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We have the tremendous opportunity to raise these little mini goldendoodle nuggets of joy for Sacramento, California. These mini goldendoodles have the deep wiring to find joy in almost anything. Familiar person; joy. New person; joy. New toy; joy. Sunny day; great. Rainy day; awesome chance to play in the mud. They have been intentionally bred to make beautiful companions for families, so that they can flourish and enjoy great health in Sacramento. We also know that these joyful mini Goldendoodle puppies - and adults - raise the joy of the people who meet them. These beautiful mini Goldendoodles end up becoming a dear part of the family unit, and get their own particular piece of our hearts. We do not take this lightly. As a breeder, all of these different clubs, groups, and programs are aimed at raising as much joy as possible in our mini Goldendoodles for Sacramento. Happy and Healthy Sacramento Mini Goldendoodles We know that there is much more to breeding healthy, confident, flourishing mini Goldendoodles than just getting a dam and sire together at the right time. These organizations serve as a source of accountability for us, in order to help us breed for mini-goldendoodle puppies with the puppies health in mind. So our mini goldendoodle parents must pass hip, elbow, patella, cardiac, eye, and genetic screening in order to be a part of High Desert Family Doodles. Our mini Goldendoodle parents - Brownie and Rosie - have passed their health-testing and are ready for a litter of puppies in the next couple months. These puppies will be in the pound range, and we will have a variety of coat colors and textures in the litter. Your mini Goldendoodle puppy would be a day trip away, if you wanted to drive up to pick them up. We can meet you at the airport with your mini goldendoodle puppy so that you can just enjoy the brief flight north to Oregon. We look forward to our joyful mini Goldendoodle puppies joining you in Sacramento, California. From that point, we begin to integrate different exercises and exposures that help the mini goldendoodle puppies with overcoming fear responses to become both brave and confident. We give them practical problems to solve - such as navigating obstacles in order to get to their meals - in order to nurture problem solving and trouble-shooting. Mini Goldendoodles come from the hybridization of two intelligent breeds- poodles and golden retrievers - which tends to lead to a highly intelligent puppy. Our hope and desire is to encourage this intelligence as much as possible, and to to teach the mini Goldendoodle puppies that the world - especially Sacramento California - is a trust-worthy place that is safe. In the final weeks we have these mini Goldendoodle puppies, we begin to work with crate exposure, and potty training. We help them begin to understand that their crates are safe places for them as well. They begin to quickly pick up on potty training. The mini Goldendoodle puppies also get a large amount of early socialization with different people in order to help them trust the wide array of humans. Hat: yep. Beards; oh yeah. Tall people; indeed. Kids; all the way. We do all this stuff so that these mini Goldendoodle puppies can handle all the Sacramento California has to offer. Our mini Goldendoodle puppies go home when they are 8 weeks old. The next month is an important window for you to continue to work on exposure with new situations and people to help them continue to grow confident and brave in Sacramento, California. Our breeding dogs undergo thorough testing and selection to ensure they are healthy and happy, and suitable for their new homes. As a top-tier breeder, we pride ourselves on providing the best care possible for all our dogs. They all live inside our homes with loving caregivers who ensure their well-being and happiness. Our puppies are also born and raised in our homes, where they receive plenty of socialization and interaction with the world around them in a safe and nurturing environment. They are usually bred to be companion, therapy, guide, and other types of assistance dogs. A Goldendoodle is a crossbreed dog that is a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Goldendoodles are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, as well as their hypoallergenic coats, which make them a popular choice for families with allergies. They come in a variety of sizes, depending on the size of the Poodle parent used in the crossbreeding process. Goldendoodles require regular grooming to maintain their curly, non-shedding coats, and they also need daily exercise and socialization to stay healthy and happy. Goldendoodles are known for being highly intelligent and easy to train, making them a popular choice for therapy and service dogs. Goldendoodles can come in a variety of colors, including cream, gold, red, chocolate, and black. They are often considered to be hypoallergenic, as they inherit this trait from their Poodle parent. Goldendoodles are social animals that thrive on human interaction and attention. They require regular grooming to maintain their curly, non-shedding coats. Goldendoodles are active dogs that enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming. They are known for their love of play and can be quite silly and entertaining. Goldendoodles have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more people discover the many wonderful qualities of this unique crossbreed. Goldendoodles are considered a designer breed and are known to be intelligent and extremely agile. They also can weigh to be about pounds. Goldendoodles are perfect family dogs. They are known to be friendly, energetic, trainable, and sociable. Around children and babies, they are extremely even-tempered. They are just as friendly and playful indoors as they are outdoors, great for going on walks and hikes. Training Goldendoodles Goldendoodles are extremely smart and easy to train. The best way to train them is through positive reinforcement- since they are always willing to learn. Bring home a new addition to your family Bring home a new addition to your family Goldendoodles are a wonderful choice for families as they are a crossbreed of two of the smartest dog breeds, Golden Retrievers and Poodles. They are highly trainable, intelligent, and well-suited for families. They are affectionate, playful, and loyal, making them easy to care for and love. Additionally, Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic, making them a great option for people with allergies. They are created by breeding a purebred Golden Retriever with a purebred Poodle. The new Goldendoodle mix is a friendly, intelligent, and affectionate dog. F1B Goldendoodles are created by breeding a first-generation Goldendoodle with a purebred Poodle. Because F1B Goldendoodles have a higher percentage of Poodle genetics, they are often even more hypoallergenic and non-shedding than first-generation Goldendoodles. They also tend to have more predictable traits and can exhibit more of the desirable characteristics of Poodles, such as intelligence, trainability, and affectionate personalities. F1B Goldendoodles are popular pets for families, especially those with allergies or who are looking for a low-shedding dog. They are typically friendly, affectionate, and intelligent, and require regular grooming and exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Physical Characteristics of Goldendoodles Goldendoodles can have a range of physical characteristics, as their appearance can vary depending on factors such as the size and coat type of the Poodle parent and the Golden Retriever parent. However, here are some common physical characteristics of Goldendoodles: Goldendoodles Color: Most Goldendoodles are white, cream, chocolate or black, although other colors are also possible. Goldendoodles Coat Goldendoodles coat are usually wavy like mostly Golden retriever coat with a little mixture of poodles curls or completely curly more like the poodle coat. Goldendoodles Size and weight Most Goldendoodles size upon reaching adulthood will either be the mini size Goldendoodle that will weigh around lbs or the medium size that will weigh around lbs or standard size that will weigh around lbs. Goldendoodles Height The male Goldendoodles height at the shoulder is generally inches higher than its corresponding female type. Goldendoodles Facial features Goldendoodles tend to have a soft and friendly expression, with round eyes and floppy ears. Bring home a new addition to your family. Questions about Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Sacramento CA? We have answers. What is an overview of Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Sacramento CA. Goldendoodles are the adorable combination of Poodles and Golden Retrievers. These dogs are popular across the country because they are adorable, fun-loving and people friendly! The aim of the breed is to create the ultimate companion dog who loves to spend time with their owner and all of their friends. Goldendoodles do well in crowds but are also smart enough to entertain themselves if need be. How does Uptown Puppies work? In order to begin the process all you have to do is show your interest in a specific Sacramento Goldendoodle for sale or one of the pre-screened breeders below! Tired of ending up on Google with fraudulent puppy businesses? The greatest part about working with Uptown Puppies to find your next Goldendoodle is working with some of the top-rated ethical breeders that have been pre-screened by our team. Which kinds of breeds are best for families? Goldendoodles for sale in Sacramento are known for their amazing personalities and how great they get along with strangers at parties or even with relatives at family reunions. If you take your Goldendoodle to a dog park there is no doubt that your puppy is going to want to run up to other dogs and their owners to introduce themselves. If finding a one of a kind purebred or purpose-bred designer Goldendoodle is extremely important to you then you may not want to be looking at shelters. As dog people we completely understand the good that shelters do and appreciate dog owners who choose to give a pup a second chance. Check out some of the top-rated breeders below! It is possible to avoid puppy mills online but it can be extremely hard! Simply from looking at a website with Sacramento Goldendoodle puppies for sale it can be almost impossible to pick out the puppy mill from a list of reputable, trustworthy breeding businesses. Can I find a cheap Goldendoodle for sale in Sacramento through Uptown? We understand that cheap can often translate to important corners being cut. Rather, they offer a boutique experience that involves exceptional breeding standards, puppy transportation and a complete screening process. Reputable Goldendoodle breeders in Sacramento are difficult to locate which is why you should definitely take a look at some of the top-rated businesses below! Every single puppy business in our network is also experienced in making travel accommodations for desirable puppies and will go out of their way to secure your business. Do you sell the cheapest Goldendoodle puppies in Sacramento? Rather, they offer a boutique experience that involves exceptional breeding standards, puppy transportation, and being with you every step of the way from puppy placement until the moment your pup arrives. What can I expect when I bring home a new Goldendoodle puppy? Goldendoodles are clever, intelligent dogs who enjoy spending as much of their time with people as possible. They also make great family dogs because they love to play during the day and curl up at the foot of the bed at night.

Although certain health issues that Bulldogs may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet. Some of the most common health issues faced by Bulldog include the following: Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Bulldogs. This occurs when the immune system of some dogs identifies a specific protein, carbohydrate, or other ingredients in their diet as foreign and reacts to it as if it were a harmful substance. Food allergies in Bulldogs may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. However, intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. We highly recommend conducting an at-home dog food allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BAS. This condition occurs in Bulldogs and other animals with shortened facial features that result in a pushed-in nose. Bulldogs with BAS may experience difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or in hot weather. Hip and elbow dysplasia. Bulldogs are prone to joint conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause discomfort and mobility issues. Skin conditions. Bulldogs are susceptible to several skin conditions due to the folds in their skin that can trap dirt and moisture. Common skin conditions include eczema or atopic dermatitis, skin fold dermatitis, interdigital pyoderma, and chin folliculitis. Bulldogs may also develop demodectic mange, a skin disease caused by mites. Eye conditions. Bulldogs are prone to several eye conditions, including cherry eye, dry eye, corneal ulcers, eyelid and eyelash abnormalities, and persistent pupillary membranes. Bulldogs may also develop cataracts at a young age. This condition occurs when Bulldogs develop excessively thick skin on their legs or nose, which can be uncomfortable and lead to infections. Bulldogs may develop allergies to certain foods, medications, or environmental factors such as pollen or dust mites. Allergies can cause skin irritation, itchiness, and gastrointestinal issues. Heat sensitivity. Bulldogs are prone to heat sensitivity due to their shortened airways and difficulty regulating body temperature. Bulldogs should be kept in a cool, shaded area during hot weather to prevent heat exhaustion. Gastrointestinal issues. Bulldogs may experience gastrointestinal issues such as colitis and chronic diarrhea, which can cause discomfort and dehydration. Bulldogs may develop deafness, which can be caused by genetics or chronic ear infections. Bulldogs require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain energy levels and stay active. Feeding a Bulldog an inadequate or low-quality diet can lead to a lack of energy, sluggishness, and even obesity. Bulldogs that are less active or prone to weight gain may require a lower-calorie diet, while more active Bulldogs may need a higher-calorie diet to fuel their activities. Feeding Bulldogs the right food and portions is essential to maintaining their activity level and overall health. Require a diet that is higher in calories and protein to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for English Bulldog puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage. Adult English Bulldogs. Require a diet that is lower in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. Senior English Bulldogs. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. Avoid common allergens. Bulldog often develops food allergies or intolerances, so it may be helpful if your dog food is free from common allergens, such as corn, wheat, chicken, and beef. Bulldogs can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Digestibility: Bulldogs can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs. Joint support ingredients. Since Bulldogs are prone to common conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, look for dog food that contains ingredients that support joint health, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Limited ingredients. Bulldogs with skin allergies or sensitivities may benefit from dog food with limited ingredients, which can help identify potential allergens. Look for dog food that contains a single protein source and a limited number of carbohydrates. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Bulldogs with skin conditions may benefit from dog food that contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help promote healthy skin and coat. Look for dog food that contains fish oil, flaxseed, or other sources of these fatty acids. Easy-to-digest ingredients. Bulldogs with gastrointestinal issues may benefit from dog food that contains easy-to-digest ingredients, such as chicken, rice, or sweet potatoes. Avoid dog food that contains artificial preservatives or fillers, which can be difficult for Bulldogs to digest. Limited sodium content. Chapter 2: The Reviews. Puppies with allergies Physical Traits That Will Impact Your Choice Having a very short muzzle can present some challenges with lifting up and munching on food. English Bulldogs can also struggle sometimes with swallowing their meals, and with taking in sufficient oxygen while they are busy eating. Bulldog puppies often also have teeth that are overly crowded together in their smaller mouths. Rounded, triangular or other unique-shaped kibble are ideal, avoid the traditional large square bits. And if your English Bulldog puppy is still having a tough time with chewing, mix dry kibble with some wet puppy food. Portion sizes Begin by following the amounts listed on the packaging. How often to feed English Bulldog puppies Little and often is always the best approach when feeding a puppy. I start my puppies off with four meals a day, spread evenly over the daylight hours. Best dried food for English Bulldog puppies These three brands make some of the best food for English Bulldog puppies. You will notice each food is enriched with special nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Those that your English Bulldog puppy needs to develop healthily in every way. Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy dry dog food Royal Canin creates tailored recipes for the unique needs of different puppy and dog breeds. This has the same unique S-shaped kibble. Best canned food for English Bulldog puppies The best food for English Bulldog puppy can end up being a combination of dry puppy food mixed with a bit of wet puppy food. It also makes learning how to grab and chew the dry kibble just a bit easier! For both puppies and adult dogs, wet food can be more palatable than dry kibble. It is designed in a complete and balanced nutrition puppy formula. A great choice to mix with the Purina Pro Plan dry kibble, to help your English Bulldog puppy learn how to grasp and chew solid food! There are no artificial ingredients or by-products in this wet food either. Packed with vitamins, lutein, taurine and fish oils, your English Bulldog puppy will have the nutritional support to make the extra work of eating worth it. This is a great choice to mix with Royal Canin Bulldog puppy dry food for a little extra mealtime incentive! Best food for English Bulldog puppies with food allergies Treating food allergies in puppies often requires two phases: allergy testing and a limited ingredient diet. One of the known triggers for food allergies in dogs is grain. So the best puppy food for Bulldogs who have food allergies is often a grain-free diet. Plus DHA and plenty of vitamins and minerals to help with digestive support and immune system health. The kibble is a unique triangle shape which can be easier for your puppy to grab hold of and pick up. Best food for English Bulldog puppies with sensitive stomachs Finding the best dog food for English Bulldog puppies can sometimes be a challenge because of their unique anatomy. This can sometimes lead to digestive disruption. A limited ingredient diet may ease tummy upset, gas, diarrhea and other symptoms of a sensitive stomach. There is very minimal processing and no artificial additives of any kind. The kibble is both round and rectangular, offering a nice mix of shapes to help your English Bulldog puppy grasp it more easily. There is no corn or beef, both of which can be a source of digestive upset in puppies. This limited ingredient puppy food comes in two recipes: chicken and oats or lamb and rice. Both recipes include plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin, calcium and phosphorus. As well as vitamins and minerals to support healthy joints, bones and immune system. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. This food appeals to those who pay attention to where their food comes from. Halo contains fatty acids and antioxidants but no DHA like most puppy foods. This recipe also contains legumes peas , which are ingredients of concern in canine diets, as we mentioned in a previous review. However, as we mentioned earlier, those fancy terms are primarily for advertising, not an actual reflection of the nutritional quality of the food. Also, grain-free diets come with their own cause for concern due to the high legume content. Although pet food makers use various sources for protein, dogs tend not to care whether the meat in their diet is cage-free or what form it comes in whole, meal, or by-product. English Bulldogs are prone to obesity, which is not healthy for any dog but is particularly dangerous for this breed. Flat-faced dogs, including Bulldogs, are prone to breathing issues related to their unusual anatomy. Being overweight makes these problems worse. Most foods come with a suggested feeding guide, but to be safe, ask your vet to help you calculate the ideal daily calorie intake for your bulldog. Your food choice may be somewhat dictated by any emerging medical concerns your pup is experiencing. Allergies, with their accompanying skin and ear problems, are one of the most common issues. We listed several allergy-friendly diets on our list for this reason. Do Your Research Before You Buy A Puppy Yes, you want to feed your English Bulldog puppy a healthy diet, but food can only do so much if your little dog comes with a host of inherited medical conditions. Our best value pick, Purina One , is both cost-effective and convenient. Royal Canin Bulldog features breed-specific nutrition. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains is free of ingredients from China and loaded with nutritious extras perfect for the Bulldog. We hope our reviews of these puppy diets help you navigate the crowded landscape of the pet food industry as you search for the best option for your wrinkly baby dog. She got her first cat at 5 years old and at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian. Elizabeth spent more than 20 years working as a veterinary nurse before stepping away to become a stay-at-home parent to her daughter. Now, she is excited to share her hard-earned knowledge literally--she has scars with our readers. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching all sports but especially soccer, and spending time outdoors with her family.Read more Advertisement. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Our team went out into the field looking for the best canine nutrition products in the world. Our winner for this year is Pupper, which topped our charts in terms of ingredient quality as well as science backed claims. English Bulldogs are an amazing breed. They were traditionally bred to herd cattle. Today, these stocky, gentle companions have become one of the top breeds for families. English Bulldogs are extremely affectionate and low-maintenance. They tend to love to cuddle up on the couch with you as you binge watch your favorite show. You may also be aware that your pup needs routine exercise, as this breed is prone to weight gain. Keep reading to learn about 25 of the best dog foods available for English bulldogs. Each of these foods are crafted using high quality ingredients that are not only nutritious, but also taste great. They also provide just the right amount of calories for weight management, a crucial factor for most medium breed dogs. Give your dog a wholesome meal every day of the week with Pupper Fuel Chicken Recipe. This all-natural grain-free food is loaded with nutrients to keep your dog energized, happy, and at a lowered risk of common health conditions like diabetes, heart problems, and obesity. Pupper Fuel is made with 13 active ingredients, all of which provide functional support for your dog's health. Chicken is a great source of lean protein that builds muscle and strength. Apples are loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and various antioxidants. The addition of ginger provides gingerol, a compound that offers powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Calories: The calorie content will vary depending on the recipe. For more information, please visit wefeedraw. Price: Get this nutritious, minimally processed dog food at wefeedraw. The company ensures customer satisfaction and offers assistance through their dedicated customer service team. An English Bulldog's diet should consist of a well-balanced, high-quality dog food that meets their unique nutritional needs, considering their size, energy levels, and potential breed-specific health concerns. We Feed Raw provides superior raw dog food made from human-grade ingredients, including a variety of proteins like beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, and pork. Their selection consists of raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables, formulated to deliver a balanced and comprehensive diet suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds. Pure and Simple, this dog food is free from artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers, We Feed Raw dog food delivers clean and wholesome nutrition that your pet will adore. Breed-Specific Blend: We Feed Raw dog food is formulated to cater to the distinct nutritional requirements of English Bulldogs, ensuring a well-rounded diet tailored to their needs. Their dog food for English Bulldogs is uniquely formulated to provide balanced and complete nutrition for your furry friend. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Bulldog Adult recipe is made with highly digestible proteins, high quality carbohydrates, and the optimal amount of fiber to support healthy digestion. This means less gas and less stool odor. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Bulldog Adult is also fortified with nutrients that support skin, coat, bone, and joint health. Each bite delivers omega fatty acids, vitamin E, taurine, and calcium along with other nutrients like B vitamins, niacin, and trace minerals. This natural, grain-free dog food gives your dog the fuel and nutrients he needs to make every day his best day. Each serving is loaded with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and naturally nutritious ingredients. Merrick Texas Beef and Sweet Potato is enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin to protect and support joint health, along with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids for skin, coat, and heart health. It's also fortified with a blend of B vitamins, folic acid, and health-boosting minerals. This recipe doesn't contain any poultry ingredients, wheat, soy, corn, or gluten. It's also crafted without any artificial ingredients, including preservatives. This adult kibble is made with roasted bison and roasted venison, providing your dog highly digestible energy so that he's ready for walks, fetch, and every fun activity in between. Each serving also provides nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and legumes. These foods are high in antioxidants, fiber, and other essential nutrients that nourish your pup. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free is also made with a blend of omega fatty acids, which work together to support a shiny coat and healthy skin. Because gut health is so important, this food is enriched with species-specific probiotics. The proprietary strain of K9 probiotics is specially developed for dogs to support digestive and immune health. It's made without high fat, high calorie ingredients, which help to keep your bulldog at a healthy weight. The recipe starts with deboned chicken along with whole grains and fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients. Each serving offers health-boosting carrots, cranberries, brown rice, blueberries, peas, and alfalfa. It also contains the brand's exclusive LifeSource Bits, which offer a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support healthy oxidative balance and immune health. This veterinarian formulated food is proof that simple ingredients are the best way to nourish and support your dog's needs. The recipe is formulated with a single meat protein chicken , along with two types of potatoes and antioxidant rich blueberries. It's fortified with essential nutrients, including calcium for strong bones, vitamin E for skin and coat health, and glucosamine to keep your pup's joints free from aches and pains. This food is made with nine simple food ingredients that keep your pup satisfied and nourished. The recipe doesn't contain any grain, wheat, corn, or soy, which means no upset stomach! Instead, it's made with chicken, sweet potatoes, alfalfa meal, and fiber-rich garbanzo beans. Added probiotics support your pooch's gut health while also supporting a strong immune system. The recipe is crafted with lamb, menhaden fish meal, flaxseed, tomatoes, peas, and other wholesome ingredients. This adult dog food is supported by essential nutrients, including glucosamine, taurine, probiotics, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. These nutrients encourage healthy digestion, a strong immune system, and healthy bones and joints. This all natural food is made with drool-worthy bison and beef, along with a mix of fruits and vegetables that will have your dog counting down the time until his next meal. Each serving is packed with lean protein, peas, flaxseed, apples, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, and spinach. These ingredients are natural sources of omega fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free is enriched with taurine for heart health along with vitamin C for a strong immune system and vitamin E for skin and coat health. This grain-free food is also fortified with B vitamins, zinc, calcium, vitamin E, and probiotics. It's made with a blend of lean protein, functional superfoods, probiotics, and other nutrients that support immune, gut, and joint health. Each serving provides wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkin, carrots, blueberries, and cranberries. To ensure your pup is getting all the nutritional support he needs, this Solid Gold formula is fortified with a blend of vitamins and minerals, including choline, zinc, vitamins A, C, and E, and copper. This all natural food is made with wild Pacific salmon that's caught using sustainable fishing practices. Salmon is naturally rich in omega fatty acids, protein, B vitamins, and potassium. While some dogs thrive eating grain-free food, it's not the best option for all canines. These grains are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and other health-boosting nutrients. It doesn't contain any wheat, soy, corn, peas, legumes, potatoes, or meat by-products. It's also free from artificial flavors or preservatives. This holistically balanced food provides the nutrition that your dog needs to reach and maintain optimal health. It's made with high-quality protein from chicken meal, along with healthy fats and whole grains. The addition of blueberries and guaranteed amounts of vitamin C and vitamin E ensure that your canine has a strong immune system. This natural food also contains healthy fats, including omega 3 fatty acids, along with whole grains that are rich in B vitamins, fiber, protein, zinc, iron, and other minerals. These ingredients also provide sustained energy to keep your pup going all day long. This food is specially formulated to meet the nutrient needs of medium and large breed dogs at all life stages. It's made with a holistic formula that features an optimal balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber. It contains a healthy dose of omega fatty acids, which promote skin, coat, and joint health. This natural dog food also contains DHA for brain support, along with carrots, apples, peas, and blueberries that are naturally high in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It's made without wheat, corn, soy, or other low quality ingredients that don't nourish your pup's health. This high quality kibble offers complete and balanced nutrition with a blend of wholesome ingredients. Each bite will leave your pup fulfilled, offering a mixture of venison, peas, sweet potatoes, and flaxseed. The addition of fish oil provides health-boosting omega fatty acids, which protect and nourish your dog's skin and coat. Give your dog the nutrition he needs with Orijen Original Grain-Free. Each bite is loaded with whole prey nutrition, including nutrient-rich meat, organs, cartilage, and bone. Orijen Original Grain-Free is also made with other whole ingredients, including peas, navy beans, pears, apples, butternut squash, and kelp. Orijen Original Grain-Free kibble is freeze-dried coated for a burst of raw flavor that your dog is sure to go crazy over. It's also fortified with zinc, vitamin E, probiotics, and even botanical ingredients like juniper berries and rosehips. This light adult dog food is made with fewer calories but doesn't cut corners on flavor or nutrition. Your pup won't even know that he's eating light food! It's formulated with pasture-raised lamb for quality protein, along with superfoods like pumpkin, chia seed, kale, blueberries, dried kelp, spinach, and others. Diamond Naturals Light Formula is also made with wholesome grains, including grain sorghum, brown rice, and millet. Diamond Naturals Light Formula is enriched with species-specific probiotics. This healthy bacteria supports healthy digestion as well as a strong immune system. Each serving also contains prebiotics and antioxidants to give your pup a daily boost of wellness. This grain-free kibble is made with easy to digest ingredients that won't cause tummy problems or other issues. Instead, it's formulated with omega-rich salmon, along with nutrient-dense carbs like pumpkin and sweet potato. The active nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber included in this food support your dog's immune, digestive, and overall well-being. This food doesn't contain any low-grade ingredients, including artificial flavors, poultry by-product meal, or preservatives. It's made without grain, wheat, corn, or soy, so you can feel extra good knowing that this food protects and nourishes your best friend. This food is made with animal-based proteins and offers an optimal amount of amino acids and other nutrients to keep your pup strong, healthy, and thriving. Not only is this kibble made with chicken and other meat-based ingredients, it also contains low-glycemic whole grains like flaxseed and millet, along with whole produce like apples and blueberries. Each of these ingredients are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that protect your dog's well-being. Each serving is fortified with nutrients like taurine, copper, zinc, potassium, B vitamins, and vitamin E. With this high quality, grain-powered dog food, you can nourish your canine's mind and body so that you both can enjoy many more years together. This kibble is manufactured in the USA and is formulated with an optimal blend of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that keep your canine energized and nourished. This nutrient-rich dog food is made with dual animal proteins from chicken and pork meal, which are flavorful and packed with plenty of muscle-supporting protein. It also contains whole grain and fiber from oatmeal and brown rice, along with peas and flaxseed. Each serving contains ideal levels of glucosamine for joint health, vitamin E for skin and coat health, calcium for strong bones, and taurine for cardiovascular health. This grain-free food is made with high-quality protein and field grown vegetables that are natural sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Each piece of heart-shaped kibble is made with chicken, turkey, potatoes, apples, and carrots. This dry food is also made with flaxseed, which is not only high in fiber, but is a great source of protein, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. The natural recipe is loaded with glucosamine, chondroitin, biotin, amino acids, vitamin A, and probiotics for optimal digestive and gut health. This holistic dog food is made with clean, easy to digest ingredients that nourish your pooch with every bite. This kibble is formulated with responsibly raised chicken, along with other high quality ingredients including chicken liver, oat groats, flaxseed, along with fruits and vegetables like blueberries, sweet potatoes, and peas. Your dog's skin and coat will be healthier than ever with optimal levels of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. This wholesome kibble is also made with thiamine, zinc, copper, calcium, vitamin E, taurine, and other health-boosting compounds. It doesn't contain any artificial ingredients or preservatives, which means that you can feed with total confidence. While it's specially formulated for overweight dogs, this dry kibble doesn't skimp on flavor or nutrition. In fact, this food is made with a blend of 15 different superfoods, including whole chia seed, dried kale, dried spinach, dried pumpkin, dried apples, dried blueberries, and others. All ingredients are sourced from trusted farmers across the globe and are thoroughly tested for safety and quality purposes. This weight management kibble is made without any GMOs and also doesn't contain any wheat, corn, soy, chicken by-product meal, or peas. This dog food is formulated with quality ingredients that you know and can trust. This formula is designed to support all life stages for dogs of all sizes and breeds, including English Bulldogs. Inception Fish Recipe is formulated with animal and fish protein that supports your dog's lean muscle. The combination of whitefish and catfish offers health-boosting nutrients like protein, omega fatty acids, B vitamins, copper, phosphorus, and others. Each serving also contains fiber-rich oats, along with millet, milo, and ground flaxseeds. Inception Fish Recipe is made without wheat, corn, soy, chicken, or grain. It also doesn't contain low quality fillers, including legumes, potato, and harmful ingredients like artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. This balanced recipe is made with minimally processed ingredients that help your canine to thrive and be his very best. This complete and wholesome nutrition will keep your pup fit, happy, and healthy. Each bite is packed with tasty meat, fish, and more than 20 superfoods like carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, blueberries, cranberries, and blackberries. This adult dog food is fortified with prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy digestion and immune function. It's also formulated with L-carnitine for heart health and fat burning to keep your English Bulldog in tip-top shape. It also doesn't contain artificial flavors or preservatives. This adult dog food is ideal for pups with and without food sensitivities. Our Criteria for Ranking the Best Dog Food Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet's health and well-being. With the plethora of options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which dog food is best for your furry friend. To simplify this process and help you make an informed decision, we have established a set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and the specific nutritional needs of dogs. Ingredients Quality: High-Quality Protein: The primary ingredient should be a high-quality animal protein source, such as chicken, beef, or fish, to support your dog's muscle development and overall health. Whole Grains and Vegetables: Whole grains and vegetables should be included to provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Absence of Fillers and Artificial Additives: No Fillers: The best dog food should not contain fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, which offer limited nutritional value and may cause allergies. No Artificial Additives: It should be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can harm your dog's health over time. Meat Meal vs. Whole Meat: Preference for Whole Meat: Whole meat sources are preferred over meat meals or by-products, as they are less processed and retain more nutritional value. Digestibility and Allergen Consideration: Hypoallergenic Options: For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, hypoallergenic options that avoid common allergens like poultry or grains should be available. High Digestibility: The dog food should be highly digestible to ensure your pet absorbs the maximum nutrients from each meal. Life Stage Appropriateness: Age and Size-Specific Formulations: The best dog food should offer formulations tailored to your dog's life stage puppy, adult, senior and size small, medium, large. Transparency and Sourcing: Transparent Labeling: Brands should provide transparent information about ingredient sourcing and processing methods. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: A commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients reflects a brand's responsibility toward animal welfare and the environment. Health Benefits and Special Considerations: Support for Special Health Needs: The best dog food may offer formulations to address specific health concerns, such as joint health, dental care, or weight management. Customer Feedback and Reviews: Positive User Experiences: Customer feedback and reviews are valuable indicators of a product's performance, safety, and palatability. Price and Value: Affordability: The cost of the dog food should be reasonable and commensurate with its quality and ingredients, offering good value for pet owners. Recall History and Safety: Safety Record: Brands with a history of recalls or safety issues should be viewed with caution, as the safety of your pet is paramount. Final thoughts Choosing the right dog food for your English bulldog is easier than you may think. No matter which food you choose for your bulldog, you can have total confidence that your pup is getting all of the nourishment he needs with every meal he eats. When choosing dog food, consider factors such as your dog's age, size, activity level, any allergies or sensitivities, and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. What is the difference between dry and wet dog food? Dry dog food kibble is convenient, has a longer shelf life, and can help with dental health. Wet dog food contains more moisture and can be more palatable for picky eaters. Some owners choose to feed a combination for variety. Is homemade dog food a good option? Homemade dog food can be an option but requires careful research and balance to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients. Consulting with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is recommended. How can I tell if a dog food is of high quality? Look for high-quality protein sources, whole grains and vegetables, minimal fillers and additives, and adherence to AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. Checking customer reviews and consulting experts can also help. Should I choose a dog food based on my dog's breed? While some breed-specific formulas exist, it's more important to consider your dog's individual needs, age, and size when selecting dog food. What should I do if my dog has food allergies or sensitivities? If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient dog foods. Is grain-free dog food a better choice? Grain-free dog food isn't necessarily better. While some dogs may benefit from grain-free options, it's essential to ensure the food still provides balanced nutrition, as some grain-free diets have been associated with certain health issues. How often should I feed my dog, and in what portion sizes? Feeding frequency and portion sizes depend on your dog's age, size, and activity level. Puppies typically require more frequent meals. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging and adjust based on your dog's needs. Can I mix different brands or types of dog food? Mixing different brands or types of dog food can be done, but it should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best way to transition your dog to a new diet. Should I be concerned about recalls when choosing dog food? Yes, it's important to stay informed about recalls. Check the FDA and manufacturer websites regularly for recall information. Brands with a history of recalls may be worth avoiding. What is the role of my veterinarian in selecting dog food? Your veterinarian can provide valuable guidance on selecting the right dog food based on your pet's specific needs, health conditions, and dietary requirements. How can I ensure my dog stays hydrated when feeding dry dog food? Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Wetting the dry food or incorporating wet food into the diet can also increase moisture intake. Can I give my dog human food as part of their diet? While some human foods are safe for dogs, it's essential to know which ones are and to avoid potentially toxic foods. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding human food to your dog's diet. Remember that each dog is unique, and their dietary needs may vary. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and open communication about your dog's diet are key to ensuring their health and well-being. Related Content. It is very important to keep in mind that English bulldogs are somewhat different to most breeds. And correct feeding technics are of utmost importance during and after their full development. Your English bulldog puppy does not know anything about nutrition. He only knows what tastes good. It is up to you to know what and how to feed your buddy, so he will get everything he needs to stay healthy and happy. Best Diet for English Bulldogs Best Nutrients for English Bulldog Puppies Your English bulldog puppy needs proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals for uptime growth and health Your puppy uses proteins for growth and repair of muscles, bones and other bodily tissues. They are also used for production of antibodies, enzymes and hormones. Vitamins and minerals participate in muscle and nerve function, bone growth, healing, metabolism and fluid balance. English bulldogs also need plenty of fresh, clean water. Adequate water intake also helps prevent formation of urinary stones, which is a potential problem for this breed. Food Brands for English Bulldogs We recommend to new English bulldog families to avoid drastic changes in the food of the puppies. We recommend the puppy keeps using the same food the breeder used before delivery. In our case, we like to use Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy. We have used several other brands over the years. And, so far, Royal Canin has worked great for our puppies and adults. When feeding our English bulldog puppy, we take into consideration several factors. Such as the amount of protein and fat they should receive in the first few weeks of age. There are other brands in the market that may provide the same or similar amount of protein and fat. However, you should consider important things such as ingredients of the food, allergies it might cause. As professional breeders of English bulldogs, we always let our clients know about the food we give to our puppies. In addition to other supplements that we use. That way, the new owners of the English bulldog puppies can continue with the same process. But, we do understand that a lot of times people may decide to go a different route. Both for the type of food and feeding technics. Sometimes, based on what they may consider, it is correct or better for their English bulldogs. Or perhaps after receiving veterinarian advice. Our recommendation is to continue to use the one we use. Feeding Frequency for English bulldogs The number of times you feed an English bulldog puppy is also very important. The younger the puppy is, the more often one has to feed the puppy. For breeders, it is a lot of work due. Mainly due to the fact that we have to care for the puppies since day one. We have to rigorously continue feeding them at least every two 2 hours. Usually, when we release our puppies; they will be at least eight 8 weeks old. And they will be eating solid food. At this stage, it is recommended to feed the puppies three 3 times a day. Once in the morning, afternoon, and early evening. Sometimes due to a matter of schedule or advice from friends, breeders or veterinarians; families will feed the puppy two 2 times a day. This will make things a little easy for the family training the English bulldog. If this is the case, the correct amount of food should be provided to the puppy. Always based on their body weight as well as the age of the puppy. A feeding guide or table should be available to you on the bag of food you use. In most cases it is recommended for an English bulldog to be on the puppy formula for the first year of life and then a gradual change to an adult formula containing the same nutrients should be given. It is important to keep in mind that if you as an English bulldog puppy owner encounter any issues with your dog such as allergies or other common illnesses among bulldogs, then veterinarian advice should be taken. Should I give supplements to English Bulldog Puppies? This food will provide the puppy with the nutrients needed to have a long, healthy life. But as breeders, we use other things to supplement the diet of our English bulldogs so that we can keep them away as much as possible from common illnesses among them. The use of the right type of supplements from an early stage in the development of the dog is key when raising English bulldogs than with a lot of other breeds. This is due to the fact that English bulldogs have a weaker skeletal system and a lower immune system than other breeds. Having the presence of supplements will help the puppy to develop into a healthier adult. Eggs, cod liver oil, chicken breast, some vegetables are also great for them. Along with the food we use, we also recommend the multi vitamin NuVet. It helps with a lot of the common issues the English bulldog breed encounters during their life. For detail information on NuVet and how to order instructions, please visit our website and click on the link on top that says NuVet. If you think you still have questions about the right food to feed your English bulldog puppy or the correct supplement or multi vitamins you can use; please feel free to contact us. Remember that English bulldogs are the best breed in the world; therefor quality food, treats and supplements are ideal when having them as pets. Share this post.

Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. In fact, golden retrievers have snagged the third spot for most popular dogs in the United States for the last several years! These pooches are on the larger side females range between 55 and 70 pounds, while males weigh in between 65 and 75 pounds and require lots of exercise, which may make some families shy away. But don't let their size—or high energy—deter you. Golden retrievers are highly intelligent, easy to train compared to other breeds of dogs , and incredibly friendly. Whether you're already a golden puppy parent or considering adding one to the family, read on to learn some fun facts and see some seriously cute photos! One even surmises that goldens are descendants of Russian circus dogs! These alternate theories were debunked, however, when the personal records of Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness, Scotland were made public. Lord Tweedmouth was an avid waterfowl hunter who wanted to breed a dog with some serious bird retrieving skills. So, in , he bred a yellow retriever named Nous with a liver-colored Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. The result? A pack of puppies with the exact hunting skills he was looking for, which he dubbed golden retrievers. Golden retrievers were later brought to North America—sometime during the s—where they became hugely popular for their beautiful looks and sweet personalities. Then, in , they were officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club. Continue to 2 of 9 below. They can range from a very light, snowy white, to a yellow-gold, to a dark, coppery red. No matter the color of their coat, however, it's important to never cut your golden retriever's hair—doing so can put her at risk of skin cancer, among other health issues. Their coats are made up of two layers—the long, silky, waterproof outercoat and soft, warming undercoat—and act as insulators against all types of weather. So, if you think to trim your golden's coat in the summer to keep it cool, think again! It'll be much cooler and its skin will be protected from the sun with its coat intact. Continue to 3 of 9 below. Bred to fetch waterfowl, golden retrievers love a good swim session but would be just as happy with long walks, games of fetch, or even agility games. Aim for about one hour of exercise each day, but keep your dog's age and activity levels in mind—you may have to adjust accordingly. Continue to 4 of 9 below. If taken to a rescue site, for example, they can quickly learn how to perform search and rescues to help those in need. In addition to their smarts, golden retrievers' downright sweet demeanors make them the perfect pick for therapy dogs. They can bring a lot of comforts—and joy—to people who have experienced traumatic events, are living in hospitals, or are stressed out during college exams. Continue to 5 of 9 below. Their love of food can cause health problems like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease , so it's important to feed your golden the right amount of food for her weight, age, and activity level. Not sure how much is right for your dog? Talk to your vet about a healthy diet. And take it easy on the treats! It's true that goldens love to eat, but they like to carry non-food items in their mouths, too. Their mouthy nature makes everyday stuff such as sticks, shoes, or even the remote control a highly prized possession. Because golden retrievers have very gentle mouths, challenges such as the golden retriever egg challenge—in which a golden is tasked with holding an uncooked egg in its mouth without breaking it—have popped up all over the web. Continue to 6 of 9 below. Tons of major movies, such as the "Air Bud" series, "Homeward Bound," "A Dog's Purpose," and even thrillers such as "Poltergeist" and "Friday the 13th" have goldens in the credit roll. What's more? There are a few golden retrievers in presidential history, too. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford had goldens during their presidencies. Golden retrievers are often considered the all-American dogs, so it makes sense, right? Continue to 7 of 9 below. Todd, the sweet golden pictured here, is one of those puppy heroes. During their hike, Paula nearly stepped on a rattlesnake—and when the snake lunged at her, Todd jumped in front of her to protect her. Although Todd was bitten on the nose and had severe swelling in his face, he's expected to make a full recovery. Because of his heroic deed, the internet has hailed Todd as a very, very good boy. And believe it or not, Todd has found a way to be an even better boy: He has a GoFundMe page to help other heroic doggies who have suffered from the same injuries. Continue to 8 of 9 below. Even in their senior years, it's not uncommon for older goldens to keep up with their puppy counterparts. Continue to 9 of 9 below. And for good reason! Not only are they adorable, but they prove goldens are some of the sweetest puppers around, too. They're one of the most popular dog breeds in America, and there's no surprise why. Besides being smart, active dogs, they're also gorgeous and oh so photogenic. It's no wonder goldens are some of the biggest pet influencers filling our feeds! Gus He's a runner, he's a track star! No seriously, Gus crushes the competition in agility courses. He especially loves dock diving and has even earned his Dock Elite title. What a good boy. Hinckley Parks It seriously can't get any cuter than this. Hinckley Parks' baby brother Teddy loves to snuggle in all his soft golden fur, and we can't blame him. It's no wonder golden retrievers are one of the best family pets in America: they're great with kids! But this one with Jaxson and Sawyer actually turned out adorable! The only thing that seems to be missing from the party are some birthday treats.Margo Who doesn't love splashing around in the water on a hot summer day? Swimming is one of the best ways for dogs to get exercise, and golden retrievers are natural at it. Plus, Margo's coat is absolutely glowing in the sunshine—how photogenic! Maggie Maggie's glasses make her look to be one smart cookie—because she probably is! Golden retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds. She's serving sophistication, and we're here for it. Arrowood Family What's better than a golden? Five goldens! Sage, Waverly, Tori, Jimmie, and baby Presley are the definition of family goals. I mean, how often can you get five pups to look at the camera? Thor As long as the camera's off, the boss won't suspect a thing, right? After watching us all struggle through WFH life for a year, our dogs are sure going to miss us when we return to the office. Or maybe they'll be like Thor the golden retriever and replace us altogether. Louie Talk about lifegoals! Nothing feels better than a car ride with the windows down and the wind blowing through your hair fur. Krembo Uh, hello, tongue! Krembo's letting it all hang out and we can't blame him. If only we could reach through the screen and boop that nose. And also have us craving some snacks. We could all use a little frolic through a flower field some days, but we'll have to live vicariously through Lola for now. Henry Golden retrievers make wonderful service animals , and Henry proves that they can look good while doing so. He deserves all the pets in the world—but only once he's off the clock. Drake Cue the "awwwws" because this is one of the cutest dogs we've ever seen. His smile tells us all we need to know: he's definitely one of the happiest golden retrievers in the world. Was this page helpful? One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Fluffy Golden pup on bench Chunky Golden pup running through yard Golden puppy with big ears looking directly at camera Fluffy pup in a basket on grass Scrawny Golden pup in yard Golden puppy in lavender field Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We are a small hobby breeder of only this breed. We are located on over an acre of land in Southern California. Our goal is to breed for conformation, health, and temperment. For Conformation, we attend at least 2 shows a year and make sure our dogs are champions before they are bred. All Clearances and needed x-rays are done to produce the healthiest puppy possible. Our dogs also display affectionate and intelligent behavior as all Golden Retrievers should. We love nothing more than tending to our puppies. All our dogs and puppies are fed high quality food including home-cooked meals. Before the pups are sent to their new owners, they are examined by a qualified professional at a top veterinary facility for health and conformation. All vaccinations and parasite checks are also completed. We are confident in the health of our pups and we back it up with a 1-year health guarantee. Our priority is to make sure our families and puppies are happy in every way. This means that we spend a great amount of time interacting with our puppies to learn their personalities. Additionally, we take our time learning the needs of our customers so they are paired with the perfect pup. From the time our pups are born they are exposed to stimulating age appropriate activities. They are also held by people of all ages and genders. As they get older they are exposed to different noises, other animals, water, different textures and other safe outdoor activities. A well socialized pup is one of the most important things to ensure that they have a happy forever home!! Puppies are not for breeding and are sold with limited registration! Once you own one, you'll never be without one. Reserve yours today! What to expect from an English Golden Retriever. All rights reserved. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. It will be easier for you to come to meet and pick up the puppies in Southern California, rather than having to drive to our primary location in Newcastle. The dam and sire of this litter are our own adults in the breeding program, but are being hosted by a very caring, nurturing and experienced dog family. We work hand in hand to assure the puppies are cared for and socialized in the way our customers have come to recognize as the "best. If puppies stay for extended training, that is done at our Newcastle, CA. Below you can read more about the upcoming puppies and their loving host. If you would like to be included on the reservation list for the puppies, in our SoCal location, do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to welcome you to the CHGR family! Southern California is expected to have a litter due in December, .Puppies will go to their new homes in mid to late February. Place your reservation now as spots fill up very quickly! What a wonderful girl she is! We love Lexi and her pups, as she passes along her incredibly sweet temperament to all of her fur babies. She is beyond sweet and loves to lay her head on your lap, foot, or wherever she can to get close to everyone she meets. Incredibly smart, she loves to perform her skills, especially for treats! Lexi loves to play ball and adores people, especially children. Lexi loves to play with other dogs and also loves to sleep with the cat. She has a beautiful cream coat between a silky and cotton texture and is one of our larger girls, at a little over 75 pounds.

