As such, they can also be a tad bit into mischief and are pretty enthusiastic about life, so you’ll want to make sure that when you’re looking for the best collars for Labradoodles, you find the right one. Ideally, the best collars for Labradoodles are waterproof/water-resistant, and those with front-clipping/side leash spots so you can prevent pulling while on leash. A good fit and a quick-release buckle are helpful too as these Doodles sometimes find themselves in sticky situations in the name of looking for a good time!

Dogline Biothane Waterproof Collar

Biothane collars are great options for Labradoodles as they like to get out there and get in it. The Dogline Biothane Waterproof Dog Collar is strong and durable, made from polyester webbing substrate that’s been bonded with a waterproof coating. It wipes clean and easy with damp cloths and since it’s non-absorbent, try as your dog might, it won’t stink.

Kurgo Waterproof Muck Collar

Since they love getting into mud and muck (if they’re not chilling on the couch), the Kurgo Muck collar is another excellent collar for your Labradoodle. Kurgo designs dog products for life’s adventures and offers a lifetime warranty for their collars because they make them to last. They’re flexible and comfortable and clean up easily with just some quick wipes of a cloth.

EzyDog NeoClassic Collar

Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are top-notch hunters. Mix those two breeds together and you’ve got the potential for a fantastic adventurist. More Labradoodle parents are finding their Doodles love hunting (particularly duck/fowl, as it’s water-related) and that’s why the EzyDog NeoClassic collar is a great choice for your Labradoodle. Neoprene is used to make wetsuits, and so it’s waterproof and dries quickly, it’s a great choice for the backyard or in the woods looking for the next catch. It has quick-release buckles for an easy on and off as well.

Black Rhino

Because many Labradoodle parents are taking their Doodles out into the hunting fields, another popular collar for Labradoodles is the Black Rhino Collar. It’s definitely heavy-duty, but it’s also lightweight for your Doodle’s comfort. Additionally, the Black Rhino collar has a soft padded inside liner for extra enjoyment.

MightyPaw Neoprene Padded Collar

Mighty Paw’s neoprene padded collar is quite similar to the Black Rhino in several aspects. It’s a heavy-duty collar that’s lightweight and repels odors and stains, and it also has reflective stitching sewn in for better visibility in low-light situations. It also has a non-metal dog tag attachment to stop the jingling of the tags around your Doodle’s neck—which is pretty nice in the middle of the night when they’re giving themselves a good stretch and shake.

PetSafe KeepSafe Breakaway Collar

We love the patented buckle on the KeepSafe Break-Away collar because it’s designed for quick release in the case of an emergency or play that gets out of hand. Labradoodles are friendly and enjoy fun with other dogs. The KeepSafe Break-Away buckle quickly and easily separates when there’s pressure applied and then can be snapped back together. This can be a lifesaver if your Doodle’s collar gets caught in play.

WestPaw Strollers Hemp Collar

Hemp is super soft and eco-friendly and it’s naturally odor-resistant and anti-microbial so even if your Doodle does get into some mischief (rolling in deer poop, perhaps?) it’s easy to wash and repel. The hemp gets softer with each wash, yet retains its durability. It also has an ID Loop for your dog’s tags to give easy access to important information and a quick connect loop that will protect your Doodle if she’s a puller on walks.

Personalized Bamboo Collar

Bamboo is another soft option for your Doodle. It gets smoother and softer with each wash and is also eco-friendly. This bamboo collar will be personalized to make sure your dog’s name and your recall information are easily visible and dogs (and their humans!) love the padded fleece lining on the underside because it’s so soft.

Link AKC GPS Smart Collar

Because Labradoodles can be adventurous, whether it’s on their own or on a planned outdoor adventure, the Link AKC GPS Smart Collar can give you peace of mind in knowing where your Doodle is at all times. It also monitors activity from anywhere you can access AT & T cellular service (plans start at $6.95/month) and you can get information about health, wellness and even training. It also has a remotely-activated LED light if ever out and about during the night and you want to know where your Doddle’s run off to. Many Labradoodle parents like the Link collar because it has a remote sound that they use for easy and effective positive reinforcement training when their Doodles are young.

GoTags Personalized Leather Dog Collar

This personalized collar will certainly be a fashion paw-ward one with the soft, full-grain Italian leather adorning your Labradoodle’s neck. You will be able to embroider up to 25 characters in 15 different colors on a light or dark brown leather collar that will fit comfortably on your dog because of the adjustable fit option. Al the edges are burnished and dyed for durability and it’s a great, simple and elegant collar.

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What is the Labradoodle Temperament Like?

