Cavachon Breed Info
While every dog is unique, dogs of the same breed often share many characteristics. It is obvious that dogs of the same breed have many physical characteristics in common, but they will often share some personality characteristics as well. The following Cavachon breed info will give you some important information about the various characteristics of this particular breed.
For starters, the Cavachon breed is a mix between a Bichon Frise and a Cavalier King Charles. Obviously, the Cavachon will share characteristics that are common in both of these breeds.
Size: The Cavachon is a small dog, typically weighing somewhere between 12 and 18 pounds. However, it is more common for a Cavachon to weigh somewhere on the higher end of that range, typically 15 to 18 pounds.
Fur: A Cavachon’s coat is very fluffy, thick, and often rather curly. Regular grooming is a must for the Cavachon due to the long length that their fur can reach, which can become as long as 3 to 5 inches. However, despite the Cavachon having longer and thicker hair than other dog breeds, they shed very little. The coloration of their fur can vary, but is most commonly various shades of white or brown. Spotting is very common in this dog breed.
Personality: The Cavachon is an active breed, often wanting to exercise and play. However, they are better than most breeds at entertaining themselves, which can ease some of the burden off of a less than active owner. The Cavachon is a very social dog breed as well, which would prefer to be in the company of other dogs or people rather than finding a spot where they can be alone. The Cavachon displays a great mix of activity and contentment, always looking to find a nice soft lap to rest in after some play-time!
Eating Habits: The Cavachon is a rather light and sporadic eater. They will be content with two small meals of quality dog food a day.
Training: The Cavachon is a very smart breed, able to quickly pick up on many tricks and follow obedience training very well.
Tags: cavachon characteristics, dog breed information, dog food, dog training, shedding
Recnctly gor a cavachon puppy 14 weeks, but looks more like cavalier tha pictures I have seen of cavachons. She is a lovely disposition and nearly house broken. Is it possible for a cavachon to look more like the cavalier or is she possibly not really a cavachon?
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Our 6 month old Cavachon has started not eating hardly anything. She seems happy and still loves to play. Is this common?
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Anonymous Replied:
January 20th, 2013 at 4:12 pm
Our Cavachon has always been a rather picky eater. We mix in a little Parmesan or shredded cheese with food when he’s not eating well. This sometimes perks up his appetite.
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Because they’re a hybrid within one species, it is possible to breed them 🙂 they are still pure dog!
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How do these dogs compare to cockatoos, labradoodles? Thx for any info! Looking for our first dog:-)
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Lori Replied:
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:49 am
Hmm…..I have no idea on that as once I came across the Cavachon, my research was focused there. Perhaps a breeder or someone at a pet store could answer that for you.
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Anonymous Replied:
January 20th, 2013 at 4:16 pm
I thought a cockatoo was a bird, but as for labradoodles, cavachons are considerably smaller. Cavachons are quite friendly, perhaps even a bit more than a labradoodle.
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My daughter bought a cute black and white Cavachon puppy 5 years ago, with a ‘mask’ and named him Bandit. He was killer cute then, and still is. My wife and I lived with her,until I lost my wife to cancer 2 years ago. Bandit has been my lifesaver companion. He sleeps on my bed, and on my daughter’s when she is not traveling. His disposition is what I wish everyone had: the world would be a wonderful place if that were so.
No shedding, fun, happy, energetic, well trained, clean, neat,loving …etc/
Perfect…. I recommend this crossbreed to anyone!
Do have him groomed regularly, and you must brush him…he is gorgeous.
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Lori Replied:
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:52 am
Thank you for sharing your story. I am glad you had Bandit to help to comfort you after your sad loss. Sincere best wishes to you, your daughter, and of course, Bandit!
Send us a picture and we will add it to Kasey’s Friends page.
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why is my puppy crying when she carny se anyone
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My cavachon, Mysti, is 29 pounds of extra skin and fat she was born with. But oh my God can she run. She’ll be 19 months on Christmas and loves our eskichon, Toby who is 6 years old, to no end. She’s so freaking smart but does so many bad things. And be careful around small animals, like birds. Mysti tries to eat our parakeets and conure. But she loves laps and belly rubs. She was also very easy to crate train (I highly recommended crate training with this breed because they can get into a lot of things or pee on the floor when left alone to be bored).
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are cavachons a loving pet and will they be alright with another dog living with them ?
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Lori Replied:
November 18th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
A definite “yes” to both questions!
