Abria’s 2019 Mini English Goldendoodle Puppies

These sweet babies are ready to go to their forever homes on June 27th-30th.

happy birthday

Abria & Boaz welcomed a beautiful litter of 7 mini English goldendoodle puppies on Thursday, May 2nd! There are three boys and four girls, and they are all just precious!

Abria is an amazing mom and hardly leaves her puppies’ side. When puppies are first born, they depend heavily on their mama. They can’t yet walk. Their eyes and ears are closed. They can’t maintain their own body temperature and have a natural instinct to pile together for warmth (as you can see in the pictures below). EEGs have revealed that the brain activity of infant puppies is the same when asleep and awake. But these little guys are busy eating, growing, and developing. Abria’s puppies twitch and pop in their sleep, as all healthy newborn puppies should. This activated sleep helps them build muscle tone.

If you look closely at the pictures above, you’ll notice that puppies are born with little toenails. You’ll also notice that the pigment on some of the puppies’ noses & toes has already began to turn from pink to black.

1 week

It’s hard to believe that these sweet puppies are already one week old! We absolutely love having these babies in our home. We snuggle them several times a day, and holding them is unbelievably relaxing. There’s actually research that suggest that stroking the puppies is relaxing for them too. The studies indicate that puppies who are regularly licked by their mama grow up to be more relaxed adults. We can emulate that by stroking them. Abria is a great mom and takes awesome care of her puppies, but we are quite happy to pet them too 🙂

 Each day that the puppies are held by both myself and my husband so that they are introduced to men and women from a young age. In addition to regular petting, the puppies also receive daily early neurological stimulation (ENS) and daily early scent introduction (ESI). The brief exercises that comprise ENS take less than a minute per puppy yet are thought to have lifelong benefits such as improved improved heartbeats and stronger adrenal glands. The puppies also participate in an early scent introduction exercise each day. Recommended by Avidog international, ESI involves briefly exposing each puppy to a new smell once a day. So far the puppies have smelled things such as a stick, essential oils, and even a duckling. While their eyes and ears are still closed, they have a strong sense of smell. Even while asleep it’s easy to tell when they catch a whiff of the scent we’re sharing with them.

The puppies are growing like crazy and have almost doubled their birth weights. As you can tell from the picture by the tennis ball (yes, that’s a regular sized tennis ball), they are still very small. We have started clipping their nails for the first time, although I haven’t quite finished clipping everyone’s yet (the little guy by the tennis ball has one front foot with clipped nails and one that still needs to be done!).

2 weeks

The puppies have opened their eyes! And now that they can see where they’re going, they’ve started climbing out of their whelping box! They still spend most of the day sleeping and continue to have activated sleep, building their muscles in preparation for the running and exploring they’ll be doing shortly. The puppies already take wobbly steps around their whelping box and crawl all over each other as they attempt to find the most cozy sleeping nook in the puppy pile.

3 weeks

Abria’s puppies are getting big! They seem so much more like little dogs than they did even a week ago. They toddle over to the gate of their pen when we approach, wagging their tails. They’ve started to play with each other – it looks like they are playing in slow motion! Their eyes are open and so are their ears. we put a new object in their puppy pen everyday to give them something new to look at and explore. We have also started playing their habituation CD which exposes into sounds like doorbells and vacuum cleaners. Habituation CD is not as effective as real life exposure to these different sounds, so we will introduce them a variety of sounds in the upcoming weeks. Listen to the soundtrack is a perfect exercise for them at this age though. The puppies have also had their nails clipped for a second time. Short nails helps them not scratch Abria as they nurse, and it also helps them get used to having their feet handled.

puppies first picnic

four weeks

These little nuggets are growing up fast! They lapped goat milk out of a dish for the first time earlier this week – And they absolutely loved it! They dove in feet and all, and after all of the milk was gone, they enjoyed licking it off of each other. It was adorable to watch 🙂 Hopefully you were able to enjoy the cute little noises they made while drinking the goat milk in the video on Instagram. Don’t worry- your puppy won’t go home drinking goat milk! We’ll begin transitioning to kibble, and your little one will be accustomed to eating TLC puppy food. You should be receiving an email directly from TLC in the next week. The puppies’ teeth are already starting to poke through, so they’ll be ready to try some softened kibble soon. Abria often nurses them standing up now rather than laying down. Everyone fits much better when she’s upright!

Another first over the past week is venturing outdoors. The puppies have gone on short little excursions in our backyard the past few days. They’ll be enjoy more and more time outside in the upcoming weeks. The biggest change is that the puppies have moved out of their whelping area and into a puppy play yard.

five weeks

6 weeks

It’s been another busy week for the puppies! They have been able to play outside every day, which they absolutely love! They have enjoyed playing in the sandbox, climbing on some rocks, and sniffing in some straw. We try to let them experience a variety of different textures and surfaces. They like exploring new things, but sandbox was definitely their favorite! The puppies also went on a road trip in the last week. It’s not the first time they’ve been in the car, and we know they each have a lifetime of car rides ahead of them, so we want to make sure they’re familiar with the feeling. They all piled together into a crate and cruised around town. 

Grass (green collar boy)

We have now combined Junie & Abria’s litters. They had already been playing together, but I wasn’t planning to put them together full time quite yet. The puppies had a different idea! Junie’s puppies kept figuring out creative ways to sneak into Abria’s puppies’ pen and snuggle with them, so I finally gave in and let them all have a giant sleepover last night. Junie & Abria are both inclusive and will nurse any of the puppies. Sometimes all twelve drink from Abria and then head to Junie after the first milk bar is running low. It’s kind of hilarious to see twelve puppies cramming under Abria because she’s such a small dog! In addition to nursing about five times a day, the puppies are also eating TLC puppy kibble soaked in goat milk several times a day. We started feeding them in crates with open doors, first with two puppies two a crate and now with one puppy per crate. They’ve caught on quickly and now start sniffing through each crate looking for food when their tummies are growling. The puppies are all eating and growing well.

Ginger (pink collar girl)

Snowplow (blue collar boy)

The puppies’ favorite indoor toy is their wobble board (as you probably noticed in the video!). We regularly laugh watching them balancing and playing on it. We also brought out the tunnel this week, which they enjoy as well. These puppies are just darling! They are playful, friendly, affectionate, and they bounce around like little fluff balls.