Share 0 Shares Golden Retrievers are a great family dog for anyone with an active lifestyle. These dogs love to run, play, and swim. However, their energy levels are manageable for the average person who likes to go out and enjoy the great outdoors. Families getting a Golden Retriever will also need to decide if they are going to get a male or a female , and they may also need to decide what size of Golden Retriever they want as well. When getting a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder it is always important to do your research to make sure that they are both ethical and reputable. This will set you up to get a healthy Golden Retriever that also has an excellent temperament that the breed is famous for. Syrah Goldens Syrah Goldens in Georgia This Golden Retriever breeder is incredibly dedicated to breeding healthy and beautiful European-style Goldens that have great temperaments. This breeder also ensures that all of their dogs have passed the necessary health testing for hips, heart, eye, and elbow problems before breeding them. Of course, this breeder also follows the recommended protocols for vaccinations, vet appointments, and deworming for puppies. Additionally, every puppy from Syrah Goldens is sold with a health guarantee. The breeder behind Syrah Goldens proves their lines by being active in the dog show world, and they enter their dogs into UCI shows. In order to ensure that all of their dogs are well-loved and cared for, they have all of their adult breeding dogs living in foster homes. This way they are kept from kennel life and are given plenty of attention. Those who purchase a puppy from Syrah Goldens are provided a lifetime of support from these breeders. This means that they will take back any of their dogs if they need to be rehomed. This breeder also has a puppy training program that can be provided to new puppy owners for an extra fee. Name of Owner. I am a serious hobby breeder and exhibitor with many champions to my name as I show my Goldens in both the US and Canada. I adhere to the Code of Ethics set forth by the Golden Retriever Club of America when it comes to breeding, and put a lot of time and research into planning each litter. Since I breed for quality rather than quantity, I only have a few litters a year and always with the expectation of keeping one or two puppies to show in the future. My goal is to produce beautiful, healthy Golden Retriever puppies with stellar temperaments that can excel in any venue whether it be conformation, agility, obedience, therapy work, or any other activity, but most importantly, as treasured companions. All Bearabella breeding dogs have their health clearances for hips, elbows, hearts, eyes, and thyroids as I strive to produce the healthiest Golden puppies possible. I also breed for the correct Golden Retriever temperament as dictated by the American Kennel Club standard and will not breed any dog that has a bad disposition, no matter how beautiful it may be. Thank you for stopping by and I hope you enjoy your visit! Please research the pros and cons of this breed Before obtaining a Golden Retriever as it is a life long commitment! You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. The property is fenced and gated so if we do not know that you are coming you will not be able to get in. Thank you for your consideration! We have two older females that are retiring from our breeding program who are looking for their forever homes. Please see the Available page for more information and to fill out an application. We have two exciting spring breedings planned. Please see the Litter page for all the details and to fill out an application. All the kids passed their eye certifications with no breeder options! One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Georgia Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Georgia? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Georgia? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

Jumping You probably noticed that all of the things above are unwanted behaviors. This can lead to heart problems, joint problems, and other potential health problems. These following suggestions for exercising your pup will cover both mental and physical exercises. Play tug with your golden Another good game to play with your pup is tug. This is also a great opportunity to work in some training, as you can teach your golden to drop it , take it, and even have them do sits or downs to resume the game. Play chase This is a great game to play, especially with puppies, since most puppies love nothing more than to chase or be chased. Get your dog hooked on chew toys Teaching your dog to love to chew on chew toys is one of the best things you can do for your puppy. Chewing releases feel-good endorphins and channels their chewing energy into an appropriate toy, instead of something in appropriate, like your household items. It can also help them relax, and put overtired puppies to sleep. Play with a flirt pole Using a flirt pole is great for young puppies because it allows them to chase and pounce a toy while you stay a safe distance away from their razor-sharp teeth. Oliver loves it, plus it takes a ton of mental energy to figure out how to get all of his kibble out of it. Other puzzle toys include the Kong Wobbler , snuffle mats , and food balls. This is a win-win since he loves the puzzle toys and it takes more energy to work for his food than to just gobble it up from a food bowl. Play hide and seek This is a great game that combines training and a little bit of exercise, but it does require that your golden knows how to stay. Just be sure to fully dry them off because goldens are susceptible to hot spots. Take your golden to doggy daycare After a day of daycare, Oliver is usually wiped out for the night, as well as half of the next day. Set up a doggy playdate If you have any friends that have nice dogs, or if you meet anyone in a local Facebook group, try to set up a doggy playdate. Your golden will love it! This is especially good for young puppies, since they need to be socialized with other dogs and you can make sure the other dog is up to date on their vaccines. Conclusion Since golden retrievers were bred to hunt out in the fields and marshes all day, they need a lot of exercise. How much exercise does your golden need per day? Have any questions about exercising your golden retriever? Let me know in the comments below. Related articles:. But are they to raise as easy as it seems? How much exercise do these energetic golden dogs need? Golden Retrievers need moderate amount of exercise. However, the exact amount of physical activity depends on the age, health, and temperament of your Golden Retriever. You may have heard people say that owning a dog is easy, but maintaining them is rather hard, especially with an active dog. This commitment is especially demanding if the breed happens to be a high-energy sporting breed, like the Golden Retriever. There are several reasons why your Golden Retriever or any other dog needs exercise. Here are the two you should always remember: 1. Exercise is essential for the obesity-prone Golden Retriever Remember how your doctor once told you that you needed to exercise to burn the extra calories or keep lifestyle diseases at bay? Lifestyle-related health problems in dogs have been prevalent for quite some time. According to a study in , among 1-year old dogs in America that visited a vet, the prevalence of obesity was seen among a variety of dog breeds. The Golden retriever, along with the Shetland Sheepdogs and Dachshunds, was among those at high risk of obesity. Buffy — Our beautiful boy, loved the kids and never growled. In other words, dog owners with obesity tend to raise obese pets. The Golden Retriever was once again, named among those at high risk in this study. Poor lifestyle choices, among little exercise, are responsible for a lot of health issues in dogs. However, active dogs can be a good excuse for yo to exercise more. Poorly exercised dogs are at a higher risk of cardiopulmonary diseases, joint disease, hip and elbow dysplasia, diabetes and of course, obesity. The Golden Retriever was bred to do physical activity Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve game in Scotland. Specifically, they were waterfowl retrievers that brought back injured ducks and upland water birds. This ability and skill, also called their instinctive intelligence , was bred into them. As you can tell, a dog bred for such a task has to be sturdy and active. If you hear the owner of a Golden describe the dog as aggressive, question them about how much their dog exercises. Factors such as age and health create variation in the amount of exercise needed by each Golden. However, we can examine how age affects the amount of necessary exercise. In fact, it could take a year or two for that to happen. Submitting your young puppy to a lot of exercise daily can cause more harm than good. For example, a 1-month old puppy needs just 5 minutes of exercise a day, where a 2-month old puppy needs 10 minutes a day. This should be followed until the dog reaches two years of age. Again, Golden Retrievers are prone to orthopedic issues. And yes, these issues can even happen with healthy puppies. Over-exercising a puppy comes with damaged joints and early arthritis. As an owner of a Corgi with arthritis, I hate seeing my dog in pain. However, some can argue that dogs reach adulthood by 15 months. Just make sure the activity sessions are spread throughout the day, and that it should involve different activities. For example, it might be a long walk in the morning, a hide and seek game at midday and fetch and catch exercise in your backyard in the evening. Whichever decision you make, it must meet the criteria of lots of exercise and different activities that serve to stimulate your Golden physically and mentally. The senior Golden Retriever has done a better part of the years that make its lifespan. In fact, the life expectancy of Golden Retrievers ranges between 10 and 12 years. By the 8th year, your Golden will have already slowed down in energy and may be showing signs of age-related illnesses common in this breed. Each individual dog will likely be dealing with different energy levels, health issues and genetics. Make sure to consult with your vet, and be more vigilant when exercising a senior Golden Retriever. After so many years, you the owner know your Golden Retriever best. Different dogs can show different signs of not getting the adequate physical activity. But, here are three common signs that your Golden is exercise-starved: 1. Though the Golden Retriever is a friendly breed, leaving them caged in turn the friendliness a degrees around. The dog is idle or chewing stuff up If your dog is lying down frequently or chewing up your couch pillows, you need to get the leash, put on your jogging gear and get out of the house for a long run with your Golden. One of the most common sights dog owners experience, especially with puppies, is coming home to chewed up furniture, shoes or a flipped trashcan. The dog is gaining weight If your dog begins to show signs of being overweight, a good explanation for it is that they are not getting enough exercise. As with humans, the balance between calories in and calories out is an indispensable health practice. You can fight this weight gain by feeding them less and exercising them more. According to Embrace Pet Insurance , your Golden Retriever needs about 25 to 30 calories per pound of weight, per day. All they really want is to spend time with the owner. We recommend introducing them all to your dog but sticking with the few they enjoy the most. Fetch or Catch This is the most obvious choice for the Golden Retriever. After all, these dogs were bred to retrieve. I recommend trying a variety of objects or toys for your Golden Retriever to play fetch with. These dogs will respond differently to different objects. Some of the common choices are squeaky balls, frisbees and tennis balls. In fact, some owners have trained their Goldens to hold raw eggs in their mouths. Tug Of War Tug of war is a great option for Golden Retrievers because these dogs are prone to mouthing or biting down on things. Again, this tendency is because of their instinctive ability to retrieve waterfowl in their mouths. What better way to get some exercise in and satisfy their mouthing needs with a game of tug of war? Tug games can build confidence and help the dog use up excess energy. Games such as tug-of-war provide mental and physical stimulation, and they can be used to teach a dog self-control. Mary Burch, a dog behaviorist from the AKC, this was a common myth but has no truth to it. There may be accidents, but as long as you set boundaries , this activity is one of the best methods of exercising your Golden. Swimming Not all dog breeds are great swimmers. For example, the Bulldog will often sink when in water because of their short snouts, stubby legs and dense core. However, Golden Retrievers are some of the best dog-swimmers. While Golden Retrievers are capable retrievers on all types of landscape, they are famously known for retrieving shot-down birds from bodies of water. As such, they needed to be great swimmers for this job. However, there is a sizing chart you should double check with. The best way is to slowly introduce them to water. Let them sniff it and get their paws wet first. If possible, keep your dog on a leash in the beginning. Slowly bribe them into the deeper end with some of their favorite treats. And because Goldens are such great learners, you should get in the water with them! Before they know it, instincts will take over. Agility Training Statistics claim that medium-build working dog breeds are the most successful in agility trials. But Goldens can be just as skilled. According to K9 of Mine , Golden Retrievers are one of the 9 best dog breeds for agility. I would call them highly underrated agility dogs. And while they may look goofy at times, they can really surprise you on the field. Training a dog agility champion can be a costly process. Hiking Hiking is one of the best activities for all types of dogs. Just think about all the flowers, trees and various smells your dog will get to enjoy in the outdoors. All of this, provides mental stimulation. Unless you live in the mountains, it may not be practical to take your Golden Retriever to the wilderness every day. Sure, your first thought is common. However, it can be great exercise depending on what your teaching your Golden Retriever. Owners can get creative and teach more physically-demanding tricks and commands. For instance, we taught our Aussie how to weave. The reason why obedience training is ideal for Goldens is because of their eagerness to learn. It can be convenient, quick and a healthy routine for both the dog and owner. So if you do plan to run with your dog, make sure to establish a reasonable running regimen. You should wait until he is full grown months. Running too soon can lead to an increased chance of hip dysplasia and other joint disorders. Their bones and joints need to fully mature. When running with your Golden Retriever, we always suggest using a hands-free leash that attaches to your waist. The elastic bungee helps absorb the shock should you need to suddenly stop, thus minimizing unnecessary injuries. As a sporting dog originally bred to retrieve, the Golden retriever needs a lot of exercise. An average of an hour a day for a healthy adult retriever is a good amount to aim for. Puppy retrievers will need less exercise while their bones mature. Your senior Retriever will give you signs of slowing down on exercise towards the last part of their life. The dog is often idle or bored. Gaining a lot of weight. If you notice any of these signs, you need to increase your pet care efforts and ensure your Golden frequently gets outside to play. Have any good exercise ideas for a Golden Retriever? Let us know in the comments section below! Posts you may like:. Following these tips can keep your furry companion healthy and happy. Exercise Requirements for Puppies: If you own a Golden Retriever, you want to keep them happy and healthy. This includes providing them with the appropriate amount of exercise for their age. If your Golden Retriever is a puppy, it will require less exercise than an adult. So, if your puppy is three months old, it will need about 15 minutes of exercise daily. It is important not to overdo it, especially with puppies. Because they are still growing and developing, excessive exercise can cause bone and joint problems. Starting to exercise with your Golden Retriever at a young age can help you bond with them and set them up for a healthy lifestyle. While you have to be careful to not overexert your Golden puppy, making sure they get plenty of exercise can also help prevent unwanted or destructive behaviors, which will talk about more later. Adult To Senior Golden Retrievers Staying active is crucial for adult Golden Retrievers to maintain good health, strong muscles, healthy joints, and weight management. They require minutes of exercise twice a day. Keep an eye out for any signs of pain or difficulty keeping up as your Golden Retriever ages. They tend to push themselves to please their owners, which can result in soreness or joint problems. Consider your lifestyle and make adjustments to ensure your Golden gets enough