Try to make the scenarios as close to reality as you can. Specific training for bird dogs During age months is also the time to start working on field and hunting blind manners. If you are strictly an upland hunter, this may mean working hard on control and keeping the dog quartering close to you while walking through a field. It may also include enforcing a HERE command under exciting and difficult conditions so that your dog does not keep chasing after a bird that you missed shooting. For waterfowl and duck dogs, blind manners could include working on noise issues so that you can hunt without your dog whining or barking. It can also mean just getting your dog to sit still for long periods of time in the boat or blind. When can I take my dog to the field? At this age, I understand if you are anxious to get your dog out in the field or blind hunting. And if you have been following these guidelines, you are getting close. You will notice I call it on-the-job-training and not hunting. Tips for that first hunt No matter how many simulated hunts you do, simulated hunts cannot exactly duplicate the experience of actual hunting. So, you need to make sure that your first hunts will produce quick success for your dog. If you do this, you will be on the right road to helping your dog develop into a super hunting machine. Learn more about how to introduce those first few hunts and why this is so important. Reasons to skip that first season While I understand being anxious to get your pup hunting, I cannot overstate the importance of waiting until your dogs training is at the point that your first hunt will likely be successful. If your dog is not ready, if you have skipped some training steps and are seeing issues like startling at gunshot, or not picking up or delivering birds, your dog is not ready to hunt and you would be wise to back up and hold off until your dog is ready. Here are a couple other reasons to skip that first season if your dog is not ready. Bad habits are often extremely hard to break if they have been allowed to go on for any time. You very well may have to go back to earlier training to fix issues that arose due to hunting a dog that was not ready. Risking bad experiences This one is even more important. You cannot always control the experiences your dog runs into while hunting. What if your inexperienced dog gets bitten by a goose? Or, severely startled by several guns going off all at once? These are only a couple examples of bad experiences that can ruin or severely delay your dogs hunting education. If your dog is not quite ready, you are better to wait. Keep training, keep socializing, keep exposing your dog to new situations, but make sure that the first hunts you go on are controlled and produce easy success and learning for your dog. What if I am not starting with a puppy? Older dogs can be taught hunting too. But the key is to start training an older dog as if they are a week-old puppy. Skipping steps is how you get a dog that is afraid of gunshots or even birds. And those are very difficult problems to address without the help of a professional. For more training tips and education, visit our education section of our website. Final thoughts on what age to start training a puppy to hunt Every day your retriever is learning. Retrievers are smart, resourceful dogs. They bring such joy to our lives. But they are like children, they need direction, rules and boundaries. Take time to train your retriever. Follow a complete training program and you will greatly increase your odds of success. If you are looking for a professional retriever trainer with proven hunting and hunt test programs, check out our training programs or give us a call .We also do one-on-one training to guide owners who want to do the training themselves. Until next time, happy retrieving. What age should you start training a puppy to hunt? Blog Do you want to learn how to train your golden retriever to hunt? Some people may believe that golden retrievers are not good hunting dogs because they are not bred for that purpose. Others may believe that golden retrievers are good hunting dogs because they are versatile and can be used for a variety of hunting activities. Golden retrievers are bred to be versatile and to have a strong hunting instinct. This makes them good hunting dogs for a variety of activities, including waterfowl hunting, upland bird hunting, and small game hunting. Golden retrievers are also good family dogs. They are friendly, social, and easy to train. This makes them a good choice for people who want a hunting dog that they can also enjoy as a member of their family. They have a high level of intelligence and are easy to train. Golden retrievers are versatile dogs that can be used for a variety of hunting activities. They are naturally loyal, eager to please, and have a high level of intelligence. They are also versatile, meaning they can be used for a variety of hunting applications. The first step in training a golden retriever as a hunting dog is to start early. Puppies as young as weeks can be started on basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. As they get older, you can begin to introduce them to the concepts of hunting. This can include things such as carrying a dummy in their mouth, retrieving objects from water, and being steady around gunfire. It is important to be patient and consistent when training a golden retriever as a hunting dog. This breed is known for being one of the most trainable breeds, but they still require a lot of time and patience. As with any training program, it is important to set realistic goals and to keep sessions. A golden retriever is a versatile hunting dog that can be used for bird hunting, waterfowl hunting, and upland game hunting. They are also used as service dogs and family pets. Golden retrievers are bred for their intelligence, obedience, and trainability. They are also known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. When hunting with a golden retriever, you will need a shotgun, a hunting vest, a dog vest, a dog bed, a dog bowl, a hunting license, and a first-aid kit for your dog. The most important piece of equipment for a golden retriever is its hunting vest. The vest will protect him from the cold and wet weather, and it will also have a built-in harness to attach a leash. In addition to the required hunting supplies, you will also need to have a good supply of dog treats and a positive attitude. A golden retriever will respond best to a positive reinforcement training program. It is best to work with your dog every day for at least fifteen minutes. The more often you train, the sooner you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. If you cannot make that happen, at least make sure that there is enough space. If you do not have a large enough yard, find a suitable local field. Retrievers are fast at short and long-distance running, they love water, they can jump high, and they have a unique sense of smell. Their coat helps them adapt to various conditions. This is quite literally a perfect dog. That is how he is known as probably the best hunting dog in the world. If you have or are just thinking of adopting a Golden Retriever, you should be able to train them to hunt quite easily because this is his innate skill. The key is starting his training early and focusing on generic training first. Hunters looking for an intelligent, shorter-coated retriever that will hunt from dark to dark need to research field-bred goldens. By Tony J. Peterson With a charming, eager-to-please personality and looks to match, the golden retriever has plenty to offer. Yet its skyrocketing popularity is the reason golden retrievers have become victims of their own demand. It's also why those in search of a hard-working golden need to be very careful when choosing a pup for hunting purposes. Advertisement A Rich History Among the many reasons for the golden retriever's popularity is the rich history of the breed, which, according to the American Kennel Club, dates back to the early s. Europe is responsible for a good number of our current sporting breeds including goldens, which came into being in England and Scotland well over years ago. During that time, a medium-sized sporting breed was an asset for obtaining food both in the waterfowl and upland gamebird worlds. Throughout the s the breed became even more desirable, and in it was recognized by the AKC. Goldens soon became one of the go-to breeds for many hunters and folks looking to run a dog in an obedience or field trial. They also started showing up in television shows, as well as print and television advertisements, and one needs only look at a single golden to understand why. Very few breeds are as photogenic or as easy to work with as goldens, which contributed further to their popularity. This also led to division in the breed, with an ever-increasing portion of the litters born each year to less stringent standards. Show dogs with their long flowing coats became much more common and they were bred to field-bred dogs as well as other show dogs. Advertisement It has been a couple of decades since the breed hit its high-water mark and since then we've witnessed a decline in the health and hunting-drive of the breed overall. That's not to say that excellent pedigrees don't exist, because they do. They just aren't as easy to locate as a run-of-the-mill, mystery-bred golden. If there is one person that understands this more than most, it's Jackie Mertens. Mertens has owned and operated Topbrass Retrievers since and is undoubtedly one of the most respected names in the world of golden retrievers. Every once in a while, I get to meet someone who was put on this earth to work with dogs, and Mertens fits that category. From her schoolgirl days, Mertens knew she'd work with animals, and as soon as she could she got her first golden. That dog, Ch. Mertens recalls, however, that she almost lost Torch before it all started. Advertisement "Torch had a lot of desire, she was fearless, and she was a good producer — and she did it all on three legs after getting caught in a fox trap," Mertens recalls. She had survived by eating snow and pawing up any plants she could reach. Since then, Mertens has been at the forefront of field-bred goldens, and when someone wants a great housedog, a great hunter — or both — they go to her. And it's all about the breeding. Hunters looking for a waterfowl and upland dog will often steer toward Labs for obvious reasons, but the right golden will fill the role just fine. A field-bred golden with a proper water introduction will bring ducks to hand all day long. They look a bit different and they will exhibit the right drive and retrieving desire. Now, I hear people say all of the time that their dog was the best ever, but they are comparing it to maybe a few other dogs they've owned. To have the best chance of getting a truly good hunting dog, it's field-bred or nothing. There are so many issues that can come up with poor breeding, that it's a process to ensure a healthy litter these days. For us that means looking at all health clearances like hips and elbows, of course, but other things. We use a canine ophthalmologist for eye clearances, a canine cardiologist for heart clearances, and also conduct a litany of DNA tests to ensure proper breeding. Having gone through the heartbreak of losing a golden to kidney failure when she was only six years old, I am particularly sensitive to proper health clearances. All breeds can suffer unfortunate medical issues, but goldens are exceptionally prone to them given the amount of unchecked breeding. Another golden retriever expert I asked to weigh in on this issue is Theresa Bilava, who operates Platte River Retrievers with her son Nick. She started with goldens as a child and has been raising and breeding them for 22 years. Having over two decades of experience devoted to the breed has given Bilava a unique perspective on the current state of the golden retriever, and she was more than willing to offer advice to anyone looking for a pup. Like Mertens, Bilava makes sure all of her Platte River dogs are health checked in all manners. Now people think they can pick up any golden puppy and it will hunt, but that's not the case. With us, we're breeding for athletes, not models. Our dogs are field-bred, and quite frankly, a lot of the people that contact me about getting a dog don't even know what a field-bred dog is. We want dogs that want to play the game and that will have the right temperament. All of our dogs will be companion dogs, and some will be used for agility or therapy, but many of them end up being upland and waterfowl hunters as well. As long as they are well-bred they'll become people-pleasers that will take to training and look to make you happy. A good sign of a dog that is working for you not for itself is if the dog checks back often and looks you in the eye. Goldens are well known for this trait, especially in the field where it matters most. They aren't wired the same as a Lab that might be able to run the same drill times in a row. They are different, and have to be trained differently. When I asked him why he chose to hunt with goldens he responded by saying, "The golden is a gentleman's dog. He will give you percent if you are fair to him. And he can turn it on and turn it off, which is something other breeds struggle with. When a good golden is asked to hunt, he'll give you his all. When the hunt is over, he'll transition back into that lovable housedog. They need to be introduced to water properly, and if you do it wrong it's like pushing a rope — it doesn't work. Goldens will work for you, but if you lose your cool they'll shut down. It has to be fun for them, and you've got to work with their intelligence by keeping it interesting and positive. They respond to teaching, not pressure. Finding a well-bred golden puppy that has all of its health clearances and is a true hunting dog is a different story. The right pedigree takes time to locate, and it will cost more than a run-of-the-mill dog. The upside? You'll get an amazing hunting and family dog. Nick Bilava has spent plenty of time hunting South Dakota roosters for himself and for clients while he was guiding, but his dogs can do much more than hunt ringnecks. They can hunt anything and handle any new hunting situation provided you've got them prepared. I hunt doves with my dogs, ducks, everything. They can do it all, and will, if you ask them with respect. When my pheasant opportunities disappeared with the loss of habitat, we switched gears to ruffed grouse, doves and eventually ducks. And just for fun, I threw in shed antler hunting to see how she'd do. As long as my golden got to retrieve something for me and earn a little praise, everything was just fine. This willingness to please is without question one of the greatest reasons to own this breed. Nick Bilava got into golden retrievers in no small part because his mother, Theresa, has been breeding field-bred goldens for years. Together they operate Platte River Retrievers, where they focus on producing a few litters each year that are bred to be smart, athletic and will hunt everything they are asked to hunt. For the hunter looking to have a rock star in the field and a good-looking house pet all in one dog, they are the ideal choice provided they come from a breeding program that has focused on health concerns and strong hunting instincts. Picking A Golden Puppy When shopping for that perfect golden pup, here are some things that prospective owners should be mindful of. That's the going rate, and it is worth it for the peace of mind you'll have from getting a truly high-quality, healthy pup. Your job doesn't end with research and writing a check, however. Trust Your Breeder After that, it's a matter of being honest with your breeder and allowing him or her to pick the right dog for you. Jackie Mertens stressed this by saying, "I don't let people pick their puppy. I pick it for them. Some people don't like this, but I've already spent seven weeks with the puppies and have watched how they act, and interact, so I know their personalities well. Too many people want to pick their own puppy, and they often take the first dog to run up to them but that is often a bad deal because that puppy might be the most dominant in the litter. It's better to put your faith in the pedigree and the breeder to match you up with the best bet out of a litter. You won't regret it. More Articles From How-To. 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. Golden Retrievers were originally bred to be hunting companions to the elite. Are Goldens still as good at hunting as they used to be? Yes, Golden Retrievers are excellent hunting dogs and are still used for this purpose today. However, finding one as skilled as they used to be is a bit more challenging. The 5 Things That Make Golden Retrievers Good Hunting Dogs Even though dogs were bred to retrieve small game, there are certain characteristics about them that make them perfectly suited for the sport. Breeding Golden Retrievers were created to fill a gap in the world of hunting dogs. A lord took some of the best characteristics of many different dogs and gave us the Goldens that we know and love today. Image Credit: Mordasova Elena, Shutterstock 2. Strong Sense of Smell One of the things that set these hunting dogs apart from others is their incredible sense of smell. This breed has one of the strongest senses of smell of all dog breeds that makes it easy for them to track down birds no matter how far away they glide after being shot. Goldens are intelligent and eager to please; the two perfect characteristics that make training easy. They can also figure out shortcuts and solve puzzles that they come across while out hunting. Energy Golden Retrievers seem to never tire. This breed is energetic and easily build up their stamina with the right training. This means they can run and retrieve for hours without getting too winded. Choosing a Dog for Hunting As time has gone on, many Goldens are bred less for hunting and more for companionship. If you are hoping to purchase one of these dogs to hunt with , we recommend finding a reputable breeder that is field bred. Conclusion Golden Retrievers are some of the best hunting dogs you can have. You might also be interested in:. Photo credit: Joop Snijder, Shutterstock Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More Easily one of the most popular dog breeds on the planet, the field-bred golden retriever is also a phenomenal gun dog. Their countenance is often seen in dog parks, hanging out of car windows, accompanying kiddos on a neighborhood walk, working avalanche duty on the ski hill, or in the halls of hospitals in a therapy vest. To say the golden retriever might be the happiest breed of dog could even be an understatement. Their sunny disposition and puppy-like attitude make them entirely irresistible. The good news is that a field-bred golden retriever is also one of the best, most versatile gun dogs you can take into the field. And they have a more-than-interesting origin story. A man by the name of Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks founded the breed singlehandedly in the late s. He bought a brown, wavy-haired dog named Nous, and then bred him to Tweed Water Spaniels now extinct and Irish Water Spaniels, with the first true golden retriever litter born in .Today, the typical golden retriever averages inches in height and typically weighs pounds, with males on the higher end of both. They have a life expectancy of years and throughout their life, their attitude for work and play remains exuberant. Of course, daily exercise and high-quality dog food will keep your golden in good health for the long haul. Golden retrievers take on jobs that range from hunting to search and rescue to seeing-eye dogs to avalanche work and more. But with the popularity of the breed, a split happened between field- and show-bred retrievers. Read on for more. Field-Bred vs. Show-Bred Golden Retrievers A field-bred golden sports a shorter, denser coat than a show-bred golden; photo credit: Jed Packer, Shutterstock As with labrador retrievers, the popularity of golden retrievers brought a dark side to its breeding history. For decades, many lines of golden retrievers were diluted, and new health problems arose through poor breeding practices. According to the American Kennel Club , goldens are at risk for elbow and hip dysplasia, juvenile cataracts, pigmentary uveitis, progressive retinal atrophy, and heart diseases, including subvalvular aortic stenosis. And this is not an exhaustive list. These days, veterinarians and responsible breeders have worked together to test and pair up genetically sound animals that are less prone to health issues through genetic testing and physical certifications. Field-bred golden retrievers take on a more compact, athletic form, and a key feature is their shorter, denser coat. The show-bred lines tend to have luxurious and often very beautiful flat coats, but these longer coats do not serve a golden well in wet or cold working conditions. The needs are simply different. Be sure to interview a few reputable breeders and learn about the lines, genetics, and intent of their kennels before purchasing a field-bred golden retriever. Did their parents hunt? And what genetic testing and health certifications are offered? These are two required questions if you plan on adding a field-bred golden to your family. Think of this as both an investment in a better future for the breed as well as a healthy future for you and your beloved family member. Hunting the Golden Retriever Photo credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock Hunting a golden is typical of hunting most of your bigger retrievers. They retrieve naturally but will require shaping to perfect their bird retrieve to hand. And their high energy levels keep them engaged in any field of work. The hunting-bred golden does tend to be more intense than other lines within the breed. But, this serves a purpose in the field. Goldens remain fabulous house dogs, family dogs, and best friends once your day in the field is complete. And goldens love you back in spades. A true gem of a breed, this one. It was a somewhat chaotic scene. There were all variety of dogs on the ground and birds in the air, and the constant echo of gunshots. She recalls seeing a Chesapeake retriever pulling around its owner, a big man himself, the pooch overcome by the excitement of the situation. But the dog was listening to me and not overreacting. And they live to please. Golden retrievers resulted from a mix of water spaniel and retriever and was created to be a versatile breed for wildfowl hunters that could retrieve game on land and in the water. The first golden retriever registration with the AKC was in .English goldens tend to be lighter in color, and they have large, muscular bodies. American goldens tend to have darker colors and are lankier and less muscled than the English type. Canadian goldens have a thin, dark coat, and generally are taller than dogs from the American and English subtypes. While golden retrievers have enjoyed some level of popularity in America for decades, they popularity hit a new pinnacle in the s and s, when they could be seen as all-American dogs in a number of television shows and movies. Standards declined and some people gave little thought to the dogs they were breeding. By the late s, the golden retriever world began to turn around, in part, she says, because potential dog buyers themselves began asking tough questions of breeders and demanded to see health clearances. Over the years, the reasons people have been attracted to the golden retriever breed — whether the individual dogs are big or small females generally weigh between 50 and 60 pounds, and male range between about 65 and 80 pounds , or have dark coats or light coats — have remained largely the same: Golden retrievers have good personalities and are versatile dogs. Those traits endear them to a wide variety of people. But they are equally at home and adept in vast fields of grass and among standing stalks of corn, following their noses and working in front of shotgun-toting pheasant hunters. Golden retrievers work in that magic to yard range. We are sort of used to seeing these big, lumbering goldens with flowing coats. But the hunting line goldens are smaller, their coats are shorter, and they are built like little canine athletes. Several years back, I was hunting as part of a several-man group that contained a mix of dog breeds, including both Labrador and golden retrievers. One of the golden retrievers flushed a big rooster from a wooded edge of a plowed field. One of my hunting partners fired at the cackling, long-tailed bird, hitting it and sending on a steep trajectory to the ground. But as one of the dogs approached — they were outside of shotgun range — the bird took to flight again and we watched as it sailed into the grove of trees somewhere up ahead. We marked the location we last saw the bird and hunted toward the spot, figuring one of the dogs would find the rooster upon our arrival. Perhaps forty yards later, one of the golden retrievers started to show signs of excitement, its tail wagging vigorously and an intent look on its face. That dog, a veteran of the pheasant fields, eventually located the dead rooster amid a tangle of brush. That combination of a good nose and never-quit attitude also makes golden retrievers a good choice for those cold, late-season pheasant hunts when the birds are hunkered in heavy cover such as cattails. Add to that the fact that golden retrievers are relatively easy to train to be anything from hunting dogs to therapy dogs. Their intelligence helps in that regard. It just depends on your passion. But all in all, they are very intelligent and highly trainable. While golden retrievers are highly adaptable dogs and can succeed in many situations, a wrong move early in their lives could forever reduce their utility as hunting dogs. The biggest issue in them — and in the vast majority of other dog breeds — is cancer. Sad stories about good dogs succumbing to cancer are just as likely to include Labs as goldens, for example. While they shed year-round, it can be especially pronounced when the seasons change from warm to cold. However, golden retriever owners can largely alleviate the shedding issue with frequent brushing. Using an undercoat rake, albeit less frequently than a regular grooming brush, can further reduce the amount of hair deposited inside the house. One final piece of advice: Golden retrievers are not good guard dogs. While they may bark at an approaching stranger, they quickly revert to the affectionate creatures they naturally are upon contact with humans. Joe Albert is a freelance writer from Bloomington. Read more at www. Follow him on Twitter writerjoealbert.