Mango

seven weeks

It’s hard to believe these sweet babies are leaving in less than a week! We’ve worked hard to expose your puppy to as much as possible during her time with us, and now it’s your turn to continue the socialization process. Exposing your puppy to new people, situations, sounds, smells, textures, etc. is extremely important. As you prepare for your new fur baby to come home, here are a few things you should do:

  1. Make a puppy experience plan – Compile a list of places you want to take your puppy and experiences you want your puppy to encounter. Flip through Avidog’s free eBook about creating great puppies and explore what local stores are pet friendly. You’ll find some pet friendly places here to get you started. Consider what safe dogs you can introduce your puppy to (dogs who are predictable, friendly, healthy, and will model good behavior for your pup). Remember, adult dogs aren’t always fond of puppies so be sure to monitor them together. Do you know someone with a friendly cat or rabbit? Do you know anyone with a woods or creek where you can take your puppy for a short romp? It’s great for your puppy to meet a a variety of people such as: man with a beard, someone wearing a big hat, someone wearing dark sun glasses, someone using a wheelchair or stroller, people of different ages, etc. Your goal is for your puppy to meet a minimum of 100 people by the time she’s six months old. Strive to make every experience a positive one!
  2. Glance over Puppy Culture’s exercise chart – Familiarize yourself with what sorts of activities are appropriate for your puppy at this stage of development. You want to give your puppy a variety of unique positive experiences, but your puppy is still growing & developing, so you don’t want to push your puppy too far. For instance, climbing up one to two stairs is an appropriate challenge but climbing a flight of stairs is not a good idea for a young puppy.
  3. Pick out and sign up for a puppy class – A puppy class is essential both for socialization and manners. Look for a class that emphasizes positive reinforcement, as learning & training should be a fun game at this point. Clicker training is a plus. This article from AKC gives some pointers about what to look for in a puppy class.

happy gotchya day

Jacs
Junie
Griffin

getting ready for your puppy

We’ve created a puppy shopping list to help guide you as you prepare to bring your new pup home!

meet the parents

Learn more about Abria & Boaz by visiting our parent dog page. Want to see pictures of Abria’s past litters? You can find those on Abria’s personal page. There’s also are videosof her past puppies if you’re curious what this litter will look like in a few weeks. Don’t forget to check out Instagram for more pictures of the parents, past puppies, and this current litter.

Abria enjoys going for walks & hikes (she also really loves belly rubs!)
Boaz enjoys retrieving and playing frisbee! He also loves going shopping at Lowes.

Goldendoodle Coats

Many doodle owners are curious about the kind of coat their puppy will have when she grows up. For most goldendoodles, you can tell at birth whether or not the adult coat will have tight, poodle-like curls. Here are several F1b goldendoodles. They are pictured at infancy, as young puppies (most around 7-8 weeks of age), and then around their first birthdays. Our goldendoodle puppy time lapses show even more pictures of goldendoodles growing up. Did you know you can easily swab your dog’s cheek and send the sample into Embark to scientifically determine your dog’s adult coat type?

F1b goldendoodle puppy to adult
goldendoodle from puppy to adult
F1b goldendoodle puppy to adult

The Teddy Bear Goldendoodle Haircut

Welcome to your one-stop resource for everything related to goldendoodle grooming! The graphics below are incredibly helpful for explaining to how describe different components of a goldendoodle haircut. Take screenshots of a few of your favorite pictures from our site to take to the groomer next time your doodle needs a trim. As you explore READ MORE

Welcome to your one-stop resource for everything related to goldendoodle grooming! The graphics below are incredibly helpful for explaining to how describe different components of a goldendoodle haircut. Take screenshots of a few of your favorite pictures from our site to take to the groomer next time your doodle needs a trim. As you explore our site, you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked goldendoodle haircut questions such as:

goldendoodle teddy bear face clip
perfect goldendoodle haircut
goldendoodle teddy bear haircut

Health Insurance For Your Pet

What is Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance is an insurance product purchased to cover unexpected and non-routine veterinary expenses related to the health of your pet. This product is similar to human health insurance: you pay a monthly premium in order to avoid the financial burden of expensive doctor visits and hospital bills. Pet insurance is simply the pet version.

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

After you enroll in a pet insurance plan, you will be required to take your vet to a licensed veterinarian to receive a physical examination. The vet will confirm your pet is in perfect health and identify any pre-existing conditions. There will also be a waiting period once you enroll before claims are covered. Typically this waiting period is 5 days for injuries and 15 days for illnesses. After the vet exam and waiting period are fulfilled, your pet is covered.

Unfortunately many pet insurance companies do not pay for your pet’s unexpected medical expenses up front like some human health insurance policies do. The owner of the pet is expected to pay the full bill at the time of service. Once the bill is paid, the owner immediately files a claim online for reimbursement from the insurance company. Pet insurance companies reimburse the portion of the bill that is agreed upon at enrollment, which is typically 70% -90% depending on the plan.

What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

Pet insurance companies will reimburse you for a portion of the bill for many types of non-routine pet health related expenses. Every insurance company has different policies, however, most reputable insurance companies carry at least the following:

  • Illnesses
  • Injuries
  • Hereditary & Congenital Diseases
  • Cancer
  • Surgery
  • Diagnostic Tests
  • Hospital Stays
  • Medications
  • Accidents/injuries

What Doesn’t Pet Insurance Cover

Coverage will depend on the policy, however, most insurance companies will not reimburse you for the expenses below:

  • Annual Physical Exams
  • Routine Expenses (Vaccinations, Heartworm Medication, etc.)
  • Spaying and Neutering
  • Pre-Existing Conditions
  • Dental Care
  • Euthanasia or Burial
  • Property Damage or Personal Liability

Comparing Insurance Companies

Three of the top pet insurance companies are: Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Pet Plan. In this post, we’ll examine these three popular companies. Pet insurance is an insurance product, so it’s essential to do your research prior to enrolling. If you’d like to learn more about Lemonade, Embrace, Pumpkin, and other pet insurance companies, head over to this post.

While many aspects of Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Pet Plan policies are very similar, there are two key differences you should notice:

1. Monthly Premiums

Values highlighted in gray can be adjusted by the pet owner when establishing a policy to create a monthly premium that fits your budget and needs.

Note: these rates are for goldendoodles in Cincinnati, OH. Rates may differ based on location, age, breed, etc. Trupanion, Healthy Paws & Pet Plan will all provide you with an instant free quote on their respective websites.

As you work to establish the perfect policy for your pet, you may have a set monthly budget that you need to work within. Pet Plan gives pet owners the most flexibility in adjusting monthly premium amounts. Pet Plan allows you to choose a deductible, percent of reimbursement, and maximum payout that you feel best suits you and your pet. All Trupanion policies, on the other hand, automatically have an unlimited maximum payout and 90% reimbursement. The deductible is the only part of the plan that can be adjusted to lower monthly premium costs.

When you establish a pet insurance policy, you lock in the rate for that year. You do not, however, lock in the rate for your pet’s lifetime. Each year when you renew your pets policy, the monthly premium may increase. While your pet’s increasing age and moving to a new area do impact the premium change, a new diagnosis or previously filed claims do not. Learn more about how coverage premium changes are calculated in Trupanion’s article.  Because pre-existing medical conditions are not covered,it is advantageous to enroll your pet when she is younger before any medical conditions have been identified. This will allow your pet to get the most coverage out of her insurance plan.

2. Per Condition Deductible Vs. Annual Deductible

Healthy Paws and Pet Plan both offer annual policies, which operate like most human insurance policies. All claims filed within a calendar year go towards the deductible. Once the deductible is reached, the insurance company reimburses the policy holder the agreed upon amount (i.e. pays 90% of expenses) for claims filed during the remainder of that calendar year. When the next year begins, the policy holder must again meet the deductible before reimbursement begins. Annual deductibles are best for dogs that are generally healthy and don’t have chronic healthcare needs. If your dog requires medication for an ear infection, has a tooth abscess, and needs stitches in the same calendar year, expenses for all of those go towards the deductible and then, once the deductible is reached, remaining expenses are reimbursed.