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You can breed second generation to second generation but the true characteristics of each start to fade. Also the hypoallergenic nature of bichon hair is bred out if you go too far beyond first generation breeding.
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Yes, you could if you wanted to…. There are three variations of hybrid for a cavachon: F1 (Bishon + Cavalier), F1b (Bishon\ Cavalier + Cavachon) and F2b (Cavachon + Cavachon). In stead of being an F1 hybrid (Bishon + Cavalier) it would be a F2b hybrid (Cavachon + Cavachon) and would lose its non-shed quality. I don’t think that the F2b combonation has ever been done.
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Our Cavachon, Emma, is a sweetie. She is now about 10 mo. old. We have 2 other “pound pups”…one about her size and with the same amount of energy. She was VERY difficult to potty train. DO NOT get your Cav from A KENNEL !!!! Buy from an in home breeder. She is very gentle, hilarious, etc., but maintaining her coat to keep her free of matting is difficult. We live in the country w/ extensive underground fencing. Our “daughters” are inside and out. Emma , the Cav DIGS to China almost daily !! Our other 2 dogs are terrier mixes and they don’t dig in any way like she does . With her, that is the only complaint. I want them outside to play…and do they play ! Any suggestions about the digging will help. I pray that she outgrows this behavior.They are precious, smart dogs, but you MUST be consistent w/ training efforts.
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We LOVE this breed! We came upon our Austin by happy mistake.
long story of explaination……sorry. I grew up with large dogs (German Shepherds, Dobermans, Labs, Dalmations, Siberian Huskies)…..my husband small dogs (poodles). 13 years ago we had the most amazing dog come into our lives…..Rommell our German Shepherd. He was the best GSD ever, beautiful, loyal, protective not aggressive. We lost him suddenly to a stroke early July of this year and our hearts were shattered. I’m disabled and hubby is retired so we were with Rommell all day every day. I quickly became lonely when my husband would go out and was missing my companion. Even our cat Tequila was missing his best friend. My husband gave in early this week and said we could get a puppy as long as he/she was MUCH smaller than Rommell (125#) and low to no shed.
I began the search….I spent hours doing research and found a beautiful Bichonpoo. We went to look at him and he was standoffish and very timid. Not good with two small God daughters. His breeder had also a Cavachon there and brought her out to try to make him more social with us. Well, she came charging across the room, leapt into my lap, licked my face then tried to climb my husbands leg to love on him. SHE chose us!
It’s been a week now and she makes us laugh daily. She zooms around the house running at op speed, she LOVES her toys…..including a HUGH stuffed hippo that unfolds into a pillow (was the younger Godchild but she didn’t like it). It’s five times her size but she loves dragging it around. She is learning to play fetch too. Austin has never met someone she doesn’t love! She also loves cuddling and is contend to sleep on our laps for a few hours at a time. She has a HUGH appetite, especially the wet food the vet suggested while she’s growing. She is now 12 weeks old and a bit under five pounds. We still love, miss and grieve Rommell but our little girl Austin is starting to heal our hearts.
Housebreaking is a challenge! Just when we think she gets it she has an accident! She does her business outside for the most part but I think that’s our diligence in recognizing the “sign”.
I would recommend this breed for anyone! I’m even thinking of getting my mom one!
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I just bought a 2 month old boy from a 2 hour drive location (outside breeder). One thing I might point out n it may happen or not. Is that our lil puppy oreo got car sick and puke 4 times. The good thing is we had a little box with a diaper pad so when he puke we mad3 sure he puked in the pad. Its easy to know when he is about to puke.
Now to the better part, we brought him home and gave him a bath right away. He wasnt afraid of the water at all. He did chiver a little, normal as they can get cold easily. Dry them well enough and let the pup dry himself more he’ll shake like a normal dog.
My pup was quiet and doesnt bark unless he is having too much fun with his toys he’ll bark but other than that he wont. He does very well in the crate, goes in and out and knows when its night time. On the first night he was quiet (around 9pm) all the way until 4am or so, he was crying. Ichad to wake up n be next to his crate to make him not feel lonely. He would lick my hand n play a little. Then we put a night light and next thing you know he is sleeping.
Our pup is a deep sleeper. We can have our tv loud, be walkin, going up and down the stairs and he wont wake up.