It is a cross between the American Bulldog and the English Bulldog. 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. His mother was a white English Bulldog, and his father was a fawn American Bulldog. He is 1 year and 6 months old in this picture, weighing 60 lbs. Stitch, as most Bulldogs are, is very stubborn and headstrong. If you give him an inch, expect to be taken a mile. I got Stitch when he was about 12 weeks old and he was the most terrible dog I'd ever encountered, but with a lot of time and intensive training he is the best dog I've ever owned and I will never own any other type of dog. He loves pineapple and oranges, he hates cigarette smoke and cheap beer—yeah, he only drinks Warsteiner and Red Stripe.He is mostly white, with brindle patches on his head, arm, back and legs. He has tons of black spots under his belly. His mother is a lbs English purebred, while his father, an American, weighs just under 80 lbs. We were told by the breeder, who owned both dogs, that his grandfather weighed 90 lbs.!! At 5 months, Rocko already weighs 50 lbs. He is very playful and extremely affectionate. He loves to cuddle and be held like a baby. He loves to take baths , and if I don't close the door, he might just surprise me by jumping in! He is intelligent, loyal and VERY stubborn. He only does what he wants and nothing more. He wants everyone's attention and plays well with kids and other animals. His "brother" is a Chow mix and they play morning, noon, and night though Rocko needs to take naps in between! He eats too much, tears up my house, chews on my shoes, and occasionally plays too rough, but at the end of the day, when I am lying in bed with him snoring at my side, it's all worth it! Sitting in the chair and at 10 months old he weighed 90 pounds. He got up to , but broke his hip when he bit a moving truck. He is fully recovered now and weighs in at 90 pounds. He still wants to bite the tires of anything that moves! We got Amos from a family in Corning, NY, who had a four-puppy litter. We brought him home when he was 7 weeks old and he just turned 9 months and weighs in at 85 lbs I walk him miles a day , weather permitting, and he never wants to stop. When we get inside he promptly drinks a lot of water. He goes through almost 2 gallons of water a day. He is a gentle giant and afraid of his own shadow. He would never hurt a human being since it is not in his nature. That being said, he is an excellent guard dog and very frightful to look at. His bark sounds like a Mastiff's and is deafening. He was extremely easy to train and has never had an accident indoors. He loves to play with the laser light to exhaustion and loves to rip and shred stuffed animals. Squeaker toys end up destroyed in minutes, sometimes seconds, and he proudly displays the internal squeaker to you in his dripping mouth. He will eat almost anything and is simply a joy to behold. Everyone who sees him falls in love and wants to adopt him. We love Amos dearly and he is a welcome addition to our family. Life Span Did You Know? The American Bulldog is a descendant of a generic bulldog type of dog breed brought into the region that is now the Southern United States by working-class immigrants many years ago. These were all-around working dogs used by small farmers and ranchers for several tasks around the farm. They were often found working as catch dogs, stock dogs, and overall farm guardians. When feral pigs were introduced to the New World, they had no natural predators and the population quickly grew out of control. In addition to their farm duties, the settlers found the bulldog-type dog to be the best solution they had for dealing with it. So, the bulldog continued to thrive, especially in the South. Johnson and Alan Scott that we have what we know today as the American Bulldog. Modern American Bulldogs can still be found working as all-around utility dogs, farm dogs, catch dogs, cattle drovers, and more. They can also be found competing in dog sports, working as a guardian, police, or military dog, and are also popular as a family pet. This dog breed is a sweetheart with a gentle, fun-loving nature. The American Bulldog is affectionate and adores their families. They also love children and tend to be good with other animals. American Bulldogs can have a high prey drive, so you will want to make sure you introduce and socialize them properly with other small animals in the household. Due to their protective nature, they can be aloof towards strangers and strange dogs, especially when they are younger. Early socialization can help them be more comfortable navigating their guardian instincts. Overall, this dog breed tends to be confident, social, and are most at ease and relaxed when they are with the people they love. American Bulldogs are an emotional dog breed and thrives on human attention and affection, so they tend to bond strongly with their owners and may come across as clingy sometimes. They will also often convince themselves that they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so make sure you are ready for a lot of love and cuddles with your American Bulldog, drool and all! The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are strong, high-energy working dogs that love being around their favorite humans. This makes them better suited to larger homes with space for them to run. They are not generally a good fit for apartment living, but they can adapt as long as they get more than enough exercise and attention. Because they do tend to bond strongly with their owners and want to be near them, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but can adapt to well to most climates. There are some health issues that can be found in specific genetic lines and are not common to the breed overall, but these can be ruled out with genetic tests. Some potential health conditions to be aware of in general with the American Bulldog include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders, bone cancer, and eye-related issues like ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns. American Bulldogs are highly trainable and eager to please, so they are a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They can have a stubborn streak, so a first-time dog owner may want to consider enrolling in puppy training classes. As with any dog breed, early and ongoing training and socialization are important for your American Bulldog puppy to grow into a well-rounded, and a well-behaved, dog. This dog breed has a short coat that is generally smooth. Common coat colors are white and predominately white with patches of brindle, black, or red. More coat color patterns are emerging and becoming more common like all shades of brindle, fawn, brown, red, and more. The American Bulldog is relatively low maintenance and easy to groom and they are light to moderate shedders. They only require a bath as needed. But, you will need to be prepared to deal with some extra drool! Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to ear infections. The ideal dental care for dogs is using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day. Dental hygiene chews or treats, a specially-formulated dental care diet, and more can be used to supplement your dental care efforts. The American Bulldog is an athletic and high-energy dog breed. They love daily walks and plenty of playtime outside. They may even enjoy plenty of other activities with you like swimming, hiking , and more. With their working dog background, this dog breed does need a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be a good candidate for dog sports like obedience, weight pulling, the Iron Dog competition, and more. A fully-grown American Bulldog usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. An American Bulldog generally lives for years. Chance, one of the canine stars from the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. Featured American Bulldog Article. White, fawn, piebald, brindle, bi-color, tri-color Suitable for: Guarding duties, active lifestyles, large living spaces Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, protective, strong-willed An EngAm Bulldog is a cross between the American Bulldog and English bulldog, producing a larger, stouter version of the bully Englishman. These dogs are friendly, fun-loving, and outgoing. 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. Many breeders will require that you sign puppy contracts or submit a deposit. You might also get lucky and find one of these dogs and rescue or shelter nearby. These canines will come fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and with all other necessary care. These pups will keep you on your toes with their goofy antics and everyday mischief. As they mature, they typically calm down quite a bit—especially after spaying or neutering. Some of them might even be prone to extra-long naps, snoring, and falling asleep standing up. Their cuddly laziness is something to admire, but be careful not to let them gain a bunch of weight. These dogs are incredibly loyal and protective of their owners and any frequent visitors. However, they can be a little bit territorial and even sometimes aggressive without proper socialization. Getting your puppy out of the house and out to explore is the best way to ensure your adult will have sound judgment and good manners. These dogs are brilliant, but they can be stubborn. So make sure to be firm and consistent in your actions to prevent unwanted behaviors. Are These Dogs Good for Families? So if you have a growing family, the stars may work very well in your household. They will guard your house with their life, so they will always warn you when danger is afoot. They can knock any size person down quite easily with a little force. This breed is typically good with other dogs if they are socialized early. However, same-sex pairs might show aggression near the age of sexual maturity. Some never acclimate well with other dogs. It truly just depends on the individual and the amount of exposure they have to the outside world from puppyhood. EngAms can get along with the family cat as long as they are raised together. However, they will not be suitable for smaller pets or cage animals. Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The American Bulldog is an agile, confident and loyal protector for his human family, as well as of personal property. He is a gentle, affectionate and loving companion, albeit fearless and ready to strike should any intruder cross his path. An energetic, active working dog, the American Bulldog exudes a dominant, powerful and athletic appearance, with strong muscles and substantial boning. He gets along well with young children, as well as dogs and other pets so long as he was raised with them from the start. The American Bulldog does not do well when left alone for prolonged periods of time. With proper socialization, training and regular exercise, the American Bulldog is a true companion and excellent watchdog. Upkeep Because of his working past, the American Bulldog is quite familiar with being outdoors, but like most dogs, he thrives on living indoors with his owner. As such, he should be frequently exercised with plenty of engaging activity to burn off energy and combat boredom, avoiding consequential destructive behavior. Otherwise, the American Bulldog is a relatively low-maintenance breed, requiring not much else than mopping up his regular drool and slobber and minimal grooming for his short, fine coat. Known for his strength, courage and ease around livestock, the breed began being used for bull baiting before it was outlawed in England. Consequently following the ban, the breed was replaced with the less athletic, shorter and stockier English Bulldog. Meanwhile, the original bulldog type was preserved by working class immigrants, who brought them on their journey to America to use as all-around working dogs on farms and ranches in the South. Johnson worked to revive the breed alongside Alan Scott and other breeders. Today, the modern American Bulldog as we know it remains a well-rounded working dog, courageous guard dog and faithful family companion. Related Content.
This article gives guidance on how to crate train an older dog. A List Of Dog Crates Highly Recommended By Labrador Training HQ A high quality, durable crate of the correct size and type is essential to guarantee safety, comfort and to get the best out of the crate training experience. But with so many styles, types and sizes available, selecting a suitable crate is no easy task. So we at Labrador Training HQ have taken the hard work out of the hunt by putting together a hand picked selection of the best crates available that you can see by reading this article. Travel safety — A crate is a very useful tool to confine your dog safely during travel by car or by air and reduces the stress they feel due to being in a comfortable and familiar crate. Security — A dog learns to view their crate as a special place all of their own, where no human ventures and they can get away from it all to be alone when they desire. A crate is the one tool that can be used to dramatically speed up the time needed to train your lab to toilet outside and to improve their bladder and bowel control. Protecting your possessions — A crate is a useful tool in teaching your puppy to be fixated on chew toys and not your furniture and shoes. A quick note about boarding and kennels. When our Linus got sick he had to stay in the kennel at the vets office while he recovered. Thank goodness he was crate trained. When I came in to stay with him he was comfortable in his crate with an IV hanging out of his leg. These are just some of the benefits you and your Labrador can enjoy if you take the time and trouble to crate train your dog. Is Crate Training Always Successful? Sadly not. Dogs are individuals and come with their own likes and dislikes. So although a crate can be used to benefit the vast majority of dogs, there will always be a select few that just will not enjoy or accept being crated. It helped our last 3 puppies Charlie, Doni, and Downey get used to their crate in only a few nights. This is particularly true for the occasional adopted dog for which their background is unknown. Dogs up for adoption may have had bad and traumatic experiences with crates earlier on in their lives, where owners used a crate as a form of punishment or misused a crate amounting to imprisonment. Obviously in these cases, a crate should not be used. These cases though are the exception and not the rule. The vast majority of dogs learn to love and enjoy spending time in their crate. I believe everybody should at least educate themselves on the subject and give it a go. By soaking up the knowledge in this guide and following the steps I outline for crate training, you and your Lab can enjoy the rewards that using a crate provides. Your Lab will be happier, safer, more secure, less likely to engage in destructive behavior and from these facts you can enjoy a greater peace of mind that you are doing the very best for your dog. One of our favorite features is the crate comes with a divider that allows you to adjust the size of your crate as your puppy grows. I will always try my best to respond to every one of them. 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. Print Crate training your Lab puppy, why you should and a guide on how Labrador puppies are so cute and cuddly, it almost seems wrong to put them in a crate. But crate training is one of the best things you can do for your new puppy and for yourself. There are many benefits to crate training your retriever puppy, but it is a process. Learn how to properly crate train a Labrador puppy and why you should start crate training as soon as possible. Why should I crate train my Labrador? While some people think putting a dog in a crate is cruel, experts disagree. Most veterinarians, trainers, and breeders recommend crate training dogs from a young age. Dogs are den animals and often feel most safe when they are in a tight, confined area. A crate can represent this den-like experience for your puppy and give them a place to retreat when they feel stressed, confused, or just need some time alone. Dogs that are crate trained properly do not fear the crate, in fact, they love it and will often seek it out for a nap. Easy and safe transport Crates are the safest way to transport dogs. A dog contained in a crate cannot move around within your vehicle, get in your way while driving or create distractions. In addition, you can buy crates that are 5-star crash tested , possibly giving your dog superior protection if you are involved in an accident. Crates help with housebreaking As discussed in our post on housebreaking your Labrador puppy , crate training can make housebreaking easier and quicker. Crates allow you, as owner, some off-time — time when you do not have to be constantly watching your puppy for potty accidents. In addition, crates help encourage your puppy to hold it, to wait a little longer before going potty, since most puppies hate to mess their bed. Note: My husband and I are professional retriever trainers, so any products listed here are items we use on an almost daily basis. We only recommend products we know are good quality and will stand the test of time. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission, but all opinions and recommendations are my own. Learn more. Can help hunting dogs with blind manners and patience Hunting dogs often need to sit still and quiet for hours on end. Sometime in dog huts or MoMarsh stands. Crates can help hunting dogs by teaching them there is a place that they should simply lay down, rest and keep quiet. Better dog to family relationships and more control Crate training your puppy can provide many benefits for your entire family. Crate training your puppy at a young age means that when you need to put them in a crate they will go in willingly and without a fight. As professional retriever trainers, we crate train all the puppies we raise as custom trained dogs. We also crate train all our own dogs. We find that it makes for a better adjusted puppy all around. Choosing the right crate for crate training Lab puppy Getting ready to crate train your puppy means you need to buy a crate. And the size and type of crate do matter. Size of crate for crate training retrievers You want the crate to be large enough that your puppy is comfortable laying in the crate, but not so big that your puppy can walk around. The puppy should feel snug and protected, but not uncomfortable. The unfortunate thing about crate training this way, is that it means that as your puppy grows, you will need progressively larger crates. While inconvenient and bit more costly, this really is the best way to crate train your puppy. But if you do not wish to buy multiple crates, there are other methods. Some people buy a large crate, the size their dog will need as an adult and then section off some of the crate. Blocking off a portion of the crate will give the puppy that tighter, den-like, experience and ensure that the puppy cannot walk around inside the crate. While this can work, be careful what you use to section the crate off. You would not want to use a material that can be chewed or ingested by your puppy. Puppies are naturally chewers, so keep this in mind. Type of crate for crate training retriever Technically, any kind of crate will work for crate training. But over the years we have found that some crates just simply work better. Plastic crates seem to be the best option. They can be found easily at a local pet store, superstore, or even bought online. There are some inexpensive options that provide the protection and privacy of a den-like experience for the dogs. In addition, they have a solid bottom so should your dog get sick, or if you are in the process of housebreaking, cleanup is rather easy. Wire crates , the kind that you can see right through do not seem to work as well as plastic crates. Wire crates are wide open, they do not provide dogs the opportunity to get away and relax. The wire offers little protection and privacy, and many dogs do not like them as dens. We discuss crate options in more detail here. How to crate train a Lab puppy? Crate training is easiest when done with young puppies. We recommend starting crate training the day you bring the pup home from the breeder. Often this is at around weeks old. The sooner you start, the easier the process will be. Crate training can be done with older dogs, but it may take more effort and patience on your part. Step 1 — Let puppy explore the crate The first step is to place the crate in an area that is frequented by the puppy. Prop the door open in some way, a small bungee works well and let your puppy explore the crate on his own. Puppies are naturally curious, so often they will walk right into the crate on their own. It is best if you do not move the crate around the house. Instead, find a place for the crate where the dog will spend a majority of their time and leave it there. The crate should not be right next to a bed or a bedroom. Your puppy will be sleeping in their crate and your puppy will make more noise and wake up more if the crate is close to you. Also, your puppy is bound to make some noise the first few nights in the crate. Step 2- Establish a routine Develop a routine of putting your puppy down to nap inside the crate. You can put one or two small toys in the crate if you wish and a small towel that you do not care if it gets ruined. I know this sounds self-explanatory, but I have seen it. Also, do not put a dog bed in the crate. A dog bed is too big and bulky to fit into crates well and your puppy will simply chew it to pieces or accidently have a potty accident on it. Once that happens, the bed will have the scent of potty and will work against your housebreaking efforts. That is natural and nothing to be worried about. Simply walk away from the crate and allow the puppy to settle down. Depending on the nature of your puppy this may take a few minutes to an hour or more. It is vital that you stay away from the crate during this time. If you follow this advice, your puppy will quickly learn to be content in the crate and over time the noise will become less and less until they finally understand they must stay in the crate. Step 3 — Watch the clock While I suggest you do not take your puppy out of the crate while they are making noise, you do need to keep an eye on how long your puppy has been in the crate. You do not want your puppy to have an accident in the crate if you can help it. With week old puppies, I start by leaving the puppy in the crate for 1 hour at a time followed by playtime. As the puppy gets older, they can naturally hold their bladder longer. This should go without saying, but you should never leave your dog in a crate 24 hours a day every day. Socialization of young puppies is vital. Block the crate door open again. The door should be blocked open anytime the puppy has not been placed in the crate for some quiet time. The puppy will see or smell the toys and go inside the crate to get them. Some people play crate games. They will throw a toy inside the crate so that the puppy must go inside the crate to retrieve it. These games can help your dog become extremely comfortable with their crate. Over time you will notice that your puppy is not afraid to go inside their crate while the door is open. Sometimes, they will even go inside the crate and lay down when they are tired. This is the reaction you are seeking. How long does it take to crate train a dog? There is no set amount of time it takes to crate train a dog. Each dog will progress on their own schedule. But if you continue to place your puppy inside the crate on a routine basis and make the crate available to your puppy at all times, you will reap the benefits of having successfully crate trained your puppy. Final thoughts on how to crate train a Labrador puppy Crate training is a greatly beneficial thing for Labrador puppies and other retriever breeds. It can mimic a den for these beautiful animals and give them a safe and secure place where they can rest without stress or fear. This helps them with emotional stability and can curb behavior issues. It also makes for a more enjoyable home life with less dog induced strife. How to crate train a Labrador puppy. You can find a summary of these in my crate training schedule chart below Stage 1 Introduction to crate training for puppies from 8 weeks old This stage covers the first week that you bring your puppy home. Your objective at stage 1 is simply to get the puppy used to being in and around the crate with the door open. Leave the door open Start by placing puppy in his crate frequently and each time you place him in there drop several little edible treats through the roof for him. Just let him come straight out again when he has finished his treats. This introduces the crate as a fun and enjoyable place to be. He will soon come to associate this phrase with going into his crate for a treat Closing the door briefly The next step is to close the crate door momentarily and then open it again. Leave it shut only long enough for the puppy to finish his treat and notice that the door is closed. Then let him out. Do not wait until he gets upset or cries. Repeat many, many times during the course of the next day or two. If he is left alone at night whilst he is still homesick he is likely to howl, and howling in his new crate is not a habit we want to establish. Tending to your puppy during the night If the box is right up against the side of your bed, you can put your hand in and comfort him if he cries. Moving your puppy downstairs at night After the first three or four nights, or by the end of the first week, your puppy can be placed in his crate in the kitchen before you go up to bed at night. So if you put him to bed at midnight, you will probably need to get up around 5am to let him out for a wee to begin with. If a puppy has fallen asleep in his crate and slept for more than a couple of hours then you will need to let him out if he wakes up crying. Getting more sleep! If all goes well, you can stretch this five hours out by 15 minutes or so a night until you are getting seven hours sleep. If he wets the bed you will need to get up earlier the next night. And some puppies will be 12 to 14 weeks before they can cope this long. You can find lot more information