Trupanion offers per condition policies. This means that all claims filed for a specific medical condition go towards the deductible for that condition and then, once the deductible is met, all future expenses for that specific condition are reimbursed for the remainder of the dog’s life. This type of policy is best for dogs that have a chronic medical condition. The owner of a dog who develops diabetes, for instance, may appreciate only having to pay $250 towards insulin one time and then being reimbursed for all diabetes related expenses the rest of the dog’s life. If your dog requires medication for an ear infection, has a tooth abscess, and needs stitches in the same calendar year, you must pay for all of those medical needs out of pocket and none of those expenses contribute towards a deductible since they are all one time conditions.

Trupanion’s “per condition” policy is pretty self explanatory when it comes to a chronic medical condition, but how does “per condition” work in relation to an accident? All injuries related to a specific accident are considered the same condition. If your dog is attacked at a dog park and requires wound care, stitches, a topical antibiotic, an oral antibiotic, and follow up appointments, all of that care is considered one condition and falls under a single deductible. If you dog is later attacked at a dog park a second time, that new incident is a new condition (even if both injuries happen in the same calendar year).

Which Insurance Company Has the Best Policy?

Just as there are many auto insurance carriers and many homeowners insurance carriers, there are also many pet insurance carriers. The best insurance company for an individual will depend on a variety of factors and will probably not be the same for every pet. There are a number of subtle differences between carriers that will benefit different individuals. All of the pet insurance companies I researched have a comparison page on their website showing how they distinguish themselves from the competition. I found this information to be very helpful. Anyone looking to purchase pet insurance should get quotes from multiple companies and dig down into the policy and declarations to determine which policy is the best for their needs and the needs of their pet.

Because pre-existing conditions are not covered by insurance, pet owners are required to do a bit of guess work. An annual deductible might be best for a dog who is at risk for an injury while a per condition policy might be best for a dog at risk for chronic medication conditions. As you work through scenarios to determine which type of policy is best for your pet, ask yourself questions such as:

  • Should I paying for a DNA test? With a simple, painless cheek swab done at home, Embark screens your dog for 165 different diseases to let you know what your dog is at risk for developing. Embark can be purchased through Amazon or directly through Embark’s website. (Unfortunately, insurance companies do not offer a discount for health tested dogs.) Save $20 on Embark’s website with the code winter20
  • What health problems are common for your dog’s particular breed(s)? The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals regularly publishes disease statistics for each breed, which helps you learn the medical conditions for which your dog is most at risk. If you’re not sure what breeds are in your dog’s ancestry, Embark’s test will identify them for you.
  • If you purchased your dog from a breeder, did your dog’s parents receive health testing? Do either of your dog’s parents have health problems? What about any of your dog’s siblings?
  • What preventative measures have you taken to help enure your dog’s health (i.e. dogs who regularly receive heart worm preventative are a lower risk for acquiring heart worms, overweight dogs are at increased risk for joint problems, girls spayed before the third heat are at a decrease the risk of mammary cancer, etc.)?
  • Does your dog have any personality traits that might put her at higher risk for an injury (i.e. aggression towards other dogs, a tendency to run away, an inclination towards chasing cars, etc.)?
  • Does your dog accompany you on any activities that might be her at a higher risk for an injury (i.e. running through the woods, jumping from a boat, hiking over rough terrain, etc.)?
Embark

A Closer Look At The Top Three

Let’s look at a few of the key differences and then walk through an emergency scenario to see what coverage actually looks like with each insurance company.

Healthy Paws

Healthy Paws seems to have the highest customer ratings out of the insurance companies we looked at. Customers appreciate that 99% of claims get processed within 2 business days of filing. Another benefit of Healthy Paws is their adjustable reimbursement rate to fit your budget. One disadvantage of Healthy Paws is they do not cover hip dysplasia on dogs who begin enrollment after six years of age.

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation

Pet Plan

Pet Plan is another great provider. Pet plan policies cover dental diseases and exam fees, unlike Healthy Paws & Trupanion. Plus there’s no upper age limit, so geriatric pets are welcome to enroll. Pet Plan also offers variable reimbursement rate and deductible options for maximum flexibility in monthly premiums. Pet Plan policies do cover alternative treatments and medical specialist costs unlike some other insurance companies.

Top Rated Pet Insurance

Trupanion

As breeders, it is advantageous for us to have our puppies insured with Trupanion because we can receive information about claims filed by the owners of the pets we breed. We can then use that information to improve our breeding program and the health of our future puppies. Trupanion also will pay some veterinary hospitals directly preventing owners from having to front the money for costly visits. Trupanion has a deductible per condition, unlike the annual deductibles of Health Paws & Pet Plan.

How Much Does Emergency Medical Care Cost?

It’s difficult to determine whether pet insurance is a economical decision without considering the cost of emergency veterinary care. Emergency care varies from case to case and medical care prices differ based on location. Even so, an example scenario is tremendously helpful. We’ll compare a $250 deductible with 90% reimbursement with all three companies for this scenario:

Emergency Stitches Scenario

Your dog cuts her paw on a piece of broken glass. It’s a deep cut, and you’re fairly certain she needs stitches so you head over to the Care Center, an emergency and critical care pet hospital. This particular facility charges $100 exam fee for seeing your pet. Additional fees are then charged based on your pet’s needs for that particular illness or injury. A simple laceration costs an additional $500-$700. (More extensive services cost more.)

Pet Plan

Pet Plan’s policy coverage kicks in beginning the exam fee. You pay the first $250 to reach your deductible and then Pet Plan begins reimbursing you for 90% of all additional expenses. The $600 trip to the emergency vet cost you $315 out of pocket ($250 + 10% of the remaining $350). Your pup’s deductible has been met for the calendar year, so you only pay 10% of any additional disease or injury related health care for your pet for the remainder of the calendar year.

Healthy Paws

While Pet Plan’s policy covers the exam fee Healthy Paws policies do not. In our scenario you are stuck paying the $100 exam fee. Once you pay the $250 deductible, your Healthy Paws policy kicks in and reimburses you for 90% of the remaining expenses. Your $600 trip to the emergency vet cost you $375 out of pocket ($100 exam fee + $250 deductible + 10% of the remaining $250). The good news: your pup’s deductible has been met for the year, so for the rest of the calendar year you only pay 10% of any additional disease or injury related health care for your pet.

Trupanion

Like Healthy Paws, Trupanion does not cover exam fees. In our scenario you are stuck paying the $100 exam fee. You must then pay the $250 deductible, and finally your Trupanion policy will begin reimbursing you for 90% of the remaining expenses. Your $600 trip to the emergency vet cost you $375 out of pocket ($100 exam fee + $250 deductible + 10% of the remaining $250). Trupanion has a “per condition” deductible, so the $250 deductible you met only applies to this injury. If your pup requires additional trips to the vet for wound care or bandage changes, those visits are covered under the same condition (you are still responsible for exam fees those). If you dog has additional disease or injury related health care needs in the upcoming year, you must again reach that $250 deductible for each of those separately.

Can Dogs That Aren’t Fixed Be Insured?

Yes! Pet Plan is happy to enroll breeding pets under their standard policy. A dog must be enrolled prior to becoming pregnancy for an emergency c-section to be covered. Trupanion will not cover breeding pets under the standard policy but does offer a breeding pet policy. Under this policy, emergency c-sections are covered. The dog MUST be classified as a “breeding pet” at the time of enrollment, and the policy does NOT cover a scheduled c-section or c-sections for a dog who has previously undergone a c-section prior to enrolling. Routine pregnancy care is not covered under Pet Plan or Trupanion’s policies.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a pet insurance company can be a very difficult decision to make. Unfortunately, like any type of insurance, attention to detail is critical to ensuring you maintain the appropriate policy for your pet. Thankfully every insurance provider I researched had an abundance of information on their websites including company comparisons and sample policies to view. Obtain a free quote from several providers and compare. As you consider what coverage to carry, ask yourself the suggested questions above and imagine a few example scenarios where you would utilize the insurance. Then compare the policy benefits and costs of multiple companies.

