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Will they chew it up? Will it be the right size? Will your puppy pee on their bed? However, if you leave them in their crate for too long, they might have an accident. Will your puppy chew their bed? Will it be the right size for your puppy? You could either get a smaller version of the beds listed above, or just get the adult-sized beds and let your puppy grow into them. Getting the Right Puppy Bed When shopping for a bed for your puppy, keep in mind that they may pee on it, chew it, or outgrow it. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Beds around 40 inches long will be good for your Golden Retriever. Golden retrievers are social dogs and love to be around their families. How do you wash a dog bed? What makes a good Golden Retriever dog bed? Do golden retrievers even sleep on dog beds? Yes, your Golden may like to sleep on the floor, couch, your bed, or even the sunny lawn outside, but they do appreciate having their own space, too. Should a dog bed be waterproof? Having a dog bed with a waterproof cover will make cleanup easy if you have an old golden who might start to have accidents in the house again. With a puppy, a waterproof cover will be helpful, or you could also have two washable crate beds in case of an accident, similar to how you would have a spare set of sheets for a child. Your Golden may not love their new bed at first. It might take some time to get used to the feel and smell, but you can encourage them to like it by praising them when they get in it, or tossing toys or treats in it. Of course, they could also just be boujie and want a more comfy bed. Does my Golden Retriever really need an orthopedic bed? When we got Oliver his first orthopedic bed, we kept his old crate bed in our room, too. He slept in the orthopedic bed every night, but we rarely saw him in the crate bed. Do Golden Retrievers like blankets? Many goldens do like blankets, but they seem to prefer to lay on them rather than under them. Also, your puppy may enjoy tearing a blanket up more than cuddling with it, so be careful about leaving one in the crate with them. Here are the top ones we recommend:. Measure and weigh your pet to find the size right bed or cushion. Please be aware that doing just one or the other may result in the wrong choice. Example would be a Whippet weighting in at 25 lbs. Be aware, these are approximations. For Beds: Measure your dog in in his sleeping position; from nose to the base of the tail. Sleeping Style:. Does your dog stretch out or curl up when they sleep? Younger dogs tend to curl up more when they sleep because their bodies and spine are more flexible. Older dogs tend to stretch out. Do they like to curl up in a ball or sprawl out? Do they always tuck themselves in a corner, or do they lie down in the middle of the room? Do they look for the most comfortable cushion they can find, or does your dog flop down anywhere, including the hardwood floor? If your dog likes to stretch out, you may want to consider buying a larger bed or mat. When in Doubt: Always get the larger size. A bit bigger won't hurt as long as it will fit in your room. Look at the dimensions not the size and the weight load listed to double check that you are picking the right size. Again it is better to buy too big than too small. The Green Pet Shop cooling mat is a great solution. You can, however, also put it in the fridge for more intense cooling. When looking for the best dog bed for Golden Retrievers, we had to think about practicality and versatility. This one can be used anywhere! Top Features Automatic cooling system. The Active Pets Plush Calming Dog Bed is incredibly soft, making it welcoming and comfortable for your new family member. This cozy donut bed supports better sleep and the soothing material helps to reduce anxiety and nerves in puppies. It allows them to curl up and burrow down so that they feel safe and secure whilst sleeping or napping. Top Features Bed is machine washable on a gentle setting Available in 4 different and relaxing colors: pink, dark gray, beige, and light gray Non-slip bottom so your puppy can burrow and dream as much as they like! YETI is a great brand, offering well-designed and well-made dog products for your pup. This soft, comfortable dog bed has an inner, removable section for traveling and a home base for naps at home. They can be used together for extra comfort or separated for convenience. Perfect for camping trips and long naps. Top Features Waterproof bottom to protect the bed and your pup from damp grass High-density foam core for support and comfort surrounded by a lighter-weight foam for extra cushioning Quilted design allows your pup to get comfortable and burrow down Two-in-one — home base and travel bed Pros Outer cover is machine washable and the plastic bottom can be wiped down Weather-resistant up to a point Dogs love the high-quality material and how soft it is to sleep on Cons You guessed it. As our high-end bed of choice, this dog bed comes with a large price tag. You are getting two dog beds for the price of one though! Perfect for any kind of doggie adventure! Top Features 3 layers of waterproof material and resilient, cotton padding for comfort and breathability Easy to clean — simply wipe down Multi-functional and portable Easy to pack up and transport on to the next activity Comes in 2 different colors: orange and black Pros Breathable which helps with odor control Lightweight and easy to pack up. Bernards, Weirmaraners Setting Up Cratewear Bedding Please keep in mind that there are no standard dog kennel or cage sizes. Our bedding has been designed to accommodate the majority of crates. For the best fit: Place the bumper in the crate first. Start by attaching the Velcro around the back corners of the crate. Make sure you attach the Velcro above a horizontal bar. This will prevent it from sliding down. Don't worry if the bumper is short, the crate pad will fill in any extra space. Depending on the size of your crate, the bumper may or may not come all the way to the front edge. Now you're ready to put on the crate cover. All seams should be in the back of the crate not on the top. Crate covers provide privacy and security dogs appreciate. Caring for your Crate Bedding Set For your convenience the following information encompassing our entire line can also be found on the product care label located on every Pet Dreams dog bed. If you have any questions about caring for or washing your dog bed please don't hesitate to contact us and we'll be happy to respond ASAP! The largest dog breeds from 35 kg e. Bernese, Great Dane … A dog bed with a diameter of at least cm internal length Or for large dogs that like to lie stretched out, a dog cushion of at least cm by 80 cm is ideal. These are the dimensions of the lying surface without the side edge. Often the external dimensions are mentioned. Senior dogs and joint problems Is your dog getting older or suffering from arthritis? Then you better buy a larger dog bed or cushion. The material of the bed or cushion is also an important aspect to consider. Memory foam diminishes the pressure on the joints and is a great choice for senior dogs or dogs suffering from arthritis. Make sure you buy a bed with a low step over entry to allow easy access. .Does your dog prefer to sleep curled up in a ball or sprawled out on the ground? Just like humans, dogs have a favourite sleeping position. If your dog always sleeps curled up in a ball, he'll probably prefers to lie warm and secure in a smaller bed with a side edge. Frightened dogs in particular benefit from a sense of security. If your dog always sleeps in a stretched-out position, a larger size is often ideal. If your dog likes to lay his head on a pillow or edge, it's best to choose a bed which offers the necessary support for his head. Should you buy a size bigger for your growing puppy or not? It can indeed be a good idea to buy a larger bed. Also do bear in mind that puppies may start to chew on the cushion or bed, because they are teething. When combined with a blanket, you can easily turn the large bed into a super cosy and warm den. And last but not least: make sure you choose a washable bed or a cushion with a zipper, as accidents are unavoidable. Are you already familiar with our Dreambay collection? Dreambay dog baskets and cushions are designed with comfort and hygiene in mind. They are made with a combination of polyester fibre and foam. Both the baskets and cushions have a handy zip. This ensures that you can easily remove the cover to put it in the washing machine. The cover is water-repellent, so no foul odours are absorbed. In short, the perfect basket or cushion for you and your faithful friend.

Hypoallergenic: No History Hailing from England and boasting lineage from the mighty Old English Bulldog, the American Bulldog journeyed across the seas with tenacious working-class immigrants seeking a fruitful life in North America. This dog's superhero-like agility and strength proved itself to be a powerful ally for herding cattle and combating the onslaught of wild pigs that had invaded the American South. However, swept up in the chaos of World War II, the valiant American Bulldog was nearly lost to the sands of time, but fate had other plans! Today, these resilient dogs have surged back from the brink of extinction, earning recognition from the United Kennel Club in and securing their place as a beloved and enduring breed. Temperament Meet the American Bulldog, a loyal and brave companion that's guaranteed to bring joy and energy to any household! With their outgoing and friendly nature, these gentle giants adore children and are sure to become the loving guardians of those they call their own. When trained from a young age, American Bulldogs become the ultimate family pets, thriving in social settings with both people and other dogs. Keep them active and engaged to prevent any mischievous behavior, and remember, they crave your company! So fight off their separation anxiety with lots of quality time, and you'll have the perfect sidekick for all of life's adventures! Our breeders see their American Bulldog puppies and parents as vital members of their families. At Homemade Puppies, we pride ourselves on giving responsible, in-home, family breeders a platform to get their furry American Bulldog friends found. Your American Bulldog puppy is just waiting to be welcomed into their forever home. 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.