on teaching your puppy to be clean and dry in our potty training sections. Crate training during the day There is no immediate need to crate your new puppy during the day for more than a few minutes at a time. The main purpose of crating a puppy during the day is to Help the puppy learn to hold onto the contents of his bladder for a bit longer. To keep him safe when you are busy for short periods, or if you need to leave the house for a while. To give him chance to calm down or a break from small children. However, you do need to get the puppy used to spending longer periods in the crate in preparation for being left alone from time to time when he is older. So gradually, you will accustom the puppy to a few longer spells in his crate. These are tough hollow rubber toys that you fill with mushy food and freeze. You can freeze several Kongs at once by standing them on a baking tray in the freezer. Each time you put the puppy in his crate for more than a couple of minutes, you will leave a frozen food filled Kong in there to keep him company. Puppies love these and will soon grow to associate the crate with the pleasure of the frozen Kong. How to get the puppy used to longer crate times Once you have got to the end of the first week and the puppy has accepted the crate as a nice place to be, the next task is to get the puppy to accept the closed door for longer periods of time. This may take a day or two. Place him in the crate with his frozen kong and close the door for 30 seconds. The idea is to leave the door closed for a few seconds longer each time you crate the puppy. But it is very important only to open the door when the puppy has been silent for several seconds. What to do if the puppy cries in his crate If the puppy starts to whimper or howl you will need to turn away from the crate and ignore him. Wait for the silence as he stops crying and gets to work on his puppy kong. Tell him what a good dog he is. Let him out immediately and go back to much briefer periods of closed door for a while. Try ten seconds or five. Build up again gradually, but do not be tempted to avoid crating him because it upsets him. Once the puppy is happy in his crate, you can use it to help with his potty training. Until then, make sure that you crate him for very short periods when you know his bladder is empty. Otherwise he will wet himself when he gets upset. Puppies that cry need crating more often! If your puppy whines in the crate, you need to crate him more often not less, and for shorter periods. Check out our in-depth article on coping with a crying puppy for more information Just make sure that each time he is crated is very, very brief to begin with. That way he will learn that being crated is not a big deal Warning: if you open the crate door whilst your puppy is howling, he will howl longer and harder next time! Build up slowly to a minute, then two minutes, then three, five, seven, ten, fifteen minutes and so on. How long can a puppy be left in a crate People often ask how long a puppy can be left alone in his crate. For puppies three to six months old I think two hours is a maximum, and for puppies under three months, one hour. If you need to leave your puppy for longer than this, then you need to consider a puppy proof room or pen where water and puppy pads are always available, or even a weatherproof outdoor kennel and run. This involves putting puppy pads down in a large puppy pen or puppy proofed room so that your puppy always has access to a toilet area. You can find out much more about overcoming the problems of being a working puppy parent in this article: combining a puppy with full time work. Stage 3 Training your puppy to go into his crate on command! As your puppy grows bigger, picking him up and putting him in his crate becomes more of a physical event! Provided you are not leaving your puppy alone for too long, he should be happy to go willingly into his crate. This can be achieved through training. This will probably take a couple of weeks. Maybe more if your puppy really does not like his crate at the moment. Have several training sessions each day — at least three. And do 20 or 30 repetitions of the following exercise in each session. This will take you about five minutes. If you are have never used one before, check out this article before you begin: Charging your clicker. Imagine a zone around the crate. It should not be so small that the dog avoids it altogether. A couple of feet in each direction is fine. The object is to get your puppy to choose to enter this zone. You are teaching him to chose to approach the crate. EXERCISE 2 entering the crate doorway In this exercise, you are going to click and treat the dog for putting a nose, or a paw through the opening into a crate. For some dogs this is too big a jump and you will need to work on a smaller crate zone first. We are moving the goalposts and the dog will be surprised when you do not reward him for entering the zone. He will quickly try something different. Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog enters the crate zone Repeat five times Throw the treat outside the zone so that he has to re-enter to get the next reward. The next time he enters the zone, wait for him to go closer to the crate and put his nose in the opening What if he fails to do this? Repeat from step 3 until the dog repeatedly puts his nose through the crate door. Now you can stop rewarding him for simply entering the zone. It just takes longer with some dogs than others. Use his entire food ration if necessary. Remember, if you have to go out, scoop him up without a word, and place him in there bodily. Do not use the clicker or any other part of this process, or attempt to lure him in. You going out is a punishment in his mind. Behavior that is punished will diminish. When you click, he will come dashing out again for his treat. Again, we begin the exercise with something we know he can already do Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog puts his nose through the crate doorway Repeat five times Throw each treat outside the zone so that he has to re-enter to get the next reward. The next time he puts his nose through the doorway, withold the click. Wait for him to go further in Repeat and gradually raise the criteria you are setting so that more and more of the dog must be through the doorway to get a reward. The exercise is done when the dog repeatedly goes right inside his crate. With a dog that is not crate-shy, you can often work through these three Exercises in a day or two. EXERCISE 4 spending time in the crate Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog goes inside the crate Repeat five times The next time he enters the crate withold the click and treat for two seconds If he remains in the crate click and treat If he leaves the crate wait for him to re-enter Repeat from step five until he can wait 2 seconds in the crate and then increase to 3 seconds Work your way up to ten seconds When the dog can cope with ten seconds waiting in the crate, you are ready to close the door. To begin with this will be momentary EXERCISE 5 closing the door Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat after 10 seconds, each time the dog goes inside the crate Repeat five times The next time he enters the crate close the door and immediately open it again Wait a few seconds then If he remains in the crate click and treat If he leaves the crate wait for him to re-enter Repeat from step five until he will go into the crate, watch you open and close the door, and remain in the crate for a few more seconds after you have opened the door. We are nearly there! Use the cue you have chosen. You know the procedure now. We want him to have absorbed the association between this cue and the act of entering the crate. Now it is time to use the cue in advance of the behavior. Once the dog is repeatedly racing into the crate on your cue, we need to make sure he can distinguish this command from other commands. In this case the dog is not discriminating between different cues, but rather making assumptions about what game you are going to play. So the next step in training is to mix in another cue. If he is confused, and he may be, show him what you want, just like before. You now have a dog that actually understands the meaning of In Your Crate and happily complies with your command. It is time for him to adapt to being confined after being told to go in there. Start slowly and build up EXERCISE 9 adding duration Place a Kong with food in it, or some treats on a slow feed bowl into the crate without your dog spotting you Cue the dog into the crate call him into the room first Shut the door and leave it closed for one minute Open the door again and ignore the dog. It is up to him if he stays in the crate or comes out Repeat from step 1 gradually increasing the time you wait before opening the door Vary the length of time you keep the door closed. Sometimes two minutes, sometimes as much as fifteen minutes. Now you can begin to send the dog into his crate for longer periods, such as when you go out for an hour or so. Maintenance tips Send the puppy into his crate often, not just when you need to. Make sure there is always a tasty treat or a Kong in there waiting for him Sometimes when you send him in, close the door If you know you are going to go out shut him in at least ten minutes before you start getting ready to leave If you know you are going to go out always leave him with a Kong full of frozen food When you are not going out, vary the times he is shut in from two to thirty minutes Send him in from time to time without closing the door Provided your dog is not left overly long in a crate on a regular basis, this should overcome any shyness he has about going in there. Dogs of any age can be trained to crate on cue using this system. For more information on using a clicker check out : Ten great reasons to start clicker training Stage 4 Growing up By twelve weeks or three months old, many puppies will be sleeping 7 hours or more at night and going happily into their crates on cue, if they have been taught to do this. When to let your puppy out of the crate at night If all goes well, by about six months of age, your Labrador puppy should be clean and dry in the house, and sleeping soundly through the night in his crate. At this point, many puppy owners breath a big sigh of relief and start to look forward to the prospect of removing this massive and annoying crate from their kitchen for good. So, at what age is it OK to start leaving a puppy loose in the kitchen overnight? And how do you get your dog used to a basket or dog bed, rather than sleeping in his crate? Age related crate training schedules Most people are reluctant to give out information on how long a puppy should be crated, or what to expect at different stages, because puppies are so different from one another. So, I have included a rough guide or puppy crate training chart above. It really is just a rough guide. Your best approach is to simply follow the four stages outlined above, from start to finish, and not worry too much about where your dog is at the moment. Crate Training and Toilet Training Crate training Done right, crate training is possibly the best thing you will ever do for your dog. Crate training is a very popular way of keeping puppies safe and is a highly effective tool to fast track toilet training. The dog comes to see the crate as his own space, his den, his safe-haven, and his favourite place to sleep. Some puppies love their crates immediately, while others need a little time to acclimate. Our labradors are crate trained very early, and by the time you pick up your puppy from us, he will already be familiar with a crate. Most dogs quickly choose a small area, such a corner of a room, or under a table, or near a couch where they like to relax. Crate training techniques Make the crate comfortable with bedding and safe toys. Encourage him to enter the crate of his own will, by tossing some treats inside the door of the crate. Provide a crate-mountable water bucket. For a puppy, the bucket should be shallow with only a small amount of water in the bottom. Once the puppy is comfortable inside the crate with you nearby, gradually move further away and out of sight, building up the duration. Feed him his meals inside the crate to continue a positive association with the crate. If the puppy whines or barks in his crate, wait until he is quiet before opening the door and letting him out. The process of crate-acclimatisation can be adapted to adult dogs too. The crate is a not a punishment tool. It is a safe and comfortable place to go, so do not punish him by confining him to his crate when he has done something wrong. The crate is not a long-term confinement means. Dogs should be allowed to exercise and freely move about in the yard, a secure area, or within the home. The puppy only goes into his crate for short periods of time, and to sleep at night. He may sleep in there for scheduled rest periods each day and of course during the night , when you have visitors or are cooking in the kitchen, or anytime he needs a nap or quiet time to relax. A young puppy has limited bladder control. If you leave him there too long, you are forcing him to soil his bed which dogs absolutely hate soiling their own bed. This will cause him to be very upset and is very unfair. Always toilet him before asking him to go to his crate. Keep reading below for toilet-training lessons. Whining and barking are fundamental aspects of puppyhood, especially in young puppies. Make sure to never reinforce the behaviour by letting him out of the crate while he is crying or whining. Wait a short time until he is quiet before letting him out. This way he learns that he is allowed out when he is quiet and calm, and that yelling does not get his way providing you have met all his physical needs such as toileting, feeding and watering. The crate should be big enough for the puppy to stand and turn around comfortably. If the crate is too big, your puppy might find a corner to soil in. To make the crate more den-like and feel safe, put a blanket or crate cover over the crate, leaving one end or side open for movement of air. This has a calming effect for most dogs. Good places to keep the crate are near your kitchen or family room. A radio or television playing in the background or a clock ticking nearby, may help to calm the dog when you are out of his sight in the house, as this can mask environmental noises that can stimulate him to vocalize. Toileting training or house-training your puppy Probably the first thing puppy-owners wish for is a house-trained puppy. This achievable and only requires you understand your puppy and are consistent. Your puppy has no choice about going to the toilet, it is the most natural thing in the world. If your puppy has run of the house unsupervised, you are setting him up to fail — toileting inside the house is inevitable and impedes house-training. Crate training helps fast track the process because a puppy never desires to soil his own bed he is the one who has to sleep there. Crate him for his meal, take him out the toilet on his leash about 10 minutes after his meal and stay with him to observe he has done his business. Puppies have very little control over their small bladder, and have no idea that there is a right and wrong place to toilet. If you can avoid accidents as much as possible from the start, you will make faster progress — this means the more effort you put in at the beginning the better things will be. Puppies will toilet where they have been before. So, if an accident occurs, be sure to clean up very well, as he will smell that is where he has been before and likely try to go there again. You have to teach your puppy where he needs to be before he takes a pee or poop. Times when your puppy is guaranteed to toilet: within 10 minutes of any food or water or play, and when he wakes. These are the times you especially need to take him to his toilet spot. Signs of an impending pee or poop include: circling and sniffing, a bulging anus, agitation and whimpering. A labrador puppy can be toilet-trained by the age of 4 months old if you are diligent and consistent in your toilet-training. Be aware that despite all your hard effort, the occasional accident might still occur. You missed the signs that he needed to go. Never punish a puppy for an accident. Toilet him sooner the next time and praise him. At night, carry him out quietly no talking to him , ask him to go to the toilet when you place him down in his toilet area, and quietly return him to his bed so he will resettle. Crate of the correct size for your dog Treats Blanket or dog bed According to the American Kennel Club, Labs are one of the most popular breeds in America , and for good reasons. Many love to play fetch, and others are glad to be your running buddy. You have a long fun life ahead of you with your Labrador retriever puppy. Should that life include crate training? Crate training a Lab puppy is actually a good idea. Image used with permission by copyright holder Are Labs easy to crate train? You may have some pet-parent guilt about putting your fur baby in a crate. The good news is that Labs often make crate training easy on their parents. They love making their humans happy, so they take to all kinds of training well, including crates. Every puppy is different, though. Your veterinarian or a trainer can help you through any troubles that may arise. Crate training a Lab puppy is one of the best ways you can help them thrive in their new home. Experts say your new pup will reap many benefits from having a crate, including: Easier potty training. Housebreaking can be one of the tallest tasks new pet parents have to work on with their Lab puppies. Crate training makes it a little easier and less messy. Reduced stress. Labs tend to be adaptable, but a new home can be stressful for anyone. Even social pets need to chill sometimes. Consider it a space for self-care, kind of like your bedroom may be for you. Safer car rides. A crate is one of the safest spots for a pet in the car. Image used with permission by copyright holder How to crate train a Lab puppy Though Labs tend to take to training quickly, they still need some guidance from you. Step 1: Select the correct crate size for your puppy. Labs will generally grow to weigh 55 to 80 pounds. You want a space your pet can move around in comfortably. They should be able to sit , lie down, stand, and turn. The puppy may soil the space if they have enough room. Most crates will have height and weight specifications on them, and once you have that information, you can purchase one. Step 2: Make the crate comfy. You probably made your bedroom into a comfortable spot for you to sleep at night. Make it a cozy hangout spot by putting some blankets or a bed in there. Toys keep it fun.
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When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Some factors that could influence price are: Whether the dog is show quality or pet quality Whether the dog has champion bloodlines The rarity of the color or markings How close to Atlanta the breeder is located If the breeder offers a health guarantee How Much Does An English Bulldog Cost To Keep? This includes food, vet care, and other expenses such as toys and treats. Bulldogs are prone to health problems, so be sure to have a fund set aside for unexpected medical expenses. Some breeders may offer discounts for families who are interested in adopting multiple puppies. Contact the breeders listed below to inquire about their current litters and pricing. While it is possible to find a free English Bulldog puppy in Georgia, it is important to remember that these dogs are expensive to care for. Bulldogs are prone to health problems and require regular vet visits and vaccinations. There is a good chance that these puppies may have health problems or be from a puppy mill. These breeders are knowledgeable about the breed and have a history of breeding healthy puppies. The breeder should be able to provide documentation from a veterinarian that shows that all of the puppies in the litter are healthy and have been vaccinated and dewormed. The breeder should also be willing to answer any questions you have about the puppies and their parents. Contact the breeders listed above to inquire about their current litters and pricing. It is important that you meet the breeder and see the conditions of their facility and the health of their dogs before you make any decisions. Visiting your breeder in person will allow you to see the whole litter and ask any questions you may have about the breed. When looking for an English Bulldog breeder, it is important to find one that is reputable and has your best interests at heart. By visiting the breeder in person, you can be sure that you are making a wise decision for both yourself and your new pet. A good breeder will be happy to answer any questions that you have and will allow you to spend time with the puppies before you make a purchase. You should also ask for references from other dog owners who have purchased dogs from the same breeder. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your English Bulldog Breeder in Georgia When looking for an English Bulldog breeder, be sure to ask for references from people who have purchased dogs from them in the past. This will help you to get an idea of what to expect when dealing with the breeder and will allow you to see how other customers felt about their experience. In addition, you should also ask the breeder questions about their facility, the health of their dogs, and their breeding practices. This information will help you to make an informed decision about whether or not the breeder is right for you. You should also ask if you can tour the facility where the dogs are bred and raised. This will allow you to see firsthand the conditions of the facility and the health of the dogs. They can also tell you about any problems they may have had with the breeder and how well the pup was adapted to his or her new home. By meeting past customers, you will be able to make an informed decision about whether or not to work with the breeder. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry, so be sure to ask as many questions as possible before purchasing a dog from an English Bulldog breeder in Georgia. Make sure that you feel comfortable with your English Bulldog breeder before you make a purchase. By asking questions and meeting past customers, you can be sure that you are making a wise decision for both yourself and your new pet. It is important to find an English Bulldog breeder in Georgia that has a good veterinarian they use. A good breeder will be happy to provide you with the contact information for their veterinarian and will be willing to answer any questions you have about their care. They should also allow you to schedule appointments with the veterinarian so that you can get an idea of how well they take care of their dogs. By having a good relationship with a veterinarian, the breeder is showing that they are invested in the wellbeing of their dogs. You can be sure that the puppies are receiving high-quality care when the breeder is willing to work closely with a veterinarian. Here are some tips to spot these backyard breeders: The breeder has multiple litters of puppies available at one time. The breeder is not willing to answer questions about their dogs or their facility. The breeder does not allow you to meet the parents of the puppies. The breeder is not open about their breeding practices. The breeder charges an unusually high price for their puppies. If you come across a breeder that shows any of these signs, it is best to avoid doing business with them. There are plenty of other breeders out there that will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about purchasing a dog. The breeder should be able to tell you about the health of the parents of the puppy and should also offer a guarantee of the health of the pup. If your breeder does not offer a guarantee of the health of the puppy, it is best to avoid doing business with them. There are plenty of other breeders who will be happy to stand behind their puppies and ensure that you are getting a healthy dog. By asking about the health of the puppy, you can be sure that you are making a wise decision for both yourself and your new pet. Make sure to ask as many questions as possible before making a purchase from an English Bulldog breeder in Georgia. Here are some tips to get you started: Puppy-proof your home: Remove any items that could be harmful to a puppy, such as toxic plants, small objects they could choke on, and chemicals. Create a safe space: Set up a quiet area in your home where your puppy can feel safe and secure. This should be away from high traffic areas and noisy appliances. Stock up on supplies: Before your puppy comes home, make sure you have everything you need, such as food, bowls, a collar and leash, toys, and a crate. By following these tips, you can be sure that your home is ready for your new English Bulldog puppy. Here are some tips to get you started: Establish a routine: Potty training is much easier when your puppy has a regular schedule. Take them out first thing in the morning, after naps and meals, and before bedtime. This will help your puppy understand what you want them to do. Be patient: Potty training takes time and patience. Do not punish your puppy if they have an accident, as this will only make them scared of going potty in front of you. By following these tips, you will be on your way to potty training your new English Bulldog puppy in no time. There are many benefits to purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder, such as: You will know the health history of the parents of the puppy. The puppies will have been well-socialized and exposed to different people, places, and things. The breeder will be able to answer any questions you have about the breed. The puppies will have been bred for good temperament and conformation. You will be able to visit the facility where the puppies were raised. By working with a reputable breeder, you can be sure that you are getting a healthy puppy that has been well-cared for. This will give you the best chance for success in raising your new English Bulldog. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter.