Timberidge Goldendoodles does receive commissions from insurance sales originating from this article. Consider using the links provided above to investigate insurance companies and enroll in dog insurance if you’ve found this information to be helpful and suitable to your needs. Thank you for your support!

Breeder Resources

There are so many nuances to dog breeding that the learning literally never ends. While the constant learning is an enjoyable aspect for some, new breeders can easily become overwhelmed. Here are links to various resources that will help aspiring and experienced breeders alike. (If you haven’t already done so, read our post about Getting Started Breeding Goldendoodles.)

Canine Anatomy & Locomotion

A cute face and a charming personality go a long way, but not every dog with a good temperament should be a mama or papa. Breeders should evaluate dogs for movement and structure before deciding to use the dog for breeding. A breed standard provides the written description detailing what ideal structure and movement should look like for each particular breed, based on that breed’s purpose. Correct balance and angulation are essential for every breed, even those with the sole purpose of being a companion or family dog. Dr. Battaglia, an AKC judge, wrote two very insightful articles entitled Breeding Better Dog’s Structure And Movement. Part 1 explains how to evaluate structure and movement in a standing dog and part two discusses how to evaluate a dog in motion.

https://youtu.be/SRSm8GjHyqc

Also read through the free sample pages of Helen King’s Picking Your Performance Puppy and read this blog post she wrote.

Looking to take a more in depth look at canine anatomy and locomotion? Here are a few resources available on Amazon that will be great assets to your library:

Genetics

Looking for a basic understand of genetics? This canine genetic primer defines terms, explains different modes of inheritance, and other genetic concepts to help the average person make sense of genetics. Next head over the Paw Print Genetics and browse through the different diseases on the goldendoodle panel.

Shedding & Allergies

Shedding and allergies are a hot topic when it comes to doodles! After all, many puppy purchasers seek a doodle puppy for those two characteristics. Ashton Kent from Kent Family Farms does an excellent job explaining the roles different genes play in shedding and allergies in plain language.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ppg-web-test/static/img/sd_locus.png

The above table from Paw Print Genetics is a great visual way of explaining the collaborative nature of the furnishing locus and shed locus in determining the extent to which a specific dog sheds – and therefore how “hypoallergenic” that dog is. Read Paw Print Genetic’s detailed summary for more information. Some breeders choose to conduct genetic testing on all puppies in a litter to aid in matching puppies with F/F, sd/sd puppies with homes with severe allergies or asthma. Both shed and improper coat/ furnishings are included in Embark’s canine DNA test kit and are also available through Paw Print Genetics.

Goldendoodle Colors

https://ppg-web-external.s3.amazonaws.com/static/doc/coat_color_flowchart.e78bcbfc8cdd.pdf

As you’ve probably gathered by now, Paw Print Genetics is an AMAZING source of information for all things genetic! They even have a blog post explaining why it’s possible to breed two cream parent dogs and end up with a litter of black puppies. If you can’t find an answer on their website, their customer service team will happily have an answer for you within 24 hours. I regularly email them with questions.

Ashton Kent from Kent Family Farms also has a helpful explanation about goldendoodle colors. Curious about poodle colors specifically? Read about colors from a poodle breeder’s perspective on Bijou Poodle’s blog.

Be aware that certain physical traits can put puppies at an increased risk for blindness and deafness. Research indicates that blue eyes in piebald and merle dogs are associated with an increased risk for hearing loss. Double merle also puts puppies at increased risk for health problems.

Disease Prevalence & Health Testing

You purchased a puppy from two parents with “good” hip ratings and, much to your dismay, your dog’s hip ratings came back with dysplasia! How is this possible? Keller, Dziuk & Bell’s research article provides insight and the accompanying chart, shown below, provides a helpful visual explanation. The better the hip ratings of parents & grandparents, the lower the percentage of offspring with hip dysplasia.

https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/51687420_10156975636519420_2225249640121368576_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.xx&oh=cd0a1ddd55ceac22dbd3a3305613fcd1&oe=5CEF0A72

As demonstrated above, it’s important research your dog’s pedigree. This involves doing a “depth of pedigree” analysis, examining the health testing for the siblings of each ancestor, looking particularly at hip testing and patella luxation. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses in your pedigree.

OFA provides disease statics by breed, which is helpful for learning about the prevalence of REPORTED health problems in your favorite breed.

When Are Those Puppies Coming?!

Dogs have a gestation period of 63 days, which means only 9 short weeks to prepare for those puppies. But how do you know whether your mama is overdue? Using a breeding date to determine a due date actually isn’t the most accurate practice. Avidog suggests that “whelping window” is a more correct terminology than “due date” and asserts that predicting whelping from the first day of diestrus is truly the best option.

Puppy Enrichment

Buy The Puppy Culture Bundle with the DVD set and workbook. Yes, you need both the DVDs and the workbook. I know it’s a bit expensive, but it’s worth every penny! If you really don’t want to spend the money on the whole bundle, start with the DVD and take copious notes. Puppy Culture takes you through each stage of puppy development step-by-step, explaining what to do, how to do it, and why you should do it. Puppy Culture also interviews a variety of experts. After you’ve watched the DVDs, join the Puppy Culture Discussion Group on Facebook.

The Neonatal Period

There are two main enrichment exercises you can do with neonatal puppies: early neurological stimulation (ENS) and ear scent introduction (ESI). ENS and ESI are done once daily from 3-16 days of age. Both of these exercises take very little time or effort on the part of the breeder and leave a lasting impact on the puppies.

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)

Also known as bio sensor and super dog program, early neurological stimulation is a widespread exercise done with neonatal puppies. It’s an excellent exercise, but it does NOT replace enrichment during the transitional and socialization periods. The goal of ENS is to slightly stress neonatal puppies in a controlled manners thereby improving the pups’ ability to handle stress throughout their lives. ENS should only be done on days when the litter has not undergone any other stresses. Learn the details of the five simple exercises pictured below by visiting Natural Rearing Breeder’s Association.

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http://nrbreedersassociation.org/bio-sensorearly-neurological-stimulation-new-puppies/

Early Scent Introduction (ESI)

Early scent introduction is a program developed by Gayle of Avidog and Gaylan Golden Retrievers. This simple exercise involves holding a new scent item about 1/2″ away from each puppy’s nose once daily. Find a new item to introduce each day from days 3-16. It’s not difficult to collect 14 different scent items. Check your fridge for fruits and veggies and collect bits of nature like pine cones, leaves, and dirt from your backyard. Avidog has a one page ESI explanation and even a free ESI record sheet in case you want to record each pup’s reaction to different scents.

The Transitional & Socialization Periods

The Adventure Box

Avidog emphasizes constructing an adventure box for your puppies. An adventure box is a cube structure built out of PVC pipes from which various items dangle down. The goal of an adventure box is to challenge puppies and providing learning opportunities, thereby improving their physical, psychological and emotional health. Puppies become accustomed to different sounds as objects clang together. They also become accustomed to pushing through objects with their noses because the only way to reach the center of the adventure box is to push through hanging items.