exercise. Consider games like fetch or dock diving if you prefer more relaxed activities. Bring your dog along if you enjoy going for walks or runs! Spending time being active with your pet will keep them happy and healthy. Types Of Exercise For Golden Retrievers Golden retrievers are an active breed that needs regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Here are some of our favorite different types of activities that Golden Retrievers enjoy: Hiking: Explore new trails and enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend. Bring a collapsible bowl with you for water breaks. Visit a dog park: Let your Golden interact and play off-leash with other friendly dogs. Go for a swim: During the hot summer months, keep your Golden relaxed and happy by taking a dip in a dog-friendly lake or pool. Just keep an eye on them and give them a bath afterwards. Play fetch: This classic game never gets old. Take your Golden to the park or play with their favorite toy indoors. Try agility training: Strengthen your bond with your pet while having fun setting up a backyard agility course with hula hoops, tunnels, and PVC pipes. Take a walk or run: A simple walk or run with your Golden can be enjoyable. Go hunting: Your Golden can enjoy this natural form of exercise with proper training. Try dock diving: if your Golden enjoys being in the water. Toss their favorite toy into the water and watch how much fun they have. Tug of war: Play a friendly game of tug of war with your pet using a durable and safe toy such as the Goughnuts Tug Toy. How To Make The Most Of Golden Retriever Walks Taking your golden retriever for a walk is not only an opportunity for exercise but also a chance to bond and create lasting memories. In this section, we will share valuable tips to help you make the most out of your golden retriever walks, ensuring an enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. Just stay away from any roads or sidewalks that run alongside them. Because these sessions require a lot of concentration and discipline, they should be kept short. To keep things interesting for your pup, experiment with unexpected changes in speed and direction. This will keep your furry friend entertained and interested. Incorporating Training Into Your Walks A walk with your Golden Retriever is an excellent opportunity to practice some training exercises on and off the leash. It is not only essential to maintain your training skills, but it is also beneficial to practice in various settings. Reward your loyal companion with a game or a treat between exercises to keep them motivated. Remember to leave time for free running! A good recall is essential if you intend to walk your Golden off-leash. While walking on the leash, vary your speed and make quick changes in direction. You can zigzag, circle, or retrace your steps before proceeding. Trying something new instead of your usual walking route is also a good idea. Remember to shower your dog with love, praise, and treats for its excellent behavior! Implementing these changes will make your furry friend more attentive and engaged during your walks. Furthermore, it is a perfect way to keep their minds active and stimulated. Playing Hide And Seek Playing hide-and-seek with your Golden Retriever can make exercise time more exciting and engaging. Keep an eye on your dog and call out if they panic and believe they have lost you. When your Golden Retriever finds you, they will feel a sense of accomplishment and pride, which can boost their confidence. Remember to keep the game safe and enjoyable for your furry friend and to always reward them for their efforts with plenty of love, praise, and treats. This will encourage your pet to pay close attention to you if the toy reappears, and they will be less likely to wander too far away. You can stop occasionally and play a quick and exciting game with them using the toy. Make sure to end the game while your dog is still interested, and then send them on their way. Because most Golden Retrievers enjoy chasing and retrieving balls, consider throwing a ball far away with a racket or ball launcher. Hand throws, on the other hand, are more lively and keep your Golden close by. Remember that throwing sticks can be dangerous. As a safer alternative, use a rubber stick or an old hosepipe. How Exercise Impacts The Behavior Of Golden Retrievers Golden retrievers are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and well-behaved. Not only does exercise improve their physical health, but it also significantly impacts their mental and emotional well-being. A tired and satisfied dog is less likely to engage in these behaviors and more likely to relax and enjoy their time with you. Furthermore, exercise can provide an excellent opportunity for socialization, which is especially important for Golden Retrievers, who are known for being friendly and sociable. Walking your Golden Retriever with other dogs or participating in organized activities such as obedience classes or agility courses can help them gain confidence and comfort around other animals and people. Regular exercise not only improves their physical health but also has a significant impact on their mental and emotional well-being. Exercise helps reduce stress and anxiety, preventing unwanted behaviors such as destructive chewing, excessive barking, or aggression. By keeping your golden retriever active, you provide them with a healthy outlet for their energy, leading to a more well-behaved and relaxed companion. The Importance Of Mental Stimulation: Exercise is not just about physical activity; it also provides mental stimulation for golden retrievers. Engaging in activities that challenge their minds, such as puzzle toys, obedience training, or agility courses, can enhance their cognitive abilities and prevent boredom. Mental stimulation through exercise contributes to a well-rounded and balanced behavior in golden retrievers. Socialization And Exercise: Golden retrievers are naturally social dogs and enjoy interacting with other animals and people. Regular exercise provides an excellent opportunity for socialization, allowing them to become more comfortable and confident in various social settings. Activities like dog park visits or group walks can help your golden retriever develop social skills, reducing the likelihood of behavioral issues related to fear or aggression. Destructive chewing often stems from excess energy and boredom. When dogs do not have an outlet for their energy, they may resort to chewing on furniture, shoes, or other household items. Exercise helps to burn off that energy and keeps dogs physically and mentally stimulated, reducing their inclination to engage in destructive chewing behaviors. By providing your Golden Retriever with sufficient exercise, you can help redirect their energy into more appropriate activities and promote overall behavioral well-being. The Truth About Golden Retriever Behavior Issues Golden retrievers are adorable dogs, but like any other breed, they can have behavioral issues. The good news is that all golden retrievers can improve their behavior, and with some work, you can have a well-behaved golden in no time. It is not a permanent issue, and numerous methods exist for correcting bad behavior. You can use strategies for stopping bad behavior in golden retrievers, such as satisfying their needs, giving them a job, removing temptation, and not reinforcing bad behavior. Conclusion Exercise plays a vital role in shaping the behavior of Golden Retrievers. Regular exercise not only keeps them physically fit but also has a significant impact on their mental and emotional well-being. Furthermore, exercise provides an excellent opportunity for socialization, allowing your furry friend to develop confidence and comfort around other animals and people. By understanding the relationship between exercise and behavior in Golden Retrievers, you can provide your furry companion with the physical and mental stimulation they need to lead a happy, balanced, and well-behaved life. Golden retrievers are naturally curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings with their mouths. Providing plenty of chew toys and positive reinforcement for not chewing on inappropriate items can assist in redirecting this behavior. This behavior also serves to relieve teething discomfort and satisfy their oral fixation. How to prevent aggression in your golden retriever Aggression prevention in Golden Retrievers begins with early socialization and training. Positive reinforcement and teaching appropriate behaviors and boundaries can be helpful in the prevention of aggression. Seeking the assistance of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can also help deal with any aggressive behavior. Why do golden retrievers roll on their back? There are several reasons for this. They might be looking for your attention or a tummy rub. They may also be scratching, marking their territory, or regulating their body temperature. Rolling over is not always a sign of submission, and it could be used as a combat strategy during playtime. If your dog rolls over to scratch its back, this could be due to a flea or tick infestation. Are golden retrievers good with exercise? Golden retrievers are known for their love of physical activity and exercise. They are active and require daily exercise to keep their physical and mental health in check. Can you exercise a Golden Retriever too much? Yes, it is possible to exercise a Golden Retriever too much. Overexercising can result in injuries, exhaustion, and even heat stroke. How can exercise help with Golden Retriever separation anxiety? Exercise can help reduce anxiety and stress in Golden Retrievers, including separation anxiety. Regular exercise can help your dog burn off excess energy and promote relaxation, making it easier for him to cope with being alone. Adding mental stimulation through puzzle toys or training sessions can also be beneficial. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. By Tom Massey Apr 22, Most pet lovers know how vital exercise can be for their furry friends. Establishing a reliable exercise routine also deters dogs from destroying your house during a burst of high energy. Our Golden Retriever pals are renowned for their happy-go-lucky personality — these dogs are young at heart long after growing from the puppy stage. No matter how much you love your dog, nobody likes to find chew marks on their prized possessions. Dogs who receive too little exercise will have a round physique. But they are also likely to exhibit these unwanted behaviors. This article will review everything you need to consider when creating an exercise routine for your Golden Retriever. Very young Golden puppies only need a few minutes of exercise a day, although the length of time increases with each month of age. Our growing companions do not realize how delicate they are within their first year of life. Growth plates help cartilage grow into bone as puppies mature. However, they are very sensitive and can damage easily. In the meantime, this means your Golden Retriever pup should avoid activities that have a high potential for growth plate injuries. Here are some activities that could hurt puppies who are still growing: Jumping from too high off the ground Twisting too fast Consistent repetition of the same activity Extended periods of high energy play Injuries to growth plates can hinder bone growth and, in extreme cases, cause uneven limbs when your pup grows up. Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers are a breed at risk for developing hip dysplasia. This disorder can start as early as four months old but typically occurs as a dog ages. Obesity, excessive exercise, and too little exercise can cause hip dysplasia in dogs. This is why finding the perfect amount of activity for your dog is crucial to maintaining health throughout his life. In the first few months of life, your pup will be curious to explore the world around them. Most of the exercises for young dogs focus on socialization and behavior training. Learning these tools will ensure your dog is friendly, obedient, and ready for higher-level exercise routines later in life. Typically, a Golden Retriever puppy should have 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age. At 9 to 12 weeks of age , a Golden Retriever puppy will begin integrating into your family. Socialization during this age is crucial, so their primary source of exercise should be playing with you and other members of your household. This includes any other dogs or pets you have in the home. But remember to keep a close eye on your furry friends as they learn to interact with each other. At 13 to 16 weeks, your Golden Retriever will start teething. Playing with chew toys will be a great opportunity for your puppy to learn what they can and cannot munch on. You might see some challenging behaviors arise around 16 to 24 weeks of age. An exercise playpen with lots of toys, food, and drink is an excellent idea to keep the pup entertained while also keeping them out of trouble. From 6 to 12 months, a Golden Retriever puppy will have lots of energy, and an exercise routine that includes physical and mental exercise will be essential. At Snowy Pines, for example, our customer communications specialist Julia reaches out to families at 2 days, 1 week, and around the day mark after homecoming to answer any questions about training or your puppy in general. The world is a big place for little pups, and they need relaxation after stimulating activities. Over years ago, Golden Retrievers were bred to be high-energy hunting companions. Enough exercise will also minimize the chances that your Golden will engage in destructive behaviors around the home. Also, Golden Retrievers also love to eat, so exercise will be important to prevent weight gain. A healthy adult Golden Retriever should receive 40 to minutes of exercise per day, broken up into two sessions. And because Goldens are easy to please, they will be content with a wide range of different activities. This breed loves going on nice, long walks through nature. Walking is a great low-impact exercise for dogs and their owners. Try to go out for about an hour when walking to give your dog and you! You can also visit a fenced dog park for a game of fetch. Golden Retrievers also love mental stimulation, which keeps their mind active. A good mix between high stimulation, low impact, and intellectual exercises will keep your beloved pet physically and mentally healthy. If you see your Golden Retriever sitting or lying down during their daily walk or exercise routine, your dog is tired and needs to relax. If your adult dog is overweight and needs a lot of exercise, try gradually increasing their exercise time by five minutes every day or two to increase their stamina. In addition, dogs who receive infrequent exercise will exhibit some undesirable behaviors. Without proper daily exercise, Golden Retrievers can become socially withdrawn, destructive, or hyperactive. If you have difficulty meeting their exercise needs, consider hiring a dog sitter or investing in interactive toys. This is an entirely normal activity and provides an excellent opportunity for playtime. Special Considerations for Senior Golden Retrievers Our precious pets have a shorter lifespan than humans. Golden Retrievers are classified as seniors when they reach eight years of age. As Golden Retrievers age, you may see their energy levels decrease. This is normal — much like older adult humans, senior Golden Retrievers tire easily. When high-energy tasks like long-distance running and playing fetch become hard, walking and mentally stimulating exercises are great ways to keep senior dogs healthy and active. But always remember to watch for signs that your pet needs rest. If your senior Golden takes a long time to get up while on a walk, this signals that they are tired. Consider taking them home instead of continuing the exercise. If you notice your senior dog is frequently extra lethargic, you may want to visit a veterinarian. Remember, as dogs age, they can become susceptible to hip dysplasia from too much or too little exercise. Golden Retrievers were bred to be hunting companions — needless to say, they love being in nature. Long walks where they can stop and sniff their environment will mentally and physically stimulate your Golden. In addition, early Golden Retrievers were bred to be natural swimmers, so dock diving is a great physical exercise. Dock diving is the game of fetch with the addition of water: your dog runs after the object, swims to fetch it, and returns the object to you. Swimming is a wonderful activity, especially for senior Goldens who may be experiencing the aches and pains of old age. This activity is easier on their joints but still gives them an appropriate amount of movement. Most dogs love playing fetch or catching frisbees, and Golden Retrievers are no different. This is a great activity for children who want to participate in playtime with the family pet. Golden Retrievers are well-known for their obedience during agility courses. Creating an obstacle course where your dog can practice different exercises like running and jumping will keep your furry pal entertained for a long time. If your dog is trained to walk safely and will stay to one side of your body, you can introduce running. However, remember to start