It is a medium to large-sized dog very well known for its strength, trainability, and intelligence. Discover more about our German Shepherd puppies for sale below! Breed History In the 19th century, Shepherds bred all kinds of dogs mainly to herd and guard flocks. Thus, the dogs needed to display a high level of intelligence, extra normal strength, resilience, courage and bravery, a keen sense of smell, and trainability qualities, etc. These mongrel combinations provided dog breeds that could efficiently guard and herd flocks but differed in appearance and ability, from one locality to another. Temperament German Shepherd dogs are well known to be highly inquisitive which makes them excellent for rescue mission training. The German Shepherd has a noble character and shows very high levels of loyalty to its owners. The dog is also described as extremely territorial and has displayed characteristics of overprotectiveness in some cases. Environment The German shepherd can survive in all types of environment; their thick furriness makes them better prepared for cold climates. Exercise German Shepherds are considered extremely playful and active. These breeds spend half of their daily routine with activities. The German Shepherd is popularly known as an athletic natured dog and requires a good dose of daily exercise to keep up muscle tone, build and development. If improperly exercised the German Shepherd has been known to become frustrated and exhibit undesirable behaviors. Grooming The German Shepherd requires an occasional brushing, as this helps with removing loose hair from its fur. The German Shepherd sheds fur once or twice a year and in this time the breed requires a lot of soft brushing. This can be done using a soft to medium bristle brush. The German Shepherd occasionally requires that its nails are trimmed off when they grow too long, however, some breeds instinctually file their nails against any hard surface that can be fine. Excessive nail growth can cause much pain and even lead to structural concerns. In choosing a German Shepherd breed you must ask yourself what it is you want in a dog and what kind of person are you? Our German Shepherd puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Contact us today to learn more about the availability of our German Shepherd puppies for sale. We look forward to helping you find your next family member. Our pet counselors can answer any questions you have about our German Shepherd puppies. A: Healthy German Shepherds live for as long as between nine to thirteen years, however, some german shepherd has lived much longer than Thirteen years. Q2: How fast can German Shepherds run? A: An adult German Shepherd can run approximately 30miles per hour. A: Originally the German Shepherd was bred for guarding and herding of flocks. The German Shepherd dog is highly intelligent and a fairly quick learner and that is why Police and Military institutions use them in operations. Q4: What is the perfect diet plan for my German Shepherd dog? A: The German Shepherd must get all required nourishment in its daily meal, which includes all types of animal protein this enables muscle development and growth , Calcium-rich food, MultiVitamin supplements, and glucose water. Real meat, bone and organ meat liver, heart, kidney is the best food for your dog. Q5: How do I care for a German Shepherd dog? A: The German Shepherd sheds lightly all through the year so be sure to brush it at least twice weekly. Bathe it after each shedding season. Brush its teeth at least once a month. Feed with healthy meals. Routine exercise of at least 45 minutes each day is crucial to the existence of a German Shepherd. Q6: Do they shed a lot? A: Yes, German Shepherds sheds heavily all year round and blows the thick, dense fur under its harsh topcoat twice a year. Q7: Are German Shepherds good with kids? A: German Shepherds are good with kids, however, they can become very protective because of this adult supervisor is highly recommended. Q8: At what age are German Shepherds fully grown? A: In moderation German Shepherds, reach full maturity between months i. There have been known cases of some Eastern European lines taking up to 3years i. Q9: Why do German shepherd ears stand up? A: During the early puppy age weeks German shepherds have floppy ears but this usually becomes pointed ears, standing up due to the cartilage in the ear becoming hard and strong thereby making the ears stand permanently. Q Are male or female German shepherd more affectionate? The female may also be less tolerable than the male when it comes to playing with children. German Shepherd Puppies Pensacola, Fl are available from breeders that specialize in these dogs. Also, a good breeder will be more than happy to show you the pedigree of the dog, as well as a health clearance. Also, a good breeder will ask you for more things before he or she will ship you off with a pup. Besides, they are not in a hurry to send a puppy away. Another thing to consider when looking for a German Shepherd puppy is its personality. Because they need a lot of activity, German Shepherds need a lot of exercises. They also need a lot of attention. They can bite if they feel threatened. This breeder specializes in German Shepherds and imports them from Germany. They also offer training services. They are a great choice for those who want a companion and work in the community. German Shepherds are easy to train, and they do best in a structured environment. Another great reason to choose a German Shepherd puppy is because of its high intelligence and loyalty. While originally bred for herding sheep, German Shepherds now make excellent family pets and security dogs. The breeders of German Shepherds in Florida are specially qualified to offer the best service to your family. They have extensive experience with police dogs and specialized training for these animals. They use these techniques to breed their dogs to be the best in the business. And you can rest assured that your puppy will be healthy and happy thanks to the food the breeder feeds them. Each puppy comes with a warranty. Share this:.
This is why it is crucial that you understand how much to feed an English Bulldog puppy for proper health and longevity. These puppies need the same attention, particularly when it comes to eating, which is essential for good growth and development. If you have an English Bulldog puppy or are thinking about obtaining one, you will find our English Bulldog feeding chart invaluable. Puppies of all breeds, including the English Bulldog, need a diet tailored to their specific needs as they grow. Puppies under 3 months of age need more frequent feedings three to four per day , whereas pups aged 3 to 6 months only need three meals per day. They should be fed twice a day once they reach 6 months of age. You should also provide clean water for your dog at all times. They should be fed a high-quality puppy chow that has been moistened with water if they have begun eating solid food. An English Bulldog puppy of 6 weeks old should be energetic and sociable. Kids may start to act independently and exhibit their own unique identities. Take care not to leave any little things lying about that they may accidentally ingest. Give them a lot of things to chew on since teething may be uncomfortable for them. An English Bulldog puppy of 8 weeks old will likely be full of life and activity. They might be resistant, therefore your training efforts will need some time. Keep an eye out for symptoms of separation anxiety and work on establishing a routine. An English Bulldog puppy of 10 weeks will likely still be a lot of fun. Control their food consumption based on their weight. This may be given to the dog in two or three smaller meals. By the time they are 16 weeks old, English Bulldog puppies usually have a lot of excess energy and need to spend a lot of time playing and being active. Although signs of increased autonomy are encouraging, further training is still essential. Keep an eye on their eating habits and make any necessary adjustments to curb obesity. In some cases, you can feed them 4 cups but this is only if they are highly active. To avoid obesity, it is crucial to keep an eye on their weight and make dietary adjustments as required. Avoid overfeeding your English Bulldog since doing so might lead to obesity and health issues. It would be necessary to increase this till maturity. Puppies need a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients in addition to the macronutrients protein, fat, and carbs they consume. There should be a healthy equilibrium between calcium and phosphorus to avoid orthopedic issues, since both are crucial for bone formation. Avoiding obesity and its associated health risks requires careful nutrition and weight monitoring. To meet their energy demands and encourage healthy development, English Bulldog pups should be given many short meals throughout the day. Puppies should be fed three to four times a day until they are six months old, however, this may vary according to their age. They may reduce their intake to twice a day after six months. Overfeeding and free-feeding may cause obesity and other health issues. Kibble is practical since it can be stored easily and because it aids in the maintenance of healthy teeth. Wet food is a better alternative for fussy eaters or dogs with digestive concerns since it is often more appealing and may be simpler to digest. It has a shorter shelf life and may be more costly than kibble. The best option is ultimately determined by the specific requirements and preferences of each dog. Between 12 and 18 months of age, most experts advise making the transition to regular table fare. If you want to save your English Bulldog any stomach trouble, make the transfer to a new meal slowly over the course of a week to ten days. The best way to introduce a new meal to a pet is to incorporate it into their regular diet slowly at first. Selecting a premium adult dog food that is tailored to the specific dietary requirements of English Bulldogs is essential. Talk to your vet about when and what kind of food is best for your dog. Puppies have distinct nutritional demands that need feeding them at certain times and in precise quantities of food. Maintaining a healthy weight in your puppy may be achieved by regular feeding on a schedule and careful monitoring of food consumption. The Bulldog-shaped kibble is simple to pick up and chew, and the high-quality proteins and prebiotics support good digestion and stool quality. Given that they are experts in the field of animal health and welfare, they will know the best meal schedule for your dog. This is one of the simplest methods to keep your Bulldog happy and healthy. Therefore, by choosing the best food for your beloved buddy to eat, you could extend its life span! Some examples of dry dog food are dog biscuits, kibble, and flaked cereals. Before serving dry dog foods to Bulldogs, warm water or broth is frequently added to this to improve the texture and enhance the flavor. Canned Wet Food: Canned wet food is sometimes preferable to dry food because it has a lot more moisture and thus will keep your dog hydrated. Moreover, wet dog food is also more likely to be appreciated by your English Bulldog puppy because it is usually more flavorful. However, wet food may increase the likelihood of dental issues. Homemade Diet: Homemade diets can help you save money. This diet also allows you to have more control over the macronutrients your dog consumes. As a result, with a homemade diet, you can rest assured that your dog is only consuming the best ingredients. Raw Diet: Raw dog food can be purchased as a frozen log, or it can simply be prepared at home. However, keep in mind that it should be prepared using quality meat and healthy fats. When it comes to choosing the right food for a Bulldog puppy, you need to be sure that it has high-quality protein to allow its body to function properly. If you accidentally drop something on the floor, these canines will gobble it up. However, some foods are incredibly toxic and dangerous for English Bulldogs to consume, even in small amounts. Here are some foods that you should avoid feeding your Bulldogs: Chocolate: This delectable human food includes theobromine , a poison that impairs the kidney, heart, and other important organ functions of a Bulldog puppy. If consumed in large amounts, xylitol can cause severe liver damage to your Bulldog. Raw Bread Dough: This is extremely poisonous. Milk and Other Dairy Products: Providing milk and other dairy products could lead to puppy diarrhea and other digestive system problems. These human foods may also set off food allergies, which may result in crusty scabs around the mouth of your dog. Grapes and Raisins: These may be enticing to dogs as treats or snacks, but they could also contain mold and fungus, which can result in gastrointestinal discomfort, seizures , lethargy, or kidney failure. Tomatoes: These contain tomatine , a poisonous alkaloid that can cause muscle weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures. Avocado: This tasty human food contains persin, which takes dogs some time to digest. It may cause severe stomach pain, breathing problems, and a buildup of fluid in the chest. Mushrooms: If your English Bulldog puppy consumes wild mushrooms, you should treat it as an emergency because it can result in neurological symptoms, kidney and liver failure, and even death. Macadamia Nuts and Walnuts: These delicious Hawaiian treats rank among the most hazardous human foods for dogs. These nuts can cause hind legs to become paralyzed for anywhere between 12 and 24 hours after consumption. Aside from the listed foods, there are other foods that your Bulldog puppy should stay away from. Therefore, when your dog transitions from a puppy to an adult dog and also when they get closer to seniority, it makes sense to switch to a different diet. It could take some trial and error to find the best food for them. You can use the following transition chart as a guide for your English Bulldog puppy: Day. A somewhat sedentary breed, Bulldogs are susceptible to weight gain, sensitive tummy, food allergies and flatulence. Being blunt, feeding Bulldogs can be challenging! Receive smart Bulldog diet choices here and additional info about feeding Bulldog puppies. Feeding Bulldogs Gorgeous to some, a wrinkled mess to others, and just plain odd looking to many, everyone knows a Bulldog. While easy going and friendly, Bulldogs in general are not overly energetic and seem somewhat sedentary by nature. This, coupled with their short stocky build, leaves our awesome bullies prone to obesity. Unpleasant health issues are also common in Bulldogs and in many cases, can be diet related. Your Bulldog should mature to a average adult weight of 40 to 60 pounds, so feeding Bulldogs should not be a major expense. However, diet related annoyances like skin irritations, flatulence, body odor and more, makes investing in a quality mid protein corn free food like the Recommended Dog Food Brands here, important. To learn how we choose quality kibble formulas, or for help selecting your own, visit our Feeding Dry Dog Food section. For a great alternative to kibble and food we highly recommend for Bulldogs see our Raw Feeding Dogs section. Feeding Bulldogs Although a Bulldogs aren't as active when compared to other medium breeds, they are very muscular so quality meat proteins are essential to support good health. Generally speaking, your Bulldog should consume the following per day. Young adults that are active, about 1, calories of quality dog food each day. Less active and energetic adult Bulldogs, about 1, to 1, calories per day. Start with feeding guidelines provided on your bag of kibble and adjust accordingly for a stocky yet fit Bulldog. To sum it up, about 3 to 4 cups of quality kibble per day, split into two meals, is a great starting point for feeding Bulldogs. Amount fed may go up or down based on your dog's size, weight, age and overall daily activity. If you feed a super charged, calorie dense, grain free kibble such as EVO, you'll be feeding slightly less. TIP: Bulldogs are a thick, stocky, muscular breed so while we strive to feed for muscle growth, it's never a good idea to let your Bulldog become overweight, whatever their life stage. Kibble formulas with multiple meat protein sources are also good practice and add insurance that protein is being delivered optimally to be metabolized by your Collie's body. To maintain joint health for this active breed, kibble containing chondroitin and glucosamine are also a great idea. For a beautiful shiny coat and healthy skin, choose a formula with Omega-6 fatty acids. Feeding Bulldog Puppies High power medium breed puppy foods and easy on the exercise with Bulldog puppy for the first year. Bulldog puppies can eat and often consume more than they should wo we don't recommend free feeding. A high protein puppy food is appropriate during the growth stage until about 12 to 14 months of age. Don't overfeed or free feed a puppy, keep meal times on a schedule, twice a day works best for most Bulldog puppy owners. Overfeeding your young Bulldog, especially with puppy food, can result in an overweight puppy that is susceptable to joint, muscle and bone problems. Play time is essential to puppy development and also allows young dogs to burn the high calorie puppy food they've been eating. Bulldogs are not over active but do require exercise, be sure to allow supervised exercise with your puppy. Encourage play with other puppies or littermates to help develop social skills but be sure to thwart any rough or extended play. Growing bones can be fragile in any dog breed and over exercise can actually damage developing hips and joints if our pups are allowed to go at it non stop. With Bulldogs however, this is not typically a problem. Switching Your Puppy To Adult Diet When it's time to make the switch from puppy food to adult, you may notice your Bulldog giving you hints by showing less interest in their meals. When you're ready to switch over to an adult dog food do so slowly over the course of a week by gradually mixing a percentage of each meal with the new food. Sudden variations in diet rarely go off without a hitch with Bulldogs. The result, digestive issues, loose stool, upset stomach and diarrhea. .If you're feeding a dry dog food, your Bulldog will drink a lot of water and if feeding a Raw Dog Diet , very little. In either case, be sure to allow free access to clean water at all times. Additional Bulldog Tips Many Bulldogs will NOT self regulate their meals and if left to do so, may eat a day's worth of dog food in 15 minutes. A feeding routine is recommended, twice a day is typical for adult Bulldogs but some owners feed one meal per day. More common however with RAW feeders. Don't forget to check out our Feeding Dry Dog Food articles which really focus on selecting a quality kibble for your Border Collie. And, if there's another mid-size dog in your pack, Feeding Medium Size Dogs provides access to a library of breed specific feeding guides. For help choosing kibble dog food for your Bulldog plus additional info about raw feeding, visit our Homepage for quick banner access to the major sections of our website! Different sizes and breeds of dog, naturally, need different amounts of food. But how much should you be feeding your English bulldog or puppy per day? How many cups of food should I feed my English Bulldog? How much you need to feed your English Bulldog will depend on their age and weight. It can vary between half a cup to 2 cups of food a day. Adult dogs are fed twice, puppies should be fed 3 times. English Bulldog puppies are still developing and will burn through calories quicker, meaning their feeding schedule should be 3 times a day. English Bulldog feeding chart and guide Below you can see an English Bulldog feeding chart which gives you a great overview of how many cups of food you should feed an English Bulldog puppy or adult. This is how many cups of food you should feed an English Bulldog puppy or adult according to the Royal Canin pet food company. How many cups of food should I feed my English Bulldog puppy? English Bulldog puppy at 2 months: 1 third of a cup, 3 times daily English Bulldog puppy at 3 months: 1 third of a cup, 3 times daily English Bulldog puppy at 4 months: 1 third of a cup, 3 times daily English Bulldog puppy at 5 months: Half a cup, twice a day English Bulldog puppy at 6 months: Half a cup, twice a day English Bulldog puppy at 7 to 12 months: Half a cup, twice a day This English Bulldog puppy feeding schedule should continue until they are 12 months old. After that point your English Bulldog is an adult and should switch to the recommended feeding guidelines shown on the feeding chart. What vets say about English Bulldog feeding amounts When you first get your English Bulldog, your vet should be able to recommend you an amount of food and how many times a day to feed them. Puppies need less food than an adult dog, and as the dog gets older you will gradually have to increase the amount of food you give them. There are several different types of food available for dogs, each having its own pros and cons, and with each dog having their own preferences. Dry food: including kibble and flaked cereals, has very low moisture content, meaning that they will have a higher appetite. Dry food is also often made into dog treats and dog biscuits, which can be a great occasional in-between meal snack to keep your dog occupied or to reward them for good behaviour. Wet food: is far better for keeping your dog hydrated, cooked at high temperatures and being incredibly fresh. Unfortunately, they have a short shelf life when opened and can be a messy option for over-eager dogs. Semi-moist: has a combination of the chewiness of dry food with the hydration of wet food. Coming in sachets, they are a popular alternative for those who are unsure if wet or dry food is the best option for their dog. How much food should I feed my English Bulldog puppy? Feeding a puppy is rather different to feeding an adult dog, needing smaller amounts of food more often throughout the day, with their eating habits changing as they grow older. Your vet should be able to recommend an amount per day to feed your new bulldog puppy if you are unsure about how to understand the puppy feeding chart shown earlier. English Bulldog puppies are typically fed three times a day, with around a handful of kibble each time around a third of a cup per portion until they are around 6 months old. However, your vet may recommend a larger amount if they do not think they are getting enough. English Bulldog puppy feeding schedules will differ, with 3 times a day being recommended. When feeding English Bulldog puppies, make sure that the food is easily accessible, and that the food bowl or tray is not set too high that they struggle to eat it. English Bulldogs have naturally short muzzles and can sometimes struggle to lift their heads up high, so setting it lower down will make it easier for them to swallow. If your puppy is turning its nose up at its food, make sure it is fully hydrated and well before trying out a mixture of dry and wet foods; every dog has different preferences to food, so finding out what your puppy likes can really help make dinner time easier and less stressful for you both. Handy Hint: Your English Bully can throw up after eating too much food, but the vomit could also mean something else. Here are the top reasons why this breed throws up so much. What food is best for English Bulldogs? With so many different dog foods on the market, it can be difficult to choose what the best kind of dog food for your bulldog is. It contains Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health, as well as other antioxidants and vitamins. Made in the USA, it contains no fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors or added sugar. Natural Balance — Ultra Premium Wet Dog Food: made with real beef, this wet dog food comes in many different flavors such as Beef, Chicken, Lamb and Liver, all mixed with brown rice, carrots and potatoes. What human food can bulldogs eat? Sometimes you want to share your food with your English Bulldog, but you do have to be careful as many foods we eat every day can prove harmful if not fatal to our furry companions. Aside from meat, some other human foods that dogs can freely eat are: White and brown rice: with many dog foods containing some form of rice as an ingredient. Dairy products: in small quantities, this does not include lactose intolerant dogs, who should not eat dairy products at all. Peanut Butter: this is a favourite for many dogs, make sure that it is natural, unsalted peanut butter with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs. Fruit: such as blueberries, goji berries, bananas, cucumbers and watermelon are all suitable for dogs to eat. Make sure any watermelon has been deseeded before allowing your dog to eat it. Vegetables: everyone needs their five a day, and English Bulldogs do too. Green beans, carrots, peas, sweetcorn, cauliflower and broccoli are all safe for your dog to eat, with many already included in dog food. Related questions Now you know how many cups of food your English Bulldog should eat, the types of food they can eat, and what the best feeding schedule is see chart , you might want some extra information. What can English Bulldogs not eat? There are certain foods that English Bulldogs should never be allowed to eat. This is due to differences in their digestion and immune system that means that harmless human food such as chocolate is fatal to dogs. English Bulldogs will often eat whatever they can find, most dogs do, but what should you keep away from them? Chocolate: the best-known no-go treat. Dog-friendly chocolates are available, but human chocolate can cause major issues for dogs. Grapes: unlike other fruit, grapes can cause everything from nausea to kidney failure in dogs. Mushrooms: wild mushrooms are especially toxic to dogs, as they are humans. Other vegetables that dogs should avoid include asparagus and onions. Bacon: while the meat itself is fine, fatty and crispy bacon can cause your dog digestion and pancreatic issues, slowly losing its functionality over time. Macadamia nuts: these have only been recently discovered to be bad for dogs, although nearly all other animal species do not suffer the same issue. How many calories should an English Bulldog eat? While amounts of food per day are usually measured in cups for English Bulldogs, there are recommended guidelines about how many calories a bulldog should be eating, depending on its age. While your vet will be able to recommend a more personalised eating regimen, once your dog has grown out of its puppy stage, young, energetic adult dogs eat around 1, calories a day, while less active adults only need around 1, calories per day. A lot of this depends on how active your English Bulldog is on a day to day basis, dictating how many calories they burn off and how much needs to be replaced. Most packets, cans and bags of dog food contain a recommended serving size for certain types of dogs, so check the packaging for more information. Handy Hint: English Bulldogs need daily exercise. Conclusion Now that you know how many cups of food you need to feed your English Bulldog; I would also recommend implementing a decent exercise regime. Without it, your furry friend could develop a lot of health issues including diabetes. Especially if they start eating more cups of food that is recommended in the English Bulldog feeding guide. Vets say English Bulldogs should have at least 20 minutes of exercise each day. You might also like…. The potential benefits of raw Swapping Puppy Food Brands When you first bring your Bulldog puppy home you should feed him the same food that he was getting from the breeder or shelter for about three to four weeks. This will give him time to acclimate to his new surroundings and get used to being separated from his mom and siblings. Mix about three-quarters of the puppy food he eats now with one-quarter of the new food for the first two to three days. For the next two or three days give him equal portions of the old and new food. Finally, give him three-quarters of the new food and one-quarter of the old food for two to three days. Bulldog Puppy Diets The sheer number of different puppy foods to choose from can be overwhelming. Your breeder may be able to give you some guidance. Puppies need plenty of protein to promote strong bone, muscle, and joint growth. Guidelines on labels will give you an idea of the amount to feed your puppy, but ultimately each dog is an individual. Their body size, not what the label says, is a better indicator of a proper portion. A serving size can also vary depending on the type of food or brand as well. Special Requirements Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed. Chewing and swallowing can also be a problem. This is because the palate, teeth, tongue, and tissue are the same size as that of a dog with a much longer muzzle. Many Bulldogs also suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome which causes serious breathing issues that can also make eating difficult. You might also find combining dry food with a good quality wet food is easier for them to consume. From three to six months, you can reduce it to three times a day. At six to 12 months old, you can feed him twice a day. Bulldogs are highly at risk for hip dysplasia. In fact, this study of 20 English Bulldogs found that none of the hips showed normal development and .Feeding a Bulldog Puppy Kibble Dry kibble is probably the most popular all-round puppy food choice. Make sure you choose a dry formula designed specifically for puppies. However, not all brands are created equal. Stay away from ingredients like corn.