The Labradoodle technically comes in three sizes, though most standard Labradoodles weigh somewhere between 45 and 100 pounds at maturity. These dogs may get a little bit bigger than other breeds, but they are filled to the brim with love and affection. Labradoodles are one of the friendliest breeds you will ever come across and they don’t have a single aggressive bone in their bodies. This breed is known for being patient with children, friendly with other pets, and quick to make friends with strangers – they are also a highly people-oriented breed with many dogs preferring the company of people to that of other dogs.

This breed is also very intelligent which means that Labradoodles generally respond well to training and, though they do have fairly high needs for exercise, they don’t tend to be too high-strung as long as their exercise needs are met. Labradoodles can be a little bit goofy at times but many people love their playfulness. Just keep in mind that it may take them a little longer to grow out of their puppy phase than some other breeds, especially for the larger Labradoodle sizes.

Why Do Labradoodles Make Great Family Pets?

Labradoodles love people – there is no other way to say it. This is a breed of dog that you will never have to worry about with your children because Labradoodles are patient and gentle with children of all ages. The Labradoodle is bred from two different retrievers so they don’t have as much of a prey drive as some breeds – this means that they are typically very cat-friendly and they don’t tend to bother other pets. Labradoodles get along great with other dogs as well and they may appreciate having a second dog in the house to keep them company while you are away. When it comes to strangers, Labradoodles are very quick to make friends – they can be a little territorial at times, but they are unlikely to do anything more than bark at a stranger and they are quick to warm up. These dogs are also very adaptable and can be good for apartment or condo life as long as their needs for exercise are met.

It should be obvious by now that there are many things to love about the Labradoodle breed. While every dog has his own unique personality, you can generally expect your Labradoodle to be a friendly and fun-loving dog who gets along with just about everyone he meets. If that’s the type of dog you are looking for, the Labradoodle just might be the perfect fit!

What is Addison’s Disease in Dogs?

Addison’s disease is a condition that affects the endocrine system and it occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate amounts of certain hormones. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones like adrenaline as well as glucocorticoids like cortisol and mineralocorticoids like aldosterone. When the body’s levels of these substances become imbalanced it can cause some very serious symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, tremors, muscle weakness, and sudden collapse. In some cases, the dog may not show symptoms but he may suddenly suffer an Addisonian crisis in which he collapses in a state of shock caused by a severe electrolyte imbalance.

Causes and Treatments for Addison’s Disease

The Labradoodle is one of several breeds that seems to have an increased risk for developing Addison’s disease – other breeds include Great Danes, Newfoundlands, Rottweilers, Bearded Collies, German Shepherds, St. Bernards, and Welsh Springer Spaniels. There are several potential causes for Addison’s disease in dogs but it is most frequently an autoimmune condition. When the dog’s body begins to attack its own cells and tissues it is called immune-mediated destruction and when that destruction is targeted toward the adrenal glands, Addison’s disease is a common result. Addison’s disease can also be caused by metastatic tumors or long-term withdrawal from glucocorticoids.

In order for your veterinarian to diagnose your Labradoodle with Addison’s disease he will need to perform a thorough medical exam and patient history. Routine laboratory tests including complete blood count, urinalysis, and biochemistry profile may be taken as well. Once diagnosed with Addison’s disease, your dog will need regular treatments to replace the missing glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. If your dog suffers an acute Addisonian crisis, it is considered a medical emergency and he may require hospitalization as well as intensive therapy. Once he recovers, however, the treatment options are generally fairly straightforward, typically consisting of hormone replacement therapy and stress management.

When Addison’s disease is caught early and the dog starts receiving the proper treatment, the long-term prognosis for this condition is generally fairy good. Your dog may need a few weeks of intensive therapy and regular check-ups, but once his hormone and electrolyte levels are balanced he should be fine. There will be a continued risk for a sudden Addisonian crisis, however, so you will need to carry some prednisone with you just in case your dog has an attack.

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent Addison’s disease from developing and an acute attack can happen at any time. The best thing you can do is recognize your dog’s risk for developing the condition and learn to identify the symptoms in case your dog shows any of them. At the first indication of a problem, seek immediate veterinary care for your dog to prevent the condition from progressing.

Trait #1: They are social and people-oriented.

Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are very friendly breeds, though Labs tend to enjoy people a little more than some Poodles. As a combination of the two, Labradoodles are a very social and people-oriented breed of dog. These dogs get along well with just about everyone and they frequently prefer the company of people to other dogs. The challenge is that they may not do well when left alone for long periods of time.