Welcome to the Nebraska state page on TrustedPuppies. Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Nebraska is known for its picturesque landscapes, friendly communities, and a wealth of dog-friendly activities. Our site features a wide variety of reputable Nebraska breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our NE breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. For those who enjoy the dog show scene, events such as the Nebraska Kennel Club Dog Show are perfect opportunities to engage with fellow Boxer enthusiasts and admire these fantastic dogs. With approximately thousand dogs, Nebraska is the 31st state in the United States in terms of dog ownership. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable Boxer breeders provide secure and affordable flight delivery, with a devoted flight nanny accompanying your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip as they travel to their new home in the Cornhusker State. In addition to flight delivery, most breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option ensures your Boxer puppy is brought to your doorstep by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Start your search for the perfect Boxer puppy today on TrustedPuppies. Find a Boxer for adoption at dog rescues or shelters near Omaha. See real-time photos and information about dogs currently available by clicking or tapping on FETCH below. Omaha: Boxer Breeders Below is a sample search of our Boxer breeders with puppies for sale. The search tool above returns a list of breeders located nearest to the zip or postal code you enter. From there you can see photos of their pups, find detailed information on their web page and contact them by e-mail, phone and even get driving directions. Detailed contact information has been omitted. Enter your zip or postal code above to access our up-to-date directory. This is a free search tool! Use the form at the top to get complete listings for breeders in your area! Important: Breeders. It is your responsibility to investigate. See How to Find a Dog. Come up to date on everything, 1 year health guarantee, optional hip guarantee, AKC Registration papers, life time breeder support and more Integrity Kennels Eldridge, ia, Services: Puppies We have been breeding quality Boxers for over 30 years. We have puppies most of the year. We have one or two litters a year out of health tested parents. Our goal is to have happy, healthy and well socialized puppies. Don't hesitate to send us a message. Born Nov. Already vet checked. FIRST litter in 3 years! We are thrilled! Contact us at [email protected]. Email or give Jane a call for more information. Health guaranteed. Shipping available. Using the AKC Standard as our guide, we strive for sound temperament, longevity, and good health. We offer pets and show prospects to approved homes. Health guarantee. Timberland Boxers. You will need A collar with the name tag and a leash. You will also need dog treats to reward a dog while training. Also, necessary things like a bed, dog food, and bowls should be bought. Schedule It is vital to take care of sleep, food, and walking early. Make a schedule to get all your work done and take care of the dog. A fixed schedule will teach your dog to maintain decorum and Stick to its routine. Working along with the schedule will help both you and your dog. It helps you maximize your productivity and teaches the dog to behave independently. Safety While welcoming a dog into your family, your primary responsibility is taking care of its safety. Brief all of your family members about how to care for a dog, foods you should not feed the dog, etc. When you bring your dog home, it is necessary to constantly keep an eye on him as their surroundings are new, and the dog can be curious to explore it, harming himself in the process. It is of utmost importance to Keep any poisonous substance out of reach. Online Boxer Breeders in Nebraska NE : In case your pet store does not have a boxer breed puppy, there are very reliable online websites available from which you can buy. There is a high chance of finding a better dog online than your local pet store. You will find many options online. They have accommodated over two hundred thousand puppies in caring homes. They aim to give every puppy a happy home and improve their lives. Jor boxer puppies Jor boxer puppies specialize in breeding high-quality and healthy boxer breeds. They give assurance on the health and performance of their dogs. They offer dogs with excellent bloodlines from around the globe. Their dogs are very social and friendly. You can find a highly skilled breeder for boxer dogs. As this is an online marketplace, it has a vast network and can search for the best dog in the country. Puppies for sale today Puppies for sale today is a website that connects you with breeders Worldwide and helps you find the perfect fit. You will find anyone with a boxer puppy for sale on this website. It is a very genuine and proficient website. Adopt a pet For anyone looking for a boxer puppy on sale, adopt a pet is a reputable online website that you should check out. They offer puppies of all breeds, so you have a variety to look at before choosing a dog fit for you. Boxer breeders and boxer sellers: A highly skilled boxer breeder will keep the puppies with their parents for a minimum of seven to eight weeks. So if your breeder does not have any vaccine or health checkup documentation, do not buy a dog from him. A breeder specializing in breeding boxers alone should be preferred over the breeders who breed more than one type of dog breed. Upkeep of a dog: 1. Boxers like to look tidy. Hence you should bathe them once every 2 to 3 weeks. Boxes tend to have short hair, so brushing them once in a while will do just fine. Training Early training helps significantly in developing discipline. Socializing and exercising helps channel all the strength and energy in the right direction. Boxers need something new every time for entertainment. They are also very obedient and intelligent. Boxer breeds are also considered police dogs and assist in detecting drugs and finding missing people. Health Boxers need a moderate temperature and do not do well with acute cold or heat. They need to be considered part of the family and kept inside the house. Breeders should check for health conditions like Cardiac disorder, hip dislocation, thyroid deficiency, And the particular type of cancers. Nourishment Whether commercially produced dog food or home-cooked dog food, it should be high-quality and appropriate nutrition. It is vital to keep track of calorie consumption as some dogs are prone to weight gain. Also, treats should be given in moderation, or else they will throw tantrums at you if you give them their dog food. Giving a lot of treats can also cause obesity. Keep your veterinarian in the loop with what you are giving your dog and also ask for consultation from time to time. FAQs Which other dog breeds can be crossed with a boxer breed? Boxer and the Rottweiler cross will give you a protective and loyal pet. It will also keep the trespassers at bay. A boxer and an American pit bull are often compared, but a cross of these two breeds will give you an intelligent and faithful dog. A boxer and an American bulldog cross is muscular and looks more like a boxer. Are boxer breed dogs hostile? Boxers are aggressive and want to dominate other dogs, mainly of the same sex. However, exercises like playing fetch and taking the dog on walks helps tone down the aggression and increases energy and agility. It is also capable of causing harm to other animals if it detects any threat. Do boxers bark a lot? A boxer breed dog has high energy and playful nature. Conclusion: The Business of breeding dogs is practiced on a large scale. Large-scale breeding also raises The chances of scams; hence, getting your dog from reliable means is necessary. Vaccinations and health certificates are also necessary to look for when buying a dog. We also looked at some of the exciting crossbreeds between the boxer and other dog species. What is this article helpful? Let us know in the comment section below. Find Boxer Breeders in Other States:.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. 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. Can't take your eyes off me can you? All the ladies love me already.Come on whatcha waiting for? But you can call and take me home today! My name is Koko.What was that.I saw you.We are hands on with our English Bulldogs and our puppies. We hand raise each and everyone of our puppies feeding them on mom every two hours around the clock for the first two weeks of their life. We start weaning them at four weeks while still feeding them on their mom throughout the day. We also start puppy pad training them at three weeks and by six weeks they are just about fully weaned and puppy pad trained. That's right by 6 weeks just about everyone of our puppies go to the puppy pad without fail this takes a lot of patience.Therefore, you should not have any problem with house breaking your new puppy or continuing to use puppy pads as we do. English Bulldogs require much care and love. They must be kept in a temperature controlled environment! We love our adult English Bulldogs and love on each and every puppy while they are in our care. Each and every puppy is raised in an environment with continued love and interaction so that when they get to their new home they are sociable and interact with their new owner these little guys need to feel safe and secure and they will love you back unconditionally. We only have one to two litters per year because we also operate a full time business. Our Bulldogs and puppies are raised in our home with our 11 year old son so they are kid friendly. Each afternoon we let them out into the backyard for some extra play time where they lounge and watch TV under our covered patio connected to their kennel. Each of our English bulldogs has his or her own indoor and outdoor area. Their indoor area is fully air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter. If you purchase one of these bulldog puppies from us or someone else.The heat can kill them if they get to hot! Our bulldog kennel is kept at 70 degrees in the summer and 68 in the winter. Please make sure you can care for one of these precious English Bulldog puppies before you think about adopting one from us or anyone else. Call or text my cell any time Ken Characteristics The wrinkles on the English bulldog's face should be wiped regularly to prevent skin infections. You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting an English Bulldog, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to English Bulldogs". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Bulldog from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect Bulldog puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many English Bulldogs young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos! They date back hundreds of years and are also known as British Bulldogs. They are a muscular, well-built dog with a wrinkled face and a pushed-in nose. This breed has won the hearts of generations of families for decades. They are considered to be one of the most popular dogs breeds in existence today. These fantastic puppies have gained popularity worldwide due to their playful, loyal, funny, and caring personality. They are laidback and tend to get along well with just about anyone or anything. They have very approachable demeanors and enjoy the companionship of their family. They also have a very easy-going personality which is one of the reasons they have remained a popular family dog. The English Bulldog does enjoy activity time and burning off energy, however, is not an overly energetic breed of dog. The correct ratio of meat-based protein and micronutrients, as well as healthy carbs and fats, will keep your dog feeling and looking his best. Most people recommend feeding this breed two meals each day, spaced about twelve hours apart. This will help to ensure the dog is provided with the proper nutrients he needs. It is also important to remember to provide your dog with proper dental care. It is suggested that his teeth get cleaned a minimum of three times a week. Failing to keep his teeth clean can contribute to health issues. Although properly cleaning his teeth will take some practice to get good at, in time, this will become easier for you and your pup. The English Bulldog grows to be between fourteen and fifteen inches tall. At maturity, the English Bulldog weighs between fifty and fifty-five pounds. The average life expectancy for this breed is between eight and ten years. English Bulldogs require regular bathing and grooming. It is suggested that they are bathed as frequently as every week up to no more than every four weeks depending on their activity level and lifestyle. This smooth coated breed does best with routine brushing which is essential to maintain healthy skin and a healthy coat. Frequently Asked Questions What are some of the health issues English bulldogs are likely to face? The English bulldog has various health issues with the most alarming being cardiac and respiratory complications. English bulldogs are also prone to dyslexia in the hip due to their relatively large body size. Skin infections are also a concern do to the wrinkly and folds nature of the skin. What is the lifespan of an English bulldog? The English bulldog can live up to years on an average scale. This is usually due to the numerous complications and health challenges the bulldog faces in the course of life. How frequently do English bulldogs shed? English bulldogs shed more frequently during the cold seasons like winter and spring. Compared