She was our world; the best wife, mother and friend. She was also the backbone and heart of this family business. Even though the world seems a lot less bright to us, the CCK family has a very special angel now. CCK Blog Check out some stories about our furry family and what drives us. You'll get a monthly little inside scoop when we have two hands available, post-belly rubs. We may not always be on time with updates, but know it's because our dog's are getting all the love in the world! We have been breeding dogs since .Several of our dogs have been placed in companion programs as service dogs. We're proud to say our puppies live all over the nation, including one in Puerto Rico! We selectively breed for temperament, health and standard of the breeds. Our dogs are family-raised primarily in our house and get frequent socialization from family and friends. All of our dogs are health tested and come with a 2 year Health Guarantee. We live on 5 acres in Loxahatchee, Florida. We have a 2 acre fenced back yard with a lake and a pool. The dogs and pups get a lot of exercise and are acclimated to water early on. We also have chickens and ducks and they intermingle with no issues. We take pride in bringing beautiful, quality and loving pups into this world. We look forward to adding you to our ever growing "Life with Doodles" Family. Next Steps.Check out our puppy page for updates on litters and when you're ready to make the four-legged leap, we're ready to help you. While you're at it, follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more furry family fun! Pairing the sweet and friendly nature of the Labrador Retriever with the low-shedding Poodle genes, we get the most charming Doods that any owner would love to have by their side. And as both Poodles and Labradors are extremely intelligent, training Labradoodles is an absolute breeze! Thorough health screening helps breeders choose the healthiest pups for breeding new litters. As a result, the new litters have a much lower chance of inheriting any hereditary health issues. Likewise, ethical Labradoodle breeders in Florida also offer a health guarantee, which covers any serious genetic conditions that the parent pups have been tested for. The health guarantees usually cover the first two years, but some breeders also offer three-year health guarantees. However, all of these organizations require their member breeders to follow ethical breeding guidelines and strict health testing standards. And if any of your friends, family members, or neighbors have recently adopted a Labradoodle puppy, reach out to them and ask about their experiences with various breeders in your state. Their goal is to breed happy and healthy Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles with wonderful temperaments. At Coastal Labradoodles, they raise all of their puppies in a loving and safe home environment. All of their breeding dogs are family pets first who either live with the breeder or with carefully chosen guardian families. This ensures that each dog is pampered and loved by their very own family. Coastal Labradoodles conducts extensive health and genetic testing on all of their breeding dogs to ensure the health and wellbeing of their litters. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Coastal Labradoodles follows Puppy Culture and Avidog methods when raising their puppies. Since they raise their puppies inside their own home as part of their family, their pups are already well-socialized with adults, children, and other dogs. In addition to that, their pups are well-adjusted to all sorts of household sights and sounds, and they even start with potty training and crate training before the pups go to their forever homes. Puppies receive all age appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and a microchip. Waitlist: Yes. They are located in the St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay and St. Pete Beach areas of Florida. To learn more you can visit their website here or send them an email at tbalusa gmail. They have been in business since .They breed allergy and asthma friendly mini, medium and standard size Australian Labradoodle puppies. All of their breeding dogs are health tested according to the standard of the Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association. The kennel was founded by Peggy, who opened her business because of her love for dogs and desire for safer breeding practices. They socialize and teach. And, they provide a lot of interaction between their puppies. Individualized attention to their litters. They start training early and send them home vaccinated. They are located in Tampa Bay and Central Florida. To learn more about Seaspray and their upcoming litters, visit their website here. Lakewood Labradoodles Lakewood is a breeder of allergy friendly australian labradoodles. Located in Winter Haven, they raise their puppies inside their home as members of their family. Before you can take them home, Lakewood helps to begin the training process by laying a foundation for a well trained pet. For more information on their upcoming litters, visit their website here. They specialized in miniature to medium sized Australian Labradoodle puppies. I do not work outside of the home and I am fully involved in their upbringing, early development and training. They test for genetic diseases such as hip dysplasia, PRA and have eye exams annually. Before you bring your puppy home, they will be vaccinated, given a microchip, dewormed and given a well-puppy exam at 8 weeks. Plus, their litters are evaluated by a behaviorist to ensure good behavior before you bring your new dog home. To learn more about their upcoming litters and to view their dogs, visit their website here. They genetically and radio graphically test all their dogs for genetic disease and any health issues. Their puppies come with a 2 year health guarantee. The communication you provided during the process was spot on. With an excited family, it was great seeing the updates on the puppy and the pictures. Beau is beautiful and loved. He has a personality all his own, different than the Labs we owned. My wife Kelly got diagnosed with breast cancer not long after we got Beau and he has been a great pal for her. He loves her and she loves him. They breed their dogs to the highest of standards and each dog is registered and health tested to the regulations of the ALCA. Additionally, they have all of their breeding dogs DNA profiles so you know that you are getting an Authentic Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle. Before you bring your puppy home, they use neurological stimulation and activities to promote well behaved and confident pets. We want to raise our Australian Labradoodle puppies to have the best chance to grow into confident, stable and able to handle the stresses and challenges of a modern lifestyle. Fursure Helps Pet Parents Find The Best Pet Insurance Policy With the cost of veterinary bills rising each year, you could easily find yourself paying thousands out of pocket if an accident or illness were to occur. Let our team at Fursure help you get started on finding the best pet insurance policy for your furry friend. You pet will thank you! To get your pet protected and covered in just a few minutes , buy a pet insurance policy today! Join the Pack No spam. Just the very best in show products, expert pet parenting advice, and more.Read about our privacy policy. Thank you! Your submission has been received! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Introducing pet insurance that pays your vet directly. We let you keep your cash on hand, so you can focus on giving your pet the best care possible. Now that you have all the information, what are you waiting for? Prepare to get home to your new best friend! Why Get Labradoodle Puppies in Florida? Wondering if you should really get a Labradoodle? Maybe this will help you decide. Family Friendly A lot of animals do not enjoy being around small kids or gatherings. Labradoodles, however, have giant hearts. They are not temperamental and love to play. They are sure to get along well with the entire family. However, do not think of them as watchdogs. Variety Labradoodles are mixed breed dogs and hence come in multiple variations. There is a lot of variation in their look and size. Depending on what kind of dog you want, you can choose from Miniature, Medium, and Standard Labradoodles. They even come in a variety of hues. From chocolate to cream, they are found in many colors. Their coat styles also vary. The coat of a Labradoodle may have wavy, curly, wiry, or straight hair. Shedding Labradoodles have tightly curled coats that do not shed much. This comes as a relief for those who have allergies. Their coats need brushing and trimming to stay fresh. Training Poodles and Labradors are both pretty intelligent. No wonder Labradoodles are also intelligent and are quite a treat to train. They are eager to learn and catch on to new tricks quickly. Labradoodles just might be the easiest breed to train. Therapy Dogs Labradoodles make for wonderful therapy dogs. They have a way of sensing your emotions and want to help you. Their warm and loving nature makes them ideal therapy dogs for multiple issues. Originally, they were bred as guide dogs for the blind. They are very active and love outdoor activities. Labradoodles will always be up for adventures. They have high energy levels and thrive when they have something to do. This is because it gives them an opportunity to activate their minds and bodies. Loyalty Having a labradoodle is like having a constant companion. They are insanely loyal and never want to leave your side. They have people-pleasing instincts and will always be good company. Labradoodles thrive on your attention, which is why you will always find them close to you. Labradoodles are warm and fuzzy and will always keep you delighted. Time to gear up and get yourself some Labradoodle puppies in Florida. It is often heard that pet mills mistreat animals and indulge in other forms of malpractice. Make sure to get your furry friend from a breeder, and not pet mills, for a healthy and happy pet. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. They set the groundwork for training and ensure they get their 6-week shots as well. Owner Royce Ann Nelson said she makes sure all of her puppies are born in her own bedroom, where the mother dogs are comfortable and well cared for. She raises them on a acre property where she lives with her daughter and grandchildren, all of whom help love on the puppies. They also work with a pet transport company, and you can find more information or get a quote on their website. Sunrise Australian Labradoodles Location: Anthony, Florida Exact address available once you reserve a puppy Phone: Learn more Sunrise Australian Labradoodles is a family-owned breeder in central Florida that specializes in Australian Labradoodles. The company is run by the mother-daughter team Karen and Maureen. In , she bought two Australian Labradoodles and started pursuing her dream alongside her mom. Now she breeds and trains her puppies to be great family pets or therapy animals. Owner Marcia Mobley started as a Labrador breeder but ultimately decided to transition to Labradoodles in because she liked that they were hypoallergenic and had health benefits for the dogs as well. Mobley said Bay Lake Labradoodles was the first Labradoodle breeder in Florida and the 11th in the country. Owner Alice Cobb said she loves the breed and wanted to get involved as a breeder to help other families fall in love with them as well. All of the puppies are raised in-home and receive individualized care and attention daily. They are never kept in kennels. Owners Mark and Karen Stanford are both retired Diagnostic Ultrasonographers who now perform their own ultrasounds on their pregnant dogs. They raise all of the puppies in-home and limit visitors to ensure puppies stay safe and healthy in the first few weeks of their lives. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Lakeland Florida and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.