Default Behaviors, Manding & Manners

Dogs learn best the first 16 weeks of life. This puts breeders in the unique position to mold and form behaviors that can impact puppies and their owners for many years to come. Avidog points out that “Puppies are ALWAYS learning, whether you think you are teaching them or not” so we need to constantly be aware of what our puppies are learning. This means that you may be unintentionally teaching your puppies unwanted behaviors. Making a few intentional changes to how you raise your puppies could set them up for success the rest of their lives. Here Avidog discusses four behaviors breeders unintentionally teach their puppies and suggestions for remedying that by teaching wanted behaviors. Avidog asserts that you should begin teaching your puppies impulse control around 2.5 weeks of age and explains how to do so in this helpful post. Puppy Culture likewise discusses the importance of teaching puppies how to ask for things using a behavior that is socially acceptable to humans, so be sure to watch the videos and then introduce the famous “box exercise” to your puppies. as you begin clicker training them from a remarkably young age.

Crate Conditioning The Litter

Just as programing puppies to ask politely can save new families hours of training and frustration, introducing crate training can likewise go a long way in smoothing a puppy’s transition into their forever homes. Susanne Shelton’s post about how to incrementally introduce a litter of puppies to crates is an amazing resource. Crate conditioning begins at 4 weeks of age.

Share Your Sources!

As you stumble across more great resources from which other breeders might benefit, please share them! We’re always looking to add to our compilation of breeder resources to help all be as educated as possible.

Jolly Pet Dog Toys

Did you know that a surprising number of dog toys sold in the United States contain carcinogens? I find this new terrifying, both for my dogs and for my toddlers! We recently started playing with Jolly Pet dog toys because they’re all non-toxic (and they’re fun!).

Jolly Pets was founded in 1994 as an offshoot of the parent company Horsemen’s Pride. Horsemen’s Pride has been designing and manufacturing horse toys for over

Horsemen’s Pride, the parent company of Jolly Pets, designed and manufactured the original Jolly Ball for horses over 40 years ago. As a result of the company’s good reputation and success creating horse toys, they started  designing durable dog toys under the name Jolly Pets in 1994. Jolly Pets now produces over 20 unique, long lasting dog chews, balls, animals, and discs. Best of all, Jolly Pets dog toys are non-toxic and many are made in the USA. Additionally all toys are backed by a manufacturer’s guarantee. Here are a few products you might want to try:

The Jolly Tuff Treader

As soon as the package arrived, our dogs somehow knew it was for them. Their obvious excitement even before we opened the box only increased when we pulled out the Jolly Tuff Treader and bounced it across the room. Jolly Pets makes some awesome dog products both dogs and their humans are sure to love.  Are you looking to spice up the game of fetch? Is your dog a tug-of-war fan? Does your dog enjoy tossing toys into the air? If so, the Jolly Tuff Treader might be your dream come true. Our dogs love playing with this toy. The bouncing nature makes for an entertaining game of fetch, especially on our hardwood floors. The tire’s haphazard bouncing delights our dogs. This uniquely designed tire with a handle is also perfect for dogs who like tug-of-war. Since it’s made out of tough rubber, the Tuff Treader has received raving reviews from many power chewers. In our experience though, the Tuff Treader is a great option for moderate chewers but may not stand up to power chewers. It also might not be the best toy choice for teething puppies.

The Jolly Tuff Tosser

If your dog loves tennis balls (and what doodle doesn’t?), you need the Jolly Tuff Tosser! Jolly Tuff Tosser is the favorite Jolly toy at our home. It’s friendly for power chewers yet perfect for fetch.  Every doodle parent should spare the $5 to give this ball a try! The Tuff Tosser is durable, it bounces, and it dispenses treats. We periodically stuff our dogs’ kibble inside, allowing them to exercise their brains while eating breakfast. Nosing the ball along allows causes the ball to easily dispense the kibble. While it’s not the most challenging treat dispenser on the market, it does make a great slow feeder. The 3” ball holds about ¾ cup of medium sized adult kibble and 1 cup of puppy. The Tuff Tosser is carefully designed with two holes so it won’t accidentally suction to your dog’s mouth. Note: this ball does not float

The Jolly Bounce-N-Play

Is your pup an Aussiedoodle, borderdoodle or sheepadoodle? Does your dog love playing soccer? For herding breeds and dogs that enjoy nudging objects with their noses, the Bounce-N-Play is a sure hit. This ball is designed for dogs to push around with their noses rather than carry it in their mouths. Since Bounce-N-Play balls are too large for most dogs to wrap their jaws around, they’re a great toy option for power chewers. If your dog manages to make a rough area on the ball with her teeth, sand it down and it’s ready for more fun. With 4.5 stars on Amazon, the Bounce-N-Play is a toy you want to try!

Which Jolly Pets Toy Will My Dog Like Best?

Because every dog is unique, Jolly Pets has a toy finder that helps you determine which Jolly toy is best for your individual dog based on her size, preferences, and tendencies. Here’s a quick comparison of the three Jolly Pets toys in our home:

This post contains affiliate links which means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This commission helps keep our site running. Thank you for your support!

Timberidge Farms may have received some of the reviewed products for free in exchange for an honest review.  Thoughts and opinions expressed here were not influenced by the manufacturing company in any way. All of the products we review we have personally used with our own dogs.

Doodle Ornament Guide

Every doodle family needs a doodle ornament adorning their Christmas tree. Here are 8 adorable goldendoodle Christmas ornaments, all handmade with love by small business owners and artists, that you’re sure to love.

Signs & Sass

Jessica from Signs & Sass has designed a variety of unique doodle ornaments including two styles for bernedoodle parents and three styles for the parents of other doodles. These glass ornaments are sure to look elegant on every Christmas tree.

  • Size & Material: These glass globe bernedoodle ornaments and goldendoodle ornaments measure 3.5″ in diameter. Designs are printed onto specially coated transparent film using high quality ink and then inserted into the ornament for a floating effect.
  • Price: $14 (+ shipping)
  • Customize: Your dog’s name and/or the year can be included upon request. Additional customizing is available for $2 more.
  • Ships in 1-2 weeks
  • Shop Rating: 3.5 stars (250+ reviews)

Golden Graphic Doodle

Jennifer from Golden Graphic Doodles has creatively designed a unique stylized doodle drawn with different sizes of the word “doodle.” Since we all know it’s hard to own just one doodle, Jennifer has designed an option for a pair of doodles. Choose from optional reindeer antlers, Santa hat, glasses, etc. to personalize this adorable ornament.

  • Size & Material: This ceramic goldendoodle ornament can be ordered in a circle or oval shape. The design is printed on one side of the ornament.
  • Price: $15 (+ shipping)
  • Customize: Contact seller for a custom order
  • Ships in 1-5 business days
  • Shop Rating: 5 stars (75+ reviews)

Hey Dood

This whimsical stylized doodle ornament is sure to brighten any Christmas tree. Pick between 3 cute designs: doodle deer, frosty the doodle or a doodle elf. Each design incorporates your doodle’s name, making the ornament personal.