Potty – he did pee twice inside, however since we are constantly watchin him we know when he is about to pee when he dles we quickly grab him n take him outside in the backyard. In regards to poop, he didnt poop until today and he did it in the grass in the backyard which was a plus. We wanted him to poop since he had eaten the day before and today in the morning. I think its a plus that he knows were he can go poop.
Right now he isin love with his bed n sleeps like an angel, pkayful n such a nice dog. Especially beig our first puppy/dog in the house
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I met a cavachon whilst I was on holiday and absolutely fell in love! I managed to persuade my parents to consider getting one and I’ve been researching where to find a puppy. I want one ASAP but it can’t be too far away from us (we live in East Kent) and it has to be a reasonable price. Do you know of anywhere or anyone who can help us out?? Thanks x
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Are they good inside dogs? Do they bark a lot? I’m trying to figure out if a Cavachon is a good dog for me. Any suggestions or answers to my questions? Thanks.
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susan Replied:
September 30th, 2012 at 10:21 pm
They are GOOD little dogs. Our Emma ONLY barks if something is different. Grooming is a must. Emma’s matting of hair is at times a challenge, but she is inside/outside w/ our 2 other canine children.
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I have a beautiful cavachon girl, she is great with my two grandchildren both under five, she is loveing and loyal a real joy, she is 10 months old. my only problem is the barking, when I let her out in the garden she constantly barks at birds the cat next door shadows you name it she barks, Im not popular with my neighbours,I try to get her back in when she barks but she then thinks this is a game and wants me to chase her round the garden,any idears?
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Lori Replied:
July 24th, 2012 at 10:03 am
That is so opposite of Kasey – he only barks inside!
I would try keeping him on a leash near you and trying to calm him down if he starts barking. If he won’t stop, put him inside. Hopefully he will learn in time that there is no threat and he does not need to bark.
Good Luck!
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Larry Replied:
September 21st, 2012 at 8:17 pm
Our cavachon, Mason is generally very quiet, at times it is hard to find him if it were not for his tags that jingle when he walks ! He does bark to go out for walks, and he barks at deer (VERY LOUD) and squirrels/chipmunks. Otherwise he is quiet
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megan Replied:
December 6th, 2012 at 8:50 am
My cavachon barks at everything too. No worries.
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My Cavachon is over a year old now and she still chews on anything she can get a hold of when she’s left alone. She chews on my furniture my electrical cords my woodwork on my stairs she chews through walls, i mean everything!
She wasn’t crate trained because we have another dog and we didn’t think it’d be fair if he wasn’t in a crate and she was. Plus she might chew on the bars until i come home and ruin her teeth.
How do i get her to stop chewing on everything while nobody is home? When we do come home we put her nose in her mess, smack her butt and scold her and she knows that what she did was wrong because she will hide under the couch or table and give us those big puppy eyes. I put out a ton of toys and even a block of wood for her to chew while i’m gone so she will chew the block of wood instead of my walls and woodwork. Which will cost me hundreds to replace.
But she is the most lovable dog ever, i will be sitting on the couch and she will climb up on my chest and sit on it waiting to be petted.
She just seems so untrainable though, any ideas to help her stop chewing? Thanks!
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antonia Replied:
June 17th, 2012 at 10:53 pm
Also, she chews on my mom’s hands and bites her really hard whenever she puts her hands near her. But when she chews on mine she does it really soft making sure she doesn’t hurt me and then if i say ouch she will lick the spot she bit me in afterwards as if to say, i’m sorry. I find it quite interesting because i am paralyzed and i think she recognizes that i am hurt and i’m sensitive. I just wanted to share to see if anyone else realized this about their cavachon?
Another thing, She has the thinnest waviest wirey hair i have ever seen on a puppy, she has the face of a cavachon but her hair is so thin unlike the other cavachons iv’e seen. Has anyone ever seen a cavachon like this? I have proof she is a pure cavachon though. I will attach a few pictures.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d177/xantoniax/brassy.png
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d177/xantoniax/roscoebrassy-1.png
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d177/xantoniax/spooning.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d177/xantoniax/roscoeandbrassyy.jpg
Thanks for reading!
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Lori Replied:
July 24th, 2012 at 9:53 am
Antonia – I somehow missed your pictures before…..they are so adorable!’
Also, it sounds like she was not broken of the hand chewing as a young puppy. That needs to happen. Unfortunately, even though she is gentle with you, she does need to learn she cannot chew on people. Every time she does it, you need to tell her “no” and have a toy handy to put in her mouth and tell her she can chew that but not you. She will get the idea quickly if you are consistent. Your mom will need to do the same thing.