Gorgeous coloring in this litter. This lovely dog is one of the most ancient breeds in the world, having been around for over years. Location is Somerset Wisconsin. Pug, Michigan » Dayton Township. Pug puppies for sale in USA. Pug Puppies for Sale from Missouri Breeders. Puppies for Sale Find the perfect puppy for you and your family. Since these dogs are considered a low-maintenance breed, grooming them requires very little effort. We offer ground and air shipping for an additional fee, or you are more then welcome to visit. We continue to provide several colors but retirement is being planned so get your puppy while the getting is good! New York Pugs for sale are therefore a good choice for those who don't have much experience with dog training. No two dogs are ever thrown in together to let. Most researchers agree that the Pug originated in China, and were then brought to Holland via trade during the late s and. Pug puppies for Sale in the UK Puppies. Most commonly, they are found in fawn coloring. Browse our Pug puppies for sale to add a fun, small companion to your home! Pug For Sale in Kentucky .Pug For Sale in Florida .We also have Pug puppies for sale in texas, miniature corgi puppies for sale, Pug puppies near me, Pug puppy for sale in georgia, Pug puppies for sale in ohio, Pug puppies for sale in pa, corgi mini aussie mix for sale, Pug breeders texas, mini corgi breeder, Pug puppy price, Pug for sale texas, Pug puppies nc, Pug puppies for adoption, Pug breeders ny, Pug breeders nc, Pug cutest puppy, Pug. Six beautiful pug puppies available for forever homes. Pug puppies for Sale in the UK. We have Cheap and healthy pug puppies for sale in the United States and Canada. Our Pug puppies for sale are sure to bring joy, cheer, and laughter into your home! Pugs may be small, but they have a huge heart that loves being with humans and bringing joy and laughter to their owners and families. Pug, Wisconsin ». Pug, Wisconsin » Milwaukee. AKC pug puppies. You might end up finding your new best friend! Affordable Male and Female Pugs. Size: inches tall, lbs. While most Pugs come in one of several colors—several. Discreet Pug Puppies for sale. Unexpected babies -- unknowingly "buying" a pregnant female or mis-sexed guinea pigs; an accidental pairing. I am listing Olive for my breeding partner. New Tripoli dogs fetch big honors from Westminster. Their gait is strong and jaunty, but with a slight roll of the hindquarters. Their coat is fine, smooth, and short. Oft-called the Pug Dog or Chinese Pug and said to be "multum in parvo," the sturdy toy companion has an adorable wrinkly-muzzled face, and curly tail in silver, black or fawn, and black. Imported to England in the 16th century, the breed quickly became a popular lap dog among the aristocracy. This way, you will be able to find out if there are cheap Pug puppies for sale near me. Where can I adopt a Pug? Pug Puppies for Sale Near Me. Here at Uptown, we aim to help you find a Pug New York that meets all of your requirements and matches your budget too. We all immediately recognize the flat snoot, wrinkled face, and large expressive eyes of the loveable Pug. Pug Puppies for Sale in Florida. Tools 2 days ago on PuppyFinder. The price that Pugs for sale in Houston sell for depends on quite a few important factors. Factors such as color, attitude, experience of the breeder and eye color to name a few. Come find the Pug you've been looking for! Black pug puppies, although in high demand, are quite rare. Find Pug dogs and puppies from North Carolina breeders. Males Super smart noneshedding. Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. Cheap Teacup Pugs for sale. We offer fantastic Discount with Shipping and Money Back guarantee. WWWThese adorable pug puppies have been family raised and are used to being played with everyday! Up to date on vaccines and vet checked. Pug Puppies for Sale in North Carolina. Pug Puppies for Sale in OH. Our Pugs puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. Pugs are more than capable of effectively learning basic commands with ease. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Miniature Pug Puppies for sale. Their forehead has large, deep wrinkles. One female pug and Three male pugs left. AKC registered with 5 generation pedigree. Pug Puppies For Sale In GA Blue Ridge Pugs has had pug puppies and adult pugs in standard and rare colors to include fawn, black, silver, white, platinum, apricot, stone fawn, pied, chinchilla, chocolate, merle, and panda. The Pug is a beautiful, small dog breed that enchants the world with its goofy personality and big heart. The average price of Pug puppies for sale New York can vary quite a lot. This will allow you to have more freedom, budget, and fun shopping for other new puppy necessities like bowls, leashes, beds and toys. In contrast, buying Pugs from breeders can be prohibitively expensive. If you have to stretch the budget to buy a more expensive puppy, then everything after will feel like a big daunting decision. These can include the color of the puppy some coat colors are more rare than others , the breeder's experience, location, and more. Generally speaking, guinea pigs adopted from your local shelter or rescue are healthier than pet store guinea pigs. Pug puppies for sale in North Carolina from trusted breeders. Our puppies are bred for health, temperament, and conformation quality. Well, the price tag for each pup can be affected by a range of different factors like coat color, eye color, size, and more. We are asking for six hundred dollars. They are the best companions and get along wit. Find your Pug puppy for sale Puppies. View the Apartments for lease near Tripoli, IA. How much are Pug puppies for sale? Pug prices are influenced by several different factors. Her momma, Penny is part of the 4th generation of my…. For instance, a rare brindle Pug for sale Atlanta will fetch a higher price than other Pugs for sale Atlanta. To find out cheap Pug puppies for sale near me, you can use the above-mentioned tips. He has a few white hairs on his chest. Listings of section 8 apartments for rent. Olive is a sweet girl who can be registered with AKC. Browse our Pug puppies for sale to add a fun, small companion to your home! Pugs are happy, gentle, and charming little dogs. Active, cute and super friendly. These tips are very useful, especially if. Well Socialized with other dogs. Very friendly and playful, fully weaned and toilet training in progress. Vet Checked And First Shots. Pug puppies for sale fcogapril 4 girls available 8weeks old Vet checked , wormed and first shots x-xxx-xxx-xxxx. This is the price you can expect to pay for the Pug breed without breeding rights. With registration, vaccinat April 9, Pugs For Sale Under Dollars. Mum and dad both home reared family pets, and can both be viewed with the litter. Pug puppies for sale in New York. Ready with health certificates. Pugs puppies for sale available. Have had their first shots and wormed on schedule. Text or call Nicole xxx-xxx-xxxx if you want more pics, more information, or interested. Our puppies are fed a top-quality premium pet food. Pug puppies for sale What can I expect to pay for a Pug puppy near me? Pug For Sale in Colorado .These colors are renowned in AKC champions and showing pugs. They really like to please their owners, so they're happy to learn new things, as long as you have some patience with them and don't try to push them too far. Pug Puppies in California. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Their distinctive expression is soft and solicitous. The average cost for all Pugs sold in the Missouri area is. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. As their breed standards dictate, Pugs can be fawn, black, silver, and apricot. The precious Pugs are originally from Ancient China, where they were raised on the lap of luxury. AKC Fawn female available puppy. Microchipped, vaccinated and wormed. Tags: Pug Puppies pug puppies in Texas pugs Texas family dogs apartment dogs. Her personality is more laid back and placid! She has champion bloodlines on both sides!! She will be up to date with vaccinations and will be dewormed multiple times when she is ready for her new home. Pug For Sale in Ohio .As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pug For Sale in Wisconsin .Check out out puppies. Also, be sure to check the Pug Dog Breeder listings in our Dog Breeder Directory, which feature upcoming dog litter announcements and current puppies for sale for that dog breeder. If you are looking to buy a baby pug, Black and white pugs, Mini pug puppies for sale, Bl. No puppies where found matching your criteria. Pug For Sale in Alabama .Delightful Pug Puppies For Sale. Pug dogs for sale in Ireland. Click to browse available Pug puppies from 5 Star Breeders. Cute puppies for sale at an affordable price. Pug Puppies for sale .They will be ready to go the first week in August. Male s and Female s Age: 13 Weeks Old. The Pug breed's roots can be tracked back to Imperial China in B. Pug puppies for sale in Florida from mills often have health issues as a result of their mistreatment. I have 35 month old pugs for .USDA licensed commercial breeders. Pug mix puppies and designer breeds like the Daugle and Pom-A-Pug are all the rage these days, and provide even more variety when choosing your ideal Pug pup. They've been well cared for, properly sexed, are not pregnant and are vet-checked. History: The Pug is one of the oldest breeds of dogs that is still around today. For example, if you live near Detroit or Lansing, you should be able to find a boxer puppy around the middle of that price range. Beautiful Loving Boxer Puppies Available .Often weighing between lbs and standing inches at the shoulder, the Boxer has an intimidating presence until you get to know them. While they are instinctive guardians, the Boxer loves to be with his people. They have show dog Boxer puppies for sale in Michigan available with them. Americanlisted has classifieds in Alma, Michigan for dogs and cats. Why import when you can purchase the same quality right here in the United States with no worries of paperwork and health guarantee's that matter. Browse photos and descriptions of of Michigan Boxer puppies of many breeds available right now! AnimalsSale found Boxer puppies for sale in Michigan near you, which meet your criteria. Wormed first shots Brooklyn michigan. Boxer breeders in Michigan Google Map. Boxer puppies for sale in Grand Rapids MI. Welcome to Silver Rain Boxers, Bulldogs and Designers We are now located in a country setting, nestled in beautiful Tennessee, Formally from Michigan, we cater to my Michigan puppy family's and deliver there often. MI Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Michigan Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. We put a lot of care into socializing them so they can transition easily into their new lives. Boxer Breeders in Michigan paul nash. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we. Nemo is a beautiful reverse brindle male with a hint of flash. PuppySpot is a trusted platform with tons of dog. Boxer Haven Rescue is here to help you. Check out our available puppies page to see all of our adorable Boxer puppies for sale! Latest Posts. Forever Puppies. We hope this helps in the search for your forever friend. Boxer puppies for sale Boxer puppies for sale to good homes. Boxer puppies for sale in Michigan. Use the search tool below and browse adoptable Boxers! We find homes for the Boxers that have found themselves abandoned, surrendered and homeless. Our love for boxers as family members began in .The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. She is a 9 month old Boxer mix. Boxer puppies for sale Grand Rapids, Michigan. We take great pride in producing the best quality boxer puppies Europe has to offer right here in the United States! Strictly European Boxers where quality, health, and temperament matter. We are a private, all volunteer foster home based dog rescue program. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Michigan. The Joys of Raising a Puppy February 14, .Boxer Puppies For Sale in Michigan We've researched Boxer breeders in your area and have put together a list of our favorites. Each puppy has a very loving disposition due to being hand fed… Cute boxer pups for sale .Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Michigan Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Boxer puppies for sale to good homes. Boxer puppies for sale in Rochester Hills, MI from trusted. Should be about lbs when full-grown. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Boxer Dogs for Adoption. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Michigan. Akc registered boxer female. Jor boxer puppies. Michigan Dogs and Puppies Classifieds Hoobly. At Lowell Boxer Puppies, we love our families of boxers! And we look forward to sharing the joy of adding a boxer to your family. Check with the breeder for up-to-date information on puppy availability. View Our Puppies! He will be available for adoption after Tuesday the 14th. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Mississipp 1. Shenandoah Boxer Puppies, Mason, Michigan. For example, if you live near Detroit or Lansing, you should be able to find a boxer. Family-raised, much attention is given to early handling and socialization of our puppies. We offer beautiful European Boxer puppies from health-tested parents. There are 10 puppies total, 5 boys and 5 girls. Jor boxer puppies specialize in breeding high-quality and healthy boxer breeds. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. Absolutely beautiful boxer puppies. If you want one from a reputable breeder, however, it could cost significantly more. Dogs and Puppies, Boxer Bennett is a very outgoing and lovable puppy that loves to play around. Breeders with Boxer puppies for sale around Michigan Find Boxer puppies for sale and breeders near Michigan using our free Boxer breeder search tool below! Boxer breeders directory Enter your 5-digit U. They have accommodated over two hundred thousand puppies in caring homes. Boxer puppies for sale. Bringing home a new family member? Get prepared with the. These puppies have had their tails and dew claws taken care of all their proper wormings and will have their 6-week veterinary health check and vaccination. Boxer Puppies in Michigan. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Kalamazoo, MI Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Find a puppies near me Category. Boxer puppies for sale in Warren, MI from trusted breeders. Throughout her childhood, Andria loved dogs and felt drawn towards purebred dog sport. Lowell Boxer Puppies, Lowell, Michigan. He was then imported to the United States in .AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! For sale Akc male boxer pup chartruse collar sandydoglover. Kennel hounds, dogs and all kinds of cats. Boxer For Sale in Michigan .Boxer puppies for sale in Lansing, MI from trusted breeders. Boxers for Sale in Kalamazoo. Vet checked, dewormed, parasite cleared, and vaccinated. Find the Boxer puppy of your dreams through one of Good Dog's trusted Boxer breeders in Kalamazoo, MI and start the application process today. Set of 6 plates absolutely mint condition. Look at pictures of Boxer puppies who need a home. 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Weaning GSD puppies usually begins around 3 - 4 weeks of age. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. A well thought out weaning plan will definitely help this process produce healthy and food independent puppies. However, if the litter is unusually large, you may wish to start weaning puppies a little earlier than normal in order to ensure that the bitch is not overly fatigued from feeding all her puppies. You want to begin weaning GSD puppies at the appropriate time but don't start too early. Easy indicators to watch for are when the pups begin showing an avid interest in the mother's food and when the mother starts showing an aversion to feeding the German Shepherd puppies, or stops feeding them for as long or as often as she did in the beginning. Usually this happens naturally at around weeks of age those puppy teeth are sharp - I don't blame her. If your bitch shows no interest in starting to wean her puppies on her own especially if she is a first time mom or an overly protective mom , help her begin the weaning process around this time. Weaning GSD puppies is a natural process that is necessary for both the mom and the puppies in future development. The process I will outline below assumes that you are not hand feeding an orphaned puppy as this is an entirely different undertaking in itself and that you are weaning a healthy litter of German Shepherd puppies, or another larger breed puppy - 1 or more in a litter. Weaning puppy food formulas vary from breeder to breeder but I will offer you here the formula I use whenever weaning my own German Shepherd puppies - a formula that has worked well for me and my puppies for several years now and has resulted in many healthy, happy German Shepherds puppies, and then later, GSD adults. It works in stages as I don't feed my babies the same thing the entire weaning process. Weaning Alsatian puppies occurs over a series of a few weeks from mothers milk to a porridge like food, and eventually to a solid, and dry food in my weaning plan. Stage 1. Here I use a mixture of vanilla or unflavored plain yogurt, warmed lightly puppies will not eat cold food at this time , with just a little bit of good quality puppy food thrown in. This must be mixed up well and mashed up enough so that all the solid puppy food is mixed in well. Remember, there should be no lumps in the mixture to make this as easy as possible for the puppies to lap up - make the consistency as close to a thin milk shake as you can. Remember also to keep it luke warm, but not too hot. Warm water may need to be added to achieve just the right consistency for lapping up by the puppies. A flat dish such as a pie pan or one of the "flying saucer" shaped puppy dishes is a good choice to place the food in so that all the puppies have an equal chance to get at the food. Since the puppies are used to suckling warm milk from their mother you may need to encourage each puppy individually to take this new food by placing some on the end of your finger and then allowing them to lick or suck it off. If the puppies resist this new food, and many may, just keep on trying. You may have to do this several times before the puppy gets the idea that this is food. Soon they will associate the smell of the food with eating and eat it with no help from you. Start cutting back on the mom's food just a bit as well during this time to help her milk start drying up. By the way, expect a mess. Once the weaning German Shepherd puppies are established on the porridge mixture, and are eating it readily, you can gradually swap them over to Step 2. Step Two. This food is simply fantastic and I also use it with my adults GSD's - especially in training. They simply love it. You can find it at Kroger, Publix, Petsmart and Petco. Mix this well and keep the mixture as creamy and slightly lumpy as possible in the beginning. As the puppies mature you can increase the amount of lumps in the food a bit with each 2nd step meal as long as the weaning GSD puppies can eat it easily and have no problems swallowing the new food. Remember you are working the weaning GSD puppies toward eating a meal of solid foods. This stage lasts about a week. Step three. I still give Bil-Jac for a while as well to give the weaning GSD puppies the best start possible however I eventually phase that out as well and work towards feeding the puppies a commercially available dry food only. This is my final goal in weaning GSD puppies - to get those German Shepherd puppies to happily eat dry puppy food only on a daily basis. As the German Shepherd puppies consume more and more solid foods, and as long as they are healthy, you should gradually increase the periods that your bitch spends away from her pups, so that by the time they are about 6 - 7 weeks of age she may be moved away from them completely. Remember that, during this weaning period, your bitch's intake of food should have been gradually reduced while the weaning GSD puppies new food intake has been increased to help her milk supply dry up gradually over time. Once your bitch is completely away from her GSD puppies, adding some chopped fresh parsley to your bitch's food may help to reduce the risk of mastitis if she is still producing milk. However if her milk production is excessive, and her mammary glands become red, hot or inflamed, do not hesitate to seek immediate veterinary treatment, as mastitis can build up very quickly and should be taken care of immediately and is considered a medical emergency. Please use the suggested feeding quantities on the bagged foods as a guideline only. The required amounts will vary with the age of the weaning GSD puppies, the individual breed and level of activity of each puppy. Also, ensure that a plentiful supply of fresh, clean water is available at all times to your weaning puppies and adult dogs as well. You want this transition from mothers milk to solid foods to be as stress free as possible for both the mother and puppies and a well thought out weaning plan will definitely help this process produce healthy and food independent German Shepherd Dog puppies. Bernard coming in through the cat door. Time Zones puppy feeding schedule and recomendation Prior to weaning our German shepherd puppies, they would have obtain most of their nutritional needs from their mother's milk. By the time our puppies are ready to move into their new home, they will be fully weaned on to solid foods. The puppy is then entirely dependent on his new owner, to provide a fully balanced diet that will meet all of his nutritional requirements. All puppies thrive on the same basic nutrients as adult dogs, but due to their rapid growth rate, these nutrients are needed in proportionately larger quantities. Similar to human babies, puppies have small stomachs, so they need to be fed little portions but often. German shepherd puppies grow very rapidly in the early stages of their development. A German shepherd dog will reach about half their adult weight by five or six months of age. However, there is a wide variation in adult body weight between different breeds, and dogs mature at different rates, since this article is focus on the German shepherd puppy, we will focus at that. German shepherd puppies, in particular, which are most affected by the feeding regimen - as they are growing rapidly, these puppies are prone to disturbances in their skeletal development. It is unwise to overfeed such dogs at this stage in an attempt to obtain the maximum possible rate of growth. A puppy needs between two and four times as much energy as an adult of the same size - growing is an energetic business! They must have more protein than adults - this must contain all the right building blocks of the protein amino acids for growth, and they need just the right amount of minerals for healthy bones and teeth. Puppies therefore have to eat large amounts of food in relation to their body weight, but their stomachs have only a small capacity. To compensate for this, a puppy needs to be fed several small meals a day. It also helps if his diet is designed to meet a number of useful criteria: the food should be concentrated to ensure an adequate intake of nutrients before his stomach is full; The food should be easily digested to maximize its nutritive value; the diet must be balanced to provide the right amount of nutrients to meet the puppy's particular needs; and it should also be tasty so that he will eat it. Devising an acceptable nutritionally balanced diet for growth is thus a very complex exercise. Fortunately, feeding your puppy need not be as complicated as it sounds. Diets, which are specially formulated for growth, take all the guesswork out of rearing a healthy puppy and provide a balanced and concentrated diet, which he will enjoy and thrive. For a normal, healthy German shepherd puppy there is no need to use supplements. In some ways this could be harmful. If you do decide to use a supplement please consult your veterinarian. The feeding schedule of your puppy will depend greatly on his age and individual characteristics, until they are about four months old. Feeding can then be reduced to two times a day until six months of age. You can offer your puppy his daily food allowance in two separate meals. You can feed an adult diet from 14 months of age Since all puppies are individuals, some may need more and some less than the indicated amounts. Your puppy's condition is the best guide of whether you are feeding the correct amount. By recording his weight on a regular basis you will be able to check his growing at a healthy rate, appropriate to his breed. You can then make adjustments to avoid him becoming under - or overweight. Generally, a puppy should be allowed 10 to 15 minutes to eat at each mealtime. After then discard any uneaten food. Your puppy should have his own feeding and water bowls and should be kept clean, separate from the family's dishes. Provide fresh water daily If you notice that your puppy is excessively thirsty and often, you should consult your veterinarian. Note: When puppies come from a kennel environment "outside living", to a family house, most often they will show signs of panting and thirst. This is normal because they will be hot with-in. In few days they should adjust in being indoors. The "puppy" feeding schedule is a guideline for our German shepherd puppies. A puppy should be kept lean during 4 to 8 months of age rapid growth phase , BUT they should not appear thin. You should be able to feel the rib cage and the back bone, but not see them. Looking down on the dog, there should be a slight indentation between the end of the rib cage and the hip bones. If you have questions or comments that you would like to share, please EMAIL US Please do not use our website to attempt to diagnose or treat your pet. The consultation with your veterinarian is the best source of health advice for your individual pet. You should not rely, on the veterinary advice or any other information provided on this site for the diagnosis or treatment of any specific condition. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical condition or general treatment of your pet. If they cling to a nipple, suck enthusiastically and fall asleep, fed up and satisfied, we can be sure that the bitch gives them a maximum level of nutrition. On the other hand, if they move frantically from one nipple to another, sucking and searching, and their stomachs are not filled, this will indicate that the dog does not provide enough milk for their growth and well-being. Often, when a dog has a small litter of one or two puppies, her milk will begin to disappear much sooner than if she had a large litter to feed. Also, if the mother has been covered too often without enjoying a break, her milk may be lacking earlier than it should. If we have initiated a supplementary feeding regime at the right time, this attitude on the part of the bitch will rarely occur. Starting the weaning process To start the weaning process we must use any of the preparations suggested in the previous chapter for orphaned puppies. We pour part of this liquid mixture into a shallow pan after heating it to body temperature and use only enough of the milk mixture to cover the bottom of the pan. Release the GSD head immediately,let him lick with his lips and he will like the taste of the liquid in them. Speak gently and in a tone of encouragement each time we repeat the process. Sometimes, there will be a puppy that will start to lick the milk from the pan after the first contact, other times it will be necessary to repeat the operation until the desired result is achieved. Repeat the process with each puppy until all have begun to lick on their own initiative, should emphasize that although it will be necessary to keep the pan at the level of the chin during the first times that they are given food in this way, the pan can be deposited on the floor as soon as they acquire practice in eating, or licking, inside it. Of course they will pile up and go inside the pot, staining and staining their littermates with their contents, but they will also become more expert in the process of eating in a container, which, after all, is the ultimate goal pursued. We will administer the mixture twice a day during the first two and, at the end of this period, we will have that the act of eating in a saucepan will have become a conditioned routine. Adding soild to your puppies diet Now is the time to add some fat and solid matter to your diet but, considering that they still cannot chew, any matter of this type that is added should be shredded into very small pieces to form a mixture of creamy consistency when administer with food. Puppies grow better when they follow diets composed of milk, meat, fat and cereals. Growth is achieved mainly through proteins, but these differ, which is why puppies fed diets based on plant proteins do not grow or develop as well as those that receive animal proteins. Vitamins E and K are essential for the welfare of the puppy and must be present in adequate amounts in the diet. Remember also that 70 percent of the energy of the puppies comes from the ingestion of fats, so this food element must be added generously to the ration. In experiments carried out, puppies given diets lacking fat have developed symptoms of deficiency characterized by anemia, weight loss, dull hair, reduced vitality and, finally, death. Fat, however, can not by itself cure the advanced manifestation of this condition, Fat also acts as a vehicle for vitamins A, D, K and E and, in addition, not only slows down the digestion and makes the animal get as much nutrition as possible from its food but helps in many other ways to maintain the puppy, or the dog fully developed, healthy and vigorous. For our puppy to enjoy all the virtues present in fat, it is necessary to incorporate it in 20 or 30 percent to your diet. Practically every breeder with which we stumble has its own diet for weaning and the subsequent phase, but the basic element necessary in any of them is the balance, and a properly balanced food must be that which results in growth, health and vitality. Puppies exist in the market, excellent commercial foods in the form of grain, to which it is only necessary to add milk and fat. The author uses a mixture of ground oats and wheat as a staple cereal. To this, while it is cooked, add a cup of corn flour reinforced with vitamins, dried and powdered eggs, melted fat beef, pork, butter, chicken, Crisco, etc. After this mixture has been cooked and cooled, a small amount of flour with vitamins and minerals is added to it, thoroughly stirred and the resulting dough is distributed in cans of appropriate size and stored in the refrigerator. To have it ready for immediate use, place the necessary amount in the saucepan of the food, add raw meat and properly chopped fat heart, tongue, intestine and a small amount of ox liver to increase the volume administered. This mixture of milk and water is preheated and, when added to the solids, all this reaches the appropriate temperature. After proceeding to the mixture, the food has the consistency of a very thick cream, which must be gradually converted into something more dense and viscous, similar to a stew, until the puppies arrive at 4 weeks. When the bait is 5 weeks old, a food for puppies based on finely ground grain is progressively introduced into the basic diet. We must be very careful, however, not to exaggerate the administration of any supplementary dietary oil because we can provoke exactly the kind in appearance of bone problem rickets that we try to avoid with its use. Two portions of the basic diet and two of warm milk reinforced with a little fat should be administered every day. When the puppy is fully weaned, three basic and two milk rations should be administered, and it should be noted that it is only necessary to administer three meals a day during the period between 3 and 6 months. During all the time that we are busy with weaning and feeding the puppies we must not forget that there are other tasks that also need to be carried out. Your nails should be kept short, using manicure scissors so that they do not scratch the eyes of your littermates during their games. Their eyes will open when they have a week to 12 days according to the ovulation period of the dog and will be blue until they later change to their true chestnut color. If they are infested with worms, we will have to fight them immediately, and if as a consequence they have become puny, we should not try to grow them without first releasing them from the parasites. After the worms have been eliminated, the pups will quickly recover a normal level of health and growth. Currently there is a new serum against distemper serum against human smallpox that can be given to puppies at a very young age, even when they are still being breastfed. This new vaccine is effective until the puppy has passed all the important phases of its early growth and, when it is approximately six months old, the normal immunization vaccine against distemper can be administered. Incidentally we have that the worms that most puppies suffer from are round type currents. To combat them we have Piperazine, which is less toxic than most earthworm medicines and offers the advantage that the puppy can be fed normally, so it can be recommended for roundworms, whose larvae in the bloodstream of The mother often crosses the placenta to infect the puppy before birth. Most people worry about whether their puppy gains enough weight. One way to determine it is by observing its general state, its complexion and its vitality. Another way is by weighing them and keeping notes of the various increases. From six months of age until full development, an average and satisfactory weight gain per week, for a healthy and fast-growing puppy of German shepherd dog, is about 1, to 1, kilos. Remember, also, to make known to our puppy, at an early age, water as a drink. At first they do not seem to see it or know what it is, but they soon they learn to lick it, just as they do with milk and other foods mixed with it, and in this regard it is worth bearing in mind that it is a valuable and mineral-rich complement to your diet See more.
