Sunday, February 9, 2014

Guide To Picking And Raising Goldendoodle Puppies

By Jerri Perry


Selecting and taking care of any puppy is a lot of work and can often get quite confusing. The same is true for goldendoodle puppies. If you have decided that this mix of poodle and golden retriever is what you want, there are a few things to consider along the way. To help minimize the guess work and confusion, try to keep the following things in mind.

One of the most important factors to consider when you are seeking to buy one of these dogs is where you will purchase it. Pet stores often get them from mass produced litters. Individuals who run puppy mills are generally only involved in breeding for the money. Both of these should be avoided because they are not ideal circumstances to keep litters and foster their personality growth.

Ask the breeder about the history of the parents, including the health. More specifically, you want to know if either of the parents has a history of serious illnesses or diseases. Progressive retinal atrophy and hip dysplasia are two common conditions this breed is at risk for developing. Unless the parents have developed problems, the offspring are less prone to experiencing issues.

Goldendoodles have different variations in the breed. Parents that are poodle and golden retriever produce offspring that are classified as an F1. An F1b variation comes from breeding an F1 with a poodle. Two F1 parents produce F2 variations. Although it may be confusing, the different variations determine the types of characteristics the puppy has based on whether there is more poodle or more retriever. Many people are looking for the variations that favor more poodle, mainly because poodles have hypoallergenic fur that does not shed with season changes.

When you have done your research, you are finally ready to pick out a puppy from the litter you have chosen. This is where your own instincts come into the mix. Look for the one that shows the type of personality you are looking for. Even at a young age, the personalities they have now will be the ones that they have in their adult years. Calmer ones tend to remain calm, while the overly hyper ones tend to remain that way as well.

Care and training of any new puppy takes some effort. Your puppy's first week with you is said to be the most difficult. He or she will cry at night and when left alone. As they get used to the new environment, this will stop. The first week is also the most ideal time to being crating, training, and establishing behavioral boundaries. Limit crate time to three hours. Take the puppy outside first and then have playtime and grooming for an hour. Return the puppy to the crate immediately.

Establishing a feeding routine will need to be done as well. During a six week period, you should have your puppy going from four meals to two meals. For the initial two weeks, provide four feedings. After the first two weeks, stop providing the last meal. In another two weeks, remove the lunchtime meal.

Goldendoodle puppies have high energy levels. It is important to start training your puppy as soon as you bring it home. Allowing undesirable behaviors to continue will make the puppy believe it is in control and it can do what it wants. Be prepared to have an average of fifteen years with the new furry family member.




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