to other dogs, they shed rather moderately and even lesser as they age. How hard is it to train an English bulldog? This breed of dog is known for its stubborn nature and can be really difficult especially for novice dog owners to get the hang of. Patience and routine should be the keywords when dealing with a bulldog. Are English bulldogs good watchdogs? The English bulldog has a natural instinct to protect its territory. Even though the bulldog is not usually much of a barking dog, in the case of an intruder it is well equipped and confident to take on the challenge at every cost. Are English Bulldogs dangerous to their owners? The English bulldog is not a dangerous pet. It is very much territorial and somewhat apprehensive to unfamiliar faces, but once it warms up to you, the bulldog is one of the most loving and loyal dogs. How much exercise do English Bulldogs need? The English bulldog on average needs about 30minuites of exercise every day to keep it mentally and physically healthy. Are English Bulldogs family dogs? The English bulldog may seem aggressive at first glance but you will get to find that they have a contrasting character to their appearance. They are perfect around children and can play all day. They are extremely lovable and friendly. How big do English Bulldogs get? English bulldogs can weigh up to 50 pounds and can grow as tall as 15inches. Male or female English Bulldog? This depends solely on the owner as both genders have their specific pros and cons. English bulldogs are very friendly and warm dogs and are amazing around children. No wonder they are one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. Are you interested in purchasing a English Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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Thank you for your interest in our AKC Goldens. See below to join our Farm News for updates on new litters. We accept deposits right here on our website to Hold the Gender of your Choice first paid-deposit, first reserved basis. If you have a preference for which momma you'd like, you can make note of that when placing a deposit. Otherwise, we will notify you when the next litter is available and confirmed through ultrasound! Your new fur baby will be ready to go home at 8 weeks old. The final payment must be made before taking the puppies home. Please join our email subscriber's here. Each puppy has such a precious, unique personality, so we like for our families to have time to interact with them and pick them out in person. We will schedule 1-hour appointments when the puppies are ready to be picked up 8 weeks old. Deposits are non-refundable. You or a flight nanny will need to meet us outside of the airport for puppy pickup. Additionally, If you are unable to fly to pick up the puppy or arrange a flight nanny , we are happy to provide the flight nanny service for you. The Flight Nanny charge is outlined below. Please feel free to message with more questions. We are happy to offer flight nanny service, though! The nanny is either ourselves or someone we personally know and trust. The flight nanny is attuned to your pet's needs and will give special attention to a smooth, caring transition from our farm to your arms. Flight Nanny fee must be paid ahead for scheduling purposes. We are happy to speak through these detail specifics with you. Be sure to watch for our mahogany. We now offer shipping in the USA and Canada! Feel free to email or call us at if you have any questions, or are interested in a puppy from one of our upcoming litters. We have several litters currently and have some availability left for these pups who will be ready for their new homes late June and early July. English Cream Puppies! August 24, English cream puppies are not actually completely white. They still have just a little bit of color. Did you know that when an English Cream golden gets older, you can actually see completely white hair around the muzzle? But only slightly.Anyway, these puppies from Snowflake and Lance.They are quiet, calm, and friendly with very good people interaction skills which is very important for family puppies. All our goldens receive individual handling at least 3 times per day by adul.We managed to get a few pictures the other day and wanted to share them with you! Both Clover and Charlie are very gentle, quiet, and calm. All their.Growing Up the Golden Way August 19, Is it any wonder that goldens are one of the most sought after breed in America? They are happy, content, bright and full of fun. Elemay and Freddy's puppies fit that description and then some. These puppies are going home on the 2nd of September! Searching for some new adventure May.Our goldens come in all different sizes starting with Susie who is the mother of these two weighing in at fifty-five pounds and working up to our heaviest male, George, the.Feel free to click the Reserve button to learn more about puppy availability and our reservation process! But the truth is, as puppy buying rises, so do puppy scams. A few quick ways to identify a scam: Scammers will not allow you to speak with them on the phone Copycat or Stock Photos Unusual payment requests instead of credit cards or checks Price is too good to be true Read more about this on the AKC website. Make an Appointment. Full AKC registrations are a decision that will be made on a case by case basis. Puppy selections are made on the day of puppy pick up. We believe this is a very big step for most puppy-parents, so to be fair we want you to have the opportunity to watch all the puppies as they grow bigger and develop their little personalities. Selecting your puppy at eight weeks will also allow you to better identify size and coloration if that is your preference. You will raise your puppy with the confidence it is recognized by the American Kennel Club as a purebred Golden Retriever. As a consumer, you are spending a lot of money on a puppy and there is great value in knowing your breeder has followed all the criteria needed to fulfill the requirements set forth by AKC. This information will be mailed to your home, usually within weeks. Full AKC Registration is exactly the same as the limited registration, with one difference: should you decide, as your puppy gets older, you want to breed it with another fully registered Golden Retriever, you will be able to register the litters with the American Kennel Club.

Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. Schools Hospitals The veterinary clinic. Plus puppies are a great stress relief and your puppy may be just what the staff need to get through a hard day. Not only does it keep them healthy but it may also decrease the tendency toward poor behavior and helps them sleep. There are many things you can do with your Golden Retriever beyond just neighborhood walks, here are some suggestions: Swimming. Even puppies can swim, just take the time to introduce them slowly to deep water. Throwing a toy helps. Playing catch. Playing ball is great exercise, just avoid tossing things like discs where they may try to jump and injure them selves Tug of War. Gentle tug of war is a great game that most Goldens love. Playing with other puppies or similarly sized dogs Chasing the kids around the yard. Have them drag a rope toy and run let your pup catch it every once in a while. This has the added benefit of exercising your kids too. Training your Golden Retriever puppy is essential, he or she needs to understand what is good behavior and what is not. Golden Retrievers are very smart dogs who learn quickly and enjoy training with their people. House training and teaching basic commands is an essential part of raising a Golden Retriever puppy. Additional training, whether that is advanced obedience or training them to do tricks, can be a great way to enjoy your puppy and creating a lasting bond. Golden Retriever puppies are able to learn as well as adults by 8 weeks of age. Even younger pups can learn basic behaviors like sit with just a little patience. Here we give a few suggestions, but we have a fantastic article on Training your Golden Retriever that goes into detail. Here are some commands every dog should know. Your Golden Retriever puppy should come right away every time you call. Carry treats in your pocket and practice this command everywhere you go. Coming when you call could save your dogs life one day. This one is critical for when you want your Golden to stop jumping on guests or when you want your pup to calm down. It can also be used in place of sit for not jumping on guests. Leave it. This one is important to get them away from that dead animal they want to roll in, the goose poop they want to eat, or the pacifier that your neighbors toddler dropped in front of your pup. Yes wait not stay. This means walk by my side without pulling on the leash. Some Fun Tricks and Commands to Teach Your Dog One of the best parts of raising a Golden Retriever puppy, is seeing first hand how smart they are and how much they love learning new things. Here are a few just for fun things you can teach your dog. Bring it. Point to a toy or object and have them bring it to you. Turn off the light once they are big enough to reach the switch. Off is easier than on but they can learn that too. Jump through the hoop. All you need is a simple hula hoop and a partner. Note Golden Retriever puppies should not jump higher than a inches before 6 months. They should not jump more than shoulder height before 1 year of age when their growth plates are closed. High five. Yup this is exactly what it sounds like, having your pup give you a high five. Be careful not to use the same hand signals for other commands. For example holding your hand up by your shoulder usually means sit, so you should hold your hand in a different spot for high five. If you are loving teaching these tricks, AKC has a Trick dog title you can earn with your dog. Or if you love dancing, canine freestyle, dancing competitions for you and your dog might be fun for you. Again, this could be an entire article on its own, but since I have not written one, I have included a link to a video that I think will be helpful. What I like about this trainer is his emphasis on positive reinforcement rewards and NO punishment negative reinforcement. This is exactly the technique I used to train my own dogs. See what you think. For other helpful tips see our article on article on Training your Golden Retriever. Also, you will discover while raising your Golden Retriever puppy, that they can be a bit exuberant or really hyper in the case of some field bred lines , check out this article on How to Train your Golden Retriever to be Calm. Dogs are by instinct more comfortable sleeping in a den a confined space with only one opening. Staring crate training early will make sure everyone in your household gets the right sleep. Even if you plan on letting your Golden pup sleep in your bed again I remind you they will be big dogs, so prepare for a bed hog , crate training can be helpful as a safe place for your pup to stay while you are not able to watch them. This is especially important if you plan on raising a Golden Retriever puppy while working. See our article on How to crate Train a Golden Retriever for tips. That is where some really great dog toys come in. This critter is on of our favorite toys for Golden Retriever Puppies. It is fairly sturdy so it can handle a lot of shaking and a little bit of tugging. Plus it is just really cute and will pose well with your pup for all sorts of photos. Make sure to watch your puppy carefully. You may need to change types of toys as your puppy gets older. Many companies claim their toy is chew proof but there is no such thing. However if your puppy becomes a moderate chewer, here are two that my dogs enjoy. Best Ball Toy View on Amazon This ball is made of tough rubber and is a different texture than the ever ubiquitous tennis ball. My dogs can pop, skin and take apart a standard tennis ball in about 5 minutes, making it both a hazard and a waste of money. They come in a couple of sizes so you can get the larger ones as your puppy grows. Here I have recommended the 3. It comes as a set with a ball thrower and a ball but you can get the balls separately if needed. The good news is that inside is a regular Kong toy so even after they remove the fabric, your pup will still have a toy to play with. The Wubba is great because they or you can throw it around, play tug, or just fetch it. They do come smaller for younger puppies. For more dog toy ideas and recommendations, check out our article on the Best Dog Toys for Golden Retrievers. This needs to start early with letting them get used to normal things like brushing, bathing, and dental care. You should gently brush your Golden Retriever puppy as often as times a week for just a few minutes. It is not that they need it, as much as you are training them that the brush is nice and feels good. Wait until they are sleepy and treat it like a petting session at first until they get used to the idea. For the rest of the list of recommended brushes here is the Full article, Best Brushes for Golden Retrievers. When to bathe and groom your puppy might become obvious. I find that there is not much of a need to put dates in the calendar because they find something to get into that necessitates a bath every couple of weeks. The first veterinary visit should be right after you bring your puppy home even if the breeder or shelter has already started their puppy shots. At that visit your veterinarian will make sure your pup is healthy and recommend the preventative care your pup needs. This may include a series of vaccinations to protect against common infectious diseases, heartworm and intestinal worm preventatives, and flea and tick medication. It takes tons of time, money and dedication. If you are not a professional breeder or are not willing to do all of the things necessary to become a responsible breeder, then your puppy should be spayed or neutered. For detailed information in this required surgery and when do have it done, see our article on Spaying and Neutering Golden Retrievers. Conclusions on Raising a Golden Retriever Puppy Following these essential steps when raising a Golden Retriever Puppy will help you to have a happy, healthy family member for years to come. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. Golden Retrievers were first bred in the early s in Scotland as hunting dogs. Although they are still used for hunting, Goldens also excel at many other activities, including search and rescue jobs and guide work. They require ample exercise—swimming in particular is a great outlet for their endless energy, and most Goldens love it! Their beautiful coats require brushing and in some climates a summer trim may be in order. Goldens are intelligent, understanding, and eager to please their families. The Golden Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Golden. By knowing about health concerns specific to Golden Retrievers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Golden Retrievers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Golden Retrievers. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Golden looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your Golden is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Golden Retrievers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Golden Retrievers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Golden is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Golden Retrievers Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your Golden will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Golden Retrievers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Golden Retrievers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Golden Retrievers than other breeds. The sooner these tumors are surgically removed, the better. Unfortunately, mast cell tumors often look very similar to other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, many of which are not harmful. Therefore, all suspicious lumps should be tested and surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal , so early detection is critical. Bloat Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Golden is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Golden Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Goldens. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Golden Retrievers and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea the clear front part of the eye , and redness in the whites of the eyes. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Golden is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Allergies, swimming, overgrowth of hair in the ear canals, and accumulation of earwax can all predispose your dog to ear infections, which are painful and annoying. Goldens are very often afflicted by allergies, which can cause itching and inflammation in the ears and elsewhere. The earlier we diagnose and treat these ailments, the less discomfort and pain your pet will suffer. Be sure to call us if you notice him scratching or shaking his head, a foul odor from the ears, or if his ears seem painful to the touch. By monitoring for ear infections and treating them early, we also reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage that can lead to deafness. Most ear infections tend to recur until we work together to control the underlying cause. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Golden Retrievers are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us at or call an emergency hospital. Heart Disease Some Golden Retrievers inherit a heart condition known as aortic stenosis. This disease causes a partial obstruction to the blood flow leaving the heart, which means the heart must work harder to pump enough blood to the body. If the condition is severe, your dog may faint or seem to run out of energy during exercise. He may also have difficulty breathing, cough frequently, or have stunted growth. Golden Retrievers are also especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, your pet may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. If indicated, treatment includes medication and dietary supplementation. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Goldens have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Bleeding Disorders Your Golden Retriever is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test as we may not otherwise know whether your pet has hemophilia until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Taking Care of Your Golden Retriever at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Golden live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. Golden Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She excels at dog sports like flyball, agility, dock diving, and obedience events. She has a passion for water, and swimming is a perfect form of exercise for this water retriever. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Golden Retriever needs help. January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! However, avoid retractable leashes whenever possible: Although they seem easier during walks, retractable leashes are actually dangerous, especially for young puppies who are still getting the hang of walking on a leash. Keep your puppy on a regular leash with a maximum of six feet of space between you both. Snowy Pines recommends slip leads: Slip leads are what puppies are taught to walk on from a young age at Snowy Pines, since they give you as the walker more control over the puppy as he gets the hang of normal walks. You can also opt for an embroidered collar if your puppy seems bothered by the noise or extra weight of the dog tags. Many puppy owners choose embroidered collars since dog tags should be removed when the puppy is left alone as they can pose a hazard. You can stick with a small food and water bowl. Puppy Food Your puppy will need high-quality food to grow strong! In most cases, this means his own dog crate. A good dog crate should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. You can choose a crate that expands as it grows to save money in the long run. Most of our puppies at Snowy Pines will do well in a inch wire kennel with a divider that you can remove once he gets bigger. Be sure to check out our dog bed reviews too! Remember that most toys should not be left alone with your puppy since unsupervised playtime can lead to a choking or blockage incident. Image Source Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys keep your pup mentally stimulated while they also have fun. Additionally, these interactive toys provide help with weight management, satisfy natural hunting instincts, and even relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. These toys can easily become a comfort item and help curb any potential anxiety as well. Chase Toys Golden puppies need to have regular exercise. Chase toys are simple things you can buy at any pet store, like ropes and balls, but some interactive chew toys are designed to add a little zing to your daily play routines. So, for example, if your puppy just woke up from his nap and pottied, but you need to do laundry and load the dishwasher, the exercise pen is a perfect solution. It enables your pup to enjoy safe solo playtime. Training Treats Food is a powerful reinforcer , so treats are incredibly beneficial in the early stages of puppy training. Try offering him a treat when he potties outside or uses a chew toy. Quick Tip: The treat should be small and chewy so that he can eat it fast and keep his attention on you! With the proper carpet cleaner and enzyme spray, you can quickly combat any potty mistakes anywhere in the house. Dog Shampoo and Conditioner The Retriever family has a unique, double-layered coat designed to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. It also dries quickly after becoming wet. It is such an impressive coat that it is essentially self-cleaning when it comes to dirt and debris. Pooper Scooper and Poop Bags A pooper scooper is a handy tool that many homeowners with yards find essential. Instead of bending down every time your pup goes, you can use a pooper scooper to clutch onto the waste and quickly throw it in your outside garbage bin. They are also expected as a common courtesy to other people outside. So before your English Cream Golden puppy comes home, be sure that your home, backyard, and car are puppy-safe and puppy-proofed. In the Home: Image Source Keep the toilet lid closed. Believe it or not, open toilet lids have the potential to be drowning hazards. Secure medicine and cleaning products. Keep these products high up or use childproof locks and latches on lower cabinets. Garbage should be kept lidded and secure. Lidded, secured bins are the best type of garbage cans you can have with a young puppy. Not only do you want to avoid spilled garbage, but a locked lid will prevent your puppy from getting into any potential hazards. Hide electrical cords and blind cords. Exposed electrical cords and long blind cords can prove to be fatal for curious puppies. Keep electrical cords hidden away, buy cord wraps to keep them safely covered, and be sure that your blind cords are tied high and inaccessible. Invest in a pet or baby gate. Gates can be used for doorways or staircases to keep your puppy away from certain areas of the house. In the Backyard: Be careful of plants and landscaping that may be poisonous or dangerous. Many plants are toxic to dogs , so be sure to triple-check if any are growing in your yard. Secure your yard with fencing and add gates around bodies of water. If you plan to let your puppy roam freely in your backyard, you should have complete fencing with no puppy-sized gaps around the perimeter of the property. If you have any ponds or pools, block them off with appropriate fencing to avoid accidental drowning. Keep your yard landscaped and manicured. Long grass and brushy areas can invite ticks, which can be extremely dangerous if any potential bites are not discovered early on. Generally speaking, your grass should not be higher than a couple of inches and potentially even shorter while your puppy is still young. In the Car: Image Source Move any chewable items and lock loose items in the glovebox. Confine your puppy in one area of the vehicle, like the backseat. Keeping your puppy confined to one area of the car is safe for everyone. Many puppy parents choose harness seat belts and car seats for younger dogs, while older dogs are big enough to safely sit in the back seat or trunk with cargo barriers. As your Golden Retriever gets older, you may find yourself opting for different barrier methods that will better suit his size. Kennel your puppy while in the car. Crating your puppy is the safest mode of transportation while in the car. Deciding on a Daily Routine Like children, puppies thrive on a fixed routine because an orderly one instills structure and confidence. Sticking to a schedule can also help reinforce potty training and prevent behavioral issues , like separation anxiety and barking or whining. Think of a schedule that works best for your puppy, which should include: Feeding: Pick out regular meal times and stick to them as closely as possible. Golden Retriever puppies will need three daily feedings until they are six months old. After that, stick to feeding twice a day at the same time each day. Fixed meal times will help you predict when your puppy needs to potty each day, which better ensures easier potty training. Scheduled potty breaks: Take your puppy out to the yard or on a walk to potty immediately after a meal and after they wake up to enforce a schedule that will help with house training. Playtime and exercise: Playing and mental stimulation are key to a happy puppyhood. Even though they will mellow out in personality as they become adults, Retriever puppies are high energy! Place the dog crate in a quiet part of the house since we kennel train at Snowy Pines, and it helps ensure their safety and comfort. And now is the exciting part: Your puppy is finally home! But now what? Puppy Socialization Socialization is vital for young puppies, especially between 8 to 16 weeks of age: A well-socialized puppy will grow into a happy and confident adult that feels secure in various situations. You can also invite friends and family over to meet the puppy. In this case, more is always merrier! To help your puppy feel comfortable around humans in general, expose him to different types of people when he is still young. We also recommend holding off on public settings like dog parks until your puppy is settled into his new home and routine so as to not overwhelm him. Once your puppy is vaccinated, you can consider signing him up for puppy socialization classes. These classes, alongside training courses, can help prepare your pup for a long walk or a day at doggy day camp. Training Techniques Training is just as essential as early socialization. He may become disruptive and exhibit poor behaviors like jumping on visitors, chewing on furniture, and barking incessantly, among other frustrating challenges. Your puppy may also struggle with separation anxiety. They will comprehend basic commands and learn things such as his name, housebreaking, and early manners. They will be able to take on more advanced training and commands, and they should understand what good dog manners are. This age is essential when it comes to instilling how you want him to behave through