what size crate for french bulldog puppy - Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You need the best exercise for German Shepherd puppies to keep them healthy, fit, and, more importantly… Out of mischief! Quite the opposite is true for your fast-growing breed! German Shepherd puppies should stick to only five minutes of continuous, on-leash leisurely walking at a time, based on their age in months. So, an 8-week-old puppy can walk for 10 minutes at a time on a leash, while a 6-month-old can walk on a leash for 30 minutes at a time. However, your puppy can enjoy low-impact, gentle exercises for longer periods of time. You can play games that work on sustained growth multiple times per day safely. Instead, exercise on soft surfaces, for example: Grass Sand Dirt paths or trails Stretching of soft ligaments at too early an age, strains on young, growing joints, and carrying too much weight on their overall framework can and will harm your young puppy. This leads to problems in adulthood, which you could avoid! Remember to watch for: Panting heavily with rapid breath Lagging on their walks for longer than usual Stopping on walks and standing Lying down on their belly or side If your dog is hyperactive and displays excessive chewing and destructive behavior, they may need engaging brain stimulation to help them use their brains to engage in their environments constructively. Ideally, you also need to teach them basic commands and house manners. Start now with basic obedience training to avoid later behavioral issues. Eventually, your active, adult GSD will need at least 2 walks of 45 minutes each source. Other great ways to exercise your German Shepherd puppy include working on their balance, enjoying mental stimulation, and playing gently with toys they love. Until your vet clears your dog as having their bones fully fused this is around 12 to 18 months of age , activity should be cautious and slow-paced. Up to twelve months of age, natural free running is the best way to exercise German Shepherds. With free running, your dog is off-leash and can stop or slow as they wish. Limit and monitor on-leash walks and activity while your German Shepherd is growing. When walking on a leash, allow them to Walk at their own pace Stop and start as they please Sniff around leisurely to explore the grass, flowers, and trees Lay down, roll around, and dig in approved digging places Use a no-pull harness with a design that allows for natural shoulder movement to avoid unnatural gait development. Try this padded no-pull harness on your German Shepherd to avoid any neck injuries to her while she is young. This design also limits pulling and helps teach nice leash walking manners. The handle on the back of the no-pull harness makes it easy to grab your pup to stop them from running into a hazard or just to catch them! Read more helpful information on the benefits and disadvantages of using a harness or a collar to help you choose the right equipment for walking your new puppy. There are plenty of other ideas to try with your new baby German Shepherd. Even better? You can find so many ways to learn what your new German Shepherd puppy likes to play with for their fun and games! Keep reading for a German Shepherd puppy exercise chart and specific, step-by-step fun games to keep your new pup happy and healthy. Exercising puppies heavily too early in life may lead to joint damage. This is especially likely in large breeds with rapidly growing and heavily loaded joints, such as your GSD. High-Impact Activity to Avoid Jumping, especially from couches, furniture, or cars Twisting such as chasing a toy that wildly moves in many directions Exercising over hard or uneven ground especially sidewalks and asphalt Keep exercise short and frequent, as this is more beneficial than long, infrequent periods of activity. Stick to softer surfaces, like grass and dirt paths, while your pup is young and their bones are not fully fused. Most GSD owners simply want to take train their puppy to walk on a leash in the neighborhood and park without getting pulled down the street. There are three basic ways to communicate how you want your German Shepherd puppy to walk on a leash with you: the stopping method, the turning method, and the luring method. The Stopping Method Open the door, but only open the door if your dog is sitting. This step could take some time and practice. Once you both are out the door, have your dog sit again. You need to lock the door and your dog needs to sit for this. During your walk, have your dog sit for you at various times. When he does offer a tasty, high value, quick-to-eat treat. Now immediately start walking again and give the release cue. Stand still and wait until he sits. This could take a while. This is important, especially because one day your little pup will be large enough to injure you if they pull you along on the walk wildly! This will take lots of time and patience. But setting a strong and obedient walk foundation allows you to enjoy your walks more and maintain control over your large breed dog as they mature and grow stronger. The Turning Method Use the same steps as above to get outside your house and begin your walk, except instead of stopping and waiting on your dog, turn in the opposite direction and begin walking the other way. Quietly turn around and guide them along when they get a few steps ahead of you. You may also tire of turning. But stick with it. Either of these techniques takes plenty of patience and a strong mental character. But your dog loves to learn. Their mind is like a sponge at this young age, but they also lack obedience skills and an attention span. Use treats and toys to get your dog to follow you. The Treat Luring Method: Hold the treat at their eye level in front of them so they can see and smell the treat. Take one or two steps forward, having them follow the treat with their nose and eyes. They will probably keep following the treat. She loves them! Take a couple of steps forward while squeaking the toy. As they follow, keep stepping forward and squeaking the toy. After a few successful steps forward, let them play with the toy as their reward. Keep up this game to motivate them to follow you. Eventually, your dog gains confidence in their new surroundings and with your help and will walk on their own. Never allow your dog to run loose near traffic. Never unleash your dog in a new area. Never allow your dog to eat objects found on the ground. They could be poisonous! Never think a person running or someone on a bicycle sees your little pup. Puppies are quick moving and can dart in front of a moving person causing them to trip and fall. This can also injure your dog as they may fall on top of them or kick or step on them. Pup is distracted Remember that being outside with your dog is equivalent to you going to Disney Land! Give them a chance to develop their attention skills, or use the high value treats to make them pay attention to you. If you are limited in the places you can go, choose different routes so your dog gets to experience new smells and sights. The dog looks stressed or afraid Find quieter areas to walk in or use the lure and reward method to help them overcome their walking fears. Carry them home and end your walk. Next time, go a shorter distance and take less time. Use positive training and rewards to communicate. The best walking setup for a puppy is a no-pull harness that connects at two different points in the front and back. No-pull harnesses are great for introducing your puppy to structured walks while keeping them safe and happy. Need More Manners Training? Your GSD needs to learn more than just walking nicely. He also needs to learn all the basics of obedience. Use this free training guide to get started today! This activity is usually one of the longest and hardest to teach since you are competing with the sights and smells of the great outdoors! Stay patient, positive, and stick to your training. Your doggie will love you for it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? Making sure your German Shepherd gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is really important for keeping them healthy and happy. Regular exercise can not only keep them in good shape, but it can also help improve their behaviour and well-being. How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? German Shepherds are highly active dogs , originally bred for working and guarding flocks of sheep, and more recently used by military and police forces. All this means that German Shepherds are among the most high-energy dogs out there. Of course, their exercise needs can vary based on a number of factors including age, fitness level, general health, food intake and more. That said, most German Shepherds usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing. To get an exercise goal tailored to your dog, simply download the free PitPat app and enter their details. How much exercise does a German Shepherd puppy need? This is especially true for this breed since they are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia. As a rule of thumb, puppies will need five minutes of formal exercise such as walkies for every month of their age. These walks should be opportunities to explore their environment, work on training and good behaviour outdoors, and socialise with other people and dogs in a controlled manner. How much exercise does a senior German Shepherd need? You can also set your own goals manually in case they have higher or lower exercise needs. What types of exercise are best for German Shepherds? German Shepherds excel at all sorts of exercise and canine sports thanks to their working background. In addition to their daily walks, you could try:. Beginners often have a lot of questions: how long should they walk with a German Shepherd, how often should they do it, and what are the rules of feeding and vaccination. Therefore, before the responsible purchase, it is important to get acquainted with the nuances of ownership. At what age can you walk a German Shepherd? Experts have different opinions about the age at which a German Shepherd can go for a walk. There are two polar positions, so owners should consult their breeder or veterinarian. Some experts, when asked how to properly educate the pet, argue that it is categorically not recommended to walk puppies before they reach 3 months old. This is due to the high vulnerability of puppies to infections, which they can catch while playing with other dogs during the period when routine vaccinations have not yet been done. Put napkins or gravel or sand on it. Keep a close eye on your puppy. The negative side of this approach is the increased likelihood of encountering puddles of urine at night even in adulthood. According to the opposite opinion, up to 2 months old puppies still have the immunity received from their mother, so you should start walking outside as early as possible. Increased production of vitamin D due to exposure to sunlight, preventing the development of rachitis. Frequent exposure to nature increases the production of general immunity. If you decide to walk your puppy from an early age, you must choose a small but clean area and prevent him from coming into contact with other animals, especially stray ones. Until the German Shepherd reaches the age of six months , you should carry him in your arms when walking up a flight of stairs. His spine is not yet strong enough, so sprains when going up and down are detrimental. How long should you walk The duration of a walk with a German Shepherd puppy should increase in increments. In the first days, minutes is enough to familiarize the dog with the world and empty the bowels and bladder, but you need to go out times a day. It is better to go out right after feeding. Further, the duration of time outside should be in accordance with age: three months — about half an hour, the puppy should definitely run; four months — from 40 minutes to 1 hour; at six months, the normal mode of walking is established — at least two hours, twice a day. If it is possible to walk longer, you should take advantage of the opportunity. You need to figure out how to walk your German Shepherd correctly. To do this, you need to follow a few tips. It is important to use every walk outside to teach your dog to potty outside the apartment or house. While the dog is still very young but is already used to having to pee outside, spontaneous but short walks at night are likely. Up to 6 months old, it is important to make sure that the dog does not jump over any obstacles. As with ladders, this harms the skeleton and back muscles. You should try to take your German Shepherd outdoors during daylight hours so that he can enjoy the sunlight. After exploring the nearest surroundings, you should decide where to walk for an extended period of time. Great if there is a park or square nearby where it is allowed to walk the dogs. It is also important to go to special doggy playgrounds. You need to give your pet some freedom to get to know other puppies and adult dogs. It allows: Control the movements of the dog and accustom the puppy to the leash. Helps in the initial stages of training. Prevents him from eating unhealthy food picked up off the ground. Provides safety when stray dogs appear. More mature dogs can be leashed to a collar. Answering the question of when you can put the collar on the puppy, many experienced breeders responded with a recommendation to do it as early as possible, so that the puppy got used to the foreign object initially. Before buying a collar or harness, it is important to pay attention to the material: Leather — is the most durable, suitable for walks and training, but it is recommended to replace it in rainy or snowy weather. Leather gets wet, stretches, and loses its durability from moisture; Tarpaulin — holds its shape in all conditions, but is prone to contamination and has a short lifespan; Synthetic — is versatile and does not have the negative qualities of the previous 2. To properly put on the harness or collar during the period of accustomization, you need to create a comfortable atmosphere for the puppy: calmly call by name, and offer a treat. Before buying, it is important to measure the pup. This will allow you to choose the optimal size collar, in which the German shepherd will feel comfortable, and walks will be a pleasure both for the pet and for its loving owner. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Search for: Search Button We're an affiliate We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through the links on our site. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Walking by a German Shepherd puppy is a development milestone through its growth phase. By understanding the developmental stages of a puppy, you can know the best times to start certain activities. Having a new puppy is an exciting time. You may want to do many things with them, play or take them for a walk. So, when do German Shepherd puppies start walking? This however does not indicate the right time to immediately start taking them outside for walks which would put their health at risk. In this article, we will discuss German Shepherd puppy development to understand the growth stages, when it is safe to start walking your puppy, and how much walking is best. They are toothless and cannot walk. At this time they are completely dependent on their mother who feeds and cleans up after them. During this time they mostly sleep and nurse, doubling their weight in the first week. The eyes open followed by their ears. They start standing up and take their first steps, they can now support their weight and stop crawling on their belly. They also start becoming playful. A puppy at this time still cannot defecate by themselves so their mum licks their anal and genital areas to stimulate the area to enable them to pass stool. The milk teeth start emerging at this time and remain until teething begins. Socialization starts where they are exposed to people and other dogs or animals. This is also the period that is important to help them learn behaviors that are expected of them. Although young and their brains are still developing, they can still learn new things such as potty training. They can also defecate and urinate on their own now. At 8 weeks of age, they start losing their baby teeth and start the teething stage where the adult teeth start to emerge. The teething period lasts up to months of age where all the adult teeth will have emerged. Once a German Shepherd puppy is adopted and taken to their new home, socialization and training continue. Recommended Reading: Why does my German Shepherd puppy sleep so much? A German Shepherd is considered a puppy from the newborn stage up to the adolescent stage at 5 to 6 months. The beginning of the adolescent or teenage stages marks the end of the puppy stage. The adolescent stage lasts until the German Shepherd is 2 years old. The adolescent German Shepherds are like teenage humans as maturity begins and rage with hormones. They are alert but emotionally developing as they transition to adults. Their body is fully in the adult form however their brain is still developing. When should I start walking my German Shepherd puppy? Wait until your puppy gets all their vaccinations for infectious hepatitis, parvovirus, and distemper which are given through a series of shots. Thereafter wait 10 to 14 days after the last vaccine short that is the last booster shot is provided at around 16 weeks depending on when they went for their first shot. This waiting period is necessary because puppies are vulnerable to contracting infections and the immune system is still developing. After this time it is safe to start walking your puppy. How much walking does a German Shepherd puppy need? The amount of walking a German Shepherd puppy needs depends on their age. There are no fixed rules on how much walking or exercise to provide a German Shepherd puppy, however, the recommendation is no more than five minutes of walking for each month of their age two times a day. For example, a 6-month-old puppy should have no more than 30 minutes of walking twice a day. For large breed puppies such as a German shepherd, too much exercise would lead to bone and joint problems therefore they should not be overworked or exercised. Also, note when your puppy seems tired or reluctant to walk so that you also allow them to rest or take a nap to recuperate. Conclusion: When do German Shepherd puppies start walking? German Shepherd puppies start walking between 2 to 4 weeks old but this does not mean that they should start being exercised or being taken out for a walk. I hope this article helped you know German Shepherd puppy development to understand the growth stages, when you should start walking your puppy and how much walking is best. By having this in mind, you should be able to safely start exercising or walking your German puppy without putting their health at risk. If you liked this article, you may also like to learn more from the below resources on German Shepherds. Related Posts. German Shepherds are an extremely active high energy dog and require at least one hour a day of energy-burning activity, but more is preferred. The German Shepherd is also very intelligent so it is important to challenge their minds. They learn new skills quickly making them easy to train with the right guidance. German Shepherd Exercise Requirements There are three main types of exercise and activity you must provide your German Shepherd every day. Daily walk 2. Mental stimulation German Shepherd Walking Time The daily walk is essential for a German Shepherd not only to release some pent-up energy. The walk allows your German Shepherd to stimulate the mind with the sights, sounds and smells they come across. The length of the walk is only limited by your time and energy as a German Shepherd can go all day long. Ideally, the minimum should be 30 to 45 minutes daily. This can be just once a day, or two walks a day would be better if your schedule allows. Dogs also like routine, so try to schedule the walk for around the same time each day. Daily walks are much better than nothing all week and a big walk at the weekend. If your German Shepherd has good recall and comes on command, walks at the park off the leash are ideal. Alternatively, you can use a retractable leash to allow them more freedom while maintaining control. In general, German Shepherds are obedient and usually have good recall if trained. You can add extra resistance to the walk by using a weighted vest or dog backpack. This is more than sufficient to tire them and strengthen their muscles without overworking them. Other ways of increasing the resistance on the walk are to walk on sand or include uphill sections in the walk. Ideally, you need to find activities that can burn energy in a short period of time and use these skills. This can include high-intensity games and strength training is recommended to keep their muscles in peak condition. By keeping the muscles strong they will support the joints and tendons preventing injury. Providing the right type of toys for German Shepherd is also a great way to provide exercise and mental stimulation for them. For the best type of toys for German Shepherds see here. These are some of the recommended activities and exercise ideas to play with your German Shepherd. Flirt Pole A Flirt pole is like a giant cat tickler for dogs. It has a long handle with a bungy type rope with a lure or toy attached to the end. You simply move the lure along the ground around in circles or in different directions as your dog chases it. This activity is ideal for a German Shepherd as it works the whole body and strengthens their muscles. It is important that this be a controlled exercise. For a full guide to flirt pole exercise for dogs see here. German Shepherds are generally ball or toy crazy can play this for hundreds of throws. A great alternative is to use an Automatic Ball Launcher so your dog can play Fetch by themselves. As the German Shepherd is highly trainable as long as you focus their attention they learn to use this quickly. They come in a variety of sizes, styles and are also available with a handle or rope attached for tug of war. Being a herding dog this is a great activity that caters to their natural herding instincts. Check out the video to see what great exercise and fun they are for dogs. Frisbee Toss Most dogs can chase and catch a ball. But a Frisbee requires a little bit more skill, coordination, and timing. German Shepherds look spectacular playing this due to their agility. Roll the Frisbee on the ground towards your dog. They will instinctually want to grab it in his mouth. If you feel like your dog is ready to go to the next level, toss the disc a little higher and further. Backyard agility Set up an agility or obstacle course in your backyard. You can use items you have around the home, build your own agility or you can get reasonably priced agility sets on Amazon. You can include tasks such as the weave, hurdle jumps, tunnels or jumping through hoops or a platform to jump on and stay. Stair Exercise A good energy burner if you have stairs in your home. Have them return down the stairs at a slower pace to avoid injury. Walking up stairs or a hill strengthens the rear legs as the full body weight of your dog is on each leg as the step. As they descend the stairs they are using the opposing muscles for stability. For more on stair exercise for dogs see