Trait #2: They are intelligent and easy to train.

As a cross between two intelligent breeds (the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle), the Labradoodle is a very smart breed of dog. These dogs are quick and eager to learn which makes training a breeze, as long as you utilize positive reinforcement and you are consistent in your training methods. Most Labradoodles only require a few repetitions to get the hang of a new command and they have a natural desire to please their owners. As long as you treat your dog well and reward him for good behavior, he will be an obedient dog.

Trait #3: They are great with children, strangers, and other pets.

If you’re looking for the perfect family pet who will be patient with children, tolerant of other pets, and friendly with strangers, the Labradoodle is the perfect fit. Not only are these dogs great with kids, but they are both cat-friendly and dog-friendly as well. This breed is very friendly and outgoing, always eager to make new friends whether they be people or other dogs.

Trait #4: They are playful and affectionate.

The Labradoodle is the kind of dog that will bond very closely with his family. These dogs usually aren’t the type to choose one member of the family as a favorite, but they sometimes do. As long as someone is willing to play with them and spend time with them, however, your Labradoodle won’t care who it is.

Trait #5: They are level-headed and patient.

Going hand-in-hand with his intelligence is the Labradoodle’s patient and level head. These dogs can be fairly energetic but they aren’t usually so high-strung that they are difficult to control. Early socialization and training is always recommended, but these dogs aren’t as unpredictable as some high-energy breeds can be and you don’t have to worry about them around children and other pets.

Every Labradoodle is an individual, so your dog may or may not exhibit all of the traits listed above. You also need to keep in mind that mixed breeds like the Labradoodle inherit their physical and personality traits from two different breeds and there is no telling which traits he will inherit from each. The only way to really know what your Labradoodle will be like as an adult is to let him grow up!

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Setting the Stage for Tracking

Training your dog for tracking should ideally begin when your dog is a puppy. Though your puppy may not be able to pay attention long enough to really learn much, you can start reinforcing a desire to find things and to use his nose. Hide-and-Seek is one of the best games you can play with your Labradoodle puppy to sow the seeds for tracking training when he gets older. To play this game, have a family member or friend hold your puppy while you say his name and talk to him excitedly – your goal is to make him want to come to you. Then, run a few yards away and duck behind something, letting your puppy see where you went. Finally, call your puppy’s name then praise and reward him when he finds you. As your puppy gets the hang of the game you can start hiding in other rooms and can even begin leaving a scent trail for him.

Getting Started with Tracking

Many dog owners assume that transitioning a dog from playing games to actually tracking is difficult, but it might be simpler than you imagine. If you’ve played enough Hide-and-Seek, your Labradoodle will already have learned how to use his nose – now you just have to harness that ability. Here are the steps to get started with tracking:

1. Place your dog in a crate or have someone hold him while you lay the track within his site.
2. Before you start, show your dog the handful of treats you are holding as well as a small object you want your dog to find – a fabric item like a sock or glove is perfect and you’ll need two of the same thing.
3. Place a flag at the beginning of your track then take a step forward and place a treat in your footprint.
4. Keep taking small steps forward, placing a treat in each step, moving in a straight line.
5. Walk for 10 to 15 feet, placing one or two flags along the way to mark your line, then place a flag at the end of the track.
6. Place a handful of treats and the object your dog is tracking about a foot beyond the final flag then turn and jump as far away from the flag as you can so you don’t continue the track.
7. To get your dog tracking, lead him to the first flag and show him the second object so he can get the scent then tell him to “Find it”.
8. Move toward the start of the track then let your dog take over – when he reaches the end, tell him “Good find it!” then tell him to Sit before you pick up the object and reward him.

The key to any kind of dog training is to make it fun and exciting for your Labradoodle. If your dog is having a good time, he will be an eager and willing participant in whatever game you plan for him. To keep your dog actively engaged, keep your training sessions short – about ten to fifteen minutes at a time – and do them several times a day as you are able.

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What Are Puzzle Toys Good For?

When you think of dog toys, you probably picture things like tennis balls, rubber bones, and rope toys. While these toys have their benefits, there is another type of toy you should consider including in your dog’s collection – puzzle toys. Also known as interactive toys, puzzle toys are dog toys that provide mental stimulation as well as physical stimulation or exercise. Many puzzle toys incorporate moving parts and most of them can be filled with treats – the key is that your dog must figure out the puzzle in order to access the treats. Puzzle toys can give your dog a boost of mental and physical stimulation, plus they will help to keep him out of trouble when you leave him home alone.

What Are the Best Puzzle Toys for Labradoodles?