adolescence. Puppies will begin teething at this point. Your new puppy might use anything possible to exercise his teeth, so you must start teaching him not to use your hand or furniture as chew toys. Anytime your puppy chews on something undesirable, have a toy nearby to put in his mouth instead. You can also try using bitter apple spray to deter biting and chewing on household items. Be firm but loving with clear, consistent commands and minute training sessions each day. Quick Tip: Keep in mind that at this age, this is when the key socialization period ends for your puppy: From this point forward, everything your puppy has learned will influence the way he behaves around people and other animals. While this is good, this age will also be a challenge because he will try to determine his ranking in the household, which can be frustrating when hormones play a role! Although spaying and neutering are standard for most breeds around six months old, studies have found that doing so for Golden Retrievers can actually increase the risk for joint disorders. Therefore, the standard for this breed has recently changed, and many vets suggest waiting to spay or neuter until 12 to 24 months. Training can be an overwhelming process, which is why many Golden puppy owners opt for working with a dog trainer or enrolling in training classes. Snowy Pines offers three levels of training when adopting one of their golden retrievers, which can save you tons of time and frustration in the long run. At your first checkup, you can also ask about getting your puppy microchipped! My husband and I are bringing home our first puppy in September a goldendoodle and this was super helpful! Emily June 29, , am Thank you so much for this, Jen! I look forward to the post on favorite dog toys! We just got a puppy and, while its only been a week, we are definitely having some issues getting puppy to embrace his crate. He is doing really well with potty training, and has yet to have an accident in his crate, but soon after he enters his crate the howling begins. This way he associates it with a positive place. Also, leave treats in there. Some dogs do better with their crates covered so like drape a blanket over the sides so it feels more like a cave. You might also try placing a t-shirt or something that smells like you in there. Also, leave the door open all the time and praise him if he goes in on his own. Good luck! OH, what a difference! Long after they no longer needed their crates, we kept them and always left the door opened. They would go into them when they were tired, knowing they were in a safe place; their place. Friends always said to us that they would have a dog if it behaved like our dogs. Be consistent. Fun for all of you. I can definitely see how teaching while a puppy can make a huge difference. Looking forward to your next dog related posts :. Reply Link Megan June 29, , pm Ahh thank you for this post! My husband and I are looking into getting a pug puppy soon and these tips are so helpful. Looking forward to reading more posts on this, especially the crate training. Love the tips, we are still trying to stay the course with the UD group classes! Golden are the best! It has been such an eye-opening month with our new puppy. Our other dog is 8 so everything feels brand new. I actually wrote about it in my post for tomorrow, but a puppy is like a baby. My boyfriend and I are getting a golden pup in the fall and while I grew up with the breed I have never trained a pup on my own. We made the choice to get a puppy mostly to instil good habits and behaviour long term. So long story short, I would never put a puppy or young dog or any age in airplane cargo! Reply Link Megan June 30, , pm Good tips! Socializing him right away and crate training him were so key to having an awesome, well-adjusted dog! Reply Link Josi August 20, , pm Hello! Just wondering where you got your goldens? This really helped me figure out what to do when she gets here. Jen May 3, , pm YAY! Our 3rd Golden in about 33 years and know he has some big paws to fill Taegan was wonderful for 14 years. We are so excited!! I have a new English Cream Golden. I feel like I need to work for his affection. Great otherwise! Not super energetic. Bursts of energy followed up by lots of naps but never really interested in walks. First timer here. Your pup could really benefit from basic positive obedience! I would recommend seeking out an experienced trainer in your area to help you as your pup grows! Having a puppy in the home can be fantastic, but you also need to make sure that you can offer it the best as well. She has been really easy to house break. We are excited to bring her home. Thank you for the helpful tips. That is a good idea to make sure that we are committed to doing the work to train this dog. We do really want him to be well trained. Thanks for the tips! Thank you so much for this super informative post! Reply Link Jen January 22, , pm I always made sure she went before we got to the gym and walked her frequently. Meghan January 29, , am Thank you so much for the reply!! We kept each of our puppies on a leash in the house, never out of our sight except when they were in the crate for 4 months before we gradually gave them independence. We always messed with them and held them. They had accidents as you would expect until fully house trained at about 4 months, but never any destructive or aggressive behavior. We gave them plenty of tough chew toys. Also training classes. They were never nervous or skittish. They love to lay on us and never have had any trouble with grooming, food guarding, loud noises, children or other animals. Goldens are great dogs but like any dog, they can only know what you teach them. Great article!! Kathrinne May 5, , am Hi Jen, how old are your puppies when you let them go out? Jen May 5, , am What do you mean? Reply Link Carly September 8, , pm Thank you so much for your article! What would your input be? Do you think they would focus on each other more than their humans? Would 2 puppies be so much more difficult than 1? Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Love the name Zoey!! Any tips to Prevent that?? Reply Link Christine November 1, , am About to get golden 3. Learning all over about everything. Reply Link Jen November 1, , pm It is like starting over again but you will figure it out! Every pup is different but be patient and consistent! This is my first large dog breed so a little nervous. I read your post and you give wonderful tips that I will follow. Please let me know if it is safe to put a flea collar on the puppy. Thank you. Reply Link Jen January 29, , pm I would consult with your vet to see what they recommend for flea prevention and treatment. Also, about the scratching. It could be due to something else like an allergen outside. I have not had a dog in 3 years because I lost my last one in a painful way for me and I am afraid to get another one. I am now ready to get one and this page has helped me prepare for my new puppy. I am a 74 yr old male in pretty good shape no health issues, and retired so I should be around a while to look after a dog. My wife passed about four months ago so I guess I am looking to fill a void. I live in a single family home and have plenty of time to spare. Thanks Reply Link marion duffield April 14, , am I am picking my pup up in 2 weeks! This is the best AND most realistic article I have read about training…. My pup Tank will be 4 months when we get him. He is absolutely adorable. Have only seen photos. He lives with his breeder in Missouri and we live in Canada…. I am so excited for you!!!! Puppies are intense but so much fun. And wow, that is going to be an adventure! Reply Link Theresa April 30, , am Do you have suggestions about golden retriever puppy biting? We got ours at 7 weeks. She is now .How do we stop her from snapping and biting? She is smart and loving. The biting has been rough though. Can you help? But I love dogs soooo much. This info is everything to me. I love this post Soo much. Thanks a ton. You left puppy in car? Or what? Reply Link Madeline October 31, , pm I am picking up my 7 week old golden in 2 days! I am so excited! How did you go out taking him places before he had his full shots? I want to socialize him, and of course potty train him immediately, but obviously there are risks. Whats your take on this? So the whole crate training thing is not going so well. She hates it. Emily Camalo April 2, , pm Hi! Really appreciate you sharing all of this advice! It was super valuable. Reply Link Julie April 11, , am Loved your comments. I have a 9 week double doodle. I have crate trained since day 1 and she has been really good, day 1 upset for a couple of minutes. Day 2 no problem at all. Now just the occasional cry when I leave her but that is over with in a very short space of time. I also leave a low radio on for her. She uses the garden most of the time for toileting, but occasionally she will come into the house and do another wee. The problem I have at the moment is trying to stop her biting. I have tried the gentle command which she listens to some of the time. And I have tried standing and turning my back on her so she realises I am not playing when she bites, but she will then go for trousers or feet, which I try my best to ignore, or she will just go off and do something else like chew a mat or something which is a no no. Any ideas? Regards Reply Link Stephanie January 25, , am Really great info, thank you for your article. Our puppy arrives in 5 days and we have been preparing for months. Your advice is. Very helpful. Blessings to you. Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. But not only for them as it's a life-changing time for you too! Without preparation, bringing home a new puppy can be difficult and challenging time, but there are many things you can do to help things run more smoothly. For first time puppy owners you may have many questions on how to prepare for those first few precious days and weeks to come. It's a lot to cover but extremely important too! So let's begin.Preparing Your Home for A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. I use this food for my puppies and adults. I still believe that a raw diet is the best diet, however, with my schedule this isn't practical. If you would like to learn more about feeding a raw diet I will gladly help you through this process with your Golden Retriever puppy. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for ceramic or stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. It speeds up the house training process, keeps your puppy safe and out of mischief when you can't watch over them, provides a place for them to escape to for relaxation when they wish.Provide bedding for your puppy to sleep on and I recommend Vetbed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and Vetbed is the most durable bedding on the market. Once you know they won't chew their bedding, you can change to something more plush and stylish of your choice. Here is a link to give an example from Chewy. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You cannot allow your puppy free-run of your entire home, otherwise you'll find they potty, chew and otherwise cause havoc all over it, causing damage and putting themselves in danger. Make sure if you use a gate that your puppy can't squeeze through, and if you use an exercise pen make sure it's too high for them to jump over and out. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads to them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew a lot and they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. All jokes aside, to prevent damage to your possessions you'll want to provide toys for them to chew on and actively direct all their chewing on to these toys. The best puppy chew toys on the market, strong and durable which is particularly important for retriever's are Kong toys. You can use them "as-is", but you can also stuff them with kibble, food treats, peanut butter or even frozen yogurt to make the toy interactive and keep your puppy's mind occupied and happy. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. Be sure to grab a few that will enrich your puppy's life. Just click on the photos below to order these toys. Cleaning Supplies Your puppy will have numerous 'potty training' accidents over the first few weeks. If they can smell in an area that they've been there before, it attracts them back for a repeat performance. So be prepared with an enzymatic, odor neutralizing cleaner that's specially formulated to completely remove all traces of urine and pet stains. Natures Miracle comes highly recommended. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an ID tag with contact information. Males are larger than females, genetics play a part and some retrievers carry more weight than others. We love the Blueberry leashes and collars and here are a few options. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. So buy a good, durable ID tag, have engraved upon it your address and phone number and optionally you can include your puppy's name if you wish. Grooming Tools Grooming is a fantastic way to relax and bond with your puppy and even though they won't need it, you should fake going through the process anyway. You need to get your puppy used to being touched all over because you'll be doing yourself, the vet and groomers you employ in future a massive favor! They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and of the tools and so on. You want to get them happy and accepting of being handled and touched all over while a puppy, before they become a strong adolescent or adult when it becomes extremely hard to control them if they're determined. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. They're completely naive and clueless about the world around them, what's safe and what isn't and will explore and play with everything and anything until they're taught to know better. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. It's cute to see, but can also be very dangerous. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. As a brief summary, you want to pay attention to removing everything that's at puppy level such as electrical cords, low hanging curtains or fabrics, remote controls, footwear, things on end tables and low surfaces, plants, magazines and books-anything and everything they can get their paws on must be removed or made safe. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in a stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later. They also need a set of rules to live by such as where you allow them to go, what they're allowed to do, how rough they can play, what they can chew on, what they can't, and many more rules besides. It's especially important to discuss all this if there's more than just you in your household so that everybody knows, understands and sticks to the same rules, as well as knowing who will do what for the puppy and when. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. The 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. You really want to be a part of this process to make sure it's done correctly. Preparing For The Journey Home The ride home is all about safety, minimizing stress and catering to your new puppy's needs. You have to expect some crying and whining because it's a highly stressful time for your puppy. So don't get worried or annoyed, it's perfectly normal. If you're driving home alone, placing your puppy in a crate is the best of all your options. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess of your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. They will likely ignore it and cry, but it's definitely worth a try. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. Though if longer, it's best you use a crate and the puppy can go between the two: The crate and their lap. Your Puppy May Get Travel Sick Some puppies get travel sick during their first journey in a car so you should prepare for this. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, paper towels and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. What To Do When First Arriving Home The very first thing you want to do is carry your puppy straight to the place you've chosen as their bathroom spot. Whether this in inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as your arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! You've just started house training by getting off on the right foot. And then it's time your puppy got to explore the place that's now their new home and to meet their new family. Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Of course, every person in the house will be excited and eager to say hello right away, but make sure beforehand you've instructed everyone to remain calm and quiet. It's especially important that you give instructions to children who can easily frighten your puppy if they get over-excited. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. They should step into the puppy's area and get down to the puppy's level so they're less intimidating. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Let your puppy explore and go to them, don't have people running over and scooping puppy up, this may frighten them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Your puppy needs time to adjust and relax into their new world which won't be easy if everybody is over-excited. Keep them in the little puppy zone you've set up. There's no need to show them all the bedrooms and cubby holes of your home, there's plenty of time over the coming months to break them into the rest of your home. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving home. They might speed round like a little hurricane, sticking their nose into every little thing they can, yapping, bouncing and playing hyperactively. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through , or they might cry and whine the whole night. There's just no way of knowing so expect to see either extreme or anything in between and just accept that it's perfectly normal. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy.And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see your when you turn up. Also, by following rigid schedules for feeding, play and potty breaks as described earlier, it will only take a few days for your puppy's body clock to fall into a routine. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. But you shouldn't feed them too much because being overweight is bad for their health. Generally speaking, you should follow the quantity guidelines that came with your puppy food, then adjust how much you feed depending on your puppy's body condition. You shouldn't be able to see their ribs, but with light pressure you should be able to feel them. If you can see them, increase their rations, if you can't feel them then reduce their rations. I recommend feeding 3 times a day until 26 weeks and then 2 times a day.

Looking For A Teenage Labrador? We have a fantastic group of older puppies ready for training. Click below! About Us A Caring Breeder At Amber's Waves of Grain, we are constantly working to foster an environment that creates happy, healthy, confident companions. AKC Labradors are known for their intelligence, courage, and temperament. At Amber's Waves of Grain, it is our goal to provide owners with Labrador puppies who will make loyal companions and great additions to your family. We strive to be the utmost responsible breeder by requiring a completed "A New Puppy Application" for each new buyer. This application process is our way of being a responsible breeder, and helps us guide you to your perfect AKC Labrador puppy. Please take a look at our Labrador Puppies and contact us to come to pick out your new best friend! Not all those available are pictured. All Labrador puppies come with a 3 year health guarantee relative to age and are up to date on shots and worming. Pricing range based on age, training and blood line. They're free to play in the yard and interact with each other. To learn more about us watch this videos Home Some of our babies! We are located in the country just outside of Johnston, SC. Our home is built on 55 acres with a 2. We are surrounded by open fields and woods; the perfect playground for a Labrador retriever. We have been involved with Labradors since when we purchased our first Labrador and our love for this incredible breed has grown significantly with every Labrador that has been part of our life. Our first, Jessie, a black Labrador was gentle and loving. Our second, Jamie, a high spirited yellow Labrador always seemed to get into some sort of trouble. Our third and first male dog, Jake was a gentle giant weighing in at lbs and was a creamy white color. Whether Jake was on the dove field, tracking a deer, fishing in the pond or just playing with his squeaky toys, he was the all around hunting companion and family member who will forever be remembered in our hearts. Having a well rounded and valued member of the family ready for the field as a hunting companion or living an active lifestyle in the home is our 1 goal at Dry Pond Retrievers. This is accomplished by breeding for intelligence, train-ability, physical soundness and having a natural marking ability, and good all around attitude that can do the work and then come back home to be a valued member of the family. Puppy Rearing Area! Atwater click here!

If you would like one of these wonderful dogs for your family, please take the time to fill out our owner application. Learn More Our Puppies See our current, past, and upcoming scheduled litters. View Gallery Find us on Facebook We post photos on facebook so visit and like our page. We are very excited to be bringing our Puppy Patch to the Okanagan. Prince George has been wonderful and allowed us to grow into the best we could be. Due to the growth of Puppy Patch and what Kelowna can offer us, we have made the decision to move and spread our furry doodles! I also have a puppy application you can fill out. Please see my upcoming puppies page for information on these litters. All my litters are up to date. We are a small breeder of the Multigeneration Australian Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. Here in our home, in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada we raise some of the finest Doodles available. We fell in love with Labradoodles and Goldendoodles nearly 9 years ago. I have spent the first few years researching the breed, to ensure that we started with the best possible breeding dogs, and boy did we ever! Our Doodles are cherished members of our family, thus they are raised in our home. They are not kept in kennels. They have the run of the back yard as well as the 5 acres of field in behind us. They sleep indoors; some even choose to sleep in our beds. Puppy Patch Labradoodles are extensively health tested and our puppies come with a 2 year health guarantee. Our dogs and puppies receive meticulous care and live in immaculate facilities. We strive to conduct ourselves with honesty and integrity. We strive to improve this breed by producing the highest quality dogs possible. We select only the best dogs to use in our breeding program.If you are looking for a top quality Multi-generation Australian Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, or Bernadoodle you have come to the right place. We select only the best dogs to use in our breeding program. By doing this it ensures we are only breeding the best doodle puppies. You can be assured that your puppy comes from well-tested parents. When you adopt from Puppy Patch Labradoodles I am confident you are going to get the best family companion available. We ship all over North America and parts of Europe. I love helping families make their homes beautiful with furry additions. My goal is to help all who are passionate about their families have a place of comfort and happiness! A cross between a labrador and a poodle and multi-generational, our puppies are thoroughly socialized. Please browse our site to see the latest puppy litters and our breeder policies. If you are thinking of adopting a labradoodle and would like one of these wonderful dogs for your family, please take the time to fill out our owner application. There are many reputable Labradoodle breeders available in British Columbia who can help you find the perfect pup for your family. By asking these questions, you can be sure that you are getting a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a reputable breeder. The cost will vary depending on the quality of the parent breeds that the Labradoodle puppies come from, as well as if you want a specific generations or a specific color might increase the cost substantially! The pricing also depending on what region or state you live in. What is the rarest color for a Labradoodle? Their coat needs to be completely red, and their hair should be pure from root to tip. If you know any great Labradoodle breeder who lives in British Columbia, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in British Columbia? It really helps others who are looking for a Labradoodle puppies in BC. If your friend and relative looking for a Labradoodle Puppies in British Columbia, you can share this post with them. If you are looking for the best Labradoodle Breeders in BC, you can consider one of these breeders. Labradoodle Breeders. We post photos on facebook so visit and like our page. Welcome to Puppy Patch Doodles Inc. We are a proud breeder of the Multigeneration Australian Labradoodles. We fell in love with the Labradoodle in .I spent the first few years researching the breed, to ensure that we started with the best possible breeding dogs, I have never looked back! Our Doodles are cherished members of our family, thus they are raised in our home. They are not kept in kennels. They have the run of our homes and yards. They sleep indoors; in our beds. Puppy Patch Labradoodles are extensively health tested and our puppies come with a 2 year health guarantee. Our dogs and puppies receive meticulous care and live in immaculate facilities. We strive to conduct ourselves with honesty and integrity. We strive to improve this breed by producing the highest quality dogs possible. We select only the best dogs to use in our breeding program.If you are looking for a top quality Multi-generation Australian Labradoodle you have come to the right place. We select only the best dogs to use in our breeding program. By doing this it ensures we are only breeding the best doodle puppies. You can be assured that your puppy comes from well-tested parents. When you adopt from Puppy Patch Labradoodles I am confident you are going to get the best family companion available. Family raised authentic Multi-gen Australian Labradoodles. First and foremost bred for temperament and of course beauty. Well socialized from the very beginning of life until they leave us at 8 weeks. I am confident in providing non-shedding hypoallergenic pups. Our Doodles make the best family pets, therapy and service dogs. We do extensive health testing. We belong to the best and follow the highest standards. Puppy Patch Labradoodles Email: click to email About our Puppies Our Australian Labradoodles are allergy and asthma friendly with low to non-shedding coats. A cross between a labrador and a poodle and multi-generational, our puppies are thoroughly socialized. Please browse our site to see the latest puppy litters and our breeder policies. Recent News.