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Lori Replied:
June 19th, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Wow – sorry to hear all of that. My only suggestion would be that you need to confine her to an area where she cannot do damage when you are not home.
I am curious if she tries to do this when you are home? Is it just that she has not been “caught” enough in the act and reprimanded at that time?
Dogs really don’t understand why they are getting scolded when it happens after the bad deed (she just knows she got yelled at but does not really understand why.) Even though you show her what she did that was wrong, she really doesn’t get it because she didn’t get yelled at while she was doing it!
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Any recommendations for reputable breeders in Michigan or nearby states?
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Lori Replied:
June 19th, 2012 at 8:25 pm
I have given this same answer before, but the only breeder I have personally met is Briarthorn which is in Kent Ohio. They are a wonderfully loving family that breed only Cavachons. I would not hesitate to get a puppy from them.
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I live in Michigan and I’m interested in buying a cavachon but it looks like I’ll have to look out of state to do so because I have not found a breeder here. I really want to make sure that I’m getting a healthy dog. Has anyone had positive experience with breeders in the midwest?
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We got a puppy (7weeks) in August 2011. She was a schnoodle (shnauzer and poodle) but eventually she developed protective problems and became aggresive and unpredictable.This was very stressful for the whole family especially as it was our fist dog. We rehomed her and now she is very loved and we still see her every 6 weeks. We are now thinking of getting a new puppy and we’re considering a cavachon. However we are very wary of behaivoral problems so does anyone know any negative points or stories about the cavachon?- Please comment, it would be really appreciated. Thx
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Lori Replied:
June 14th, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Hi Mary – what an experience to go through, I can see how it would have been stressful and hard on the whole family. When we decided to get a puppy, there were soooo many darn cute ones out there. Thankfully, I really researched as much as I could before we decided that a Cavachon was the perfect dog for us. I can honestly say, I have not heard of behavioral problems with this breed. They are very loving and social. The only problem we have is with Kasey wanting to jump up on people to greet them. He is good about stopping when reprimanded, but we have not been successful in stopping this behavior form occurring when someone comes over. The big part of the problem is that everyone always says “it’s OK, he’s so cute” and encourage his friendliness and pet him while he is jumping on their legs (not aggressively – rather a friendly greeting.) I am surprised that he is very gently around babies, and also does not jump up on toddlers and small children. It is like he has some sort of instinct that that would be very wrong. We’ll see if anyone else knows of anything different.
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You are correct a Cavachon is only to be bread by a Bichon Frise and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. If you are purchasing a 2nd generation Cavachon it isn’t guaranteed to not shed or to have the same wonderful temperament as a 1st generation. I wouldn’t purchase one from anybody doing 2nd generation.
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You are correct a Cavachon is only to be bread by a Bichon Frise and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. If you are purchasing a 2nd generation Cavachon it isn’t guaranteed to not shed or to have the same wonderful temperament as a 1st generation. I wouldn’t purchase one from anybody doing 2nd generation.
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Our Katie is 5years old and weighs 32 lbs. she is the sweetest dog except she is a barker. Any suggestions to rid her of the barking?
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Lori Replied:
June 3rd, 2012 at 9:20 pm
I have been having that problem when Kasey sits looking out the windows – he barks at any kind of critter in the yard! Just this week I started trying something that was suggested to me by a friend. I have an empty soda can that I put a few coins in. When Kasey starts barking, I give the can a quick shake. He really does not like it and will stop. If he starts barking again, I do the same thing. It seems to be helping – I am keeping my fingers crossed!
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What size collar do most people use? Random question but i am getting a collar for my cavachon before we get her and wanted to know average collar size people use in inches. I know not all of the dog’s are the same size …thanks!:)
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Lori Replied:
April 18th, 2012 at 10:07 pm
I hope someone with a newer puppy answers you here. I remember when I first saw Kasey he was soooooo small – but don’t remember the collar size – I think the first one was XS, but I am not sure. I know I saved it, but darn if I can find it right now 🙂
When are you getting your new puppy? How exciting! Be sure to keep in touch and send a picture!
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Hi,
Any suggestions on a dog shampoo? After hearing or reading that their skin dries out easily, I hesitate to bathe Quincy to often, but after only two weeks, he smells kind of dog like. 🙂 Thanks!