  • Size & Material: This round labradoodle ornament measures 2.75″ in diameter and is made of coated aluminum. The same design is printed on both sides.
  • Customize: Yes! Include your dog’s name at checkout
  • Price: $17.95 (+ shipping)
  • Ships in 1-2 weeks
  • Shop Rating: 4.5 stars (12 reviews)

Woofers & Tweeters

Looking for a hand painted, custom portrait of your beloved doodle for an affordable price? Woofers & Tweeters is the shop for you! Send Kathleen 1+ pictures of your dog and prepare to be delighted by her artistic rendering of your pup. It’s hard to beat a custom painted goldendoodle ornament!

  • Size & Material: Custom cut from discarded tree branches, these ornaments can measure between 2.5″-3.5″ in diameter (3″-4″ for a double doodle portrait)
  • Price: $16 for one dog, $28 for a pair of doodles (+ shipping)
  • Customize: Your dog’s name and/or the year can be included upon request
  • Ships in 3-5 business days
  • Shop Rating: 5 stars (99 reviews)

1The Cherry On Top

These cute, sturdy wooden goldendoodle ornaments are perfect for any Christmas tree,  even those with little hands assisting in the decorating. Plus Mysty, the shop owner, is all about speed – her ornaments are ready to ship in just 1 business day! That means you can order one of her ornaments today and enjoy it on your tree all December long. Choose between the sitting goldendoodle pictured above, a goldendoodle with angel wings, and a goldendoodle seated next to a dog bowl.

  • Size & Material: This wooden doodle ornament measures 1.7″ wide and 3.8″ tall and is 1/8″ thick
  • Price: $11 (free shipping) – multiple ornament discount
  • Customize: Yes! Include your dog’s name at checkout. Mysty is happy to do custom orders, so contact her directly for custom shapes, sizes, images & text.
  • Ships in 1 business day
  • Shop Rating: 5 stars (1800+ reviews)

Painted Pooches

Looking for an ornament that will become a treasured keepsake? Send Painted Pooches a picture of your doodle sitting or standing, and Amanda will hand paint the image on a glass bulb ornament. It’s hard to beat a custom painted labradoodle ornament!

  • Size & Material: This glass globe measures 3 3/8″ in diameter and comes in six different colors.
  • Price: $31 (+ shipping) – includes a gift box
  • Customize: Your dog’s name and/or the year can be included upon request
  • Ships in 5-6 business days
  • Shop Rating: 5 stars (600+ reviews)

Great Embellishments

Suzanne & Adrianne from Great Embellishments team up to bring you these cute doodle globe ornaments. Choose between an image of a doodle head and that of a doodle sitting printed on a globe filled with sparkly colored glitter (12 colors available). These labradoodle ornaments will certainly delight any doodle pawrent!

  • Size & Material: 2.5″ glass globe
  • Price: $10 (+ shipping) – includes a gift box
  • Dog colors available: solid red, apricot & brown
  • Customize: Your dog’s name and/or year can be included on the back for an additional $1
  • Ships in 7 business days
  • Shop Rating: 5 stars (420+ reviews)

Hansford 800

This cut out of a running goldendoodle adorned with a Santa hat and Christmas lights is sure to garnish smiles as it hangs happily on your tree. Plus four color options help ensure that your goldendoodle Christmas ornament resembles your doodle baby.

  • Size & Material: This goldendoodle ornament is comprised of pressed hardboard covered in resin and measures 3.25″ wide
  • Price: $14.50 (free shipping) – free gift wrap & gift card available upon request
  • Dog Colors Available: Solid chocolate, golden, black, and cream come standard, but Barbara will gladly paint a custom color for an additional $10
  • Customize: Your dog’s name and/or year can be included on the back of the ornament upon request.
  • Ships in 1 business day
  • Shop Rating: 5 stars (1500+ reviews)

Don’t miss other great gifts for doodle lovers and exclusive discount codes for the items on your doodle’s Christmas list!

This post contains affiliate links which means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This commission helps keep our site running. Thank you for your support!

Note: all of the images in this post are the property of the respective shop owners and have been used with permission.

No Pull Solutions

Enthusiastic dogs approach every aspect of life with passion and energy. When it comes to walking, that enthusiasm can translate into arm wrenching pulling, turning what should be a relaxing walk into a stressful, dangerous event. Don’t let your dog’s enthusiasm for walks keep you both inside! While training is clearly the best option, sometimes a little something extra to aid in pulling prevention is helpful, especially if your young children like holding the leash. So what’s the best no-pull device?

Just Say “No” To The Collar!

Before we jump into the no-pull solutions, let’s start by a quick look at why collars aren’t an ideal option. Collars certainly have their place, but attaching a leash to the collar of an enthusiastic puller could have some dire consequences. One quick glance at this pamphlet from Freedogz.com, and you’ll be wholeheartedly convinced that collars should be avoided with strong pullers. From muscular, nervous, and spinal pain to tracheal injury, this pamphlet walks through the possible problems that may result from either using a collar on a puller or from pulling hard on a leash hooked to a dog’s collar. Additionally, Andres Hallgren, a Swedish dog psychologist, published the results of his canine chiropractic study in a book entitled Back Problems in Dogs. Hallgren reports observing neck damage in the majority of dogs whose leashes had been pulled hard while wearing a collar. If your dog pulls – or if you might be tempted to give the leash a quick, firm jerk – avoid attaching a leash to your pup’s collar for walks. No one wants to unintentionally injure their beloved pet.

Two Effective No-Pull Solutions

A Pain Free Walk For Dogs & Owners

Training is always the preferred method for preventing pulling, but sometimes an extra tool is needed while you work on teaching your dog to contain her enthusiasm for the great outdoors or to walk politely past other dogs. Here are two popular no-pull solutions:

DexDog’s EZTrainer No-Pull Front Attachment Clip Dog Harness

We have tried the DexDog no-pull harness with five different dogs (poodles & goldendoodles) over the past year and have been pleased with the results everytime. All of the dogs seemed comfortable wearing the harness – in fact none of them seemed to even notice it was there. We’ve also lent it out to other poodle & doodle owners. They have likewise been pleased with the results. If your dog pulls, give the DexDog No-Pull Harness a try!

The Pros:

  • Uniquely designed with a ring on the chest piece as well as on the back, the DexDog no-pull harness gives you two options for where to clip the leash. The front chest ring helps with no-pull training while the ring on the back is available for a more traditional leash placement.
  • Slip it over your dog’s head and snap the buckle on the belly strap. Yes, it’s really that easy to put the DexDog no pull harness on your pooch. And because no training is required, you can take your dog on that long anticipated stress-free walk the moment that Amazon package arrives.
  • The DexDog no-pull harness comes in a variety of sizes, each of which is adjustable.
  • Our dogs don’t even seem to notice they’re wearing this light weight harness. It’s designed with padding for added comfort yet it won’t make your dog hot like vest style harnesses. Plus no armpit chafing, as sometimes happens with martingale-style harnesses.
  • DexDog leashes match DexDog harnesses perfectly, ensuring your dog looks as stylish as possible during her pull-free spin around the block.