Puzzle toys for dogs come in many shapes and forms, but here are some of the best options for your Labradoodle:

1. Classic Kong Toy – This toy consists of a bouncy rubber toy that can be filled with treats, including soft treats like peanut butter. Your dog has to bounce it around to release solid treats or lick soft treats out of the toy.
2. Seek-a-Treat Puzzle Board – This puzzle toy will definitely put your Labradoodle’s intelligence to the test, requiring him to move different pieces on the board to reveal hidden treats. This toy consists of 10 holes and six disks that slide along tracks to hide and reveal the treats.
3. Bob-a-Lot – This treat-dispensing puzzle toy can be filled with your do’s favorite treats and you can adjust the difficulty level based on your dog’s skill. You can even fill the toy with your dog’s kibble to make him work for his dinner.
4. Tricky Treat Ball – This puzzle toy comes in the form of a rubber ball that can be filled with treats. The ball has various holes and depressions in it so your dog can pick it up and toss it around to shake the treats loose.

Labradoodles have a high level of intelligence and high energy levels – this can be a dangerous combination if your dog doesn’t get enough exercise or is left alone too long. Making sure that your dog has a few puzzle toys to occupy him is a great way to work off some excess energy while also providing mental stimulation. A bored dog is often a destructive dog so do yourself a favor and stock up on puzzle toys for your Labradoodle.

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Understanding Food Allergies in Dogs

In the same way that people can develop allergies for certain food ingredients, so can dogs. While food allergies only account for about 10% of allergy cases in dogs, they can be very serious in the dogs that develop them. Technically, a dog can become allergic to any ingredient with enough exposure but some of the foods most likely to trigger allergies in dogs include beef, dairy, wheat, eggs, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish. It is also important to note that dogs who have food allergies are often allergic to more than one ingredient.

In people, food allergies often present with digestive symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. While dogs with food allergies may develop these symptoms as well, the more telling signs of a food allergy in dogs are skin-related. If your dog is constantly licking his feet or if he has recurrent ear infections, it could be a food allergy. Some dogs with food allergies also develop itchy skin, hot spots, hair loss, and even skin infections. If your dog has skin problems that don’t seem to be linked to a particular season, or if he has infections that come back after treatment with antibiotics, it might be a food allergy.

Addressing Food Allergies with an LID

A Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) is the best way to address food allergies in dogs. This type of dog food is made with a limited number of main ingredients which helps to reduce the risk for triggering food allergies. More importantly, however, it is made with a novel source of protein and carbohydrate – something your dog hasn’t eaten before and is, therefore, unlikely to be allergic to. You’ll need to feed your dog an LID for at least 12 weeks until all signs of his allergy have disappeared. At this point, you then have the option to reintroduce potential allergens one at a time until you find the culprit or you can simply keep feeding your dog the LID. Talk to your veterinarian about your options if you aren’t sure which is the better choice for your Labradoodle.

Many dog owners make the mistake of assuming that food allergies in dogs are no big deal. Left untreated, however, your dog could develop serious skin problems and his body may have trouble absorbing nutrition from the food he eats. If you suspect that your dog may be suffering from a food allergy, talk to your vet right away so you can get your dog started on an LID.

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What Nutrients Does Your Labradoodle Need?

All dogs have the same basic nutritional requirements, though there are some slight variations depending on the dog’s age, activity level, and breed. For all dogs, protein is the most important nutrient because it helps to support lean muscle mass. Protein should come from high-quality animal sources because these are complete proteins – proteins which contain all of the essential amino acids your dog’s body can’t synthesize on its own. The second most important nutrient is fat. Though it may not sound like a healthy ingredient to you, fat provides your dog with essential fatty acids and a concentrated source of energy. Dogs don’t have specific requirements for carbohydrates, though they should come from nutritious and highly digestible sources. Your dog can also benefit from certain supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.

Tips for Feeding Your Labradoodle

Pet foods are not as closely regulated as people food, so you have to be careful about taking what you read on a pet food package with a grain of salt. When evaluating the quality of a pet food product, look for a statement of nutritional adequacy from AAFCO that confirms the product is complete and balanced in terms of nutrition. Next, look at the guaranteed analysis to see how much protein, fat, moisture, and fiber is in the product. A high-quality dog food should contain more than the bare minimum for protein and fat but should also be limited in carbohydrate. For adult dogs, look for protein and fat values above 18% and 5% respectively and, for puppies, above 22% and 8%. The crude fiber content should be below 5% – excess fiber can actually bother your dog’s digestive system.