When Puppies Open Their Eyes Newborn puppies usually open their eyes for the first time when they are 10 or 14 days of age. Before they open their eyes, a newborn puppy is very sensitive to light, especially bright light. During this early stage, dog owners need to make sure puppies are in a safe space with their mother and littermates. For example, some dog breeds that will take 10 to 14 days are golden retrievers, cocker spaniels, and German shepherds. On the other hand, fox terrier puppies may take a full 21 days to open up their eyes. Keep in mind that littermates may not open their eyes at the same time either. You can toss one into the air and see if your puppy reacts to it. If your puppy follows your hand and the ball in the air, then he can see. Your puppy may not be opening his eyes within the 10 to day time period, or perhaps the longer period depending on his breed. If there is discharge or pus coming out of the eye, your puppy may have an eye infection. This is because weaning may take that long. There are two exceptions when it comes to getting a younger puppy. You may have found some puppies that lost their mother dog, or you might be rescuing a puppy in need. In those cases, you have no choice. Some dog breeds that are prone to genetic eye issues include Irish setters, pit bulls, Labradors, American bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Australian shepherds. Related reading: What Is Puppy Breath? Your vet may give your pup eye supplements to aid in healthy eye development. If you want to buy supplements in the store or online, ask your vet first which ones they recommend. You can get toys specifically designed for puppies to keep your pup occupied and ensure he gets the exercise he needs every day. This adorable chew toy can bounce and float so you can play all types of games with your pup no matter where you are! Made with Orka TPE material that is durable, yet gentle enough on teeth and gums. If you track his development with the help of your veterinarian, you can make sure he is a healthy — as well as a happy — pup. German Shepherd puppies available in Colorado German Shepherd puppies available in ColoradoGerman Shepherd puppies available in Colorado Puppy development - Understanding the Stages Puppy Development - The Stages Explained Understanding the puppy development stages will help you build the personality and character you want in your pup, which starts with training at each stage of development. To have a wonderfully social dog, that isn't fearful or aggressive, you need to ensure his needs are met during each phase of development. Probably one of the most important things you can do to achieve this is to get the right training at the right time. And that's not just for your pup; puppy parents need training too! You need to know how to integrate your puppy into the family and establish yourself as the pack leader. You'll see many behavioral changes during the life stages of your pup, some of which will no doubt test you, particularly when they reach the final stage - adolescence! Overview of Stages The puppy development process covers five distinct stages: 1. Neonatal Period at Weeks 2. Transitional Period at Weeks 3. Socialization Period at Weeks 4. Ranking Period at Months 5. Adolescence at Months Stage 1: Neonatal Period at Weeks The first stage of puppy development is when they are born. Most of us won't have our puppies at this stage but, if you are getting your puppy from a breeder, you may get the occasional picture from the breeder. At this age, puppies only have a sense of taste and touch and rely totally on their mother. Stage 2: Transitional Period at Weeks You're still not likely to see your puppy at this age but the breeder will start to notice some more senses developing, such as their hearing and sense of smell. They'll also start to have their puppy teeth coming through and their eyes will begin to open. This is also the age when they start to develop their little personalities. They will interact with their littermates, wag their tails, stand, walk a little, and are able to bark. Stage 3: Socialization Period at Weeks This is the most important stage of a puppy's development. It's also the stage where the most critical changes occur, and guess what, you're probably going to bring your puppy home during this period! Most puppies go home to their new parents at the age of 7 - 9 weeks so understanding this stage is vital. During this period, changes start to occur rapidly, so let's break down this puppy development phase. This is also where you can separate the good breeders from the puppy-mill-type breeders. Note: At Centennial GSD, our puppies are born and raised in our home where their interaction with humans and other animals begins at birth and accelerates at 21 days old; the most critical time in early puppy development. Unfortunately, puppies that are from puppy mills usually sold in pet shops don't get the opportunity to develop a relationship with humans until you bring them home. This sets them back with socialization from the start and additional work is needed to enable them to become fully sociable dogs. Puppies that are born in kennels or outside are also unfamiliar with the day-to-day noises of a regular household such as TV, vacuum cleaner, dishwasher, washing machine, phones, talking, laughing, people dropping things, you name it! You'd be surprised by how much noise we make on a daily basis and how frightening that can be to a puppy that has been raised outside. Once the puppies are at least 5 or 6 weeks old you should, if possible, ask the breeder if you can schedule a visit to see the puppies. Most good breeders recognize that the socialization period has already begun and will gladly welcome future pet parents visiting the puppies. What you're looking for in the photos is evidence that the puppies are comfortable around humans and ideally that they are indoors, preferably in a household. If all you see are photos of the puppies in a kennel, or outside, then you may start off with problems with socializing your puppy when you get them home. If you can't visit, then question your breeder on what plans they have in place for the puppies to be indoors and meet new people between the ages of weeks. If they have no plans in place then I would seriously reconsider using this breeder as they are hindering the socialization period of these puppies. These puppies could easily become shy or fearful around people and noises , which could lead to a fear aggression problem. If you do visit the puppies at 5 weeks old you're likely to see some fun stuff. At this age, puppies are just learning to interact with each other and begin to play. They are also learning their doggie social skills as well as beginning to explore their ranking status within their pack. Their curiosity is now starting to develop so they will be interested in you and may well nip at you as their biting skills are developing too. Seek out ways to handle puppy biting appropriately. Therefore, it is vital that you introduce your puppy to as many new dogs, people, objects, and surroundings as you can. BUT, make sure you do so in a controlled manner. If you have another dog at home you should make sure you introduce your puppy to your existing dog on neutral territory. When bringing a new puppy home it is also important that you puppy-proof your home for the sake of your puppy and your possessions! It is also a good time to start a program to get your puppy used to being left alone to avoid separation anxiety from developing. From the age of 7 weeks, puppies are more than capable of being able to be house-trained so make sure you start them off right. At this phase of puppy development, the little guys are developing their reactions to things a lot more. They are also likely to focus more on different types of people and, as long as your breeder and you did a good job initially, should be friendly and approachable to strangers. During this time they are also going to practice their biting skills a whole lot more! Previously they would play and bite with their littermates. Puppies will yelp when another pup bites too hard which provides feedback to that pup to bite softer. You now have to try and mimic this behavior to teach your puppy not to bite. This is called bite inhibition and is quite easy to learn and teach your pups. You'll also notice that they may start to wander off a bit as they are more curious and will probably look to explore their environment a lot more. Be prepared for this at this age. That cute little puppy that you could take out for a potty break without a leash now needs to be on a leash! Generally, puppies at around 8 - 9 weeks old will not wander off but once they reach the age of around 12 weeks of age curiosity begins to take over and they will venture out or even chase a rabbit rather than stay close. Stage 4: Ranking Period at Months If you have another dog in your household you may start to see more ranking behavior from your puppy towards other dogs. You'll likely see him practicing his dominance and submission skills, which he may well practice on you too. If you haven't done so already, make sure you start a training program with your pup. At this age, your puppy is going to go through teething so watch out, as chewing is a big factor at this time. You may also notice that there is blood on his toys and chews or in his mouth during the teething phase. Sometimes a puppy's tooth doesn't fall out and the adult tooth will come in next to it. If you notice this in your pup, take him to the vet as it will need to be removed by the vet to prevent it from interfering with the alignment of his teeth and can also cause root infections. Your puppy is usually done teething by the age of 6 months but you can tell when your puppy is finished teething once you see the upper fangs canines come in as they are last. Stage 5: Adolescence at Months Adolescence in German Shepherd Dogs will begin around nine or ten months old and likely continue until they are two or three years old. Consistency is key at this point so is routine. Puppy Development and Fear Periods During puppy development, puppies go through fear periods, in fact, on average they go through 4 fear periods. These are approximately at the following ages: 1. Between Weeks 2. Between 4 - 6 Months 3. About 9 Months 4. Between 14 - 18 Months This is a very important part of puppy development, as if you handle this incorrectly, you could end up with an aggression problem for life. As your puppy enters a fear period, he will suddenly become frightened of something that he used to be OK with or used to ignore. His reaction could be hunched down, shaking, backing away, hiding, running away, or submissively urinating. Or, your puppy could display more pronounced behaviors such as growling, barking, hackles up, or showing teeth. Either way, once you recognize one of these behaviors at the age range mentioned above, you would be wise to stop taking your puppy to new places and introducing them to new things for about a week. And if you can, don't schedule any vet appointments during a fear period. Your new puppy can grow up to be everything you want if you recognize these critical puppy development phases