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Lori Replied:
April 18th, 2012 at 10:21 pm
Hi Teri,
I know what ya mean – especially if Kasey gets rained on – that dog smell comes out. When Kasey was a puppy, I just used puppy shampoo, it was supposed to be gentle and I was a newbie at doggy baths so did not have to worry about getting it in his eyes. i don’t remember it being anything fancy, just a common brand from the pet store.
Now that I buy as many thing as I can on-line, I get shampoo from Amazon. I just looked up the one I am currently using and I see they no longer stock it. It was supposed to be relaxing and moisturizing. It has green tea in it and I loved the smell and found it relaxing! haha. It got the job done.
Anyway, I did look for one that was supposed to be moisturizing and gentle and had good reviews. It seems no matter what time of year it is, there will be a reason for a bath every couple of weeks or so. It is a bonus when we get to go longer 🙂 I had also gotten a spray that was supposed to be moisturizing and has a fresh scent for between baths, but honestly, I never use it.
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I have a 2 year old Cavachon, named Louie. He has all the same characteristics you all mentioned about your Cavachon. He is the most loving, intelligent dog I have ever owned. And he will lick you for as long as you let him.
All of the door knobs in our home are levers. Just watching us go into and out of rooms, he learned to jump once to hit the lever, and this will open the door! That is incredibly intelligent for any dog.
I am so glad some of you addressed the issue of “doggie smell” about a week after bathing. Louie gets this also. We have another dog who does not get that smell. I was beginning to wonder if there was something wrong.
I also notice that Louie scratches himself alot. He gets appropriate flea/tick protection monthly. Is it common to the bred?
I love this Cavachon. I have had several breeds of dogs over the years. I may never own another bred again.
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are they as cute when they get older??? do they get any kinds of disease??
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Lori Replied:
April 8th, 2012 at 10:55 pm
Definitely still cute. Kasey will be 4 in June and we get compliments every time we go some where (and never get tired of it 🙂 )
As far as diseases go – I know I had researched this, but can’t remember the answer right now…..I will try to find out for you.
Thankfully Kasey is a very healthy dog to date!
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If you haven’t had her in obedience class yet, I suggest it. She needs more socialization.
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I wish mine would be a little like yours. Mine have never refused food. They gobble it. They eat premium food. And, I feed the recommended amount on the bag. I suggest you make sure the food is at least 25% protein and is food for puppies.
Good luck.
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I have a brother and sister that are now 7 months old. Such a world of difference in their personalities. She is the “have no fear” one. She didn’t even think twice about using the doggie door. She just ducked her little head and came on through. He’s much more a thinker. He still has not come through the doggie door on his own. He’s the mischievous one. He gets both of them in trouble as she does what he does. He does not lift his leg to pee. He has 2 sisters so maybe he thinks that’s what he’s suppose to do. Both of them LOVE to play. They play with each other constantly. I also have a female dog that’s half American bull dog and half German short hair pointer. She loved the babies from day one. Oh, both of them have at one time or another humped each other. They’ve even humped my larger dog that’s 55 lbs. I also am having a very hard time training them. They each have a crate. They are much safer there when I’m not home. My girl still will mess in her crate then dance around in it. It’s very frustrating. I keep telling myself it’ll get better. Often when they are out in my fenced yard, they play and forget to go to the bathroom. My only complaint is house training them. I wish she didn’t have the weepy eyes. He does not have weepy eyes. Two puppies is more work than I bargained for. Too late now.
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The food question is one I don’t feel qualified to answer. I always asked my vet how much he should be getting. There are too many variables for one firm answer.
As far as the teething and biting, that is very annoying! We went through that. First of all it is a phase, but you still have to try to stop it. Keep toys handy to put in his mouth when he tries to bite. Tell him to bite toys and not you. Make sure he has some good chew toys that aren’t too big so he gives up trying to chew on them. The main thing is to stop the bad behavior and if he doesn’t stop I would not let him by you for a short time. Be sure he realizes why you won’t be with him. When you play with him again, if he bites, put a toy in his mouth again and tell him “no bite – chew the toy.” If he continues, separate again. Be persistent. He will learn and it will have been worth the trouble. I don’t remember how long that biting phase lasted, it was a little while, maybe about a month? I dunno.
Once we got through that, Kasey has never even attempted to bite anyone – ever – even when there is “rough-play” going on! I am so grateful for that!
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Sorry – I cannot help on this one. I guess start googling! Good Luck!
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