The Cons:

  • While DexDog offers a one-time placement if your pup chews her no-pull harness, remember that this harness is intended for use during walks and should not be worn by your dog constantly.
  • A strong dog can possibly pull hard enough to loosen the front chest strap (although you may be able to remedy this problem by placing the “DexDog” label on your dog’s chest so the adjustment clips lie on her back).
  • Every dog is unique, so no product is perfect for every dog. The DexDog no-pull harness is a game changer for many dogs, although it does not prevent every dog from pulling.
  • If your dog weighs <10lbs, the DexDog no-pull harness may not be the best choice for your pet, as the hardware may be a little bulky and the webbing a bit too thick for a petite dog. Plus, depending on the adjustment, the buckle of the x-small no-pull harness may end up right behind the dog’s elbow, causing discomfort. Chihuahuas in particular seem to have trouble with this harness due to their deep chested body proportions.
  • Some contend that no-pull harnesses can impact a dog’s gait and therefore should not be used with canine athletes (i.e. don’t take your dog on runs while she’s wearing a no-pull harness). If you’re a runner, the DexDog chest plate harness may be a better option, although it is not intended to prevent pulling.

Even if your dog doesn’t normally pull, the DexDog no-pull harness might still be a great option. For instance our young children love walking our dogs, so the DexDog no-pull harness provides an extra bit of insurance that our dogs’ excitement about Dad returning from work won’t result in a toddler’s broken arm. We’ve been using DexDog’s no-pull harness regularly for over a year, and have zero complaints about quality. We regularly recommending it to friends & family for their pets- And we recommend it for your dog, too! If your dog is a puller, give the DexDog no-pull harness a try. You’ll be glad you did.

PetSafe Gentle Leader

You’re tired of your dog walking you, but you’re not convinced that the no-pull harness is right for your pet? Don’t worry! There’s a second great no-pull device that you just might love: PetSafe’s gentle leader head collar. It’s a halter, like those used with horses, redesigned for your dog. Since the leash snaps under your pup’s chin, attempts at pulling will turn her nose towards you, giving you a teaching opportunity. A veterinarian and dog behaviorist teamed up over 30 years ago to invent the gentle leader, a pain-free no-pull device that has since become incredibly popular worldwide.

Pros:

  • After observing the tendency to use pain to control dogs (i.e. with choke chains and pinch collars), R.K. Anderson D.V.M. , a respected veterinarian, co-invented the gentle leader with Ruth Foster, a renown animal behaviorist and the former president of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors. The gentle leader is a pain-free no-pull training device.
  • When wearing a properly adjusted gentle leader, your dog can fully open her mouth for eating, barking, panting, etc.
  • The gentle leader does not put pressure on your dog’s throat, and it does not impact your dog’s gate.
  • Invented nearly 35 years ago with millions sold world-wide, the gentle leader has withstood the test of time. It was even displayed in the Smithsonian museum in 2002.
  • The gentle leader has been improved over the years with minor adjustments in the width of nylon and the addition of a padded nose piece to prevent chafing, but the overall design remains the same.
  • Available in 5 adjustable sizes, the gentle leader fits nearly every dog.
  • With 8 color options to choose from, you can select a color that compliments your pup’s coat, ensuring that she looks as stylish as possible during her pull-free spin around the block. Plus PetSafe’s matching leashes come in a variety of widths and colors.

Cons:

  • Just as your puppy originally had to get used to wearing a collar, she’ll also need time to become accustomed to wearing a gentle leader. This requires positive reinforcement training (detailed here and also in the DVD that accompanies the gentle leader) and patience. Begin by only putting the gentle leader on your pup for mealtimes and then taking it off immediately afterwards.
  • Some dogs find halters annoying and repeatedly rub their faces on the ground or paw at the halter while wearing it. Positive reinforcement is essential.
  • Every dog is unique, so no product is perfect for every dog. The PetSafe gentle leader is a game changer for many dogs, although it does not prevent every dog from pulling.
  • The gentle leader can be a little tricky to put on your dog initially, but you’ll soon be putting it on without a second thought.
  • The gentle leader is intended for use during walks and should not be worn by your dog constantly.
  • Note: this is not a muzzle, so it will not prevent a dog’s mouth from opening. It is not intended to assist with aggression.

poodle gentle leaderDon’t we all wish more veterinarians and dog behaviorists teamed up to design awesome products for our dogs?! Do yourself (and your dog) a favor and order a gentle leader today. Your dog’s trachea will thank you!

No-Pull Made Easy

There you have it: DexDog’s no pull harness and PetSafe’s gentle leader. Both of these products are great options for preventing pulling while you work on training your dog to walk nicely on a leash. Don’t let your dog’s enthusiasm for walks keep you both inside. If you want immediate results, try the no-pull harness. If you are willing to invest 2 weeks of positive reinforcement training, go for the gentle leader. Better yet, try both and determine which is the perfect solution for your pet.

Have you tried DexDog’s no pull harness and PetSafe’s gentle leader with your furry friend? We’d love to hear about! Leave a comment sharing your experience!

Disclaimer

Timberidge Goldendoodles may have received one or both of these products for free in exchange for an honest review.  All of the products we review we have personally used with our own dogs and genuinely recommend.

Yak Chews

Native Pet Himalayan Yak Chews

What Is A “Yak Chew” Anyway?

Yak chew, hardened yak cheese, Himalayan chew, chhurpi… so many names for one cheesy dog treat. Nepalese harden yak cheese has been consumed by humans for centuries. To make chhurpi, the yak milk is separated to produce curds, which are cured & fermented at room temperature for several days. The resulting soft cheese is then slowly dehydrated, producing a hardened, long-lasting treat that is healthy for both humans and doodles. Findings from a 2008 research study indicate that this gourmet yak snack might even be healthier than cheese made from cow milk!

Native Pet Yak Chew

Cheesy & Nutritional Goodness Your Doodle Is Guaranteed To Love

It’s time to give your doodle a treat that is both delicious and nourishing, Native Pet tells dog owners. No preservatives. Organic. Easy on sensitive stomachs. Free from chemicals. There are so many reasons these chews are the perfect dog treat. Plus Native Pet yak chews are made with simple, whole-food ingredients: salt, lime juice, and milk from pasture fed yaks & cows. Isn’t it great when you can actually pronounce all of the ingredients in your dog’s chew toy?!

Just in case your doodle has a picky palate, Native Pet offers a satisfaction guarantee: “Try out Native Pet risk-free! If you aren’t satisfied, we will fully refund your purchase, no questions asked!”

Quick Cheese Puffs

Yak dog chew cheese puff

When your pup whittles her scrumptious yak chew down to a small piece, don’t be fooled into thinking the deliciousness has come to an end. Snatch up that tiny hardened cheese nugget, and pop it in the microwave for 40 seconds. When you peek through the microwave window, you’ll be surprised by the transformation! That minuscule yak chew end piece has now inflated into a delightfully crispy cheese puff that your dog can’t wait to devour.

Sizes & Life Expectancy

Native Pet Yak Chews
Medium vs. Large Yak Chew

Native Pet offers small, medium, large & extra-large sized yak chews. Choose the medium treat for doodles weighing around 20lbs. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, consider purchasing the large size. Yak chews are an excellent treat to have handy for special occasions (i.e. to keep your doodle occupied while you’re on that important phone call or during Thanksgiving dinner). Since yak chews are made with real food ingredients, they are intended to be an edible treat, which means they won’t last forever. Our dogs (weighing between 20-30lbs) finish a medium sized yak chew in a few hours. Sometimes they’ll chew most of a medium yak chew in one sitting and then finish it off the next day. Doodle owners report that one yak chew lasts anywhere from 2 hours up to 2 weeks, depending on the dog’s chewing habits. If your dog doesn’t finish the whole treat in one sitting, pat it dry and store it out of direct sunlight and away from moisture to prevent molding. Unchewed yak chews last up to 3 years if stored properly. This means you could safely purchase the 10 pack and only give your pup one of these special treats per month without worrying about them spoiling. Native Pet takes extra precautions to naturally extend the shelf life of their products and to ensure that their customers never receive moldy chews (a problem common with other brands of yak chews). (More details about Native Pet’s process below.)