When it comes to feeding your Labradoodle, the amount will vary depending on the calorie content of the product you choose. Large-breed dogs require an average of 20 to 30 calories per pound of bodyweight. Once you choose a dog food, refer to the feeding instructions to see how much to feed your dog according to his age and weight. Stick to a feeding schedule for a few weeks while monitoring your dog’s bodyweight and condition. If your dog loses weight or becomes lethargic you might need to feed him more. If he gains weight, you might need to cut back.

There is no one-size-fits-all dog food product that is ideal for every dog out there. To find the product that is right for your Labradoodle, you’re going to have to do a little research on your own. Take the information provided above about your dog’s nutritional needs and follow the tips to evaluate different products until you find one that will meet your dog’s nutritional needs as well as his dietary preferences.

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1. ZippyPaws Squeakie Buddy – Labradoodles love to carry plush toys around and this squeaky toy is perfect for that. This toy comes in a variety of different animals and it doesn’t contain any stuffing for you to clean up when your dog rips it open. Plus, he’ll find the large squeaker impossible to resist.
2. OurPets IQ Treat Ball – The Labradoodle is an intelligent breed of dog that requires just as much mental stimulation as physical stimulation. The IQ Treat Ball is a wonderful interactive toy for your dog that will help to keep him busy when you are away. Just fill it with your dog’s favorite treats or kibble and let him roll it around to release the treats.
3. Classic Kong Toy – All dogs love a good chew toy and the classic Kong is one of the best ones out there. Made from heavy-duty rubber, this toy is nearly indestructible even for heavy chewers and you can fill it with tasty treats to keep your dog engaged. It also comes in different sizes so you can upgrade as your Labradoodle grows up.
4. Dogloveit Mallard Toy – Satisfy your Labradoodle’s natural retrieving instincts with this mallard toy. This lightweight plush toy is made from soft cotton materials and it is designed to withstand some chewing. Toss it for your dog to retrieve and he’ll gladly bring it back to keep the game going.
5. Nylabone Dura Chew – If your Labradoodle likes to chew on things, these durable nylon bones are a must-have. Available in a variety of different flavors and made from long-lasting materials, this is the only chew toy your dog is going to need. It even comes in an extra-large size for dogs over fifty pounds at maturity like your Labradoodle.
6. Chuckit Classic Launcher – Many Labradoodles love to chase balls – if your dog does, the Chuckit Classic Launcher is something you definitely need. This ball launcher enables you to throw a ball up to three times further and you can pick it up when your dog returns it without getting your hands covered in slobber.

The toys listed above are just some suggestions for the kind of toys your Labradoodle may enjoy. Your best bet is to purchase a variety of different toys and then spend some time playing with your dog to find out what he likes. Once you know what your dog enjoys as far as toys go, you can stock up and keep a ready supply on hand.

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What Are the Benefits of Harnesses Over Collars?

A dog collar serves several different purposes. For one thing, it is a place for you to hang your dog’s ID tags so that he can be returned to you if he ever gets out of the house. Second, it is something you can clip a leash to during your walks. The problem with regular dog collars is that they go around your dog’s neck and, if you or your dog pull too hard, it could potentially damage his trachea or collapse his windpipe. A harness is a safer alternative to a traditional collar in that it distributes the weight evenly across your dog’s chest and back instead of focusing it all on his neck. A dog harness usually has two straps – one that goes around his chest and another around his back. This design also gives you greater control over your dog in addition to reducing the risk for neck injury. On the downside, some dogs don’t like wearing a harness and if you don’t adjust the fit correctly your dog could slip out of it or it might not be effective.

Tips for Using a Harness on Your Dog

When shopping for a harness for your Labradoodle, be sure to choose one that is appropriate for his size. Second, you should be aware of the different types of harnesses. Some harnesses clip in the back and others clip in the front – some even offer both options. There are also harnesses that your dog can step into and others that you put over your dog’s head. For step-in harnesses, unbuckle it and lay it flat on the ground then have your dog stand over it with one leg in each of the two loops. Then, simply snap the buckles together and adjust the fit. For an overhead harness, slip your Labradoodle’s head through the neck loop then wrap the bottom straps around his belly so the top strap sits along his back. Connect the buckles and adjust the fit as needed.

No matter whether you choose to switch your dog to a harness or keep him on a regular collar, there are some basic rules you should follow for leash safety. When first training your Labradoodle to walk on a leash, it should be no more than 6 feet long – you can graduate to a longer leash later, but make sure it isn’t so long that you can’t pull your dog back if necessary. It is also your job to make sure that your Labradoodle responds to commands so you can control him on a walk with or without the help of a harness.

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