slowly. Activities like hide and seek with treats , puzzle toys, and trick training are great brain exercises to get your dog thinking. As a reminder, dogs can never have too much positive reinforcement for their good behaviors. Conclusion Golden Retrievers are an energetic dog breed that loves playtime and requires lots of exercise to keep them from exhibiting unwanted behaviors. However, you should always watch for signals that your dog is tired or overworked. This is especially true for puppies who could damage their growth plates with too much exercise, as well as senior Goldens, who may need to scale back their normal 40 to minutes a day. We all want our fluffy companions to live long and healthy lives. By establishing regular exercise into their daily routine, you can help keep your Golden Retriever physically and mentally fit. At Snowy Pines, we start teaching our puppies lifestyle skills from a young age. Contact us today to learn about our available English Cream Golden Retriever puppies! Share on. Read the full disclosure here. All dogs need exercise to live a fit, healthy and fulfilling life. No matter the breed, no matter how large or small, no matter their age, they all need exercise. But some need more than others. So what are the Golden Retriever exercise requirements? Golden Retrievers Are A High Energy Sporting Breed As the name suggests, the Golden Retriever is a sporting breed initially created to retrieve fallen game for hunters in the Scottish highlands in the 19th century. Retrieving in the Scottish Highlands, with its mountainous landscape pot-holed with ponds, lakes and streams is very physically demanding work. So when they set out to create the Goldens, they had to be a high energy, sturdy breed with lots of stamina and an affinity for water. They needed a dog that could travel large distances, hiking and swimming in rough terrain for the best part of a full day. And with this breed, this is exactly what they got. They need physical activity. They become very destructive , chewing , digging, and running around your home and garden like little tornadoes. Too full of pent-up energy to be able to concentrate and behave themselves well and some will even try to escape their home and garden at every opportunity. Only now, all that food will just turn into fat and lead to poor health and weight issues. Yes, Golden Retrievers are very prone to obesity. Usually a combination of their owners doing two things: Giving in too often to those expertly crafted begging routines. Not giving their pooch anywhere near a sufficient level of exercise. Excess weight leads to a variety of problems such as heart disease, increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and damage to their hip and elbow joints. Keeping your Golden at a healthy weight is the responsibility of any caring owner. This rule basically states: A puppy needs no more than 5 minutes of exercise for each month it has been alive. So a 3-month-old puppy needs only 15 minutes exercise per day, a 5-month-old needs 25 minutes. This exercise is a proper, structured exercise. Meaning brisk walking on leash, gentle games of fetch. Puppies are growing fast and their bones and joints can be easily damaged by over-exercising. Follow the 5 minute rule and encourage very little jumping or vigorous exercise! Continue the 5 minute rule until your golden is nearing one year old. As a general rule to follow, a healthy adult Golden retriever exercise needs consist of a good hour of exercise every day. But the genetics of your dog could mean you need to increase or decrease this. Those retrievers from a working field line will be more energetic and have higher exercise needs, perhaps as much as 2 hours per day. Whereas those from show lines could get by on 45 minutes. But all Goldens need regular exercise, at least twice per day or they will become bored and probably destructive. Try to provide different forms of exercise such as hiking, running, swimming, playing fetch…you need to stimulate their minds as well as their hearts and muscles. They will take every bit of physical activity you throw at them and then be able to do much more. You will tire yourself out long before you can tire them! Some Golden retrievers suffer arthritis and other joint pains as they age. If this is the case with your dog, please speak to your vet and follow their advice. With some ailments exercise can make things worse and you do not want that for your dog. Like humans, dogs are individuals and age differently. Just be mindful of not asking too much of your elderly dog. They can still enjoy walking long distances and swimming, just avoid jumping hedges and chasing balls for an hour straight. Believe me, you will know! In all cases, if your Golden has behavioral problems and seems highly strung and out of control, the first thing you should do is have them checked by a vet for health issues. And if they receive a clean bill of health then the simplest of cures for a better behaved dog is to exercise them more. Try it for a few days, you just may be surprised at the results: An exercised Golden is a calm and happy Golden! Conclusion Golden Retrievers are a high energy sporting breed and require a lot of exercise. A lack of it can lead to a variety of health problems, hyperactivity and behavioral problems! So for a healthy and happy dog…and owner…provide your beloved puppy with just as much physical activity as they need and deserve! Jogging alongside you, running along as you cycle, going for long hikes , the occasional swim and sessions of playing fetch all qualify as good Golden Retriever training. You will stay fit and active and happy together. You May Also Like. Sep 13, Sep 20, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Our goldens are such high-energy dogs. In order to stay mentally and physically healthy, they require exercise. They need more exercise than many dogs. Of course, the amount and type of exercise will vary based on their age, genetics, health, and overall health and fitness. He may become destructive or he may gain weight. So, to keep him healthy and happy, he should be well-exercised. Even adult goldens may chew the wrong items like your furniture and dig in your garden when under-exercised. Or they may bark excessively, jump on counters or people even when trained not to, or be mouthy. Also, he may gain too much weight. This can lead to heart disease, risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and damage to hips and elbows. A dog who receives enough exercise has toned muscles. Exercise also keeps his body and metabolic system functioning properly and engages his mind. Of course, puppies, adult goldens, and seniors will require various amounts and types of exercise. But generally golden retrievers, being sporting dogs meant to work, need more exercise than many breeds. Genetics enter into the equation. This can also help you determine what type of exercises to include in his regimen. So a three-month-old puppy should receive no more than 15 minutes of exercise up to two times a day. And break up the time he plays. For example, have a short minute walk and, after a break, a three-minute fetch session. Then, after another break, a two-minute training session. Vary the activities. Doing all these activities will not only help your pup exercise, but it will also help further your bond. My rescued golden retriever Riley came to me when he was about six months old. To say that he was energetic would be an understatement. He would jump on us, be mouthy, and generally destructive when he arrived. Of course, he needed training. But I also had to meet his exercise needs so that we could have a great relationship. So I took him on long walks, played fetch with his Kong ball, played tug and release, and played with puzzle toys. He also played with my other dogs. And he went to daycare two or three days or half-days per week. Between mental and physical exercise, he became the great dog he was meant to be. He enjoys life, loves everyone, and is very well-behaved wherever he goes. But he was worth it. Of course a young adult or one from hunting lines may need more. They may even need an hour-and-a-half or two hours per day. Just like us, goldens are individuals. But others may still be very active at 10 years old. Of course, some goldens are still very active at that age and beyond. But how much and the type of exercise they should engage in depends on their general health. The same is true of goldens with disabilities. They still require a sufficient amount of exercise according to their needs. Types of Exercise for Your Golden Of course both physical and mental exercise are required to have a healthy dog. There are many choices that will help your dog be fit and happy. Always monitor your dog to see if he seems too tired or appears to be injured. Stop and seek veterinary advice. Start out slowly and add time over many sessions as your pup can handle it. Vary the exercises. Some can be performed inside as well as outside. So even on a rainy day, you can sufficiently exercise your dog and meet his needs. Walking or Running Of course, you should first teach your dog to walk on a loose leash before exercising him on a leash. Walks at a natural pace are best for most goldens. Start with short walks, increasing them over time. Avoid walks on the hottest or coldest part of the day. Always walk on safe footing and avoid slippery or sharp surfaces. Of course, running is another matter. The pounding may be too much. Running on soft running paths or level grass can be alright for some dogs. Of course, a full vet checkup should occur before starting any running program with your beloved golden retriever. Some people jog with a dog. Others may skate or ride a bike with their golden alongside. Of course, some dogs enjoy hiking with their people. There are many sights and smells for a dog to enjoy. Play Groups Your puppy or dog can also get a lot of varied exercise playing with appropriate dog playmates. Dogs romp and wrestle together. You can set up your own or join in to well-run dog playgroups or even dog daycares. Playing With Your Dog You can play fetch with your dog if he knows how to retrieve and give up the toy on cue. He may even fetch a favorite ball. Or play tug with a toy like a rope or fleece toy if your dog will take it and release it on cue. The options are limitless. You can play hide and seek with your golden while inside. You can heel with him, have him come on cue, or teach him to wave! Mentally Stimulating Toys There are many activity toys you can buy or you can make your own. Some are puzzle toys where your golden seeks out kibble or treats. Or treat-dispensing balls. If you or a friend has a swimming pool, you can teach your dog to swim. They make life vests for safety. Start him in shallow water and build from there, with you accompanying him. Always make sure that he knows where the steps are and how to get out of the water. My golden Spencer used to like to swim in the bay when we vacationed at the shore. He was a great swimmer, but he wore a doggy life vest and I had him on a long-line for safety. There are also dog facilities like boarding and daycares and vet hospitals that have facilities where your pup may swim. Swimming provides a great cardio workout as well as being easier on joints than many land exercises. This can be good for dogs with joint problems and arthritis. In fact, aqua therapy is often used for dogs who need physical rehabilitation from injuries or surgery. The following suggestions can be performed in competitions or just for fun and exercise. You can even join a dog training club or take courses to learn how to perform these activities. There are so many choices, including: Lure coursing, where a dog chases after a plastic bag attached to a lure that whizzes by on a specially designed course. Sight hounds often participate in this sport. Scent work, in which a dog finds something by scent. Agility, where a dog learns to run a designated course with tunnels, weave poles, dog walks, and teeter totters. Flyball, where a dog learns to jump over a course of jumps and retrieve a ball. Rally obedience, in which you train your dog to walk through a course accompanied by you. He performs certain tasks at each sign on the ground that you encounter. He may have to sit and lie down and perform other obedience exercises throughout the course. Dock diving is a sport in which goldens and labs excel—usually being water-loving dogs. He stays on the dock, awaiting your command. He then runs along the dock and flings his body into the water to retrieve the toy. In competition, the goal is to have the longest jump possible. You should be able to feel his ribs without seeing them. Some occasional zoomies are natural. And he should also be able to listen and pay attention to you and to perform known commands, Too much exercise can be as bad as not enough. Final Thoughts Just like us, goldens need physical and mental exercise to remain healthy. It will also further the bond with your four-legged best friend. How much exercise does your golden receive? What activities have you tried? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. Excessive ball throwing and catching. Fast-paced walks. Walking on hot days. Running a puppy alongside a bike. Dogs and puppies should not be exercised immediately before or after eating, as this can cause problems such as bloating. How to Exercise A Golden Retriever Puppy Providing puppies with the opportunity to exercise is a very important aspect of their healthy life. Not only does exercise have multiple health benefits, but it also gives them a good opportunity to socialize and bond with their owner. Check the temperature outside to avoid overheating. Make sure they wear a proper collar and tag. Make sure they are comfortable with their collar and leash. During Eeercise One way to help your puppy get exercise is by having them on a leash with you and following these tips: Walk at a normal pace. Stop to rest if your puppy keeps sitting down and continue when they get back up. Avoid over-exercising. You can also allow your puppy to exercise without a leash. Allow your pet to run freely in a safe environment, such as a backyard or designated dog park. Having them off the leash is a good way for them to regulate their own pace and exercise they want but do watch for: Watch out for signs of fatigue, including panting, slowing their pace, and lagging behind you. Watch for overheating signs such as excessive panting, drooling, vomiting or agitation. Keep your puppy hydrated. Signs that your dog is overheating and what you can do to help After exercise After your puppy has finished his exercise, make sure to offer them plenty of fresh, clean water and allow them to rest. After they have calmed down and rested, you can offer them a healthy treat or feed them. Exercise For Your Puppy In addition to giving your puppy short, daily walks, here are some other options of exercise that your pup will enjoy. Swimming Swimming is a great exercise for all dogs as it helps strengthen and tone muscles. Get your puppy familiar with water first after they are 3 months old. Fetch Golden Retrievers are meant for retrieving, so a good game of fetch will come naturally to them. Just make sure to watch for any signs of tiring. Dog toys that move There is a wide variety of interactive toys for puppies that are highly stimulating and can help with exercise. Play with other dogs Having your puppy be around other dogs is a good way to give them an exercise buddy while they work on important social skills. Whist Golden Retrievers instinctively know how to retrieve, they need to be trained from a very young age to catch. Signs Your Puppy is Getting Too Much Exercise Exercise keeps joints limber, promotes good range of motion, maintains muscle mass, and can help prevent injury. But too much of it can actually cause injury. Watch out for signs of over-exercise like sore muscles, behavioral changes, and joint injury. Sore Muscles Sore muscles are a sign that your pup is getting too much exercise. Refusing or struggling to go up and down the stairs. Refusing to eat because it hurts to lower down. If you notice signs of soreness, give them time to rest and lower the amount of exercise they are getting. Continuing to exercise, at this point, can lead to injury. Behavioral changes If your puppy usually enjoys going for walks with you but starts to shy away from walking or whimpers when you begin the walk, this is showing you that something is not right. Inconsistent conditioning can lead to changes in behavior as well as injury. If there is a joint injury, your puppy will begin to limp or favor one leg over the other. Another sign that is said to be a sign of joint injury is if you notice your dog putting its head down while walking on the good leg but lifting its head when walking on the bad leg. Heat sickness Heat exhaustion is a concern during the warmer months. Younger dogs have difficulty regulating body temperatures, so too much exercise can cause them to overheat. Signs of heat exhaustion are excessive panting, disinterest in eating, and drooling. Stopping suddenly can also scrape the bottom of the paws, causing the outer layer of the pad to wear off. It is good not to drag your dog while they are leashed, instead, be patient with them and listen to their cues. Golden Retrievers are popular dogs for