here. Running, biking or skating with your dog The faster your dog is moving the more energy they will release. Try running, biking or skating with your dog to really get them moving. As the German Shepherd has good levels of stamina and can go for long distances, they can make great running partners. Just be sure to build up the distance and intensity of the activity over time to prevent causing injury to your dog. Swimming Many German Shepherds are keen swimmers. Swimming is a great exercise for a German Shepherd as it burns energy and uses all the muscles groups, in particular, the front legs and shoulders. It is a good exercise for dogs recovering from injury. For more on swimming for German Shepherds see here. Tug of War A firm favorite of all strong dogs. Make them crouch and pull back to use extra energy. Ensure that this is a controlled game and they release when you want them to. Also, a great way to build muscle and strength. Spring Pole A spring pole is simply a spring connected to a rope that hangs from a tree branch or beam with a lure or toy attached to the end. This allows your dog to play tug of war with him or herself even if you are not there. Popular with a lot of dogs that love a good game of tug of war. Dog toys that move on their own There are many dog toys available that shake, rattle, roll and move about on their own. This activity would be best as a supervised and control game as a dog like the German Shepherd could destroy these type of toys. Self Playing Dog Toys There are a variety of dog toys that your dog can use to play by themselves. This way your dog can still get some physical activity and mental stimulation without your direct involvement. Play with other dogs Provide the opportunity for your German Shepherd to play with other dogs. This is not only great to burn energy and stimulate their mind, but teaches them important social skills. Not all German Shepherds are dog-friendly, so ensure yours is to prevent the possibility of fighting. Dog sports There are many dog sports that your German Shepherd would enjoy including agility or fly ball. Consider enrolling your German Shepherd in a local club. You can enter as a serious competitor or simply for fun. Provide a digging area or pit Many dogs love to dig including many German Shepherds. Just be aware that if the weather is warm and you use sand, it may get hot. You can wet it down with the hose if it is. All dogs need an outlet for their minds. If they are not provided the opportunity to challenge their minds they will come up with their own ways to achieve this. This usually manifests itself in bad behavior such as excessive barking, digging, escaping and other destructive behaviors. Some ways to provide mental stimulation and enrichment include; Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys are ideal for dogs like the German Shepherd to challenge their minds and test their problem-solving skills. Due to their high intelligence, try to find puzzle toys that are a bit more challenging as they tend to work these out quite quickly. In addition to puzzle toys, Kongs for dogs are another great way to get your German Shepherd to solve a problem and challenge the mind. Scenting and nose games German Shepherds can have a keen nose. Playing scenting and nose games helps to provide mental stimulation. Chew Toys Provide your German Shepherd with good strong chew toys. Chewing is a great way to occupy them. In addition, chewing releases endorphins and helps to relax a dog. Many dogs hold stress in the jaw. For more on the benefits of chewing and the best chew toys click here. Learning Teaching new commands and tricks is also excellent to provide mental enrichment. A popular game that involves learning is to teach them the names of their toys. Dogs can learn hundreds of words and names. For more ideas to provide mental stimulation and enrichment for a German Shepherd see here. Food enrichment Turn mealtimes into an opportunity for your German Shepherd to get a mental challenge and enrichment. Instead of feeding them from a bowl, give them activities that require them to work for their food. To learn more about feeding enrichment for dogs see here. To learn more about environmental enrichment for dogs see here. Over exercised dog symptoms German Shepherds can go hard and keep going, often not knowing when to stop. With any dog, it is possible to over-exercise them, especially in hot weather. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a dog that has overdone it. How much exercise does a German Shepherd puppy need? The exercise suggestions above relate to a healthy adult German Shepherd. The exercise needs of a puppy are quite different. With puppies, their bones, muscle, and joints are still growing and developing. Overly strenuous walks are not necessary and in fact, could possibly cause harm. An activity that is high impact on the joints should also be avoided. The best exercise for a young puppy is free play with age-appropriate toys. Socializing with other puppies or friendly adult dogs is a great way to burn some of that puppy energy along with teaching them the social skills they need. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older you can take them for short informal walks allowing them to sniff and explore and get used to being on a leash. Check with your vet when it is alright to venture out to the park or street. The general rule of thumb for walking a puppy is around 5 minutes for every month of age. So, for example for a 4-month-old puppy, a walk of 15 minutes to 20 minutes is enough. Monitor your German Shepherd puppy on the walk for signs such as lagging behind, lying down or panting. End the walk if they seem too tired. Mental stimulation is important for puppies and can tire them just as much as physical activity. For more on mental stimulation for puppies see here. However, it is still important that they remain reasonably active to keep their joints and muscles mobile and to manage their weight. Many dogs develop arthritis as they age. Exercise for them becomes a balancing act. It is important to keep their joints mobile and manage weight, but too much can make them sore. German Shepherds are also a breed that is prone to hip dysplasia. In conclusion, how much exercise does a German Shepherd need The German Shepherd is high energy, strong and has good levels of stamina. They are also very smart and need to have their minds occupied as well. It is crucial to provide adequate physical and mental exercise and activity to release pent-up energy and prevent boredom. A minimum of 45 to 60 minutes a day of exercise plus purposeful activity including muscle strengthening and activities that provide mental stimulation is recommended. The cost of not doing so can be an unhappy and frustrated dog. This can lead to behavior issues such as barking, digging, escaping and destructive behavior. Author Joseph Coleman A lifelong writer and proud dog dad. Joseph started this blog dedicated to helping other dog owners find accurate information on how to keep their pets at their healthiest through exercise and nutrition. His passion for all things canine shines through in his writing, and he believes that every dog deserves the best possible care. If you're a dog owner looking for reliable advice on how to keep your pup healthy and happy, be sure to check out Joseph's work. Puppies Establishing an efficient exercise routine for a German Shepherd puppy is extremely important for your GSD to live a healthy lifestyle. While there is no exact science to knowing your German Shepherd puppy exercise limits, it is best to slowly ease into a routine and your puppy will gain stamina over time. Dogs are creatures of habit and love a routine. Accordingly, if you normally walk your puppy first thing in the morning, your pup will start to expect and look forward to those morning walks as soon as you roll out of bed. Try and establish an exercise routine that you can maintain long term, so your puppy can grow to learn the routine. The American Kennel Club UK recommends two exercise sessions of 5 minutes per month of age during puppyhood 1. When Allie was a puppy, I found short walks multiple times a day worked well. I started Allie with short minute walks times a day as an 8-week-old puppy. This served two purposes, to get some of her energy out, as well as getting her used to walking on a leash. Finding the Right Length of Walks for Your Puppy Although there are many recommendations as to how long to walk your German Shepherd puppy, it is best to look to your puppy for clues on its limits. Start with 10 minutes, 2 times a day. If you find your puppy is still a ball on energy increase it to 15 minutes, or you can add in a third minute walk. You want to find the walking time that is right for your individual GSD puppy as all puppies are all different and will require different amounts of exercise. Keep in mind, that it can be dangerous to push your German Shepherd puppy beyond his or her limits at a young age. If your German Shepherd puppy show signs of being tired or exhausted, stop the walk immediately and allow your pup to rest. Final Thoughts Establishing a solid exercise routine for your German Shepherd puppy is an important step in establishing the framework for a healthy lifestyle. In addition to walks, I would include short play sessions in the yard with a ball or play with toys in the house as well. The most important thing with walking a German Shepherd puppy is to start with short walks and play sessions and build on that process as your puppy grows. How much exercise does your German Shepherd puppy need? Your puppy does not need nearly the amount of exercise an adult dog does. Adult German Shepherds require two hours or more of exercise every day. And within that time, the duration of exercise depends on intensity. Your dog would not spend an entire two hours performing high-intensity exercises unless in formal training. A typical routine would include 20 to 40 minutes of rigorous exercises such as jogging, vigorous playing, or other activities. Some examples are practicing Shutzhund, preparing for herding or agility trials, or learning search and rescue. The remainder of the time dedicated to exercise, you should spend on training, ongoing socialization, and moderate- and low-intensity activities. You can include warmup and cool down in a moderate or leisurely walk. Keep in mind any puppy who is not full-grown does not need to engage in rigorous exercise for extended periods. What is the five-minute per month rule? However, one rule that makes sense as a loose guideline, is to exercise your pup for five minutes per month of age. You can do an exercise session twice a day. If you bring a GSD puppy home at ten weeks old, your exercise guideline would tell you to work with her for about .A six-month-old puppy , which you may be tempted to treat as a miniature adult, should still only get about half an hour of exercise twice a day. By 10 or 12 months , your Shepherd is up to his quota of nearly two hours split into multiple sessions during a day. However, you should still limit jumping and long-distance running until you are sure your puppy has finished growing. How do you know when your Shepherd puppy has stopped growing? This closure signifies your dog has finished growing and can engage in exercises that may be too strenuous for bones that are softer when lengthening. Once growth plates close and the joints no longer have laxity from extreme youth, you can take exercise to the next level. How can you tell if your Shepherd has stopped growing without a radiograph? According to Animalso. Use particular caution with certain working lines as they may not reach full maturity until the age of three years. Even though Czech and Eastern German lines have lower incidences of hip dysplasia than show dogs, you still need to treat their growing bones with care. Common beliefs notwithstanding, if you neuter a German Shepherd at a young age, the decrease in testosterone generally will delay growth plate closure. You will notice that neutered male German Shepherds are often taller than their unaltered counterparts. Therefore, assume if you neuter your dog, he will physically mature a little later. Mentally he will mature worlds ahead. How does hip dysplasia affect German Shepherd puppies? Hip dysplasia is a growth abnormality that affects most large-breed dogs and many small breeds as well. As you likely know, the hip is a ball and socket joint. The ball is the head of the thigh bone or femur, and the socket is the acetabulum or cup in the pelvis. In dysplasia of the joint, the femoral head grows at a different rate than the socket. Rather quickly, the femoral head no longer fits correctly or congruently within the socket, affecting function and causing scrapes across the protective cartilage, according to ACVS. Inappropriate looseness of the joint exacerbates the condition by allowing too much movement within the joint. Depending on the severity, affected puppies and dogs may show mild to life-altering symptoms. Signs of joint laxity or looseness usually occur first, although they may go unnoticed. Visible space between the head of the femur and the pelvis — Sometimes you can feel the excessive space when you cannot see it. Crying out in pain — Even if it has not progressed yet to degenerative joint disease, joint looseness can be painful. Abnormal gait — Your puppy may appear to bunny hop in the rear legs or exhibit other gait abnormalities that you would not classify as obvious lameness. Lame — Your dog will show lameness if she is in pain. Difficulty getting up or laying down — Your puppy may even show consistent reluctance to get up. Decreased interest in playing, especially if it involves running. Exercise intolerance — Your pup will play, but not for as long as you would expect. Maybe your dog seems to tire easily. Difficulty negotiating stairs — Joint looseness greatly affects the athleticism of your dog. Will not sit square — Many trainers advocate you enforce your dog sitting square as a sign of true obedience. Dogs with hip issues, they are unable to sit comfortably unless their hind legs are to one side or the other. Joint laxity can be difficult to judge in young dogs. Puppies have a greater degree of laxity than adult dogs to accommodate growth. Joint laxity should limit how long you walk a German Shepherd puppy , especially one under six months old. Joint laxity means your puppy will experience significant instability when walking, predisposing her to stumble and fall. Signs of osteoarthritis mostly manifest as pain, dysfunction of the joints, decreased range of motion, and even grinding sounds as the leg moves. Degenerative joint changes, believe it or not, can occur in puppies only several months old. German Shepherds do not typically have a problem with obesity. Although it seems counterintuitive, too much nutrition is not an ideal thing for the GSD. If a large-breed dog grows too quickly as a puppy, he can be more vulnerable to hip dysplasia if he already carries the genes. The dilemma comes with balancing exercise requirements and nutrition, so you have a happy and fit puppy who is not overweight but also does not overexert herself. How does exercise affect hip dysplasia? Although hip dysplasia has a large hereditary basis, over exercising a puppy can exacerbate the problem in a dog who might not otherwise develop any symptoms. It is important not to allow your puppy to run excessively or jump during her growing months. Moreover, if your puppy has excessively lax joints, overstretching during long and strenuous running or launching and landing for jumps can cause direct injury to the hips and surrounding soft tissue. Your puppy can also injure her growth plates. An X-ray at an early age gives you an idea if your puppy is already showing the effects of DJD or degenerative joint disease. Your veterinarian may be able to advise you further if your exercise program is too strenuous for your puppy based on any changes in the joints. How do you know your puppy overexerted himself? You may occasionally find that your puppy overdoes it. Perhaps you took him to a birthday party for his Labrador friend, and you did not have the heart to break up their play session. Most of the time, a play date that gets out of hand or a walk that runs over the anticipated time allotment will not cause any permanent damage. You can assess your pup the following day for signs of overexertion and know to take it exceptionally easy for the next day or two. Listen to your puppy Although you should leash-train your GSD at a young age, starting as soon as you first bring her home, there is much to be said about freeform exercise. The biggest benefit of your puppy exercising a good part of her time in the early month off-leash is she can self-regulate her activity. You will notice when puppies are tired or become sore, they will stop dead in their tracks. Make sure your puppy is in a safe environment, and she can engage in fairly unrestricted exercise on her own. When you are walking your puppy on a leash, under no circumstances should you push her to go beyond the point where you are dragging her, or she sits down and refuses to move on? You may have to carry her the remainder of the journey. As your German Shepherd approaches adolescence at five to seven months old, you will have to monitor his exercise more because what he can do will begin to exceed what he should do. Running over rolling terrain for miles or training strenuously for pursuit work is not ideal for an immature Shepherd and can be potentially harmful. Best length of time to walk a German Shepherd puppy: you know best! When facing the question of how long should you walk your German Shepherd, use the rough guidelines of five minutes per month of age a couple of times a day. Otherwise, allow your pup to dictate her level of tolerance for playing and romping. You can spend additional time with your puppy building a bond through affection and play, while still limiting duration. Your pup will need some time during the day to herself and sleep. This video shows the progression of a puppy and how his exercise abilities change. It perfectly illustrates how the young Shepherd dictates how much exercise he can tolerate. Notice, in the beginning, the interaction with his owner is a large part dependent on easy contact. As the puppy progresses in age, he gradually attempts more. If you watch puppies even three and four months old engaged in self-directed play, their actions are marked by frequent pauses to rest or think about the next move. Rarely will you see a German Shepherd laying still, but as in the video, puppies will take time to rest if left to their own devices. Swimming is a great form of exercise, but not all German Shepherds love water. This video shows that just because your German Shepherd puppy is not on a leash does not mean you are not walking her. Training should take up a good portion of your walks or exercise sessions, whether on- or off-leash. As much of a brilliant pupil as this puppy is, her session should not be longer than 15 minutes. Notice her yawn, which can be a sign of tension or a wandering mind, indicating the exercise should move to something else or stop.
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They breed only the finest Australian and American multigenerational non-shedding Hypoallergenic miniature and medium Labradoodle for sale. Its mission is to provide loving families with the healthiest and best-natured Labradoodle pups in Indiana. Forever Friends uses a gentle and kind temperament to ensure that the puppies are comfortable in every situation, which is why Doodles from Forever Friends make excellent family pets. They breed F1, F1B, and multigenerational labradoodle puppies in both mini and medium sizes. They provide excellent services, but their pups are also highly intelligent and make great family pets. Furthermore, they guarantee their puppies for two years from genetic diseases. If you have allergies, the Harvest Labradoodles are perfect for you because they are non-shedding and very friendly, making them ideal as family pets. Address: Located on a small family farm in Madison, Indiana. Phone: Website: www. We hope that you will find it helpful to adopt one of these non-shedding and hypoallergenic dogs. They will be perfect as your new family pet, and they will have a positive impact on your life. Smaller Labradoodle breeders in Indiana offer advantages such as greater specific care for each puppy and a feeling of becoming part of the family when you buy from them. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Marion Indiana and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Indiana? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Indiana. Soft, Cuddly, Cute Australian Labradoodles are famous for being cute, but just wait until you see our puppies! Extremely Intelligent Aussie Labradoodles mix the smarts of the Poodle with the trainability of breeds such as the Labrador Retriever, combining to create one super-smart puppy. The Uptown Family Bringing home one of our Labradoodles automatically makes you a part of our family. Perfect Family Pet Adaptable and laid-back, Australian Labradoodles can fit right in with almost any family—from those with lots of kids and pets, to solo globetrotters, to retirees looking for a quiet companion. Labradoodles just love people, no doubt about it. Highest Indiana Labradoodle Breeder Standards We enforce strict standards to keep both our parent Doodles and puppies in tip-top shape. That means making sure our mommy dogs live in awesome guardian homes, that our pups enjoy the best conditions possible, and that we have breeding age and litter limits for our mommy dogs. We do that by focusing on the traits that make Labradoodles so awesome, while attempting to minimize and eliminate genetic diseases. We also offer older trained pet puppies!!! The hard part is already done for you! She is already crate trained sleep through the night and is doing excellent on potty training with no accidents in over a week!!! She is learning to walk on a leash and getting well socialized. For more info on this sweet girl call Pat at .See our facebook page for more pictures and updates! Uriel loves her humans! She likes to be a shadow and be right by anyone in the house! She enjoys car rides and snuggles! She loves to run and play outside and then cool off on the air conditioning vent! She would do best with older children and adults. Her very favorite activity is laying on the bed next to her human and snuggling in for a long nap! For more info call Pat at .This little girl is just so much fun! Ursula is a fun loving, spunky, playful girl, that would thrive in an active family. She would also love a family that has another dog for a playmate. Ursula loves car rides and loves to play with her toys and retrieve them for you! She is doing well with crate training, and potty training and learning to walk on a leash. For more info on making this fun loving girl a part of your family call Pat at .Possibility of all colors solid and parti. Call Pat at to reserve a puppy. We take calls 7 days a week from 9am-9pm. We are on Eastern time. Puppies expected winter See our facebook page for more pictures and updates! We reserve the right to retain potential breeding stock puppies from any litter. We reserve the right to deny anyone one of our puppies. We also reserve the right to change mating pairs based on circumstances.