Do Yak Chews Stink?

Smell is an important element to consider for any dog chew! Native Pet advertises that their yak chews are odorless. When we first opened the container of yak chews, there was a definite and distinctive smell though.  Just as cheddar cheese from cow’s milk has a certain smell, chhurpi made from yak’s milk also has a certain smell, especially fresh from the package. Even so, we distributed three yak chews to three different dogs,  all of whom chewed them simultaneously in our family room.  As our dogs chewed away happily, we were pleasantly surprised to find that we didn’t notice an odor at all. So don’t be scared by the smell when you first open the package! It quickly dissipates and you soon won’t notice it.

Smell comparison of dog chews

From Nepal to Dog Paw

There are a number of yak chews on the market, making it a little challenging to decide which one to purchase for your furchild. We want pets everywhere to enjoy a healthy, high quality treat, so we investigated a number of companies before landing on Native Pet. This young U.S. based company of about 10 employees seeks to provide dogs with whole foods of the utmost quality (it’s possible that employees may have tried a yak chew or two themselves, just to ensure that your pet is only eating the best!). Native Pet’s partnership with a cooperative of approximately 1,000 yak & cow farmers in eastern Nepal brings your pets a healthy snack produce from the milk of free-range, grass-fed herds. Native Pet vetted a number of Nepalese manufactures to determine which would produce the highest quality yak chews. That facility then underwent additional screenings to become FDA certified. Since all yak chews are comprised of the same ingredients, it’s the process that really distinguishes one from another – And that’s where you’ll notice the Native Pet difference. First, Native Pet yak chews are dried longer, producing a firmer, longer lasting chew. Secondly, these yak chews undergo two rounds of quality control screening: one before leaving Nepal and a second upon arriving to Native Pet’s facility in St. Louis. Yak chews that pass both inspections are then air-dried to release moisture that inevitably accumulates during travel. This extra step extends the shelf life by preventing molding. Thirdly, because Native Pet believes fresh is best, the company does not hold inventory. Yak Chews generally arrive on a consumer’s doorstep about 2 months out from manufacturing. Lastly, Native Pet reps travel to Nepal 1-2 times each year to visit partners, and the plant owners & the president of the yak herd cooperative also travel to St. Louis to visit Native Pet. Native Pet believes this open relationship with suppliers is vital in providing pet owners with an extra layer of transparency.

From now through Nov 26th, use the code “timber” and receive 15% off your entire order at https://thenativepet.com/ – plus free standard shipping on all purchases!

Learn about other great options for power chewers!

The Bottom Line

A scrumptious Native Pet yak chew is a treat all of our dogs enjoy! It’s hard to beat an all-natural, organic dog chew with only three simple ingredients. Head over to Amazon or theNativePet.com and surprise your doodle try one of these nutritious and tasty chews.

Disclaimer

Timberidge Goldendoodles received this products for free in exchange for an honest review.  All of the products we review we have personally used with our own dogs and genuinely recommend.

Elk Antler Dog Chews

Update: Use the code TRGD15 for 15% off your order your entire order of antlers at https://ridgerunnerantlerchews.com/plus free shipping on every order (no minimum purchase amount required)!

Power chewers present such a challenge. Give them a Kong… it’s demolished in hours. Give them a bully stick… the house stinks – and it’s still gone in hours. We’ve discovered an excellent all-natural option for the power chewer in our home, and I can’t wait to tell you about it! Seriously, our dogs LOVE these.

RidgeRunner Elk Antler Dog Chews

Hand Collected Dog Chews

RidgeRunner Antlers is a small, family-owned business located in the heart of elk country: Breckenridge, Colorado. Every year, wild elk naturally loose their  antlers and  grow a new pair.  The old set is left lying on the forest floor, just waiting to become your pup’s new favorite chew. Some of the elk antlers sold by RidgeRunner are hand collected by Stephen, the company’s owner & founder, as he and his children hike miles of scenic trails searching for sheds. Others are purchased from shed hunters who enjoy exploring the many mountainsides. All together, RidgeRunner amasses approximately 20k pounds of antlers each year, all of which have been naturally shed and collected by hand. Antlers are cut to appropriate sizes, sanded to remove sharp edges, and then shipped throughout the United States and into the paws of eagerly awaiting pups in every state.

RidgeRunner Elk Antler Dog Chew

Why Elk Antlers?

Elk antlers are an all-natural dog chew that won’t stain your furniture or carpet. These non-toxic chews help keep tarter under control while supplying your fur-child with a natural source of calcium, phosphorous, manganese, and zinc. Whole antlers can withstand even a hard chewer for many months, plus they remain undamaged if left outside occasionally.

Do Dogs Like Elk Antlers?

Stephen, the owner of RidgeRunner Antlers, asserts that he’s met very few dogs who will turn their nose up at antlers, especially the split antlers. We decided to construct our own test to verify his claim. Four different adult dogs were individually given a choice between three different new chew products. All four adult dogs passed up the other enticing new chew options and headed straight for the elk antlers without hesitation!

Selecting The Right Antler

elk antler dog chew types

The Whole Elk Antler is the perfect choice for power chewers . If your dog is a super power chewer, include a note at checkout requesting that RidgeRunner leaves the base attached.

The Split Elk Antler is a great option for intermittent chewers. With 1/2 of the delicious, nutritious marrow exposed, your pup is sure to be smitten with this variety. Since the marrow is softer than the hard outer covering, split antlers do not withstand heavy chewing in the same way whole antlers do.

The Quarter Split Elk Antler is an ideal chew for teething puppies, elderly dogs, and teacup & toy sized dogs (<10lbs). With 2/3 of the delicious & nutritious marrow exposed, these chews are soft on teeth yet satisfy the need to chew.

If you have a special request, include a note at checkout, and RidgeRunner is happy to accommodate. Not sure which chew to choose? Email RidgeRunner and their friendly staff will assist you in selecting the right antler for your pup’s size and chewing habits. RidgeRunner is happy to accommodate, and, consequently, the company boasts a large number of repeat customers.

Life Expectancy

The length of time that an elk antler lasts depends on your individual dog’s chewing habits, the cut of antler your choose, and how many dogs will be gnawing the antler. With three dogs chewing it, a whole elk antler lasts a minimum of 3 weeks at our home before it’s completely demolished.  A dog who isn’t a power chewer will take much longer to chew through a whole elk antler, especially if there’s only have one dog enjoying it. Since the marrow is soft and tasty, split elk antlers will last less time than whole elk antlers.

Bottom Line

Our dogs give RidgeRunner elk antlers an affirming chew of approval. Surprise your doodle with an elk antler dog chew. We think she’s going to love it!

Use the promo code TRGD15 to receive 15% off your entire order of antlers at https://ridgerunnerantlerchews.com/plus free shipping on every order (no minimum purchase amount required)!

Learn about other great options for power chewers!

Disclaimer

Timberidge Goldendoodles received this products for free in exchange for an honest review.  All of the products we review we have personally used with our own dogs and genuinely recommend.