outdoor activities. That is why we feature them here at Outdoor Dog Fun with these articles:. Without adequate exercise, few puppies will be able to control their energy. Families see an out-of-control puppy and immediately think exercise is the answer to their problem. Often it is, but exercise can also be overdone. There is a balance. The information below has exercise guidelines for large breed puppies along with a broad range of various ways for your puppy to get that exercise. Make sure that you have a fenced area or that you are far from any place that cars or other dangers might be. For off-leash strolls, let the puppy set the pace. If he lies down, let him rest. Here are a few general guidelines. Keep in mind that puppies that are used to active lifestyles can handle longer excursions. Conversely, puppies that have not had opportunity to exercise off leash need to start off at a slower pace. For your average puppy, start off with minutes for an 8-week old puppy. Increase to up to 20 minutes for week old puppies. By the time your puppy is 6 months, the time can be increased up to as much as 45 minutes and for a month-old puppy, you can go for as long as an hour as long as you are going at a slow pace with plenty of opportunities for your puppy to sniff around. If you miss a week or two of the work, decrease your distance when starting back and gradually build up the distance again. This long distance exercise must be off-leash so that your puppy can take breaks and slow down as needed. The puppy must set the pace. Forced running on a leash is never good for a growing puppy. Leash Walks as Exercise for a Golden Retriever Puppy Leash walking can be a good form of exercise when certain criteria are met. First puppies need to be trained and socialized to the environment. Second, leash walks need to be done in a certain way. Leash walking can be overdone. One of the biggest causes of growth plate and soft tissue injury in young puppies is repetitive exercise. Leash walks for puppies must be broken up with training sessions or opportunities for free off-leash play or time to sniff around on the leash. At 3 months, you can go for 20 minutes and at 6 months, you can walk up to 30 minutes. You must be much more careful with leash walking since you and not the puppy control the pace. Leash walking provides an excellent way of combining a little bit of physical exercise with mental exercise, obedience training, socialization, and environmental desensitization. It is a fantastic way to introduce a puppy to his world. It gives a bit of exercise while at the same time giving opportunities for socialization and training. However, strolls on a leash are not enough. Puppies must have an opportunity to run and play. Again, off-leash walks are best if your goal in your walk is to provide adequate exercise. A week old Golden Retriever puppy will have a neck that is about 12 inches. Get a collar of any brand that includes 12 inches in the size range. An adult female will have about an 18 inch neck. A male adult will need a collar that fits a 20 inch neck. Similarly running on a treadmill or any other types of forced running are not appropriate forms of exercise for a golden retriever puppy. Free Play as Exercise for a Golden Retriever Puppy Free play is always an excellent form of exercise for a golden retriever puppy. Dogs and puppies of all ages can play as long they like in your safely contained yard. If your puppy is playing with another dog in the family, make sure you supervise their play until you are sure that they play well together and that the older dog is not too rough. End the play if the other dog is getting too rough, if your puppy is starting to annoy the other dog, or if your puppy shows signs that he is ready to quit playing. Strange dogs are not worth the risk. Getting on the ground or running around with your puppy can be one of the best ways to exercise your puppy. Fetch and tug can be options if played within certain guidelines. Whether you are playing tug or fetch or just running around with your puppy, there are a couple of rules that need to be followed. Instead, ignore him. Wait until your puppy is behaving. Then, once you begin playing with your puppy, periodically, stop the game and make him gain control of himself before resuming the game. Ask him to do a simple behavior such as a sit or a down. Then start playing again. We recommend teaching your puppy the game of fetch at a young age. Going and getting a toy, bringing it back, and giving it to you is easier to teach when they are young. Chasing balls causes puppies to twist, roll, jump, and tumble while trying to grab a moving ball. Instead, use toys. Then, combine your game of fetch with a game of tug. Tug is discussed in detail in another section. Once your puppy has learned to tug, teach your puppy a release command. Save longer throws for your dog until after he is over 2 years of age. Teach The Wait Command Once your puppy has learned to bring a toy back to you reliably, you can begin teaching your puppy to safely retrieve a ball. Before moving from a toy to a ball, teach a wait command. Playing fetch with a dog with a wait command is a tremendous exercise. It not only provides physical exercise, but it also provides a super opportunity for a puppy to learn self-control. Here is how to teach it. I like to use what is called a pull tab. A pull tab is a very short leash that you attach to a collar. Pull tabs are typically 6 inches or shorter. A pull tab is long enough to give you control over your dog, but short enough for the dog to be able to run and play with it dangling from his collar. Once the dog relaxes and I require a sit as well , throw the ball. When the dog is dependable with regard to waiting on the release, you can do away with the tab. Having a dog wait before chasing a ball is a necessity with puppies because it eliminates the problem of the dog twisting, turning, and diving for a moving object. Fetch is a great exercise for an adult. Once a dog is over 2, you can begin throwing balls and even add a Chuck-it ball thrower to your game. Tug as a Form of Exercise for a Golden Retriever Puppy Tug is a very good exercise for dogs of all ages except for during the stage when puppy teeth are coming out and new adult teeth coming in to replace them. Make sure you stop before he looses his first teeth at around 4 months. Tug can then be resumed when all adult teeth are in. The most current training recommendations for tug no longer include the idea that the dog can never win and that you must always be in charge. This is not true. Consider a child racing his Dad down the street. The Dad lets the child win and the child beams. It gives the child confidence and makes him want to be faster and better. The same holds true with puppies. Let them win when they do a good job! The Release Once a puppy is tugging vigorously and understands the game, you can teach a release cue. Teach this by making the tug toy become motionless and no fun. Just keep the toy still until the dog opens his mouth on his own. Then immediately give the toy back to the dog and start the tug game again. Begin integrating the release into your play session in such a way that you are giving the toy back far more often than not. The dog needs to associate his releasing the toy with a restart to the game, not an end to it. It encourages forced running, jumping, and twisting, all bad for the growing puppy. Frisbee throwing can be dangerous for any dog, but especially for a puppy. We personally never play frisbee with our dogs. There are many other better exercise choices. Digging Digging is actually a very good exercise for a puppy though it may not be so good for your lawn! If you should have a place that your puppy can dig, maybe a soft spot in the corner of your yard, train him that that place and only that place is his digging spot. Puppies Should Avoid Full Flights of Stars Your Summer Brook puppy will be trained shortly before changing homes to safely navigate a set of 3 or 4 steps. If your set of steps is more than half a full flight, we require that you carry him up them until he is 4 months old. Even after this, we recommend keeping him off the steps as often as possible. Dogs tend to get excited and fly down them, often leaping over 4 or 5 of them at a time. This can result in injury. As with so many other repetitive or impactful activities, we highly recommend waiting until growth plates are closed. Baby gates can be a huge help until that time. Swimming Swimming is super exercise for a Golden Retriever puppy and most dogs enjoy playing fetch in the water. See our website page on teaching a puppy to swim for more information. This includes jumping up on and off of furniture until he is fully grown and growth plates are closed. Growth Plates and Exercise We have mentioned quite a few times on this page the importance of limiting certain activities with your puppy until his growth plates are closed. Some of you might be wondering what growth plates are and why they matter with regard to exercise. What Are Growth Plates? Growth plates are soft areas that are at the ends of the long bones in puppies. These growth plates gradually get thinner until they completely close. The closure of growth plates is brought on by hormonal changes during puberty. When growth plates close, they harden as they calcify and the rapid cell division stops. The growth plates become what is called an epiphyseal line. The epiphyseal line is sturdy and not so prone to injury as the growth plates. These are collectively referred to as soft tissue. In an adult, when there is a soft tissue injury, a sprain will result. However, in a puppy, the soft tissue is stronger than the growth plates. An injury that would only cause a sprain in an adult dog could cause an injury to the growth plate in a puppy. The soft tissue can actually pull the growth plate apart. Growth plate injuries can sometimes not heal properly and keep a dog from growing straight and strong which can subject him to problems for his entire life. Conclusion Although you need to be much more careful with the type of exercise you provide your puppy, exercise is still very important to a growing puppy. Appropriate exercise is key to building strong bones. Another key to good puppy development and a relaxed puppy is mental exercise. Give your puppy appropriate physical exercise and give your puppy a long life with healthy bones and joints. For more information on our puppies, see our page on Golden Retriever puppies. Primary Sidebar Breeders and Trainers of English Golden Retrievers We focus on breeding and training beautiful English Golden Retriever puppies with health tested champion parents, great pedigrees, and fantastic temperaments.

More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our next planned litter will be in Autumn, we have space on our waiting list for Coco and Hamish's beautiful puppies. Family run home breeders of Australian Labradoodles based in the Capital of the Highlands. We are passionate about breeding Multi-Generation Australian Labradoodles. Having achieved the top 8 star rating for best breeding practice awarded by WALA. Our goal is to breed healthy, happy, intelligent, Australian Labradoodles with low to non-shedding coats in fleece. The non-shedding fleece in the Australian Labradoodle are considered allergy friendly with a low doggy odour. The Australian Labradoodle is adaptable, intuitive and responsive to human emotions which makes them a great candidate for the role of assistance dog from medical alert dogs to therapy dogs. They get on well with children and love the company of their human family. They enjoy regular exercise. The Australian Labradoodle seeks out the company of their family and are happiest when they are with you as an active member of the family. Our Breeds Australian Labradoodle Australian Labradoodles were originally bred to be service and therapy dogs for asthma and allergy sufferers in Australia in the late s. Their outstanding temperaments and non-shedding coats make them a popular choice with families around the world. They are bred in three different sizes: miniature, medium and standard, and have a wide range of coat colours. They are known for being intelligent, trainable, happy-go-lucky, comical, gentle and excellent with children. Bernedoodle Bernedoodles were first bred in Canada to be excellent companion dogs in the early s. They are popular family companions in North America and relatively new to European shores. They result from crossing the Bernese Mountain Dogs with the Poodle. They are bred in a variety of solid and multi-combination colours, but are particularly known for the beautiful and much sought after black tricolour of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernedoodles are bred in three sizes: miniature, medium and standard. They are known for being smart, trainable, funny and affectionate. Sometimes, the Australian Labradoodle is used or infused instead of the Poodle and the resulting offspring are known as Australian Bernedoodles. Complete the puppy enquiry form here What our customers say Probably the best place to get your good natured Australian labradoodle Ian 'Iggy' Joynson We collected Dougal 10 days ago. He is a fluffy little bundle of joy and great with our children. Davina knew he had a long drive home to Scotland and had good advice to give us. He was great and not bothered at all. Collection was easy and all paperwork was in order and gone through with us. A delightful addition to our family. Thank you! Suzanne Thom We bought our puppy November .What a Fantastic dog he has turned into. Dianne Liptrot I decided to get a dog after much encouragement ,following the loss of my eldest daughter. I got in touch with Davina and she had 2 puppies I could choose from. I liked the fact that we had a good conversation about why I wanted a dog, whether I worked and how the pup would live. Thankfully Davina thought a was a suitable owner and I brought Poppy home. I remember so clearly, hearing myself laugh properly, for the 1st time in 5 years. Poppy taught, teaches me, to enjoy simple pleasures. So much so that 9 months later I brought home Poppy's half sister, Truffle. Total joy and Courtlands, Davina, is amazing. I would recommend to everyone and thank you from Poppy and Truffle. Communication was really fast and Devina was very professional throughout the process. Our puppy is absolutely stunning, healthy and very happy! She is perfect!!! Davina has been so helpful and supportive all along and her step by step guides make everything so easy to follow and understand that it takes any stress away. A great service and amazing dogs Louisa Johnson Gaia has been with us for 8 years and she is a fantastic girl. Thank you Davina for allowing this beautiful meeting. She illuminates our life and I hope for a very long time yet Fabrice Poirot Brought our puppy to Belgium. Davina made the whole process very easy and our fur baby is so calm and loving Brought our puppy to Belgium If Carlsberg made dogs xxx. Davina made the process of buy Cooper very simple and was happy to answer all our questions. Both our vet and ourselves were very impressed with the pack of documents and advice sheets Cooper came with. This has helped us a lot in the first few days. He is the most perfect little bundle of joy you could ever ask for! Marley-Blue comes to school work with me every day to support children as a therapy dog. He has a perfectly calm temperament with a cheeky mix of playfulness. Courtlands were great, we picked our puppy from a beautiful litter, we were sent regular updates until he was ready to live with us. We got lots of information to take away and digest too. On his first visit to the vets for immunisation, the staff were vey impressed by the paperwork I had from the breeders. Shareen Bailey Welcomed our handsome, bundle of fluff, in May, into our family. Constantly complimented on his appearance. Our pup, lotti, is just such a delight and so easy to train. She is great with our children, other children and just anyone she meets! Thank you so so much Davina! Many people keep asking where we got Lotti from so I think you can expect some Northumbrian customers in the future? We were recommended Davina by friends who had one of her beautiful puppies 6 years ago. Ours is called Digby and is 10 weeks old. The whole buying process was made easy by Davina. She kept us informed and my endless questions did not phase her at all! Digby is gorgeous we all adore him already. Tess May Wow. What a fabulous experience. The knowledge we left with when we picked our Freddie up at 9weeks old was superb. Totally professional with the best interest of our puppy paramount. We have a healthy happy puppy. Thank you Davina. Davina had clearly done an excellent job with early socialisation. Obi is a delight every day. He is such an easy puppy and such a joy to have around. Behind us in this picture are loads of people flying kites. Just been such a wonderful calm dog, super mannered and I put it down to his breeding. Henry Gittins Hamish is fourteen months old now and is an absolute joy! Really happy with all the support Davina gave us in making the right choices and her advice has been absolutely spot on. I look forward to finding a brother or sister for Hamish very soon?? No shedding, super calm, good with everyone and patient!!! Michelle Burgos.