so you can prepare and react accordingly. Puppy Development Wrap Up By understanding what each stage involves with your puppy's development, you can get a good idea of what to expect, both developmentally and behaviorally. You'll also be better equipped to provide your puppy with the right care throughout each phase. Finally, providing a stable routine, consistency, positive training, and plenty of socialization and exercise you are more likely to produce a well-balanced and emotionally stable dog. After all, it is these periods of a puppy's life that will shape his personality and character. Quite simply, puppy development affects behavior, and behavior, molds character. Content courtesy of Sharon Dianora. While every litter is different and the size of newborn puppies in greatly depend on the term, number of puppies in a litter and other factors, the average weight of a puppy in our breeding program is around grams - give or take. All puppies are born very hungry and are latching to their mom shortly after birth. At less than a week old, the puppies began to stretch their legs. They also arch their backs when picked up. They crawl more frequently. Around the week and one half mark, their eyes are ears began to open. Their eyes are blue. Just not yet! They also experience their first incisor teeth. Crawling is much easier at this stage. The puppies begin to: become more independent from their mother eliminate on their own take their first wobbly steps Third week Puppies are walking pretty well at this point and their gait becomes similar to an adult dog. This time is full of exploration, from their environment to their littermates. The puppies learns social skills and experience emotional development. Puppies are able to identify their own species. They can also form bonds with others outside of their kind, including humans. Litter H. German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. Baby German Shepherds growing up! German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular dog breeds out there at the moment, with many devoted fans. They can be large and imposing as adults. But, like every breed, they have a cute puppy phase that many fall in love with. However, since most puppies are bought at weeks old, most of us miss out on this magical period of their lives. So what happens during those first important weeks? A typical German Shepherd litter consists of around puppies. The mean average, according to a study performed in , is 6. When they are first born, they will still have an umbilical cord attached and may be covered in amniotic fluid. Their mother should chew off the umbilical cord and spend the first few hours cleaning their pups. Then mom will focus on keeping her newborn pups warm while allowing them to nurse. At this stage, German Shepherd puppies will just sleep and avoid expending energy. They will frequently nurse from their mother. Newborn German Shepherds When baby German Shepherd puppies are first born, they are completely dependent on their mother. Their ears and eyes will be closed and they will be unable to regulate their own body temperature efficiently. A coat should be present, and the color will depend on the genes they have inherited from their parents. Black with tan markings is the most common for this breed. Additionally, they will be relatively immobile. They will be unable to properly support their own weight. Therefore, they will commonly crawl on their stomach to move about. They will also be unable to urinate or defecate on their own. Stimulation from their mother will be required to help them go to the toilet. One Week Old Baby German Shepherd In the first week, the puppies should bulk up significantly and double their birth weight. However, there will not be much change in their behavior. They will still primarily be focused on nursing and sleeping. To help themselves stay warm, the puppies will normally cuddle close to each other, except for when they are in a hot environment. At this stage, they will still be blind and deaf. While they are still unable to see very well, this is a big step. Eyes should open for the first time at around days of age. They will appear blue in color, but this will change into brown as they develop. They may become a little more inquisitive about their surroundings with their new-found eyesight, and may begin to crawl around a little more. We can expect to see them make some big steps at this stage. Firstly, at around days old, their ears should begin to open for the first time. They should now be able to both see and hear, though not too clearly. Their senses will continue to develop over the coming weeks. They will begin to be able to stand and support their own weight. Walking may still be tough, though! They will likely be pretty wobbly. You can also expect to see their baby teeth come in at around this time. While they still get the majority of their nutrition from their mother, they will begin to show interest in solid food. They will begin to become more independent at this age, being able to urinate and defecate on their own. Beginning Of Socialization With their sight and hearing, they are likely to show a little bit of adventure and courage for the first time, exploring their surroundings as much as their unsteady gait will allow them. This milestone also marks the beginning of the socialization period, a critical phase of their development. Things learned now can shape their personality and behavior for the rest of their lives. They may engage the other puppies in clumsy play and show body language such as tail wagging for the first time. They will form relationships with their den mates, their mother, and humans. This stage is critical in getting the puppies used to humans. This can be achieved by gently exposing the puppies to human presence and contact so that they can see that they are no threat. While their brains are still very much in development, they are still able to learn some simple concepts at this stage. Crate and potty training can begin at this age. They should now be able to walk pretty well. This mobility will allow them to further play with their family and be even more curious about their surroundings. On top of this, their baby teeth should now be fully formed and the weaning process should be fully underway. They should be offered soft but solid food. They may begin to show signs of more complex social behaviors towards their other den mates, and they should learn important skills like bite inhibition. The socialization process should continue, with the puppies gently being exposed to new people, sights, and sounds. The German Shepherd babies will also be further weaned off the mother at this time, slowly moving onto a fully solid diet. Six Week Old Baby German Shepherd At this age, you will begin to see the puppies become even more independent of their mother. Six week old puppies are gaining social skills rapidly, and love to play with people and each other. Seven Week Old Baby German Shepherd When we move into the seventh week of their life, a new significant phase of development starts to begin: the fear period. While this sounds disconcerting, it merely means that this is the time that many puppies begin to show fear towards new things, rather than curiosity. Things that the puppy may find scary or uncertain during this time can make for big changes in their personality throughout life. For example, if a puppy has a bad experience with a human at this stage, it may lead them to becoming fearful and distrustful towards people for the rest of their life. This is why gently exposing the puppies to humans and common sights and sounds beforehand is important. By preemptively socializing the puppies with humans, we can help this period run smoother. The puppies will have reached weights of around pounds and should be around inches tall. Their ears will lie flat but should begin to become erect and upright over the coming weeks. They will be fully independent of their mother at this age. They should be completely weaned, with some basic training and socialization. From here, new owners are expected to continue to train and socialize them, as they are still within a critical period of development. New owners will also need to continue to ensure the German Shepherd puppy is fed a good, nutritionally balanced diet. For more information, you can check out our full puppy development guide here. And make sure you also take a look at this guide to bathing a puppy! In general, a German Shepherd puppy can open its eyes after 7 to 10 days after birth. A German Shepherd can start to focus and see things after about 14 days, after birth. Upon birth, its ears and eyes are closed. Its umbilical cord is still attached. Their heartbeat is slow. After three or four days, the umbilical cord of a GSD puppy gets dry and falls off. At this stage, your GSD puppy relies on its mother in everything. Its mother will feed it, clean it, and protect it from everything. Its temperature starts to normalize as well. At two weeks old, the nervous system of a GSD puppy is still not fully developed. At this age, it will start to open its eyes and ears. After the second week, it can have fully opened eyes and ears. A GSD puppy at this age starts to crawl too and can do its bowel movement on its own. In normal circumstances, a GSD baby will open its eyes at around 10 days according to pets. It can walk and it will start exploring around. At this stage, it starts to form a bond with other puppies and with humans. Its emotional development starts to develop as well. Your puppy will start to roam around. A slight noise will make it react. It will start to notice other living things like cats or other animals in the household. It will start to notice you, its owner. You can introduce it to a pet toy too. It will start playing with humans at this age as well. At one month, a GSD puppy already has a full set of teeth. Its temperature is now normal so is its heartbeat. You should also start exposing your puppy to kids to see how it will react or its behavior around children. At two to three months old, your puppy is learning quickly by now. Its motor skills have greatly improved by this time and it has reached sexual maturity. At the age of six months , a GSD is now considered an adult. A female GSD experiences its first estrus period at this age. For both male and female GSDs, this is their juvenile stage. It means it is their most active phase in life. Your GSD would want to go outside all the time, play, or run. It is about doing outdoor activities. It now raises one leg when urinating to show ownership and leadership. After 12 months of being with you, you can now feel the bond that your dog has for you. Your GSD will continue its maturity until it reaches three years old. If it has been two weeks and your puppy has not opened its eyes yet, you can check if its eyes are clouded with dirt birth buildup dirt. You can do it again the following day according to Dopappy. If the eye is infected, use saline water to clean its eyes. A drop of saline water two to three times a day should do the trick. German Shepherds of all ages are susceptible to eye problems. Among the common eye problems that GSDs are at risk of are: Cataracts.