They are bouncy, tail wagging, cuddle bugs, the cutest things ever! Uncle Al lives in our "apartment", the walkout basement downstairs. We help Uncle Al with his Pugs. They are wonderful caring moms! When our moms retire we have them spayed and offer them to pet only homes for about half the cost of a puppy. They will be on the retired parent page at that time. Diva will be available this late winter or spring .See the other pages: "About our puppies," "what comes with your puppy", and " is a puppy really right for you. Or maybe adopt a rescued adult Pug. Rescue is always the best! Do your homework, since a rescued dog needs a home appropriate for their needs as much as a puppy! A puppy is a very serious decision. Please do not get a puppy or a dog if you have any hesitation about long term responsibility of a furry best friend. We love our puppies and dogs and only want them in a home where they will be a part of the family! If interested in a puppy please email or call. Remainder due on pick up. Pugs are heat and cold sensitive. Not at all a 'hiking in all weather' type of dog. Some are amazingly agile, fast, and athletic and do tolerate a wider range of temperature. Others are at risk of collapsing if overheated when simply out on a warm day and playing. Many make terrific therapy dogs. They are very tolerant of children. Puppies available now! All puppies are kept current on vaccinations, dewormed several times, microchipped, and well socialized. Puppies are microchipped and current on vaccinations. Nikki black and Boris fawn had puppies 1 white female available, updated .Photos taken , at 4. They have grown so much but look the same, update, they are 14 week old. All dogs and pups are raised in the home where they are handled daily alongside other pets. Abunaks are never caged or kenneled. Lily Lou Pugs even has their own TikTok account. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time. Conclusion Best Pug Breeders in Illinois Illinois residents should always remember to check with local and state laws before obtaining a pet so they know what the limitations are when owning an animal. You will also need to remember that you must have a fence that is secure and will keep your dog on your property. Here are some of the best pug puppies, dogs, and pug breeders in Illinois in case you are looking for one in the area. You can purchase puppies and pug puppies for sale in these groups. They offer show quality pugs and are AKC certified. Sharp Pugs www. They are a home-based breeder and have been around for over 25 years. Sharps Pugs offers a variety of different colors and styles of pugs in Illinois to choose from. They also offer a health guarantee on all of the pugs that will be going with you home. This group is a small family breeder in Southern Illinois and is one of the most reputable breeders in town. If you want to find pug puppies, this is the place to go. They are a small group so their pugs have lots of attention and love to give by the owner. AJ Pug Ranch is an AKC registered farm and makes sure all of their pugs are healthy before they send them home with you. They offer financing options if that would help ease the transaction process when buying your new pet. Dreamcatcher Hill Puppies and Rescue www. They are one of the most reputable pug breeders in town. They are an AKC registered breeder and strive to breed healthy happy pets that you can love for many years to come. This group aims to provide house training and health testing before they send the pug puppies to their new families. This organization was founded by a group of dog lovers that strive to educate the community about how to take care of dogs and breed responsibly. They offer a variety of pugs that you can see on their website. They have a small farm and pride themselves on taking care of their dogs as if they were their own children. Windsor Pugs offers a variety of pug kennels to choose from, so you can pick your favorite pug that will become a part of your family. They offer a lifetime health guarantee and are always available if you have any questions or would like to come visit them at their facility. They are always taking applications for new foster parents to help save more lives because they can only rescue as many pugs as they have room for. The organization is run by volunteers and offers a variety of services to the public. Conclusion There are many benefits to owning a pet as a companion animal as well as an assistance dog. If you decide to get your new best friend from one of these recommended breeders, you will be able to enjoy all the love they have right from the start. You may also see if there is any type of assistance available in Illinois for those who need it so that you can provide for your new pug as a pet and give them lots and lots of attention. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards,

By Catherine Armstrong Updated September 26, From 14 ounces to 75 pounds, your golden retriever puppy will grow and develop a lot during his first 2 years. Your golden retriever will be a faithful, loving companion during his life span of 12 to 14 years. Newborn Goldens Need Their Mom Like all puppies, golden retrievers are born blind, deaf and completely reliant on their mother for survival. She feeds them, licks them clean and keeps them warm. Golden retriever puppies weigh between 14 and 16 ounces at birth and will double their weight by the end of their second week of life. Golden retriever moms tend to be calm and friendly, so hold and socialize with newborn puppies often. Goldens Love Carrying Toys Around All puppies learn about their environment by exploring with their mouths, but goldens were bred to carry ducks without damaging them, so they're especially mouthy. Provide young puppies soft toys to carry around and you'll quickly see evidence of their retrieving instinct. Make sure the floor is clear of small items that are dangerous to puppies such as paperclips, coins and pills. Golden retrievers have thick, shaggy double coats that require daily brushing; otherwise their coats becomes hopelessly matted and tangled. Start grooming your puppy while he's young so he will be accustomed to holding still long enough to get pretty. Monitor Your Golden's Growth Carefully monitor your golden's growth between 4 and 7 months of age. The breed is prone to hip dysplasia, a painful joint condition exacerbated by rapid growth. Goldens who grow too quickly also suffer a higher likelihood of soft tissue injuries and some cancers. Feed your puppy kibble specially designed for large breeds, which is less calorie-laden than other puppy foods. Ask your veterinarian for a slow-growth plan to minimize health risks. Such a plan includes careful weight monitoring, a low-calorie puppy food, exercise and elimination of excess food. Exercise your golden puppy daily to train his metabolism to burn excess calories. Play with him on grass and soft surfaces to minimize the impact to his hip joints. Always a Puppy Your golden reaches his full height of up to 24 inches tall at the shoulder by the end of his first year and reaches his full weight at 2 years old. A male weighs 65 to 75 pounds; a female typically weighs 55 to 65 pounds. Goldens keep their youthful temperament well into adulthood. Make sure your golden pup gets plenty of exercise. The dog's size and active nature require that he gets more vigorous exercise than some dogs. As a retriever, he can have no greater joy than fetching tennis balls or splashing in a pond to retrieve sticks or floating toys. Caroline Colie, Ph. This comes at no extra cost to you. As a new Golden Retriever puppy owner, you may be wondering about when important puppy milestones happen, such as: When do they lose their puppy teeth? When do they stop growing? When do they finally stop biting? When do they sleep through the night? These puppy behavior stages and developmental milestones will differ from individual to individual, but this timeline can give you a general understanding of what to expect with your puppy. Day 1: Puppy is born You could also call this the best day ever. After carrying the pups for about 9 weeks , mom is ready to give birth! The average litter size for Golden Retrievers is 8. Their eyesight is very limited, and their soon-to-be-brown eyes are sometimes blue when they first open them. And as you know or will soon find out , they are very sharp. The puppy kibble is soaked in water, mashed up, and introduced to the pups. They work up to eating solid food about four times per day while still nursing from their mother. Because puppies need to complete weaning, most breeders wait until the puppies are 8 weeks to 12 weeks old before they send their pups home with their new owners. You can also start training them at this age the best way to stop bad habits is to not let them start! Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet here! The biting phase is one of the toughest behavior stages for puppy owners. Golden Retriever puppies lose their baby teeth at around 4 months of age. Sometimes he would be chewing and then start to play with something on the floor. Most of the time when that would happen we would find a tooth laying there. This depends on the gender and your individual dog. And this is definitely a conversation to have with your vet, as spaying or neutering your Golden Retriever too young can have adverse health effects. Females are typically inches tall, while males are inches tall. It becomes their undercoat. At one and a half years old, Goldens have typically grown out their full coat. Related article:. Puppies are born with their eyes shut and it generally takes 10—14 days for newborn puppies to open their eyes and longer for them to see clearly. By Doug Jimerson Doug has been owned by a long line of cats and dogs in a variety of shapes and sizes. It generally takes 10—14 days for newborn puppies to open their eyes. Some breeds may even take longer. Most puppies will open one eye at a time over the course of a few days. Be patient. Let nature take its course. So you should keep puppies at this early age in a dimly lit location to protect their eyes. In fact, puppies can see before they can hear their ears open at around 18—20 days , Todd says. The last thing your pup needs is to develop conjunctivitis during this critical period. If left untreated, conjunctivitis can cause permanent blindness. Overall, the best thing to do for your puppy when it comes to early eye care is to let nature take its course. Certainly, you should watch for any crusty build-up on the eyes or any other sign that something might be amiss, but in general, just enjoy your puppy transforming itself from a blind, deaf, fur ball into a bouncing, happy animal. Was this page helpful? Puppyhood is a time when positive experiences can pave the way to a life as a well-adjusted and happy adult, while negative experiences can lead to long-term problems. Having an understanding of the rapid transitions between stages of development during this period can help owners support and nurture their pet through puppyhood and adolescence. Neonatal Period 0—2 weeks Newborn Golden Retriever The newborn puppy is blind and deaf, with eyes and ears that are neither fully formed nor fully open. This stage is all about growth and survival, and the pup spends all his time either sleeping or feeding. These antibodies will endow him with some immunity from serious illness for the next 6 weeks, at which point he can mount his own response to vaccination. The mother must stimulate the bowel and bladder to empty by licking the perineal region under the tail, as the pup cannot control this himself. Transition Period 2—4 weeks 4-Week Golden Retriever As anyone who has every bred a litter of puppies will tell you, one of the most exciting experiences is seeing the young pups open their eyes for the first time. Although their vision is blurry, and consists mostly of shadows and light, they clearly begin to respond to visual stimuli around two weeks of age. This also coincides with the ears beginning to function, meaning the pup is suddenly exposed to a wealth of sensory stimuli. He begins to urinate and defecate independently, although the mother is likely to continue helping. His appetite grows exponentially, and the mother needs extra nutrition during the next few weeks to keep up with his demands until he can eat solid food for himself. However, his focus is still very much on feeding, and interactions between pups are limited to gnawing and competing for the best suckling spot between two and three weeks of age. Toward the end of this period, pups will show clear signs of recognising their mother and siblings from a distance, and owners who have spent time with the litter up to this point will probably also be rewarded with squeaks of excitement when they approach. Socialisation Period 4—7 weeks 6-Week Golden Retriever By four weeks, the incredible rate of development means that our little pup is now mobile, alert, and very curious! Exploratory behaviours are seen from this age, meaning the pup begins to push boundaries in every sense to develop his own perception of the world. He will begin to wander from his mother and siblings, although he is initially likely to be retrieved by the mother any time she feels he is being a little too brave. Littermates and familiar humans are clearly recognised, and the pup begins to devote much of his time to play. This serves a number of purposes, providing much-needed stimulation to the growing brain, as well as allowing the puppies to establish a pecking order. The more boisterous and exuberant pups will assert themselves as the dominant members of the family, usually getting to lie on top of their siblings when sleeping, as well as securing their places at the most productive teats when feeding. Their increasing strength and enthusiasm mean that the mother may begin to find it difficult and uncomfortable to feed the pups as much as they demand, and so now is also the period when weaning begins, with the pups being introduced to soft food and encouraged to lap from a dish. This is a messy business! For at least the first week, the pups will get more food in their hair than in their mouths, and for large litters, the owners may need to help out with cleaning and grooming, using a wet flannel to remove the worst of the caked-on milk or food. This is called the socialisation period for a very good reason, and it is vital that pups are exposed to humans during this time. Stray puppies rescued after this point will always have, to a greater or lesser extent, an in-built fear of people. Gentle, regular handling is essential at least twice a day, though in reality, pups will benefit from much more. Although children are great at playing with and socialising puppies, one must be careful that the pups are not handled roughly or dropped. Aside from the risks of injury, painful or stressful experiences can have a lasting impact. Fearful Period 7—12 weeks Week Golden Retriever By 7—8 weeks of age, the pup has learned basic etiquette and behaviour from his mother. Siblings begin to become more competitive, and the playful battles for supremacy become a little more vigorous and heated. He has hopefully received adequate exposure to humans, and by avoiding negative experiences to this point is now confident enough to explore the world. However, this confidence is superficial, and the pup is now aware enough of its environment to realise that its mother and siblings do not themselves have full control of their lives — much of this control lies with their owners. For this reason, it is around now that pups begin to gravitate toward humans, and those that do not receive a lot of one-to-one attention during this period will again have issues with fearfulness and nervousness throughout their lives. During this phase, pups also begin to develop the capacity to learn basic commands, and the very brightest may begin to appreciate the importance of housetraining. Harsh correction, physical punishment, and shouting are all to be avoided. Now, and always, the dog will respond best to positive feedback when he behaves as desired. Juvenile and Ranking Periods 3—6 months 6-Month Golden Retriever While these stages are considered separate by some authorities on the subject of development, they overlap considerably, both in terms of time and behaviours. The puppy has learned some basic commands, has an appreciation of good behaviour, and has more or less mastered use of his growing body. His energy levels seem to increase daily, and owners need to be prepared to indulge in periods of play, as well as introducing daily walks to help vent this energy. As a normal part of this phase, most pups will begin to attempt to move up the social hierarchy. This is perfectly natural in the setting of a pack of dogs, where the youngest and strongest members of the pack will make the most useful senior figures, to the benefit of the other dogs. By progressing from the earlier games of wrestling with his siblings to the point where he is ready to physically challenge other dogs, the pup ensures both the security of the pack and his own position within it. However, as we have taken dogs out of this natural setting and placed them within our human families, this is not a behaviour we want to encourage. Any signs of aggression, such as bites which pierce the skin, or snarling, must be quickly dealt with by placing the pup away from the family, using a lead if necessary. By diligently and firmly set the ground rules of acceptable behaviour, the pup will quickly realise where the boundaries are, and will learn to happily accept his position in the family structure. Being too permissive or forgiving of this kind of behaviour can lead to devastating behavioural problems later in life. Of course, some chewing or biting is legitimately explained as teething behaviour. Obedience training is important throughout this period; juvenile puppies, like children, are veritable sponges, looking to soak up as much information as possible. Puppy training classes are an ideal environment for the stimulation they provide, but also for the guidance and input of a behavioural expert. Adolescence 6—18 months Month Golden Retriever Our puppy is now almost an adult — how time flies by! Although close to physical maturity, he is still learning, and will continue to sometimes behave inappropriately and have higher energy levels than an adult dog. It is important throughout this period to continue reinforcing all the good habits taught to this point, to practise regular obedience training, and to provide plenty of exercise. Adolescence passes quickly in some dogs, who may appear mature in every respect by one year of age, but can drag on in others; for example, the Lhasa Apso is known to retain puppy-like characteristics well into adulthood. One must remember to be patient during this period, providing corrective guidance when needed, but not expecting perfect behaviour at all times. Remember, we were all teenagers once! Puppy Timeline in Review Neonate - The pup is blind, deaf and helpless. He relies on his mother for warmth, food, and to help with bodily functions. He spends all his time feeding and sleeping. Transition - The senses awaken, with the eyes and ears beginning to function. The pup becomes aware of his surroundings and makes early attempts to explore his surroundings. He may show an interest in tasting food. Socialisation - Within the safety of his litter, the pup begins to venture further from the mother, and spends much of his time wrestling and playing with his littermates. Humans are recognised, and the pup begins to enjoy being handled and spoken to. Weaning is almost complete. Fearful - The pup gains an awareness of the world beyond his litter, and is ready for a new home. He will bond strongly to his owners at this point, but is sensitive to stress. He is capable of understanding commands, but needs gentle encouragement in training. Juvenile - The growing pup is energetic and boisterous. He needs regular exercise and obedience training to help control his increasingly mischievous behaviour. Ranking - He attempts to establish a higher position for himself in the family structure. Behaviours, such as chewing and growling, can no longer be tolerated, even in play. Strong leadership from the owner helps assure the pup he should remain submissive. A consistent approach to training and discipline, combined with patience, will help the pup through this phase and toward a happy adult life. Popular Dog Breeds. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Lets face it, our dogs are like our children to us. Those baby blues in children are an exciting moment in their life. Puppies have their baby blues too. Typically for most puppies eyes begin to open from 7 days to 14 days old. Many golden retriever breeders state that most of their puppies open their eyes around 12 days. Give a take a few days. When they do, their eyes appear a uniform shade of blue. That is because the eyes lack melanin. As they grow, around weeks, their irises gain more melanin and turn to their lifelong color. In the case of goldens, their eye color will become medium to dark brown. In the case of English Cream Golden Retrievers, generally they will become dark brown. Along with their sight, hearing also begins. Around two weeks of age, they start hearing different sounds. As they begin to hear new things they may become startled. When talking to them you might see that they jump at the sound of your voice. Even walking into the room may startle them. Another growth milestone occurs shortly after birth. Around the second day you can see that golden retrievers noses start gaining pigment. Each day their noses, and even toes will begin to darken. They will darken until they become black.